The Standard Issue 4 2023

THE
TITLE,
STANDARD
SUB TEXT
1St Para [BOLD]
2nd Para [REG]
EDITION 4
2023
CELEBRATING THE
BICSc AWARDS 2023!
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE...
ELEVATING THE UK
CLEANING INDUSTRY
FROM WITHIN | P5
AWARDS
SUCCESS!
| P8
HOW THE CLEANING
INDUSTRY CAN REACH
NET ZERO | P24
BICS.ORG.UK
NEWS EVENTS WORLDWIDE STANDARDS

03 THE CHAIRMAN'S HELLO:
STARTING WITH A SPARKLE
BY SOO BARTHOLOMEW MBICSc
04 HELLO AND WELCOME
TO THE LAST EDITION OF
THE STANDARD FOR 2023.
BY NEIL SPENCER-COOK MBICSc
05 ELEVATING THE UK CLEANING
INDUSTRY FROM WITHIN:
A PERSPECTIVE FROM
THE CSSA'S SOUTHERN
COMMUNITY GROUP
07 BICSc HOSTS INSIGHTFUL
"ASK AN EXPERT" AT THE
CLEAN & TIDY HOME SHOW
08 AWARDS SUCCESS!
AT THE BICSc AWARDS 2023!
14 CHARITY CHAMPIONS
BY SOO BARTHOLOMEW MBICSc
16 EMBRACING THE FUTURE:
THE DATA-DRIVEN APPROACH
BY GARETH LEVERTON,
MANAGING DIRECTOR,
BIRKIN GROUP
19 MEET NICKY ELLIS,
PBICSc, OUR CUSTOMER
SUPPORT ADVISOR
20 THE LATEST UPDATES
FROM SAVEFAST
TRAINING ACADEMY
22 TORK OFFICE HYGIENE
PACKAGE TM IMPROVES
WORKPLACE SATISFACTION
24 CLEANING UP THE INDUSTRY:
HOW THE CLEANING
INDUSTRY CAN REACH
NET ZERO.
26 MY CAREER IN CLEANING
BY JAMES REYNOLDS MBICSc
29 OCCUPATIONAL
HEALTH & SAFETY:
MUSCULOSKELETAL HEALTH
BY SPONTEX-PRO.COM
33 CHEMICAL FIRST AID AT WORK
BY PRUMEDICAL.COM
34 APPROVAL GIVEN FOR
CLEANING HYGIENE
OPERATIVE APPRENTICESHIP
BY BCC
36 A NEW WAY TO SPRAY
A PRACTICAL ALTERNATIVE
TO AEROSOLS AND
PRESSURISED CONTAINERS.
39 WELCOMING OUR
NEW MEMBERS
THE INSTITUTE
WISHES FORMER
GROUP CEO
STAN ATKINS A
FOND FAREWELL
AT THE BICSc
AWARDS 2023!
THE STANDARD

THE CHAIRMAN'S HELLO:
STARTING WITH A SPARKLE
BY SOO BARTHOLOMEW MBICSc
This is my first report to
you as Chairman of this
great Institute and it is with
tremendous pride that I sit
here writing it. For those
of you who know me, you
are, I hope, aware that I
am passionate about the
industry, having worked
my way up the ladder
from the days when I was
a cleaning operative at
a small primary school in
Berkshire to now working
as the Technical Director
with the leading innovative,
technology-led company in
the industry.
The role of the cleaning operative,
their safety, training, career
pathway and recognition of their
role is very much at the forefront
of my thoughts when I am at work,
but how we go about achieving
this is multi-faceted and it is with
this in my mind I am sharing some
excerpts of my first speech as the
Chairman from our Awards event in
September, as I am aware that not
all of you were able to attend.
Our industry challenges us every
day, from maintaining clean and
hygienic spaces in which to work,
play and live in, staffing, vetting,
training and lastly, managing all of
this. We cannot do it without all of
the wheels and cogs turning in the
right direction at the right time, so
with that train of thought, I would
like BICSc to promote and engage
with all levels and all areas of
our industry.
I believe that the greatest challenge
is to educate those who sit outside
of the industry in the level of skills
that are needed to deliver clean and
hygienic spaces and that while in
the past these have been perceived
as menial tasks, they are in fact
tasks that require a higher level of
skill and understanding.
I am so pleased to see that the
Apprenticeship scheme is now at
the final sign off stage, but we must
not stop there. Now that we have
the apprenticeship scheme, we
need to ensure that we have good
take-up, to guarantee that we use it
and don’t lose it.
I would like BICSc to engage with
all the various trade bodies to
ensure we share our knowledge,
best practices and, as BICSc, we
ensure we develop the courses and
the training that
delivers the skills
to the operatives,
supervisors,
and managers
of the future.
Allowing us
all to gain the
recognition from
everyone, that the
cleaning industry
is truly a skilled
industry not just
in the delivery of
cleaning, but in
sales, accounting,
HR, health and
safety, and
compliance among
other crucial areas.
For our part, BICSc now has
training modules accessible online,
which helps reduce the time that
operatives and managers need to
spend away from their day-to-day
activities. We want to develop these
further to ensure we are delivering
the knowledge and skills base the
industry needs to move forward
alongside the innovation that is now
rapidly emerging.
We will be looking to set-up
workshops and webinars to ask you
all what you would like to see from
us and how we can enhance our
offering to ensure that BICSc can
meet all your future needs. I very
much look forward to seeing you
at these.
Soo
SOO BARTHOLOMEW
National Chairman
2 | 3

THE BICSc
BULLETIN
HELLO AND WELCOME
TO THE LAST EDITION OF
THE STANDARD FOR 2023
BY NEIL SPENCER-COOK
MBICSc
NEIL SPENCER-COOK
Group Managing Director
You will find in this edition a full
run down of the Awards for 2023,
some information on the winners
and the all-important pictures that
many of you may be waiting to see.
Whilst we are on the Awards,
please save the date for next year,
26th September 2024. As we sold
out early this year, we're thrilled
to have moved to a larger venue
to accommodate even more
people and it will be held at
The Belfry, Lichfield Road, Wishaw,
Sutton Coldfield, B76 9PR.
We look forward to welcoming you
and don’t forget to keep an eye out
on the website for sponsorship
opportunities, when to apply and
when you can buy tickets.
As you can imagine everyone is
settling into their new roles and
there are lots of exciting things
going on.
I did say to you all last time that I
would update you on what to look
out for in 2024, so here goes.
The Cleaning Professional Skills
Suite (CPSS) is due its three yearly
review and this has already started.
Thanks to the Assessor App we
can release changes quickly and in
batches rather than all at once.
The first changes will come to LTP
before the end of the year. Then
we will carry on with the reviews
throughout 2024. This isn’t a major
review, but we will need to make
a few tweaks to remain valid with
changes in the industry.
Whilst we are talking about the
CPSS Assessor App, we are waiting
for some amendments to make
your lives easier, and once they are
checked these will be released.
We are working on a couple of free
online courses around robotics
and the environment in relation
to cleaning and these will be out
soon. In addition to this, we will be
working on increasing the number
of skills available in the Virtual
Training Suite. Do not worry, we are
still training face-to-face as well to
cater to our members' needs.
We are currently working on
producing a series of useful
webinars for you, to include topics
like, what can BICSc do for you, one
around the efficacy audit for the
NHS and much more.
In addition to all this there are
some updates being completed
to the BICSc Training Centre in
Northampton that will allow us to
provide some useful videos and
courses that we haven’t been able
to do before. Watch this space!
We are starting to work more
closely with the other organisations
around the future of the cleaning
industry and hope that this will
become even stronger next year.
And finally, I cannot finish this
without mentioning the new Level
2 Cleaning Hygiene Operative
Apprenticeship. At last, the industry
has an apprenticeship that companies
can access their levy funds with.
Thank you to the team headed up
by Lauren Kyle for their success in
getting this across the line.
May I take this opportunity to
wish you all a great festive season
and new year if you celebrate and
here’s to a successful 2024.
THE STANDARD
I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS QUARTER'S EDITION!

