Matron

Job overview
Matrons control all the household affairs of the residences, hostels or other institutions where they are employed.

What do people do in this job?
Matrons have a very responsible job and often have a number of personnel working under them.

They can work at school, and university residences (or any other youth residence), children's homes, homes for the aged and any other hostels.

They have various assistants to whom they can delegate some of their duties e.g. upkeep of gardens, furniture and buildings.

They supervise the cleaning of the building, the cooking of meals and the laundry.

They control and stock provisions, work out menus (at some institutions), ensure that the kitchen and laundry run smoothly etc.

They are also responsible for the care of the sick people in the hostel or institution and for administering medicine.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Matrons should have a strong sense of responsibility, the ability to relate well to people, and must be prepared to work long hours and usually to live on the premises.

An interest in housekeeping is necessary for this kind of work.

What qualifications are needed?
There are no set qualifications, but many matrons will have taken courses in domestic science.