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BCC Welcomes the IWSA as a New Member

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The Sky’s The Limit With The Launch of a New Cleaning Careers Development Website

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The Cleaning Show 2025 Grows by 2000m on Previous 2023 Edition

The Cleaning Show, the UK’s largest cleaning and hygiene event, will return to ExCeL London from 18 – 20 March 2025. With 132 exhibitors already confirmed, the event will be 2,000m bigger than the 2023 edition, and will feature a conference programme with more speakers than ever before, and 10 panel sessions across three days.

As the cleaning and hygiene sector continues to grow – currently valued at nearly £60bn in the UK alone – The Cleaning Show will bring together professionals from the contract cleaning, facilities management, healthcare, hospitality, transport, retail and public sector. With more than 7,000 attendees expected, visitors will have the opportunity to meet key suppliers, discover the latest products and services, learn from a host of well-renowned experts and network with senior specialists from across the sector.

What’s new in 2025 In addition to offering cleaning professionals the latest solutions that will define the next era for the cleaning industry, The Cleaning Show, has announced a range of new features for the 2025 event.

A shift in the Conference Theatre format will bring a series of engaging panel sessions to the three-day programme, featuring key industry experts such as Delia Cannings, Chair of the British Cleaning Council, Daisy Hunter, ESG & Innovation Manager at Jangro and Kelsey Hargreaves, Technical Manager at The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc). The sessions will provide attendees with a dynamic platform to engage and learn from current challenges facing the sector, including the impact of AI in cleaning, the changing habits of the supply chain, preparing for the next pandemic and future-proofing the industry.

From navigating facilities management issues to overcoming staffing and recruitment challenges, attendees will gain insights on a range of critical topics through expert-led panel sessions and keynote presentations, offering actionable strategies to stay ahead of industry trends and improve operational efficiency. Whether it's enhancing sustainability practices, implementing new technologies, or addressing skills shortages, the carefully curated programme will help industry professionals learn, connect and inspire positive change within their organisations.

Elsewhere, the Cleaning & Support Services Association (CSSA) will host its annual Innovation Showcase, welcoming submissions from across the sector. The showcase will spotlight pioneering technologies and advancements aimed at transforming cleaning operations, from AI-driven solutions to sustainability-led initiatives. Applications for the showcase are now open and finalists will be selected to present their innovations on the CSSA stand during the event.

Commenting on the CSSA Innovation Showcase, Paul Ashton, Chairman of the CSSA, said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for businesses of all sizes to showcase their innovations in front of the entire sector. Having the finalists on display at The Cleaning Show will provide an invaluable platform for these companies to present their products to thousands of industry professionals, sparking fresh ideas and solutions for the challenges facing the cleaning industry today.”

The return of the Window Cleaning World Cup Returning to the show floor, the Window Cleaning World Cup will take place, with Terry “Turbo” Burrows competing to defend his 29-year record of 9.14 seconds. Burrows will be joined by his daughter, Aliscia Burrows, who recently set a new women’s record with a time of 16.13 seconds at The Manchester Cleaning Show earlier this year. With both Burrows’ competing head-to-head, the 2025 World Cup will also invite exhibitors and visitors to take part, putting speed, skill and expertise to the test.

Commenting on the 2025 event, Delia Cannings, Chair of the British Cleaning Council, said: “The Cleaning Show is a fabulous showcase for one of the UK’s biggest and most important sectors and the highlight of the cleaning and hygiene industry’s calendar.

“Next year’s London show is set to be the best yet, so make sure you put the date in your diary and register for free tickets to attend. Whatever your role in the industry, you do not want to miss it.”

Paul Sweeney, Event Director of The Cleaning Show, added: “We’re thrilled to announce that due to unprecedented demand, we’ve expanded The Cleaning Show 2025 by an additional 2,000 sqm of exhibition space, making it one of the largest editions in the show’s history. It’s incredible to see such enthusiasm and innovation in the sector, and we’re looking forward to opening the doors in London next year to spotlight the very best the industry has to offer. With 132 exhibitors already confirmed, this year’s event reflects just how rapidly the cleaning industry is evolving, and we can’t wait to showcase the incredible products and technologies that are driving it forward.”

Registration for The Cleaning Show 2025 opened on 31 October 2024. Entry remains free, but visitors should pre-register online. To register and find out more about this year’s event, visit https://cleaningshow.co.uk/london/  

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BCC Hopeful New Government Will Listen to Lobbying Campaign

The election of the new Labour Government has opened new doors for the British Cleaning Council (BCC)’s campaign to make the voice of the cleaning, hygiene and waste industry heard, it believes.

The BCC extensively lobbied the previous Government in support of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Cleaning and Hygiene Industry’s report Embedding Effective Hygiene for a Resilient UK, but with little success.

