Cleaner
John Leishman
Mobile Cleaning Operative
What does your role involve?
In my capacity as mobile cleaner I am responsible mainly for “high cleaning”. This means all surfaces and equipment that cannot be reached safely from ground level by other cleaning staff.
Most of my work is carried out in primary and secondary schools between where I am required to clean all corridors, classroom and office walls, removing cobwebs and cleaning light fittings.
All school kitchens are given twice yearly high cleans which includes walls, ceilings, light fittings and extraction canopies. Specialist cleaning is carried out on request for the social work department and on occasion the police. Bus shelters within the same area are also cleaned regularly.
What do you enjoy best about your role?
It is a very challenging and rewarding job and there is never a dull moment. You have the opportunity to meet a great many people from all walks of life and every day has something new to offer. There is also the added benefit of seeing some of the most beautiful scenery in the UK while travelling to the various locations.
Tell us about your background and experience?
I originally come from central Scotland (Stenhousemuir) but moved up to Kemnay Aberdeenshire in 1976 a year and a half after my daughter Simone was born. I wanted her to grow up in the countryside and my wife Elizabeth is from Inverurie.
I worked at Thomas Tait Papermill which was later to become International Paper Ltd UK for 26 years. Prior to taking voluntary redundancy, my last 4 years were spent as Task Instruction Coordinator for the “Facility Steering Committee” whose task was to train the workforce in “Behavioural Safety”. I was an ISO9000 internal auditor for 12 years, company/employee safety representative, behavioural safety trainer as well as training in other subjects. I developed and compiled operational training manuals for all manufacturing jobs. I also contributed in conjunction with the SVQ/NVQ authorities in compiling test questions on paper making for employees wishing to gain SVQ's.
What makes you stay with Aberdeenshire Council?
I stay with Aberdeenshire Council as I believe they offer opportunities to gain new skills and improve on existing ones. The introduction of “Kaisen” has provided them with a tool with which to improve efficiencies and the services they provide to the public. It has empowered employees at all levels to contribute their skills and knowledge of procedures in order to reduce time consuming tasks and minimise material usage/wastage in other areas. This commitment, drive and enthusiasm will be reflected in raising a more positive public opinion of Aberdeenshire Council.
I believe Aberdeenshire Council has found the key to improvement and I stay to watch it happen and be part of it.
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