How to apply

The survey also assesses the positive difference made in the community and in the business as a result of community projects, partnerships and employee engagement. The surveys have been categorised to reflect operational differences between large and small businesses: large companies (500 < employees) and small companies (500> employees).

Registration

CommunityMark online registrations are now closed and the next round of registrations will open on 21 September and close on 7th January 2011.  Please email communitymark@bitc.org.uk to register your interest in applying in the next round.   

The application process

The CommunityMark application process lasts approximately six months from date of registration to notification of CommunityMark achievement. 

1. Attend a workshop to find out whether you are ready to apply or arrange to meet with a member of the CommunityMark team. Workshops provide an introduction to the CommunityMark and a step-by-step guide to responding to the questions in the CommunityMark survey. Workshops dates and links to booking forms can be found on our key dates page. 
2. Companies applying for the CommunityMark should complete the online registration. Once a company has registered, they will be sent a username and password to access the online survey and will have 2.5 months to complete their application.
3. Following registration all applicants will be appointed a 1:1 adviser who will liaise with and support candidates through the CommunityMark application process.
4. Assessments are conducted by trained BITC staff who will challenge and clarify any points of doubt. A moderation panel facilitated by an independent third party serves to finalise survey scores. Scores are then put forward to the CommunityMark Independent Approvals Panel (IAP), which has been formed to advise and challenge the CommunityMark Assessment Team on any discrepancies in CommunityMark applications as well as make final decisions on the CommunityMark achievers.  

Download a breakdown of the application, assessment and achievement process: CommunityMark application process (27 kb)

If you have any queries about the CommunityMark application process please refer to our FAQs page or email communitymark@bitc.org.uk to register your interest.