Three finalists for ISS UK in the COVID-19 Response category for the renowned IWFM Impact Awards in 2020

We have an abundance of stories of bravery, commitment and all-round hero status in ISS during COVID-19 and we’re delighted that three of them have reached the 2020 IWFM Impact Awards. 

The three shortlisted entries were in partnership with clients from both public and private sector organisations. The nominations are for: Clatterbridge Cancer Centre; Heathrow Airport and NHS Nightingale London Hospital. The COVID-19 Response Award is a special category in the IWFM Impact Awards – the ‘Oscars’ of the Facilities Industry – to recognise the extraordinary work that organisations and individuals in facilities management have undertaken at the frontline of the nation’s effort to combat the Coronavirus epidemic.

Over 60 worthy entries for the category were submitted, far in excess of expectations. IWFM therefore created sub-categories for the nominations and extended the judging period to allow due consideration to be given to the high quality of the many entrants. 

The Public decides

IWFM decided that the industry and public should hear the amazing stories and chose the winners in a wide-ranging voting system. The three ISS projects exemplify two of the sub-categories:

• ‘On the COVID Frontline’ category contains two ISS Healthcare teams – Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and NHS Nightingale London – and highlights critical actions undertaken to keep buildings, assets and people safe, secure and operational during the lockdown

• The ‘Keeping Good Work Going’ category is represented by a joint submission from Heathrow Airport, ISS and Mite. This category highlights strategies undertaken to maintain a productive and connected environment to keep workers, travellers and members of the public safe under all circumstances

ISS at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – On the COVID Frontline

When the threat of COVID-19 loomed, Cheshire and Merseyside NHS needed to commission their new £160m Clatterbridge Cancer Centre to protect high-risk patients undergoing treatment for cancer. The ISS team rose to the challenge by mobilising the soft services at the new facility in four weeks instead of the scheduled 12 weeks. 

The team worked tirelessly, adopting a hugely empathetic attitude to get the hospital ready at a time when cancer patients feared they may be left behind. The team worked as equals alongside NHS employees and proved that facilities services are a critical function now more than ever.

Team Heathrow: ISS, Heathrow Airport and Mitie – Keeping Good Work Going

The combined efforts of ISS, Heathrow Airport and Mite are singled out in the ‘Keeping Good Work Going’ category. In January, Heathrow Airport found itself at the forefront of the UK’s evolving COVID-19 situation, with the first incoming cases passing through Heathrow’s terminals. Heathrow Engineering, ISS Facility Services and Mitie worked to combat the spread of COVID-19 at one of the UK’s frontline battles with the virus. The partnership delivered enhanced services to protect public safety and confidence, and particularly to enable the repatriation of citizens and to ensure cargo routes supplying PPE and medical supplies to the nation remain open.

ISS at NHS Nightingale London Hospital – On the COVID Frontline

When ISS agreed to help NHS England set up the first Nightingale Hospital in London, colleagues from across ISS did not hesitate to help. Within hours an ISS team was onsite and worked in collaboration with the NHS, military and other suppliers to establish a field hospital. Incredibly, just 10 days later, an ISS team of 500+ people were onsite to deliver cleaning, portering, catering management, helpdesk, waste management, pest control and linen services. Not only did they deliver with smile and purpose, but they were all united in their desire to help the NHS save lives.
 
Congratulations to all three ISS finalists and our ISS Great People who made it possible. Read more about them here.