The Standard Issue 1 2023

TITLE,
THE
STANDARD
SUB TEXT
1St Para [BOLD]
2nd Para [REG]
EDITION 1
2023
REGISTER YOUR PLACE
FOR A Q&A WITH BICSc:
IS BLEACH
THE ANSWER
?
SUBMIT
YOUR
QUESTIONS
?
?
?
?
?
Q A
?
?
?
DR ANDREW KEMP PhD
Q A
?
?
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE...
?
?
DENISE HANSON
Head of Technical Services
Q A
SPRING INTO ACTION
WITH A NEW CLEANING
MODEL | P5
HOW APPROPRIATE
ARE APPRENTICESHIPS?
| P18-19
BRINGING THE
SCIENCE OF
CLEANING TO THE
HOMEMAKER | P21
BICS.ORG.UK
NEWS EVENTS WORLDWIDE STANDARDS

03 THE CHAIRMAN’S UPDATE
BY LORRAINE DAVIS MBICSc
04 HELLO 2023!
BY NEIL SPENCER-COOK MBICSc
05 SPRING INTO ACTION WITH
A NEW CLEANING MODEL
BY DENISE HANSON FBICSc
06 INDUSTRY EXPERTS AND
SENIOR STAKEHOLDERS
COME TOGETHER TO
DISCUSS TAKING APPG
REPORT FORWARD
08 ARE YOU MAKING THE
MOST OF YOUR CORPORATE
MEMBERSHIP?
BY KAREN ST JAMES BOYDE
ABICSc
10 SHIFTING ATTITUDES WITHIN
AN EVER-GROWING INDUSTRY
11 DEVELOPING YOUR STAFF?
WOULD LOVE TO!
BY JAMES MARSTON
LBICSc
12 THE FUTURE OF COBOTICS
IS IN DATA – NOT DEVICES
DOMINIC BASCOMBE
– PRODUCT PERFORMANCE
DIRECTOR, ISS
14 ASK THE ASSESSOR:
PRACTICAL ADVICE FROM
SOME OF OUR AMAZING
ASSESSORS BY KELSEY
HARGREAVES LBICSc
16 ENTER 2023
WITH OPTIMISM!
17 IS BLEACH THE ANSWER?
18 HOW APPROPRIATE
ARE APPRENTICESHIPS?
20 PRIVATE HEALTHCARE
IS PEACE OF MIND
21 BRINGING THE SCIENCE
OF CLEANING TO THE
HOMEMAKER
22 DEDICATION AND
DETERMINATION:
A Q&A WITH JESSICA
DRENINOVA BY KELSEY
HARGREAVES LBICSc
23 COULD YOU BECOME A
COUNCIL MEMBER?
BY STAN ATKINS FBICSc
24 SC JOHNSON
PROFESSIONAL
LAUNCHES NEW
WASHROOM SOAP
DISPENSER MADE
FROM 70% RECOVERED
COASTAL PLASTIC
27 WELCOMING
OUR NEW MEMBERS
THE STANDARD

CHAIRMAN’S UPDATE
BY LORRAINE DAVIS MBICSc
Hello and welcome to my first update of 2023. Whilst the start of this year is different to the last few, there
is still the bad weather, spiralling prices, strikes, Covid, colds and flu, meaning that this year is going to be a
challenging one, and not least for our hard-working, and often underappreciated cleaning teams. Making ends
meet as prices soar, and simply just trying to get to work when trains and buses are not running properly, coupled
with doing physical work, especially if feeling under the weather. There simply isn’t much to shout about.
As responsible employers, there are
several measures we can instigate
that can help our cleaning teams.
We do know that a number of
major employers have already paid
bonuses and one-off amounts of
cash to help offset the cost of living
rises to help the worst affected in
their workforce and they should be
applauded for this.
However, there are a number of
non-cash measures that can also
help too, such as:
1. Survey staff to see what other
help they need.
2. Negotiate with the client to see
if they will pay for the real living
wage (the real living wage is
slightly higher because they are
independently calculated based on
what people need to get by on).
3. Offer mental wellbeing
support. Especially as one
in four employees who have
money worries claim it affects
their work. Therefore, offering
support, helplines, etc., can
benefit both the employee
and the employer.
4. Ensure that employees are
aware of the current benefits
their employer offers. It is
surprising how many cleaning
operatives/staff are unaware
what benefits and support their
employers are already providing.
This is because they might not have
access to a computer, the company
intranet or that English may not
be their first language. Make sure
toolbox talks and flyers in their
native language are available so
they know what and where to
access them.
5. Having a toolbox session on
how to switch utility suppliers.
A lot of cleaning operatives/staff
(for the above reasons) do not
know how to do this and it will
help them make their wages
go further. Additionally, direct
them to financial information
such as the Government
Money Advice Service.
6. Introduce Income Streaming.
This allows the employees to
draw down some of their
earned wages before payday
which can help them avoid
getting into debt.
7. Provide a virtual GP
service so that help is
available when staff are
unwell and cannot easily
access a normal NHS GP
appointment.
8. Organise a car share
arrangement and fund the
fuel and additional time the
team member takes to pick
up members of staff that
cannot get to work due
to strike action.
Finally, a simple ‘thank you’ and
delivering praise for a job well
done goes a long way to making
an individual feel valued and
appreciated. This cannot be
underestimated at any time.
Meanwhile, to finish on a more
optimistic note – spring is on the
way, along with warmer weather,
less viruses and hopefully a more
stable economy and this time next
year we can but hope for a much
better start.
Best wishes
Lorraine
LORRAINE
DAVIS
2 | 3

THE BICSc
BULLETIN
HELLO 2023!
BY NEIL SPENCER-COOK
MBICSc
NEIL SPENCER-COOK
Chief Operating Officer
Well, it’s a new year and I’m
sure we will all have some new
opportunities in the coming
months. We’d like to take this
opportunity to wish every one of
our readers a happy and healthy
2023 from all of us here at BICSc.
BICSc enjoyed a really positive
2022 with travel restrictions lifted,
a return to face-to-face training
as well as an enhanced offering on
the Virtual Training Suite (VTS) that
saw a doubling in the candidates
successfully undertaking training
on the BICSc 2021 figures.
This increase in numbers has meant
that we are working again to expand
our VTS offering. Namely, we have
plans for even more free courses
this year as well as extending the
CPSS skills that can be undertaken.
This is on top of creating more
online learning opportunities in
the field of healthcare.
Nationally and internationally,
we have enjoyed meeting more
of our Accredited Training
Members in person as well as
a variety of potential customers
right across the globe, from
Reading to Riyadh.
We are always grateful for
the hospitality that our centres
offer as well as for the opportunity
to work with the centre staff to
enhance their training skills and
to offer support where it is needed.
We also learn ourselves on these
visits and we’re grateful for
the centres who have taken the
time to submit articles or be
interviewed for inclusion in
The Standard. Please remember
we are keen to receive your
articles as sharing best practice
is a key part of BICSc mission!
We were also fortunate to be included
as speakers at a number of cleaning
shows in 2022 and as we have been
asked to speak again in 2023, we’re
assuming this was positively received.
Please come along to see us if you
have the opportunity and we are
always happy to answer any questions
you may have.
Now that leads nicely onto our plan
to have an online Q&A in April, our
scientific lead, Dr Andrew Kemp, has
kindly agreed to take part again and
we would like to invite questions
regarding cleaning and disinfection
that can be put to our panel.
We’ll be putting out more requests
on social media platforms and as
this will be a “Teams” event we’re
hoping to grow a wide audience
with lively participation.
HELLO 2023!
THE STANDARD
I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS MONTH’S ISSUE!

