Building Cleaning CharterMark

On Monday, 20 th February 2006, the Building Cleaning Service received the excellent news that they had again been successful in gaining the prestigious ‘Charter Mark’ Award. The team first received the award in 2002 and this recognises the continuing commitment to high standards of customer service. 

Charter Mark is a major part of the Government's drive to modernise public services. It is unique amongst quality schemes because organisations are judged on their results - the service the customer actually receives. By gaining this award, it shows that the service actively listens, responds and improves services to customers, and demonstrates just how high standards in the public service can be. 

To be awarded Charter Mark, the service had to provide justification and evidence against 6 criteria, including engagement with staff, customers, and the community, as well keeping buildings sparkling clean at best value prices. Their application and evidence were then independently and rigorously assessed. 

In addition to receiving the award, the Assessor’s report concluded that the service demonstrated 'Best Practice' in terms of meeting service standards, and that this had been confirmed independently. Areas for further improvement focus on assessing consultation methods used, and ensuring detailed feedback is provided following consultations. The service will be progressing these improvements in the near future. 

"The battle for world class public services will be won on the front-line by public servants like Charter Mark winners who are willing and able to consult with customers and to make improvements to the way they work. This positive change doesn't happen because Whitehall says so. It is down to the spirit of enterprise and personal initiative of the people on the ground." 

Lord Macdonald, Minister for the Cabinet Office