A sparkling success

Hardworking cleaning staff at Rochdale Borough Council are celebrating after being judged as one of the best teams in the country by the APSE (Association for Public Sector Excellence).

The council’s Facilities Management Service, which is responsible for keeping the boroughs many schools, libraries and council offices sparkling clean, scored 86 per cent for customer satisfaction, the highest of any other local authority.  The survey looked at building cleaning performance across the UK.  They also praised Rochdale for their very low staff absence rates, and the service received glowing praise for the valuable work the cleaners do. 

Caroline Knight, Business Manager at Siddal Moor Sports College said the school always looks fantastic: “It takes a lot of effort every day to keep buildings like this looking their best, and it shouldn’t be taken for granted.  The cleaners work so hard and the school really sparkles. Visitors often comment on the hard work and positive attitude of our cleaning staff.”

John Taylor, from Link4Life, added: “I would like to thank the team for the excellent work they do at the Middleton Arena, and congratulate them on this national recognition.”

Mark Widdup, Director of Operational Services at Rochdale Borough Council said the results were excellent: “Ultimately it’s customer feedback that’s most important, so to see our facilities management team performing so well is very pleasing.  It is a fitting acknowledgement of the hard work, professionalism and dedication that our teams bring to their work in hundreds of buildings throughout the borough."