The industry body for the sector believes that newly-elected Labour ministers and the party’s 404 MPs are likely to be much more interested in what the sector has to say, while the Government’s agenda for growth also provides a new opportunity.

Senior members of the BCC recently met with leading industry figures and lobbying experts to review the lobbying campaign following the General Election, and to discuss whether to support the re-establishment of an APPG for the sector, after all APPGs were dissolved ahead of the election.

The group agreed on the need for the APPG to be re-established and is working to refocus and relaunch the lobbying campaign.

As a first step, it has contacted Cabinet Secretary Pat McFadden to offer to contribute to the review of national resilience taking place in response to Baroness Hallett's first Covid Inquiry report.

Immediate Past Chairman of the BCC Jim Melvin said: “Our industry strongly believes that the country lacks resilience and proper preparation for the next pandemic. The recent concern about Klebsiella pneumoniae and international alarm over the mpox virus shows that the risks have not gone away."

“Based on the proven premise that the proper practice of hygiene can help prevent, delay and mitigate the impact of a pandemic, the APPG report made 11 recommendations as to how resilience and preparedness could be enhanced by actions taken by, and in partnership, with our sector and our people."

“As repretentatives of one of the largest and most important industries in the UK, worth nearly £60bn and employing 1.47m, it is important that the Government listens to what we have to say on this issue and we are optimistic that this current Government is more likely to do that.”

Current BCC Chair Delia Cannings added: “Better hygiene nationally can help ensure that workplaces are healthier, and staff take less time off sick, which in turn will support the Government’s growth agenda."

“This is about ensuring that the Government recognises the vital role of staff and the sector in protecting the health and wealth of the nation.”

The BCC’s mini-manifesto launched before the election set out the industry’s priorities to help create a resilient UK.

Key points were:

• The urgent establishment of a joint Government/cleaning, hygiene and waste industry preparedness team to plan for public health emergencies.
• Agreement between Government and industry on the minimum levels of cleaning materials, equipment and PPE that should both be held in reserve and be able to be manufactured rapidly in emergency situations.
• In the event of another pandemic, Key Worker status must be bestowed upon cleaning operatives and on staff working in cleaning product supply and manufacturing.
• Urgent consideration must be given to making cleaning staff eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa scheme.
• Minimum standards should be agreed for the provision of cleaning and hygiene infrastructure across a wide variety of key venues.
• A standard qualification for cleaning to be developed within the Apprenticeship Levy.
• Government communications around hygiene in times of public health concerns or national emergencies should be clear, consistent, sustained, timely, relevant and specific.

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Cleaning Industry Body Launches Mini-Manifesto Directed at Protecting the Health and Wealth of the Nation

The British Cleaning Council’s (BCC) mini-manifesto launched today sets out the cleaning, hygiene and waste industry’s priorities to help create a resilient UK and the areas where it is seeking the next Government’s support to achieve this vital objective. The BCC is ready to work collaboratively with the new Government to ensure that cleaning and hygiene policy, law and regulation is directed specifically at preparing to protect public health both in advance of, and in the event of, another pandemic. We are calling for all political parties to embrace and support the mini-manifesto, which is directed at protecting the health and wealth of the nation.

The key points are: 

• The urgent establishment of a joint Government/cleaning, hygiene and waste industry preparedness team to plan for public health emergencies.
• Agreement between Government and industry on the minimum levels of cleaning materials, equipment and PPE that should both be held in reserve and be able to be manufactured rapidly in emergency situations.
• In the event of another pandemic, Key Worker status must be bestowed upon cleaning operatives and on staff working in cleaning product supply and manufacturing.
• Urgent consideration must be given to making cleaning staff eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa scheme.
• Minimum standards should be agreed for the provision of cleaning and hygiene infrastructure across a wide variety of key venues.
• A standard qualification for cleaning should be developed within the Apprenticeship Levy.
• Government communications around hygiene in times of public health concerns or national emergencies should be clear, consistent, sustained, timely, relevant and specific.

BCC Chair Delia Cannings said: “As a non-political trade body, we do not support any particular political party or candidate. Every political party needs to recollect the large number of lives lost and the significant impact on many families and society at large arising from the Covid-19 pandemic and commit to take steps to ensure lessons are learned and there is no recurrence.” Immediate Past Chairman of the BCC Jim Melvin said: “We represent the cleaning, hygiene and waste industry, which is worth nearly £60bn and is one of the largest and most important sectors in the UK. Our mini-manifesto is informed by our industry expertise and knowledge, and that of our members, with the aim of informing the next Government’s policies. It is essential that any incoming Government engages with us, listens to and acts on these recommendations.”

