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What is it?
In 2008 British BIDs launched an Accreditation scheme aimed at operating BIDs and introduced to measure their quality management systems. It has become the industry standard to measure a BID’s quality management systems. The system focuses on ensuring that the BID’s stakeholders are satisfied that the BID is well managed, with strong governance arrangements in place and that it complies with the Legislation and Regulations which govern it.
In 2009 this was followed by the Impact Standard, which concentrates on outputs and the way in which the work of the BID is recorded, analysed and reported to stakeholders.
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Why is this important?
The emphasis of the Accreditation is as much on development and support as it is on assessment and audit. It is of genuine benefit in the management of the BID and offers technical advice and best practice guidance as part of the process.
It is of value to both the BID and its stakeholders:
1. BIDs will have the reassurance that, if they meet the standards of the Accreditation, they are operated in a way that most stakeholders would expect. The award of the Accreditation, entitles the BID to promote this to stakeholders by use of the Bb Accreditation logo on all literature
2. Stakeholders will be certain that any BID, which has achieved the Accreditation is professionally managed and that systems are in place that safeguard their interests
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Attaining Accreditation
- Only BIDs that have been trading for more than 12 months are eligible
- The Accreditation will need to be re-assessed every 3 years
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The Accreditation
The Accreditation focuses upon 6 key areas of operation:
1. Management
- Staffing structure
- Employment contracts
- Staff induction and training
- Staff appraisal procedures
- Line management and reporting processes
- Insurances
- Management team and Board arrangements
2. Governance
- Governance structures
- Decision making processes
- Operating agreements and monitoring
- Baseline agreements and monitoring
- Services contracts and monitoring
3. Financials
- Financial management and accounting procedures
- Budget split
- Levy collection arrangements
- Additional funding streams
4. Communications
- Regular reporting procedures
- Annual review process
- Communication with new businesses
5. Relationships
- Local authority relationships
- Formal and informal partnerships with other agencies
6. Performance Measurement
- Key Performance Indicators
- Annual evaluation
- Business and user surveys
- Action planning processes
- Communication of findings
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The Process
The Accreditation is a 5 step process
Step 1: Application
An application form must be completed by the BID, approved by its Board if necessary. This application will be considered by British BIDs and the suitability of the BID assessed. It will set out certain essential aspects that any applicant must possess.
Step 2: Self-Assessment
Once the Application is approved, a self-assessment questionnaire will need to be completed, including evidence of the systems and procedures as required. An Assessor will be appointed by British BIDs to work in conjunction with the BID and this stage is complete once a full desk-audit of documentation has been carried out.
Step 3: Pre-Audit Assessment
The appointed Assessor will work with the BID, offering an overview of documentation, together with assessing readiness for progression to the full Audit stage. This will identify any gaps or weaknesses prior to the arrangement of the final Audit.
Step 4: The Audit
Once the Assessor and the BID are satisfied, an Audit will be arranged, to be conducted by an independent Auditor.
Step 5: Certification
The Auditor’s findings are presented to a scheduled meeting of the Accreditation Board who will decide one of the following options:
- Full Compliance – the BID has reached a satisfactory standard to be awarded British BIDs Accreditation
- Partial Compliance – the BID has made good progress, but some further changes or improvements need to be made. The outstanding material can be resubmitted to the Accreditation Board within 6 months for consideration
- Non-Compliance – there is some way to go to gain the Accreditation
The BID is able to promote itself as accredited and is entitled to use the British BIDs Accreditation logo.
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Fees
Fees are paid in two stages and are strictly due prior to receiving the award. Amounts stated are exclusive of VAT which will be charged at the standard rate. The fees for the first stage will depend upon the annual BID levy income, with reductions available for British BIDs members.
Stage 1:
This covers from the initial application to completion of the Pre- Audit Assessment stage:
Annual BID Levy Income
|
Accreditation Fee
(Bb member)
|
Accreditation Fee
(Non-member)
|
| Up to £200,000 |
£750 plus VAT |
£935 plus VAT |
| £200,000 to £450,000 |
£900 plus VAT |
£1,125 plus VAT |
| Over £450,000 |
£1,100 plus VAT |
£1,375 plus VAT |
Stage 2:
This covers the costs of the Audit, consideration of the application by the Accreditation Board, and certification (if appropriate):
Bb Member
|
Non-Member
|
| £400 plus VAT |
£450 plus VAT |
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Download Form
To start the Accreditation process please download the application form:
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