Describe the business in 3 words
Innovation, Responsibility, Community
About the business
The British Fashion Council (BFC) is a not-for-profit organisation set up in 1983 with the role to strengthen British fashion in the global economy as a leader in responsible, creative businesses.
We do this through championing diversity and building and inviting the industry to actively participate in a network to accelerate a successful circular fashion economy.
Our work encompasses promoting British fashion internationally and does so through Fashion Weeks, Exhibitions and Showcasing Events.
We also help British designer businesses develop their profile and business globally and supports fashion talent beginning at college level, extending to talent identification, business support and showcasing schemes.
The BFC Foundation (Registered Charity Number: 11852152) was created in 2019 for charitable purposes and grant giving; attracting, developing, and retaining talent through education and business mentoring.
The BFC Foundation offers support to designers through four talent identification and business support schemes: BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund, BFC/GQ Designer Menswear Fund, BFC NEWGEN and the BFC Fashion Trust. With the support of the BFC Colleges Council, the BFC Foundation offers BA and MA scholarships to students, as well as links with industry through design competitions and Graduate Preview Day.
In 2020, the BFC launched the Institute of Positive Fashion (IPF), with the aim to help the British fashion industry lead in the goal to be more resilient and circular through global collaboration and local action. The BFC showcasing initiatives and events include London Fashion Week Presented by Clearpay; LONDON show ROOMs and The Fashion Awards.
Why is diversity and inclusion important to your company?
At the BFC we value the differences that a diverse workforce brings to our organisation, and we have clear values: We are forces for Change; We are United; We strive for Excellence and We are Innovative. Central to these values is our commitment to champion diversity, equity and inclusion and work together to deliver positive change.
Our culture is one which empowers, values, nurtures, supports, and rewards our employees and promotes a positive environment with a focus on team collaboration and open communication.
Only by doing that, are we able to lead by example and champion the British fashion industry.
What is the culture that you foster within your company?
We encourage a culture which empowers, values, nurtures, supports, and rewards our employees and promotes a positive environment with a focus on team collaboration and open communication.
We want our employees to bring their true self to work and we commit to developing their skills and advance their careers in a culture of creativity. It is important that we celebrate and champion multiple approaches and points of view and believe diversity drives innovation.
Together we are building a culture based on meritocracy, openness, fairness, and transparency, where difference and allyship are valued.
How do you support personal development?
We take performance and career development seriously. Managers meet with direct reports three times a year to discuss. This is an excellent opportunity to think about how the employee performs and get feedback. There may be things to do differently, issues to resolve, or extra training that would help do the job more effectively.
This helps determine how to make these things happen. As well as looking back, we believe it’s important to look forward.
During each appraisal, the manager sets objectives. The formal check-ins should not be the only time to discuss performance or development.
We’re a friendly and supportive team and hope everyone feels comfortable talking to their manager whenever they need help, advice or just a chat.