Cleaning Assistant

As Cleaning Assistant, you will deliver a range of cleaning and housekeeping services across University premises, including the cleaning and servicing of facilities, offices and common areas, used by students, staff and commercial customers.

The Estates and Facilities Directorate provides a number of essential services to Durham University and is responsible for managing, maintaining and developing the infrastructure and building fabric of the various campuses.

Available Shifts:
- 1x 7 hours per week - 2 out of 5 days, 52 weeks - indicative working pattern 6am-9.30am (Saturday & Sunday)
- 1x 6 hours per week - 2 out of 5 days, 52 weeks - indicative working pattern 7am-10am (Saturday & Sunday)
- 6x 15 hours per week - 5 out of 5 days, 52 weeks - indicative working pattern 6am-9am (Monday - Friday)
- 1x 15 hours per week - 5 out of 5 days, 35 weeks - indicative working pattern 6am-9am (Monday - Friday)
- 1x 15 hours per week - 5 out of 5 days - indicative working pattern 6am-9am (Monday - Friday) (fixed term Maternity cover until 11th August 2027)

Service Delivery:
- Provide an excellent, responsive service to students, staff and others by carrying out tasks using the relevant procedures.
- Look after yourself and others by following health and safety regulations, including correctly wearing any protective clothing or equipment provided (e.g. uniform, safety shoes), and be aware of any hazards.
- Learn how to use everyday equipment and tools e.g. cleaning equipment, digital devices, software and applications.
- Follow instructions from a supervisor to learn the correct methods to deliver set tasks and procedures.
- Learn how to, and deliver, services in line with regulatory and statutory guidelines and protocols.
- Keep physical internal and external environments, buildings and services in a safe and secure working order.

Teamwork:
- Help and cooperate with the rest of your team.
- Support other team members to deliver a frontline student, staff or visitor service, when asked.
- Help colleagues maintain facilities and equipment safely and securely.
- Bring any problems to the attention of more senior colleagues.
- Adopt and promote a flexible approach to working and be willing to cover absences, when given reasonable notice, including evenings and weekends, as business demands.

Communication/Personal:
- Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University's values.
- Use digital devices and apps (such as email) to communicate with staff, students, and others.
- Ensure own work is completed in accordance with risk assessments specific to tasks and environments.
- Attend all training and development, as required.

Other:
- Undertake an element of physical manual handling, which can include lifting and transporting equipment and deliveries.
- Any other reasonable duties.

Essential Criteria:
1. Good spoken and written communication skills.
2. Basic numeracy and literacy skills.
3. Evidence of personal development to maintain skills.
4. Ability to work alone but build positive working relationships and work in a team.
5. Ability to manage time to meet deadlines.
6. Ability to follow instructions, spoken or written, accurately.
7. Good attention to detail.
8. Ability to deal effectively with staff and customers at all levels.

Desirable Criteria:
1. Basic digital skills including the ability to use the internet and email.
2. BICS or First Aid trained.
3. Previous housekeeping and/or cleaning experience.

Benefits:
- 27 days annual leave per year (in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year), a total of 39 days, including time off between Christmas and New Year.
- Parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme, and discounts with local bus and train companies.
- Discounts via benefits portal, including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products, the cinema and days out.
- On site nursery and children's clubs in the summer holidays.
- Discounted membership for sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities.
- Generous family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave.
- Career development opportunities including qualifications, IT skills courses and apprenticeships.