SPRING INTO ACTION WITH
A NEW CLEANING MODEL
BY DENISE HANSON
FBICSc
Coming into the New Year with the
spring hopefully just around the
corner, HEY I’M AN OPTIMIST, my
mind has started to wander to the
subject of spring cleaning…. And
I’m wondering, if in reality this is
something that we still carry out
at home or has this become an
outdated or old-fashioned idea?
Also do we need a season to give
rooms a good fettling – for everyone
not from Yorkshire that means a
deep clean. Or do we deep clean,
as and when we have the time or
inclination.
Indeed, where does the term come
from? Well, according to Wikipedia:
“Spring cleaning is the practice of
thoroughly cleaning a house in the
springtime. The practice of spring
cleaning is especially prevalent in
climates with a cold winter.”
The practicality being I suppose,
that we can open the windows and
items deep cleaned will dry more
easily than on a cold damp winter
day. Although with today’s centrally
heated homes is this still the case?
With people’s busy lifestyles I think
we need to adopt a new model. After
all, how many times have we started
a deep clean at home and about
halfway through, wished we had
never started!
So, my advice is to follow the following steps before you commence:
1. Look carefully at the room that
you are planning to deep clean
and think about a logical order
for the tasks. For example, if it
was the living room you wouldn’t
want to clean the carpets first as
you are going to clean the walls
and furniture as well, and these
processes may deposit more dirt
onto the carpet
2. Divide the tasks into manageable
chunks. Underestimate what
is achievable so that if any
unexpected issues arise, the task
is still achievable
3. Set a clear time limit, your time
is precious
4. Ensure you have all the products
and equipment you need for
the task. If you have to go out
to purchase supplies halfway
through a clean it may never
be completed
Remember when you’re
buying new furniture, fixtures
or fittings look at the ease
of cleaning and maintaining
them going forward. I’d love
architects to have to complete
six months in a cleaning team
as part of their qualification,
it may open their eyes to the
long-term feasibility of some
of their building plans!
5. Team up with a friend!
Deep cleaning often means
moving furniture and this is
much easier with two – you could
complete one room at theirs and
one at yours!
6. If you enjoy music, set yourself
a cleaning playlist, I find soft rock
conducive to fettling but it’s really
whatever works for you
7. Follow the manufacturer’s
instructions for dilution and
contact time – they know their
products and these simple
measures mean that the product
does some of the hard work
making your cleaning easier
DENISE HANSON
Head of Technical Services
4 | 5

INDUSTRY EXPERTS AND
SENIOR STAKEHOLDERS
COME TOGETHER TO
DISCUSS TAKING APPG
REPORT FORWARD
Key representatives from across
the cleaning and hygiene and public
health sectors came together for a
high-level meeting to discuss the
recent report from the All-Party
Parliamentary Group (APPG) for
the Cleaning and Hygiene Industry.
Twenty industry experts joined the
roundtable meeting in London to
discuss the findings of the inquiry,
entitled Embedding Effective
Hygiene for a Resilient UK, and how
to respond to, and take forward,
the recommendations.
British Cleaning Council (BCC)
Chairman Jim Melvin and Deputy
Chair Delia Cannings were joined
by BCC colleagues, Royal Society
for Public Health Director for
Policy and Communications Dr
Jyotsna Vohra and colleagues,
International Scientific Forum on
Home Hygiene (IFH) Chair Professor
Sally Bloomfield and a representative
of the Behavioural Insights Team
along with senior colleagues from
the Cleaning and Support Services
Association, the British Institute
of Cleaning Science, the British
Toilet Association, the Cleaning and
Hygiene Suppliers Association, the
Federation of Window Cleaners, SC
Johnson Professional UK, Reckitt and
Wightman & Parrish amongst others.
APPG Chairman Nigel Mills MP
provided a recorded introduction
to the meeting in which he noted
the huge role of the cleaning
and hygiene industry during
the pandemic, but said that the
situation was drifting back to how it
was before, with flu and Covid cases
on the rise. We needed to build on
the lessons of the pandemic, not
forget them, he said.
THE STANDARD
Key points from the discussion
were fed back at the APPG meeting,
which was on the 30th January
at Westminister.
A full report was published in
February, summarising and
featuring the roundtable’s
key recommendations.
JIM MELVIN SAID:
“This was a very important and
productive meeting during which
we had a wide-ranging, detailed
debate on policy and strategy.
“I was delighted that such a wide
group of industry experts and
senior stakeholders were keen to
lend their support to this event.
“For the voice of the industry to
be heard, it is vital that we work
together collectively and so seeing
this high-powered group come
together to discuss such an important
topic was hugely encouraging.
“Among the key themes which
emerged were the need for a major
cultural and behavioural change
nationwide, so hygienic practices
are widely adopted as normal and
daily behaviour.
“As a group, we were clear that
cleaning and hygiene should be at
the heart of the national agenda.
“I spoke about how cleaning
staff need to be held in high
esteem. The need for recognition
for the vital work of cleaning
staff in keeping people safe,
healthy and well is a point
I am always determined to make.
“The importance of training,
education and development
for staff was highlighted,
on which I couldn’t agree more.
“There were a number of other topics
discussed as well. The upcoming
report on this meeting will go into
details as well as featuring concrete
recommendations for taking our
agenda forward.”
The APPG inquiry took place in
September and October last year
and examined what had been both
successful and unsuccessful from
the national approach to cleaning
and hygiene during the pandemic to
ensure lessons would be learnt.
It made 11 recommendations
designed to increase disease
resilience to current common
infections and help inform the UK’s
response to any similar future public
health emergency.
The APPG for the Cleaning and
Hygiene Industry was inaugurated in
February 2021, with the support of a
sizeable number of MPs from all the
major political parties and members
of The House of Lords, and aims to
promote the critical importance of
the cleaning and hygiene industry.
JIM MELVIN
Chairman of
British Cleaning Council

