Membership Categories

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The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI)

Full Contracting Member

Accounting for 75 per cent of BALI’s membership, this category is open to a business, section or division of a business (or an individual), involved in landscape contracting on a full-time basis. Full Contracting Members of BALI tendering for commercial works with local authorities, housing associations and facilities management organisations have an immediate advantage when completing Pre Qualification Questionnaires. And private clients too are reassured by the BALI logo and all that it stands for.

Vetting Process

Included within the applicant’s rigorous vetting is a requirement to provide the details of landscaping contracts carried out over the past two years so that the sites can be visited and the standard of workmanship and client relationship assessed. The vetting process is straightforward but is designed to identify contractors who represent all that is best in British landscaping:

  1. Contractor submits their Membership Application Form and Fee
  2. A detailed questionnaire is sent to the ten referees provided.
  3. References are reviewed and, if satisfactory, a Vetting Officer contacts the contractor to arrange to spend a day at their premises. He will be able to offer a ‘helping hand’ through the Vetting Procedure and give advice where requested. The Vetting Officer is part of a team of Regional Vetting Officers, and he will assess the company, the quality of work, premises, paperwork and accounts, work ethic, health and safety issues etc.
  4. After the Vetting Officer’s visit a report will be submitted to BALI HQ and, subject to addressing any recommendations within the report, the contractor is award BALI Full Contracting Member status.

Designer

Landscape Architects and Designers benefit hugely from networking with BALI contractors at regional and national level, and being associated with the well-established reputation of BALI will greatly enhance credibility and provide client reassurance. There are two categories within BALI Designer Membership:

BALI Registered Designer membership is open to designers and architects that have been in continuous practice for a minimum of two years. Applicants for this category must submit three completed schemes, with a portfolio, to be assessed by a panel of adjudicators.

The ‘Member’ category of Designer Membership is open to those who have recently completed a recognised garden design/landscape architecture course but have been practising for less than two years.

Affiliate Membership

This membership category is open to a business, section or division of a business (or an individual) that supplies materials, equipment or a service to the landscape industry and particularly to BALI Members. Membership provides excellent opportunities to interact directly with your target market, including at regional and national events, through sponsorship of the annual BALI National Landscaping Awards, through PR and advertising opportunities in BALI publications, and by using the BALI logo.

Group Membership

This category is for large companies with branches across the UK or companies run on a franchise basis. Membership responsibility for standards and the activities of branches or franchisees rests with their Head Office. BALI Group Members receive the same benefits as Full Contracting Members (including the use of the BALI logo) but at a greatly reduced cost. Group Member branches or franchisees do not undergo individual initial vetting; this is carried out on the Head Office only. This greatly reduces the initial Application Fee but the Head Office remains responsible for the professional standards and performance of their entire company. All Full Contracting Members, including branches and franchisees, are subject to inspection at any time if satisfactory standards are not maintained.

Corresponding Membership

There are many groups and individuals with a keen interest in or association with the landscaping industry that are not eligible for any other category of members, including colleges, public and local authorities, professional bodies and trade associations, and individuals. Corresponding membership allows them to keep up-to-date with industry news and developments through BALI publications, the BALI website and regional and national events. Use of the BALI logo, however, is not permitted.

Probationary

Probationary Membership is for landscape contractors who have been in business for less than two years and are considered to be still establishing their professional competence. Working under the watchful eye of a respectable trade association is an excellent way of achieving credibility with clients when there is a limited track record to offer. Probationary Members have no voting rights at the Association’s AGM, are not eligible to enter the annual BALI Awards, and are not entitled to use the BALI Logo until full membership is granted. They can, however, state on their business letterheads and paperwork that they are Probationary Members of BALI and they have full access to all other membership benefits.

Student Membership

BALI recognises how important training is to the future development of the landscape industry and is passionate about the need to support young people embarking on a career in this exciting sector. Joining BALI provides a range of benefits that will not only assist students with their studies but also provide an excellent grounding for employment success in the future. Student membership opens an array of networking opportunities, both at a regional and national level, and the BALI Student Helpline provides useful links to information sources. Health & Safety training is vital to the industry and the Student ROLO Card, available as part of Student Membership, will give you an extra edge when on work experience or applying for jobs.

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Please download the appropriate forms on the right...

You can phone the BALI Membership Helpdesk on 024 7669 0333 to ask for more information if this is required.

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