Recognising excellence in the cleaning industry

Individuals and companies working within the cleaning industry and those providing support services were honoured at the British Institute of Cleaning Science Annual Awards

The 50th anniversary celebration took place at the Marriott Forest of Arden in a luxury marquee on the evening of 22 September.The awards recognise excellence in accredited training and assessment in a number of sectors.Categories and award winners are as follows:

The BICSc Award for Excellence in Training and Assessment within a Prison The Institute works with the prison industry to deliver BICSc assessment schemes and training courses and this award is in recognition of training delivery in that sector.

The winner was HMP Bullingdon, with runner up,HMP Swansea.

The BICSc Award for Excellence in Training and Assessment within an Accredited Training Organisation (in-house delivery) This award is for training developments within an accredited training organisation, which is approved to deliver BICSc assessment schemes and training courses to directly employed staff.

The winner was Western Health and Social Care Trust, with the runner up,Gateshead Council.

The BICSc Award for Excellence in Training and Assessment within an Accredited Training Provider This is awarded for training developments within an accredited training organisation.

The winner was Premier Products, with the runner up, Cleanwise Training & Management.

The BICSc Award for Outstanding Student of the Year Now in its third year, the Student Achievement of the Year Award reflects the achievement of an individual and their award of a BICSc qualification. Students are nominated by an employer, training provider or fellow student, with the main focus being on how the student has been able to achieve an award against adversity or has gone the extra mile to complete and receive the qualification within the workplace.

The winner was Mandy Hutchinson, recognised by her employer Firm Security Services.

The Doreen Heyes Award for Accredited Training Provision within Hospital Trusts This award is based upon the provision of accredited BICSc training for those working in healthcare, such as hospitals, clinics and surgeries, to provide an industry standard qualification.Doreen Heyes was a past president and Chairman of BICSc during 1973/74.

The winner was Western Health and Social Care Trust.(Pictured top right).

The Arthur Ayres Regional Award This is presented to the BICSc region with the largest growth in membership during the year.The British Institute of Cleaning Science consists of nine regions - London and Home Counties; North East; North West;Midlands;Wales; Scotland, South and South West, East Anglia and Northern Ireland.

The winner was BICSc Northern Ireland.

BICSc International Award for Outstanding Performance in Promotion of the Institute The award is presented to an individual / organisation that have promoted BICSc training and standards outside the United Kingdom and achieved recognition of this within the cleaning industry on the international stage.

The winner was Rosetta Thornhill - The Institute of Tourism Studies, Malta

Eric Hill Medal This is a key annual award which is awarded for past service to the Institute and is primarily for someone who has made a great contribution to training.

The winner was Gary Keenan of Belbclean.

The Sholom Gordon Award This is the Institute's premier award which is presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding service to the Institute and the cleaning industry. The award was first presented in 1972 by Sidney Gordon and is a solid silver replica of a Columbus Dixon D1 floor machine.

The winner is Lynn Webster, BICSc Council and outgoing BICSc Chair. (Pictured below).