ELEVATING THE UK CLEANING
INDUSTRY FROM WITHIN:
A PERSPECTIVE FROM THE CSSA'S
SOUTHERN COMMUNITY GROUP
As a member of the
CSSA's Southern
Community Group,
I am part of a community
ready for significant
change and growth.
The recent formation of
the Regional Community
Groups, both in the
South and North,
showcases the CSSA's
commitment to fostering
a united, empowered,
and forward-thinking
community. Our
collaboration with the
British Institute of
Cleaning Science (BICSc)
is not just a testament
to this vision but also
an indication of our
collective ambition to
drive change beyond
traditional boundaries.
Being part of the Community
Groups offer a preview of the
exciting future we're building
together. Here's what members
can look forward to:
1. Continuous Learning:
We will host regular workshops,
seminars, and training sessions
to keep members updated with
the latest industry trends and
best practices.
2. Networking Opportunities:
Members will have the chance
to interact with industry peers,
share experiences, and build
valuable connections that can
lead to collaborative ventures.
3. Access to Resources:
Membership will grant access
to a wealth of resources, from
cutting-edge research papers
to innovative cleaning solutions.
4. Voice in Industry Matters:
Members will have a platform
to voice their opinions,
influence decisions, and actively
contribute to the industry's
growth and direction.
Beyond these offerings, our
alliance with BICSc is set to
explore collaborative initiatives
that address social challenges,
promote inclusivity, and champion
sustainability in the cleaning
industry. This partnership
underscores our shared goals and
serves as a source of inspiration
for many in the community.
Recognising the rapid shifts
in cleaning methodologies,
technologies, and management
practices, our joint initiative
aims to provide holistic
training solutions.
Being a part of the CSSA's
Southern Community Group is an
enlightening experience, and I am
optimistic about the bright future
ahead for our industry. Together,
with the support of BICSc and the
broader CSSA community,
we are shaping the future of the
UK cleaning industry, ensuring
it remains dynamic, relevant,
and empowered.
FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN BEING A PART OF THIS EXCITING
JOURNEY AND EXPERIENCING THESE FUTURE BENEFITS,
PLEASE REACH OUT BY EMAILING JOHN@CSSA-UK.CO.UK.
YOUR INVOLVEMENT CAN TRULY MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
MERCI MAROSI
MEMBER OF
CSSA SOUTHERN
COMMUNITY GROUP
(MARKETING EXECUTIVE
– BIRKIN GROUP)
4 | 5

BICSc HOSTS INSIGHTFUL
"ASK AN EXPERT"
AT THE CLEAN & TIDY
HOME SHOW
BICSc hosted the Ask An Expert area at the Clean & Tidy
Home Show in October. It was one of the busiest and
highly regarded features at the show. The sessions were
designed to empower and educate cleaning enthusiasts,
homemakers, and industry professionals alike.
HERE'S A RECAP OF THE SESSIONS:
1. CLEANING 101:
Basics and advanced techniques
for home cleaning.
2. KITCHEN CLEANING CHECKLIST:
Maintaining kitchen hygiene,
adhering to guidelines.
3. CLEAN YOUR BATHROOM:
Step-by-step guide for effective
bathroom cleaning.
4. DIY CLEANING PRODUCTS:
Cost-effective homemade
cleaning solutions.
5. MAKE YOUR FLOORS SPARKLE:
Techniques for various
flooring materials.
6. LIMESCALE REMOVAL:
Understanding limescale
and effective treatments.
7. MOULD AND MILDEW STAINS:
Cleaning methods,
prevention strategies.
8. TO BLEACH OR NOT TO BLEACH:
Understanding the uses
and precautions of bleach.
9. MICROFIBRE CLOTHS:
Proper usage and maintenance.
10. TOILET CLEANING MASTERY:
Best practices, recommended
products, and frequency.
11. SUSTAINABLE CLEANERS:
Evaluating the effectiveness and
value of eco-friendly products.
12. UNDERSTANDING LABELS:
Importance of label information,
including contact time,
shelf life, and PPE usage.
BICSc also sponsored the Contribution To The
Community category at the inaugural Clean
& Tidy Awards. Neil Spencer-Cook presented
winning brand Adored Earth with their award.
BICSc are looking forward to returning to the
Clean & Tidy Home Show as a sponsor and
exhibitor on the 19 th & 20 th October 2024 at
ExCeL London. We hope you can join us.
SAVE THE DATE...
WWW.CLEANANDTIDYHOMESHOW.COM
SAVE THE DATE

AWARDS SUCCESS!
Every year the BICSc Awards are
a resounding success and this year
was no exception!
Our eminent winners were revealed
at our prestigious awards ceremony,
which was attended by the leading
lights from the global cleaning
community.
Celebrity host and star of TV’s
The Chase, Paul Sinha, professional
quizzer, comedian, doctor and
broadcaster, kept guests entertained
during our industry-leading
awards ceremony.
Every year the awards recognise the
exceptional and exemplary efforts
of industry stars from the global
professional cleaning community.
“We are proud the BICSc Awards
showcases and celebrates excellence
from all corners of the cleaning
industry and celebrates the best
of the best from the worldwide
professional cleaning community -
it was a privilege to share the success
of everyone who won. Our fantastic
sponsors ensured the event was the
perfect way to recognise and reward
the individuals and organisations
who were worthy winners of these
prestigious awards.”
An array of awards were presented to
winners on the night which included:
Outstanding Corporate Member
of the Year – presented to a
BICSc corporate member for their
outstanding corporate commitment
to the Institute and through
excellence in supporting
the Institute’s goal of raising
awareness and standards for the
cleaning industry:
Winner - Lynn Webster
Consultants Ltd
Excellence in Training and
Assessment (UK) – this award is
for training and development by
an Accredited Training Member,
who is audited and approved
to deliver BICSc training and
assessment within their organisation
based in the United Kingdom:
Winner - University of Huddersfield
This year we were once again
inundated with entries with winners
announced at the glittering black-tie
ceremony staged at The Forest of
Arden Hotel & Country Club.
Neil Spencer-Cook, BICSc Group
Managing Director, said: “We were
thrilled with how well received
this year’s awards were and it was
fantastic to be able to congratulate
our overall winners on the night,
which was an outstanding success.

Excellence in Training and
Assessment (International) -
this award is for training and
development by an Accredited
Training Member, who is audited
and approved to deliver BICSc
training and assessment within
their organisation operating outside
of the United Kingdom:
Winner - NCC Holding L.L.C.
Assessor of the Year – this award
acknowledges the success of an
inspirational individual Licensed
Assessor who, when it comes to
exacting standards, continues to
strive to raise the bar. This accolade
is awarded to someone who
demonstrates an outstanding level
of passion, professionalism, and
commitment to excellence for their
students and themselves:
Winner - Pundarik Ghimire
Outstanding Client Commitment
by a Cleaning Operative – this award
is for an individual who exhibits
exceptional commitment to
BICSc standards. They will be a
supporting figure when it comes
to excellent service delivery:
Winner - Olga Bancov
Outstanding Candidate of the
Year – this special award reflects
the exceptional achievement of
an individual and their award of
BICSc qualifications. The focus will
be centred on how the candidate
has been able to achieve an award
against personal difficulties or
adversity. It shines a spotlight on
someone who has gone the extra
mile to complete and receive BICSc
qualifications within the workplace:
Winner - Steven Parish
Additional awards also presented
on the evening included:
• The Chairman’s Award –
Winner - Sue Robinson
• The Eric Hill Award –
Winner - Jill Roberts
• The International Award
– Winner - Khansaheb
Facilities Management
• Commitment to BICSc
Training and Assessment
within Healthcare
– Winner - Nuffield Health
• Commitment to BICSc Training
and Assessment within Education
– Winner -University of York
• Commitment to BICSc Training
and Assessment within Daily
Commercial Cleaning
– Winner - Emrill Services LLC
Guest speakers participated in the
Exhibition and Industry Insights
Conference which was staged at the
venue prior to the awards ceremony.
Keynote speakers from across the
industry shared knowledge and
expertise on leading industry issues.
Neil Spencer-Cook added:
“We are extremely grateful to all
our generous sponsors for their
unwavering support, which makes
this annual awards event a sell-out
success every year. Plans are
already underway for the BICSc
Awards for 2024!”
8 | 9

