Sodexo-managed student accommodation awarded hygiene verification label

The Sodexo-managed student accommodation at Northumbria University, has received the Rise Safe label from Bureau Veritas.

Introduced in June 2020 the Rise Safe label provides reassurance that Sodexo’s team has successfully implemented measures to ensure Claude Gill student accommodation is Covid-19 secure.

The comprehensive audit process was undertaken by an auditor from Bureau Veritas, a world leading testing, inspection and certification company.

Measures implemented by Sodexo and audited include the training and implementation of enhanced cleaning procedures including a focus on high touch areas and an increased cleaning schedule from five to seven days. All documentation and processes were checked by the auditor.

Other measures checked by the auditor included the signage advising students and visitors on required actions such as social distancing, one-way systems, wearing face coverings and regular handwashing and sanitising.

Student Living by Sodexo manages six student accommodation sites on behalf of Northumbria University, which spans across Newcastle and Gateshead, encompassing 2,538 beds with a mix of studios, en-suite and shared facilities.

Fiona Stewart, Contract Director for Student Living by Sodexo said: “I am very proud of the Student Living team at Northumbria. The Rise Safe label gives confidence to students in residence; to our client Northumbria University and to the Sodexo team who have worked throughout the pandemic that they are working and living in a safe environment which have been independently verified as adhering to local legislation and standards required by the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Jon Oxley, Assistant Director Facilities and Estates at Northumbria University said: “A massive congratulations to our partners Sodexo in being awarded the ‘Rise Safe’ label by Bureau Veritas.

“This is real achievement and reflects the extra efforts made by them throughout the pandemic in helping protect our students so that they are working and living in a safe environment, as well as supporting the University’s overarching commitment to ensuring compliance to government guidelines during these difficult times. A huge well done to all involved.”