THE GROUP chief executive of The British Institute of Cleaning Science is to stand down at the end of this month.
Stan Atkins has led the Northampton-based organisation – the largest independent professional and training body in the industry – for 15 years. He will be replaced by current chief operating officer Neil Spencer-Cook.
BICS has also nominated a new chair to succeed Lorraine Davis. Subject to approval, Soo Bartholomew, of Birkin Group, will take on the role from September.
Main picture: (from left) Neil Spencer Cook; Lorraine Davis; Stan Atkins; Soo Bartholomew.
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Mr Spencer-Cook said: “I am honoured to accept the role of group MD. I will pick up the baton from Stan and continue to move forward with BICSc, ensuring that we remain prominent within the industry and offer our members good value and insightful information. We will continue growing the offering of skills training for cleaning operatives and supervisors, and other soft services-specific courses and workshops.”
Mr Atkins has led the Institute since 2008, working to maintain BICSc’s reputation as the cleaning industry’s go-to organisation for membership, standards and training. During his tenure, BICSc Training and Services Ltd. was established to fulfil training requirements both in-house and externally.
He also oversaw the implementation of other key BICSc achievements, including the regular review of the assessor’s app CPSS, the BICSc training centre, the virtual training suite and the launch this year of the new BICSc Cleaning and Hygiene Audit app.
He also oversaw BICSc’s first international engagements.
Ms Bartholomew will take over from Ms Davis in the autumn. Mr Spencer-Cook said: “Soo is a long-time promoter of BICSc and its benefits. We are looking forward to her input into the future of BICSc and building a close working relationship.
“The Council and the team members would like to thank both Stan and Lorraine for everything they have done for the institute during their time in post and wish them all the best for the future. This should be a seamless transfer process. Indeed, we hope to offer more industry-focused services.”
