Infection control remains a top priority for care homes, hospitals, education providers, and public facilities alike. While the heightened awareness brought on by the pandemic has receded, the need for proactive, high-quality infection prevention is as urgent as ever, especially with rising antimicrobial resistance, increased occupant density, and regulatory scrutiny…
The role of third-party cleaning and disinfection partners has evolved from simple service provision to strategic collaboration. Choosing the right supplier is now about securing a partner who can deliver clinical-grade protection, fast response, and compliance-backed confidence.
Regulatory compliance is the starting point. Facilities should ensure any potential supplier meets standards such as the Health and Safety Executive’s COSHH regulations, Department of Health guidelines, and (where applicable) CQC infection prevention protocols. ISO certifications in environmental and quality management, plus product-specific approvals like EN standards for disinfectants, are valuable indicators of credibility.
Next is response capability. The best infection control suppliers operate with speed and flexibility, whether that means providing emergency decontamination services during an outbreak, or adjusting cleaning frequencies in response to seasonal pressures like norovirus or flu. Assess whether a supplier can scale services across multiple sites and respond out-of-hours when necessary.
Training provision is also a crucial differentiator. Leading providers offer infection control training for both their own staff and client teams, helping to embed best practice within the broader workforce. Look for those who offer accredited training, regular refreshers, and easy-to-understand resources on new pathogens and procedures.
Increasingly, suppliers are also expected to demonstrate transparency and traceability. Digital reporting tools, hygiene audits, and real-time compliance dashboards can provide peace of mind to facilities managers and audit teams. When paired with AI-powered scheduling and touchpoint tracking, these tools help optimise coverage, reduce human error, and support long-term performance improvement.
Furthermore, sustainable infection control is rising on the agenda. Facilities are looking for suppliers who balance efficacy with environmental responsibility, offering low-toxicity products, closed-loop chemical systems, or biodegradable options where possible. ESG-aligned procurement is fast becoming standard across the public sector and beyond.
Ultimately, the right infection control supplier will offer more than just cleaning: they’ll act as a trusted partner in risk prevention, compliance assurance, and public confidence. With the right credentials, agility, technology, and training focus, your chosen provider can help embed a resilient infection control culture that safeguards everyone who passes through your doors.
Are you searching for Infection Control solutions for your organisation? The Care Forum can help!
Photo by Nino Maghradze on Unsplash
