The Standard Edition 1 2021

THESTANDARD
CELEBRATING INDUSTRY
EXCELLENCE FOR 60 YEARS
01 |
THESTANDARD
EDITION 1 | 2021 | BICS.ORG.UK

FEATURING
IN THIS ISSUE...
Page | Hello from the Chairman,
02 Lorraine Davis, MBICSc
Hello and welcome to this
edition of THE STANDARD
Page | Cover story
03 The BICSc Annual Awards
are back!
Page | The Technical Edit
07 Twelve months of tech!
with Denise Hanson,
FBICSc
Page | An All-Party
08 Parliamentary Group
BCC reports
Page | The View From HQ
09 with Nigel Howe, LBICSc
Page | Careers in cleaning
10 with Andy Keogh,
MBICSc
Page | The Ishikawa Diagram
11 Infestation with James
Martson, MBICSc
Page | Contracts and
13 documentation
with Citation
Page | Colour-coding
15 The good the bad and the
ugly
Page | Meet the
17 Fellows of 2020
Page | International Update
19 with Chris Ryan,
MBICSc
Page | New Corporate
23 Members
November to January
As always, we hope you are all keeping
well, and managing to stay safe.
Here we are, a year on from the first
lockdown. With the vaccine being
administered up and down the
country at speed, and a drop in the
rate of infection there seems to be
a genuine feeling of hope that we
are now edging towards putting this
all behind us. I’m sure you’ll agree
that ‘when this is all over’ we will all
be more appreciative of those little
everyday things.
This year is a special one for BICSc as
we celebrate another milestone – we
are 60! The Institute has weathered
many challenges over the years, this
pandemic is undoubtably one of, if not
the most difficult. Having said that, we
are riding this wave by adapting and
evolving the BICSc brand. You can find
out more about our history by visiting
our anniversary page on the website
So, what have we been up to?
Recently we added The Licence to
Practice and renewals along with a
selection of the most popular skills to
our live hosted online delivery options,
we will also shortly be launching our
very own virtual training suite where
candidates can log on and learn
at their leisure, with assessments
following the educational side of
the training.
Whilst the Training Suite in
Northampton remains closed for the
time being, members of the training
team have been busy working onsite
within the healthcare sector, training
our newly launched healthcare skills,
which align with PAS 5748:2014
and the ‘NHS National Standards of
Healthcare Cleanliness 2020’.
We have also implemented a new
CRM system, which will only make
us more efficient, when it comes to
Membership and sales.
Finally, the cover story - we have
launched The 2021 BICSc Annual
Awards! We are planning a daytime
event this year (pandemic dependant
of course). Applying for an award
couldn’t be easier, is it your year to
shine? Find out more inside.
That’s all from me, on behalf of
Team BICSc - Stay safe and, more
importantly, well.
With best wishes
Best Wishes
Michelle Iland,
PBICSc Marketing
& Events Manager
01 |
THESTANDARD

Hello from the Chairman,
Lorraine Davis, MBICSc
Another six months have passed
since my last Chairman’s update and
although we are still in the middle of
the COVID pandemic, there is light
at the end of the tunnel now, as the
vaccination program gets underway
with purpose. We can at least hope
for more normality by the summer.
Without being too gloomy, we know
that following the pandemic and
normal life resumes, we will have a
world that is changed forever. Many
of us will be grieving the terrible
loss of loved ones and many more
careers and jobs will be stalled or
gone forever. Particularly, as we
enter a predictable slowdown and
the financial impact of the pandemic
affects us all.
However, this has been a time
for the cleaning Industry to shine
(forgive the pun). The profile
of the cleaning operative and
the importance of them having
accredited cleaning training has
been, and never will be higher.
This has been demonstrated by
the formation of an All-Party
Parliamentary Group (APPG) for
the cleaning and hygiene sector
sponsored by the British Cleaning
Council. This group has within its
number many high-profile MPs,
who will speak up and champion
cleaning and cleaning-related issues.
For once, we are being recognised
for the important work we do
individually and as an industry.
We are also optimistic that the many
people who have unfortunately lost
their jobs may now consider joining
us. As this market sector has not
been a first-choice career choice in
the past. Cleaning really does offer
a career pathway like no other and
has wide ranging opportunities for
all levels, spanning the front line
operative, to estimating, operations,
business development and all levels
of management positions. I can
talk from many years of personal
experience, having undertaken
most of those roles myself, that
the cleaning industry is a really
unexpectedly fascinating, interesting
and absorbing if not often an
intentional career choice.
As you will have expected BICSc
has been busy during this period,
promoting and highlighting the great
work frontline staff have been doing.
But also, additionally developing
and honing the training packages
and inspection services we offer,
particularly:
• Our move to more online
training
• The Healthcare skills set, which
encompasses all the healthcare
specific elements in the SOPs
• Developing sector specific
inspections and governance
services that will be an inevitable
consequence of return-to-work
precautions.
Please do visit the BICSc website
where everything is easy to navigate
and clearly explains what is available.
However, during the pandemic and
going forward, you can be assured, the
Institute will continue to review best
practice, innovate and create change
through training and standards.
Finally, we please urge you to carry
on adhering to government guidelines
and undertake frequent rigorous hand
hygiene as well as socially distancing
in order to keep safe.
With best wishes
Lorraine
02 |
THESTANDARD

