Why Vetting Matters: Ensuring Trust in Your London Household Staff

    For London’s discerning homeowners, household staff are more than employees—they’re trusted insiders. A housekeeper might overhear a business deal in Belgravia; a chauffeur might drive a VIP through Knightsbridge. With such access, vetting isn’t just a step—it’s the foundation of trust. At Marshall Harber, we’ve spent decades perfecting our vetting process to protect private households across the UK and beyond. Here’s why it matters, what it involves, and how we ensure your peace of mind.

    The Stakes: Privacy and Safety First
    In a high-net-worth home, the risks are high. A single lapse—a nanny sharing gossip, a butler with an unverified background—can disrupt your life. Vetting mitigates this by ensuring staff are reliable, discreet, and safe. It’s not just about skills; it’s about character. Imagine a housekeeper who, without proper checks, shares details of your home on social media. For families who value privacy above all, that’s a risk you can’t afford.

    What Thorough Vetting Looks Like
    A robust vetting process covers multiple layers:
    • DBS Checks: A Disclosure and Barring Service check flags any criminal history, ensuring staff are safe to work in your home—especially around children or valuables.
    • Reference Calls: We don’t just read references; we call past employers to verify performance, reliability, and discretion. Did they handle sensitive situations well? Were they punctual?
    • Identity and Right-to-Work: We confirm legal work status and identity, crucial in a city like London with strict regulations.
    • Behavioural Interviews: We ask pointed questions—“How do you handle overhearing private conversations?”—to gauge instincts on privacy and professionalism.

    The Difference It Makes
    Thorough vetting ensures peace of mind. Consider a chauffeur role: without proper checks, you might hire someone with a history of reckless driving, putting your family at risk. Or picture a nanny who hasn’t been vetted for discretion—she might unintentionally share details about your children’s routines. Our process catches these red flags early, ensuring every candidate we place—whether a butler, housekeeper, or estate manager—is someone you can trust implicitly. We prioritise discretion at every step, so your household’s privacy remains sacred.

    Why Choose an Agency?
    DIY vetting can be daunting—time-consuming and risky if you miss a step. Agencies like Marshall Harber take the burden off your shoulders. We pre-screen every candidate, from housekeepers to estate managers, ensuring they meet our exacting standards before they reach your door. Our network spans London to international estates, giving us access to the best—vetted for your trust.

    The Bottom Line
    Vetting isn’t a formality; it’s a safeguard. It protects your privacy, your family, and your home’s harmony. For discerning London households, that’s non-negotiable.
    Ready for staff you can trust? Marshall Harber delivers London’s finest, vetted with care. Contact us today.