If your cleaning service isn’t meeting the standard you expect, changing providers can be a good opportunity to put things right.
Maybe quality has slipped, cleaning is inconsistent, or you’re finding yourself having to chase issues rather than feeling confident they’re being managed. Whatever the reason, you want a new provider to make things better without the change itself creating more work or disruption.
And if there’s already a cleaning team working in your building, you’ll probably have questions about what happens to them when you switch providers.
It’s an important process, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right planning and support, the transition can be carefully managed from start to finish - giving your business a chance to improve the service while making sure the people delivering it are looked after too.
What if you’re changing providers because the cleaning isn’t good enough?
This is one of the most common concerns businesses have when they’re considering a switch.
You might be unhappy with the standard of cleaning and think, “If the same people are staying, is anything going to improve?”
The answer is that the people doing the cleaning are only one part of the service.
Good cleaning depends on having the right support around the team too. Proper training, suitable equipment, clear expectations, regular communication and great managers all make up good cleaning.
When a team transfers to Unify, we take the time to understand what’s happening on site and what needs to improve. We meet the team, introduce ourselves, outline the standards and make sure they have the resources they need to do their job well.
Our approach is simple: look after the people doing the work, and they’re better equipped to look after the spaces and customers they work with.
That doesn’t mean overlooking performance issues. If standards aren’t met despite the right training and management, we have the appropriate processes in place to address them.
The aim is to give people every opportunity to succeed, while making sure your business gets the standard of service it expects.
What does TUPE mean when you change cleaning provider?
When a cleaning contract changes hands, the team working on that contract may transfer to the incoming provider under Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE).
In simple terms, TUPE is there to protect employees when employees move from one organisation to another. So, choosing a new cleaning supplier doesn’t mean the existing cleaning team has to leave.
For you, that means continuity from day one. The people who already know your building can continue working on site, bringing their expertise with them.
It also means you’re not starting from scratch. As your new provider, we can focus on understanding what isn’t working, putting the right systems in place, and improving the service around an existing team.
Changing cleaning providers in action
Our recent mobilisation at Mill Gate Shopping Centre in Bury is a good example of how this can work in practice, where their existing cleaning team transferred to Unify.
The team already knew the space, understood the routines of the centre and knew which areas needed particular attention. That knowledge gave the team peace of mind in knowing they wouldn’t be beginning from square one.
But TUPE doesn’t mean nothing changes.
We introduced new management and spent time trialling new equipment to find the right solutions for the needs of the centre. We also welcomed the team to Unify with our training and onboarding programme, giving them the support and guidance they needed from day one.
One month in, the cleaning team has settled into the transition brilliantly, and our customers at Mill Gate have been really pleased with how smoothly and efficiently the mobilisation was managed.
The team has embraced the new contract with a really positive attitude, while bringing their existing knowledge of the site and a clear commitment to maintaining high standards across the centre.
That’s how a well-planned mobilisation can make a real difference.
How we manage the changeover
A successful transfer starts well before the first day of the new contract. At Unify, our mobilisation team works through the practical details in advance, so there’s a clear plan for everyone involved.
1. Understanding the existing service
We work with the outgoing provider to gather the information we need about the team currently working on your contract.
This helps us understand roles, working hours, existing arrangements and the wider requirements of the service. It also gives us a clearer picture of what’s happening on site before we take responsibility for it.
2. Meeting the team
The people transferring to us are an important part of the mobilisation. We take the time to meet them, introduce Unify and give them an opportunity to ask questions about the change.
Moving employers can naturally bring uncertainty, so clear communication matters. We want people to understand what’s happening, who they’ll be working with and where they can go for help.
3. Preparing for day one
There’s plenty to organise behind the scenes before the contract starts. That can include onboarding, uniforms, equipment, and introducing the team to their new management structure.
We also use this stage to make sure we understand your expectations and any areas of the service that need particular attention.
4. Day one and beyond
The goal is for your cleaning service to continue with as little disruption as possible. The team arrives for their usual shifts, but they’re now supported and managed by Unify.
From there, our managers stay close to the contract, monitoring standards, speaking with colleagues and working with you to make sure the service continues to develop.
What do you need to do?
We coordinate the changeover and guide you through what’s needed at each stage. We’ll work with you to agree the cleaning requirements, arrange site access and confirm priorities before the contract starts, keeping your involvement focused and manageable.
Thinking about changing your cleaning provider?
If you’re considering a switch, our team can talk you through what the process could look like for your business, including TUPE, mobilisation and what happens on day one.
We’ll work with you to understand your current service, what you want to improve and how we can make the transition as straightforward as possible.
