Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 18th April 2024 Issue no. 1110

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Jim Melvin installed as the WCEC Master, 2023

The Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners has welcomed Jim Melvin as its new Master following his installation ceremony on 21st April 2023 at St Olave's Church in the City of London. He succeeds Gary Fage, who has held the role since 2021.

Jim has been a WCEC member for 22 years. Among his valued contributions, is his ongoing support of the WCEC 's facilitation of the Chartered Practitioner's Register in Environmental Cleaning. The CPR confers Chartership status to anyone from the cleaning and facilities management industries who fulfils the necessary criteria, earning the corresponding post-nominals of C.Env.Cln.

In fact, right after Jim's installation ceremony as WCEC Master, he received confirmation of his own Chartership status having recently completed all his requirements for entry on the Chartered Practitioner's Register. Jim says:

“I am honoured twice, not only to be named Master of the WCEC, but also in receiving my chartership, which is a testament to our livery's commitment to raise recognition of the cleaning industry's professionalism in the UK and beyond.

“I have also been fortunate and privileged to have worked with, and to be following an excellent Master, in Gary Fage. I aim to continue in the same vein, raising our industry's profile, giving it a voice and building on its excellent potential.”

Jim has enjoyed a long and successful career in the cleaning industry and is the CEO of the Exclusive Services Group. He is probably best and widely known in his role as chairman of the British Cleaning Council, elected in 2021 having been deputy chairman for the two years prior. He has been a steadfast ambassador to the cleaning industry, raising awareness of its contribution, potential and future direction. He is also dedicated to the further development of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Cleaning & Hygiene Industry.

During his tenure as Master of the WCEC, Jim's focus will be on securing recognition of cleaning operatives as Key Workers, and continuing his work with the APPG to develop a national cleaning qualification under the Apprenticeship Levy. He also intends to start an initiative, where the WCEC partners with other organisations to help disadvantaged persons to gain employment within the cleaning and facilities management industries. It will offer guidance and support to employers and potential employees on how to overcome challenges and obstacles to expanding the industry's workforce, while revealing the positive potential in others who are not usually afforded an opportunity to succeed.

Livery Companies are governed by a Master and a number of Wardens and a Court of Assistants, which is the Livery Company's governing body. The WCEC is one of 110 Livery Companies which are based upon trades, industries and professions and carry on the ancient traditions of the Guilds and Livery Companies which started in the 12th century.

Formed in 1972 as the Guild of Cleaners and subsequently known as the Guild of Master Cleaners, the Company was granted full Livery Status in 1986 as the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners, the 97th Livery Company of the City of London. HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh was an Honorary Freeman of the Company.

To find out more about the Environmental Cleaners, or any of its initiatives or events:

E: clerk@wc-ec
T: 07392 981767
W: www.wc-ec.com

27th April 2023