The world today is a complex and challenging environment within intense pressure on prices. In this context, it’s easy to lose focus on business ethics. Do so, however, and trust will ebb away from commercial relationships.

The CHSA has embedded an ethical approach in our Code of Practice, signed by every member. To us, this includes everything from taking responsibility for business practices in the supply chain, through embedding environmental sustainability to transparency in product and marketing claims.

In his talk Lorcan Mekitarian will outline the CHSA’s approach to ethical business practices, explaining what customers can expect from a CHSA member.

In an era where data, automation, and compliance are reshaping the built environment, the cleaning industry must evolve or risk being left behind. Paul Ashton, owner of Birkin Group and Chairman of the CSSA, explores the significance of the Digital Cleaners Licence—a new framework developed by Origin that empowers cleaning operatives with verified, portable digital credentials. This talk will examine how digital licensing can elevate training standards, drive consistency across contracts, and help employers unlock the full value of their workforce. More importantly, it’s a gateway to embedding technology, compliance, and professionalism at every level—repositioning cleaning as a skilled, tech-enabled profession fit for the future.

Suzanne will be talking to Sam Worden and Camilla Marcus Drew about their social enterprises, and how they have been supported with PR, including the launch of Remind in April last year for Amplify Goods and the Cycle tyre recycling scheme for No Going Back Clean more recently in March this year. Suzanne, Sam and Camilla will also talk about PR more generally and about SHC’s journey to B-Corp certification.

Training is essential to efficient and effective cleaning, however should training stand alone.

Training is a critical enabler of change, but it must be integrated into a holistic change management strategy that includes:

• Clear and open communication prior to training and after
• Emotional and psychological support
• Leadership alignment
• Continuous feedback and adaptation.

The key component to training is leadership and communication, this session will dig into these areas to ensure that training is not only effective but remains that way.

In this talk, Lorraine Larman will discuss the importance of building strong foundations for any successful company, starting with our cleaning operatives. They are the lifeline of our industry, and without them, none of us would have a job. We need to ensure that they receive the best training, equipment, machinery, development, and support. By providing a clear career path, we can help them achieve their full potential and contribute to the overall success of the company.

Frontline staff are often the first to notice the early signs of pest problems, and their input can be vital when working in partnership with pest professionals.

In this practical session, John will explore the problems pests can cause and what to look out for on-site, from unusual droppings to damaged stock. He’ll explain why early reporting, regular monitoring and a strong working relationship between staff and pest controllers can make all the difference.

Whether you're in facilities management, food production or warehousing, understanding pest behaviours and having systems in place to spot them early can prevent a small issue becoming a full-blown infestation. John will share tips and real-world examples that show how being proactive and informed helps keep environments pest-free.

Cleaning professionals continue to play a vital yet often unseen role in protecting public health, wellbeing, and community pride. In this discussion Daniel Cross explores why cleaners remain undervalued, the profound impact that clean spaces have on mental health and inclusivity, and how organisations can better recognise and elevate this essential workforce, with the aim that attendees will leave with ideas for practical strategies to make cleaning operatives more visible, valued, and celebrated across every sector.

In the last year, 5.3million adults in the UK have been forced to choose between buying food or toiletries. That means a Mum choosing between food for tea or tampons for herself; it means an employee choosing between lunch or the deodorant they need to feel clean and presentable at work. This is hygiene poverty. 20 million people in the UK don’t even know it exists, but the impacts are both devastating and growing. It causes extraordinary misery, blocks opportunity and limits life chances. It means people being trapped in their homes and children being bullied or not even attending school.

The Hygiene Bank is working to end hygiene poverty, for good. CEO Ruth Brock will speak about hygiene poverty and its impact, what this young charity is doing to tackle this hidden crisis and how you can help us achieve our goals.