Maureen Kelso, Senior Verifier at BICSc, reports.
Cleaning is an everyday need, in one form or another, either at home, at work or in public spaces. The requirements also change from area type, as will the frequencies.
Cleaning was rightly thrown into the public glare during the pandemic and was discussed by individuals who otherwise may never have given cleaning in different environments a second thought. At BICSc, we work together with a variety of clients, many having different requirements. One such area is the prison service throughout the UK.
In the UK, there are over 100 prisons; however, due to capacity, the estate is increasing. In all the prisons, regardless of category or status, there is a service need for internal cleaning in all areas from the front door throughout the entire estate, to everyone’s favourite place: the toilets!
One aspect that many may not be aware of is that standard practice within these sites is for commercial or private cleaning companies to attend to the cleaning within the main front entrance and all areas up to the gate leading into the main prison, with cleaning beyond this point undertaken by the prisoners themselves. This includes communal areas, workshops, staff offices, and living environments where cleanliness plays a direct role in comfort, safety, and personal dignity.
In many prisons across the UK, cleaning of these areas is undertaken by individuals who apply to attend the BICSc Training workshops, where they will be trained and assessed in a variety of skills, no different to any of the other BICSc accredited training centres across the world. The trainers and assessors in these centres can vary from employed prison officers and instructors to HMP residents who have found the journey to assessor or trainer status in their time within the prison. This progression not only supports the effective management of facilities but also contributes to an individual’s rehabilitation journey, enabling them to develop responsibility, self-respect, and pride in their work, alongside recognised qualifications for use after release.
Whether within the prison, healthcare or commercial sector, having standardised education and cleaning ensures consistency and quality outcomes for service users and stakeholders.
Training demonstrates an individual’s understanding of processes, the importance of following instructions, and the wider consequences of poor practice, both for themselves and others. It also encourages teamwork, accountability, and mutual respect, allowing individuals to take pride in their role and contribution within a wider team structure. The ability to maintain clean, well-managed living areas supports personal dignity, particularly in close living environments where hygiene and organisation are essential. The training they do, not only covers the correct ways in keeping themselves safe, and the correct sequences in how to clean, it also lends itself to a wider cause, such as policy and science-based understanding of environmental health. For example, understanding policies such as colour coding and cross-contamination control reinforces not only technical competence but also respect for shared spaces and the people who occupy them.
It is also common to see structured opportunities for individuals who demonstrate commitment and competence. Some prisons have even been known to offer additional duties and specialist cleaning roles are available through further assessment, allowing progression into areas such as floor care, carpet extraction, and biohazard response. These roles are often viewed as a privilege and provide individuals with a sense of achievement, responsibility, and future focus, for life both within and outside of the prison.
Indeed, there are many success stories of individuals who, having gained training and experience during their time in custody, secure employment upon release. The skills developed through BICSc Cleaning Professional’s Skills Suite (CPSS) provide a strong foundation for future goals, enabling individuals to re-enter society with confidence, qualifications, and a clear sense of purpose within a large and inclusive industry. Any qualifications gained during the time of residence in a prison are the ex-offender’s personal qualification and theirs to keep. A full journey from learning to application in the outside world with inclusive employers.
By engaging with BICSc CPSS scheme and becoming an Accredited Training Member, prisons can demonstrate a commitment to both operational standards of cleanliness, but clearly, a personal development model for residents interested in cleaning and a stepping stone to the future careers the cleaning industry has to offer. This approach supports safer environments, consistent service delivery, and positive outcomes for individuals, while reinforcing one of the main pillars of BICSc: dignity and responsibility.
https://www.bics.org.uk/
About the contributor
Maureen Kelso
Senior Verifier
BICSc