2021
HEADLINE
SPONSOR
THE BICSc ANNUAL
AWARDS ARE BACK!
THE FOREST OF ARDEN HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB, BIRMINGHAM
THURSDAY, 30TH SEPTEMBER 12.00 – 17.00
CHAMPAGNE RECEPTION | NETWORKING
3 COURSE LUNCH | AWARDS CEREMONY
The BICSc Annual Awards is known as one of the largest and most influential
networking events in the cleaning industry’s calendar, after a hiatus in 2020, this
year we are planning something special*.
The Institute has been honouring industry excellence within the field of training
and accreditation since the 1960s, with 2021 being our 60th anniversary, there’s
even more reason to celebrate.
Join us for a special ‘sparkling’ daytime event where we will honour some of the
industry’s finest and raise a glass to 60 years of BICSc.
Guests can look forward to networking at the champagne drinks reception,
followed by a ‘Best of British’ 3-course lunch, presentation of the coveted
Institute and category awards. As always, the Chairman’s charity prize draw offers
the chance to win some fantastic prizes with all funds going to Dementia UK.
This promises to be an event to remember.
*We will continue to monitor the pandemic situation, and we are hopeful that we will be able to host an in-person
event. Should we not be able to deliver this, the Awards will be presented virtually. Please stay tuned for updates.

"We are delighted to be able to support our member, BICSc, and their Awards by
sponsoring the historic Eric Hill Medal for the third time.
The cleaning and hygiene sector is sometimes thought to be unskilled by people outside
our sector but, especially this year, that could not be further from the truth, as the BICSc
Annual Awards demonstrate by recognising true professionals who have done great things
in the field of training and accreditation.
After what has been a tough time for many cleaning and hygiene personnel, it is great to
be able to look forward to the return of this fantastic celebration of the expertise of our
sector".
Jim Melvin,
Deputy Chairman of the
British Cleaning Council
"Winning a BICSc Award increases your industry profile, boosts team morale and helps
you to stand out from the competition."
Michelle Iland
Marketing & Events Manager, BICSc
2021 PLATINUM SPONSORS

AWARDS CATEGORIES
START YOUR APPLICATION
ONLINE NOW!
ASSESSOR OF THE YEAR (UK)
This award acknowledges the success of an individual Assessor who has demonstrated an
outstanding level of passion, professionalism and commitment to excellence for their students and
themselves.
CLIENT COMMITMENT TO TRAINING (UK)
This award is presented to a client who exhibits high levels of support for their contractors, helping
them to achieve excellence in training.
EXCELLENCE IN TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT (UK)
This award is for training and development within an Accredited Training Organisation, which is
approved to deliver BICSc assessment schemes and training courses.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
30TH APRIL 2021
EXCELLENCE IN TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT (INTERNATIONAL)
This award is for training and development within an International Accredited Training Organisation,
which is approved to deliver BICSc assessment schemes and training courses. Entrants must be
based outside of the United Kingdom.
OUTSTANDING CANDIDATE OF THE YEAR (UK)
This award reflects the achievement of an individual and their award of BICSc qualifications, with
the main focus being on how the student has been able to achieve an award against adversity or has
gone the extra mile to complete and receive the qualification within the workplace.
OUTSTANDING CORPORATE MEMBER (UK & INTERNATIONAL)
This award is presented to a BICSc Corporate Member for their outstanding corporate
commitment to the Institute and through excellence in supporting the Institute’s goal of
Creating a Career in Cleaning!
CLICK HERE FOR MORE
ABOUT THE EVENT 06 |
THESTANDARD

