Southwark Cleaning Operative – EK

Job Description: Estate Cleaner – Southwark Council

Job Purpose

To maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, safety and security across designated council housing estates, communal areas and public highways within the London Borough of Southwark. The role involves carrying out a range of internal and external cleaning duties to ensure that communal spaces, walkways, entrances, stairwells, refuse storage areas and surrounding public areas remain clean, tidy, safe and presentable for residents, visitors and members of the public.

The postholder will be responsible for using appropriate cleaning equipment and materials, following established work schedules and health and safety procedures, reporting maintenance issues and hazards, and ensuring that all duties are completed efficiently in accordance with council policies and service requirements.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

1. Internal Cleaning and Communal Area Maintenance

• Sweep, mop, wash and scrub floors in communal corridors, staircases, landings, entrance halls, lobbies, lifts and other shared areas.
• Clean utility rooms, store rooms, balconies, internal walkways, pedways and other communal facilities across council estates.
• Clean walls, doors, skirting boards, handrails, window sills, fixtures, fittings and other surfaces to maintain acceptable standards of hygiene and presentation.
• Carry out internal window cleaning and high-level cleaning where required, using suitable equipment and safe working practices.
• Remove dust, dirt, cobwebs, marks and debris from communal areas and ensure that all spaces are maintained in a clean and orderly condition.
• Undertake periodic deep cleaning and scrubbing of hard floors and other surfaces as directed by supervisory staff.
• Respond promptly to cleaning requirements in areas affected by heavy use, spills, soilage or other deposits.

2. External Cleaning and Estate Maintenance

• Sweep and clean external pathways, pavements, courtyards, access routes, pedestrian walkways and communal outdoor areas.
• Carry out regular litter picking to remove rubbish, discarded items and other debris from council estates and surrounding public spaces.
• Clear fallen leaves, mud and other deposits from pathways, entrances, drainage channels and hard-surfaced areas.
• Assist with snow and ice clearance when required, following instructions and relevant safety procedures.
• Remove graffiti, marks and other surface contamination where this falls within the scope of the cleaning service and the appropriate procedures.
• Maintain the cleanliness of entrances, building approaches and shared outdoor spaces to provide a safe and welcoming environment for residents and visitors.
• Identify and report obstructions, damaged surfaces, overflowing bins and other issues that may affect the cleanliness or safety of the estate.

3. Waste Collection and Refuse Management

• Collect and remove bagged refuse, loose rubbish, bulky waste and discarded materials from designated communal areas.
• Clean and maintain refuse stores, bin rooms and waste collection areas to minimise dirt, unpleasant odours and hygiene risks.
• Empty external litter bins and dispose of collected waste in accordance with council procedures.
• Carry out the rotation and movement of Paladin refuse containers and other waste storage equipment as instructed.
• Ensure that waste is handled, transported and disposed of safely and in the correct designated areas.
• Identify and report overflowing refuse stores, fly-tipping, damaged bins, spillages and waste disposal problems.
• Follow safe manual-handling practices when moving waste, cleaning equipment and refuse containers.

4. Cleaning Equipment and Materials

• Operate cleaning tools, machinery and equipment appropriate to the task, following manufacturer guidance and workplace procedures.
• Use cleaning products and chemicals correctly, observing COSHH requirements, product instructions and applicable safety precautions.
• Clean, maintain and store all equipment and materials properly after use.
• Inspect equipment before use and report defective, damaged or unsafe tools and machinery to the supervisor.
• Monitor stocks of cleaning products, refuse bags, consumables and other supplies.
• Notify the supervisor when materials are running low and request replacement supplies in accordance with ordering procedures.
• Maintain the security of all cleaning equipment, materials and supplies under their control.