ARE YOU MAKING THE MOST OF
YOUR CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP?
BY KAREN ST JAMES BOYDE
As this is the first edition of The
Standard for 2023, I wanted to
take a few minutes of your time
just to say hello again and remind
you of your Corporate Member
benefits. I do have the pleasure
of speaking to many of you on
a regular basis, and I know these
are busy times, but I wanted to
ensure you are making the most
of your membership.
Firstly, you can use our BICSc
Corporate Member logo on your
email signatures, letterheads, in fact,
whatever marketing purposes you
require, as well as our ‘click to verify’
version of the logo for use on
your website.
By using the ‘click to verify’ version
on your website it not only allows
potential customers to confirm you
are a genuine member but also helps
to ensure our logo isn’t misused by
non-members of BICSc.
You are a Corporate Member of
BICSc, so let people know and
if you need assistance adding
the logo, please contact me.
BICSc Standards & Best Practice
is our technical journal covering
everything you need to know about
cleaning standards, specifications,
productivity rates, and a whole
lot more. As a Corporate Member
you have free access to the digital
version and should have received
a link to enable you to view. If you
have mislaid the link, please let me
know and I can resend.
I did contact everyone towards
the end of last year about our new
Membership Directory that is now
live on our website. The directory
allows visitors to the BICSc
website to search for members
in their area either by
company name, location,
or by sector/industry.
If you want to be included
in the directory but
haven’t yet provided
me with the relevant
information, please
let me know and
we can add your
company details.
The technical help desk is
available through email at
helpdesk@bics.org.uk if you have a
query or question relating to cleaning
that you would like advice on then
please make use of this service.
In addition to the above, as
Corporate Members you also have
access to four free courses found
in our Cleanlogic certificated range
of training workshops, which
have been designed to assist you
with new staff to your business to
improve their basic knowledge and
ensure their safety. Please check
them out on our website under
‘Training & Services’. On successful
completion of each course your
staff can download a certificate
to reflect that.
Talking about training, which is
so important for moving your
business forward, you do also
receive member rates on our other
Cleanlogic certificated courses on
offer, you just need to add your
member code previously supplied.
Concerning accredited training
through our CPSS Suite, which
starts with the Licence To
Practice unit, candidates can
progress through the practical
skills that are applicable to
their role. The Licence to
Practice and all of the skills
within CPSS will require the
candidate to undertake a
practical assessment. The
Corporate Member rate for
this online training is already
displayed on the website
under each course.

Talking to some of you I know
there is often the concern that
you invest time and money to
train your staff and then they
leave. There is a very famous
quote from Henry Ford that
says: “The only thing worse
than training your employees
and having them leave is not
training them and having them
stay.” So, if you are interested
in discussing training options
or have any questions, then
please get in contact with me.
We have some great supporters
of BICSc who offer our members
benefits such as Citation, who
can help you with HR issues,
employment law and obtaining
ISOs to add to your business
profile.
When your insurance is due, please
remember Darwin Clayton who,
as a leading broker in the industry,
can help find the insurance
product that is right for you.
Rubbermaid Commercial Products,
part of Newell Brands, offer
Corporate Members discounts on
various products.
For an unexpected treat for
yourself – or as a thank you to
a member of staff – Great Little
Breaks offer our members reduced
rates on their weekend retreats.
As members, you can use your
code to receive reduced fees in our
online shop on many products, and
we are proud to provide you with
many facts finding helpful pointers
through our Media Hub.
For a full list of your member
benefits please find them under
‘Membership’ on our website and
if you require any of the member
codes again let me know.
We do our very best to keep you
up to date with news by using
social media, email updates, The
Standard magazine, and our new
improved website, as well as a
number of industry publications
that are available, but it is also
great to hear from you and what
your business is up to. If you have
any news to share, please drop us
an email for our marketing team
to look at with a view to adding it
to the Media Hub section on our
website, or in a future edition of
The Standard.
I am here to help you, so
please don’t hesitate to
contact me. And, as the saying
goes, if I can’t help you, I know
somebody who can!
Finally, my usual reminder
please, should any details of
your membership change moving
forwards, corporate contact,
address, etc., then please do
drop me an email to advise at
membership@bics.org.uk
Take care and wishing
you all a healthy,
in body and
business, 2023
Karen
KAREN ST JAMES BOYDE
Membership Coordinator
8 | 9

SHIFTING ATTITUDES WITHIN
AN EVER-GROWING INDUSTRY
The domestic cleaning industry is
often referred to as the invisible
industry, and for good reason.
Despite being a vital service
that helps to keep homes clean
and well-maintained, domestic
cleaners are often overlooked
and undervalued.
One of the biggest challenges
facing the domestic cleaning
industry is the fact that many
cleaners are not properly
employed. Instead, they may work
as independent contractors or
sub-contractors, which means
that they are not entitled to the
same benefits and protections
as traditional employees. This
can lead to a lack of job security,
inadequate training, and a lack of
access to support and resources.
As a result of this precarious
employment status, there can
be large variations in cleaning
quality standards. Some cleaners
are highly skilled and take pride
in their work, while others may be
less experienced or motivated.
This can lead to inconsistent
results and can be frustrating for
homeowners who are paying for
a professional service.
Another issue facing the domestic
cleaning industry is the lack of
recognition from suppliers. Many
cleaning products and equipment
manufacturers barely even
recognise that these businesses
exist, let alone specifically
market to them. This can make it
difficult for cleaners to access the
resources they need to do their
jobs effectively.
The domestic cleaning industry
is also something of a "grey area"
in terms of classification. It is
often lost somewhere between
homeowner cleaning and
commercial cleaning, with many
homeowners opting to clean their
own homes and many commercial
cleaning companies focusing on
larger, more high-profile clients.
This can make it difficult for
domestic cleaning businesses.
The domestic cleaning industry
has long been overlooked and
undervalued, with many people
viewing it as a low-skilled and
low-paying job. However, attitudes
towards the industry are starting
to shift, and more and more people
are beginning to recognise the vital
role that cleaners play in
our society.
One of the main reasons for
this change in attitude is the
recognition of the massive
spending size of the domestic
cleaning industry. According
to recent estimates, the global
domestic cleaning market is
worth billions of pounds,
and it is expected to continue
growing in the coming years.
This has caught the attention
of suppliers, who are starting
to recognise the potential
of this large and
untapped market.
As a result, more and more suppliers
are beginning to specifically market
to the domestic cleaning industry.
This includes manufacturers
of cleaning products and
equipment, as well as
companies that provide
training and support to
cleaners. This is a welcome
change for those working
in the industry, as it means
that they will have access to a
wider range of resources and
support to help them succeed.
One organisation that has been
at the forefront of this shift is
the Domestic Cleaning Business
Network (DCBN). The DCBN
is a community of professional
cleaning businesses and individuals
that is dedicated to promoting and
supporting the domestic
cleaning industry.
One of the key initiatives that
the DCBN has supported is the
creation of a safety course for
all domestic cleaning operatives.
Working in partnership with
the British Institute of Cleaning
Science (BICSc), they have
developed a comprehensive course
that covers all aspects of safety in
the cleaning industry.
This course is designed to
ensure that all domestic
cleaners have the knowledge
and skills they need to work
safely and effectively.
It covers topics such as
hazard identification, risk
assessment, and control
measures, as well as personal
protective equipment and
emergency procedures.
THE STANDARD

