If you’re wondering just how big the UK cleaning industry is – and who can help you get ahead – then check out this megalist of organisations in the sector and how they can help.
National Carpet Cleaners Association
The NCCA is the only nationally recognised trade association dedicated to the cleaning & maintenance of carpets, hard flooring, and soft furnishing.
The NCCA membership comprises professionally trained carpet & upholstery cleaning technicians who are fully insured and follow a code of practice.
They are recommended for a full range of services related to the cleaning & maintenance of carpets, hard flooring, and soft furnishings.
By means of our comprehensive training programs, NCCA members hold recognised qualifications and can undertake work in many disciplines related to the cleaning & restoration industry.
Mike Osiadacz – STEAM TRAINING
With almost 40 years experience in the cleaning industry involved in consulting, selling and training of many brands of Steam Cleaning machines, Mike Osiadacz now offers a dedicated training and consultancy service to those clients who seek education and training of this technology.
Phone: 07521260991
Email: mikeosiadacz@outlook.com
Domestic Cleaning Alliance Ltd
As part of the British Cleaning Council, we support cleaning company owners with legal help, discounts on products to job adverts and CRM system plus more.
Domestic Cleaning Business Network
The DCBN is here to support domestic cleaning business owners and those working in the industry. Our mission is to ensure all those working in the industry are Insured, Trained and Safe.
Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association
Run by our members for our members, the CHSA represents the manufacturers and distributors supplying cleaning and hygiene products in the UK.
Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM)
CIWM is the leading professional body for the resource and waste management sector representing over 5,000 individuals in the UK, Ireland and overseas.
National Association of Wheeled Bin Washers
A legitimate organisation that monitors its members and as such guarantees, a legal and high standard of wheelie bin washing services to the public and businesses that is common to all its members and that is acceptable to local authorities and water companies.
Federation of Window Cleaners
Established in 1947 Federation of Window Cleaners boasts 75-years of experience in representing the window cleaning industry – an independent, non-profit making organisation supporting the needs of Domestic & Commercial window cleaners with the, Government and other professional bodies; working alongside associations such as the British Cleaning Council (BCC), IOSH and the HSE Cleaning Industry Liaison Forum.
ASSOCIATION OF BUILDING CLEANING DSPS
The ABCD is the membership association for managers of local authority cleaning and support services and their suppliers across the UK, and has been established since 1989
Membership is also open to local authority cleaning contract managers where a private company provides the service under contract to the Council.
Our mission statement states that the ABCD exists:
- To enhance the profile of public sector cleaning and associated services
- To promote and encourage best practice
- To advise and support members on current issues
ASSOCIATION OF HEALTHCARE CLEANING PROFESSIONALS
The Association of Healthcare Cleaning Professionals (AHCP) is the principal organisation which defines the standards and represents the interests of the healthcare cleaning sector throughout the UK. Having grown out of the primarily hospital based Association of Domestic Managers, the AHCP now encompasses all areas of healthcare cleaning including NHS and private hospitals, Primary Care Trusts, care and nursing homes, dental and GP clinics and surgeries as well as the mental health field.
To say that the AHCP is the most influential force in healthcare cleaning in the UK today is not an overstatement. AHCP members are present in every healthcare trust in England, Scotland and Wales and in a growing number of hospitals and clinics in both Northern Ireland and the Republic. Individual membership is steadily growing as is the network of regional branches. Expertise is shared and best practice encouraged through local branch and national study days, workshops and conferences.
ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC SERVICE EXCELLENCE
The Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) plays a unique role in local government.
Working with over 300 councils across the UK, we strive to create a positive role for local authorities in delivering high-quality, effective and efficient public services.
APSE provides a unified national voice for our members whilst offering opportunities – though training courses, seminars, benchmarking, briefings and research – for local authority building cleaning teams to share best practice and develop strong and sustainable services.
As a not-for-profit organisation owned by our members, all surplus generated by APSE is reinvested into the services for the benefit of our local authority members.
BRITISH CHEMICALS ASSOCIATION
At the British Chemicals Association (BCA) we provide a home for companies wherever they sit in the chemical industry supply chain, where they can keep abreast of industry and regulatory developments and benefit from our training and help with staff development and the collective voice which membership provides.