5. Health, Safety and Risk Management

• Comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act, relevant COSHH requirements, manual-handling procedures and the council’s health and safety policies.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when carrying out cleaning and waste-handling duties.
• Place warning signs around wet floors and other temporary hazards to help prevent slips, trips and falls.
• Follow safe working procedures when undertaking high-level cleaning, handling chemicals, moving refuse containers and operating cleaning machinery.
• Identify, assess where appropriate and report hazards, accidents, near misses, unsafe conditions and potentially dangerous substances.
• Deal with spills, soilage and other deposits promptly, using suitable cleaning methods and protective equipment.
• Avoid handling unidentified hazardous waste, sharps or potentially dangerous substances without the appropriate training and procedures.
• Maintain awareness of risks to residents, colleagues, visitors and members of the public while carrying out duties.

6. Security and Protection of Council Property

• Follow all procedures relating to the security of council buildings, estates, communal areas, equipment and materials.
• Ensure that access doors, refuse stores and other designated areas are secured in accordance with instructions.
• Safeguard keys, access devices, cleaning materials and council equipment entrusted to their care.
• Report suspicious activity, unauthorised access, vandalism, damage to property and security concerns to the appropriate supervisor.
• Respect residents’ privacy and ensure that access to properties and communal facilities is managed in accordance with council procedures.

7. Reporting and Communication

• Report cleaning issues, maintenance defects, damaged fixtures, blocked access routes and other problems identified during routine duties.
• Notify supervisory staff of significant spillages, fly-tipping, pest activity, overflowing bins and other matters requiring additional attention.
• Maintain effective communication with supervisors, colleagues and other relevant council staff.
• Follow daily work schedules, instructions, cleaning standards and changes to service requirements.
• Provide accurate information about completed tasks, outstanding work and any issues affecting service delivery.
• Respond appropriately to requests for additional cleaning duties and changes in priorities.

8. Training and Professional Development

• Attend training sessions, toolbox talks and briefings arranged by supervisory staff.
• Learn to use new cleaning equipment and machinery following appropriate instruction and training.
• Follow updated cleaning methods, working practices, risk assessments and operational procedures.
• Participate in relevant health and safety, manual-handling, COSHH and equipment training.
• Apply training consistently to improve work quality, efficiency and safety.

9. Equality, Diversity and Customer Service

• Carry out all duties in accordance with Southwark Council’s equality, diversity and inclusion policies.
• Treat residents, colleagues, visitors and members of the public with courtesy, dignity and respect.
• Maintain a professional and helpful attitude when working in occupied housing estates and shared public spaces.
• Respect cultural differences, individual needs and the privacy of residents.
• Contribute to maintaining clean, safe and accessible communal environments for people of different ages and abilities.
• Represent the council positively through reliable attendance, professional conduct and responsible working practices.

Skills and Experience

• Experience in cleaning, estate maintenance, communal area cleaning, street cleansing or a similar practical role is desirable.
• Knowledge of general cleaning methods, including sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, litter picking and waste removal.
• Ability to use cleaning equipment and materials safely and appropriately.
• Understanding of workplace health and safety, PPE, manual handling and safe chemical use.
• Ability to recognise hazards, report defects and follow instructions accurately.
• Good time-management skills and the ability to organise daily duties efficiently.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• A reliable, flexible and responsible approach to work.
• Good communication skills and a commitment to providing a professional service to residents and the public.
• Willingness to undertake training and adapt to changing service requirements.

Working Requirements

• Carry out duties across designated council estates, communal buildings, external areas and public highways as required by service needs.
• Work to agreed cleaning schedules and respond to additional tasks allocated by supervisory staff.
• Undertake practical duties that may involve prolonged standing, walking, bending, pushing cleaning equipment and handling waste in accordance with safe working procedures.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions when undertaking external cleaning duties.
• Follow all relevant council policies, operational instructions and safe systems of work.

Overall Objective

To deliver a reliable, efficient and high-quality estate cleaning service that maintains clean, hygienic, safe and secure communal areas and public spaces throughout Southwark Council’s housing estates and highways, supporting resident satisfaction, environmental standards and the effective delivery of council services.

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