Those recently assessed and accredited by the CSD. From left to right; Michelle Whittington, Andrew Foster, Jason Pearce, Danny Stijelja.

Bedfordshire based design agency, Bonfire Creative Intelligence, the first ever agency to be accredited by the Design Association, have now successfully seen their entire studio of creative staff individually assessed and awarded a diploma by the Chartered Society of Designers.

Professional accreditation has become important in Bonfire’s development, “The process of accreditation is as important as the accreditation itself” says Stephen Judge MCSD, Strategic Development Director, “it allows us to look at our business practices from a different perspective and to continue to improve our service. I am really proud of the team and am pleased that they were accredited together.”

The Chartered Society of Designers (CSD) is the professional body for designers and with over 3000 members in 34 countries, it is the world’s largest chartered body of professional designers.

Membership is only awarded to those designers who can demonstrate their professional capability and they are obliged to practice to the highest professional standards.

The accreditation came as a pleasant surprise to former Bedford College student Andrew Foster. Having first joined Bonfire as a student placement two years ago Andrew feels that the CSD award is a positive step in his career, “The assessment was a rewarding experience, it has given my confidence a real boost and I am proud to be part of the leading professional body for designers”.

Payroll Giving Gold Award 2009

Bedfordshire-based business Bonfire Creative Intelligence has been rewarded for fostering a culture of giving in the workplace with a Gold Award, the highest Award available through the Payroll Giving Quality Mark programme.

100% of their employees have opted to give money out of their monthly pay packet to Keech Cottage Children’s hospice, one of their charity partners.

“Bonfire’s achievement of 100% participation is fantastic for Keech Cottage and goes to show their level of commitment towards us. For us having a regular, reliable source of income helps us to plan our children’s care in advance. Congratulations on the Gold Quality Mark Award.” Says Paul Sutherland, Corporate Fundraiser at Keech Cottage.

“Even though we are only a small company we understand that we can and should make a difference and payroll giving is one way of achieving this’, says Bonfire Director Jason Pearce “We are proud of the generosity that our team have shown. We’re pleased to be supporting Keech Cottage and the great work they do, and would urge other companies to do the same.”

The team with their certificate and medals (that were eaten afterwards)

Commitment to the Payroll giving scheme is just one strand of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) that Bonfire now undertake since their CSR audit and review in 2008. They have streamlined their support and now have two charity partners, Keech Cottage and The Marston Vale Trust, to which they give their dedicated support, including donating design time. They also provide support to new designers through offering workshops and portfolio surgeries to Bedford College.

The Payroll Giving Quality Mark aims to provide sustainable income sources for UK charities by increasing participation in Payroll Giving. The scheme recognises and rewards businesses for making Payroll Giving available to staff, providing them with a certificate and use of a logo which enables them to publicly demonstrate their commitment to good causes. Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards are allocated to organisations that demonstrate excellence in fostering a culture of giving in the workplace through Payroll Giving.

By setting up Payroll Giving, employers enable their employees to give to any UK charity straight from their gross salary and to get immediate tax relief of up to 40% on each donation. Payroll Giving has minimal administrative requirements or costs and is an ideal way for organisations at all budget levels to generate a regular, reliable income stream for good causes.