Federation of Window Cleaners (FWC)

Training Overview

The Federation of Window Cleaners (FWC) is one of the longest-established professional organisations within the UK window cleaning industry, having been founded in 1947. Whilst the Federation offers membership benefits and industry representation, its training programme is particularly focused on health, safety, compliance, and professional working practices.

The FWC currently offers two IOSH-approved face-to-face training courses specifically designed for window cleaners:

Cleaning Windows Safely

A one-day IOSH-approved course covering the safe use of:

• Water-fed pole systems
• Portable ladders
• Current health and safety requirements
• Employment law relevant to the industry

The course combines practical demonstrations with classroom theory and was written by experienced window cleaners for window cleaners. Successful candidates receive an industry-recognised qualification that can assist businesses when tendering for work with local authorities, NHS Trusts and other professional organisations.

Risk Assessment Course

A one-day IOSH-approved course designed to help cleaners understand and manage workplace risks.

The course covers:

• Relevant legislation
• Hazard identification
• Risk control measures
• Preparing and completing risk assessments
• Practical safety management

The training is suitable for sole traders, employees, supervisors, managers and health and safety officers working within the window cleaning and exterior cleaning sectors.

Additional Training Resources

The Federation also provides:

• Safe Use of Portable Ladders and Water-Fed Pole Systems training DVD
• Health and Safety Executive (HSE) best-practice guidance
• Water-fed pole safety information sheets
• Access to external specialist training providers covering work at height, IPAF, PASMA, first aid, IOSH Managing Safely and other professional qualifications

Areas Covered

The Federation's own training is primarily focused on:

• Window cleaning safety
• Water-fed pole operation
• Ladder safety
• Risk assessment
• Health and safety compliance
• Employment law awareness

At the time of writing, the Federation does not appear to offer dedicated courses specifically for solar panel cleaning, roof cleaning or soft washing. Its core focus remains safety, compliance and professional standards for window cleaning operations.

Professional Assessment

The Federation of Window Cleaners is widely regarded as a professional and credible industry body. Its IOSH-approved training courses are recognised throughout the industry and are designed to help businesses demonstrate competence, improve safety standards and comply with current legislation.

For someone entering the industry, the FWC training courses provide a strong foundation in safe working practices and legal compliance before progressing into more specialist cleaning disciplines.

Contact Details

Federation of Window Cleaners (FWC)

Summerfield House
Harrogate Road
Reddish
Stockport
Cheshire
SK5 6HQ

Telephone: 0161 432 8754

Email: info@f-w-c.co.uk

British Window Cleaning Academy (BWCA)

Training Overview

The British Window Cleaning Academy (BWCA) is a professional training provider for the exterior cleaning industry. It was established in 1997 and provides training and accreditation in window cleaning, water-fed pole work, soft washing, roof cleaning and roof sealant application.

Unlike the Federation of Window Cleaners, which is mainly focused on safety/compliance training, the BWCA offers a broader practical training pathway for people entering or expanding within the exterior cleaning industry.

Courses Offered

The BWCA currently lists four main training courses:

WFP2: Getting the Best from Waterfed Poles

This course combines online theory with practical hands-on training. It is aimed at beginners and existing cleaners who want to improve their use of water-fed pole systems.

The course covers pole handling, ergonomics, fatigue reduction, pole materials, practical use, and cleaning up to 45ft / 13.7m.

SW5: Soft Washing

This course covers professional soft washing, including surface assessment, chemical mixing, safe chemical application and responsible working practices.

It combines self-paced online learning with practical training.

RW7: Roof Cleaning

This course covers safe and effective roof cleaning using Roof Wand systems, pure water technology and low-pressure techniques.

It includes roof inspection, tile types, moss/algae/lichen removal, site survey, risk assessment, water management, debris control, safe equipment setup, operator positioning and electrical safety.

RS8: Roof Sealant Application

This course covers roof sealant application and is also offered as e-learning plus practical training.

Course Format and Cost

The BWCA courses are listed as E-Learning & Practical, meaning candidates complete theory online and then attend practical training in person.

The published price for each main course is:

£195 excluding VAT / £234 including VAT

Training Locations

BWCA lists its main contact address in Swindon and also offers practical training in Scotland through Ivan Shaw, based in Falkirk.

Training centre options shown on course pages include Swindon and Falkirk.

Professional Assessment

The BWCA presents as a professional, specialist training academy for the modern exterior cleaning industry. Its courses are practical, trade-focused and aimed at both new starters and experienced contractors wanting to add services such as soft washing and roof cleaning.

The BWCA appears particularly useful for someone who wants hands-on, job-specific training rather than only general safety/compliance training.

Contact Details

British Window Cleaning Academy
Westerngate
Hillmead Enterprise Park
Swindon
SN5 5WN
United Kingdom

Telephone: +44 (0)1793 891 980

Email: info@bwca.co.uk