The Technical Edit
Twelve months of tech!
With Denise Hanson FBICSc,
Head of Technical Services
In this edition of the Technical Edit, I thought I would write about the lessons I have
learnt over the last 12 months on technology. A slightly alternate spin on the topic
I know but I think it may be valuable - if only to make some of you smile in these
different and difficult times.
As you may be aware this last year has seen BICSc adapt
in ways we would never have considered prior to the
pandemic. We have delivered courses remotely, reworking
existing content to fit the online model and developing
new courses with online learning in mind.
As a self-confessed technophobe it has been challenging
to get my head around the systems used to deliver
presentations and to all of you valiant souls who were my
early audience, I thank you for your patience – generally
I would rather face any piece of cleaning equipment than
the computer screen but needs must.
SO, WHAT HAVE I LEARNT?
LESSON 1 – Don’t wear stripes – unless you
want to send all the viewers ‘boggly-eyed’ that is
LESSON 2 – Familiarise yourself with the mute
button and both of its positions
LESSON 3 – When presenting to a live audience,
if there is no feedback whatsoever it probably
means that you are not presenting to a live
audience….
LESSON 4 – Have a printout of the slides that
you are presenting – just in case of operator
error. This was learnt when the audience
could see the slides but I, as the presenter, had
somehow managed to temporarily lose them!
LESSON 5 – When presenting the symptoms
of COVID-19 you will suffer from some of them
during the presentation – the cough was the
regular attendee
LESSON 6 – I want a mute all button for real
life situations!
I would like to thank all of the attendees of the online
offerings we have available. I have learnt some valuable
lessons over the last 12 months and feel that BICSc are
in a far stronger position as we have a more rounded
offering. Whilst my preference would always be face-toface
training, I accept that this is not always practical or
possible so being able to reach out to people over the
net will continue to be a route for us as we find the new
normal, post pandemic.
I hope you all stay safe and well and look
forward to seeing you face-to-face at
industry events when the times allow –
I’m saving the striped blouses for then!
07 |
THESTANDARD

53 MPS JOIN THE
‘HIGHLY-CREDIBLE’ GROUP
An All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the
cleaning and hygiene sector has been inaugurated
A total of 53 MPs and
three Members of the
House of Lords have
joined the group, making
it one of the bigger and
most credible APPGs.
Members of six parties are taking
part - the Conservative, Labour,
Scottish National Party, Democratic
Unionist Party, Plaid Cymru and
the Liberal Democrats – and
participants include some of the
most prominent Parliamentarians
in the country, such as the former
director of Age Concern, the
Baroness Greengross, OBE, the
former Chancellor, the Rt Hon The
Lord Lamont of Lerwick and the
former CEO of Mitie, The Baroness
McGregor-Smith.
At the inauguration meeting today,
MPs elected Nigel Mills, MP for
Amber Valley, and The Baroness
Greengross as co-chairs, and agreed
on vice chairs and the make-up of the
committee which will run the group.
The British Cleaning Council is
sponsoring the APPG. Chairman
Paul Thrupp and Deputy Chairman
Jim Melvin addressed the group at
the inauguration.
John Hines, from SC Johnson
Professional, also updated the
group on the work that is being
done by the Global Handwashing
Partnership to promote best
practise in hand hygiene.
The APPG will represent the interests
of the cleaning and hygiene sector
in Parliament and influence MPs,
ministers and Government.
The BCC wants the APPG to put the
status of the sector’s operatives as
key and essential workers, and their
priority for Covid-19 vaccination, at
the top of its agenda, in recognition
of their role fighting the Covid-19
pandemic.
Paul Thrupp said: “This is a
historic day for our industry. The
establishment of the APPG is a
major development for the cleaning
and hygiene sector. I’m delighted
that we have achieved this. The
APPG will help ensure policymakers
are aware of the vital work
we do and ensure the sector’s voice
is heard in decisions that affect it.
An industry of such large scale and
huge importance as ours needs to
have this kind of representation in
Parliament. I’m particularly pleased
that so many MPs have agreed to
give the group their backing. Such
widespread backing will ensure it is
highly-credible and influential.”
Jim Melvin said “This groundswell of
support shows that there is growing
recognition of the industry’s
contribution and the vital work of
its personnel, particularly in the
fight against Covid-19. Though
there are many important issues
for the APPG to discuss, we’d like
it to focus on the status of the
sector’s operatives as key and
essential workers, and their need
for Covid-19 vaccination as an
immediate priority.”
The BCC has been working
alongside former MP for Stirling,
Stephen Kerr, to support the
establishment of the APPG, as
well as encouraging member
organisations and cleaning and
hygiene companies to lobby their
MPs to join.
The BCC has 21 members from
across the cleaning and hygiene
sector. Research it published early
this year shows that the sector is
a UK top ten industry, employing
1.63 million people and contributing
over £54bn to the economy.
All-Party Parliamentary Groups
(APPGs) are informal cross-party
groups that are run by and for
Members of the Commons and
Lords, though many choose
to involve individuals and
organisations from outside
Parliament in their administration
and activities.
APPG members meet to discuss
a particular issue of concern and
explore relevant issues relating
to their topic. APPG’s regularly
examine issues of policy relating
to particular areas, discussing new
developments, inviting stakeholders
and Government ministers to speak
at their meetings, and holding
inquiries into pertinent matters.
08 |
THESTANDARD

