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Inclusivity in cleaning Social procurement has become a key benchmark in the tendering process, with many organisations reaping not only social, but economic benefits, of an inclusive and diversified workforce. 30 INCLEAN March / April 2020
ocial procurement enables organisations to create positive community impact through purchasing.” That’s according to Luke Bordin, director of registered training organisation, Learning Sphere. “It is the power to generate positive social outcomes, alongside the delivery of quality services.” Sustainable and social procurement has moved beyond the purchase of environmentally friendly products, with social considerations such as evidence of inclusion, being increasingly incorporated into the tendering process. Examples of social procurement include creating equal employment opportunity for disadvantaged and vulnerable people in the community, creating local employment opportunities, or strengthening a regional economy through business. “Social procurement is about breaking down walls, and it is positive to see an increasing number of contracts asking companies to demonstrate how they do this,” says Bordin. Many organisations are encouraged to support supplier diversity via contracting with Aboriginal businesses and Australian Disability Enterprises (ADE). Bordin say one aspect of the cleaning industry that has often been overlooked, is the workforce of cleaners who identify with a disability. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), disability is defined as “any limitation, restriction or impairment which restricts everyday activities and has lasted or is likely to last for at least six months.” It is understood in Australia, around one in five people live with a disability of some kind, including those living with mental health conditions. “They play a valuable part and often demonstrate strong commitment to our clients and their employers,” says Bordin. “The cleaning industry has excellent job opportunities as there are many part jobs available, and often it is possible to offer a niche position that fits their personality. “For some, they love being with people, so they enjoy the interactions with customers in food courts, or with the office staff as they clean. For others, they like to focus on one aspect and give 100 per cent attention to do the best cleaning job they can.” “The industry association decided four years ago that a Certificate II Cleaning was not needed as a qualification or traineeship. Yet Learning Sphere found it had a large cohort who were needing the Certificate II Cleaning, and these were often youth, people with disabilities and eve n humanitarian or refugees new to Australia. “At the end of 2019 the NSW government re-established the Certificate II as a funded traineeship. In the first week eight new employees (all with disabilities) were enrolled. This continues to meet the demand for this workforce.” Over the past 18 months Learning Sphere has expanded its work with ADE Aruma, providing accredited training for supported