Social Value in School Cleaning: Local Employment and Community Impact

Introduction

Social value is becoming an increasingly important consideration when schools and academy trusts appoint service providers.

While cleaning contracts are primarily focused on maintaining safe and hygienic environments, many schools also expect their partners to contribute positively to the wider community.

For cleaning providers, social value often comes through the way services are delivered, the people employed locally and the relationships developed with schools and communities.

When approached thoughtfully, cleaning services can contribute meaningfully beyond the core service itself.

---

Supporting Local Employment

Cleaning services often provide employment opportunities within the communities that schools serve.

Many school cleaning teams are made up of local residents who live within the surrounding area. This helps ensure that employment opportunities remain within the local community.

Local employment can also help improve staff retention and stability, as employees are often working close to home and within familiar communities.

Supporting local employment is one of the most direct ways that cleaning providers contribute to social value.

---

Providing Accessible Employment Opportunities

Cleaning roles can provide valuable employment opportunities for people seeking flexible working arrangements.

For some individuals, part-time roles may offer an accessible route back into employment or allow work to be balanced alongside other responsibilities.

By offering stable employment with training and support, cleaning providers can help create opportunities that benefit both employees and the schools they support.

---

Supporting Schools Beyond Cleaning

Many cleaning providers also support schools in ways that go beyond the cleaning contract itself.

This might include:

• supporting school events
• assisting with community initiatives
• working with school staff to maintain safe environments
• helping respond to unexpected situations when additional support is required

These contributions often develop naturally through long-term relationships between schools and service providers.

---

Working with Local Charities and Organisations

Some service providers also work with local charities and community organisations.

Supporting local initiatives can help strengthen connections between schools, businesses and the communities they serve.

This may involve charitable donations, volunteering opportunities or supporting local projects that benefit young people and families within the area.

---

Creating Long-Term Partnerships

Social value is most effective when it develops through long-term partnerships.

Cleaning providers who work closely with schools over time often gain a deeper understanding of the needs of the community and can contribute in ways that extend beyond the core service.

These partnerships can help create a positive and supportive environment that benefits both the school and the wider community.

---

Social Value Through Everyday Work

In many cases, the most meaningful social value comes through the everyday delivery of the service itself.

Providing reliable employment, supporting local communities and maintaining safe environments for students are all valuable contributions.

When cleaning services are delivered responsibly and thoughtfully, they can support both schools and the communities they serve in meaningful ways.