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Cleaning and Hygiene Businesses Encouraged to Support The Hygiene Bank

Cleaning and hygiene sector firms have been thanked for supporting The Hygiene Bank – and more industry businesses are being encouraged to give their support.

The call by the British Cleaning Council (BCC) follows a recent survey carried out by the charity which found that more than three million people in the UK are thought to be experiencing hygiene poverty.

The survey published by The Hygiene Bank found that 24 per cent of people thought to be experiencing hygiene poverty were regularly struggling to wash their clothes and 29 per cent had to prioritise food instead of hygiene products.

Hygiene poverty means not being able to afford the everyday personal hygiene products many of us take for granted. It can have a negative impact on people's physical and mental health, as well as their social and economic well-being.

Research in recent years has highlighted the issue, with school pupils reported to be more likely to have dirty uniforms and PE kits, unwashed hair and unclean teeth and other research showing millions of adults are unable to afford essential hygiene products.

The Hygiene Bank was founded in 2018 to address the issue, by directing donations of essential hygiene products to organisations supporting those in poverty.

The donations consist mainly of new, unused, in-date personal care and household cleaning essentials.

The charity will accept a range of products such as, for example, shampoo, conditioner, face and body wash, deodorant, laundry detergent, sponges, cloths, household cleaning items, loo roll, tissues, cleaning wipes, washing up liquid, toilet cleaner, polish and sprays.

Cleaning and hygiene sector firms have been fundraising to support The Hygiene Bank and also donating products.

BCC Chair Delia Cannings said: “With the cost of living crisis continuing to put pressure on local communities, families across the country are struggling with one of the most basic human requirements – maintaining cleanliness and good hygiene. “This is an area where the cleaning and hygiene sector can make a major difference. If you represent a cleaning and hygiene business producing any of the products which are so badly needed, please think about donating what you can. I’d like to thank all the sector businesses which have already lent their support to this very worthy cause.”

Immediate Past BCC Chairman Jim Melvin added: “It is a scandal that hygiene poverty is affecting so many in the UK, including families and children."

“I want to highlight and truly thank the companies that are supporting The Hygiene Bank. When asked they responded immediately and they should be applauded accordingly. They are an example to all and I hope many more businesses in our sector will help.”

To donate products and give further support, visit www.thehygienebank.com

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Cleaning, hygiene and waste industry ‘in recovery’ after Covid-19 pandemic, says newly-published research

The sector remains one of the ten biggest in the UK

New research published by the British Cleaning Council (BCC) shows how the cleaning, hygiene and waste sector is ‘in recovery’ after the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The latest figures, published today (Wednesday 13 March), show that the industry contributes nearly £59.8 billion to the economy, after a dip following the start of the pandemic. The sector remains one of the ten biggest sectors in the UK.

There are a number of positive developments for the industry to build on including the launch of the Level 2 Cleaning Hygiene Operative Apprenticeship and increased recognition for the sector post-pandemic, the 2024 research report says.

It also shows how the cleaning, hygiene and waste sector faces a ‘perfect storm of severe staff shortages’ and an ageing workforce.

Figures quoted in the document show that the entire sector was worth £58.9bn in 2019, but this dipped to £57bn in 2020 before increasing again in 2021. All subsectors, bar landscape service activities, saw growth in turnover in 2021 after a dip the previous year.

If occupations involved in cleaning across other industries such as public services and hospitality are included, the total number of individuals working in the industry is 1.47 million. This equates to approximately five per cent of the UK workforce.

The sector continues to grow, with a reported 75,565 businesses operating in 2023, up from 73,655 businesses operating in 2022, most of which are micro-businesses.

The launch of the Level 2 Cleaning Hygiene Operative Apprenticeship on 1 January is a ‘significant development for the sector which will bring major benefits’, enabling millions of pounds of Apprenticeship Levy funds paid annually by the sector to the Government to be invested in staff training instead.

Other positive developments cited in the report include the increased recognition of the important role of cleaning and hygiene staff following the Covid-19 pandemic and evidence that the public are reassured by seeing cleaning staff at work in public spaces.

The BCC’s We Clean, We Care campaign also provides an opportunity to bring BCC members and the wider industry together to raise the profile of the sector and its staff.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Cleaning and Hygiene Industry’s report Embedding Effective Hygiene For A Resilient UK report is a key asset highlighting the importance of making cleaning and hygiene a national priority.

The research report points out that the industry continues to struggle to replace staff who have left the sector in the wake of the pandemic and Brexit, with other staff having moved to new roles. There are a record number of job vacancies across the UK in a wide variety of industries, adding to the recruitment challenge, it says.

With only nine per cent of staff aged under 25 and 27 per cent aged over 55 years, the ‘industry as a whole needs to continue to do more to attract younger workers into the sector. Continuing to raise the profile of the industry is vital to attract workers,’ the report says.

