Asset Skills is the Sector Skills Council for the Cleaning and Facilities Management industries. Employer led and supported and the industry`s acknowledged strategic body for training and education, Asset Skills develops and maintains National Occupational Standards, Frameworks and Qualifications to meet the industry`s skill needs. The SSC also carries out research into the labour market, identifying current and future skill needs and developing strategies to maintain and improve the industry`s competitiveness. Asset Skills acts as the industry`s voice to the government and other agencies on these issues and provides links between employers, training providers, Learning and Skills Councils, Regional Development Agencies, the Small Business Services and other SSC`s.

The Association of Building Cleaning DSPs is a non-political organisation established in 1989. It seeks to create an alliance of Building Cleaning DSPs who wish to exchange views, enhance their professionalism and ensure Best Practice for their customers.

It seeks, further, to provide members with the support necessary to achieve the highest standards of quality service and customer care.

Mission Statement: The ABCD exists to add value to its members by becoming the primary association for building cleaning within the public sector.

The British Association for Chemical Specialities (BACS) is the UK trade association representing the interests of companies operating in the field of speciality and performance chemicals, particularly maintenance products for institutional, industrial and consumer use, biocides (including water treatment chemicals), disinfectants and speciality surfactants. Membership of BACS embraces not only manufacturers and marketers of speciality chemicals but also professional consultants and supermarket chains marketing their own branded products within the categories covered by the Association.

BACS participates in the formulation of legislation and standards at both national and continental European levels. It shares non-confidential technical data and disseminates to members relevant information received from a variety of sources. The Association actively promotes technical symposia relating to the business areas in which it operates.

The Association exists to add value to its members as the Primary Association for Building Cleaning and Associated Services within the Higher Education Sector. The key objectives of the Association are: to encourage the training and development of staff within British Higher Education Institutions` (HEIs) cleaning organisations to recognised standards; to promote best practice in the activities of its members; to enhance the profile of HEI cleaning through professionalism; to influence the decisions of the funding councils, UK Universities and other key stakeholders to benefit the activities of its members and their customers; to facilitate the networking of all its members; to disseminate information of value to members; to represent the British HEI cleaning community wherever necessary and provide advice to members.

The British Institute of Cleaning Science, founded in 1961, is the independent professional body of the UK cleaning industry. Its stated mission is to raise both professional status and standards within the industry, primarily through training and education. The organisations as well as the individuals who take up Membership of the Institute demonstrate their commitment to this aim by pledging to observe the Institute`s Code of Practice.

Members are entitled to a variety of benefits and services; additionally, the Institute Regional and Branch structure hosts regular meetings and seminars throughout the UK, which provide the opportunity for members to meet fellow-professionals and engage in learning, discussion and debate.

The British Toilet Association is a campaigning body with a simple mission: "to represent the interests and aspirations of providers, suppliers and users of all types, and to act as the catalyst for change in the pursuit of standards of excellence in all areas of 'away from home' toilet provision and management."

The Association has 24 categories of membership and a representative Council of Members which meets twice a year. The BTA organises a major Conference and supplier support exhibition in May each year and also runs the annual Loo of the Year Awards - now in their fifteenth year.

The Association produces a range of publications relevant to 'away from home' toilet provision and offers a consultation service to providers, which includes a comprehensive assessment of facilities currently provided with recommendations for improvement. The publications include an annual report of statistics relating to public toilets provided by local authorities.

The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) is the leading professional body for the waste and resources management sector representing nearly 7000 individuals in the UK and overseas. Established in 1898, CIWM is a non profit-making organisation, dedicated to the promotion of professional competence amongst waste managers. Different grades of membership are awarded dependent on qualifications, training and experience.

CIWM seeks to raise standards for those working in and with the sector by producing best practice guidance; developing educational and training initiatives; organising training and events and providing information on key waste-related issues.

The Institution runs its annual conference in Torbay in June combined with Europe's most comprehensive exhibition for the wastes and resources management sector.

The Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers' Association represents suppliers of cleaning and hygiene materials and equipment to the `away from home' market. Membership embraces both distributors and manufacturers and covers the whole spectrum of supplies including chemicals, disposable paper products, machinery and ancillary equipment.

The Association seeks to raise the long-term performance of member companies by assisting them in offering excellence of service to end users. Through its Code of Practice, to which all members are committed, the Association seeks to raise professional standards in the industry.

The Cleaning & Support Services Association (CSSA) is the leading trade association for cleaning and support service contractors. As such it seeks to:

• Enlarge the market for contract cleaning and support services;
• Promote sector professionalism and excellence;
• Strengthen the competitiveness and profitability of its members;
• Speak for the industry and safeguard its interests with Government, EC and other professional bodies;
• Assist its members to recognise market trends;
• Provide advice on UK and European legislation, labour relations and other appropriate subjects;
• Offer safeguards to customers;
• Provide members with a wide range of benefits and expert services.