AMAZING AWARD WINNERS!
THE CHAIRMAN’S AWARD
SUE ROBINSON
THE ERIC HILL AWARD
JILL ROBERTS
THE BICSc INTERNATIONAL AWARD
KHANSAHEB FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
COMMITMENT TO BICSc TRAINING
WITHIN HEALTHCARE
NUFFIELD HEALTH
COMMITMENT TO BICSc TRAINING
WITHIN EDUCATION
THE STANDARD
UNIVERSITY OF YORK
COMMITMENT TO BICSc TRAINING
WITHIN DAILY COMMERCIAL CLEANING
EMRILL SERVICES

OUTSTANDING CORPORATE
MEMBER OF THE YEAR
LYNN WEBSTER CONSULTANTS LTD
EXCELLENCE IN TRAINING
& ASSESSMENT (UNITED KINGDOM)
UNIVERSITY OF HUDDERSFIELD
EXCELLENCE IN TRAINING &
ASSESSMENT (INTERNATIONAL)
NCC HOLDING L.L.C.
ASSESSOR OF THE YEAR
PUNDARIK GHIMIRE
OUTSTANDING CLIENT COMMITMENT
BY A CLEANING OPERATIVE
OLGA BANCOV
OUTSTANDING CANDIDATE OF THE YEAR
STEVEN PARISH
10 | 11

THE STANDARD

12 | 13

CHARITY CHAMPIONS
BY SOO BARTHOLOMEW
MBICSc
Generous guests attending the
BICSc Awards are always incredibly
supportive of the Chairman’s Charity
fundraiser and this year’s event raised
the most money ever!
At this year’s awards event a total of
£2,060 was raised for The Chairman’s
Charity Prize Draw which for the first
time was in aid of Guy’s & St Thomas’
Kidney Patients’ Association, a cause
very close to the heart of BICSc new
chair Soo Bartholomew.
Soo wanted to help shine a spotlight
on the amazing work of the association
which has helped her and her family
after her youngest daughter Claire
was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes
when she was just eight-years-old and
was insulin dependent.
Soo explained: “During her teens
Claire began to have problems
controlling her blood sugars,
which eventually led to numerous
complications because it is such a
horrible disease and it resulted in her
kidneys failing in late 2018 which
meant she had to go onto dialysis
in early 2019. She was put onto
the transplant list at the same time
because she was only 30-years-old
at that time and she wanted to have
some sort of life going forward.
“It was very tough for the next three
years. We had to move house and she
had to move back in with us, she lost
her job and was unable to work and
because of other health complications,
including osteoporosis, which is also
another byproduct of being diabetic,
she broke her pelvis in three places
and had a stroke.
“Fortunately after numerous tests
we were able to get her back on
the transplant list and she had her
transplant in August of 2022. She had
a double transplant, pancreas and
kidney, so she is no longer diabetic,
no longer has kidney failure and is
no longer on dialysis. Unfortunately
THE STANDARD
because of all the other problems she
had and because of the suspension of
the transplant list during Covid, she
still has lots of problems.
“That aside, the fact that she no longer
has to get up at 5am three mornings a
week for us to take her to dialysis and
she doesn’t have to spend half a day on
dialysis is absolutely wonderful.”
Soo explained the mental toll
everything has taken on her daughter.
“Going to sleep every night and
wondering if you are going to wake
up affects her mentally, it all has an
impact. There are lots of costs to
also deal with and that’s where the
patients association really helps.”
“We are financially secure so didn’t
have to call on the organisation to
help in that respect, but there are a lot
of people who aren’t and they need
help. The money that was raised at the
awards night will help patients get to
the hospital and support their families
while they are having their transplant.”
The money raised will also help
provide support for patients
undergoing treatment and transplants
in the hospital where there is a day
room for patients’ families to await the
outcome of their operations.
Soo said: “It is a very worrying time
when they disappear into the hands
of a surgeon for 12 hours.”
“I am a very strong person and
I try to keep a positive outlook
about things and if there is
something that I can do I will.
You have to look at these
things positively and you
have to always be optimistic
that there will be a positive
outcome at the end of
the day."
Janice Stephens, Treasurer, Guy’s & St
Thomas’ Kidney Patients' Association
said: “Thanks very much. This money
will be used to support kidney patients
at the hospital. We do this in various
ways e.g. by supporting social events
for dialysis patients, funding research
projects, supporting attendance at the
transplant games and promote organ
donation.”
Soo said: “It is the most ever raised
at one of our events. Claire is also
pleased about how much has been
raised and she knows how this will
help so many families.”
Claire’s best friend is still on the
waiting list and they are hoping she
will have a transplant soon. Claire, Soo
and family will be there to support her
through everything.
Soo added: “Her best friend calls me
Mama Soo and Claire calls them twins
as they have been through the same
things together.”
Next year Soo’s chosen charity will be
Diabetes UK and she hopes during her
tenure as chair that she can continue
to “support these charities and help
them in any small way because at the
end of the day it is a pebble
in the pond”.
SOO BARTHOLOMEW
National Chairman

EMBRACING THE FUTURE:
THE DATA-DRIVEN APPROACH
BY GARETH LEVERTON,
MANAGING DIRECTOR, BIRKIN GROUP
In the ever-evolving landscape
of cleaning, innovation is not just
a buzzword; it's the cornerstone
of excellence. At Birkin, our
commitment to pioneering new
methods and technologies has
positioned us at the forefront of the
industry's transformation.
The introduction of Whiz, the
award-winning cobotic vacuum
cleaner from SoftBank Robotics,
signifies a monumental shift in
cleaning paradigms. Beyond being
a state-of-the-art machine, Whiz
represents a new era where cleaning
is efficient, consistent, and smart.
Its BrainOS®-powered navigation
ensures meticulous cleaning in
complex environments, and its
prowess in reducing harmful
particles sets a new benchmark in
cleaning standards.
We recognise that innovation
isn't solely about introducing new
machinery; it's about harnessing
the power of data to drive
decision-making, predict the hours
needed for cleaning accurately
and optimise cleaning routines.
Through the integration of sensor
technology and data analytics, we
can now assess foot traffic, space
utilisation, and environmental
conditions in real-time. This data
allows us to forecast the cleaning
requirements of a space, ensuring
that we allocate the right amount of
resources. Not only does this lead to
cost savings, but it also guarantees
that spaces are maintained at the
highest standards. By predicting
cleaning hours, we can optimise our
workforce, reduce wastage, and
enhance client satisfaction.
THE STANDARD

