Welcome

Introduction
A Cleaning Supervisor, under the instruction or guidance of senior staff, lead a team to provide a clean and hygienic environment which meets specified cleaning standards.

Work Environment
The work is primarily an indoor role, and is expected to require substantial physical effort and some tasks will be performed in awkward postures.  The post holder is also likely to be exposed to work in dirty or unpleasant working conditions.

Daily Activities
The specific responsibilities of a Cleaning Supervisor will vary between establishments but could include:

• cleaning all surfaces, fixtures and fittings including floors, walls, partitions and internal woodwork, kitchen/catering areas, toilets, changing rooms and other sanitary areas;
• cleaning equipment after use;
• undertaking special cleaning programmes during as directed;  
• collecting and appropriate disposing of waste and cleaning and maintaining waste bins;
• maintaining records as requested;
• ensuring availability to staff of equipment and cleaning supplies;
• monitoring and managing supplies within an agreed budget, cataloguing resources and undertaking audits as required;
• refilling and replacing consumables;
• reporting faulty equipment and other maintenance requirements to the appropriate person;
• maintaining the security of the premises by securing entrances/exits as appropriate and reporting potential security breaches;
• ensuring lights and other equipment are switched off as appropriate;
• promoting and ensuring the health and safety of staff and visitors at all times; 
• monitoring and managing stock and supplies, cataloguing as required;
• assisting in the recruitment, training and development of cleaning staff as required;
• supervising directly assigned staff and ensuring cleaning is in accordance with agreed specification;
• organising cleaning routines to comply with specified standards;
• ensuring compliance by self and others with all health and safety policies and procedures;
• ensuring safe use by self and others of equipment and materials; 
• demonstrating and assisting others in safe and effective use of specialist equipment/materials;
• liaising with line manager and attending meetings as required;
• being aware of and complying with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security and confidentiality, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person;
• recognising own strengths and areas of expertise and using these to advise and support others;
• assisting in the supervision, training and development of staff;
• ensuring compliance by self and others with all health and safety policies and procedures;
• ensuring safe use by self and others of equipment and materials;
• establishing constructive relationships and communication with contractors and other agencies/professionals;
• attending and participating in regular meetings.

Skills & Interests
Cleaning Supervisors will have:

• knowledge of health and safety procedures and precautions;
• awareness of COSHH regulations;
• awareness of health and hygiene procedures;
• good standard of literacy and numeracy;
• basic IT skills;
• experience of using relevant equipment and resources;
• experience of general cleaning work;
• the ability to related well to children and adults;
• the willingness to participate in development and training opportunities;
• the ability to work on own or as part of a team;
• a willingness to observe the Code of Safe Working Practice for Caretaking and Premises Staff;
• the ability to identify their own training and development needs and co-operate with the means to address these.

Entry Requirements
Experience in a relevant discipline and be willing to undertake induction training.

Future Prospects & Opportunities
Cleaning Supervisors are able to develop their skills and their career prospects by undertaking a British Institute of Cleaning Science Cleaning Supervisory Skills Certificate. 

British Cleaners Association www.britishcleanersassociation.co.uk
British Institute of Cleaning Science www.bics.org.uk
Cleaning & Support Services Association www.cleaningindustry.org
 
You may find further information about this area of work through Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or in your local library, careers office or school careers library.