UKHA and Umbrella to launch new COVID secure housekeeping standards

The UK Housekeepers’ Association (UKHA) has today announced the launch of a new ‘Housekeeping COVID-19 Secure Standard’, developed through a strategic partnership with Umbrella Training.

The standard has been designed to provide an industry-wide approach to cleaning, offering a clear process for housekeepers and accommodation managers to follow – in line with Government guidelines.

With more than 700 members at UKHA, the standard will be available to hotels across the sector, giving both consumers and the industry a recognised set of assurances, supporting the transition back to normal levels of occupancy.

As Europe’s largest Housekeepers’ Association, the UKHA is working closely with Umbrella Training to develop a wide-ranging programme of training and support mechanisms.

Launching on 1st June, the programme will be developed alongside other leading names from the sector, including The Royal Household, The Landmark Hotel, The Royal Lancaster Hotel, Dukes Hotel, The Strand Palace Hotel, PPHE Hotel Group and The Georgian House Hotel.

As part of the move, Umbrella Training has devised an operational and strategic framework for the standard, and will be working with UKHA and its members to develop checklists, guidance and other collateral which can be tailored for use in any housekeeping department across the UK. These will focus on practical cleaning and hygiene measures, as well as wellness and mental health issues.

Umbrella Training recently introduced a special ‘COVID19’ suite to its apprenticeship programmes and will be using insights obtained through this to help form part of the new standard.

The standard will be continually monitored and updated as Government and medical guidance adapts and evolves.

Umbrella Training is also now also offering UKHA membership to all of its business partners and clients.

Lorraine Dale, chair, UKHA and head housekeeper at The Royal Household, said: “In these uncertain times, it is really important to offer a robust process for all housekeeping departments to follow.

“Our members, like the rest of the sector, are keen to get back to work and help with the recovery. It is important that we can all do this in a safe and consistent manner.

“We are delighted to partner with Umbrella Training who have extensive experience of rolling out effective and meaningful training programmes across a wide range of disciplines. Their knowledge and insights are going to be invaluable when driving these standards forward.”

Adele Oxberry, founder, Umbrella Training, added: “We know that the next few months are going to continue to be challenging for the sector; we also know that consumers and guest are going to need a great deal of assurance and confidence in cleaning and hygiene procedures at any establishment. That’s why we are keen to work with UKHA to help develop a standard that we all be comfortable with.

“By using our existing experience of working with some of the UK’s most recognised names, we aim to develop a programme which will enhance their operations and help them grow and succeed during these difficult times.”