Leading the BID industry
Leading the BID industry
Bb Accreditation is an industry recognised standard, externally assessed by independent auditors, and designed in line with the Business Plan Criteria and the National Guiding Principles for a BID.
Accreditation provides assurance to the Board, the team, levy payers and partners that the BID is well run, and that the right governance, financial and management processes are in place.
The accountability and transparency of a BID is critical, and adherence to the accreditation standards provides stakeholders with a reassurance that a BID is operating in accordance with these expectations.
The Accreditation process is completed online alongside an Assessor.
Accreditation provides an assessment of the following BID components:
Governance - The selection process and effectiveness of the board, directors, and members of the BID.
Management and operations - The staffing structure, contracts, appraisals, insurance, and data protection.
Finance - The BID’s financial systems and procedures.
Performance Management – How the BID manages and reviews performance, and how levy payers and engaged and involved in the BID and its work.
Communication and reporting - The BID’s communications plan and processes, how its activities and impact are reported to levy payers, and how the return on investment for levy payers is assessed.
"The British BIDs accreditation is well worth doing. It helps the BID to focus on its governance arrangements and the team at British BIDs help and guide you through the whole thing. The Board loves the fact that we have the accreditation, and it provides real reassurance to levy payers that we are well run and have great governance arrangements in place. What was really helpful was the fact that British BIDs found a couple of things that we need to do to improve further, and those recommendations were very gratefully received." - Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive Officer, Sunderland BID
"The BID Accreditation process was straightforward and not at all onerous. It provided an excellent opportunity to review our operations and ensure full compliance with industry standards. We appreciated the clear guidance throughout, which made the experience both valuable and efficient." - Mandy White, BID Director, Altrincham BID
"Southport BID is the only business-led organisation in our town, and it is our duty to be open and transparent. Accreditation by British BIDs gave as the tools and the platform to demonstrate to our business community and partners that efficiency, knowledge led decision making and collaborative working is at the core of our organisations." - Rachel Fitzgerald, Chief Executive Officer, Southport BID
"The accreditation process really helped when writing up the business proposals for our ballot." - James Payne, Projects Officer, Your Pontypridd BID
"Going through the accreditation enabled the company to take a step back and re-evaluate how we are operating, look at what we are doing well, and where we can improve. It also provided the Board with a certain level of confidence about how the company is managed, while identifying areas where we can improve, something the Board are always keen to do. I would recommend Bb accreditation to other BIDs." - Maria Manion, Chief Executive, Cambridge BID
The process is extremely straightforward. Once you decide you would like to undertake accreditation an Assessor will organise a convenient time to run through the assessment form alongside you. There are most commonly two or three calls needed to run through the requirements. Once completed, the form is sent to the Accreditation Board for any queries or ratification.
The Assessor's role is to support you and they can also provide templates as required.
Accreditation lasts for three years.
The cost of accreditation is £975* for British BIDs members with their 25% discount. The cost for non-members is £1,300*.
If you would like to ensure that you are compliant with industry accreditation standards, please email mel.richardson@britishbids.info.
