Cleaning Operative - Days

Northampton Ukulele Group; Northampton; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 15,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Northampton is seeking a Cleaning Assistant to support the Accommodation cleaning team on a fixed-term basis until 31 July 2027. The role covers cleaning kitchens, washrooms, corridors and communal areas to maintain high standards of hygiene and presentation across student accommodation.

You will work 25 hours per week (Mon-Fri 9am–2pm) or 17.5 hours (9am–12.30pm) with some peak periods. Appropriate training is provided; a practical understanding of cleaning methods is required.

Qualifications

• Experience with cleaning methods and products is desirable.
• Comfortable following cleaning schedules and safety instructions.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Clean kitchens, communal areas, corridors, stairwells and washrooms to high standards.
• Vacuum, mop and surface clean; empty waste and recycle.
• Replenish consumables and report maintenance or safety concerns.
• Assist with preparation and turnaround of accommodation during busy periods.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication

Reliability

Customer service

Education

BICS Operators Proficiency Certificate Stage 1

Job description

About the Job

Contract Type: Fixed-Term Until 31 July 2027

Hours: 25 hours per week or 17.5 hours per week

Location: Waterside Campus, University of Northampton.

Interview Date: W/C 14 December 2026

The post will primarily support the Accommodation cleaning team, helping to maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and presentation across student accommodation. Main duties will include cleaning kitchens, communal areas, corridors, stairwells and washroom facilities; vacuuming, mopping and general surface cleaning; emptying waste and recycling; replenishing consumables; and reporting maintenance, damage or health and safety concerns.

The role will also support the preparation and turnaround of accommodation, including enhanced cleaning requirements during busy periods, and may be required to assist with cleaning in other University areas where operationally necessary.

Available Hours

• 25hrs per week - The normal working pattern will be Monday – Friday 9am – 2pm, with these being set contractual working days.

• 17.5hrs per week - The normal working pattern will be Monday – Friday 9am – 12.30pm, with these being set contractual working days.

Some flexibility may be required during peak accommodation periods to support operational requirements.

Please Specify the working hours you would like to be be considered for in your application.

About You

The successful candidate will have a practical understanding of cleaning methods and be able to deliver consistently high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Previous cleaning experience, ideally within accommodation, hospitality, education or another busy environment, would be advantageous, although appropriate training can be provided.

They will need good attention to detail, the ability to follow cleaning schedules and instructions, and an understanding of working safely with cleaning products and equipment. The role requires someone who can work independently and as part of a team, organise their workload effectively and respond flexibly to changing operational priorities.

Good communication skills, reliability and a positive approach to customer service are important, as the postholder will work within student accommodation and may have regular contact with students, staff and visitors. They should also be able to identify andreport maintenance defects, damage, hazards or other health and safety concerns appropriately.

Qualifications

Desirable

• BICS Operators Proficiency Certificate Stage 1 or willing to work towards qualification

Department

You will be working as part of the 1st Degree team, within the Estates and Campus Services team.

1st Degree Facilities is a trading name of UNEL which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Northampton and this vacancy is covered by UNEL Terms and Conditions of employment.

About Us

At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.

Our People

Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first-rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.

Our Values

• Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel.
• Sustainability: We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment.
• Aspiration: We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential.
• Trust: We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.

Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference.

Right to Work

Due to the requirements laid out by UK Visas and Immigration regarding Right to Work in the UK, the University can only accept applications from individuals who currently have a status allowing them to work in the UK for this position. Due to this criteria, we regret that we are unable to offer sponsorship at this time.

Equality

We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.

The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships.

Together @ UON

Our Commitment to Equality and Inclusion

Together @ UON affirms our dedication to creating an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality. We aim to foster a space where all can thrive, aligning with our mission to transform lives and inspire change.

Commitments Include:

1. Creating an Inclusive Environment: Adopting a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and ensuring all activities are inclusive.
2. Supporting Students and Staff: Strengthening mental health support, enhancing disability confidence, and ensuring academic and professional support.
3. Tackling Inequalities: Involving students in recruitment, integrating forums for equality data analysis, and supporting networks for protected characteristics.

UON’s Major Commitments:

• Disability Confident
• Standalone Pledge
• IHRA Working Definition

For more details, visit: Equality and Diversity at UON