Tools like Whiz provide immediate
feedback on cleaning performance.
This real-time data allows our teams
to identify areas that may require
more attention, ensuring consistent
cleaning standards across all
locations.
The integration of IoT sensors offers
a wealth of information. These
sensors can detect foot traffic, dirt
accumulation rates, and even air
quality. By analysing this data, we
can tailor our cleaning schedules
to address high-traffic areas more
frequently, ensuring a cleaner and
healthier environment.
By studying trends and patterns in
the data, we can predict potential
cleaning challenges before they
arise. This proactive approach means
we can allocate resources more
efficiently, preventing issues rather
than just reacting to them.
Data interpretation is now a core
component of our training programs.
Our operatives are taught not just
cleaning techniques but also how
to read and act on data insights.
This dual expertise ensures that our
teams are equipped to handle the
challenges of today's data-driven
cleaning environment.
We use data to set benchmarks
and performance metrics. Regular
reviews of this data allow us to
identify areas of improvement,
ensuring that we continually refine
our processes and deliver the best
possible service to our clients.
By embracing a data-driven
approach, we are not only setting
new standards in cleaning but also
ensuring that our clients benefit
from the most efficient, effective,
and tailored cleaning solutions
available.
The cleaning industry is on the
brink of a transformative era. With
the rise of collaborative robots
like Whiz and the emphasis on
data-driven training, the future
promises not just cleaner spaces
but smarter solutions. As Birkin
charts this exciting journey, our
unwavering focus remains: to offer
our clients unparalleled excellence,
underpinned by relentless
innovation.
GARETH LEVERTON
MANAGING DIRECTOR,
BIRKIN GROUP
16 | 17

MEET NICKY ELLIS,
PBICSc, CUSTOMER SUPPORT ADVISOR
I left college at 19 after studying
business and finance for three years.
I chose not to go to university,
it wasn’t for me, I wanted to get out
into the world and start earning.
My first position started with
Kuehne and Nagel working on the
shop floor. By age 21 I had worked
my way up the ladder through stock
control and being a forklift driver.
I even purchased my first house.
During my eight years with K & N I
got married and started a family.
K & N decided to relocate,
I was facing redundancy but found
a position which introduced me to
customer service and admin.
Over the years I worked my way
round the departments picking up
skills as I went, which provided me
with further experience and a wealth
of knowledge, granting me access to
higher paid positions.
Working across different sectors
taught me a lot about the challenges
faced and the best processes to put
into practice to overcome them.
I also met so many different people
from backgrounds and cultures, some
of whom I still remain in touch with.
Now my children are grown and
not so dependent on me, I decided
I wanted to change the direction of
my career. I wanted something more
worthwhile. BICSc were advertising
and the position was exactly what I
was looking for. After a really pleasant
interview, here I am!
Having worked in the water treatment
industry organising the clean and
disinfection of cooling towers and
water storage tanks. I worked with
clients across many industries from
medical, hospitality, industrial and
education. I thought some of my
training could be used in the position
BICSc was offering.
I was trained in legionella, disinfection,
chemical handling, writing risk
assessments and health and safety.
Whilst doing my LTP these skills came
in very handy.
In my first week at BICSc I was made
very welcome. The staff made me feel
so comfortable I felt like I had been
here much longer.
I was invited to the illustrious
BICSc awards which
was a good networking
opportunity to meet
potential and existing
clients, as well as to
see what BICSc
stood for as
a training
provider.
As our members and their employees
received awards and recognition of
their work, you could see their faces
light up and how proud they were.
It really hit home how very little
opportunity people in this industry
have to be acknowledged.
As my training with BICSc
commenced, I even picked up some
tips for my own home. Did you know
that antibacterial spray needs a
contact time? I didn’t! I was a wipe and
go. Now I know better!
I was also advised to fill a rubber
glove with a part white vinegar
and part water solution to descale
a shower head. I know this works
particularly well.
I’m no longer using Google or
Pinterest. In fact, my colleagues have
now replaced them.
I’m glad I joined BICSc the team are
very close and supportive of each
other as well as their external clients.
Building relationships with my peers is
important to me hence my longevity in
a customer service role.
I look forward to the future.
Kind regards
NIcky
NICKY ELLIS,
PBICSc, Customer
Support Advisor
18 | 19

THE LATEST UPDATES
FROM SAVEFAST
TRAINING ACADEMY
SaveFast Training Academy are
one of the IMEA region’s foremost
and fastest growing training
companies, providing one-stopshop
solutions across fourteen
industries. We are proud to be
the only approved centre for the
face-to-face delivery of the BICSc
Licence to Practice (LTP) and
Cleaning Professional’s Skill
Suite to the external market in
Saudi Arabia.
SaveFast KSA is delighted to
announce that during a recent visit
to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
from BICSc senior management,
three members of our team
successfully obtained Assessor
approval for the region. SaveFast
shares BICSc belief that cleaning is
a skilled and professional business,
offering real career advancement
opportunities and we take pride
in the fact that there is no such
thing as "just a cleaner".
Together with BICSc, our mission is
to enhance the professional status
and standards within the industry
through comprehensive training
and education. To date, we have
trained well over 1000 candidates
on the Licence to Practice (LTP)
and BICSc skills program and
helped implement BICSc standards
for prestigious organisations, such
as Riyadh Metro and the Red Sea
and NEOM Giga Projects. It is truly
gratifying to witness the positive
changes our customers experience
following the implementation of
BICSc standards.
Driven by Vision 2030 and supported
at government level, Saudi Arabia
is seeing rapid and welcome
improvements in cleaning standards.
SaveFast and BICSc are at the
forefront of these changes with a
number of key projects. SaveFast
is currently working with the Saudi
Ministry of Health to improve
cleaning standards in MoH hospitals
through specially tailored BICSc
training. We have also partnered
with cleaning supplies giant Diversey,
who are supporting BICSc training
for their customers. Successful
candidates are awarded the LTP card,
granting them the prestigious PBICSc
(Licence to Practice) and giving the
operatives and their companies
a valuable USP in an increasingly
competitive market.
SaveFast KSA is delighted to
announce that we have been chosen
as the supplier of BICSc training
and assessment services for NEOM.
This hugely ambitious project is the
brainchild of his Royal Highness
Mohammed bin Salman, Crown
Prince and Chairman of the NEOM
Company Board of Directors.
NEOM, meaning “new future”, is a
visionary region powered entirely by
renewable energy. Spearheaded by
the Public Investment Fund, NEOM
THE STANDARD

sets a new benchmark for sustainable
living, working, and thriving. NEOM
is divided into four distinct areas:
The LINE, Oxagon, Trojena, and
Sindalah. Each of these spaces
presents unique opportunities for
innovation and growth and NEOM
plays a significant role in achieving a
key objective of the Kingdom’s Vision
2030, which is to propel Saudi Arabia
towards unparalleled livability and
groundbreaking conservation.
We would like to extend our
warmest congratulations to
the team of Supervisors and
Managers from NEOM Hospital
for successfully completing
the BICSc Licence to Practice
& 13 core skills training. This
comprehensive program included
mandatory units focused on
Chemical Competence, Safe Care
and Use of Equipment and Storage
of Equipment. Representing
the hospital Eng. Hani Alyafei,
the hospital Academy Director,
expressed his enthusiasm for the
provision of these valuable
skills and competencies to
the management team.
Eng. Hani went on to
explain that the ultimate
goal is to improve the
status and standards of
cleaning at the hospital
through education and
accredited training.
The hospital is now planning for
their trained employees to share
their knowledge and expertise
with their front-line cleaning staff.
This achievement reflects the
dedication of NEOM Hospital in
ensuring the highest standards
of cleanliness and hygiene within
their facility. The organisation's
commitment to continuous
improvement and professional
development is commendable,
and we wish them continued
success in their endeavors.
Cleaning services at the NEOM
site are provided by the Public
Investment Fund (PIF) owned
Facility Management Company
(FMTECH). The company,
established in August, will offer a
comprehensive range of services,
including utilities, energy, and
waste management as well as
maintenance, housekeeping,
security, and landscaping services.
The training provided by BICSc
and SaveFast demonstrates the
government’s commitment to
implementing international best
practice in its cleaning activities
SaveFast and BICSc are excited
by the opportunity, the appetite
for improving standards and
the emphasis being placed at
the highest levels of the Saudi
Government on delivering the
highest standards of cleaning
excellence throughout the
Kingdom. A further illustration of
this firm commitment to excellence
is the cleaning standards pilot,
currently being run by the Ministry
of Education (MoE), Tatweer
Building Contracting, SaveFast
and BICSc that could lead to BICSc
standards being mandated for over
800 schools run by the MoE.
We applaud the Saudi
Government’s commitment to
achieving full implementation
and compliance of BICSc
standards in key industries
across the Kingdom
and we are proud
to be a part of that
ambitious journey.
20 | 21

