Focus on...Working in partnership with Sussex Downs College

A Reputation for quality in the education sector does not come easily. So when an establishment is as highly regarded as Sussex Downs College one can be certain this status has been forged through commitment and dedication across all areas.

When Ocean was awarded the contract to provide cleaning services to Sussex Downs College in August, 2010 we knew we would need to demonstrate the same qualities in our delivery.

Approximately 16,000 learners currently study at Sussex Downs College making it the largest General Further Education College in the south east region. Ofsted has graded the College as Good or Outstanding for its effectiveness, achievements, quality and leadership.

Ocean provides cleaning services to 19 buildings spread across three campus locations. The proactive approach we demonstrated in staffing (recruiting 30 Cleaning Operatives to fill existing vacancies), troubleshooting (establishing monthly review meetings and feedback procedures) and administration (consolidating cleaners cupboards to free up storage space for the College) have all contributed to our ability to deliver a unified service with consistent quality across a diverse range of facilities and environments.

Steve Berresford, Ocean’s Director in charge of the contract,  said: “We always seek to take a proactive lead on contracts; especially during the initial months as we know this period is vital in terms of raising standards to the level we know we can achieve.”

Graham Hardy, Deputy Facilities Manager at Sussex Downs College said: “We have such a wide variety of accommodation. We have what a standard office block would have such as offices and washrooms as well as what a school would have such as classrooms. Then it develops further into specialist workshops for construction, motor vehicles, engineering, hair, beauty, music, etc.

“The key criteria [when choosing a new contractor] was to deliver a harmonised contract package across all our campuses so that all our expectations would be the same, be measured and be met. They needed to be auditable and transparent.

“I definitely see Ocean’s role as a lead player in delivering the product. The partnership comes in on the basis that Ocean will only be able to deliver providing the College assists them to do so.

“I have been impressed with Ocean’s proactivity and their willingness to work with the College.

“Overall I think we’re significantly moving forward.”