Transforming professional standards for BICSc members

THE ANSWER to this question for most is probably no. And that’s because we tend to stick with what we know and what’s comfortable. As humans, we tend not to like change. 

But when you start looking at the way we prove we are safe to work, through paper certifications and plastic cards, it’s fairly easy to ponder if there’s a better, more modern approach to this. And this is where I introduce digital credentials.

It’s something that The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) is working on with Origin Secured, and we aim to seamlessly integrate our Licence to Practice (LTP) with their app, signalling a new era of digital credentialing in the cleaning sector. This move not only simplifies credential management but also drives higher standards and transparency across the industry, which is something I am sure most of us are keen to see.

If we look at how digital credentialing is already transforming other sectors, this seems the natural move for us as an organisation. We’ve seen success with others taking on such an approach, like the NHS, where personal information and records are securely stored and easily accessible in their app. Likewise, the GovOne app is advancing in this direction, with services like driving licence renewal now fully online and seamlessly integrated with passport details. This is the future of efficiency and connectivity.

Recognising this momentum, we are committed to the Digital Cleaners Licence. Starting later this year, successful Licence to Practice (LTP) candidates will automatically receive a complimentary digital cleaning licence. This initiative is designed to streamline professional validation and support the industry’s evolution towards higher standards and modernised workforce management.

For those unaware of the Digital Cleaners Licence, it is an electronic certification that verifies an individual’s competence, training, and adherence to industry standards, and unlike traditional paper-based qualifications, the digital licence is stored online, enabling both employers and employees to access, update, and share credentials instantly.

Powered by Origin Secured, this digital credential enables cleaning operatives to present verified identity, Right to Work (RTW) status, bank account details, professional accreditations, and full work history.

The team is currently finalising the details to ensure a smooth rollout, but rest assured, this digital credential will be an integral part of our forward-thinking approach, driving innovation, enhancing compliance, and aligning with the industry’s future direction.

Overall, the Digital Cleaners Licence is reshaping the professional landscape of the cleaning sector. We are looking to empower workers by giving them control over their credentials, while also giving employers the benefit of improved compliance, simplified onboarding, and efficient data management.

I’m looking forward to sharing more of this exciting new step forward for BICSc and the industry as a whole. So, keep a lookout for future information from us regarding progress.

Neil Spencer-Cook is group managing director at BICSc

For more information visit www.bics.org.uk