STANDING UP FOR OUR INDUSTRY
Environment Media Group, organiser of the European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards, says it is more important than ever to demonstrate the value of the cleaning industry in the wake of Carillion’s collapse.
Among the many stories that emerged following the news that the construction and services company Carillion had been put into compulsory liquidation, was a renewed call for the responsibility for NHS cleaning to be taken out of the hands of private contract cleaning companies, and for in-house teams to be employed instead.
Taking this approach as a universal policy, rather than looking at each situation in isolation, would show a lack of understanding of the professionalism, expertise and flexibility of contract cleaners. In-house teams, of course, provide a quality service, but they often lack the flexibility available to contract cleaning companies, which can scale their workforce appropriately more easily and cost- effectively, for example to cover for holidays, sickness or large events. They are also able to import best practice from other industries they operate in.
CONTRACT CLOSURE There should not be a blanket rejection of the outsourced cleaning model because of the failure of one, albeit large, company. Instead, the most appropriate approach should be taken, whether that means in-house or outsourced. The importance of getting the decision right needs to be recognised. Cleaning in hospitals plays a significant role in infection prevention, as well as improving aesthetics.
That the issue is mentioned at all shows that there is still much to be done to raise the profile and understanding of the cleaning industry as a whole. Along with celebrating success, that is one of the primary objectives of the European Cleaning and Hygiene Awards. They give a platform to demonstrate all the great things happening in the sector and
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the evidence to convince those outside the industry of the economic, environmental and social value it brings.
For example, the winner of the 2017 ‘Sustainability – best practice in implementing principles throughout the business’ award – sponsored by Werner & Mertz – was international contract cleaning company Markas, which won the prize for its work at the Montichiari Hospital in Italy. Sustainability development is one of the most important principles for Markas. The company continually intensifies its commitment toward the environment and the sustainability of its services with concrete actions and solutions.
DEMONSTRATE EXCELLENCE Everyone involved with cleaning will know the dangers of focusing on price above all else when contracting; a race to the bottom does no one any favours in the long run, as the Carillion episode demonstrates.
It’s time to do all we can to showcase the fantastic things that happen in the cleaning industry so that people appreciate its true value. Get your thinking caps on and decide which European Cleaning and Hygiene Award category would help you demonstrate your excellence to the whole of Europe.
We look forward to seeing you in Berlin for the awards ceremony!
www.echawards.com
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