ISS awarded landmark 7-year contract with the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra)

The contract was awarded following a comprehensive commercial procurement process, which forms a critical part of Defra’s strategy to deliver future-fit workplaces and facilities that incorporate the highest safety standards and reflect the latest working practices and patterns.

ISS’s workplace and facilities management offering to Defra will include technical services, cleaning, waste management, catering, security, reception, portering, mail room and grounds maintenance.These services will be delivered at more than over 300 sites across Defra which vary from office buildings to laboratories. ISS has a global workforce of 360,000 placemakers — nearly 30,000 of whom are based across ISS’s UK and Ireland business.

Richard Jackson, Senior Responsible Officer of the Defra Group Workplace and Facilities Management Programme, said:

“This new contract is a milestone for Defra Group as we look to transform our ways of working to deliver for the natural environment.

“Defra Group has one of the most diverse workplace portfolios in government, from scientific labs and observation posts to large scale offices and depots located across the whole of the UK.

“Following an open and transparent procurement process, we have awarded ISS this contract to make the best use of our assets and ensure our staff can continue to deliver for the public.”

Liz Benison, Chief Executive Officer at ISS UK&I said:

“We are thrilled to announce this new contract with Defra, which marks a significant milestone for our UK business. This win not only reflects the strength of our industry-leading service offering, but it also reaffirms our strategic decision to pursue clients who share our values — and that this can be done without compromising on commercial growth and mutual benefit.”

Martin Burholt, Chief Operating Officer for Government, Healthcare & Education at ISS UK&I also said:

“ISS is honoured to enter into this new relationship with Defra. It underscores the close alignment of our two organisations — from our joint commitment to the wellbeing of our people to our shared vision of a sustainable future. We’re starting from a great position to build on this supportive, progressive partnership, and I’m excited about the possibilities that this new chapter presents, both for ISS and for Defra.”

- ENDS -

For media enquiries: David Melnick | david.melnick@uk.issworld.com | Tel: +44 (0) 75 065 39702

About ISS: ISS is a leading workplace experience and facilities management company. With a presence in more than 30 countries worldwide, and with more than 30,000 employees across the UK and Ireland alone, ISS provides innovative workplace solutions that contribute to better business performance aimed at making life easier, more productive, and enjoyable for all — delivered to high standards by people who care. Learn more at www.uk.issworld.com.

About Defra: The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) is a ministerial department of the UK Government, supported by 34 agencies and public bodies responsible for improving and protecting the environment. The Department aims to grow a green economy and sustain thriving rural communities and supports the UK’s world-leading food, farming and fishing industries. Learn more at https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs/about