As the repercussions of the COVID-19 crisis continue to impact the professional cleaning and hygiene sector, it has been essential to transforming training to combat unforeseen, unprecedented challenges.

Maintaining superior standards, instilling best practices, and acquiring knowledge of the industry’s latest innovations proved vital for the cleaning and hygiene industry, which has played a pivotal part in helping global organisations navigate the pandemic and the challenges it continues to pose.

The need to ensure professional cleaning operatives worldwide were able to access essential training throughout the pandemic and beyond, was the driver for the latest developments implemented by the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc), the largest, independent, professional, and educational body within the cleaning industry. 

In response to the industry’s increasing requirement for accessible-to-all training, the institute successfully launched a number of new online training options, accreditations and audits. 

Since the launch of BICSc Virtual Training Suite, the Institute has been inundated by thousands of candidates from the global cleaning community who have enrolled for courses, with hundreds more registering on a daily basis to access the online training option that includes free and comprehensive courses. 

Denise Hanson, BICSc Head of Technical Services, said: “BICSc is renowned for its world-leading training which is increasingly accessible to the cleaning community on a global scale with the hugely successful introduction of our virtual training offering, established to enhance our in-person training options.

“The changes the COVID-19 pandemic has wrought worldwide have been wide-reaching and look to continue for the foreseeable future. Since the launch of our Virtual Training Suite, we’ve already seen the benefits with more standardised training and increased standards across our Accredited Training Members at their annual audits. 

“We are thrilled to be able to also offer free online options to further help extend wider accessibility to world-class training and promote best practice.”

With more than 45,000 Individual and Corporate Members worldwide, the industry-leading Institute’s innovation has been at the forefront of providing essential training for cleaning operatives across the globe.

Training trailblazer BICSc continues to push the boundaries and innovate within the industry to support cleaning operatives globally allowing access to industry-leading training courses, assessments and modules designed to raise standards and protect the operative. 

The organisation, established over 60 years ago, demonstrates how it continues to revolutionise the industry with ground-breaking innovation and leads the marketplace with pioneering technological initiatives and exemplary training options.

The latest of which includes the introduction of Version 3 of the Cleaning Professional’s Skills Suite. In addition to this is the successful launch within the organisation of the Cleaning Professional’s Skills Suite (CPSS) app. 

Another industry gamechanger is the recently launched BICSc Cleaning Supervisor’s Certificate, available to any candidate who is working for an Accredited Training Member. The course is the industry’s most in-depth training course for supervisors in the cleaning and hygiene industry. 

Hanson said: “This cutting-edge technology continues to have a far-reaching, positive impact within the training sector for BICSc Licensed Assessors and for the greater global cleaning community.

“The BICSc Cleaning Supervisor’s Certificate is the most in-depth, comprehensive training course for supervisors in the cleaning and hygiene industry. Our virtual training offering has been an overwhelming success and continues to help train thousands of operatives worldwide.”

The triumphant training programme’s phenomenal success has been pandemic accelerated, however, it also highlighted a need within the sector for access to specialist training, wherever the cleaning operative is located.

The Cleaning Supervisor’s Certificate contains more than 250 lessons across 10 modules. Candidates are eligible to become BICSc Licenced Assessors and it gives trainees the essential skills required to be a successful supervisor.

As part of its revolutionary training offering, BICSc provides a range of free courses and candidates can learn the latest skills via training video presentations/demonstrations and detailed narrated presentations plus practical exercises. 

The innovative training ensures engagement and high candidate success rates in several ways including a module recap via multiple-choice quizzes for enhanced retention.

Training candidates can undergo skills assessments via video call or face to face, offering greater flexibility. 

The new BICSc CPSS app is free for all active BICSc Licensed Assessors to access and negates the need to complete numerous forms and offers significant time-saving benefits.

The Institute’s advanced app assists with accelerating the assessment process and adapting an app have led to a paperless process, providing environmental benefits from a sustainability standpoint. 

Hanson added: “Creating an app that is user friendly has been invaluable during the pandemic with this innovative technology having a significant impact on how cleaning operations are run. 

“Integrating innovative technological advancements reinforces our industry-leading position paving the way for additional ways to educate and encourage best practice throughout the marketplace. 

“We utilise technology to achieve aims to raise the standards of education and to build awareness of the cleaning industry through professional standards and accredited training thereby:

• Protecting the Operative
• Providing a Clean and Safe Environment
• Preserving Assets
• Promoting Sustainability
• Producing Best Practice

“Our latest developments are helping to transform the training landscape within the industry, which will continue to empower and equip future cleaning operatives for the ever-evolving cleaning and hygiene sector.”