ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) has a number of initiatives that aim to make the world more aware of the industry. It was named the winner of the 2018 European Cleaning and Hygiene Award for Raising the Profile of the Professional Cleaning Sector.

With its headquarters in the UK, the British Institute of Cleaning Science has 25,000 members across the globe.

Its aims are to raise the standards of education and to build awareness of the cleaning industry through professional standards and accredited training thereby:

• Protecting the operative
• Providing a clean and safe environment
• Preserving assets
• Promoting sustainability
• Producing best practice.

The BICSc Licence to Practice (LTP) is the first career step to accredited and recognised qualifications for those working in the industry. It recognises the holder’s ability to handle and dilute chemicals, operate equipment compliantly and manage a cleaning cupboard in line with Health & Safety.

Now hundreds of organisations throughout the world accept the value this qualification offers because it assures the holder has undertaken a practical test and demonstrated the skills essential for operational compliance and underpinning knowledge.

Once LTP is achieved, individuals progress and undertake any of the 41 skills within the BICSc Cleaning Professionals Skills Suite (CPSS). These range from damp mopping up to floor management and specialist skills using the latest technology and machinery.

The Institute has always recognised it cannot create positive change and continuous improvement in the industry without key partners. Therefore it has established connections with other cleaning sector bodies as well as notable educationalists and scientists. BICSc also partners with the University of Northampton to deliver an online infection control course, allowing individuals access to higher education.

Michelle Iland explains: “We have an important role in representing the cleaning profession. We make our members accountable to their employers and the public through the ‘member code of practice’, set standards through training, and produce best practice. By increasing our visibility and promoting the sector to the wider world we can continue our mission of raising the status of cleaning as a profession.”

She continues: “BICSc regularly attends and exhibits at events worldwide. We also take advantage of speaking opportunities at events outside of our usual audience to engage with people who are not part of the cleaning industry - for example we attend a careers fair to engage with students and to promote careers in cleaning.”

The organisation also holds its own events, including an annual awards which recognises excellence in training and assessment. There have also been roadshows and sector days throughout the
UK covering healthcare, retail, Her Majesty’s Prisons (HMPs) and building contractor services.

Last year its key objective was #Creating a Career in Cleaning - a platform to show that entry level qualifications will provide the building blocks for a career path in the cleaning industry. “We have launched a new brand of training services under the umbrella of Cleanlogic,” says Iland. “This is a collection of workshops and courses which provide advanced technical knowledge for cleaning professionals.

“The campaign has been highly successful, not only have we seen an increase in engagement from members but there has also been a huge boost in the uptake of training, particularly for those Cleanlogic workshops and courses. The uptake has increased so much that we are now relocating our headquarters to make way for a dedicated training centre to keep up with demand.”

European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards judge and ECJ editor Michelle Marshall commented: “The judges were impressed at how BICSc is working from the ground roots level to raise awareness of professional cleaning and how it can be an attractive career option. #Creating a Career in Cleaning has been a new platform for the Institute to demonstrate that entry level qualifications will provide the building blocks for a career path in our industry.”

The 2019 European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards will be presented in London, at a ceremony in Church House, Westminster on October 17. Closing date for entries is June 17 so enter now: echawards.com