Mailing houses will be able to achieve a new “platinum” company-level accreditation from direct mail measurement scheme Jicmail designed to flag up their expertise in using data and insight to enable customers to achieve better results from their postal activity.
The programme, which is specifically for accreditation on an organisational level, goes live this week. Submissions will be evaluated twice a year, with a closing date for applications for the first round of accreditations being August 31.
The scheme is available to Strategic Mailing Partnership member businesses who want to make the most of the latest insight on all mail types including direct mail.
The scheme ties into existing bronze, silver and gold certification for individual members of staff but will run separately.
To achieve platinum status, companies must meet a number of stringent requirements. Frontline staff must achieve the appropriate level of expertise, demonstrating the value of mail using media metrics and using the data to identify opportunities across a range of mail channels and industry sectors.
Free, unlimited access to Jicmail data is available to SMP members who achieve platinum or accredited level. There is no cost attached to the scheme and training webinars are also free. The existing Jicmail certification scheme will still be available for individuals.
The partnership is the second collaboration in past three months between the SMP and industry bodies. In February, members were invited to access free and discounted training thanks to a deal between the SMP, Royal Mail and the IDM.
SMP chair Judith Donovan CBE says the partnership is another example of SMP members enjoying free access high quality industry training.
“We are delighted to offer members the opportunity to attain the highest accreditation for Jicmail, to enable them to make the very most of the continuing resurgence of direct mail,” she added.
“The ability to demonstrate the value of mail to end customers, through the very latest industry data and insight, will be an invaluable factor when presenting mail as an essential part of any marketing strategy. We encourage our member businesses to make the most of this fantastic opportunity.”
