TRUE Story: Sandra Birch, The Heartbeat of Scottish Courts’ Cleanliness

For three decades, Sandra Birch has been one of the heroes behind the pristine halls of the Scottish courts. Sandra’s career at the Scottish courts began with her working the night shift, she meticulously cleaned the building, ensuring every corner was spotless. Over the years, her responsibilities grew, and she transitioned into a supervisory role, managing cleaning schedules and interacting with customers to address any issues.

“I’ve been on this site for 30 years. I started as a nighttime cleaner doing 12-hour shifts. So I worked from nine in the morning to nine at night. But on the second of this year, I went part-time. I’ve been doing 12-hour shifts for a long time.” The change to part-time work allows her to enjoy some well-deserved relaxation while continuing to contribute to the high standards of cleanliness she has always upheld.

Navigating the COVID-19 Challenge

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges. Sandra’s role became even more critical as she managed additional cleaners and enforced strict cleaning protocols to prevent the spread of the virus. Her leadership ensured that the Scottish courts remained a safe environment, with no reported cases of COVID-19 among her team. This achievement shows her meticulous attention to detail and her commitment to her team’s safety.

A Day in the Life

Sandra’s typical day is anything but typical. From organising cleaning schedules to supervising her team, her role is dynamic and ever-changing. Before the pandemic, her routine involved cleaning toilets and other areas during the day and supervising nighttime cleaning activities. The pandemic, however, required her to adapt quickly, managing an influx of additional cleaners and ensuring that all tasks were completed to the highest standards.

That’s why one of Sandra’s greatest sources of pride is the team she has built over the years. She values the diverse and supportive environment at the Scottish courts, highlighting the long-standing relationships she has formed with her colleagues. Her ability to foster a collaborative and friendly atmosphere has been instrumental in maintaining high cleaning standards and ensuring the smooth operation of the courts.

“I just love the place, maybe it’s because every day is different, and I get on with the people really well. The girls that I work with, they’re fantastic.”

Pride in Achievements

Sandra’s pride in her work is evident in her reflections on the past three decades. She takes great satisfaction in the cleanliness of the building and the high standards she has maintained. Her efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, stand out as a significant achievement. The fact that no one on her team contracted the virus is a hallmark of her leadership and her team’s collective effort.

As Sandra looks back on her career, she is filled with gratitude for the opportunity to work with such a dedicated team. She emphasises that her success is a result of the collective effort of her colleagues and the supportive environment they have created together. Sandra’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and the power of teamwork, making her an invaluable asset to the Scottish courts.

“I’m only as good as my team… that’s the thing. That’s the way I look at it.”