Introduction

We may think that it was mother who coined the phrase, “Cleanliness is next to godliness”. But, in fact, we are told that it was John Wesley, the 18th Century religious reformer, who had the idea first. Whatever its origins it is still a useful bit of advice for those who look after our council offices, schools, colleges, museums, concert halls, theatres and other public premises. Cleaning supervisors are responsible to cleaning officers in all types of local authority for ensuring that the cleaning service is delivered to agreed standards.

Work Environment

This is an on-site job in various locations owned by the local council. There is shift work involved over a six-day period and cleaning supervisors often begin their duties either before, or after, others start theirs. In education establishments this can mean working before school opens at 8.45am or after 3 pm. During holiday periods it can mean working from 7am to 3pm to clear the way for evening classes. A standard week may vary from 17 to 20 hours per week. The work is sometimes dirty and hazardous, but protective clothing is supplied and a uniform where appropriate.

Daily Activities

Duties and responsibilities entail delivering a service, employee resources management, training and health and safety. On a day-to-day basis supervisors will:

• establish and achieve cleaning standards and where necessary undertake cleaning duties themselves
• conduct inspections of the premises and provide feedback to the cleaning officer on standards and monitoring targets
• liaise with caretakers regarding staffing matters and the supply of materials and how they are used
• maintain contact with managers and customers on site
• keep up to date on new cleaning machinery and techniques and report to the cleaning officer.

With regard to his/her team, the supervisor will:

• plan and organize cleaners to make sure they are working up to the required standard
• assist the cleaning officer in interviewing and selecting cleaning personnel
• inform the cleaning officer and wages section of any changes relating to pay and conditions of cleaning personnel
• ensure that the required number of allocated relief staff are available and that they know how to do the job properly
• administer and report on sickness absence, holidays and leave of absence and conduct return to work interviews and any other required action
• ensure that there are sufficient cleaning materials to meet the standards required by the council
• operate stock control and ordering procedures.

The supervisor is also responsible for induction training for all new employees and on-site training and assessment of subsequent performance. And where it is necessary, report to the cleaning officer about cleaners who may need further training. There is also an important health and safety brief with this post. The supervisor must promote and maintain a strict adherence to all procedures including Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations. This entails:

• on-site guidance to cleaners about safe working practices
• identifying hazards (loose flooring, dangerous wiring, unsafe structures and so on) and reporting to the caretaker and management
• keeping an eye on cleaners to make sure that they wear protective clothing
• ensuring that all machinery is in sound working order and all liquids are in safe containers and diluted to correct proportions
• ensuring that all cleaning signs are placed correctly and colour coded equipment is used correctly
• liasing with caretakers regarding equipment repair and replacement.

So this is not a simple case of Mrs Mopp and her bucket. Cleaning supervisors have a major responsibility for staff and buildings and must have a thorough knowledge of modern equipment and materials.

Skills & Interests

You would need to have the ability to:

• complete staffing lists, training records and so on – literacy skills
• monitor hours worked by cleaning staff – numeracy skills
• communicate verbally and with authority
• solve problems quickly and not panic
• organize work areas and stocks of cleaning materials
• instruct staff effectively and identify their training needs
• be methodical.

Entry Requirements

At least six months experience including the use of cleaning machinery (for example, buffing machines) and chemicals and a minimum of 3 months experience of supervising staff. You should also have an awareness of up-to-date health, safety and welfare practices (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), risk assessment, manual handling and so on).

It is a natural career progression from being a cleaner to a supervisor/manager for anybody who wants to get on. Some people who have worked in private businesses and have picked up the tricks of the trade can move into supervisory posts in local government.

Estimated salary range

(£10,278 – £11,000 per annum pro rata)

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

There is the chance to advance your career by becoming a cleaning officer/ manager or caretaker in various establishments both within the local government sector and outside.
With large firms there will be more responsibility and a better salary. And, there are many people who have had experience with institutions who set up their own companies for industrial, office and domestic cleaning. Training in the use of cleaning materials and equipment and health and safety procedures can help this progression.

Related Occupations

Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Building Your Community.
Alternatively, follow this link to view all career profiles placed in the same job area.

Further Information & Services

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) www.iosh.co.uk

Asset Skills www.assetskills.org

British Institute of of Cleaning Science www.bics.org.uk

You may find further information about this area of work in your local Connexions service/careers office/school careers library – under RB.

What should I do next?

Look for current local government Cleaning Supervisor vacancies in the following places:

• LGjobs.com - the official recruitment website for local government.
• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
• Local council websites.
• Local newspapers
• National newspapers – The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

• Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
• Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
• Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in – ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
• Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.