Enhancing Cleaning Standards at Staffordshire University Academies Trust

SCHOOL

Client Overview

Client: Staffordshire University Academies Trust (SUAT)

Staffordshire University Academies Trust (SUAT) is a multi-academy trust that oversees 21 schools. This includes 20 primary schools and one secondary school located throughout Staffordshire. Industry: Education. The trust operates multiple primary and secondary schools that require consistent, safe, and high-standard cleaning to support learning and wellbeing.

Client Challenges

When Workplace began working with SUAT’s schools, several key challenges emerged:

• Inconsistent Cleaning Standards: Multiple suppliers were delivering services to the trust, leading to varying cleaning standards.

• Lack of Central Management: There was no central management, audits, or client portal, which resulted in variable service quality and communication.

• Sector-Specific Requirements: The trust needed to meet specific requirements, including safeguarding, DBS checks, COSHH compliance, and DfE hygiene guidance. Creating a safe, professional learning environment was essential.

• Staff Training: Improving staff training and ensuring all schools adhered to the same high standards was a priority.

  
  

Services Delivered

Workplace provides a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the needs of the trust, including:

• Daily Cleaning: Cleaning services are provided across 18 schools. Smaller sites have dedicated operatives, while larger sites benefit from full cleaning teams with supervisors.

• Lock-Up and Security Services: Select schools receive lock-up and security services to ensure the premises are safely secured.

• Planned Holiday Cleaning: This service maintains high standards after school breaks.

• Ad-Hoc and Specialist Cleaning: Schools undergoing renovation or facing urgent needs receive prompt cleaning support to ensure readiness for pupils and staff.

  
  

Workplace Approach

Workplace adopts a proactive, partnership-driven approach to ensure consistent quality across all services:

• Training: Onsite teams are fully trained from day one. They receive ongoing monthly training through Workplace LMS.

• Regular Audits: Regular audits and issue resolution, along with open communication with both the client and staff, ensure that expectations are aligned.

• Rapid Response Capability: During a Norovirus outbreak, teams prioritised enhanced touchpoint cleaning and infection-control measures with minimal disruption to school operations. For example, during renovation projects in Summer 2025, Workplace provided additional cleaning support to ensure schools were fully prepared for the start of term, demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness.

  
  

Continuous Improvement

Workplace is committed to continuous improvement through various strategies:

• Monthly Audits: Monthly audits and termly KPI reviews help ensure any issues are addressed promptly.

• Feedback Sessions: Regular feedback sessions allow Workplace to anticipate future needs and plan additional support when required.

• Sustainability Practices: Sustainability is embedded in operations, including:

- Refillable cleaning products and reduced single-use consumables.

- Low-impact, biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning solutions.

- Efficient cleaning systems using microfibre technology to reduce environmental impact.

- Environmental performance tracking as a Planet Mark member, supporting continuous improvement in sustainability.

Client Testimonial

“We’ve been consistently impressed by the proactive approach and exceptional standards maintained by Workplace. Staff across the Trust can focus on teaching and nurturing children, knowing the environment is professionally cared for. Their reliability and responsiveness mean issues are addressed swiftly, often before we even notice them. Achieving a 100% KPI score in our recent quarterly review reflects their commitment, consistency, and professionalism across all sites.” — SUAT Central Operations Team

Partnership Value

The relationship between Workplace and SUAT is built on trust, communication, and collaboration. Onsite teams are valued as integral members of the school community. They support not just cleaning but the smooth operation of each site. Rapid responses to urgent events and ad-hoc requests ensure minimal disruption. Additionally, sustainability practices and high-quality service contribute to safe, welcoming, and well-managed learning environments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the partnership between Workplace and Staffordshire University Academies Trust exemplifies how effective cleaning services can enhance the educational environment. By addressing challenges head-on and implementing tailored solutions, Workplace has established a strong foundation for ongoing success. This collaboration not only improves cleanliness but also supports the overall wellbeing of students and staff alike.

For more information on how Workplace can transform your educational environment, visit Workplace Services.