Imperial appoints Mitie as new cleaning services supplier

The cleaning service provider will work across a wide range of different room types in Imperial buildings, starting in 2026.

Original article uploaded 13 October 2025; updated with appendix 16 January 2026

At the end of September 2025, Imperial College London appointed Mitie as its new cleaning services supplier for a 5-year contract.

The contract covers a vast array of cleaning services across 37 different room types, including: lecture theatres, class rooms, catering and retail facilities, laboratories, workshops, gymnasiums, games and music rooms, events spaces and more.

The contract will commence on 1 February 2026 (with a mobilisation period beginning 19 January) and replaces the existing agreement with previous service provider Bidvest Noonan, which will end on 31 January 2026.

Delivering world-class services

Mitie has defined their approach to providing Imperial’s cleaning services as: “Delivering world-class, reliable, and highly sustainable cleaning services that reflect Imperial’s global reputation – through innovation, partnership, and a people-first approach that enriches the student experience and ensures excellence every day.”

On top of providing ‘core cleaning services,’ Mitie outlined extensive new cleaning equipment and ICT system applications, along with a new “employee value proposition” for all cleaning staff at Imperial. Mitie and Imperial have committed to ensure all cleaning staff are transferred as part of a smooth mobilisation period.

Imperial would like to thank Bidvest Noonan for all their dedicated service over recent years.

Appendix – 16 January 2026

Background

Further to our initial communication about the change of cleaning contractor to Mitie on 1 February 2026, issued in October 2025, the following provides additional detail on the process and actions taken.

Bidvest Noonan held the Imperial cleaning contract for more than ten years, during which time the service had not been benchmarked or taken out to tender.

Over the past two years, Imperial has worked closely with Bidvest Noonan to:

• Successfully re‑negotiate a contract amendment agreement in June 2024. This was linked to a contract extension period, allowing Imperial time to manage and improve performance while preparing for a full tender and market test.
• Separate the core cleaning contract from the VAC cleaning and laundry service contract to improve transparency and clarity of service performance.
• Achieve cost savings and improved standards: from November 2023 to the present, the core Cleaning Services and VAC contracts have delivered 28% cost savings for Imperial, alongside more consistent cleaning standards and stronger contract management.

Tender process

• September 2024 – April 2025: Requirements for the new cleaning contract were mapped out with extensive consultation across Imperial. A Cleaning Tender Plan Panel was appointed.
• April 2025: More than 20 companies expressed interest; seven were pre‑qualified.
• June – October 2025:
  • Tender documents issued, including an updated building list and detailed room data.
  • Site visits took place w/c 9 June 2025 across all 100+ buildings.
  • Six companies submitted bids (one later withdrew).
  • Three companies were shortlisted: Mitie, OCS and Bidvest Noonan, with all bids priced within 5% of each other.
    The Cleaning Tender Plan Panel and Imperial’s executive unanimously recommended appointing Mitie.
  • A three‑month mobilisation period began, including TUPE transfer preparations for approximately 390 cleaning staff. The contract begins Sunday 1 February 2026.

New contract details

• The combined contract terms and specification document now covers 38 room‑cleaning categories.
• Extra‑works cost recharges will reduce by 80% compared with current levels.
• New Key Performance Indicators introduce updated criteria, scoring mechanisms and more robust penalties for non‑performance.
• Mitie will introduce new cleaning equipment, staff uniforms, and a range of equipment innovations and initiatives.
• Mitie will establish and fund a Mitie Centre of Cleaning Excellence for the education sector, based at Imperial’s South Kensington Campus.
• Mitie must propose four new innovations or initiatives per quarter for Imperial to consider.
• An enhanced employee value proposition will be issued to all Mitie staff.
• Updated IT systems will support monitoring, reporting dashboards, and health and safety compliance.
• The Imperial contract will become accredited to ISO 44001, reflecting a commitment to “say what you do; do what you say.”
• Sustainability remains central to Mitie’s service delivery, supporting Imperial’s zero‑carbon ambitions.

Mitie mobilisation period – 1 November 2025 to 31 January 2026

• All current Bidvest Noonan cleaning staff will TUPE transfer to Mitie on 1 February 2026, retaining their existing terms, conditions, roles and shifts.
• Mitie and Bidvest Noonan have worked jointly with Imperial to manage the TUPE process for more than 390 staff. Group briefings took place w/c 24 November, followed by one‑to‑one meetings from 8 December 2025 through to the festive break.
• New Mitie cleaning equipment will be delivered ahead of the contract start date, with all Bidvest Noonan equipment removed.