TORK OFFICE
HYGIENE
PACKAGE TM
IMPROVES
WORKPLACE
SATISFACTION
New from Essity is the Tork Office
Hygiene Package TM designed to
help businesses improve staff
satisfaction in the workplace.
The package incorporates smart
hygiene solutions, a new air freshener
and the Office Complaints Minimiser
which allows facility managers to test
their hygiene and cleaning knowledge
against industry data.
Gripes about toilets account for
more than 45 per cent of office
building complaints according to a
recent Statista study.
And a second survey carried out in
2022 revealed that 86 per cent of
office employees regard cleanliness
as the most important aspect of a
good working environment, while
85 per cent believe the state of the
washrooms reflects the cleanliness
of the building overall.
“If restrooms are run well and
efficiently, cleaning teams have more
time to clean the rest of the facility,”
says Anna Königson Koopmans,
Marketing Director Commercial for
Essity’s professional hygiene business.
“And our research shows that better
cleaning quality leads to better
employee workplace satisfaction.”
The Office Complaints Minimiser
is a gamified digital challenge aimed
at improving facility managers’
knowledge about hygiene and
cleaning solutions in a bid to reduce
complaints and save time.
Also incorporated in the Tork Office
Hygiene Package is Tork Vision Cleaning
which is designed to take the guesswork
out of the cleaning operation. Using
real-time data from people-counters
and connected dispensers, Tork Vision
Cleaning indicates to facility managers
and cleaning staff those situations
where extra cleaning might be required
and where dispenser refilling is needed.
This reduces the number of dispenser
checks required by up to 91 per cent
while also ensuring that all
dispensers are kept topped up 99 per
cent of the time.
And helping to keep the office
environment smelling fresh is the
new Tork Constant Air Freshener, a
propellant-free aircare system that
neutralises odours continuously
and evenly. The dispenser can be
mounted at a reachable height for
cleaners, unlike many systems that
need to be placed high up on the wall
in order to be effective. This means
refills can be easily integrated into
normal cleaning routines, while the
product is third-party certified as
easy to use for speedier refilling.
“Facility managers are facing
multiple challenges including supply
chain issues, labour shortages,
sustainability legislation and a high
staff turnover,” said Anna Königson
Koopmans. “Taking the pressure off
them is important for us and we are
always looking at how our products
and services can deliver both a great
user experience and drive more
efficient cleaning.”
FOR ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
PLEASE CONTACT:
Ann Laffeaty
Public Relations
Essity Professional Hygiene
Tel: +44 (0)7728 882210
ann@annlaffeaty.com
Amelia Baker
Regional Brand
Activation Manager
Essity Professional Hygiene
Tel: + 44 (0)1582 677400
amelia.baker@essity.com
www.tork.co.uk/officehygiene
THE STANDARD

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CLEANING UP THE INDUSTRY:
HOW THE CLEANING INDUSTRY
CAN REACH NET ZERO.
Similar to several sectors,
the cleaning industry has seen
sustainability transition from a
'nice to have' to a core imperative
to retain growth and customer
engagement. Companies now
seek higher service standards,
genuinely environmentally
sustainable products, and quality
environmental data; all while
maintaining competitive prices.
While these challenges may appear
formidable, addressing them unveils
genuine opportunities for business
growth and transformation within
the industry. And in doing so, we
contribute to a greener, fairer, and
more sustainable planet.
Our partners at Planet Mark
organised a roundtable featuring
seven cleaning industry leaders
and suppliers: Regular Cleaning,
City West Support Services,
DOC Cleaning, NuServe, Property
Support Services UK, City & Essex,
and Wessex Cleaning. Together,
they delved into this emerging
trend, exploring how companies
in the sector are meeting the
demand for sustainability and
sharing valuable insights for
others embarking on their
sustainability journeys.
Here's what they uncovered.
COSTS
Given the ongoing cost of living
challenges in the UK, it's no
surprise that, like consumers,
businesses are searching for ways
to minimise costs. Striking the right
balance between providing quality,
safety, and sustainability while
reducing costs and minimising
the use of harmful chemicals is
undoubtedly a challenge. However,
it remains a crucial focus for any
brand aiming to transition towards
more sustainable practices and
meet consumer demand. Although
innovation may initially come
with additional expenses, finding
greater efficiencies can be truly
transformative.
PURCHASING THE
RIGHT PRODUCTS
Plastic gloves, seemingly small,
cast a large shadow on cleaning
expenses and environmental
concerns. The Plastic Waste
Makers Index reveals alarming
figures, with 139 million metric
tons of single-use plastic waste
generated in 2021, setting
a historic record. Naturally,
balancing effectiveness and
sustainability is crucial here.
While potato starch gloves
have been explored, they lack
commercial suitability. Carbonneutral,
biodegradable gloves like
Back to Market's exist but often
at double the price. Addressing
this issue could require crosscorporation
collaboration,
increased distribution,
composting investments, and the
promotion of reusable options and
PSA certification to drive cleaning
brands closer to a net-zero future.
WATER USAGE
Along with gloves, water usage will
become a bigger sustainability issue
for cleaning brands in the future.
Here are some key solutions that
could transform how cleaning
companies use water more
sustainably:
• Communicating advice to
cleaners, such as flushing at
the end of the shift and not
with every bucket, is a great
way to make positive changes
immediately.
• Renovating and retrofitting
buildings with new technologies
will help to measure the carbon
emissions from water usage,
as well as compare consumption
and treatment.
• Charitable water donations
could be made, with the amount
of water used in a given year
matched and donated back to
third-world countries. In turn,
this enhances social value.
• Gathering figures from
manufacturers and the rest of
the production chain on the
water used to assemble products
will create a clearer picture of a
brand's environmental impact.
• Incorporating progressive, waterconscious
products into a brand's
cleaning lineup, such as Solupak,
can be invaluable. This soluble
sachet stops tonnes of water from
being shipped around the country.
THE STANDARD

AI AND ROBOTICS
REPLACING PEOPLE
Every forward-looking cleaning
brand must remain ahead
of industry advancements.
While technological progress
is undeniable, automation
doesn't provide a solution for all
challenges. Future clients will seek
harmony between technology
and human expertise while
considering the consequences of
carbon, energy, and water usage.
Additionally, numerous cleaning
brands aspire to attain B Corp
certification, and innovation plays
a pivotal role in this process.
The latest automated innovations
in the cleaning sector aren't
designed to replace workers,
who are still very much needed.
However, the benefits of
automation from a social and
environmental standpoint are
undeniable, including lower water
usage (4l for 650sqm of the floor
is one brand's goal) and further
efficiencies in time and cost.
Here are some further examples
of the radical innovations
that are developing within
the cleaning industry:
• Stabilised Aqueous
Ozone and probiotic
cleaning products
• Biodegradable, pre-dosed
soluble cleaning solution sachets
• Automated robots or 'cobots'
(collaborative robotic cleaning)
DATA
Without data, enacting
meaningful change in the right
places is almost impossible.
Cleaning brands should be
gathering data and understanding
supply chain emissions as much as
possible, with lifecycle assessments
and dream scenarios for the future.
Many cleaning manufacturers do
not track data on CO2, which can
make gathering information on
emissions and backing up green
claims even tougher. Challenging
manufacturers with detailed
surveys is the best way to hold
them accountable and collect
those vital statistics.
COMMUNICATING POSITIVE
ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE
Raising awareness serves as
the cornerstone of progress.
Integrating the communication
of environmental action changes
into your sustainability strategy
is essential but often complicated
by the complexity of a product's
environmental claims.
Clients may struggle to grasp the
environmental impact of certain
products, especially when cost
considerations dominate their
choices. Educating them on the
long-term value of environmentally
friendly options is challenging but
increasingly vital as environmental
awareness grows. Effectively
conveying sustainable practices
to employees, from optimal
product usage to scheduling,
remains a further challenge.
Addressing these challenges,
Planet Mark specialises in
supporting its members and
partners to communicate
sustainability to its stakeholders,
aiding them in comprehending
the financial and societal
consequences of
their choices.
FOR THE FULL REPORT, VISIT
THE PLANET MARK'S WEBSITE
AT: WWW.PLANETMARK.COM
24 | 25

