First cleaning contractor in Europe to achieve CIMS accreditation

Launched by global association ISSA, the Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) is the first consensus-based management standard that outlines the primary characteristics of a successful, quality cleaning organisation.

Geared towards validating and improving the professionalism of cleaning service providers, the standard lays out a framework based on management principles that are universally considered hallmarks of successful cleaning organisations.

To achieve certification, London based, Golden Services Award winners, Principle Cleaning underwent a comprehensive assessment and satisfactorily demonstrated compliance with the required percentage of CIMS elements to become certified. All CIMS on-site assessments were performed by an ISSA-accredited third party assessor and audits took place over three days – one day at head office and two at various sites. During their inspection at head o ffice, the auditor looked at company processes and procedures for the following:

• Tender and costings
• Benchmarking
• Contractual changes
• Purchasing
• Invoicing
• Quality control
• Training
• HR procedures
• H&S

These areas of expertise resulted in Principle Cleaning gaining a recommendation from the auditor for accreditation with Honours. 

CIMS is strongly supported by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) and more and more facility managers, purchasing professionals and others are citing CIMS in their requests for proposal and cleaning specifications.

Peter Smith, managing director, said: "I am delighted that Principle Cleaning is once again leading the way in the UK and Europe. We believe in innovation and this proves our commitment to that, as well as continual improvement but all credit goes to our fantastic staff which made it possible.”