Since 2020, Fidelis has been working with University College Birmingham, overcoming the challenges of Covid-19 and proving itself an integral extension of the University’s own cleaning team. That’s why, in January when an environmental health inspection was due, Fidelis’ specialist education cleaning operatives were very much an essential presence.
Even when an inspection is routine and expected, the thought of a check by an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) can place additional stress on the most effective of teams. That’s why it’s reassuring to know that in Fidelis, you have a trained, professional cleaning partner in your corner.
Fidelis Site Manager for the University, Jordan Deathridge, attended a preparation meeting with members of the team to ensure compliance with the many health and safety standards required of all educational establishments. The scope of the task was extensive: while it was thought the inspector would concentrate on the University’s commercial units, there was a possibility that they might review other areas across the campus, so no proverbial stone was to be left unturned.
Jordan picks up the story: “The team was given 72 hours to turn around 13 industrial kitchens, a loading bay with main stores area and three receptions, plus the outside perimeter cleans of three buildings and a meat kitchen.”
Working around the clock
To be confident of meeting the University’s expectations and to achieve the five-star outcome, Jordan created a deep clean team. This team assessed previous EHO inspection documents and targeted areas that they knew would be taken into consideration by the inspection team.
“The shift patterns meant we worked from 5am until 10pm for four days straight, inclusive of a weekend, to ensure the work was completed to the expected standard,” Jordan explained.
Throughout the process, the team received numerous requests for additional support from the University’s kitchen operatives, with tasks that they wouldn’t be able to complete in time for the inspection. Naturally, the team was happy to help.
The best possible outcome
With all that hard work and diligence, the inspection went extremely well, and the University passed with flying colours. No cleaning improvements were made in the EHO’s report – which is highly unusual – and a much-deserved five-star hygiene rating was awarded to University College Birmingham. Jordan and the team were incredibly proud of contributing to such a great result, as was the client.
Ashlea Mallett, University College Birmingham’s Head of Sustainability & Campus Services said: “Fidelis played an essential part in ensuring everyone was confident and content with the condition of their working environment.
“I’d like to extend a huge thank you to Jordan and the team for pulling out all the stops to complete the deep cleans that form an essential part of our ongoing provision.”
The Fidelis philosophy of ‘creating immaculate environments’ was certainly demonstrated in this instance. If you would like to find out more or chat about your own cleaning requirements, please get in touch.
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