White Rose Academy Trust – Cleaning Case Study

Introduction to the service

In autumn 2024, Vertas was awarded a contract by White Rose Academy Trust to provide cleaning services across four sites in Leeds. This includes three large secondary schools, Leeds West Academy, Leeds East Academy, and Leeds City Academy, as well as Alder Tree Primary School. By securing the contract, we’re pleased to demonstrate our ability to manage large-scale environments. Our team works hard to create safe and hygienic spaces, and working with the Trust, we’re proud to demonstrate our commitment to maintaining high standards of cleanliness.

Our colleagues have implemented efficient cleaning strategies to manage multi-site operations successfully. Through our work with White Rose Academy, we’re pleased to showcase Vertas as a trusted facility management partner.

Objectives of project

After securing the contract in 2024, we initially focused on delivering high-quality cleaning services. The emphasis was on chemical-free cleaning and working innovatively. The team introduced advanced cleaning technologies, and we aimed to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and overall service quality for the Trust.

It was also a priority to transfer the incumbent cleaning colleagues, who were already in their roles before Vertas took over the contract. This meant onboarding employees onto Vertas’ HR and training platforms while providing essential site machine training to maintain operations.

Additionally, colleagues had to be moved from the existing weekly pay structure to a monthly payroll without disrupting financial stability.

Showcasing Agility

To overcome these challenges, the cleaning team took a proactive approach to a well-structured and collaborative mobilisation process. In the weeks leading up to the contract start, weekly team meetings were held to keep clear communication, this was an opportunity to discuss key milestones and address potential barriers. This also was an opportunity to identify any issues and subsequently address them before any negative impacts on operations.

The team created a detailed mobilisation plan that outlined responsibilities for all Vertas stakeholders and suppliers. We also worked closely with the machinery supplier, conducting site surveys and arranging tailored training sessions to equip colleagues with the necessary skills.

Furthermore, a new Vertas team member, Mark Jaques, was recruited and appointed four weeks ahead of the commencement date, whose role was to provide support throughout the process. In addition to this, Vertas formed a Mobilisation team, which enabled a hands-on approach, as the team could support with onboarding and training. The team also ensured the cleaning service could continue uninterrupted across the sites.

Solutions Implemented

The cleaning team’s agility and adaptability were key to meeting the Trust’s needs. Through their consistent communication, Vertas successfully took over the contract with little disturbance. Looking ahead, the cleaning team plans to trial co-bots to enhance efficiency at larger sites, automating repetitive tasks and allowing colleagues to focus on more detailed cleaning. By embracing technology, Vertas’ cleaning team continues to drive innovation and maintain high service standards.