Many in the industry would also like to see a change in public policy to allow Apprenticeship Levy funds to be used for a wider range of development opportunities, including more flexible training options, the report adds.

In the three years since the APPG for the industry was established, there has been ‘minimal engagement on the part of the Government’ in areas other than the apprenticeship, it says.

BCC Chair Delia Cannings said: “Our annual research report about the cleaning, hygiene and waste industry is a key document for the sector. It takes a detailed, informative and rigorous look at the industry and its sub-sectors, full of revealing statistics and facts. If you are interested in reading the report, please contact us and we will be happy to provide a free copy.

“The report highlights the essential role of the sector and its staff in keeping the nation’s workplaces, hospitals, educational establishments, transport facilities and public spaces safe, clean and pleasant to use, contributing to the nation’s health and wealth."

“That vital contribution to infection prevention and control became so much more visible during the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighting the importance of the sector in the wider public consciousness. The pandemic has left many of the current workforce mentally and physically exhausted – particularly those in the healthcare sector."

“The report demonstrates that the cleaning, hygiene and waste sector remains one of the ten largest in the UK, though it has been impacted by the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and the economic shock of Brexit and is still in recovery. There are some positive developments to build on and also some issues still needing to be overcome.”

Free, digital copies of the BCC’s 2024 research report are available by emailing compsec@britishcleaningcouncil.org

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Industry leader calls on Government to lead targeted hand hygiene campaign

Jim Melvin’s letter calling for action printed in The Times

A letter from former British Cleaning Council (BCC) Chairman Jim Melvin calling for the Government to take action on hand hygiene has been printed in The Times.

In the letter, Jim Melvin, who is Master of BCC member The Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners (WCEC), noted the ‘absence of any true Government plan to cope with a resurgence of Covid-19 or prepare for future pandemics’ and called for additional steps to be taken immediately.

He wrote: “One would be for the Government to lead a ‘targeted hygiene’ campaign to support the owners and operators of public spaces to implement measures that help the public to practise simple and effective hand hygiene."

“By helping to suppress the spread of disease, this would reduce pressure on health services, maintain productivity and increase the public’s still fragile confidence in using public transport and public places.”

There were examples of major events where these measures had been successfully implemented, he wrote in the letter, which was published on 15 January, adding that there was a ‘moral imperative’ to quickly take ‘proven actions’.

The BCC and 21 industry associations have been calling for the Government to adopt the recommendations in the Embedding Effective Hygiene for a Resilient UK report since last year.

Delia Cannings, Chair of the BCC, said: “I am delighted to see that Jim is helping keep the important issue of hygiene in the spotlight."

“Improved hand hygiene is important nationally but only one of a series of essential measures that we believe the Government should take."

“We want the Government to put cleaning and hygiene at the heart of the national agenda and adopt in full the recommendations in the Embedding Effective Hygiene for a Resilient UK report."

“Taking these steps will ensure that the lessons of the Covid 19 pandemic are learnt and the public’s health is protected in future.”

Sector staff have been asked to contact their MP in support of the campaign. To find out how to get involved, visit https://britishcleaningcouncil.org/2023/02/06/download-letter-here.

The Embedding Effective Hygiene for a Resilient UK report was compiled by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Cleaning and Hygiene Industry. It made 11 key recommendations, summarised below:

· The establishment of a joint Government-industry preparedness team to plan for public health emergencies.

· Minimum levels of cleaning materials and equipment to be agreed and made available in readiness.

· Thought to be given to how to increase production during a public health emergency.

· Key frontline worker status must be bestowed upon cleaning operatives and staff working in supply and manufacturing if a pandemic happens.

· Urgent consideration to be given to making cleaning staff eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa scheme.

· Minimum standards for hygiene infrastructure and cleaning in diverse venues to be agreed.

· A standard qualification for cleaning to be developed within the Apprenticeship Levy.

· Training budgets for cleaning operatives should be adequate.

· Government communications around hygiene in times of pandemic should be clear, consistent, sustained, timely, relevant and specific.

· The Government should use behavioural science-based communication campaigns to promote hygienic behaviour to the public.

· The Government should support the cleaning and hygiene industry in realigning perceptions of the industry.

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BCC ‘thrilled’ to announce approval for the Cleaning Hygiene Operative Apprenticeship

Millions of pounds a year could potentially be invested in training sector staff

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.

It will be hosting a series of expert-led AAG (Apprenticeship Advice and Guidance) Zoom information sessions starting in October, where employers can find out what the Cleaning Hygiene Operative Apprenticeship means for them and how to implement it in their workplace.

Employers are being encouraged to watch out for details of the free sessions, which will be announced via sector media, the BCC website (https://britishcleaningcouncil.org) and the BCC’s social media channels.

