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The Special Interest and Working Groups hub is now live on your member portal! Read more
Special interest and working groups
Bringing the sector together
With such a diverse market, BESA recognises the importance of bringing together members with common interests to share ideas, information and maintain a tight focus on each market place.
The BESA special interest and working groups are administered by the BESA Secretariat and to join the relevant group an application letter needs to be submitted providing you can adhere to the criteria of the respective group.
There are currently six special interest groups and three working groups and details on how to join are available via each group’s individual page.
If these sectors do not represent your interest we are open to starting new groups provided there is the demand.
Our Member Portal is your go-to hub for all SIG & WG information; this is where you can see what groups you’re part of, upcoming meeting dates, relevant documents & to send in your applications to join other groups.
- Download this manual here for instructions on navigating the portal.
- If you have any questions take a look at the FAQs or contact the events team.
Our Groups (click to view Application and Terms of Reference)
FAQs about our Special Interest Groups and Working Groups & using the portal:
What is the portal for?
The portal is for our members to see what groups they’re part of, upcoming dates, zoom links, relevant documents & to apply to other groups more easily.
I’ve sent in an application letter to join a group. When will I hear if I’ve been successful?
Applications take 7 days, you will then receive an email with information on your application status and whether you have been successful. You can also see your application status in the portal. If you haven’t heard within 10 days please contact eventsteam@besa.org.uk.
If my colleague is already a group member do I still need to apply?
There’s no need for you to apply if your company is already a member, you will be added automatically when clicking ‘Join group’.
I know I’m in a group but it’s not showing on my portal?
Click ‘Join group’ and you should be automatically added. If you are prompted to write an application letter, please get in touch with eventsteam@besa.org.uk who will be able to sort this for you.
Are the group meetings recorded?
Unfortunately, we cannot provide recordings of SIGs as this is against the terms of reference of the group, it’s Chatham House rules to allow attendees to engage in an open discussion, so recordings are taken for internal use only. When the minutes are sent, you’ll be able to see the action and discussion points that came up.
How do I get the meeting Zoom links?
The Zoom links are in the portal. To add the meetings to your calendar just click on the link.
I’m struggling to log in
Make sure you’re using the correct email and password. If you can’t remember your password, please follow the steps after clicking ‘forgot password’. Otherwise please get in touch with members@besa.org.uk who will be able to assist you.
I would like to leave a group
Just go to the portal and click on the group. Then scroll down to the bottom of the page and click ‘Leave group’. If you have a colleague you would like to take your place, make sure to provide their details.
I’m a BESA Member but I’m receiving a notification saying I can’t join a group
Please get in touch with members@besa.org.uk.
My company isn’t a BESA Member, can I still use the portal?
Yes you can. The Women’s Educational Suppliers Network is open to non-members; in the portal you can apply to join & view meeting information.
Join the community
Whether you’re joining us as a Full Member or subscribing to the Launchpad programme, your business will need to meet our membership criteria and sign up to our Code of Practice. Take the next step and see what is involved in this commitment.