The View From HQ
with Nigel Howe, LBICSc, Course Developer/Technical Writer
I came to BICSc as a skills trainer after
being a trainer for a number of years –
albeit in a totally different industry to
the cleaning industry.
During the initial couple of weeks at BICSc, the first
comment to me from a couple of the ‘old guard’ was:
‘Everybody thinks they can clean, but can they do it
effectively, safely and efficiently?’ I have to admit, I was
one of those people.
I regularly clean the house at home and thought to myself
I can clean, what’s so difficult about it? You squirt a wellknown
cream cleaner into a sink, swill it around and wash
it away, squirt some bleach into a loo, brush it around and
flush it away. Where’s the skill required to do that? As
is often the case, the devil is in the detail! Was I doing it
effectively, safely and efficiently?
I learned, over the following few months, that no, I
definitely wasn’t. I hit a massive learning curve as I was
trained in the CPSS skills in order for me to then pass on
the knowledge when training our clients.
Armed with my newly acquired Assessor licence, the big,
blue CPSS kit folder (thankfully now replaced by an app!),
a wealth of new knowledge and filled with enthusiasm to
be able to share that knowledge (the whole reason I enjoy
being a trainer – sharing knowledge), off I went into the
world of cleaning and training cleaning operatives.
I’m quite technically minded and previous training roles
revolved around software. After being at BICSc for a few
months, I noticed that when I got back to the office after a
day’s training, the odd software question cropped up and
they steadily grew – mainly from Denise Hanson, BICSc
Head of Technical and my line manager.
It became apparent that with Denise’s cleaning industry
technical knowledge and my software technical
knowledge we could be quite a team for creating and
producing courses and workshops to enhance The
Cleaning Professional’s Skills Suite.
With that in mind, I moved full time into my current role
of Course Developer/Technical Writer. Denise will ‘brain
dump’ the knowledge and I put it into a format that can
be presented to our clients.
Following a lot of time and head-scratching spent on how
we could adapt some existing courses and write new ones
to deliver via online training, we took our first tentative
steps into the world of the cyber classroom in April 2020
with Denise presenting Control of Cross-Contamination.
Due to the positive comments received and requests for
more online training, the last few months have seen me
tucked away in the back bedroom adapting more of our
existing courses and creating new ones to add to our
online offering. Check the web site for full details.
So, while I may not be hands-on training any longer,
I’m more than happy to be creating content so that our
trainers can continue to do what they do best – share the
knowledge!
Note to self:
April 2021 – must
renew my Licence
to Practice, which
means that I have
been with BICSc
for 3 years.

Careers in cleaning with
Andy Keogh, MBICSc
and Council Member
My time with The British
Institute of Cleaning Science.
Andy Keogh
This month is my 20th anniversary
of being part of BICSc, and I’ve
been a council member since 2018.
I am very proud to be part of the
organisation. I have helped develop
over 300 staff over the years,
including progressing my career
within the cleaning industry.
Doors and opportunities have opened, after being in
the hospitality industry since leaving school in 1981,
in the late 1990’s I knew I was good at cleaning, so I
thought why not do this as a career.
You would be amazed at the amount of negativity
I received back then. ‘You will not go anywhere
– it’s not a career, carry on progressing into hotel
management.’
Following on from this more male staff were
recruited to supervisory and management roles.
I think this was a positive change within the sector
from my view.
BICSc has developed and changed the industry over
the years, staff feel they can achieve their goals
thorough on the job training and development in a
more structured way.
And of course, I can’t go without mentioning that
2020 was such a challenging year, I was very proud
that two members of my team each received a ‘BICSc
Thumbs Up’ award!
So, in a nutshell a fantastic industry to
be part of with the support of BICSc.
I wanted to prove to everyone that there is a career
in cleaning and take my career to this next level. So, I
applied for some new roles at Warwick University as
an assistant accommodation service manager with a
department restructure.
I was successful and, as normally roles within
accommodation for management were held by
females, now 4 males were recruited to the roles.
They were very exciting times; I changed the way the
operation worked.

THE ISHIKAWA
DIAGRAM
Infestation with James
Marston MBICSc
METHOD
Limited training
Non-compliance
No management
checks
Policy not
enforced
Poor technique
Loose soil
not removed
Surface partially
cleaned
Infestation not
reported
SOLUTION
CAU
EQUIPMENT
& MATERIALS
Limited stock
Equipment not
available
KEY
No standard
operating procedure
Chemical
not applied
Primary cause
Secondary cause
Correct equipment
not provided
Hard to access
Budget
Broken equipment
SOLUTION
Company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) should always
incorporate a dynamic risk assessment of the area before starting
work. Any evidence of infestation or damage should be reported in
line with company policy. Operators should not remove the evidence
until given permission by management to do so. Infestation is more
likely along edges and corners of floors also under furniture such
as sofas and cabinets. Periodically heavy items of furniture should
be moved to allow access to surfaces underneath. Vacuums are an
effective way to remove loose traces of infestation from surfaces and
a good quality multipurpose product will remove any impacted dirt.
If the infestation is significant or in high-risk areas, disinfection of the
surface maybe required.
11 |
THESTANDARD