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 staff to complete training for a Cleaning Hygiene Operative Apprenticeship.

BCC Chairman Delia Cannings said: “My BCC colleagues and I are thrilled and delighted by this news. The Cleaning Hygiene Operative Apprenticeship will be a major and valuable contribution to the future 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."

“It has been a huge, complicated and at times frustrating piece of work and it has taken much, much longer than expected, so it was hugely exciting when we finally heard that it had been given the greenlight."

“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.”

Previous attempts by the industry to win approval for an Apprenticeship for the entire cleaning and hygiene sector did not succeed.

The BCC launched the latest attempt in 2021 by sponsoring a Trailblazer group, comprising major companies from the sector along with supporting stakeholders, to spearhead the development of the Apprenticeship. A wide range of businesses in the sector gave it their backing.

A Healthcare Cleaning Operative (HCO) Apprenticeship was approved in early 2020 however it is largely focused on the cleaning activity carried out across the NHS. Now we have access to pathways and routes to enable the wider cleaning communities to become qualified and recognised for the key role they play regarding the health wellbeing and resilience of the UK.

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BCC Chair appeals for more staff to back ‘common sense’ proposals to make cleaning and hygiene a national priority

The British Cleaning Council (BCC) has thanked the more than 450 industry members who have so far backed its campaign to make cleaning and hygiene a national priority.

It comes as a new assessment rating the likelihood of a pandemic in the future shows how important it is that the Government takes the measures being demanded in the campaign.

The recently published National Risk Register, ranked the chances of a future 'catastrophic' pandemic as up to 25 per cent.

The campaign is calling for the Government to accept in full the 11 recommendations in the report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Cleaning and Hygiene Industry, entitled Embedding Effective Hygiene for a Resilient UK.

The measures would make the UK much more resilient to current common infections such as flu and also better prepared for future public health emergencies - like the future pandemic flagged up by register.

BCC Chair Delia Cannings said: “I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has backed the campaign so far. But if you haven’t, please do take part. It is literally a matter of life and death and it should only take a few minutes to get involved.”

“We need your help to make the voice of the cleaning and hygiene sector heard and guard against more tragedies in the future."

“As the general public seek reassurances regarding cleaning standards, we must stand together to reinforce the value of the role our cleaning and hygiene operatives play. After all, let’s not forget they are the guardians of the standards."

“Brave cleaning staff were on the frontline in the battle against the Covid pandemic and the risk of a pandemic returning shows how the role of our sector's professional and skilled personnel in keeping people healthy, well and safe continues to be vital."

“Persuading the Government to take the steps recommended by MPs in last year's report will also help save lives and protect public health by guarding against common infections like flu."

“Surely it is only common sense to learn the lessons of the Covid-19 pandemic and keep cleaning and hygiene at the top of the agenda going forward.”

The British Cleaning Council and 21 associations from across the cleaning, hygiene and waste industry announced a campaign in February asking sector staff to help lobby MPs to make cleaning and hygiene a national priority.

Industry colleagues are being asked to download a pre-written letter from the BCC website calling on the Government to accept the APPG’s recommendations, and email it to their local MP along with the report.

The BCC has circulated a QR code which people can scan or they can visit https://britishcleaningcouncil.org/2023/02/06/download-letter-here to find the letter, APPG report and details of their local MP.

The drive takes place under the umbrella of the BCC’s We Clean, We Care campaign, which reflects the pride that skilled and professional cleaning staff have in the vital, frontline role.

The Embedding Effective Hygiene for a Resilient UK made 11 key recommendations, summarised below:

• The establishment of a joint Government-industry preparedness team to plan for public health emergencies.
• Minimum levels of cleaning materials and equipment to be agreed and made available in readiness.
• Thought to be given to how to increase production during a public health emergency.
• Key frontline worker status must be bestowed upon cleaning operatives and staff working in supply and manufacturing if a pandemic happens.
• Urgent consideration to be given to making cleaning staff eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa scheme.
• Minimum standards for hygiene infrastructure and cleaning in diverse venues to be agreed.
• A standard qualification for cleaning to be developed within the Apprenticeship Levy.
• Training budgets for cleaning operatives should be adequate.
• Government communications around hygiene in times of pandemic should be clear, consistent, sustained, timely, relevant and specific.
• The Government should use behavioural science-based communication campaigns to promote hygienic behaviour to the public.
• The Government should support the cleaning and hygiene industry in realigning perceptions of the industry.

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BCC elects new Chair and Deputy Chair

Delia Cannings takes over from Jim Melvin

The British Cleaning Council (BCC), which is the voice of the UK’s cleaning, hygiene and waste sector, officially elected a new Chair and Deputy Chair at its recent Annual General Meeting.

