British Institute of Cleaning Sciences

The British Institute
of Cleaning Science

The British Institute of Cleaning Science, founded in 1961, is a body of individuals and companies who support the objectives of the Institute in improving opportunities for education, training and qualifications within the cleaning industry. Through the achievement of these objectives the Institute seeks to achieve better recognition and status for the cleaning industry and a raising of standards. There are 2960 individual members and 220 corporate members.

Companies who become corporate members are showing their commitment to these aims, their enthusiasm and support for the Institute and their wish to observe the Institute Code of Practice.

Individual membership is a visible sign of someone with qualifications and experience within the cleaning field.

There is an 18 branch structure (including one in the Republic of Ireland) which not only enables members to meet their peers and enjoy a wide range of activities but also play a part in the management of the Institute through its elected Council.

The Institute sponsors a series of regional exhibitions during the year with certain other events. International exhibitions are attended where appropriate. Overseas members are encouraged to help stress the importance of cleaning and to promote the Institute.

Since 1976 the British Institute of Cleaning Science, in conjunction with the City and Guilds of London Institute, have run a national qualification scheme at two levels;

764-1 Certificate in Cleaning Science

In 1991 the Cleaning Operators Proficiency Certificate Scheme became the practical element of this qualification.

764-2 Certificate in Cleaning Services Supervision

In 1987 the Institute published the BICS Cleaning Operators Proficiency Certificate Scheme which was one of the first skills assessment schemes nationally recognised by the cleaning industry. Computer records show details of certificates issued from number 2,000 and to date almost 44,000 have been issued.

A Kitchen Cleaning Operators Proficiency Scheme was published shortly afterwards leading to the Food Premises Cleaning Certificate. There is also a Car Valeting Certificate Scheme.

In 1993 BICS launched a training video intended to be used as a training aid. The video contains the ten most widely used tasks in the BICS Cleaning Operators Proficiency Certificate Scheme and in 1995 a second video was launched using the next ten most widely used tasks.

Also in 1993 BICS and City and Guilds, an awarding body for NVQ's Cleaning: Building Interiors Levels 1 and 2, published details of the criteria required by centres wishing to offer NVQ assessments. The standards had been developed by the Cleaning Industry Lead Body whose membership is again drawn from all sectors of the cleaning industry.

Recently, BICS and City & Guilds have received accreditation for three specialist areas:-

NVQ Cleaning: Windows, Glass and Facade Surfaces

NVQ Cleaning: Within Food Premises

NVQ Cleaning: On Site Care of Carpets and Soft Furnishings

The Institute prides itself on being an independent body and is not a trade association. Its membership is drawn from all sectors of the cleaning industry and its standards are widely accepted.

Chris James
October 1996

Contact

Chris James. 01604 678710.

(UK International Code 44)

Web http://www.bics.org.uk