Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre needed a reliable, high-level cleaning company

The need

AGCC needed a reliable, high-level cleaning company with forensic and environmental cleaning standards, biohazard and general cleaning capability, with the flexibility to cater to their strict protocols, particularly around increased security, including police checks, x-ray scanning and metal detection.

AGCC has a duty of care to have a clean and safe space for visitors, staff and remand prisoners. This requires a reliable service available 24/7/365 with the ability to carry out the work safely and professionally.

The OCS solution

When OCS was first awarded the contract, we held a project workshop with AGCC to agree on the specific focus areas. OCS then provided a detailed transition plan within 14 days of the workshop.

The detailed contract transition and implementation plan were key to OCS’ success. The plan set service standards, protocols, and procedures.

In just weeks, the mobilisation was deployed smoothly and to the satisfaction of all parties. The contract began on 1 July 2022.

There is a permanent on-site team of three from OCS, with one working supervisor. They clean between 6am and 1pm, daily.

OCS’ services include forensic, environmental and biohazard cleaning after emergencies, and general cleaning – routine, periodic and adhoc – of staff areas, offices, the medical centre, administration areas, front entrance, visitor waiting areas, training rooms, kitchens, and toilets.

Uninterrupted secure service

The high level of expertise OCS provides includes our capacity to deliver uninterrupted services and tailoring these to AGCC’s evolving needs.

OCS provides AGCC with 24/7/365 on-demand coverage on top of the scheduled cleaning. This service provision gives AGCC access to a pool of available pre-inducted and trained cleaners for after hours and emergency work.

Adhering to AGCC’s security requirements is paramount – all movements in the facility are monitored and controlled. Special arrangements are required to gain access to the site, including site inductions and going through biometric ID testing, x-ray scanning and metal detection each time OCS visit the site. No phones or electronic systems are allowed on-site.

The OCS account manager provides monthly reporting and insights to refine our solution and mitigate issues before they arise. Our service levels are monitored monthly and consistently track above targets.

Performance and safety

OCS completes and documents training covering forensic and environmental cleaning standards, and OCS’ Excellence in Cleaning Program.

OCS’ Excellence in Cleaning Program has been internally developed. We use it amongst our operations as a best practice model. The various modules of the practical training manual cover all relevant aspects of the cleaning role. The program also addresses personal presentation, site security, emergency procedures, career development and basic skills training.

Forensic Clean Training covers crime and trauma scene cleaning. This specialist training educates team members on the specialist work, skills, personal protective equipment (PPE) required, and all associated hazards and biohazards.

Due to the nature of the work and its context, assessment and treatment of our team members is provided by suitably qualified psychologists contracted to OCS via OCP (Organisational Counselling Programs). Our policy is designed to support our staff in maintaining their psychological wellbeing. This support also minimises staff turnover.

Quality assurance

Strong supervision and ongoing auditing enable OCS to manage and assess the performance of our team members and identify any additional training or refreshers required. This quality assurance approach allows our operation to deliver the high-quality standards required by AGCC in a consistent manner.

In addition to the regular inspections, our overall service performance is monitored against agreed service levels. Contract reviews are used to assess how well our delivery is going, identify areas for improvement and listen to any changes in requirements. This detailed evaluation and approach enables our management to adjust our service delivery to match AGCC’s evolving needs.

Our partnership

Our partnership involves a challenging environment with a keen focus on managing risk. The OCS team feel they are playing a small but vital part in supporting the provision of AGCC’s services which play a critical and sensitive role in society.