Cleaning Supervisor

Job summary

Overgate Hospice is an independent charity with a mission to ensure that patients and those close to them live with the best possible quality of life. This is enabled by provision of the highest standard of compassionate and evidence-based specialist palliative and end of life care for adults in Calderdale who have active, progressive life limiting illness.

However, the current constraints of our ageing facilities are making this more difficult than ever. Our ambitious redevelopment plans to modernise and expand our existing facilities will transform the environment in which we care for our patients, as well as meaning we can care for more people who need us. In April 2024, Overgate Hospice launched a capital campaign to raise the funds needed to make these transformational plans become a reality.

Main duties of the job

The Cleaning Supervisor supports the Cleaning Manager in the delivery of high-quality cleaning services across the hospice, ensuring excellent standards of hygiene, cleanliness, and infection prevention are maintained at all times.

The post holder will provide day-to-day supervision and support to the cleaning team, working alongside staff to ensure cleaning duties are completed effectively and in accordance with organisational policies, the National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness, and Hospice requirements.

The Cleaning Supervisor reports directly to the Cleaning Manager and acts as a key link between frontline staff and management.

About us

Overgate Hospice is an independent charity with a mission to ensure that patients and those close to them live with the best possible quality of life. This is enabled by provision of the highest standard of compassionate and evidence-based specialist palliative and end of life care for adults in Calderdale who have active, progressive life limiting illness.

Job responsibilities

Job Summary

The Cleaning Supervisor supports the Cleaning Manager in the delivery of high-quality cleaning services across the hospice, ensuring excellent standards of hygiene, cleanliness, and infection prevention are maintained at all times.

The post holder will provide day-to-day supervision and support to the cleaning team, working alongside staff to ensure cleaning duties are completed effectively and in accordance with organisational policies, the National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness, and Hospice requirements.

The Cleaning Supervisor reports directly to the Cleaning Manager and acts as a key link between frontline staff and management.

In addition:

• We are a no smoking organisation.
• The employee must maintain a safe working environment in accordance with Hospice Health and Safety Policies.
• The employee must participate in the development and implementation of organisational policies and procedures as required.
• The employee must support organisational governance arrangements and quality improvement initiatives.
• The employee must always maintain strict confidentiality and work within the requirements of Data Protection legislation.
• Minimum Qualifications / Experience Required

The ideal candidate will have previous experience of cleaning within a workplace environment, together with experience of housekeeping or cleaning within a healthcare, hospice, or other clinical setting. They will have experience of supervising, supporting, or guiding cleaning staff and will possess a basic understanding of COSHH regulations and safe working practices. The post holder will demonstrate strong communication and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workloads effectively, work collaboratively as part of a team, and maintain high standards of service delivery in a busy healthcare environment.

Key Working Relationships

The Cleaning Supervisor is required to develop and maintain effective working relationships with the Cleaning Manager and Cleaning Team Members to ensure the smooth delivery of cleaning services and the achievement of agreed standards. The post holder will work closely with Nursing Staff, In-Patient Unit Staff, Day Hospice Staff, and colleagues across both Clinical and Non-Clinical Departments to support a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for patients, visitors, and staff. The role also involves regular interaction with volunteers and visitors, requiring a professional, courteous, and customer-focused approach that reflects the values and standards of the Hospice.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Cleaning Supervisor provides day-to-day supervision of the cleaning team, ensuring high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and presentation are maintained throughout the Hospice. Working closely with the Cleaning Manager, the post holder coordinates daily cleaning activities, allocates workloads, monitors attendance, and supports staff to deliver an efficient and responsive service.

The role combines supervisory and operational responsibilities, with the post holder actively undertaking cleaning duties across all Hospice areas. They ensure cleaning schedules are completed to the required standards and support compliance with healthcare cleaning standards, Health and Safety legislation, infection prevention requirements, and COSHH regulations.

The Cleaning Supervisor supports the Cleaning Manager by monitoring service delivery, reporting operational issues, and assisting with staffing arrangements. They also contribute to staff induction, training, and development, promote safe working practices, monitor cleaning standards, and help drive continuous service improvement.

By maintaining a visible presence and working collaboratively with colleagues across the Hospice, the post holder plays a key role in providing a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for patients, visitors, staff, and volunteers.

Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk

All Hospice staff are required to act in such a way that at all times safeguards the health and well-being of children and adults at risk. Familiarisation with and adherence to the Hospice safeguarding policies is an essential requirement of all employees as is participation in related mandatory/statutory training.

Valuing Diversity and Equality

All employees should carry out their duties in accordance with the values and principles of valuing diversity and equity of provision. It is the responsibility of all employees to support the Hospice vision of promoting a positive attitude to diversity and equality of opportunity, to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage in service delivery and employment, and to manage, support or comply through the implementation of the Hospices Equal Opportunities Policy.

Person specification

Attributes

Essential

• Ability to work in a team which includes volunteers
• Flexible and cooperative approach to work and working with colleagues

Knowledge

Essential

• Basic awareness of COSHH regulations and Health and Safety

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Good timekeeping
• Resilient, calm, and professional under pressure
• Self-motivated and proactive approach to work
• Able to prioritise workload

Desirable

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing to colleagues, patients, and visitors

Experience

Essential

• Previous experience of cleaning in a workplace environment
• Previous experience of Housekeeping in a clinical environment

Skills & Abilities

Essential

• Flexible approach to working hours
• Courteous and professional approach to all work
• Ability to work in a team which includes volunteers
• Flexible and cooperative approach to work and working with colleagues