BSCAA, SCCA update shopping centre code

Shopping Centre Council and BSCAA update jointly agreed code of conduct for shopping centre cleaning staff.

Shopping centre owners and building service contractors have updated and expanded the sectors’ Code of Conduct for Fair Service Provision (Code of Conduct) 10 years on from its inception.

The Shopping Centre Council of Australia (SCCA) and Building Service Contractors Association of Australia (BSCAA) agreed to update their jointly agreed code of conduct, reflecting new and emerging industry practices, government regulations, along with issues in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The SCCA represents Australia’s major owners, managers, and developers of shopping centres.

Shopping centre owners and managers are responsible for the cleanliness and hygiene of their assets, which are governed by government and regulatory requirements and customer expectations. Cleaning requirements are tailored to individual centres.

The code reaffirms the shopping centre sector’s commitment to high standards of corporate responsibility and an expectation that cleaning service providers will treat their employees and contractors fairly, with respect and dignity, and abide by applicable awards, standards, and laws.

Angus Nardi, executive director, SCCA, said during COVID, the shopping centre sector had close engagement with public health officials, including Chief Health Officers (CHOs), and strict cleaning and disinfecting protocols in place including for common areas, food courts, and children’ rides.

“Shopping centres stayed open as an essential activity during COVID-19, and our engagement with public health authorities and safety regulators reinforced the importance of cleaning for our industry, particularly to ensure clean, safe and healthy environments for our staff, contractors, and visitors,” said Nardi.

“The updated code consolidates and reflects updated industry practices and government regulation and reiterates our ongoing commitment and mutual accountability to support the wellbeing and fair treatment of cleaners.”

Kim Puxty, CEO of the BSCAA, said the code provides an important framework for discussions between shopping centre landlords and contract cleaning companies.

“The desired outcome from the code of conduct is that SCCA members can be confident of getting best practice compliance standards in cleaning services. Equally BSCAA members can be confident that the financial setting in the tenders will support those best practice compliance standards,” said Puxty.

A Code Administration Committee (CAC) will monitor the effectiveness of the code of conduct.

The CAC will be a forum to monitor feedback, considering relevant issues and continual improvement of the operation of the code, including through the SCCA and BSCAA boards if required.

“The CAC will be the predominant forum and most effective means through which responsible property services and contracting practices will be deliberated in our sector,” said Puxty.

“Our organisations will actively provide support, guidance and material to assist in the implementation and operation of the code of conduct.”

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