Home › blog › 2025 › November › 10th › respect and a call for selfrespect
Respect, and a call for self-respect
10th of November 2025 Article by Lynn Webster
Lynn Webster in the UK says it’s time for those who work in the sector to take pride in what they do.
Cleaning operatives are so often thought of as the invisible labour force: unseen, overlooked and undervalued only until something negative occurs or it all goes wrong.
Cleaning teams can be considered expendable, purely a functional necessity without any thought for the people involved - leaving those who work in the cleaning industry feeling overlooked despite their essential worker status and importance.
The various cleaning industry associations are becoming more publicly aware of the
need for RESPECT.
The narrative is clearly changing, recognising the and appreciating the members of our cleaning teams as no longer “just a cleaner” - a phrase that diminishes a person’s worth. We are now replacing that with our own positive messages and behaviours.
There is tremendous work being done.For example the Clean Start initiative from the Cleaning and Support Services Association (CSSA). A finalist in the recent European Cleaning and Hygiene Awards, this is a campaign to change the way young people perceive cleaning and to encourage them to consider the cleaning industry as a worthwhile career move with the many facets and roles it has to offer. Breaking the stereotypical vision of cleaning and promoting the opportunities available.
Challenging perceptions
Furthermore, there is the focus, the voice, from the British Cleaning Council on actively challenging the perception of cleaning as low skilled or in fact as not being skilled at all. It continues its work to gain official recognition from government and the public for the vital role cleaning plays in society.
Most recently there has been significant collaboration established between the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners and the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc). Both organisations founded by Eric Hill are coming together in a new and exciting collaboration.
With the growing success of the Chartered Practitioner status provided through Royal charter status of the Livery, and with well over 50 people now on the register, BICSc is supporting those who are on their chartership journey. The opportunity to be recognised for your achievements is open to
all those who meet the criteria of the five pillars: General Knowledge, Skills, Communication, Leadership and Professional Commitment.
Visit: wc-ec.com/chartered-practitioners to find out more.
Having considered these five pillars required for entry candidates are now able to fill gaps in their knowledge, hone their skills and further develop in their preparation for submission with training, mentoring and support in the process through defined links on the BICSc web page.
All these are great initiatives but the cleaning industry needs to take ownership of its future. There is certainly more to be done by the sector itself.
So perhaps a “call to arms” for the self-respect we should each demonstrate. Have respect for ourselves. Value ourselves. Take pride in our roles and in turn allow society to appreciate our industry. So, time to take those vital steps to recognise ourselves as a visible, professional and highly skilled industry we are proud to be a part of.
RSS