 Improving the skills base
March 09th 2006
BICSc was founded in 1961 as the independent professional body of the UK cleaning industry. Our mission is to raise both professional status and standards within the industry, primarily through training and education.
We view cleaning very much as a career with opportunities for promotion. Working in the cleaning industry is something to be proud of. There is no such thing as ‘just a cleaner’. Cleaning is a skilled, professional business.
Our Membership is made up of 4000 individuals and 350 Corporate organisations.
Organisations that become Corporate Members demonstrate their commitment to this aim by pledging to observe the Institute’s Code of Practice.
They are entitled to a number of benefits and services including:
- Use of the Institute’s logo on stationery, literature, websites and vehicles
- Discounts on further employee Memberships
- Discounts on training materials and publications
- A free Business Helpline
- Special healthcare insurance
- Energy cost reduction advice
Individual members benefits include:
- Global recognition of the individual’s skills & qualifications
- Opportunities to network with like minded people
- A range of support services including H&S, Legal,Tax & Business Support
- Various benefits provided by the Northampton Chamber of Commerced
Members can take part in any of the BICSc Regional and social events, training days, conferences, lectures and exhibitions.
The Institute is more than a Membership body. One of its major contributions to the cleaning industry is the internationally recognised BICSc Cleaning Operators’ Proficiency Certificate (COPC). This popular workplace based qualification is widely used with 100 000 cleaning staff certified in the UK alone. There are other COPC Certificate holders throughout the world. COPC courses are now available with BICSc approved assessors in over 15 countries.
The Supervisory Skills Certificate (SSC) gives a cost effective assessment of supervisors as they carry out their normal duties. It also provides a necessary qualification for Supervisors by highlighting the professional approach of the organisation. It illustrates this by setting a standard for the level of skills achievement that should be expected of Supervisors.
In addition to its own qualifications, the Institute works in partnership with City & Guilds and SQA, an awarding body for other qualifications including N/SVQs.
BICSc has a close working relationship with a number of colleges with specialist cleaning courses throughout the UK including the Matthew Boulton College in Birmingham.
If your organisation wants to demonstrate commitment to improving professional standards and offering the best to staff and clients, BICSc Membership is the way ahead. Membership of the Institute, shown by your display of the BICSc logo, will signal your commitment and professionalism.
Remember – BICSc works for YOU! More articles from British Institute of Cleaning Science: | 