MY CAREER IN CLEANING
MBICSc, JAMES REYNOLDS
When I was asked to write this article
by the Team at BICSc I was going to
say I came to the cleaning industry as
a career later in life, however when I
started to think back to the first jobs
I ever had, whilst still at school, they
would all have had cleaning in the job
description (if one of those things had
existed at the time).
The first job I can remember getting
paid for was as a Kitchen Porter in
a local hotel in Dunoon, in the West
of Scotland where I grew up. The
work involved a lot of spud peeling
and a lot of cleaning. It gave me my
first experience of using a dolly mop
– not a pleasant experience in that
environment.
THE EARLY DAYS
During my mid to late teens and then
again when I went to university I had a
number of jobs that helped provide me
with a bit of “pocket money” and also
to supplement my study grant, and
of course fund the significant social
activities that most students get up to.
Over the years I was a supermarket
assistant, council gardener, tennis club
assistant, café cook, shop assistant,
summer camp sports counsellor,
painter and decorator, football
steward, hotel porter, travel agent,
baker's assistant, and one of my
least favourites, a mini-bingo caller
at a Mecca bingo hall in the Gorbals,
Glasgow. The heckling that you got
from the “customers” if you called
rubbish numbers was legendary.
Many of these jobs involved cleaning
(everything from standard tidying
activities to carpet deep cleaning
and floor polishing) and they all had
one thing in common, no training for
cleaning tasks worth mentioning.
There was nothing about safe use of
equipment and chemicals, manual
handling, risk assessments, COSHH
or anything that we have all come to
expect as the norm in a commercial
cleaning environment. Usually the
supervisor or a colleague would just
take a few minutes to show you what
THE STANDARD
needed to be done and how to
do it. But to be honest I didn’t
expect any more than that, I didn’t
understand the potential hazards
and risks that I faced and it wasn’t until
some years later, after I left university
and started my “adult” career, that I
realised the value and importance of
high quality professional training.
ENTERING THE WORLD OF WORK
– PUTTING SAFETY FIRST
So I entered the world of work –
proper – with an Honours Degree
in Commerce with Information
Management and a Post Graduate
Diploma in Information Systems and
promptly took a job as a baggage
handler at Glasgow Airport. Although
being a “loader” was not in my career
plan at any point, an airport was one of
the most interesting and exhilarating
environments to work in and also very
dangerous – this was back in the early
1990s and airport operations in the
UK were still going through a cultural
change with regard to the provision
of professional training and putting
safety before everything else.
When I started in the industry getting
the planes away on time was the most
important priority and as a result
there were a lot of accidents and a lot
of damaged aircraft as ground crews
drove around like crazy trying to
avoid delays. Thankfully that has now
changed and operations safety is the
absolute priority for the industry.
I spent the next 15 years working for
the company now known as Swissport.
Initially behind the scenes in a number
of support roles covering everything
from Manpower Planning, to Fleet
Management and Health and Safety
before moving into Operations and
ultimately being appointed as the
Ground Handling Operations Director
for the North of the UK which covered
nine airports from Humberside
to Inverness. Now of course none
of those roles included a direct
responsibility for the provision of
commercial cleaning services but, they
absolutely all relied on the provision
of clean and safe workspaces - not
JAMES REYNOLDS
MBICSc Cleaning Industry
Council Member
something I consciously thought
about at the time, but that I took for
granted and expected to be provided
consistently and without fuss or
drama.
CLEANING – THE IMPORTANCE OF
GREAT TEAMWORK
It was when I moved to Derichebourg
Multi Services, a French multi-national
(still within the aviation industry) that
I got my first taste of Commercial
Cleaning. DMS had an Aircraft
Cleaning and Catering Company
in the UK and I joined them as the
Operations Director for the north of
the country.
That’s when I learned the harsh reality
that cleaning isn’t an easy job at all. It
requires excellent organisational skills,
good physical fitness, the ability to
plan and work calmly under extreme
pressure, and a very humble and low
fuss approach to delivering services.
I learned early on the value of getting
hands on experience – my time as a
baggage handler was a great source of
shop floor knowledge when I moved
into Ground Handling Operations
management. And so when I joined
DMS I insisted on spending time as an
aircraft cleaner to help me learn the
job and get a good understanding of
the services provided and challenges
we faced.
I have to say that I have never been so
exhausted at the end of a shift than
those few days spent on the ramp as
part of an aircraft cleaning turnround
crew. As a team of four you would be
expected to complete a full clean in
less than twenty minutes on an aircraft
capable of carrying 200 passengers
that might have flown six hours or
more on their journey serving dinner,

snacks and with a full bar. Sometimes
it felt like walking into a nightclub the
day after a Hogmanay party! But it
was also a fabulous experience and
provided me with some of the best
examples of team work, good humour
and work place camaraderie that I
have ever experienced. It was a very
humbling experience for me and I
felt guilty for all of those times as an
aircraft dispatcher when I would have
asked the cleaning crews for a “quick
clean” to ensure that we minimised the
risk of the delaying the flight.
COMMERCIAL CLEANING
It was also while I was with DMS that
I got my first experience of cleaning
outside of aviation. DMS had a small
cleaning business in Ireland that had
merged with the aviation business and
became part of my portfolio and so
I was thrown head first into the vast
world of commercial cleaning. Our
client list was very diverse and covered
numerous segments:- Banking (Irish
Nationwide), Production (Dulux,
Kerry Gold) Healthcare (National
Orthopaedic Hospital) Government
and local authorities (National
Libraries) and there were over 200
small “Daily Office Cleaning” clients
as well, so I built up quite a bit of
experience of managing cleaning
operations over the next 2-3 years.
Then in 2012 I joined my current
company, ISS Facilities Services
one of the leading Global Facilities
Management Companies
headquartered in Copenhagen, as
Operations Director for the Transport
Division in the UK, becoming
Managing Director in 2017 for the
Cleaning and Transport Business
and then moving into my new role as
Head of Product and Performance
UK&I for Cleaning and Waste Services
in 2021. I have to say that ISS really
are a fabulous people company –
it is genuinely a place where you will
be supported to learn and develop into
the best that you can possibly be. It is
absolutely a "place to be you".
THE IMPORTANCE OF GREAT
QUALITY TRAINING
I took on my current role just as ISS
launched its new Global OneISS
strategy which is all about providing
standardised products and services
using the same equipment, chemicals
and methods across all customer
locations and all countries, so that
our customers can experience the
same service excellence no matter
which global site they are visiting.
This was a big move for me, away
from the comfort of operations and
P&L accounts and into the world of
Support Services with a focus on
product development, deployment
and performance improvement.
Over the last two years my team
have worked closely with ISS Group
colleagues, key suppliers, operations,
our learning and development
colleagues and with BICSc to adapt
and deploy across the UK&I our
new global standard office cleaning
product – Pure Space Office (PSO).
The adaptation programme also
included the development of a
comprehensive training programme
and train the trainer familiarisation
process – a three-day immersive
programme that ensures that the
new product is fully understood
by operations trainers before the
product training is delivered to our
front-line staff. The team also created
an e-learning option and we are now
looking forward to adapting and
rolling out the next additions to the
Pure Space range for the Production
and Healthcare segments.
One of the most important
achievements that we were able
to accomplish though for PSO was
for our new training programme to
be developed in consultation with
BICSc which ensured the product was
compliant to BICSc own very high
standards which now allows anyone
who has gone through the training to
sit the BICSc Licence to Practice (LTP)
assessment which can represent the
start of a formal learning journey and
industry recognised qualifications for
many people undertaking a career
in cleaning. I am very proud to say
that I have my LTP having sat the
assessment in 2022. The provision of
high-quality training for the cleaning
industry is at the heart of everything
that BICSc stands for and in ISS I am
delighted to work for a company that
shares those same values.
A CAREER IN CLEANING
– WHY NOT?
The cleaning industry is a fabulous
place to build a career but not many
people leave school hoping to do that.
Most people get into the industry by
chance (that’s what happened to me)
but I suspect very few people leave
the industry once they are there.
Hopefully the progress and recognition
of the importance of the sector that
we have seen over the last few years
will continue in the future, and much
needed developments like the new
Cleaning Apprenticeship scheme will
provide the momentum that we need
to continue on this journey and give so
many people a platform into a life-long
career the chance they need.
As my fellow BICSc Council Member
Darrin McCartney said in his recent
article “you have a wonderful
opportunity to have a lifetime career
in one of the world’s oldest and
most satisfying vocations, and one
that is now getting the long overdue
recognition that it deserves”. Why not
take a chance and give it a try…you
might just like it!
26 | 27