DEVELOPING YOUR STAFF?
WOULD LOVE TO!
BY JAMES MARSTON
LBICSc
Frontline training is proving ever
more difficult to resource, deliver
and consolidate. Pulling staff away
from duties for a shift or half shift
is no longer as viable for many
organisations. Businesses must
watch their costs, ensuring service
operators can carry out their job
effectively whilst safely meeting
a client’s needs. A balancing act
between critical training and
resources for managers.
Online training and its recent surge
has created alternative training
solutions away from face-to-face
training, giving staff options in
their vocational development.
For organisations, both methods
of teaching have their individual
benefits and flaws, and neither
is perfect. When it comes to
learning, a combination of different
approaches and methods is proven
to work best, but neither of these
alone can promise to provide
optimal results.
The benefits of face-to-face
training cannot be denied. Some
candidates would do much better
in a collaborative environment
whilst others want to learn at their
own speed and have the discipline
to see the course through.
The Institute had no option in
2019 but to develop its online
offer through the creation of its
VIRTUAL TRAINING SUITE (VTS).
Key knowledge could be delivered
this way, however the barriers to
learning highlighted above, meant
assurance of standards in the
workplace could not be achieved.
To resolve this problem, BICSc
took its assessment model for
the CLEANING PROFESSIONAL
SKILLS SUITE (CPSS) online also.
In order to pass assessment,
candidates must apply the
knowledge and the systematic
approach to completing cleaning
tasks safely with quality results.
JAMES MARSTON
Training and Support Specialist
The results have been surprising
to many in that pass rates are very
high. Staff completed training in
full and demonstrated they can
work to a high standard. Because
of the practical formal assessment,
there was no escaping completion
of the course.
This move provided the assurance
for employers that learning was
understood and if candidates
passed online formal assessments,
the cost and time would be
worthwhile. The candidate
developed and adopted the right
skills and behaviours which is
always good for business and
the individual.
Does this model allow dynamic,
quality and successful training
outcomes in the most pressured
environments? We think so.
James M
10 | 11

THE FUTURE OF
COBOTICS IS IN DATA
– NOT DEVICES
Robotics, much like any major
tech in the past three years, have
undergone a frankly dizzying
evolution - not only in their
technical capacity, which has
since overcome the teething
problems of early devices, but in
business models. This is especially
true in the world of cleaning
robots, far from replacing existing
cleaning procedures, they have
become true business enablers:
much less a product, and more
part of an integrated cleaning
service, a partnership between
human and machine - and widely
known now as Cobotics. It’s an
intriguing time for the technology,
and the industry.
It's an intrigue shared by facilities
management customers too.
Having emerged into a ‘new
normal’ and a new technological
era, business owners are
reaping the operational benefits
and becoming considerably
more receptive to upcoming
technologies. It’s this interest,
arguably, that has catapulted the
robotic revolution to success.
THE STANDARD
But that so-called ‘new normal’
isn’t quite so new anymore.
Cobotics customers recognise
the rapid pace of technology
and the demands of modern
workplace standards. Having
emerged from the complications
of Covid, cleaning clients place a
renewed and ongoing importance
in safe and sanitised workplaces.
Businesses may be eagerly
awaiting an evolution, but cleaning
technologies have evolved
exponentially in a scant five
years; how do we harness existing
technologies to provide true
longevity to cobotic solutions?
In its haste, has the market
overlooked the true value of
cobotics: the data?
Potentially, the market’s appetite
for cobotics outweighs its
understanding. When the team
at ISS first started delivering
cobotic solutions, we noticed
that many early adopters had
somewhat misinformed ideas of
how this new technology would
operate, deploying robots with a
view to fulfil tasks as opposed to
supplement their cleaning. Our
approach has been to leverage
the wealth of invaluable business
data which many adopters simply
weren’t exploring.
This will be the next great
challenge for operators. Not only
will they need to capture, present
and integrate this data holistically,
they’ll need to enable adopters to
do the same: help them read the
data, help them personalise it to
DOMINIC BASCOMBE
– Product Performance
Director, ISS
their bespoke business needs,
and help them interpret their
cobots as a long-term investment
- not an iteration.
The service model pricing is
testament to this, and it’s where
people become integral to the
equation. The ‘co’ in cobotics
speaks to a collaborative
foundation. That goes further than
the relationship between cleaner
and robot; it favours a personalised
approach, where customer and
supplier both understand the
service requirements. To that
end, suppliers must do more than
present the data; they should work
with their users to interpret it, to
let them see the results in action
and to work, collaboratively, on
their future strategy.
As the data improves, so too does
an adopter’s understanding of their
cleaning efficiency. How much
floor space can the device cover in
areas of differing furniture density
and what are its operational
shortfalls? With cobots covering
more menial tasks, how much time
is spared for more rewarding work
– maintaining the intricate touch
points that make the workplace
more welcoming? We have found
that smart data application gives
our employees, who we call
placemakers, far more flexibility
over their cleaning strategy.

Yet presenting data is only one
half of the solution. Data is
remarkably versatile, and if we’re
not reading it, we’re putting it
to work. The standardisation of
the Internet of Things has made
data, across multiple touchpoints,
widely compatible. When our
business technologies ‘converse’,
the operational efficiencies
aren’t only felt by the cleaning
teams. Sensors, for example, are
increasingly affordable and allow
real-time calculations of staff
presence. Systems that adapt to
the volume, placement and flow
of people can help cut operating
costs and allow our placemakers to
react appropriately to the cleaning
demands of businesses.
It's an isolated example, but
it’s by no means one with a
singular outcome. Consider the
ongoing demands of businesses:
the need for lowered costs;
the desire for reduced carbon
emissions and wastage; the
aspirations of the modern
workforce, who want more
demanding and rewarding work.
When data works in tandem,
it automates these processes.
For cobot users, that means
empowering placemakers with
smarter decisions and insights,
cutting down on manual cleaning
effort and ultimately making the
returning workforce feel more
welcome in a cleaner,
safer workplace.
Data is a two-way street,
though, and as users
produce and utilise this data,
suppliers gain invaluable
insights into the working
trends of their adopters
and industries.
It is their input which
ultimately shapes our future
technologies. If we’re to keep
the ‘co’ in ‘cobot’, then that
sentiment – like our data –
is ultimately something
worth sharing.
12 | 13

ASK THE ASSESSOR: PRACTICAL ADVICE
FROM SOME OF OUR AMAZING ASSESSORS
BY KELSEY HARGREAVES LBICSc
When I completed my BICSc
training and finally became
accredited as an Assessor,
I felt so much pride and joy
to be part of an institute that
sought to protect cleaning
operatives while at the same
time giving everyone a fair
opportunity to achieve.
BICSc training was always
well received by any
candidates and often I was
inundated with requests
for more and more
training! Myself, other
assessors, trainers and
candidates loved being a
part of an institute that
spanned the world, and
made us feel like a part of
something bigger!
Now, many of you out there assessing
may not have realised this! You may
be a lone assessor on a site, and
want to network with all of the other
amazing assessors that are BICSc
accredited. Sharing your experiences,
tips and tricks and asking questions
are all part of development and at
BICSc we love that!
So if you’re currently an assessor,
perhaps thinking of becoming an
assessor or currently training to
be an assessor, it may be helpful
to get some tips and tricks from
those assessors who are currently
accredited! I asked some of our
amazing assessors from all different
parts of the industry to share their
top tips and tricks around training
and assessing! I hope you find it as
useful as I did!
The amazing assessors that
shared their tips and tricks were:
TINA MEMORY
(BICSc Assessor of the year 2022!)
London Borough of Hounslow
-----------
OLIVER EMPSON
(Finalist for BICSc Assessor of the year 2022!)
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital
-----------
GARY BRADFORD-MATTHEWS
2gether Support Solutions
-----------
JUTIRESA CABASAL
Khansaheb Facility Management UAE
-----------
PUNDARIK GHIMIRE
Infracare
Q Have you got any advice on how to deal
with different learning styles?
Q Advice on where to train and how to
deal with lack of training space at site:
Oliver Empson
linked back to the
BICSc Accredited
Trainer course,
where he noted:
“Tell me and I forget,
teach me and I may
remember, involve
me and I learn”.
Gary
Bradford-
Mathews
said that:
“People often worry about
making a mistake during their
training and having a controlled
environment helps to reduce the
anxiety that some may feel”.
Pundarik Ghimire
commented on
training people
from different
backgrounds,
different countries
and wanted to share
how important it is to
respect every person,
“Adopt their basic
dialects, at least
greeting, hello, etc.,
which motivates them
and makes them feel
comfortable in learning”.
Jutiresa commented:
“When there is a lack of space for training.
Online BICSc training videos are essential
for the candidate’s learning, seeing an
actual demonstration will mark on their
mind on how to properly do the skills”.
THE STANDARD