Our 120 members are representative of the whole supply chain, range in size from multi-nationals to SMEs and sole traders, and include chemical manufacturers, product formulators, distributors, retailers and service providers.
Our members’ interests are diverse but no matter where they sit in the supply chain, regardless of their size, or what their specific interests are, we provide information and support relevant to the running of any business operating in the industry.
To support our members further we operate a range of sector groups for those with special interests in surfactants, biocidal products, personal care and water treatment.
BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR CLEANING IN HIGHER EDUCATION (BACHE)
The Association exists to add value to its members as the Primary Association for Building Cleaning and Associated Services within the Higher Education Sector.
The key objectives of the Association are:
- to encourage the training and development of staff within British Higher Education Institutions` (HEIs) cleaning organisations to recognised standards;
- to promote best practice in the activities of its members; to enhance the profile of HEI cleaning through professionalism;
- to influence the decisions of the funding councils, UK Universities and other key stakeholders to benefit the activities of its members and their customers;
- to facilitate the networking of all its members;
- and to disseminate information of value to members; to represent the British HEI cleaning community wherever necessary and provide advice to members.
BRITISH INSTITUTE OF CLEANING SCIENCE (BICSc)
BICSc is a membership organisation that strives to bring recognition of the vital role cleaning operatives play in everyone’s day-to-day life.
Whether you’re shopping, travelling, working, holidaying, or recuperating, every one of these scenarios has cleaning staff striving to ensure that the environment is not only clean but also safe.
Founded over 60 years ago, BICSc’ key objective is to promote the value and professionalism of the cleaning industry, providing training in the key skills required to enhance a cleaning operative’s core role whilst keeping them safe and encouraging them to work in a more effective and efficient manner.
With a range of both practical and theoretical qualifications available, BICSc has something to help further the career of every cleaning professional from entry level, through to supervisor level, and up to an employer with your own business tendering for cleaning contracts.
Check out www.bics.org.uk for our full range of courses – many of which can now be taken online via the virtual training suite to fit in with your lifestyle – some of them are free for anybody.
You’ll also find the latest BICSc and industry news in the Media Hub, useful documents that are free to download, specialist publications from the online shop and much more not only from BICSc but also supporting organisations.
BRITISH TOILET ASSOCIATION LIMITED (BTA)
The British Toilet Association a not-for profit members association and is a campaigning and lobbying body with a singular mission to “represent the interests and aspirations of providers, suppliers and users of all types, and to act as the catalyst for change in the pursuit of standards of excellence in all areas of ‘away from home’ toilet provision and management”.
The association welcomes both individual and corporate membership and it acts as a watchdog organisation aiming to improve the standards of hygiene and provision in all publicly accessible toilets. The BTA offers a survey and consultation service to facilities managers, which includes a comprehensive assessment of layout and equipment currently provided; along with recommendations for future improvement. It offers advice to public and private organisations as well as statutory bodies and are actively involved in developing and implementing the BSI Standards for any/all publicly accessible toilets.
THE BRITISH PEST CONTROL ASSOCIATION
The BPCA is the leading UK trade association representing organisations with a professional interest in the eradication and management of public health pests. We’re a not-for-profit organisation acting in the interests of our members and on behalf of the pest management industry in the UK.The provision of pest control services is an area which is often overlooked, however inadequate pest control can often have catastrophic effects economically, socially and on the public’s health. BPCA promotes the highest standards of professionalism within the industry, allowing only organisations that prove their competence to join as members. It’s our role to:
- Highlight the risks of inadequate control
- Offer guidance in what to look for when searching for a pest control contractor
- Provide general pest advice and guidance documentation
- Provide advice on how to select an appropriate pest control professional
CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
CIEH is a professional membership and awarding body and the voice of the environmental health profession. Our mission is to support and improve environmental and public health and wellbeing by supporting our members in the private, public and third sectors.
We produce a range of professional qualifications and work based solutions and run a comprehensive event programme.
As a campaigning organisation we work to promote improvements in environmental health and public health policy. We provide information, evidence and policy advice to government, industry and other stakeholders, helping to further the British Cleaning Council’s aims.
CHARTERED INSTITUTION OF WASTES MANAGEMENT
CIWM is the leading membership organisation for professionals in the sustainability, resources and waste management sector, representing and supporting over 5,500 individuals and organisations across the UK and overseas.
