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Raising standards
Neil Spencer-Cook, Group MD of the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc), explores the defining role of professional cleaning in today’s industry.
In today’s fast-moving and increasingly complex environment, one theme sits firmly at the heart of the cleaning industry: standards. More than ever before, the sector is being judged not simply on visible results, but on the consistency, safety and professionalism that sit behind them.
For decades, cleaning has been an essential service. These days,
however, it has evolved into a critical function that directly supports public health, business resilience and organisational performance. As expectations continue to rise, standards are no longer a benchmark to aspire to: they are the foundation upon which the entire industry must operate.
Standards as the industry’s backbone
Where once cleaning outcomes were largely subjective, they’re now increasingly defined by measurable, auditable processes. From infection prevention protocols to documented service delivery and compliance reporting, cleaning has become a structured, evidence-based profession.
This shift is being driven by multiple factors. Heightened awareness of hygiene, particularly following the pandemic, has permanently altered expectations across every sector. At the same time, organisations are demanding greater transparency. Digital tools, reporting platforms and performance data are being used to prove that standards are consistently met, rather than assumed.
The result is clear: standards are no longer a ‘nice to have’: they’re central to reputation, trust and long-term success.
The pressure on maintaining standards
While the importance of standards has never been higher, maintaining them has become more challenging. Economic pressures remain a significant issue across the sector, with rising operational costs placing strain on resources and margins.
At the same time, clients are understandably seeking greater value, often expecting higher standards without a corresponding increase in investment. This creates a critical tension within the industry: how to uphold professional standards while navigating cost constraints.
Professionalisation and the workforce Central to maintaining standards is the workforce itself.
26 | TOMORROW'S CLEANING
Cleaning professionals are the frontline of delivery, and their skills, knowledge and behaviours ultimately determine the success of any service. However, labour shortages and retention challenges continue to impact the sector, making it more difficult to sustain consistency and quality.
This brings into sharp focus the importance of professionalisation. Training, certification and clear career pathways are critical, not only to improve performance, but also to elevate the perception of cleaning as a skilled profession.
Organisations which invest in their people, provide structured training and embed clear standards into everyday practice are far better positioned to deliver consistent, high-quality services. In many respects, standards and people are inseparable – one cannot exist effectively without the other.
Standards and sustainability
Another area where standards are playing an increasingly important role is sustainability. Environmental responsibility is now embedded within client expectations, requiring cleaning providers to demonstrate responsible product use, waste reduction and alignment with wider environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments.
Sustainable solutions must be carefully balanced with effectiveness, cost and operational practicality. Clear standards provide a framework for decision-making, ensuring that environmental responsibility doesn’t come at the expense of cleaning outcomes or safety.
Leading through standards
As the industry continues to evolve, one truth remains constant: standards define the credibility of the profession. They underpin trust with clients, protect end users and ensure that cleaning delivers real, measurable value.
For organisations and professionals alike, the focus must remain on continuous improvement and raising standards, not simply maintaining them. The cleaning industry has an opportunity to lead by example, demonstrating that standards are not a constraint, but a catalyst for excellence.
By embracing this mindset, the sector can continue to enhance its reputation, strengthen its impact and secure its position as an essential, professional industry at the heart of modern society.
www.bics.org.uk x.com/TomoCleaning
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