Q Have you utilised your free access to the BICSc online training videos?
Many of the Assessors commented on the usefulness of the videos, in relation to different learning styles:
Tina commented
that the videos are an
“Excellent tool” as
“A lot of people will take
in more by watching video,
as opposed to watching
an assessor demonstrate.”
Gary explained how
“The BICSc online
training videos have been invaluable”.
“The videos support the ‘Demonstration
and Repetition’ training we [2gether
support solutions] provide. The narration
is delivered at a steady pace and the
feedback we have received is that
they are easily digestible in our
training groups”.
However Oliver commented
on the usefulness of the
videos for other reasons:
“I use them
personally to
refresh my memory
from time to time”.
Q Top tips on how to calm the candidate’s nerves around the assessments
Tina explained that
her approach is to:
Pundarik noted on the
power of feedback,
Jutiresa said that:
“Always try and make it fun
as they are most likely to
enjoy it at the same time,
taking in what’s being
demonstrated”.
“Always give
constructive feedback.
Focus on his/her
strength rather than
weakness”.
“Sharing her personal
experiences, starting from being
a housemaid, a cleaner, housemaid
trainer to a BICSc Accredited Trainer
and Assessor, hard work and dedication
pays a lot. BIG dreams start from
learning the right way”.
Q Do you have any top tips on how to help a candidate understand their BICSc training?
Pundarik Ghimire noted that:
Gary explained that he would
“Proper storage set up
to demonstrate and make
the cleaning cupboard and
equipment easily accessible
to the candidates”
“Highly recommend a soft toy ‘Pest’.
Not only does it give our training candidates a physical item
to be aware of as part of their training but having one has
delivered a few laughs along the way. This in turn has
created a more relaxed atmosphere too!”
...is central in helping the candidate
understand their BICSc training.
“The free online courses
can be especially useful if
the candidate wants extra
information on the key
tenets of BICSc! I especially
love that even I was able to
get a few extra certificates
and knowledge about
COSHH and PPE!”
KELSEY HARGREAVES
Assistant Technical Specialist
It was great to hear and read
these top tips from some of
our amazing assessors out
there! Thank you all for your
contributions and remember if
you ever have any questions,
watch out for our Assessor
updates and our Virtual
Training Suite, and please do
not hesitate to get in touch
with our customer service
team at BICSc.
14 | 15

ENTER 2023
WITH OPTIMISM!
The beginning of a new year brings
with it a sense of opportunity
and as 2023 unfolds, cleaning
professionals could be forgiven
for taking a sigh of relief.
2022 was turbulent – the pound
crashed to its lowest level ever,
we saw four chancellors and three
prime ministers, taxes hit a 70-year
high as wages fell at the fastest rate
in decades and inflation sparked a
cost-of-living crisis.
This year, the prospect of a blank page
and fresh start is more welcome than
ever and promisingly, confidence in
the UK’s economic prospects look
set to improve in 2023.
According to the IoD’s Economic
Confidence Index, 55% of business
leaders expect increased revenue
in the next 12 months while around
30% expect higher business
investment and employment rates.
This confidence signals a busy year
ahead and all businesses must be
ready to meet this demand head on.
Here, Jess Pritchard, Head of the
Corporate Sector at Moneypenny
shares her tips to help BICSc members
‘clean up’ in 2023 and deliver brilliant
client care all-year-round.
1. Make a plan – Start the year by
regrouping with your wider team.
Explore how the enquiry pipeline is
looking, identify your challenges and
opportunities and establish where
extra support, be that in-house or
outsourced, might be required to put
you on the front foot.
2. Extend availability – Consider
that consumer communication
habits have changed, and
businesses need to be available
outside the traditional 9-5.
Outsourced telephone answering
and live chat solutions ensure that
enquiries can be answered around
the clock, without putting extra
pressure on staff.
THE STANDARD
The team at DOC Cleaning came
to us as their admin team didn’t
have the resource to handle calls
24/7. An outsourced solution
is now providing professional
support and allowing DOC’s
cleaning team to concentrate on
their core tasks without worrying
about calls being missed or routed
to the wrong people. The fact
they can now maintain great
communication with their clients
and stakeholders will help to set
them up for a positive year ahead.
3. Be proactive – As well as putting
measures in place to handle
inbound communications,
consider investing in outbound
support to follow-up with
enquiries and qualify leads
before they’re passed on to
team members – another way of
boosting productivity by allowing
experienced team members to
focus on more profitable tasks.
4. Supercharge your web presence –
Live chat technology generates six
times more website engagement
and encourages visitors who
wouldn’t otherwise take the time
to email or call, to engage with
you. It also reduces the risk of
them taking valuable potential
business elsewhere, putting you
ahead of your competitors from
the very offset of 2023.
5. Think recruitment –
The cleaning sector is in demand,
but there are recruitment
challenges to tackle. Consider
how you are handling enquiries
from new recruits (both
online and over the phone)
and whether there is room
for improvement. Ask yourself
if utilising outbound support
could help to position you as an
employer of choice. The best
talent expects the best
recruitment experience –
starting with the very first
contact, be that a call, email,
live chat or online form.
6. Protect your brand – Committing
to consistent client care protects
the brand that you’ve worked so
hard to develop. Empower in-house
staff to continue giving warm
welcomes while simultaneously
avoiding calls ringing out or
reaching voicemail. This ensures
enquirers are left feeling confident
that their business is valued and
positions your business as one
who cares.
Jess concluded: “Of course, every
cleaning business experiences peaks
and troughs but if your bottom line
is dipping as a result of being unable
to handle incoming enquiries,
there’s a problem. If a prospect can’t
speak to someone online or via the
phone on demand, you will miss out
on valuable enquiries. That business
will fall straight into the hands of
a competitor.
“2022 taught us that no one knows
what’s around the corner, so don’t
fall victim to changes in demand
and make sure you have the right
business support systems in place.
Your cleaning services are needed
all year round, so make sure your
client communications solution can
help you grab 2023 opportunities
with both hands.”
JESS.PRITCHARD
Head of Corporate Sector.
Jess.Pritchard@moneypenny.co.uk
0345 123 3700

IS BLEACH
THE ANSWER
?
A Q&A WITH
ANDREW KEMP PhD
April 20th 10.30am GMT
BICSc would love you to join us for an
open and honest discussion around the
best methods for cleaning and disinfection.
Head of the Scientific Advisory Board for BICSc,
Dr Andrew Kemp PhD will be available to answer
questions regarding these sometimes-thorny areas
of the most effective disinfection practices.
DR ANDREW KEMP PhD
Q A
BICSc Head of Technical, Denise Hanson will
also be available to answer questions on cleaning
practice and technique. Please submit any
questions that you may have so we can ensure
the best use of time for this exciting session.
?
?
?
?
?
Q A
?
?
?
DENISE HANSON
Head of Technical Services
To reserve your spot
for this webinar and
submit your question,
scan the QR code:
Q A
SUBMIT
YOUR
QUESTIONS
?
?
?
?

