Caretaker - Hornsey Lane Estate Management Board - London

Job Purpose
To provide a high-quality caretaking, cleaning and grounds-maintenance service for residents living on the estate.
The postholder will help ensure that communal areas, estate grounds, facilities and equipment are clean, safe, secure and well maintained. The role also involves identifying and reporting repairs, supporting contractors working on the estate and maintaining positive working relationships with residents and colleagues.
The duties listed below are not exhaustive. The postholder may be required to undertake other reasonable duties that support the effective and safe operation of the estate.

Main Responsibilities

Estate Cleaning and General Care

• Ensure estate cleaning frequencies and standards are maintained as directed by the TMO / Estate Manager.
• Clean and wash communal areas, including staircases, entrances and other shared spaces.
• Clean communal windowsills, glass doors and other accessible communal surfaces.
• Remove graffiti where appropriate and report more serious incidents to the Manager.
• Carry out litter picking across estate grounds, grassed areas and shrub beds.
• Sweep estate areas, pathways and other communal external spaces.
• Grit pathways and other areas during icy or hazardous weather conditions.
• Ensure estate roads, paths and communal areas are kept clean and free from avoidable hazards.
• Undertake general internal upkeep of residential blocks.

Grounds Maintenance

• Maintain estate grounds to a good standard.
• Cut grass and maintain lawned areas.
• Tend to shrubs, hedges, flowerbeds and planted areas.
• Clear leaves and other garden waste.
• Keep external communal spaces tidy, safe and presentable.

Repairs, Maintenance and Reporting

• Identify and, where possible, address minor incidents of disrepair or breakdown.
• Report repairs, damage and maintenance issues promptly to the Manager.
• Take appropriate action in emergencies involving repairs or damage.
• Maintain communal lighting where appropriate, including changing bulbs.
• Report abandoned vehicles and illegal parking to the Manager.
• Report any contractors or council operatives observed working on the estate where appropriate.
• Keep appropriate records of significant incidents, including fire, burglary, flooding or other emergencies, using agreed systems such as the staff WhatsApp group.

Security and Access

• Lock and unlock gates and other designated estate access points.
• Provide access to authorised contractors when required.
• Hold and safeguard keys for communal cupboards, gates and other estate facilities.
• Ensure keys are used responsibly and securely at all times.

Contractor and Estate Support

• Assist authorised external contractors while they are working on site when required.
• Help ensure contractors are able to access relevant parts of the estate.
• Report concerns relating to contractor activity to the Manager.
• Remove lumber and bulky items to the designated estate lumber storage area where appropriate.

Tools, Equipment and Stores

• Take responsibility for estate stores, tools, plant and equipment used as part of the role.
• Use equipment safely and appropriately.
• Report damaged or defective equipment.
• Keep storage and lock-up areas neat, tidy and free from hazardous materials.

Resident and Team Working

• Establish and maintain respectful and professional working relationships with residents.
• Work cooperatively with colleagues as part of the estate management team.
• Work independently when required.
• Provide reasonable cover for colleagues when required and agreed with management.
• Communicate concerns, incidents and relevant estate matters promptly to the Manager.

Health, Safety and Compliance
The postholder must:

• Follow HLEMB’s health and safety procedures and safe working practices.
• Comply with relevant COSHH requirements when handling cleaning products or other controlled substances.
• Use personal protective equipment where required.
• Report hazards, accidents, incidents and near misses.
• Help maintain safe working and storage areas.
• Follow HLEMB’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy in carrying out all duties and responsibilities.
• Undertake appropriate training required for the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria
Applicants must demonstrate:

• Ability to successfully complete an Enhanced DBS check where required before taking up the post.
• Commitment to HLEMB’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity policies.
• Basic numeracy and literacy skills in English.
• Good verbal communication skills.
• Good timekeeping, reliability and punctuality.
• Physical fitness appropriate to a role involving manual work and some heavy lifting.
• Previous caretaking, estate services, cleaning, grounds-maintenance or similar practical experience.
• Ability to identify and report repairs and matters of disrepair.
• Ability to look after estate tools, equipment and keys responsibly.
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in a range of weather conditions.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Flexibility to provide reasonable cover when required.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training and develop new skills.
• A professional, responsible and honest approach.
• Ability to understand basic technical or operational information.
• Ability to use a mobile phone for work-related communication and reporting.

Desirable Criteria
It would be advantageous for applicants to have:

• Knowledge of health and safety requirements relevant to caretaking, cleaning or grounds maintenance.
• Previous experience of working with COSHH-controlled substances.
• Experience of cooperative housing, social housing, resident management or a similar community-based environment.
• General IT skills.
• Ability to provide brief written reports outlining issues identified and action taken.

Additional Requirements
This job description provides an overview of the main duties associated with the post. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list.
The postholder may be required to undertake other reasonable tasks that fall within the scope of the role and are necessary for the smooth, safe and effective operation of the estate.