At CIWM, membership means more for professional life. We empower our community of members to achieve success with more knowledge, more connections, more resources, more representation, more partnerships and, ultimately, more potential.
We also play a vital role in shaping the future of the resources and waste management sector. We provide an impartial, influential and respected voice in policy discussions in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh and London, ensuring our members’ views are represented and that policy development is informed by theoretical and practical understanding and experience.
It is our mission tounite, equip and mobilise our community of members to lead, influence and deliver so that, together, we can achieve our shared purpose: to move the world beyond waste.
CLEANING & HYGIENE SUPPLIERS ASSOCIATION
Run by its members for its members, the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers’ Association (CHSA) represents manufacturers and distributors of cleaning and hygiene products in the UK.
The CHSA operates accreditation schemes. They are for manufacturers of paper-based products, plastic-based products, cotton-based products and cleaning and hygiene chemicals, for general manufacturers and for distributors of cleaning and hygiene products.
Every member has signed the CHSA code of practice, which incorporates the Competition & Markets Authority’s Green Claims Code.
Together, the accreditations schemes and code of practice guarantee members:
- trade ethically and sustainably;
- provide quality, fit for purpose products; and
- make sure ‘what’s on the box is what’s in the box’.
Our Standards. Your Guarantee.
The CHSA’s Roadmap to Sustainability is designed to help members move in the right direction, whatever their starting position.
Developed using the expertise from within our members, it has been built on five key pillars: product, packaging, transportation, social values and corporate environmental impact.
The CHSA also has a tradition of giving something back, operating an undergraduate bursary scheme and raising thousands of pounds each year for our nominated charity.
CLEANING AND SUPPORT SERVICES ASSOCIATION (CSSA)
The CSSA is the UK’s trade association for the contract cleaning and support services sector, whether as providers, suppliers, clients or otherwise as stakeholders.
The Association has been the most active supporter of contract cleaning businesses for over 50 years, achieving many wins in expanding our industry, bringing clarification and understanding to externally enforced regulations and building the credibility, perception and professionalism of all who work and use its services.
THE DOMESTIC CLEANING ALLIANCE
Founded in 2014, the DCA is the UK trade association working exclusively for the domestic cleaning industry, supporting both the service provider and the client, as well as offering training for those currently involved in the sector, or anyone wishing to join it.
Behind the DCA is a panel of six industry experts, all of whom have a broad and up-to-date knowledge of domestic cleaning, largely through running their own successful cleaning services. The DCA is supported by its members – currently there are over 150 cleaning businesses registered as members and this number is increasing week on week.
FEDERATION OF WINDOW CLEANERS
Established in 1947 Federation of Window Cleaners boasts 76-years of experience in representing the window cleaning industry – an independent, non-profit making organisation supporting the needs of domestic and commercial window cleaners with the Government and other professional bodies; working alongside associations such as the British Cleaning Council (BCC), IOSH and the HSE Cleaning Industry Liaison Forum.
Membership offers large or small window cleaning companies numerous benefits including free legal and technical support, health and safety information, discounts on essential business applications, quarterly trade journal – high quality training courses and the only Safety Accreditation Scheme (SAM) aimed specifically at the Window Cleaning industry.
INDUSTRIAL CLEANING MACHINE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION
The Industrial Cleaning Machine Manufacturers` Association (ICMMA) is a trade representative group of the principal UK manufacturers covering a spectrum of industrial cleaning technology that ranges from floor and carpet maintenance and high-pressure washers through to fixed installation cleaning systems and mechanised sweeping.
ICMMA provides a forum to monitor and influence UK and EEC legislation, to link up with government departments and with major users requiring reliable and efficient cleaning appliances.
Acting not only for the benefit of its members but for the cleaning equipment industry by setting national standards for industrial cleaning machines, ICMMA safeguards and raises manufacturing and safety requirements.
KEEP BRITAIN TIDY
Keep Britain Tidy is an environmental charity that cares for environment on our doorstep. That means more than just picking up litter. It means creating clean beaches, parks and streets. It means inspiring positive environmental behaviours and reducing waste. It means working with the public, businesses, school children, charities and public bodies. Small changes can make a big difference. Individual action, great teamwork, and inspiring and bringing communities together will deliver an environment we can all be proud of and prosper in.