Delia Cannings, who has served as Deputy Chair of the BCC for the past two years, has taken over the Chair from Jim Melvin.

Delia is a well-known and respected figure in the industry, having worked in the sector for 45 years and in fields including both the public and private sectors and the cleaning, health, hospitality, commercial, education and training sectors.

Delia is the owner and Executive Director of Environmental Excellence Training & Development Ltd, which she founded. She is also National Lead for Education and Training for BCC member the Association of Healthcare Cleaning Professionals (ahcp) and Deputy Chair for the UK Housekeepers Association (UKHA), Midlands Committee.

Delia plans to continue with existing BCC priorities, as well as championing education and training in the sector and calling for Government to allow more Apprenticeship Levy funding paid by cleaning and hygiene businesses to instead be invested in industry initiatives.

She said: “I am truly humbled to be elected as the second ever Chair lady of the BCC. My passion for this industry began many years back."

“I have been honoured to observe some great leaders in the field building bridges and striving for change. Combined with the advancement of cleaning technology, these things have inspired me and enabled the sharing of best practices across the industry by way of education and training."

“We have work to do, that is for sure. Jim Melvin has left big shoes to fill, and I will give my heart and soul to solidifying the footprint already created in support of the work led by a great man and inspirational leader Jim Melvin.”

The meeting also elected a new Deputy Chair, David Garcia, who is also a leading industry figure.

David has been closely associated with BCC council for a number of years and is Treasurer and Vice-President of BCC member the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA).

He has been in the industry for almost 50 years and was the founder and former Chairman of Polaris Plastics, which is one of the UK’s leading providers of refuse sacks and bin liners to the away from home market.

He said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed as Deputy Chair of the BCC. I’m very much looking forward to working with Delia and other colleagues for the betterment of the Industry in general."

“There is a lot to be done and I am sure under Delia’s leadership there will be some meaningful and lasting developments. I would like to pay tribute to Jim Melvin and other past Chairs at this time.“

During Jim Melvin’s time in office, he drove the work of the sector’s All Party Parliamentary Group and the lobbying campaign for the recommendations in its report from last year to be accepted in full by Government. He will continue to lead on APPG work during Delia’s term in office.

Jim, who was elected Chairman in 2021, repeatedly called for cleaning operatives to be recognised and supported by Government, as part of which the BCC launched the ‘We Clean, We Care’ campaign last year.

Jim also prioritised the push for an Apprenticeship-Levy funded Apprenticeship for cleaning operatives, which has made huge progress and could soon be achieved.

Jim continued to make sure the voice of the industry was heard through the media during his time in office, making a significant number of high-profile media appearances and interviews.

Jim Melvin said: “It has been a huge honour and privilege to be Chairman of the British Cleaning Council and I genuinely hope that we have assisted the associate members and indeed the industry in some way."

“I now pass over to the new Chair in Delia Cannings who has been of outstanding support to me and the BCC in general. Delia will be a hugely successful leader, with drive and passion aligning with her extensive experience."

“I will be happy to help where appropriate but in the meantime, I would like to thank all the friends and industry colleagues who have supported me over the past two years.”

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Business leaders call for colleagues to support APPG campaign

BCC thanks Industry members who are helping lobby MPs

Businesspeople from the cleaning and hygiene sector have urged industry colleagues to get behind the British Cleaning Council-led lobbying campaign to make cleaning and hygiene a national priority.

Dave Wheadon, CEO of BCC member the National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA), Billy Russell, owner of Billy Russell Cleaning, Angela Gill, Managing Director of Bio-Productions, are among those who have met and lobbied MPs recently in support of the campaign. David Garcia, Vice President and Treasurer of BCC member the Cleaning and Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) had earlier met the Rt Hon Andrea Leadsom, Conservative MP for South Northamptonshire, while Jim Melvin, Chairman of the BCC, has also met the Rt Hon Grant Shapps, the Conservative MP for Welwyn Hatfield.

The cleaning, hygiene and waste industry came together earlier this year to call for sector staff to help lobby MPs to have the recommendations in the report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Cleaning and Hygiene Industry, entitled Embedding Effective Hygiene for a Resilient UK, accepted in full.

Since then, individuals, businesses and trade associations across the country have been downloading and adapting a pre-written letter about the campaign from the BCC website and emailing it to their local MP.

BCC Chairman Jim Melvin said: “I want to say a very big thank you to all those who have contacted their MP in support of the APPG report and our campaign."

“This is a hugely important issue. We are one of the biggest industries in the UK, worth £59bn and with a vital, frontline role in keeping people safe, well and healthy, so it is time the Government sat up and paid us the attention we are due. “We need cleaning and hygiene to be a top priority in this country – it will help save lives in the long run. So please, if you haven’t already taken part, give us your support, it is easy to do.”

