A year of growth and encouragement – the new WCEC Master’s perspective

Lorraine Larman, current Master of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners (WCEC), shares her experiences and aspirations about being in the role, and what will be at the core of the livery’s focus during 2024.

Being more open

It has been a whirlwind since I was installed as the Master of the Environmental Cleaners in April; I had to hit the ground running. While it was not completely new to me, having been the livery’s Senior Warden beforehand, the responsibility of being ‘the face’ of the WCEC is one that I take seriously.

Over the coming year, the Environmental Cleaners have set new communication goals to improve how we share news about ourselves. This isn’t just for the benefit of existing members, but other colleagues in the cleaning industry who don’t know enough about livery life! I am wholeheartedly invested in this objective for the year because we want to dispel the myth that joining a livery is just for older people. It is accessible to all, of any age, at any stage of their career.

I firmly believe that the Environmental Cleaners have a key part to play in helping the next generation of younger cleaning professionals with their development. The WCEC has much to offer, whether it’s camaraderie, knowledge sharing, charity work, and of course support in attaining Chartership – which is our latest and biggest initiative, with worldwide reach. Chartership is open to those in the international cleaning industry, not just here in the UK. I will be sharing more about the potential of a career in cleaning at my talk at the Cleaning Excellence Conference in 2024.

Giving back never gets old

An aspect of livery life that is closest to my heart is our charitable work. Contrary to common belief, being part of any livery means that you are making a commitment to ‘giving back’ – whether to your industry or wider community. The WCEC’s Charitable Trust does just that as its proceeds are used to provide education and training, helping workers enhance their skills. This not only benefits the individuals but also elevates cleaning standards generally. Additionally, by donating to affiliated charities, we extend our reach and impact, offering assistance in various capacities.

The livery actively supports a range of community and national causes through charitable efforts, and this will continue to be a focus for us in 2024. This includes contributions to the Sea Cadets, the Military’s environmental services, and their medical facilities. Additionally, we have recognition schemes to reward excellence among the youngest members of the armed services as they progress in their careers. We even support offender rehabilitation through our work with the NGB (No Going Back) Foundation, giving offenders a chance of employment through the cleaning industry network. And don’t forget our education bursaries for children in the City of London, amongst others that we support.

Giving back is not just about financial donation either, but the giving of time and services. For example, one of our members cleans the windows of St Olave’s church (our livery’s church), Pro Bono, much to the delight of the Chaplin there as they gleamed during a recent visit by Princess Anne!

I am an avid supporter of uplifting our industry and communities wherever we can, because just one hand up can mean the world of difference to someone’s life, and I speak from experience!

Doing good while having fun

The other element of livery life that we must not forget is that in the midst of all the good we do, we have fun! Our own livery events are steeped in tradition which makes them very special. However, we do have charity balls, and golf days, drinks and dinners which make a convivial and positive atmosphere for bonding as industry colleagues.

The highlight of 2024 will be the Lord Mayor’s Show, where the Environmental Cleaners will have a float – the first in twenty years! This is such an exciting prospect for us because we have an opportunity to showcase the cleaning industry’s contribution to a wide [televised] audience, and enjoy the parade.

Learning and sharing

One of the more satisfying aspects of being a livery Master, meeting other livery Masters and members. Not only do I visit some of their amazing halls, and attend their events – socialising is always fun (and very fruitful when networking!). But I also learn about their initiatives, new ways of working, fundraising, events, charity work and supporting members – existing and prospective. It’s refreshing to find out how similar organisations evolve and adapt, just like we have at the WCEC.

I sincerely hope that we continue to develop as a livery this year. We continue our support and to benefit cleaners all over the UK, raise our reputation, influence and standing in UK industry as a whole! I invite you to share the journey with me this year by getting involved!

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