The 2009 Golden Service Awards: Hints and Tips for submitting a winning application
With only two months to go until the closing deadline of the Golden Service Awards (midday Thursday 30 April 2009 – apply online now at www.goldenserviceawards.net/uk), this year’s judges have provided a number of hints and tips for submitting a winning application. “The following is a very thorough checklist that may seem overwhelming but we are confident that most of the entrants will meet the requirements automatically,” says Paul Pearce, Judge Chair for the 2009 Golden Service Awards. “Now that companies can only enter online we are excited that it is easier than ever to participate and look forward to completing the judging process” Paul adds.
First Stage – Written Evidence Judging: Hints for Success
At this stage the judging panel will consider the application on the basis of the written evidence submitted. Short-listed applications will go forward to the Final Stage – Site Visit Judging.
- Marks are awarded for answers to every question relevant to your application and could make the difference between becoming a finalist or not so answer in as much detail as possible.
- Upload copies of ALL the certificates necessary to support your application.
- Ensure that you upload ALL the items requested as each are vital ingredients:
Building photo/people photos
Your logo
Supporting statement
Client letter, etc
- Make sure your supporting statement stands out – keep it to one page and 250 words. Write it in bullet point format and make each one exciting. Show the judges what makes your contract, company, premises, nominated Cleaner or Site Supervisor stand out from the rest.
- Ensure that the client testimonial says more than just “I agree to this entry.”
- Staff recognition is a vital component for success in the cleaning and support services industry. Extra marks will be awarded for a Supervisor and Cleaner nomination. There is no extra charge for their nomination.
- Don’t forget to send a cheque for each application that you make made out to The Golden Service Awards. The fee for each application is £100 + VAT (£115) and remember that a nominated cleaner and site supervisor from the entered premises may be put forward for an Award at no extra charge.
Final Stage – Site Visit Judging: Tips for Nominated Finalists
Steve Wright, another 2009 Golden Service Award judge has compiled the following tips on what site judges are looking for:
- Maintenance of Standards - Judges want to see consistency of standards across all parts of the site that you are responsible for – e.g. dust on stairs and banisters. Just because the cleaning schedule says once a week, your responsibility is for the overall cleanliness.
- Bins – They should be clean both on the inside and out.
- Chemicals – Judges will check that you have the right chemical for the equipment used.
- Training – Training facilities and courses provided will be checked and records authenticated. Keeping accurate records is essential.
- Education – In addition to training, judges will look for an adequate supply of technical data sheets for items such as chemicals and they will expect data sheets to be provided to staff (in a manner/language they can understand clearly) and also posted for cleaners to see – perhaps on a notice board or wall of the cleaning room/cupboard.
- Colour Coding – Judges are particular that a colour coding system is operating effectively. This is important in all premises to ensure that wipers and brushes, etc for washroom cleaning are different to those used in other areas. It is vital that colour coding is understood by all cleaners in healthcare and catering establishments where the health of the nation is at stake.
- Health & Safety Policy Statement – This must be published and understood by all, regardless of reading or language difficulties. Copies need to be given and explained to all cleaners. It should also be posted in the cleaning room/cupboard.
- Job Specifications - A copy of all ‘job specs’ needs to be kept on-site and judges can ask to see them.
- Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) – It is essential that all electrical tools and equipment are PAT tested – either by a qualified in-house person or by a registered contractor. Either way, the judges want proof that a record is kept of every electrical tool or piece of equipment used – and this includes computers.
- The Janitor’s Trolley – This is checked to see that there is an adequate supply of toilet tissue, hand towels and soap, etc. There must be a good stock of mops, buckets and the essentials above all to allow for a late delivery or national shortage. Cleaning standards must be retained, regardless.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – You must show that you understand the PPE requirements for each task and to provide the correct personal protective equipment in the right size for your team.
- Environmentally Aware – Judges will ask about your policy on product selection, disposal of waste and knowledge of the relevant waste regulations.
The judges want to talk to both the contractor (where applicable) and the client so that they can understand the full problems of maintaining the building. They will also want to meet your nominated Cleaner and Supervisor.
The Golden Service Awards are open to all segments of the cleaning and support services industry in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Any small, medium or large contract cleaning company or an in-house cleaning team can enter and it is important to note that the awards are judged not on the size of the business, but on the quality of the service provided. Applicants have until midday on Thursday 30 April 2009 to enter the Golden Service Awards.
The Golden Service Awards are co-promoted by KIMBERLY-CLARK PROFESSIONAL* and the Cleaning and Support Services Association (CSSA). Companies do not have to be a customer of KIMBERLY-CLARK PROFESSIONAL* or registered with any trade associations to enter the Golden Service Awards 2009.
The Golden Service Awards ceremony will take place on Friday 30 October 2009 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. Over 650 members of the cleaning and contract services industry and press are expected to attend.
The three judges:
Judith West Paul Pearce Steve Wright
ENTER NOW online at: www.goldenserviceawards.net/uk. For any questions email: gsa@suzannehowe.com or call: 08000 192 422.