Mr Wheadon asked fellow NCCA directors – including Billy Russell - to give their backing to the campaign, so Mr Russell wrote to his local MP, the Rt Hon Jesse Norman, Minister of State in the Department for Transport. Mr Norman, who is MP for Hereford and South Herefordshire, responded to Mr Russell’s letter and agreed to visit his company office to discuss it with both of them.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Wheadon said it had been a wide-ranging discussion on issues including the need for recognition for cleaning staff, the need for an industry-wide Apprenticeship and how to attract young people to the industry. He said: “The meeting went really well. It was a good, detailed discussion and Jesse was really interested, he listened and asked how he could help."

“Without our industry, the country would not have dealt with Covid as effectively as we have but what our industry did has been forgotten."

“We have to make sure they don’t forget what our industry did during the pandemic, we need to maintain our voice and get behind this campaign.”

Mr Russell said: “I don’t think a lot of people understand what the industry entails, but Jesse really took it all on board and we gave him a lot of information."

“The only way we will make this succeed is by working together as an industry. The more people take part, the more likely this campaign will work.”

Angela Gill, who is also a Freeman with BCC member the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaning, met with Mims Davies, MP for Mid Sussex and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Work and Pensions and had a ‘comprehensive’ and ‘constructive’ discussion.

She said: “We're at the end of a two or three-year period where hygiene became the top priority for the entire world. Now is the time to capitalise on that momentum and awareness and not let the lessons of the pandemic be forgotten."

“This campaign is about ensuring cleaning and cleanliness remain top of the agenda for years to come so we can protect the vulnerable, and so we aren't caught unawares next time a new virus comes along."

“More personally, it's about making sure cleaning workers are recognised for what they do. They need to feel more valued, to be celebrated for the contributions they make to keeping people safe."

“The old adage that there's strength in numbers is true for campaigns like these. The cleaning industry plays a vital role to the lives of everyday people as well as the UK economy."

“It may not be the most attention-grabbing or headline-hitting industry, but what we do matters and hygiene saves lives. The more of us who speak up and work together, the more likely we are to succeed.”

The APPG report has been backed by the British Cleaning Council and 21 associations from all across the industry.

Its recommendations, if implemented, would put cleaning and hygiene at the heart of the national agenda, making the nation much more resilient to current common infections and also much better prepared for future public health emergencies, like the Covid-19 pandemic.

The BCC has circulated a QR code which people can scan or they can visit https://britishcleaningcouncil.org/2023/02/06/download-letter-here to find the letter, APPG report, a petition and details of their local MP.

The drive takes place under the umbrella of the BCC’s We Clean, We Care campaign.

The Embedding Effective Hygiene for a Resilient UK report made 11 key recommendations, summarised below:

• The establishment of a joint Government-industry preparedness team to plan for public health emergencies.
• Minimum levels of cleaning materials and equipment to be agreed and made available in readiness.
• Thought to be given to how to increase production during a public health emergency.
• Key frontline worker status must be bestowed upon cleaning operatives and staff working in supply and manufacturing if a pandemic happens.
• Urgent consideration to be given to making cleaning staff eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa scheme.
• Minimum standards for hygiene infrastructure and cleaning in diverse venues to be agreed.
• A standard qualification for cleaning to be developed within the Apprenticeship Levy.
• Training budgets for cleaning operatives should be adequate.
• Government communications around hygiene in times of pandemic should be clear, consistent, sustained, timely, relevant and specific.
• The Government should use behavioural science-based communication campaigns to promote hygienic behaviour to the public.
• The Government should support the cleaning and hygiene industry in realigning perceptions of the industry.

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New industry report calls for more support and recognition from Government for cleaning staff

Adopting report recommendations will ‘save lives in the future’

A new report released today has called for better acknowledgement and support for cleaning and hygiene sector workers from the Government.

The report, which is backed by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), the British Cleaning Council (BCC) and 22 organisations from across the industry, identified two priority recommendations in order to ensure that lessons are learnt from the Covid-19 pandemic, and measures are quickly put in place to effectively fight communicable infections in future. 

The report reflects the opinions of an industry roundtable meeting which included a wide range of representatives from the £59bn cleaning, hygiene and waste sector - including trade associations and businesses - along with public health and behavioural insight experts.

The report’s first recommendation was that a dedicated Government department or agency – such as the UK Health Security Agency - is needed to work in partnership with industry to implement necessary preparedness and cultural changes.

The report’s second recommendation was that cleaning and hygiene staff must be acknowledged and appropriately supported by Government, trained, accredited and both culturally and socially accepted. Cleaning and hygiene staff are the key conduit through which hygiene practices are delivered into facilities, it noted.

