Cleaning Operative - Weekends

About the Job

Contract Type: Fixed-Term Contract until 31 July 2027

Hours: 15 hours per week

Working Pattern: Saturday and Sunday 2pm – 10pm

Location: Waterside Campus, University of Northampton.

Interview Date: W/C 14 December 2026

The post is responsible for providing a high standard of cleaning across University buildings, helping to maintain a clean, safe and welcoming environment for students, staff and visitors.

Main duties include cleaning washrooms, communal areas, teaching and office spaces; vacuuming, mopping and dusting; emptying waste and recycling; replenishing consumables; and reporting any maintenance, health and safety or cleaning-related issues.

This is a part-time weekend position working set hours on Saturdays and Sundays as part of the Campus Services cleaning rota. The successful candidate must therefore be available to work the required weekend shifts on a regular basis.

The post is fixed-term, working 15hrs per weekend, with the normal shift pattern being 2pm – 10pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

About You

The successful candidate will have a practical understanding of cleaning methods and the safe use of cleaning equipment and products. Previous cleaning experience, particularly within a large, busy or customer-facing environment, would be beneficial.

They should be able to:

• Work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Follow cleaning schedules, procedures and health and safety requirements.
• Use cleaning equipment and products safely and appropriately.
• Maintain consistently high standards of cleanliness and attention to detail.
• Manage their workload and prioritise tasks during their shift.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues, students, staff and visitors.
• Identify and report maintenance issues, hazards or other concerns.
• Be reliable, punctual and able to work the required Saturday and Sunday shifts consistently.
• Be flexible in responding to changing operational requirements and additional cleaning needs.

Formal cleaning qualifications are not essential where the candidate can demonstrate suitable experience and a willingness to undertake relevant training.

Experience of working within a higher education, student services or similar customer-facing environment would be advantageous but is not essential. The ideal candidate will share the University's values of inclusivity, trust, sustainability and aspiration, and will be committed to creating a welcoming and supportive experience for everyone who uses the Development Hub.

Qualifications

Desirable

• BICS Operators Proficiency Certificate Stage 1 or willing to work towards qualification

Department

You will be working as part of the 1^st Degree team, within the Estates and Campus Services team.

1st Degree Facilities is a trading name of UNEL which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Northampton and this vacancy is covered by UNEL Terms and Conditions of employment.

About Us

At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.

Our People
Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first-rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.

Our Values

• Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel.
• Sustainability: We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment.
• Aspiration: We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential.
• Trust: We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.

Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference.

Right to Work 

Due to the requirements laid out by UK Visas and Immigration regarding Right to Work in the UK, the University can only accept applications from individuals who currently have a status allowing them to work in the UK for this position. Due to this criteria, we regret that we are unable to offer sponsorship at this time. 

Equality

We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.

The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships.

Together @ UON
Our Commitment to Equality and Inclusion 

Together @ UON affirms our dedication to creating an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality. We aim to foster a space where all can thrive, aligning with our mission to transform lives and inspire change.

Commitments Include:

1. Creating an Inclusive Environment: Adopting a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and ensuring all activities are inclusive.
2. Supporting Students and Staff: Strengthening mental health support, enhancing disability confidence, and ensuring academic and professional support.
3. Tackling Inequalities: Involving students in recruitment, integrating forums for equality data analysis, and supporting networks for protected characteristics.

UON’s Major Commitments:

• Disability Confident
• Standalone Pledge
• IHRA Working Definition

For more details, visit: Equality and Diversity at UON