We raise awareness and mobilise communities through exciting and engaging campaigns. We undertake cutting-edge research and innovation to understand issues and create effective scalable solutions. We educate and engage communities in taking action through our volunteer and education programmes. We support local authorities to improve the quality of local places through our award programmes and expert services. We campaign for system change, influencing policy and working with decision-makers
NATIONAL CARPET CLEANERS ASSOCIATION
Established in 1968, The National Carpet Cleaners Association is the only independent UK trade body dedicated to the craft of carpet, upholstery, curtain and other soft furnishing cleaning.
As such, it is now widely recognised not just by homemakers, but also by government, the media, industry and commerce, as the authoritative source of information and advice on all aspects of the industry.
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WHEELED BIN WASHERS
The National Association of Wheelie Bin Washers represents those wheelie bin washing companies that can satisfy the association’s entry criteria, which requires them to comply with all existing legislation and guidelines for the washing of bins using high-pressure water pumps.
The Association aims to provide a forum to monitor and influence UK Legislation regarding the washing of wheelie bins whilst policing the industry on behalf of its members to try and improve standards within the Association’s membership. It also aims to influence both Councils and Government regarding the policing of those companies that do not respect present legislation.
The NAWBW exists with the approval of both DEFRA and the Environment Agency.
To date, the NAWBW has produced a Health and Safety Guidelines Handbook that is also approved by the Environment Agency and DEFRA and has produced its own Charter and Mission Statement.
The Association has been effective on behalf of its members in several areas where “cowboy” operators have now been investigated or are under investigation by the Environment Agency or local council.
It is intended that the Association should work on its member’s behalf and in a way that its members would wish.
Textile Services Association (TSA)
The Textile Services Association is the trade association for the textile care services industry. We represent commercial laundry and textile rental businesses. Membership ranges from family-run operations through to large, multi-national companies.
We strive to represent, promote and educate the textile care services industry. The TSA’s Mission is to protect, nurture and develop the industry and the supply chains in which it participates, creating an environment in which our members can thrive and the services provided are seen as great value by customers and end-users.
UK HOUSEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION
The United Kingdom Housekeepers Association was formed in May 1984 with the backing of the Caterer and Hotel-keeper magazine and with Lord Forte of Ripley as its patron.
By the end of its first year, it had over 100 members from all parts of the UK, and from all areas of housekeeping, hotels, schools, institutions and hospitals. It rapidly made a name for itself as an Association for professionals. The Association has many objectives
It aims to-
- Improve the professional standing of Housekeepers.
- Promote housekeeping as a career.
- Provide a forum for the exchange of information and ideas.
- Increase the membership annually.
- Reach the more diverse workforce of the industry again i.e. hospital also educational and training establishments
- Re-introduce NVQ training programmes to colleges.
- Increase company sponsorship.
The Association is self-funding and is made up of professional UK members. We have major companies as Associate members who also sponsor us.
WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANERS
The Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners (WCEC) is a modern livery company within the City of London. Livery companies (or Guilds as they were historically known) have been active for more than 800 years representing and promoting the interests of their trades or crafts, particularly in the fields of charity and education. WCEC draws its membership from the environmental cleaning industries, including contract cleaning, wastes management, chemicals and machinery supply, and building services management.
The Company’s objectives are to improve the public’s perception of the professionalism and importance of the environmental cleaning industry. WCEC does this by encouraging the maintenance of already high standards of good commercial practice and integrity through social and professional meetings with leading professionals within the industry; encouraging and supporting the advancement of industry-wide training of industry practitioners and encouraging industry research and development. WCEC in 2021 launched its inclusive industry-wide Chartered Practitioner in Environmental Cleaning award to clearly demonstrate the industry’s skilled workforce.
The Company’s Charitable Trust works on behalf of the environmental cleaning industry and warmly welcomes contributions from all practitioners to support its general aims. Indeed, those businesses engaged within the environmental cleaning industry considering establishing a Foundation or Charitable Trust should contact WCEC’s Clerk to discuss how our Charitable Trust could achieve those objectives more quickly and easily.