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY:
MUSCULOSKELETAL HEALTH
WHAT IS THE
SUPERINOX PAD?
Musculoskeletal
injuries (MSIs)
are one of the leading
causes of work-related injuries
and illnesses. Cleaning professionals
are at a high risk of developing MSIs
due to the physically demanding
nature of their work.
Studies have revealed that cleaning
professionals suffer from high exposure
risks to musculoskeletal injuries, 74% of
interior cleaners reported experiencing
muscular aches pains and discomfort.
Cleaning professionals commonly report
a range of MSIs, including back pain,
shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome,
tendonitis and knee pain. Repetitive
movements, awkward postures and heavy
lifting are among the major contributors
to MSIs in the cleaning industry.
Preventing MSIs in the workplace
is a benefit to both employees and
employers, enabling workers to keep
working, reduce fatigue and increase
general health and wellbeing. One
way to achieve this is by investing in
ergonomic tools. Although these can
carry an additional cost, this is often
offset by the economic benefits of a
reduction in employee sickness
and ill health.
Traditional metal scouring balls are
used widely throughout the industry,
offering high scouring power but with
limited user comfort for conducting
repetitive cleaning tasks. To reduce the
risk of MSIs and deliver greater worker
comfort, SPONTEX PROFESSIONAL
has launched the SUPERINOX PAD.
A new easy to handle scouring pad
which contributes to improving
the comfort and safety of cleaning
professionals and the benefit of greater
hygiene from an easy to clean tool.
SUPERINOX PAD
is a durable, hygienic,
easy-to-handle pad that
effectively removes stubborn
stains, embedded dirt and hardto-remove
residues from a wide
variety of surfaces and equipment.
It is a general scouring pad but
commonly used to clean pans and
surfaces requiring abrasive action
to remove stubborn residues.
Made from stainless steel,
polyurethane and polyester, it
can be used with detergents for
maximum effectiveness.
BENEFIT OF THE
SUPERINOX PAD?
Reduced Effort: With stainless
steel fine wires for high scouring
power, the SUPERINOX PAD
removes encrusted dirt from
equipment, surfaces and other
tough to cleaning areas (Branca
abrasion: > 190 mg/1000 tours).
Ergonomic design: Appropriately
sized for optimum grip, with a soft
sponge centre for easy application
and effective cleaning. Featuring
an integrated hook for easy
hanging after use.
Durability:
Made of highquality
materials
for extended professional
applications, with double-sided
scrubbing for long-lasting durability.
In addition, it can be effortlessly
rinsed without leaving any residues
and is machine-washable up to 60°C.
Effective Cleaning: Avoids the risk of
fibers being released during cleaning,
as it doesn’t release particles.
Mapa Spontex Professional, part of
Newell Brands' global portfolio of
brands, a leader in hand protection
and hygiene tools. We firmly believe
that every product we develop
must deliver unique protection and
hygiene properties. Mapa Spontex
Professional products are highly
effective and make our customers’
work safer, deliver higher standards
and more efficient ways of working.
READ FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THIS NEW PRODUCT AND
MAPA SPONTEX PROFESSIONAL BY VISITING WWW.SPONTEX-PRO.COM
29 | 29

THE STANDARD

CHEMICAL
FIRST AID
AT WORK
The Health and Safety Executive
(HSE) state that where the work
involves higher level hazards such
as chemicals, employers will then
need to provide additional training
for first aiders to deal with resulting
injuries (HSE, 2018). Training
providers must show that they
are competent to deliver the
first-aid training.
Staff at PRU Medical have experience
in working in ambulance service
Hazardous Area Response Teams.
So are trained and experienced in
dealing with casualties who are
affected by Chemical, Biological,
Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive
(CBRNE) environments. These same
staff also have experience teaching
people to become Paramedics in
Higher Education and as Research
Chemists in Industry.
The content of this bespoke
Chemical First Aid at Work
programme can be tailored to
address the chemicals in your
organisation. Also, to address
the PPE that is available in your
organisation. For example, if you
use hydrofluoric acid – we can
cover this. If you use liquid
nitrogen, we can cover
this. If your staff wear
respirators – we can
cover them specifically.
Tailor made courses
are by far the best way
to protect your staff.
This four-hour course
will be delivered
live over Zoom or
Microsoft Teams.
The suggested course
content is as follows.
CHEMICAL FIRST AID AT
WORK COURSE (CFAW)
SUGGESTED CONTENT:
• Understand the epidemiology
of chemical injuries.
• Identify scene danger
& keep yourself safe.
• Immediately manage solid, liquid
and gaseous chemical injury.
• Immediately manage
chemical injuries to the eyes.
• Immediately manage needlestick
injuries/liquid nitrogen
injuries and clinical shock.
• Understand the value
and limitations of your
organisations Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Report adverse events
and understand the follow up
process.
Following successful completion
of the course, attendees will be
assessed, and presented with
a Chemical First Aid at Work
certificate which is valid for
three years.
PRU MEDICAL HAVE RECEIVED EXCEPTIONAL FEEDBACK, WHICH CAN BE VIEWED
IN THE TESTIMONIALS SECTION OF OUR WEBSITE: WWW.PRUMEDICAL.COM/
TESTIMONIALS/ FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT US AT INFO@PRUMEDICAL.COM
32 | 33