HOW APPROPRIATE
ARE APPRENTICESHIPS?
In the last few issues of The
Standard, I have written about
youth employment, namely, how
we, the cleaning industry, can
make ourselves more attractive to
the younger generations of society
and create our next generation
of cleaning and hygiene
professionals. A lot
of what I have written about
is about making ourselves,
what we are offering and
what we are doing accessible
to the society that doesn’t yet
understand our industry fully.
As we begin to question the ways
in which we sell ourselves as the
professional, diverse, vibrant
industry that we are, we also
need to look at the things we
are offering and making sure we
show them in the best light. As
we all know, we can learn a lot
from other perspectives, from the
outsider view and we can develop
even further through feedback.
There is a lot of talk in the
industry at the moment about
apprenticeships and rightly so.
The British Cleaning Council
(BCC) has done incredible work on
offering yet another pathway into
the cleaning industry for the next
generation of cleaning and hygiene
professionals, and I, as a younger
cleaning professional could
not be more thrilled to see the
industry being seen by education
authorities as a professional sector
which offers professional careers.
As we move forward with these
amazing tools we must question
who these tools are appropriate
for and the ways in which we can
utilise each pathway to ensure we
generate the best results.
I do not profess to hold all the
views of the younger generation,
but I am lucky enough to be a youth
ambassador for Youth Employment
UK, where I was able to ask fellow
youth ambassadors their opinions
on apprenticeships. Ben Coutlas,
Youth Ambassador and Level 3
Business Administration apprentice
sat down with me and talked me
through his experiences on the
apprenticeships he has completed.
THE STANDARD
KELSEY HARGREAVES
Assistant Technical Specialist

THINGS ENJOYED ON
APPRENTICESHIPS:
• Apprenticeships are offered to
all age groups, you can cultivate
a really diverse group of people
which helps you feel part of
something bigger
• Like with accredited training,
you get practical application
of theoretical training and then
a qualification
• You can use your apprenticeship
to develop into different roles.
You may train to do one thing,
but utilise the skills and
knowledge you have of this
new industry into a different
role within that industry
THINGS THAT
COULD HAVE BEEN
IMPROVED ON:
• 20% of the time on an
apprenticeship should
normally be spent studying.
In practice this does not always
work. If anything, this can create
unnecessary stress. If you are
going to offer apprenticeships,
you need to ensure your
candidates actually have this time
• You are supposed to be offered
support after, especially in terms
of job applications and
progression. Too many times
apprentices are left to figure
it out on their own
• Apprenticeships do not work
for everyone, or are offered
in a way that is not accessible
to a lot of people
WHAT DO YOU THINK
PUTS YOUNG PEOPLE OFF
APPRENTICESHIPS?
• WAGE – The stigma of
apprenticeships is that the pay
is lower. Although there are
apprenticeships that offer the
same rate of pay as those who
are qualified, this is not always
the case. People may choose
to go for a job that pays more
money, because their need for
money in the now is greater than
the chance of earning more in
the future. If you are offering
an apprenticeship, be very clear
what pay you are offering
• TITLE – Sometimes the titles
of the apprenticeships are too
overcomplicated. Even if the title
isn’t over-complicated, the title
of being an ‘apprentice’ can be
off-putting to people
• TIME – It is a big commitment
for many people. Some people
want to complete training
where they can do it in their
own time or fit it in around
the life they have outside of
work. Apprenticeships are big
commitments; we can’t say it
works for everyone
Ben Coutlas
Ben is currently finishing his
second apprenticeship and
will then move on to his third
apprenticeship. Ben is a big
advocate of the apprenticeship
programme for younger people,
and has thoroughly enjoyed his
time on the different schemes
he has been a part of. Ben
was very clear that although
apprenticeships can be offered
to all and may work for a lot of
people, we shouldn’t dismiss
other options out there for
young people.
We as an industry do not just
want to be an option. We want
to be a known option. The way we
do that is by listening to the youth
and being reactive. We need to
make ourselves accessible.
By this I mean: promote ourselves
in an accessible inclusive manner,
understand the problems the
youth of today face, the hurdles
and barriers they have and ensure
that we can offer solutions.
People and their lives, young
or old (or in the middle!) are not
the same, so neither should the
options they have be!
If we pushed for funding to
train younger people in the same
way we push for apprenticeship
schemes for our industry, then
we can truly be an industry that
offers appropriate opportunities
to the next generation of
cleaning professionals.
18 | 19

PRIVATE HEALTHCARE
IS PEACE OF MIND
No matter how fit and healthy we
are, it is inevitable that at some
point in our lives we will fall ill and
need medical care. And when illness
does strike it is to the NHS that
most people will turn in seeking a
diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
The NHS has for some years been
showing signs that it, too, is not in
the best of health. A growing and
ageing population is putting an
ever-increasing strain on staff and
services. A problem exacerbated by
the coronavirus pandemic.
Reports of underfunding, a
shortage of medical staff, noisy
and overcrowded wards, cancelled
operations and long waiting times
will be familiar to everyone.
In England, hospital waiting lists are
longer than ever before, with a total
waiting list of 6.84 million people
with nearly one in eight of
the population waiting for
treatment.* This is the highest
number since records began and
illustrates the devastating impact
that COVID-19 has caused the NHS.
QUICK, PRIVATE
AND CONVENIENT
Understandably, these lengthy
delays are causing additional stress
for patients, undermining their
health and quality of life even
further. How many people do you
know whose physical health and
mental well-being has deteriorated
from the anxiety of having to wait
months for a hospital appointment?
All this can be avoided by taking
out private health insurance.
Seeing a doctor in private
practice used to be only
for the wealthy, but not
anymore as the cost of
private medical cover
is becoming more
affordable.
A private medical plan delivers
prompt access to hospital
consultants, thus avoiding lengthy
waiting lists. Patients can choose
from an extensive list of hospitals
throughout the UK; if they need to
be admitted, they will have their
own private room equipped with
TV and telephone, and visiting is
arranged to suit patient and family.
A quick, private and convenient
service that removes many of the
anxieties associated with NHS
hospital stays. Furthermore, some
providers have no upper age limit
attached to their policies and cover
can even be extended to include
family members.
TAKING CONTROL
OF YOUR HEALTHCARE
However, those interested in taking
out health insurance should not
leave it too late. As we get older
our healthcare needs increase.
Therefore, as only some of the best
health insurance companies provide
cover for pre-existing conditions,
the best time to invest in getting
private treatment for illnesses you
may suffer tomorrow – is today.
By acting now you can ensure your
future healthcare will not be dictated
by NHS bureaucracy and, just as
importantly, you will be able to benefit
from the widest possible cover.
Private health insurance cannot
guarantee good health, but it can
ensure that when you are feeling
unwell you will quickly receive the
best possible care, when and where
you want it. The peace of mind that
comes with that knowledge cannot
be underestimated and is often the
most important factor for people
deciding to take control of their
healthcare provision and "go private".
The British Institute of Cleaning
Science has agreed with HMCA to
offer discounted rates for medical
plans. HMCA only arrange medical
plans for membership groups and
can offer up to a 40% discount off
the underwriter’s standard rates.
For further information and
quotations contact HMCA by
telephone on 01423 799949 or visit
the exclusive HMCA British Institute
of Cleaning Science website here:
WWW.HMCA.CO.UK/BICS
THE STANDARD
© HMCA/S PLC (trading as Hospital and Medical Care Association, HMCA and HMCA Members) 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.

