Background
Byrchall first commissioned Litmus to review the in-house cleaning provision, as it was seeking to improve the productivity of the service. Subsequently, Litmus has managed a competitive tender process for both the catering and cleaning contracts and also continued to monitor the service provided by both contractors.
Brief
The school has always sought to provide a high standard of service to its pupils whilst also ensuring best value to the school. It was with these priorities that Litmus led the tenders for both the cleaning and catering services.
Approach
Diana Lishman, the Litmus Partnership, said: “We worked closely with the Business Manager to understand the school’s issues and objectives. Our aim has always been to use our skill and knowledge to ensure that the services provided drive savings on behalf of the school whilst maintaining a high standard of service.
“For example, when it came to catering one area we were keen to remedy was that the school was paying a subsidy for the catering service being delivered by the previous provider. The quality of the food was very poor and was not compliant with the school food standards. The school just wasn’t seeing value on this service in the current set-up.
“Furthermore, the Business Manager was spending a lot of time overseeing the cleaning as the standards were not satisfactory. This meant their time was taken away from areas they should have been focusing on.”
Outcomes
The catering service is now provided at nil cost to the school, with free school meals and hospitality also provided at cost price. Also, the school benefits from a profit share and a service enjoyed by pupils and staff.
The cleaning is now effectively managed by the contractor, to a much better standard and the Business Manager is only involved in the monthly audits.
