How is the credibility of the Mark guaranteed?

Applications are assessed against our eligibility criteria by a designated member of staff, the Impact & Assessment Manager. Once an assessment report has been completed, it is circulated to an independent panel, consisting of representatives from The Consumer Council, Higher Education, the South West Regional Development Agency and partners from regional firms of Solicitors and Accountants specialising in social enterprise. The Mark is awarded on the basis of an annually renewable licence – key eligibility criteria are checked annually and a full re-application is required every three years.