BRINGING
THE SCIENCE OF CLEANING
TO THE HOMEMAKER
We are delighted to be working with the Clean & Tidy Home Show for the
second year, returning to ExCeL London on 14th and 15th October 2023.
The Clean & Tidy Home Show features celebrities, influencers and experts
(including BICSc!), whilst showcasing the latest cleaning, organising, home and
self-care products and bringing together a growing community of homemaking
enthusiasts. We heard from the Founder of the show, Penny Moyses, on how
important it is what we educate and inform our growing community of homemakers.
PENNY MOYSES
Founder of the Clean
& Tidy Home Show
This year, BICSc will sponsor our
Ask An Expert feature, in which
representatives will deliver
educational sessions and host Q&As
for our community of homemakers,
cleaning professionals, influencers,
brands and professional organisers.
Knowing and understanding the
science behind cleaning is crucial
when it comes to effectively looking
after our homes and those who live
in them. BICSc can provide insight on
how we can make better decisions
about products, how to use them,
how to protect ourselves and others,
as well as how frequently we should
clean. There are always new things
to learn – new discoveries, products,
ideas, technology – not to mention
how our lives have changed and will
continue to do so.
When the BICSc team were at the
show in 2022, they asked some of
the brands if they knew the contact
time and shelf life of their products.
Not many could say with confidence
what they are, indicating a gap in
education that has existed for some
time across the industry.
I find it fascinating that many of us
wouldn’t tackle plumbing our own
toilet, fixing something on our car or
diagnosing ourselves for an illness
– yet so many of us clean our own
homes. Now, of course, information
is accessible online but how do we
know what can be trusted and what
can be backed up?
I am delighted that cleaning our
homes has become more fun, shared
socially and something to be proud
of, with scents galore. That said, a lack
of education can cause the wrong
information to circulate, for example,
TikTok trends that take off, causing
considerable risks – such as mixing
products. We are not always aware
of the dangerous and damaging impact
products can have on our health as
well as our children, pets, guests as well
as furniture and loved possessions.
We need an impartial authority
to help us navigate conundrums
like “Should I use bleach?”, “Do eco
products work as well as others?”
and “How should I wash my cleaning
equipment?”. These are just a few
of the questions that will be on the
Ask An Expert agenda at the show.
I have a problem with the term
‘common sense’. We throw the
phrase around too much. Common
sense is derived from intelligence
and experience; it will come more
naturally to some, but ultimately,
we can only have more of it by
expanding our skills and knowledge.
What will be common sense to one
person might not be to another. It
is important that there is no stigma
or shame in our community, only
kindness, collaboration and support,
that we help share what we know
and advise without judgement.
We all have much to learn as the
world around us is changing. Just like
you may carry out some refresher
training or learn about a new product,
process or development, we should
be open to doing this in our homes
whilst striving to be more ethical in
our decision making. I am excited to
develop incredibly useful content with
BICSc and sincerely hope that this is a
partnership for years to come.
To find out more, please visit WWW.CLEANANDTIDYHOMESHOW.COM
or get in touch with me at PENNY@CLEANANDTIDYHOMESHOW.COM!
@cleanandtidyhomeshow @cleanandtidyhomeshow @cleanandtidyhomeshow clean-tidy-home-show cleantidyshow

DEDICATION AND DETERMINATION:
A Q&A WITH JESSICA DRENINOVA
BY KELSEY HARGREAVES LBICSc
In December 2022, I had the
pleasure of training Mount Charles
in Northern Ireland, among the
fantastic candidates there, I met
Jessica Dreninova. On a very cold
winter’s evening after a successful
day of training, myself and Jessica
were discussing our paths into the
cleaning industry, how our careers
had developed and why we knew
the cleaning industry was where
we were supposed to be.
Every career progression story that
I have the pleasure of being told
always leaves me with lessons that
I try to take with me on my own
journey, but Jessica’s story has
been on my mind every day since I
was first told it.
In the past few years, our industry
as well as the people inside and
outside of it have been left feeling
lost with the world around us awry.
Jessica’s story showed how with
perseverance, dedication and belief
that, as Jessica put it, “there will
always be light at the end of the
tunnel”, amazing things can happen.
I asked Jessica a few questions and
here is what she shared.
How hard did you first find
joining the cleaning industry?
What were the struggles
that you faced?
I found it very hard at the start. In
2010 I arrived into Northern Ireland.
I had 100 Euros in my pocket, with
very little English and no job lined up.
After a few days here I managed to
get a job cleaning cottages
as a housekeeper.
I used to travel 30 minutes there
and 30 minutes back by bus. It
was a very busy environment
and I worked alone. When I did
see people, I found the language
barrier very difficult, and because
the cottages were in the middle
of nowhere I had no way of
THE STANDARD
communicating with the outside
world. As the weeks passed, the
time I spent in my own job in this
new country made me feel more at
home, I had a routine to follow,
I had a job to take pride in.
Is there anything your managers,
colleagues, family or friends did
to help you understand and enjoy
your job role more?
The lady that ran the cottages gave
me a week-long induction. She
showed me where things were,
what I was expected to do and the
standard I was expected to achieve.
She tried to make it as clear to me
as I could. I remember talking to my
husband about the language barrier
and how it became difficult at work
sometimes. My husband already had
a good understanding of the English
language so he helped me. He took
a piece of paper and wrote a list. The
list had words in Slovak and words in
English; words like ‘vacuum’, ‘carpet’
and different cleaning products
that I would be using. I remember
holding onto the list tightly until
finally I didn’t need it anymore. This
list helped me understand what
customers needed and helped me
feel more comfortable.
What made you stay
in the cleaning industry?
Originally I wanted to stay in the
cleaning industry because it helped
me pay my bills. It was also one
of the only industries that I could
understand and thrive in with my
language barriers.
On top of that I found cleaning
so relaxing and I saw personal
development in my job. In 2012 I
worked as a Cleaning Operative in
a factory and after four years, the
client asked my manager if there was
a way I could be promoted. I was so
happy. I was working in an industry
that recognised my hard work. I felt
like I had found my place.
JESSICA
DRENINOVA
In all your amazing
achievements of your career
in the cleaning industry,
what are you most proud of?
In 10 years, I have gone from 100
euros in my pocket, with no job
lined up and very little English to
proudly being an Area Manager.
I have achieved a distinction in
Business Administration Level 2
Qualification, which I completed
in English and I have created a life
in Northern Ireland. I can’t believe
where I am!
What advice would you give to
someone at the start of their
career in the industry?
My advice? Never give up and
don’t be scared. Even if times get
hard there will always be light at
the end of the tunnel. If you are
offered new experiences or the
chance to develop in some way,
take it! You have nothing to lose,
but everything to gain.
Thank you so much for sharing
your story Jessica. It was a
pleasure to train alongside you
and we are very proud to have
you as a colleague and BICSc
Accredited Trainer.
HERE’S TO YOUR NEXT
10 YEARS JESSICA!