What is the Ishikawa Diagram?
Limited experience
PERSONNEL
Poor area
assessment
The Ishikawa diagram, is also called a cause and effect
diagram or a fishbone diagram, is a visualisation tool for
categorising the potential causes of a problem in order
to identify its root causes... A fishbone diagram is useful
in brainstorming sessions to focus conversation.
No supervision
Ignored evidence
No training
Non-compliance
Poor culture
Lack motivation
SES
PROBLEM
ENVIRONMENT
Lack of planning
Hard to reach
Poor inspections
Incorrect cleaning
frequency
Staff absence
Hidden dirt
Not in constant use
Time pressure
THE PROBLEM
(HEAD OF FISH)
Infestation
What can BICSc training do to help?
Training and assessment from the
Cleaning Professional's Skills Suite
(CPSS) incorporating BU2 Damp
Mopping, BU3 Vacuum Cleaning and
BU6 Damp Wiping will ensure your
operators remain safe and use the right
techniques for the best results.
BICSc offers practical training in the
skills required to clean effectively and
safely in today’s modern facilities.
Candidates who attend our courses
understand the risks to themselves
and the client. They understand and
comply with safe systems of work and
systematic ways to achieve cleaning
tasks. Candidates learn effective
cleaning techniques to ensure quality
results and continuously high standards.

Did you update your contracts
and documentation following
6 April 2020?
6 April 2020 might have passed you by thanks to the pandemic - but it was the
day the government introduced key Employment Law changes as part of their
Good Work Plan programme.
The Good Work Plan is designed to protect the rights of flexible workers
and dramatically changes employers' obligations to them, particularly around
contracts, pay and holiday entitlement.
WHAT DO BICSC MEMBERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CHANGES?
For years, many cleaners have worked without a stable
contract, with their hours varying week by week. A key
focus area of the Good Work Plan was seeking to address
employment rights for workers without fixed hours, and
those working without employee status.
The reforms aimed to improve the enforcement of
employment rights (especially holiday entitlement and
pay), by introducing state enforcement of these rights for
‘vulnerable workers’. Over recent years, the rules about
what should be included in holiday pay had changed
through a series of court decisions on overtime and
commission payments.
right to a statutory statement of main terms to all workers,
requiring this to be made available by the first day of work,
as well as introducing a list of additional information which
must be provided.
One of the biggest changes set out in the reforms was
allowing some workers the right to request a stable
contract. This is not mandatory, meaning that those who
are happy to work varied hours each week are able to
continue doing so. However, from April 2020, cleaners who
would like more certainty about their hours are now able to
request a fixed working pattern from their employer.
The Good Work Plan also aspired to improve clarity in
terms, for both employees and those workers who have a
more casual relationship with the business. It extended the
WHAT SHOULD I HAVE CHANGED FROM 6 APRIL 2020?
FREE
GUIDES AND
RESOURCES
If you hire casual staff or use temporary or bank workers it's vital you comply with these
sweeping changes.
Citation’s HR & Employment Law experts have put together two exclusive guides to help you understand
the Good Work Plan and what you need to know - from how to define the status of everyone that works for
you to what rights they're entitled to.
DOWNLOAD: DEFINING EMPLOYMENT
STATUS KEY QUESTIONS
DOWNLOAD: EMPLOYMENT
RIGHTS AT-A-GLANCE
As a Corporate Member and Partner, BICSc members get preferential rates on
Citation’s HR & Employment Law support. Get in touch by calling 0345 844 1111, or
by leaving your details HERE – just mention you’re a BICSc member when enquiring.

Your BICSc member
benefit from Citation
With over 20 years’ experience helping
businesses in the cleaning industry, we’re
proud of our longstanding corporate
partnership with BICSc.
Available HR & Employment and Health & Safety
support includes:
— A 24/7 expert advice line run by friendly
sector-specialists;
— 100s of model documents, contracts
and templates;
— Dedicated local consultants with annual
site visits
— Atlas - your secure, easy-to-manage
and all-in-one management platform
Plus, our evolving product range allows us
to help members in even more ways:
ISO Certifications - to prove your
services and processes are world-class
in quality, safety and efficiency.
Employee Assistance Programme -
providing 24/7 access to qualified
counsellors for your employees.
Fire Safety Services - including Fire
Risk Assessments and Fire Alarm
Servicing.
Electrical Testing - including PAT
Testing and Fixed Wire Testing.
New! - CDP-certified and RoSPA
approved e-learning courses for you
and your employees.
Book a free consultation or find out more
BICSc members can claim an exclusive, free of charge support session with
Citation, plus can get preferential rates on their support packages.
SPECIAL
DISCOUNT
FOR MEMBERS
0345 844 1111
citation.co.uk/commercial-cleaning
Access free guides and resources: citation.co.uk/resources

