Planning a commercial cleaning contract.

Updated 18 October 2026

Write a site-specific specification

List the areas, floor finishes, washrooms, touchpoints, tasks and frequencies. Explain occupancy, opening hours, security and access restrictions. A site survey helps confirm the working time and equipment needed.

Compare the full cost

Check whether the price includes supervision, holiday and absence cover, consumables, equipment, periodic work and mobilisation. Ask how changes to the scope and future cost increases will be handled.

Agree how quality will be reviewed

Define the service standard, inspection schedule, reporting route and escalation process. A service-level agreement and a small set of key performance indicators should help both parties spot and resolve problems.

Check sector requirements

Education settings may need safeguarding controls and appropriate DBS checks. Food businesses need cleaning schedules and suitable products. Healthcare cleaning has specific risk categories and audit requirements. Confirm competence and evidence before commissioning specialist work.

Plan the handover

Agree key control, product storage, induction and the start date. Existing staff may have rights under TUPE when a service provider changes; obtain suitable advice and the necessary employee information before committing to a contract.

Discuss your cleaning requirements

Bring the planning to OC.

Bring your specification, sites, planned start date and tender timetable to OC. We’ll work through the proposed service, staffing and supporting documents with you, helping you prepare for a smooth start.

For an initial scope, use the workplace cleaning brief; for pricing comparisons, see cleaner-hours and contract arrangements.