Yesterday, our Group Sustainability Director, Sally-Ann van Blerk, joined the Industry Panel: ESG in a Modern and Vibrant Cleaning and FM Sector, at the 2026 Cleaning Show.
The FM industry sits in a uniquely visible position to influence change. Across our sector, impact is visible in the standards we set, the processes we follow, and the way we choose to grow. In a people powered industry, environmental responsibility, workforce practices and governance must form a coherent strategy that shapes how we support colleagues, deliver for clients and contribute to the communities we operate in.
The panel offered a practical and honest discussion about what’s working, what’s challenging and how organisations, like Atlas, move from intention to measurable action.
Sally-Ann shares her reflections from the session:
I had a wonderful time visiting and speaking at The Cleaning Show yesterday, as part of their ESG panel.
My focus was on community social value in cleaning and why I believe our sector has more influence than we sometimes realise.
As a low-barrier-to-entry industry, we sit at the intersection of workforce opportunity, community impact and responsible operations every single day.
We talked about how it all begins with paying the Real Living Wage, creating progression pathways, building dignity into work. From there, we grow into structured community impact: employability programmes, volunteering, fundraising and partnerships with organisations that truly understand local need.
One story I shared was about our journey on employability with Action for Children Employability. It was a reminder that behind every “TOMS value” figure is a person whose trajectory can change.
Social value cannot be a side project. It has to be measured, owned operationally and reported like any other business priority.
The cleaning industry has the opportunity and responsibility to help build healthier communities.
Thank you to everyone who came to listen, my fellow panelists and to the organisers for creating space for this conversation
For an industry often defined by margins and contracts, the bigger story is this: we have the power to build healthier workplaces and stronger communities at scale.
That responsibility is already here; the challenge is how well we choose to lead it.
Find out more about the Cleaning Show
Find out more about the ESG Panel
Follow Sally-Ann
Contact for more information
Zara Harrison, Group Marketing Manager.
marketing@atlasfm.com
About Atlas FM
Atlas provides high-quality facilities management solutions across the UK. It services some of Britain’s leading organisations, including professional workplaces, prestigious buildings and property management companies.