Giving something back is in our DNA

ETHICAL PRACTICE is at the heart of the CHSA. Our Code of Practice demands our members trade ethically. At its heart, this philosophy encompasses the way our members do business. They sign up to conducting business in an ‘open, honest, fair and proper manner’ and have to comply with the ethical principles set out in the Competition & Markets Authority’s Green Claims Code. 

This approach to business is fundamental, but our ethical approach extends further. Giving something back to our community is in our DNA. We believe it matters. 

Our industry can struggle to attract and retain the right talent. Contract cleaners find it difficult to employ well trained cleaning operatives. The CSSA’s Clean Start initiative is designed to help tackle this problem. Its goal is to change people’s perception of the cleaning industry, transforming the ‘mop and bucket’ perspective into the more realistic view of an industry rich in technology and career opportunities. Giving something back also has a big role to play in securing the right talent. It’s influential in building loyalty and boosting employee morale. In a highly competitive market, with tight margins, it sets organisations apart, differentiating them from the competition. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it’s the right thing to do. 

At the CHSA we give something back in two main ways: our undergraduate Bursary and fund raising for our nominated charity.

The CHSA Bursary has made a huge difference to young people at university. It was refreshed into its current form in 2016. Since then, we have supported 25 young people, including the four talented recipients who are starting their university careers this autumn. Few students have the resources to capitalise on all the opportunities university offers. For the children of our members’ employees, the Bursary can make the crucial difference, enabling them to take part in field trips, join clubs or simply buy the books and resources they need to successfully complete the course. The four successful applicants in 2024 will each receive £6,000 over the course of their time at university. 

Thanks to the generosity of our members at our Annual Charity Gala Ball, we are also able to make a significant donation to charity every year. This year we donated £10,000 to Grief Encounter, adding to the over £33,000 we have already donated since nominating them as our official charity in 2019. 

Grief Encounter supports bereaved children and their families to help alleviate the pain caused by the death of someone close. One child in every UK classroom will experience the death of someone close by the time they reach 16 years old. Children suffering the death of a parent or sibling find their lives changed forever; their grief and sadness often being compounded by isolation and fear, which can have a significant impact on a child’s mental health. Studies have shown bereaved children can face long-term social and emotional difficulties, if they do not receive adequate support following a bereavement. 

We are proud of these initiatives, which receive the full and enthusiastic support of our governing Council. Our Bursary and support for Grief Encounter, in very different ways, make a huge and very valuable difference to young people. 

Lorcan Mekitarian is chair of the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association

For more information visit​ www.CHSA.co.uk