HKC Enhances Efficiency and Morale at KKS

Case Study:

The Client

Kirkbie Kendal School – Kendal
Contracted via Head Office | Partnership length: 4 years ongoing at the time of writing

Kirkbie Kendal School is a secondary school located in Kendal with a rich history spanning 500 years. As one of the oldest schools in the county, KKS is known for its purposeful, friendly, and warm atmosphere for both pupils and staff. Traditionally, KKS managed its cleaning services internally, with most cleaning staff serving for over 15 years. However, several challenges arose, including:

  • Low quality of cleaning
  • Frequent and long-term staff sickness
  • Lack of management oversight, leading to a culture where staff “came and went as they pleased”

These issues significantly impacted the school’s operations.

The brunt of these issues was felt by the site team, who were not only responsible for site maintenance but also:

  • Ordering supplies
  • Maintaining cleaning equipment
  • Overseeing a cleaning team of nine employees

Gary, the head of the site team, and his colleagues were overburdened. Their primary focus- site maintenance suffered due to time spent addressing cleaning-related issues. This resulted in:

  • Slower response times for maintenance requests
  • Increased stress and additional working hours
  • Site staff having to clean certain areas themselves

These challenges affected the school’s budget, team morale, and overall efficiency. Mark Blackburn, the Business Manager, was concerned about the cost implications of hiring an external cleaning provider. However, he was surprised to learn that HKC’s fees were comparable to the school’s current costs, with added benefits.

HKC was recommended to Mark by Gill White, Head of St. Oswald’s School in Burneside, following a successful deep clean at her school. Upon initial discussions, Mark expressed dissatisfaction with the current cleaning standards, noting that “the school just didn’t feel clean.” Further investigation revealed deeper systemic issues, including a lack of professionalism and accountability among the cleaning staff.

HKC worked closely with KKS to design a solution that addressed their specific needs and budget. The transition was structured in phases to ensure minimal disruption and ease the HR and financial adjustments. Key elements of the proposal included:

  • Phased Implementation: Gradual transition of cleaning responsibilities
  • Transparent Business Proposal: Detailed timelines, costs, and scope of work
  • Regular Check-ins: Monthly meetings to review progress and address any concerns

This structured approach provided Mark and Gary with a clear plan for improving cleaning standards while alleviating administrative burdens.

Results

The introduction of HKC’s professional cleaning services had a significant positive impact:

  • Improved Staff Satisfaction

    School staff consistently commented on how much cleaner the environment felt.

  • Enhanced Focus

    Cleaning staff performed their duties professionally with minimal interruption to other school activities. “The best thing is the cleaning staff don’t talk to me,” noted one member of staff, highlighting the seamless integration and efficiency of HKC’s team.

Future Outlook

With Housekeeping Club handling cleaning services, the site team at Kirkbie Kendal School can focus on their primary responsibilities without the added stress of managing cleaning issues. Key benefits include:

  • Elimination of the need to cover cleaning shifts
  • Reduced stress related to ordering supplies and maintaining cleaning equipment
  • More time for critical maintenance tasks

Mark Blackburn shared his satisfaction, stating:

“The transformation has been remarkable. The quality of the cleaning has improved significantly, and their staff are consistently reliable, professional, and hard-working. They show up, get straight to work, and leave the school in immaculate condition.”

Conclusion

Housekeeping Club’s tailored cleaning solution not only improved cleaning standards but also enhanced operational efficiency and staff morale at KKS. By outsourcing their cleaning services, KKS has positioned itself to maintain its historic reputation while creating a cleaner, more focused environment for pupils and staff.

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Unit 11
Lake District Business Park
Kendal
LA9 6NH

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