The core of the BCC relies entirely on the strength of the Accredited Network; only by ensuring and continually developing the highest standards of quality and performance will the BCC remain as the true voice of British business and the leading network for business support. To underpin this, the BCC developed a rigorous accreditation process for local Chambers of Commerce.

In 1995, the BCC introduced the first Accreditation Standard and a phased approach that would lead applicant Chambers through an approval process to full accreditation. In line with all credible quality standards, the BCC Accreditation Process is regularly reviewed and revised to ensure the highest levels of quality in a changing business environment. To achieve full accreditation local Chambers must perform to exemplary levels in all core competencies, including:

• Governance
• Human Resources
• Marketing Communications
• Customer Care
• Finance
• Planning & Development
• Information Communications Technology
• Quality

In addition, Accredited Chambers are required to use the Combined Code principles of good corporate governance, be an Investor in People and work with a business improvement tool such as the Business Excellence Model. These competencies are then used to deliver core services to member businesses and the wider business community. A rigorous process of self-assessment and external verification by independent assessors – overseen by an Accreditation Board - guarantees a minimum service level nationwide.

Affiliate Chambers

For those Chambers currently outside the Accredited Network, the BCC has recently introduced an Affiliation scheme, allowing these Chambers to experience some of the very significant benefits of BCC membership whilst progressing to full Accreditation.

Sharing best practice through benchmarking

Developed in line with the accreditation process, the BCC National Benchmarking Survey; allowing individual Accredited Chambers to compare themselves with best practice and identify solutions to common issues and improve performance. Now in its 8th year, the National Benchmarking Survey is established as a powerful tool in the continuous improvement of the Accredited Network of Chambers, in addition to providing important data on Chamber members.

On an individual level, the BCC organises an annual series of academies and meetings for Chamber Chief Executives and Senior Managers covering issues that have been identified by the network as crucial to Chamber performance, along with a range of events for Chamber staff involved in membership and policy and a mentoring and coaching programme.

The demanding nature of the process is vital to ensure that the BCC’s Accredited Network of Chambers retain their position as Centres of Excellence for business.