Assessment process

Self-assessment and referee feedback

The CommunityMark consists of five key principles that govern good community investment. For a company to achieve the CommunityMark they will need to demonstrate how they are proficient in most if not in all of the five principles by completing a self-assessment survey. The self-assessment is complemented by additional feedback from community partners and employees, selected by the company. 

Surveys and referee feedback undergo a first round assessment and scoring by a trained assessor from Business in the Community, during which the assessor will conduct a 15 minute phone call with the most senior person with responsibility for Community. Initial assessments are then reviewed by a second assessor before being taken to an internal moderation group. This self-assessment and scoring process is validated externally by AD Little.

Independent Approvals Panel

The CommunityMark Independent Approvals Panel (IAP) was formed to provide independent and transparent validation of the CommunityMark process. Membership is representative of CommunityMark stakeholders and combines individual skills and expertise of public, private and third sectors. The IAP is asked to advise and challenge the CommunityMark Assessment Team on any inconsistencies in CommunityMark applications.

Disclosure

Companies that attain the CommunityMark are required to disclose part of their CommunityMark submission and some supporting documentation in order to ensure confidence in the rigour of the submission process and substantiate the company’s achievements for the benefit of stakeholders.

Please download a breakdown of the application, assessment and achievement process: CommunityMark Application Process (180 kb)