APPROVAL GIVEN FOR
CLEANING HYGIENE
OPERATIVE APPRENTICESHIP
Proposals for an Apprenticeship
Standard for the cleaning and
hygiene industry have been
approved, potentially paving
the way for employers to invest
millions of pounds annually
in training sector staff.
The British Cleaning Council (BCC),
which made achieving the Cleaning
Hygiene Operative Apprenticeship
one of its key priorities, is aiming
to support the launch of the
Apprenticeship Levy funded
programme early in 2024.
The BCC has been hosting a series
of expert-led AAG (Apprenticeship
Advice and Guidance) Zoom
information sessions during October
and November for employers to
find out what the Cleaning Hygiene
Operative Apprenticeship means
for them and how to implement it in
their workplace.
All employers with an annual pay
bill of more than £3 million have to
pay around 0.5 per cent towards the
Apprenticeship Levy.
Because there hasn’t been a relevant
apprenticeship for many cleaning
and hygiene businesses to invest in,
millions of pounds of Levy funding
paid by the sector annually has gone
to the Government instead.
The decision by approving body
The Institute for Apprenticeships
and Technical Education (IfATE) to
give the greenlight to the proposals
means those businesses will now
be able to use their Apprenticeship
Levy payments to fund their staff
to complete training for Cleaning
Hygiene Operative Apprenticeships,
as will smaller firms which have been
gifted Levy funds.
BCC Chairman Delia Cannings said:
“The Cleaning Hygiene Operative
Apprenticeship will be a major and
valuable contribution to the future
THE STANDARD
success of the cleaning and
hygiene sector.
“Accessible learning for all funded by
the Apprenticeship Levy pot is a first
of its kind and long overdue.
“I can’t overstate how important this
is in terms of addressing the sector’s
recruitment issues, helping with
succession planning and supporting the
professional development of our staff.
“Providing uniform, industry-wide
qualifications will help win wider
recognition for the vital, skilled work
that the sector’s personnel do with
pride and professionalism.
“With such an important role in
keeping the public healthy, safe,
and well, particularly during the
turbulence caused by the Covid-19
pandemic and with the risk of
another such pandemic in the
future, it is vital that this training
programme is put in place.
“Handling chemicals, understanding
the differences between cleaning and
disinfecting, science-based cleaning
techniques, the contribution the
sector can make to the green agenda
and the increasingly important role of
technology are all crucial and need to
be covered.
“It is long past time that our
industry, as one of the biggest in
the UK, had an Apprenticeship
Standard for cleaning and
hygiene staff.
“We have to give a massive
vote of thanks to Lauren Kyle,
Karen Slade, and their team,
who have worked exceptionally
hard on this to get it over the line.
Thank you also to my predecessor
as BCC Chair Jim Melvin and the
many employers and colleagues
who also gave their support.”
Watch out for news of the
apprenticeship via sector media,
the BCC website and the BCC’s
social media channels
The British Cleaning Council
(BCC) has written to Prime
Minister Rishi Sunak to call
for cleaning and hygiene to be
made a national priority.
In her letter, BCC Chair Delia
Cannings (pictured here with
Company Secretary Simon
Hollingbery), called on the
Government to accept in full
the recommendations made in
last year’s report Embedding
Effective Hygiene for a
Resilient UK.
The measures would make
the UK much more resilient to
current common infections and
also better prepared for future
public health emergencies.
Industry members are being
asked to support the campaign
by downloading a letter
from the BCC’s website at
https://britishcleaningcouncil.
org/2023/02/06/downloadletter-here/
to adapt and
send to their MP.
CLICK HERE

A NEW WAY TO SPRAY
A PRACTICAL ALTERNATIVE
TO AEROSOLS AND
PRESSURISED CONTAINERS.
Evans Vanodine is delighted to
introduce the latest addition to
its air care range, Air and Fabric
Freshener, a high quality, liquid
air and fabric freshener. It contains
naturally derived and renewable
malodour technology, making
it ideal where persistent odours
are a problem, as well as anti-soiling
protection, meaning it can
be used on carpets, fabrics
and on upholstery with an
extraction machine.
Evans’ in-house research and
development chemists formulated
Air and Fabric Freshener with
malodour technology that is based
on castor seed oil, which is produced
from extracting the oil from the
seeds of the Ricinus Communis
(castor bean plant). Castor seed oil
is classed as a renewable sourced
feedstock and, as with every growing
plant, they have a sustainable
lifecycle; to maintain feedstocks
after harvesting, new feed crops are
planted.
Another attribute of Air and
Fabric Freshener is its anti-soiling
capabilities. After application of
the product, and once dried, antisoiling
protection is provided on
the substrate. This guards carpets,
upholstery, and fabrics against
potential staining and re-soiling.
Evans’ chemists carried out a
laboratory test to benchmark Air and
Fabric Freshener against two other
branded products. Carpet samples
were treated with the three different
products and then all subjected to
the same level of soiling. Compared
to a sample of unsoiled carpet, Air
and Fabric Freshener resulted in
a far superior performance of the
resistance to soiling compared to the
other two brands.
Air and Fabric Freshener is delivered
using Flairosol ® , a next generation
solution for dispensing liquids,
offering an alternative to aerosols,
which is free from pressurised
gases. Aerosols have been widely
used within the cleaning industry
since they were first invented in
the 1920s, but, as they rely on
a propellant to operate and are
often flammable, they are no
longer considered environmentally
responsible. This method of spraying
is also not considered a very
sustainable solution, as it does not
allow the entirety of the product
to be dispersed, with some product
often left in the canister, and most
cannisters have no reusable aspect;
they cannot be refilled or recycled,
thereby creating waste. As part
of its sustainability journey, Evans
decided to move away from the use
of aerosols, in favour of a product
which could be refilled and reused
and, at the end of its life, recycled.
Air and Fabric Freshener bottles
can be refilled repeatedly, from the
corresponding 5 L, and are fully
recyclable. The Flairosol® spray
heads are reusable for up to 25 x
500 ml refills. Furthermore, the
complete bottle is 15% lighter than
most aerosol cans and the refill
options mean 25% less transport
space is required, reducing waste
and emissions.
Air and Fabric Freshener uses
Flairosol ® ’s patented liquid
dispensing technology to produce
its spray without the need for
harmful gases. The liquid in the
bottle enters a reservoir where a
trigger action puts it under pressure.
Once the pressure has built up, the
valve opens and dispenses a fine,
prolonged, liquid mist. Unlike a
standard trigger spray, the Flairosol ®
spray has a 360o spray pattern,
allowing for better performance
and greater coverage of large
areas. This method also leaves less
residue in the container compared
with aerosols, 2% verses 10-15%,
meaning minimal product wastage
and better value for money.
Air and Fabric Freshener is ideal for
use in a variety of environments,
including hospitality, leisure,
education, healthcare and transport.
The sleek, ergonomic design of the
bottle means it is easy to handle and
operate. It is available in two unique,
new fragrances: Fresh Cotton and
Aloe, with notes of eucalyptus,
amber and cucumber, and Midnight
Rose and Oud, with notes of
patchouli, jasmine and musk. Air
and Fabric Freshener comes in 500
ml spray bottles, with 5L refills for
maximum economy and will replace
Evans’ FRESH aerosols and liquid.
The new bottles will feature the
company’s newly rebranded ‘peel
and reveal’, multi-language labels,
helping to improve training and
communication of health and safety
information to a wider audience.
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT
ALL OF EVANS VANODINE’S
CLEANING, HYGIENE AND
DISINFECTION PRODUCTS,
VISIT THEIR WEBSITE
WWW.EVANSVANODINE.CO.UK
THE STANDARD

WELCOMING
OUR NEW
MEMBERS
CORPORATE MEMBERS
AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER 2023
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& FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
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MEMBERS AND ACCREDITED
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38 | 39

THE
STANDARD
CONTACT US:
TEL: +44 (0) 1604 678 710
ALL OTHER ENQUIRIES
INFO@BICS.ORG.UK
MEMBERSHIP
MEMBERSHIP@BICS.ORG.UK
TRAINING
TRAININGANDSERVICES@BICS.ORG.UK
VIRTUAL TRAINING SUITE
BBS-VIRTUAL-TRAINING.THINKIFIC.COM
BICS.ORG.UK
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