A year of memorable moments, growth and connection at the WCEC: The Master’s Retrospective

Lorraine Larman looks back at her year as Master of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners.

As I reflect on my year as Master of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners (WCEC), I am filled with gratitude for the incredible opportunities this role has provided. Serving in this capacity over the past year has been both inspiring and rewarding, and I am proud of all that we have accomplished together as a livery.

Championing the Chartered Practitioners’ Register (CPR) has been a major highlight of my tenure. This initiative has boosted recognition of professionalism within our industry. It is deeply rewarding to see the CPR empower individuals to take pride in their contributions and acknowledge the professional expertise in cleaning.

Supporting charities has been central to the livery’s work this year, as it always is. The WCEC’s support of organisations like No Going Back and the Air Ambulance highlight the commitment to making a meaningful difference. We have also expanded our charitable reach to the next generation by extending our bursary programme to the City of London School for Boys, alongside the City of London School for Girls. Educating and nurturing talent among young people is vital for securing the future of our industry. The support of young people extended to other activities like attending the Lord Mayor’s Cadet Music Competition, where cadet bands from across Greater London showcased their impressive musical talents. It was really heartening to see the effort and dedication behind the band performances.

Among the many memorable events of my tenure, raising London’s iconic Tower Bridge on 21 June stands out without a doubt. Under expert supervision, I operated the controls for eight thrilling minutes, taking in breathtaking views of the Thames and the city. My heartfelt thanks go to Lord Mayor Michael Minnelli for making this once-in-a-lifetime experience possible.

Probably the most special highlight for our livery was the Lord Mayor’s Show in November 2024. The Environmental Cleaners’ gameshow-themed float, ‘The Cleanest Link,’ stole the spotlight, roused the crowds and made for such a special occasion I’ll never forget. I extend my deepest gratitude to the sponsors and Court members who brought this float to life.

I made wonderful professional connections throughout the year, including at my first Lady Masters Association Lunch at Ironmongers’ Hall in September. This gathering of current and past Masters provided invaluable insights and advice, reinforcing the importance of shared knowledge and collaboration.

I’ve also embarked on another journey, which will continue beyond my Master’s year; this is reflecting on and reassessing the role of cleaning in building design. Too often, architecture prioritises aesthetics without considering how buildings will be maintained. The pandemic has underscored the need for sustainable cleaning solutions. Collaborating with architects to integrate cleaning infrastructure from the design phase is a priority. The rise of smart technology offers exciting opportunities to create buildings that are both beautiful and practical. I intend to do more in this regard, and I hope that my colleagues in the livery and beyond will get involved.

As I pass the baton to the new Master, Darren Marston, I am certain he will build on our collective efforts and guide the WCEC to even greater heights in industry support, charitable initiatives and increased membership. This year we have been able to recruit 24 new freeman, welcome eight new liverymen, and even older members have rejoined. This has been a great achievement and will see the company continue to grow. With new generations coming through we can embrace new ideas and new technologies so our Company can flourish.

To my fellow livery members, thank you for your dedication and camaraderie. Together, we have achieved so much, and I am proud to have been part of this journey.

If you’re interested in joining the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners or becoming a Chartered Environmental Cleaner through the CPR, please visit:

www.wc-ec.com