Industry Panel: Future-Proofing the Cleaning Sector - Attracting the Next Generation of Cleaning Industry Professionals.
This expert panel will consider the current recruitment crisis facing the cleaning and hygiene sectors across all aspects of the business. How do we make the cleaning and hygiene sectors more appealing as a career choice? And how do we retain and develop our personnel once they have been recruited?
Session Speakers
Nigel Grinstead is CEO of Open Junction. A highly experienced hands-on specialist with an impressive track record in the health and care sector, Nigel has over 25 years working with healthcare organisations throughout the UK resulting in an unrivalled depth of understanding of the nature and complexities of this sector.
Nigel is currently a CEO involved with Primary and Secondary Care and a NED for an international infection control business. He leads tender proposals and assesses performance for cleaning and hygiene contractors and has chaired and facilitated related national and international conferences.
Paul's focus is firmly on the future of cleaning and particularly the role that technology will play in minimising environmental impact, supporting our front-line operatives and ensuring talented individuals understand the potential to succeed within the many aspects of our industry.
Having worked within the FM sector at various operational levels, Paul acquired Birkin Cleaning Services Ltd in 2016 and has never looked back. Birkin proudly competes on providing tech-led service solutions to create safe, clean and hygienic spaces for over 300 clients across the UK and employs 1600 operatives.
Paul is proud to be an Environmental Cleaning Chartered Practitioner and an active member the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners as a Freeman of the City of London. As Chairman of the CSSA, Paul believes that there is significant opportunity for the association to provide vital leadership for its membership as the industry evolves and adapts to the new world.
The CSSA helps ambitious businesses grow, comply, change, and innovate.
Max Reames, Senior Business Development Manager at Peartree, drives growth through client-focused solutions and social impact initiatives.
Since joining in 2021, he has led key business expansions, supported talent development and advanced ESG projects, including a partnership with Beam. Max’s strategic approach fosters strong client relationships and reinforces Peartree’s industry leadership.
Lauren Kyle, BCC Project Lead & Freelance Consultant, worked part time as a cleaning operative while still a student.
She then spent several years teaching, before moving full time into cleaning and facilities management. She was Head of Cleaning and Soft FM at Sodexo before starting her own consultancy in 2023. Lauren is passionate about supporting talent development in the industry.
Kelsey Hargreaves, in addition to her role as Technical Manager at BICSc, is the youngest ever person to receive her chartered practitioner status and is a Youth Ambassador for Youth Employment UK and the Youth Futures Foundation.
She has experience in the cleaning industry over a range of challenging frontline positions within the NHS during the COVID pandemic. She brings extensive experience in site inspections, project management and overcoming the issues faced in operational cleaning service and particularly training models.
