UKHA develops Covid-19 secure housekeeping standards

The UK Housekeepers' Association (UKHA) has introduced a housekeeping framework that is designed to provide an industry-wide approach to cleaning to Covid-19 secure standards.

Developed in partnership with Umbrella Training, the Housekeeping Covid-19 Secure Standard features a practical checklist of processes in line with government guidelines for housekeepers to follow when cleaning.

The programme, to be launched on 1 June, will be reviewed and updated by operators including the Royal Household, the Landmark hotel, the Royal Lancaster hotel, Dukes hotel, the Strand Palace hotel, PPHE Group and the Georgian House hotel.

The operational framework has been devised by Umbrella Training, which will continue to work with UKHA and its members to bolster the guidance. These will focus on practical cleaning and hygiene measures, as well as wellness and mental health issues.

UKHA chair and Royal Household head housekeeper Lorraine Dale said: "In these uncertain times, it is really important to offer a robust process for all housekeeping departments to follow.

"Our members, like the rest of the sector, are keen to get back to work and help with the recovery. It is important that we can all do this in a safe and consistent manner.

"We are delighted to partner with Umbrella Training who have extensive experience of rolling out effective and meaningful training programmes across a wide range of disciplines. Their knowledge and insights are going to be invaluable when driving these standards forward."

Adele Oxberry, founder, Umbrella Training, added: "We know that the next few months are going to continue to be challenging for the sector; we also know that consumers and guests are going to need a great deal of assurance and confidence in cleaning and hygiene procedures at any establishment. That's why we are keen to work with UKHA to help develop a standard that we are all comfortable with.

"By using our existing experience of working with some of the UK's most recognised names, we aim to develop a programme which will enhance their operations and help them grow and succeed during these difficult times."

Umbrella Training has introduced a ‘Covid-19' suite to its apprenticeship programmes and will be using insights obtained through this to help form part of the new standard.