Author: Ronda Naidu
Source: Chro
There are ways to improve on the broad-based scorecard – and achieve quick wins.
As most organisations wrap up the financial year, they also look at ensuring that best practices are in place to improve their B-BBEE score for the coming year.
This can be overwhelming, however there are ways to improve on the broad-based scorecard – and achieve quick wins.
“The B-BBEE scorecard measures the level of compliance against five elements, each of which are in turn measured against targets with specific weightings. It may seem overwhelming at a glance, but a solid plan will help your organisation achieve, improve and/or retain a healthy B-BBEE score,” says Reona Strydom, a technical specialist and subject matter expert at the BEE Chamber.
She offers the following tips for organisations looking to improve their B-BBEE score:
1. Assess your data and calculations: By using BEE scorecard software, companies can have real-time tracking on progress and are able to identify gaps that need to be addressed.
2. Consider bonus points: Depending on the codes or sector codes against which the company is measured, there might be bonus points that can be secured. In most cases, this does not require additional budget or money to be spent.
3. Look at the “easy” elements of the scorecard first such as enterprise development, supplier development and socio-economic development: These elements are usually seen as the quick fix elements which can be implemented, and maximum points achieved in a short space of time but there are many risks associated with these elements. One of which is the potential of having to spend large amounts of money that has not been budgeted for. Another risk is not knowing the benefit factor (or recognition percentage) of the type of contribution made.
Reona explains, “These recognition percentages are applicable to enterprise development, supplier development and socio-economic development. One example would be the recognition of a loan contribution. An interest free loan contributed towards an enterprise development or supplier development beneficiary is only recognised at 70 percent of the outstanding loan amount.
“This would impact the achievement of the maximum score and the entity would have to close the 30 percent gap by either increasing the loan amount or to top up with an additional contribution such as a grant, which is recognised at 100 percent of the value contributed,” she adds.
4. Improve what you can in preferential procurement: The measurement of preferential procurement is linked to suppliers of the measured entity and their respective BEE credentials. It’s important to obtain as many BEE certificates/affidavits from suppliers as possible. A measured entity has up to the date of verification to gather these.
“Another area of improvement in a short space of time is to review and recon the Total Measure Procurement Spend (TMPS) with the supplier spend. Aim to achieve a balance between these two of 10 percent or less. The smaller the margin the more positive the impact will be on the score,” Reona says.
Don’t forget about the enhanced recognition of a multiple factor of 1.2 under this element. If the measured entity has:
Such supplier/s would qualify for this enhancement on their spend. In layman’s terms, for every R100 spent with such qualifying supplier/s, R120 is recognised towards the preferential procurement score and as such can elevate the points.
5. Be smart with training programmes under skills development. Implement training programmes that award points in various areas of the skills development scorecard and possibly management control as well.
A learnership programme (or Category D as per the learning programme matrix) is one such example. “With such a programme a measured entity can achieve as much as 16 points out of a total 20, if done correctly. The recognition of Category D Programmes is threefold, course cost, headcount and stipend or salary is claimable towards points compared to a training programme such as a short course [or Category F of the learning programme matrix] where only the course cost is recognised towards points but has limitations too,” she explains.
6. Finally, consider alternative or supplementary initiatives such as the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative: A measured entity has the opportunity to increase their B-BBEE status level by up to two levels by participating in the initiative and meeting their targets. It is however imperative to understand that an entity can only consider the YES initiative if they have achieved a compliant B-BBEE status level. Furthermore, there are prerequisites to meet, which include maintaining or improving the B-BBEE status level obtained in the first year of participating in the YES initiative; achieving at least the 40 percent sub-minimum for all three priority elements; or achieving an average of 50 percent across the three priority elements.
“Unfortunately, there is not a one-size-fits-all, quick-fix plan that a measured entity can apply to improve the B-BBEE score. By understanding your company and its limitations as well as having the knowledge, expertise and competence of the B-BBEE codes or sector codes against which the entity is measured, a plan can be devised even with only one month to go,” concludes Reona.