FAQs
References:
Our cleaners must provide at least 2 references from their previous employment. The references must show their experience and the ability to clean in a domestic environment. We look for honest, reliable cleaners with excellent customer service skills.
Some cleaners only have one employment reference, mostly due to having cleaned for one household for a long period of time. In this case we would ask the cleaner to provide a character reference from a Teacher or friend.
We go to great lengths to ensure that the references provided are accurate and only pass a cleaner one we know that the references are genuine.
Proof of Address:
Our cleaners have to provide proof of address and which must be an original formal document, such as a recent bank statement, utility bill or tenancy agreement. These are the only documents we accept and if the potential cleaner cannot provide these then they will not be able to join the Agency.
Identification:
These must include a passport, driving license, home office papers or a birth certificate. All our managers are highly trained in checking these documents. The methods and techniques used to forge such documents are changing and advancing regularly, however with the proper knowledge and continual training with specialist consultants, we know when we are being presented with real documents, and when we are not. Our reputation is well known in the industry and people with such documents do not come anywhere near us.
Permission to work in the UK:
The United Kingdom's conditions for people, who are not British by birth but are allowed to work in the UK, vary according to their nationality, and it is changing all the time. A list of the situation for each type of the nationalities would be quite long. However, Featherclean only passes people who are fully legal to work in the UK. We are very strict in this area, both for the protection of our clients, the company and our reputation.
Because we are so stringent, potential cleaners without permission to work in the UK know that it is not worth them even trying to approach Featherclean. We do not tolerate such activities.
Next of Kin Details:
It is also very important that our cleaners provide their next of kin details. We try to get as much information about their family and friends.
Domestic Cleaning Interview:
Our potential cleaners must pass a domestic cleaning interview. Our interviewers are highly trained and can easily spot the good candidates to work with Featherclean. If we have any slight concerns then we do not pass that person. Interviews can be up to an hour long and we go into great detail so by the end we know if they really want, and are able to do the job required.
Pass An English Test:
Our English test is very carefully designed to ensure that the potential cleaner has the necessary level of English to freely and easily communicate with customers. If their English is not sufficient then we do not pass them.
Pass a written, oral and practical cleaning and ironing exam in a test flat:
This is an essential part of our cleaner vetting.
* Practical cleaning exam: So we can see if the cleaner is aware, has experienced, and is well practiced in all the cleaning tasks they may be asked to perform.
* Oral cleaning exam: To ensure that domestic cleaners can discuss, advise, and understand the customer's cleaning requirements.
* Written cleaning exam: Enables us to fully understand their full domestic cleaning knowledge.
These exams are carried out one on one with an examiner, so we really understand the potential cleaner abilities, and they understand how high our standards are.
Passing our initial vetting and screening is only the beginning, as we carefully monitor all cleaners throughout their time with our customers. We expect the best possible standards from them throughout their cleaning career. Many cleaners are also filtered out because they become complacent in their work or fail to continue our high standards.
