What Professional Standards Should Your Commercial Cleaning Company Hold?

When you're choosing a commercial cleaning company, professional credentials are one of the most reliable ways to separate serious operators from those who simply own a mop and a van. But what do the key accreditations actually mean — and which ones should matter to your business?

BICSc — British Institute of Cleaning Science

BICSc is the UK's leading professional body for the cleaning industry. Membership demonstrates a commitment to recognised training standards, professional development, and best practice in cleaning methods and safety.

For businesses, choosing a BICSc member means your cleaning company's staff are trained to a nationally recognised standard — not just shown around the premises on their first day. BICSc members are also required to keep up with industry developments, which matters as cleaning products, techniques, and health and safety requirements evolve.

DBS Checks — Disclosure and Barring Service

A DBS check (formerly CRB check) is a background check that reveals any criminal convictions or cautions relevant to working with vulnerable people or in sensitive environments.

For commercial cleaning, DBS checks are essential for:

• Schools, nurseries, and educational settings
• Medical and dental practices
• Care homes and healthcare facilities
• Any premises where staff work unsupervised outside business hours

Always ask a cleaning company whether all staff are DBS checked — not just supervisors.

CHAS — Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme

CHAS accreditation demonstrates that a contractor meets the health and safety standards required by public sector and large corporate clients. It is widely required for cleaning contracts in schools, local authority buildings, and NHS premises.

If your business operates in the public sector or has a formal procurement process, CHAS accreditation in your cleaning contractor simplifies compliance and reduces your own liability.

Safe Contractor

Safe Contractor is another widely recognised health and safety accreditation scheme, used by many large facilities management companies and corporate clients as a pre-qualification requirement. It covers risk assessments, method statements, insurance, and staff training.

Reference Checks and Staff Vetting

Beyond formal accreditations, a professional cleaning company should carry out thorough reference checks on all staff before they are placed on client sites. This is particularly important given that cleaning teams often work in premises outside business hours, with access to sensitive areas.

What CQD Cleaning Services Holds

CQD Cleaning Services Ltd is a member of the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc). All our staff are DBS checked and reference verified before they are placed on any client site. We carry full public liability and employer's liability insurance, and we operate to the professional standards expected by schools, medical practices, and corporate clients across South East England.

Call us on 01494 911001 to discuss your requirements or request a free site survey.