COULD YOU BECOME
A COUNCIL MEMBER?
BY STAN ATKINS
FBICSc
IN 2023, THERE WILL BE
A COUNCIL ELECTION FOR
INDIVIDUAL REPRESENTATIVES.
THE MAIN PURPOSES OF COUNCIL ARE:
TO REPRESENT THE INTERESTS OF MEMBERS
TO MONITOR DELIVERY OF THE AGREED STRATEGIC PLAN
TO REPRESENT AND SHARE THE ETHOS OF THE BRITISH INSTITUTE OF CLEANING SCIENCE
To be eligible to join Council as an
Individual representative, you must
have had three years continuous
membership and be a fully paid-up
member of the Institute. Individual
Members are elected to Council by
the Individual Members that have
voting rights. This is done by means
of an independently managed ballot
carried out by UK Engage. Individual
Council members are elected for a
period of three years at which point
they may stand for a further term.
The maximum number of years an
individual member can serve is nine
years, i.e. three terms.
Next year there will be four potential
vacancies for individual members.
If you wish to stand for Council,
provided you have met the criteria,
you will need to provide a passport
size photograph and a 200-word
submission including what you
believe are the attributes you can
bring to this important role, you will
also need to confirm that you are
eligible to stand as a director.
As far as Corporate Member
representatives are concerned,
they represent the interests of the
Corporate membership. Corporate
Members are appointed by Council,
the company concerned must
have been a Corporate Member
for three years and the individual
representative must be a member in
their own right with valid voting rights.
The Institute encourages applications
from all sectors of the industry, from
operative to manager, the wider
the range of representation of the
industry the better.
WHAT WOULD BE THE EXPECTED
COMMITMENTS TO COUNCIL?
1. To be engaged with the Institute
via all channels of communication
so that you are aware of current
events, developments, and
changes to the Institute.
2. You will be required to attend
five meetings a year (two of
which will be held via Teams and
three which will be held faceto-face),
currently the face-toface
meetings are held close to
Birmingham Airport.
3. All elected members will be made
Directors of the Institute during
the time they serve on Council;
therefore, they will be subject to
the Companies Act 2006.
If your organisation uses the logo supplied when you join or renew on your company’s website, any visitor
who clicks on this will be taken to the YOSHKI verification page, which validates that you are a paid-up
member of the Institute. Although this is vitally important, only a small percentage of members use this
facility. The number of spurious logos and people who claim to be corporate members are increasing
yearly, so by using our correct logo/branding, you are protecting your investment.
22 | 23

SC JOHNSON
PROFESSIONAL
LAUNCHES NEW
WASHROOM SOAP
DISPENSER MADE
FROM 70% RECOVERED
COASTAL PLASTIC
SC Johnson Professional is
launching a new washroom
soap dispenser made from
recovered coastal plastic. The SCJ
Professional® Proline WAVE
1 litre washroom soap dispenser is
made from 70% recovered coastal
plastic, which is post-consumer
recycled waste plastic collected on
land within 31 miles of an ocean
so that it does not reach oceans or
landfills. Each SCJ Professional ®
Proline WAVE dispenser is the
equivalent of 16 x 500ml waste
plastic bottles that have been
prevented from reaching the oceans
or landfills in vulnerable coastal
areas where there is little formal
waste collection infrastructure.
Eight million metric tonnes of plastic
reach the world’s oceans every
year, equating to a rubbish truck
full of plastic being dumped into the
ocean every minute. This is an issue
around the world and SC Johnson
Professional’s new soap dispenser
is a further opportunity to reuse
plastic waste that otherwise was
bound for the ocean or landfills.
SC Johnson Professional CEO
Katja von Raven said:
“In the US
and Europe, SC Johnson has
already seen successful launches of
bottles made from 100% recovered
coastal plastic in Mr Muscle ® and
Windex ® product ranges, thanks to
the company’s global partnership
with Plastic Bank. At SC Johnson
Professional we are now excited to
be bringing this truly innovative
approach to professional markets
as well, with our SCJ Professional ®
Proline WAVE soap dispenser.
“In our extensive market research with
facility management professionals,
we found that 91% of respondents
believed that their choice of a skin
care dispenser can contribute to
meeting their business’s sustainability
targets. So, by leading the way
with our new dispenser made from
70% recovered coastal plastic,
we are allowing our customers to act
immediately on a topic they and their
people care about.”
The SC Johnson partnership with
Plastic Bank empowers collection
communities in vulnerable coastal
areas in Indonesia, Philippines and
Brazil to stop plastic waste before it
enters the oceans or landfills, whilst
improving the lives of those who
collect it by providing them with a
new source of income.
SC Johnson Professional believes
the new SCJ Professional® Proline
WAVE soap dispenser will help
organisations who choose it to
achieve their own sustainability
goals by demonstrating they are
making a sustainable choice that
helps stop plastic waste from
reaching the oceans or landfills and
supports the important work of
Plastic Bank.
1. https://www.scjohnson.com/en/stories/sustainableworld/plastic-reuse-and-recycling/2021/how-scjohnsons-recycled-bottles-help-lift-up-familiesand-fight-ocean-plastic
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE SCJ PROFESSIONAL ®
PROLINE WAVE SOAP DISPENSER
CLICK HERE

WELCOMING OUR NEW MEMBERS
CORPORATE MEMBERS
NOVEMBER, DECEMBER 2022
& JANUARY 2023:
INTERNATIONAL
MEMBERS
UK MEMBERS
INTER EMIRATES BUILDING
CLEANING SERVICES LLC
SEYAB ASSET MANAGEMENT
ROYAL CATERING SERVICES
KHADAMAT CO.L.L.C
EMCO QATAR
DCBN - DOMESTIC CLEANING
BUSINESS NETWORK
PRACTICE CONTRACTS LTD
DUSTFREE SUPPORT
SERVICES LTD
LITTLE COTTAGE
INDUSTRIES LTD
SN CLEAN LTD
ADN CLEANING
SERVICES LIMITED
UNIVERSITY OF HULL
KANDI KLEANERS LTD
SOLUTIONS 4 CLEANING LTD
SBFM GROUP LTD
YOUR OPTION SERVICES LTD
TGC FACILITY SERVICES LTD
VERSAILLES CLEANING LTD
THELO SERVICES LTD
TOP CLEAN MCR LTD
CALABASH GROUP SERVICES LTD
ELIOR UK PLC
ACCREDITED
TRAINING
MEMBERS
NOVEMBER, DECEMBER 2022
& JANUARY 2023:
INTERNATIONAL
MEMBERS
MUSANADAH
UK MEMBERS
HEATH & WILTSHIRE LTD
24 26 | 27

THE
STANDARD
NEED TO REACH US?
MEMBERSHIP
MEMBERSHIP@BICS.ORG.UK
TEL: +44 (0) 1604 678 711
UK TRAINING
TRAININGANDSERVICES@BICS.ORG.UK
OR
VIRTUAL TRAINING SUITE
TO BOOK CLICK HERE
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
ENQUIRIES
INFO@BICS.ORG.UK
TEL: +44 (0) 1604 678 710
BICS.ORG.UK
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