ENCAMS stands for "Environmental Campaigns" and is the charity behind the Keep Britain Tidy campaign and the Blue Flag award for beaches in the UK. ENCAMS works to improve local environments from streets to town centres, local parks, rural areas, beaches and rivers.

We are part funded by Government, through Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), and work closely with other government departments such as the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, and the Anti-Social Behaviour Unit in the Home Office. Additional funding is received through private sector backing or via consultancy work with local authorities and others.

The Federation of Window Cleaners (formerly the National Federation of Master Window & General Cleaners) was established in 1947 as an employers` trade association dedicated to the window and general cleaning industry.

Its aims are to promote the protection of customers against fraud and misrepresentation, and liaise with government bodies in our endeavour to improve the image of window and general cleaners.

The Federation provides legal and technical support, plus health and safety information via its magazine "Window Talk" and the production of a safety training video, "Walk Up, Walk Down".

The Industrial Cleaning Machine Manufacturers` Association (ICMMA) is a trade association representing the principal UK manufacturers covering a spectrum of industrial cleaning technology that ranges from floor and carpet maintenance and high pressure washers through to fixed installation cleaning systems and mechanised sweeping.

ICMMA provides a forum to monitor and influence UK and EEC legislation, to link up with government departments and with major users requiring reliable and efficient cleaning appliances. Liaison with other sectors of the cleaning industry is effected through the Association`s membership of the British Cleaning Council.

Acting not only for the benefit of its members but for the cleaning equipment industry by setting national standards for industrial cleaning machines, ICMMA safeguards and raises manufacturing and safety requirements.

Keep Wales Tidy (KWT) is an independent national voluntary organisation with charity status working for a clean, safe and tidy Wales by tackling anti-social behaviour such as litter, flytipping, dog fouling, vandalism, graffiti and flyposting and developing a sense of pride amongst people for their own area. Dealing with the quality of local environments is central to our work and contributing to the schemes and strategies of the Welsh Assembly Government such as the environment strategy, social justice, sustainable development and environmental education.

Established in 1968, The National Carpet Cleaners Association is the only independent UK trade body dedicated to the craft of carpet, upholstery, curtain and other soft furnishing cleaning. As such, it is now widely recognised not just by homemakers, but also by government, the media, industry and commerce, as the authoritative source of information and advice on all aspects of the industry.

The National Association of Wheeled Bin Washers represents those Wheelie Bin Washing Companies that are able to satisfy the Associations entry criteria, which requires them to comply with all existing legislation and guidelines for the washing of wheeled bins using high pressure water pumps.

The Association aims to provide a forum to monitor and influence UK and EEC legislation with regard to the washing of wheelie bins whilst policing the industry on behalf of its members to try and improve standards within the Associationâ€^TMs membership. It also aims to influence both councils and government with regard to the policing of those companies that do not respect present legislation and guidelines whilst carrying out the activity of washing wheelie bins.

The Association aspires to introduce forms of qualification and certification for its members through recognised awarding bodies at various levels for responsibility and experience.

UKCPI represents UK producers of cleaning, hygiene and surface care products. From soap to washing powders, from disinfectants to polishes, many of these products fundamentally support the everyday lives of millions of consumers. With around 50 member companies, membership ranges from very small companies to major multinationals and provides focussed guidance, representation and concise information, often on an individual basis, to all its members.

• To provide member companies with representation, information and clear advice on legislative and industry wide issues.
• To speak on behalf of the industry by providing Government and the European Commission with information and technical advice to ensure that effects on UKCPI members

The United Kingdom Housekeepers Association was formed in May 1984 with the backing of the Caterer and Hotelkeeper magazine and with Lord Forte of Ripley as its patron.
By the end of its first year, it had over 100 members from all parts of the UK, and from all areas of housekeeping, hotels, schools, institutions and hospitals. It rapidly made a name for itself as an Association for professionals. The Association has many objectives
It aims to-

1. Improve the professional standing of Housekeepers.
2. Promote housekeeping as a career.
3. Provide a forum for the exchange of information and ideas.
4. Increase the membership annually.
5. Reach the more diverse workforce of the industry again i.e. hospital also educational and training establishments
6. Re-introduce NVQ training programmes to colleges.
7. Increase company sponsorship.

The Association is self-funding and is made up of professional UK members. We have major companies as Associate members who also sponsor us.

A livery company within the City of London, the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners has within its membership cleaning industry personnel who are active in the fields of contract cleaning, waste disposal, chemicals and machinery supply, and buildings services management.

The Company's aims are to encourage and maintain high standards of practice and integrity through social and professional exchange, at the same time supporting and promoting education, training and research projects within the industry. Through its Charitable Trust, it aims to provide relief to members and their families suffering financial hardship.