Ancillary Roles
Ancillary roles help care services run smoothly every day. These jobs support the care environment. They make sure everything is clean, safe and organised. They are an important part of the team and help create the right conditions for good care.
Jump to a job-role on this page
Housekeeping
Housekeeping staff help keep care settings clean, safe, and comfortable for everyone. They make sure rooms and shared spaces are tidy and hygienic, helping people feel at home.
What You Might Do
- Clean bedrooms and communal areas
- Make beds and do laundry
- Keep track of cleaning supplies and order more when needed
- Help stop the spread of germs and infections
Where You Might Work
You could work in care homes, hospitals, or other places where people need support.
Where You Can Go Next
Housekeeping gives you great experience in social care. You could:
- Move into other support roles like Administrator or Maintenance
- Train for care roles such as Support Worker or Activities Worker
- Learn more about health and safety or infection control to take on specialist roles
Maintenance
Maintenance Workers help keep care settings safe and in good condition. They carry out repairs and practical jobs to make sure everything works well and looks nice.
What You Might Do
- Fix things like lights, taps, and furniture
- Paint and decorate rooms
- Do gardening and outdoor jobs
- Check safety equipment and carry out inspections
- Work with other teams or contractors when needed
Where You Might Work
You could work in care homes, supported housing, or other places where people need support.
Where You Can Go Next
Maintenance work gives you great experience in social care settings. You could:
- Train for health and safety or building services roles
- Use your experience to support care teams or move into management
Administrator
Administrators help run the office side of care services. They manage records and keep information up to date and answer calls and emails. They also support staff and residents with important daily tasks.
What You Might Do
- Answer phone calls and emails
- Welcome visitors and help with reception
- Keep records and manage diaries
- Arrange meetings and write minutes
- Help people find the right care services
Where You Might Work
You could work in a care home, day centre, hospice, advice centre or in the community.
Where You Can Go Next
Admin roles are a great way to start in social care. You could:
- Move into senior admin or office manager roles
- Train for direct care roles like Support Worker
- Work towards leadership roles in social care
- Do a qualification while working
Culinary (Chef/Cook or Kitchen Assistant)
Chefs and kitchen assistants prepare tasty and healthy meals for people in care. They make sure food meets everyone's needs. This includes allergies, medical conditions, and cultural preferences.
What You Might Do
- Prepare and cook meals
- Help with washing up and keeping the kitchen clean
- Plan menus and order supplies
- Serve food and clear tables
- Make meals for people with special diets
Where You Might Work
You could work in care homes, hospitals, day centres, or other places where people need support.
Where You Can Go Next
Kitchen roles are a great way to start in social care. You could:
- Train to become a Head Chef or Kitchen Manager
- Learn more about nutrition, allergies, or food safety
- Move into care roles like Support Worker or Activities Worker.
- Do qualifications while working