What is Flagship?
The Flagship Award is a best practice quality standard for excellence in women’s enterprise development. This nationally and internationally recognised quality mark has been achieved by organisations all over the UK.
Endorsed by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) and several of the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) it is proven to enable organisations to: demonstrate expertise to funders, develop high quality services for women and increase their client base.
The Flagship Award now incorporates three quality mark standards:
- The Start-Up Support Standard
- The Established Business Support Standard
- The Business Women's Networks Standard
‘Commitment to Flagship’ Status
We have recently introduced ‘Commitment to Flagship’ Status, a new development tool for organisations who cannot meet the core Flagship Criteria immediately.
‘Commitment to Flagship’ (CTF) status is awarded to organisations who can realistically achieve the Flagship standards within a set timeframe.
The length of time an organisation can remain CTF will depend on the mutually agreed targets and timescales, and the regular review of progress towards these targets. It is anticipated that most organisations will be CTF for a maximum of 2 years.
Benefits of the Flagship Award
For commissioners of Business Support:
- Easy and effective compliance with the Public Gender Duty
- Growth in your regional economy by engaging more women in enterprise
- An effective quality standard in your business support supply chain
For providers of Business Support and Women’s Business Networks:
- Credible evidence of your expertise – prove you deliver the quality RDAs are looking for
- A development tool for your organisation to measure, benchmark and improve your services for women (and all clients)
Next Steps
Self Assessment Packs are available for the three sets of Standards
Step 1: Decide which Standard you want to apply for (if you're not sure take a look at our FAQs)
Step 2: Download the relevant Checklist and supporting Rationale documents (as detailed below)
Step 3: Review both documents prior to requesting your Self Assessment Form
Step 4: Familiarise yourself with the Flagship Process and Fees
Step 5: If you'd like to discuss this process further, or to request a full Self Assessment Form, contact Jo Makepeace or call 01603 762355
The Start-Up Support Standard
Start-ups Support Standards Checklist
It is highly recommended you review the rationale for this standard, and complete the Checklist in advance of submitting your final Self Assessment
The Established Business Support Standard
Established Business Support Checklist
Established Business Support Rationale
It is highly recommended you review the rationale for this standard, and complete the Checklist in advance of submitting your final Self Assessment
The Business Women's Networks Standard
It is highly recommended you review the rationale for this standard, and complete the Checklist in advance of submitting your final Self Assessment