UKHA and Umbrella to launch new COVID secure housekeeping standards

The UK Housekeepers’ Association (UKHA) has announced the upcoming 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.

It will be applicable 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.

Coming soon, 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.

An operational and strategic framework for the standard is being devised UKHA and its members will be developing 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.

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.”