The European Federation for Services to Individuals

EFSI represents 23 members across 22 EU countries, bringing together associations, service providers, and companies active in the Personal and Household Services (PHS) sector. Founded in 2006, EFSI is a membership-based organisation committed to fostering a supportive environment for the PHS sector throughout Europe. Its mission is to enhance the visibility, recognition, and professionalisation of the sector, while advocating for effective EU policies that nurture its sustainable growth and social value.

EFSI actively promotes dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders, participates in European projects that drive innovation and policy development, and works to strengthen the Home Care and PHS sector as essential contributors to employment, well-being, and social inclusion.

Through its extensive network, EFSI offers its members exclusive access to European institutions and key stakeholders — including policymakers, trade unions, researchers, and NGOs — enabling them to shape the future of services that make everyday life easier for millions of Europeans.

The Personal and Household Services (PHS) sector covers a wide range of activities carried out within households, including:

  • Care-related services such as early childhood education and care, childcare, long-term care for older persons or people with disabilities, and personal assistance.
  • Household support services such as cleaning, ironing, gardening, small maintenance tasks, and remedial classes.

Together, these services play a vital role in supporting families, promoting work-life balance, and contributing to Europe’s social and economic well-being.

Our Commitment

Together, EFSI and its members are shaping a strong, fair, and inclusive PHS sector across Europe. We are committed to:

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Improving lives through accessible and quality services
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Creating decent jobs and professional opportunities
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Building resilient communities across Europe

Our Guiding Principles

At the European Federation for Services to Individuals (EFSI), we believe that Personal and Household Services (PHS) are essential to Europe’s social well-being and economic growth. We work to ensure that the PHS sector is recognised and supported as a policy priority at both national and European levels.

Our mission: to build a fair, high-quality, and sustainable PHS ecosystem that benefits everyone involved.

Therefore, EFSI’s members have established the following guiding principles to steer the industry’s growth and integrity:

Everyone deserves access to quality care and household support.
Yet too many people still struggle to find or afford the services they need for their well-being, independence, and work–life balance.

EFSI advocates for:

  • Public investment in the PHS sector
  • Social and fiscal incentives that make services more affordable
  • Policies that ensure equal access for all citizens

We believe PHS should be a right, not a privilege.

Undeclared work is one of the biggest challenges facing our industry.
It undermines workers’ rights, weakens fair competition, and limits access to quality services.

EFSI calls for coordinated action across Europe to eliminate undeclared and grey work.
Our members commit to:

  • Apply all lawful and effective measures against undeclared work
  • Never engage in or support informal employment practices

We stand for a transparent and responsible PHS sector.

Every PHS worker deserves dignity, safety, and respect.
Improving their working conditions is key to professionalising and sustaining the sector.

EFSI members pledge to:

  • Comply fully with labour laws and regulations
  • Ensure health and safety in all workplaces
  • Uphold freedom of association and collective bargaining

We believe in a PHS workforce that is protected, valued, and empowered.

Quality is at the heart of our work.
We promote standards, training, and qualification frameworks that help providers deliver services tailored to each user’s needs and preferences.

EFSI members ensure:

  • Continuous skills development for staff
  • Implementation of quality assessment tools
  • A strong focus on user satisfaction

Because high-quality services change lives.

Diversity defines the PHS sector, from private and non-profit providers to public entities and self-employed professionals.

EFSI advocates for:

  • Regulatory and tax neutrality across all providers
  • Transparency and freedom of choice for users
  • Fair competition and respect among market actors

We believe a diverse, open, and fair market strengthens the entire sector.