As a domestic services manager, you’d be responsible for planning and organising the work of those carrying out cleaning and other housekeeping tasks. Domestic supervisors (below) would usually report into you.
In this example, based in a trust providing mental health and learning disabilities services, you’d be responsible for a number of areas including all aspects of:
car park management
catering
laundry management
cleaning management
security management
portering and logistics management
post
waste management
the helpdesk and switchboard
service moves and relocations from conception to implementation and review
Most jobs in the NHS are covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales This pay system covers all staff except doctors, dentists and the most senior managers.
Your career in facilities management within the would typically start at Agenda for Change Band 6 or 7, with some positions at Band 5, and the most senior roles rising to Band 9 for example, as a professional manager for a clinical or technical service.
Staff in the NHS will usually work a standard 37.5 hours per week. They may work a shift pattern.
Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS.
Where the role can lead Expand / Collapse
With further training and/or experience, you may be able to develop your career further and apply for more senior managerial roles – typically within operational management.
Progression for those with ability is typically via operational management in a large healthcare organisation. Relocation for promotion is common.
More diverse routes are now opening up, for example, jointly-funded posts between health and social services.
Job market and vacancies Expand / Collapse
When you’re looking for managerial jobs or apprenticeship vacancies, there are a number of sources you can use, depending on the type of and level of work you’re seeking.
Check vacancies carefully to be sure you can meet the requirements of the person specification before applying and to find out what the application process is. You may need to apply online or send a C.V. for example.
Key sources relevant to vacancies in the health sector:
vacancies in organisations delivering NHS healthcare can be found on the NHS Jobs website
As well as these sources, you may find suitable vacancies in the health sector by contacting local employers directly, searching in local newspapers and by using the Universal Jobmatch tool.
Volunteering is an excellent way of gaining experience (especially if you don’t have enough for a specific paid job you’re interested in) and also seeing whether you’re suited to a particular type of work. It’s also a great way to boost your confidence and you can give something back to the community!
