 Voice of the cleaning industry
March 09th 2006
From humble beginnings back in 1982, the British Cleaning Council has emerged as a leader within the industry. Comprising 16 member associations and institutions covering all sectors, we truly believe that we now fully represent UK cleaning through our members - whose own members, in turn, make up a huge proportion of the market.
Our Council speaks out on behalf of cleaners (working both in and outdoors) who toil in all conditions to keep our environments clean and tidy. Cleaning is now being recognised as a valid career option where many people running their own companies are inundated with work opportunities and good rates of pay – not to mention becoming their own boss.
Cleaning training has become something of a must and we are managing to move beyond the days when people believed that just anyone can pick up a mop or brush and make a proper stab at cleaning up.
BCC, its members and the media profile of cleaning is being boosted. Now we realise the importance of shouting aloud to let other industries know what we’re all about.
As well as providing a forum for members to meet and share common thoughts and ideas, the Council’s main source of revenue (which it ploughs directly back into the industry) is from the world renowned Cleaning Show, held biennially at the NEC, Birmingham. Until 2005, the BCC ran ‘Britain’s Cleanest City’ competition.
However, this year (2006) the awards were transformed into the ‘Clean Britain Awards’ in order to be more inclusive of all UK Local Authorities.
I am delighted that we continue to grow and transform as an organisation. We have developed key links with other industries such as the TUC (Trades Union Congress) and TGWU (Transport & General Workers Union); the Health & Safety Executive (HSE); the Association of British Insurers (ABI) to name but a few.
Our membership is expanding at present and we anticipate having two extra members very soon.
Our media relations continue to shed light on our industry, painting the profession in its polished light .We have also carried out media surveys on cleaning as an occupation and on the public’s opinion on the state of Britain’s streets today. These are just some of our most recent stories that have been successful in creating a discussion point on cleaning and for highlighting the essential need for delivery of cleaning as a first class service.
One of the main industry developments in recent times has been the Pathway Card.
This was developed by our members the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc), Cleaning & Support Services Association (CSSA), Asset Skills, powered by Purple Passport and supported by BCC. This allows cleaners to keep an online record of their skills and employment track record.
The card contains information on an individual’s skills, qualifications and experience within the cleaning industry, building upon the basic induction training that all Pathway Card holders will have undergone. Holders and employers can add detail to their own Card as relevant information comes to hand. Only with the holder’s permission can employers access the details held on their Pathway Card.
Finally, it is excellent to see developments emerge from partners from other industries that we have been working closely with.For example, the HSE has launched an information sheet ‘The Importance of Floor Cleaning’ in its slips and trips campaign. This is aimed at cleaning employers amongst others. The HSE is also working alongside the Federation of Window Cleaners on regulations for the Working at Height Directive (WAHD). More articles from British Cleaning Council: | 
