This recognition shines a light on our 53-year relationship with The National Gallery and celebrates the values that define our work – trust, care and long-term collaboration.
For us, this partnership is more than a contract. It is a shared legacy that continues to evolve through innovation, open communication and the dedication of our on-site team.
Establishing a Shared Legacy
Our story with The National Gallery began in 1972, when our founder, Bob Andrews, first supported cleaning activities at the site. In 1991, we were formally awarded the cleaning contract through a competitive tender, which marked a turning point in our growth as a business.
Since then, we have retained the contract through every retendering process. Over the decades, we have worked together through major exhibitions, renovations, high-profile events and operational changes. The Gallery has been part of our journey from day one, and we remain committed to its future success.
Supporting a Cultural Landmark
The National Gallery is one of the UK’s most important public institutions, welcoming over six million visitors each year. Providing cleaning services in such a space means balancing discretion, conservation-led practices and a strong visitor focus.
Our team of 38 operates daily from early morning until late evening. We manage daily cleaning, porterage, waste management and event support across a space that is constantly changing. We have designed bespoke training to ensure our team works in line with curatorial requirements, using non-abrasive methods and equipment that minimises impact on the building and its collection.
We are proud to be the only cleaning contractor permitted to access the galleries unaccompanied outside public hours. This is a clear sign of the trust we have built over time.
Embedding Our Beyond Cleaning Strategy
Our approach to innovation has always been guided by the needs of the Gallery. We have introduced a number of sustainable cleaning solutions that help reduce environmental impact while maintaining the highest standards.
These include:
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Chemical-free aqueous ozone cleaning systems
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Digital TAQT monitoring units in public washrooms
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Step-on Kärcher vacuums and Tomcat scrubbers
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A trial of an AI-powered waste management strategy
These technologies reflect our Beyond Cleaning strategy and our shared ambition to innovate responsibly in a heritage setting.
Decades of Service and Pride
Our success is made possible by the people who show up every day with commitment and care.
The National Gallery team is led on-site by Juliano Rocha, following the retirement of our long-serving Site Manager, Kevan Stewart, who spent over 30 years in the role. He was recently honoured with the Roger Odle Lifetime Award at the 2024 Beyond Cleaning Awards, and his contribution continues to shape how we deliver our services today.
The contract is supported by Jane Malone, our Director of People and Culture, who works closely with the Gallery’s senior team to ensure continuity and collaboration.
We remain in daily contact with Gallery stakeholders, holding team briefings, planning sessions and structured reviews to keep service levels high. We are proud of the transparency and mutual respect that underpin our work on-site.
As Charlotte Newton, Senior Operations Manager at the National Gallery, shared:
“DOC Cleaning works closely together with us to provide the highest levels of service whilst also adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of life at the Gallery. Through their innovative changes and modern sustainable methods, we know that we have a partner in whom we can trust as one of the faces of the Gallery.”
Celebrating A Shared Commitment
Being shortlisted for this award reinforces the value of long-term, collaborative partnerships in a sector that often prioritises short-term outcomes. It highlights the importance of shared understanding, continuity and strategic alignment – principles that have shaped our relationship with The National Gallery from the outset.
This recognition also reflects our ability to remain attuned to the evolving priorities of a heritage institution operating in a dynamic public environment. Over time, we have built a way of working that is responsive yet consistent, balancing the day-to-day operational needs with a broader commitment to service excellence.
Most important of all, it acknowledges the work of individuals across our organisation who contribute behind the scenes to ensure that delivery remains seamless. From operational managers and frontline staff to training leads and site supervisors, their efforts underpin the standard of service we strive to maintain. This shortlisting allows those contributions to be seen and appreciated beyond the boundaries of the contract itself.
An Evening To Remember
This year’s European Cleaning and Hygiene Awards, hosted by the European Cleaning Journal, will take place on Thursday 2 October at The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.
The event brings together leaders from across the commercial cleaning and hygiene sector to recognise the outstanding work happening across Europe. It provides a platform to showcase innovation, celebrate operational excellence and highlight the individuals and organisations who are raising standards across the industry.
We’re delighted to confirm that our team will be attending the event and look forward to connecting with fellow finalists, clients and colleagues from across the industry.
Congratulations to Our Fellow Finalists
We would like to extend our sincere congratulations to the other organisations shortlisted in the Excellence in Client–Contractor Partnerships category.
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JPC by Samsic and the Leadenhall Building
It is a privilege to be recognised alongside such highly regarded partnerships. We look forward to celebrating with everyone at the awards ceremony in Edinburgh this October.