Colour-coding - Time for change?
In a recent survey we asked:
Did you know that following a
colour-coded method dramatically
reduces cross-contamination?
100% said yes!
Would you like to see colour-coding
legislation for the cleaning and hygiene
industry?
To mark our
60th anniversary
we are making
May colourcoding
month.
Watch this
space!
89% said yes!

The legislation of colour-coding would
mean we would see more of this
and less of this...
Download your free poster and
guide here
Share your
thoughts/
pictures of the
good, the bad
and the ugly
marketing@
bics.org.uk

Meet the
Fellows of 2020
Fellowship nominees are chosen by BICSc council from and are generally put forward
by members who have gone above and beyond are nominated by Members put
forward to BICSc council to become potential Fellows the Institute. A Fellowship
is the most privilege grade of Membership. Certificates are usually presented at
the Annual General Meeting, since we didn’t have an in person meeting in 2020,
the recipients Mervin Perry and Peter Gowers were both awarded this accolade in
December of 2020. Here’s a little more about them.
Mervyn
‘Merv’ Perry
Mervyn has admirably served
BICSc for many years, both at
regional level and for five years
as a member representing Northern Ireland on the National
Council when he replaced Michael Henderson.
Mervyn has been an active member of the Northern Ireland
Regional Committee for many years continuing to sustain
active local involvement upholding the value of BICSc even
when the regional structure was removed.
Mervin is recognised for his passion and enthusiasm for
BICSc, especially across Northern Ireland. Having been
one of the main drivers of the highly successful Cleaning
Operative of the Year Awards for Northern Ireland. There
is a tremendous amount of work required in organising,
promoting, and judging these local awards which have
sustained the BICSc name across many sectors of the
cleaning industry in Northern Ireland. This has included
raising sponsorship and carrying out many voluntary days of
judging visits tirelessly each year.
Mervin is described as one of the industry’s gentlemen
who is highly respected by his colleagues and peers in the
cleaning world both across Northern Ireland and the rest of
the UK, who is a worthy candidate for a BICSc Fellowship.
Peter
Gowers
As a Consultant Pete has
been supporting BICSc in
several roles since 2006
including UK Head Office Health and Safety Advisor,
UK Training and Assessing, and International roles
including International Territory Manager and currently
International Standards & Verification Manager.
Pete is also trained in many skills from the Cleaning
Professional’s Skills Suite.
Pete’s various roles in the International Division of BBS
has seen him work in 9 countries and in the last 4 years
he has had sole responsibility for all Verification Audits.
This has involved visiting 48 sites worldwide – as far as
Borneo and many in the Middle East. Each site receives
a minimum of one day’s Verification and Standards
Audit – with some larger sites having 2 days. All new
Assessors are verified before they can begin their role.
Some of the largest and most prestigious International
Facilities companies are Accredited Training Members.
A typical visit will include an update about BICSc to
the team, a review of the facilities, a review of the
documentation sent to BICSc and the paperwork
behind those submissions and the verification of each
assessor to the standards required. A report is written
and sent to the site within 24 hours.
17 |
THESTANDARD

Centenary 1920 - 2020
arwin clayton
evolutionary insurance
Specialist Insurance advice and solutions
for the Cleaning & FM sector
Proven track record within the
industry
We are a multi-award winning insurance broker and have worked
closely with BICSc since its formation. We provide discounted
premiums to members and our commercial Insurance solutions
are designed to provide the protection needed by cleaning
businesses.
Summary of Cover
Standard cover and limits:-
• Employers Liability - £10,000,000*
• Public & Products Liability - £5,000,000*
including Damage to property being cleaned and
Treatment Risks
• Employee Dishonesty - £250,000 (£50,000 for
mis-use of telecommunication equipment)
• Loss of Keys - £100,000
• Financial Loss - £250,000
• Professional Indemnity - £100,000* (increased to
£250,000 for members of the BICSc)
Optional covers:-
• Property
• Business Interruption
• Terrorism
• Specified All Risks
• Environmental Clean Up Costs
Additional Covers Available
We can offer a wide range of additional covers,
such as Cyber & Data Risks, Directors & Officers
Liability and Motor Fleet.
For further details, please visit our website.
* Higher limits available on request
Tunbridge Wells: 01892 511144 Nottingham: 0115 951 7030 Email: cleaning@dcuk.co.uk Web: www.darwinclayton.co.uk
Darwin Clayton (UK) Limited is an Insurance Broker and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