The roundtable meeting also backed last year’s report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Cleaning and Hygiene Industry, entitled Embedding Effective Hygiene for a Resilient UK, which followed an inquiry into the role of cleaning and hygiene, and the associated challenges, during the pandemic.

The APPG report made 11 recommendations aimed at putting cleaning and hygiene at the top of the national agenda, thereby making the UK much more resilient to current common infections such as flu and also better prepared for future public health emergencies like the Covid-19 pandemic.

Business leaders from the cleaning, hygiene and waste sector – which is one of the UK’s ten biggest industries - have been calling for the Government to adopt the APPG Covid learnings report since it was published last December. The BCC, which represents the entire sector, and trade associations from across the industry recently came together to launch a campaign for the APPG report to be implemented in full. 

They are calling on industry colleagues to write to their MP in support of the report. So far, over 300 letters have been sent with more to follow. The BCC is also lobbying MPs and Government directly.

The drive takes place under the umbrella of the BCC’s ‘We Clean, We Care’ campaign, which reflects the pride cleaning and hygiene staff have in the vital, frontline role they perform, keeping others safe, well, healthy and increasing public confidence in the UK’s infrastructure and workplaces.

Chairman of the BCC, Jim Melvin, said: “This report recommends two key, priority measures that will help ensure the lessons of the Covid-19 pandemic are learnt, protecting public health and saving lives in the future.

“Recognising the key, frontline and vital role of the cleaning and hygiene sector staff and a good working relationship between the Government and our industry will help ensure the public is healthier, happier and safer going forward, with increased social acceptance of our teams’ professionalism and better cultural awareness of the industry. 

“The cleaning, hygiene and waste industry along with experts in public health have come together to speak with one voice on this issue. We need and require to be heard. It is essential that the recommendations in this report and the earlier report from the sector’s APPG are accepted in full.

“But if the Government continues to see cleaning and hygiene as a cultural after-thought, as it did before the Covid-19 pandemic, they are arguably leaving the health of the public at risk.”

CEO of the RSPH, William Roberts, said: “Cleaning and hygiene operatives are an essential part of the wider public health workforce, which is why there needs to be improved recognition of their role and greater support from Government.

“The recommendations in this report set out a way to ensure cleaning and hygiene operatives are better acknowledged as a profession, and are able to use their collective expertise to support Government and to make us all safer.

“Working in partnership is key to ensure the most up-to-date public health practices benefit society as a whole and we welcome the approach set out by the APPG.  RSPH continues to support the cleaning and hygiene sector through its qualifications and training.” 

Chairman of the Cleaning & Support Services Association (CSSA), Paul Ashton, said: “The report in itself is progress but what happens next is most important.

“Integration of technology in the modern cleaning solution is an intrinsic part of how we increase social acceptance of cleaning and hygiene to create recognition of our frontline staff.  Innovation is readily available, more so than ever before, but the Government’s refusal to recognise our industry is limiting acceptance and consequently risking lives.

“To enable positive change, we owe it to our frontline staff and businesses within our industry to access levy-funded training that we have all been paying into for years. Training and development is identified as a key action within the report, when public health is the key outcome – not enabling our industry is playing Russian roulette with society.

“We have the potential to be the global leader in cleaning and hygiene, so it’s about time the Government acknowledged the phenomenal work of our industry and simply provided the platform to progress.

“We’ll keep doing the hard work as we always have done but with genuine recognition, we can maximise the opportunities that technology create, improve productivity and ultimately create a cleaner, safer United Kingdom.”

Recommendation one was the result of a large part of the roundtable discussion centering on the need for a strengthened partnership between the sector and Government.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) was identified by the group as the most appropriate to ensure there are strong links between cleaning, public health and businesses, with the BCC leading the relationship and other sectors providing insight.

Referring to the second recommendation, there was clear consensus across the group that cleaning and hygiene operatives are the key conduit through which hygiene practices are delivered into facilities.

They must be trained, accredited and appropriately supported as a fundamental requirement for the implementation of the APPG recommendations.

They are an essential part of the public health workforce and must be recognised as such. They should be acknowledged as key to delivering public health in such situations as a pandemic, and better recognition for these roles must be provided to improve recruitment and retention.

The recommendations of the December APPG report are summarised below: 

• The establishment of a joint Government-industry preparedness team to plan for public health emergencies.
• Minimum levels of cleaning materials and equipment to be agreed and made available in readiness.
• Thought to be given to how to increase production during a public health emergency.
• Key frontline worker status must be bestowed upon cleaning operatives and staff working in supply and manufacturing if a pandemic happens.
• Urgent consideration to be given to making cleaning staff eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa scheme.
• Minimum standards for hygiene infrastructure and cleaning i

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