Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 12th June 2025 Issue no. 1166
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OCS announces strategic partnership with the University of Sussex
OCS has begun a new seven-year joint venture partnership with the University of Sussex, through which OCS will deliver total facilities management services to the University estate, covering hard and soft services, grounds maintenance and various supply chain solutions. There is an option to extend for an additional three years.
Some 250 colleagues are benefitting from becoming part of the OCS team.
"During a competitive procurement process lasting over 18-months, OCS displayed a clear understanding of Sussex's immediate and long-term priorities," explains Emma Potts, interim chief operating officer at the University of Sussex. "OCS's focus on maintenance excellence came through clearly, and its submission outlined numerous reporting, process and technology-based solutions to help us improve standards over the coming years. Its submission also scored higher than others in relation to our ethical procurement framework, environmental sustainability and alignment with the University's values.
"We're now looking forward to working together to respond to the topics raised by our campus community as we progress towards becoming one of the most sustainable and biodiverse universities in the world."
The key focuses of this partnership are to drive transformational change, enhance environmental sustainability and promote human excellence. This will support and preserve Sussex's unique campus, which includes a number of Grade I and Grade II* listed buildings. The contract aims to create a smart campus environment through digital innovation and a customer-centric approach.
OCS's efforts include a commitment to carbon impact assessment, increasing recycling through improved waste management practices and using sustainable consumables.
Additionally, OCS seeks to promote equality, diversity and communication and provide career prospects and development opportunities for students and colleagues. Social value initiatives include CV workshop employability master classes and the introduction of apprenticeships, with selected apprentices gaining hands-on experience each year.
The contract will also support wider university wellbeing activities, helping to ensure students feel supported and engaged as part of the campus community. Over time, OCS will incorporate smart building technologies to help build a more connected and efficient campus.
Bob Taylor, managing director, public sector UK, OCS, says:
"This partnership with the University of Sussex is a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and putting people first. Through University of Sussex Estates, we're working towards a smarter, greener campus and setting a new standard for facilities
management."
5th June 2025