International UPDATE
Chris Ryan MBICSc,
Head of International Business
As we begin a new year unfortunately the
situation with the pandemic is still very
much preventing us being able to provide
the face-to-face level of support for our
international clients. We are, however, here
to help you virtually, if you need to have
a virtual face-to-face chat with us we can
arrange a Teams call, and we are at the end
of the phone during working hours to assist
as always.
As we begin a new year unfortunately the situation
with the pandemic is still very much preventing us
being able to provide the face-to-face level of support
for our international clients. We are, however, here to
help you virtually, if you need to have a virtual face-toface
chat with us we can arrange a Teams call, and we
are at the end of the phone during working hours to
assist as always.
The restrictions on travel currently in force, with
enhanced restrictions being introduced from the 15
February 2021, mean we are still unable to arrange any
in-person visits. As soon as the restrictions are lifted,
we will get back to arranging visits to you all.
The light at the end of the tunnel is that the
vaccination programmes are rolling out and we are
seeing a reduction in the number of cases. We can only
hope that this positivity continues with the downward
trend and we can resume some form of normality in
the months to come.
For the time being the safety of our staff and clients
remains our main priority as we learn to deal and live
with the current situation and look forward to a better
future. BICSc will continue to allow ATMs to train and
request certification and we are still producing cards
and certificates as requested.
We are now in a position to offer multiple online
options for training our Cleanlogic courses and
workshops, along with an online option for LTP training
and LTP renewal. During January 2021 we also added
9 of the most popular skills to our online offering. This
will continue to grow over the coming months – keep
an eye on our website as things are changing regularly.
We are looking at online options for all we do and will
keep you updated with these options.
We are always available to answer any questions or
queries you have so please talk to us, it is always nice
to hear from you.
We continue to do the very best we can during these
unprecedented times and will continue to closely
monitor the situation on travel restrictions and look
forward to getting to you in the near future. Until that
time please keep well and stay safe.
19 |
THESTANDARD

Do you have
Private Medical Cover?
Transfer & Save with HMCA
Special Offer
Up to
40%
*
discount for members of
British Institute of
Cleaning Science
Our Private Medical Plans
Your choice of hospital & specialist
NHS queues avoided
No age limit
Tax free NHS cash benefit
Claims settled promptly
Excellent UK based service
*This discount is also available to you if you do not presently have private medical cover.
Call today for a no obligation quote:
01423 799949
or enquire online at: www.hmca.co.uk/bics
This advertisement is produced and presented by HMCA/S PLC (trading as Hospital Medical Care Association, HMCA and HMCA Members) which is authorised
and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN:307587). HMCA/S PLC is a company registered in England, company number: 01362094, registered
office: Beech Hall, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 0EA

ACCREDITED
ACCREDITED
CERTIFICATED
CERTIFICATED
CERTIFICATED
UPCOMING TRAINING
If you’re looking to enhance your career in cleaning, or
train your team check out our upcoming training dates.
12
Apr
Licence to Practice
ACCREDITED
T R AININ G
Licence to Practice provides the key information for an operatives
health and safety and teaches BICSc best practice.
Book Here
20
Apr
Cleanlogic Principles of Health & Safety -
COSHH assessment
CERTIFICATED
Cleanlogic Principles of Health & Safety - COSHH assessment
provides the basics that are required for all operatives.
T R AININ G
Book Here
22
Apr
Cleanlogic Principles of Cleaning Science
Cleanlogic - Principles of Cleaning Science provides an
introduction into the science of cleaning.
CERTIFICATED
T R AININ G
Book Here
22
Apr
Licence to Practice
ACCREDITED
T R AININ G
Licence to Practice provides the key information for an operatives
health and safety and teaches BICSc best practice.
Book Here
22
Apr
Cleanlogic Control of Cross-Contamination
CERTIFICATED
Cleanlogic Control of Cross-Contamination has been designed to
give the candidate an understanding of best practice techniques for
infection prevention.
T R AININ G
Book Here
21 |
THESTANDARD
Contact us to talk about your training requirements

