Increasing Credibility - The value of accreditation & Affiliation

Accreditation isn't just a stamp of approval; it's a testament to our commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

At 4Front, we understand the value it brings to our stakeholders. From ensuring high-quality standards to fostering trust and credibility in our industry.

We are proud to be accredited and dedicated to upholding the highest standards in everything we do, and that’s why we are accredited for both procurement of services as well as affiliated to a number of networks and businesses. It allows us to evidence to the entities that we work with, just how good we are! 

So who are 4Front accredited to for procurement?

There are multiple networks available, but 4Front is approved by the following, which predominantly deliver services within the fields of work that we operate in:

• Bloom

• S2Gov

• Accredit Select

• Delta e-sourcing

These are the most relevant for us, but all relevant portals associated with the procurement of services in your field, operate in the same manner. It’s all about offering quality assurance, which accreditation does, due to rigorous assessments which you undertake as a supplier ahead of being accredited. They ensure we meet specific quality standards, including:

Risk mitigation - By providing assurance that we as a supplier comply with relevant regulations, industry standards, and ethical practices.

Quicker Supplier Selection processes - As we have already provided supporting evidence and only reliable and reputable vendors are considered.

Enhanced stakeholder confidence - Whether it's internal stakeholders or external partners, knowing that procurement is conducted with accredited suppliers instils trust and credibility.

Continuous Improvement - As many accreditation processes involve ongoing monitoring and assessment, encouraging suppliers to maintain and improve their standards over time. By engaging with accredited suppliers, organisations contribute to a culture of continuous improvement within their supply chain.

This increases the creditability of your brand and thus, makes you look more attractive to the market. 

And who else does 4Front work with or seek support from in order to increase credibility? 

We are supported by a wide group of networks, this works for us, but won’t work for everyone, so please only use it as a guide, its not in any way definitive!!! 

Associate relationships - This is a focus on other businesses, who may be larger, work in different fields to you, have different niches to your day to day offering etc. 4Front is an associate for:

• Solace

• Local Government Association (LGA)

• Avanti Transformation

Partnerships - We also work closely in partnership with a number of other consultants, some of which are associated of the above also, some of which are not. We take the view that building a network of likeminded people who support us, will not only allow us to explore more and potentially more wide ranging and diverse opportunities, it will also allow us to support each other in times of need or challenge. Ultimately, Partnering with established entities can lend credibility to your consultancy and broaden your reach.

Certification - Lastly, but by no means least, we have also focused on obtaining relevant accreditations and certifications. We feel that achieving certifications or accreditations in our industry demonstrates our expertise and commitment to quality standards. Look at not only formal qualifications such as degrees, NVQ’s etc, but also CDP.

Affiliated Bodies - Complete your annual certification for an affiliated body. There are many many bodies, in all fields of work. Not only do they offer you lots of information, access to CDP, often at discounted rates and links into your area of business, but to be a member of any group, shows your dedication to your field(s) of knowledge. For 4Front its:

• European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC)

• Institute of Leadership and Management (iLM)

• British School of Coaching (BSC)

• Institute of Coaching and Mentoring (iCM)

There are many other types of training too. If there is an annual health and safety certificate that you think would be of benefit, do it!  If there is a vocational training, short course that you can take pleasure in and offers further knowledge to you to help you refine or build your niche skills, invest the time.

Ultimately, your investment into yourself, your staff and your brand will increase your credibility to the outside world.