REGULAR


Thanks and farewell after two very positive years


Delia Cannings prepares to say goodbye as her time as Chair of the British Cleaning Council (BCC) comes to an end.


and Immediate Past Chair of the BCC Jim Melvin, who leads on this theme of work. Jim has a unique style and approach and I have valued his support beyond words.


I was delighted to hear him report recently that the current Government has been more welcoming towards our lobbying campaign. In a recent letter, the Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office assured us that the ‘Embedding Effective Hygiene for a Resilient UK’ report, which we have been championing since 2022, was being considered by the Government.


The letter also said that the Government recognised the ‘vital role that the cleaning and hygiene sector plays in ensuring public health and mitigating key risks, both in its routine work and during public health emergencies’, which feels like a real breakthrough.


During this period, the Manchester and London Cleaning Shows – which the BCC co-produces – have gone from strength to strength, suggesting that the industry has finally bounced back from the COVID years.


Later this month, I will step down after two years as Chair of the BCC. What an enjoyable whirlwind it has been! I have the satisfaction of looking back on some significant progress for the BCC and the industry on several fronts during my time in office.


The launch of the Level 2 Cleaning Hygiene Operative Apprenticeship on 1 January last year was a significant event for our industry, enabling millions of pounds of industry funds to be reinvested in training staff.


In a similar way, the launch of the UK Cleaning Career Development Zone is another important achievement, bringing together information about industry training and development courses into one place for the first time, where guidance, advice and opportunities can be easily accessed online.


Both these strategic initiatives answer an essential need for the sector, boosting the drive towards professionalism and supporting staff recruitment.


During my tenure, the development of the BCC image gallery to support positivity and professionalism when using cleaning related images has been welcomed and accessed by many. The annual industry report has been modernised to include images which support the new cleaning world.


Gaining recognition for the sector and its staff has been a significant strand of the BCC’s work for many years. Our voice at government level is very clear and is building momentum. I remain extremely grateful to my colleague


22 | TOMORROW'S CLEANING


This view is further reinforced by our latest research report, which shows that the value of the cleaning, hygiene and waste industry has reached a record-breaking figure of nearly £66.9bn, while employment increased to 1.49m. This equates to approximately 5% of the UK workforce, maintaining the industry as a top 10 employer in the UK.


There are other successes to highlight, such as our work with the Clean Hospitals initiative and the launch of the redesigned BCC website.


I am honoured to have served during such a positive and encouraging period. Thank you again to the many colleagues who have supported myself and the BCC over the last two years.


I wish to acknowledge the absolutely sterling work undertaken by Simon Hollingbery, the BCC secretary, and Jason Grimsley, our PR Manager, without whom our success would not have been possible.


Also, I must mention Ronnie, my wonderful husband, who has supported me in every way possible enabling this part of my journey and always believing in me.


Finally, I extend a personal welcome to the next BCC Chair, David Garcia, a man of phenomenal integrity and colossal industry experience.


www.britishcleaningcouncil.org x.com/TomoCleaning


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