Introducing the BBS
Virtual Training Suite
Our training | Your pace
The global pandemic has seen many
businesses have to change how they
sell their products or deliver their
services.
BBS is no different, BICSc training
had almost exclusively been delivered
face to face, there had always been
a thought that some of this could be
moved to an online method, but it
hadn’t materialised. However, this has
changed dramatically over the last
year.
Initially BBS started amending
courses to be delivered through a
hosted online solution, whereby
a presentation and video
demonstrations are delivered by a
trainer to the students and where
assessments are needed these are
booked on an individual basis to be
conducted either face to face at the
Northampton training suite or via a
video link.
In March 2021 BBS launched a
virtual training platform, which means
courses can be attended by candidates
at a time that suits them.
Once enrolled in a training course the
student logs onto the website and
works through the course, which is
broken down into lessons, as they see
fit. Over the course of a one week
period training can be completed in
one sitting or over any number of
sittings and lessons can be watched
multiple times if needed.
Quizzes to enhance learning
are included at the end of
each lesson and again at
the end of most courses to
reinforce the learning.
Lessons include, presentations, stills
and video demonstrations. Handouts
and useful information are supplied to
be downloaded in pdf format.
Certificated courses will be completed
online, and a certificate issued,
Accredited courses will usually involve
an assessment which in most cases
can be completed via a video link or if
not by a face to face appointment at
the Northampton training suite.
Current courses available
Licence to Practice – Your passport to
a career in cleaning
Licence to Practice – Renewal
Courses in progress from the
Cleaning Professional’s Skills
Suite (Coming soon)
BU1 – Dust control mop sweeping
BU2 – Damp mopping
BU3 – Vacuum cleaning
BU5 – Emptying and cleaning waste
bins
BU6 – Damp wiping surfaces
BU10 – Cleaning glass and mirrors
BU12 – Cleaning toilet facilities
BU13 – Cleaning washroom facilities
AU6 – Polish application (furniture)
Cleanlogic Principles of Health and
Safety
Cleanlogic Control of
Cross-Contamination
Cleanlogic Principles of Cleaning
Science
Cleanlogic Principles of Team
Cleaning
If you are an Accredited Training
Member (ATM) this can be used to
assist you with your training as well,
please talk to us to find out how we
can assist you.
We hope BICSc members and those
new to BICSc find the BBS
Virtual Training Suite a valuable tool
to enhance your cleaning and hygiene
knowledge in these challenging times.
Visit our
Virtual Training Suite
22 |
THESTANDARD

New Corporate
Members
November to January
CORPORATE MEMBER
UK and International
777 Investments Ltd t/a ProLux
Cleaning
Hollom Contract Cleaning Ltd
SVJ Maintenance Services Ltd
WOW Facilities Management Ltd
CLEAN360 LTD
A&S Newton Cleaning Services Ltd
t/a The Clean Police
Fresh Cleaning Services (NW) Limited
First Insurance Solutions Ltd
Management Ltd
SMC Premier Group Ltd
May Harris Multi Services Ltd
Pristine Specialist Cleaning Services
Ltd
Emperor Cleaning Services Ltd
Mio Cleaning Solutions
Eric Wright FM Ltd
Angel Cleaning and Maintenance
Limited
Exorno Limited
Diamond White Cleaning and Support
Services Ltd
Amexi Limited
Purple North East Limited
Richard Morgan Cleaning
Immaculate Spaces Ltd
Juniper Pursuits Ltd
University of London
Essity UK Ltd
CBRE Managed Services Limited
Kleanzall Ltd
TPS Cleaning- Taylor Public Services
Ltd
Prim Building Services Ltd
CAIPS UK Ltd
Clearway Environmental Services (UK)
Ltd
London Borough of Camden
Farnek Service Ltd
Double Check Security Group Ltd t/a
T-Class UK
Crystal Clear Professional Cleaning
Ltd
Vinci Response Services Ltd
Elite Cleaning Solutions Ltd
Why Bother Cleaning Ltd
Vereniging Schoonmaak Research
(VSR)
Dynamic Professional Building
Cleaning Services
Emirates National Facilities
Management
Envida Technical Services LLC
Khadamat LLC
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Verity Consultancy Limited
Lynn Webster Consultants Ltd
Babaola Limited
Reactive & Maintenance Services
Facilities Management
Mario Group Facilities Management
Ltd
Sofibel Property Ltd
Just Helpers Ltd
S & J Cleaning Solutions
Ryak Cleaning Ltd
Impact Services Northern Ltd t/a
Impact Services
Momentum Group
BD Trading Partnership Limited
ACSUK CO LTD
Elite Services Security & Facilities
23 |
THESTANDARD
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Need to reach us?
Customer Support & Membership
membership@bics.org.uk
info@bics.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 1604 678 711
BICS Business Services & Training
bbs@bicsbusinessservices.com
or
Book Online
www.bics.org.uk/training
Tel: +44 (0) 1604 678 712
International Training
international@bics.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 1604 678 711
Marketing, Events & Annual Awards
marketing@bics.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 1604 678 713
General Enquiries
info@bics.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 1604 678 710
z
Have your contact details changed?
Drop a quick message to membership@bics.org.uk or give us
a call and we will be happy to update your details.
#Creating a Career in Cleaning
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02 |
EDITION 1 | 2021 | THESTANDARD