Guide to specification - BCO - British Council for Offices Guide to specification - BCO - British Council for Offices

Guide to specification

BCO 2019 Guide to Specification

The British Council for Offices produces a range of market leading Best Practice Guides for the commercial property sector. Led by our flagship Guide to Specification this series sets a benchmark for the industry.

Pricing Structure

Members Price List

 Digital LicenceHard copy (zero rated VAT) 
One user/copyFree for members£150Buy
5 usersN/A£600Buy

Please note: Members can access the guide by logging into their BCO account and clicking on the ‘Guide to Specification’ tile.

Non-Members Price List

 Digital Licence (zero rated VAT) Hard copy (zero rated VAT) 
One user/copy£180Buy£210Buy
5 users£775Buy£850Buy

Renewing your digital licence – 30 days prior to your digital licence expiring, you will receive an email invitation and link to renew your annual licence at a 30% discount off the original purchase price.

Renewal fee (zero rated VAT) – 30% off the original purchase price

One user – £126
5 users – £542.50


The licence can only be used by the purchaser and cannot be shared. The licence is valid for one year from date of purchase.

BCO 2019 Guide to Specification On-line Learning

Based on the latest BCO Guide to specification, this course aims to increase understanding of best practice in office design, development, and occupation.

It provides information on a range of topics relevant to the office sector including envelope, structural engineering, building services, building form, acoustics, vertical transportation, finishes & fit out, sustainability and health & wellbeing.

The course is delivered online and is made up of a brief self-assessment test at the end of each chapter followed by a final test which can be taken twice.

In case of failing both times, the user will be able to re-enroll as many times as required subject to paying the enrolment fee. Each enrolment will last for a period of six months.

CPD Certified

The course is CPD certified and the certification will be sent to users by CPD within 28 days of successfully passing the course.

Learning Objectives

Having completed the course, the user should:

  • Have a good understanding of how offices should be designed to deliver good value for money, increase productivity, create the best places of work, and develop the right environment for occupants in which to work.
  • Obtain a good working knowledge and understanding the factors that need to be considered when specifying offices.
  • Gain an appreciation for the drivers which are changing office development
  • Be able to provide a thought-provoking appraisal in the context of future office design.
  • Learn more about modern methods of construction
  • Raise awareness of regulations and contract arrangements that underpin office development.
  • Recognise the contribution of the different professions to create a successful office development.
  • Appreciate the decisions made during the office development process and their advantages to the office occupier.

Pricing Structure

Members Price List

 Digital copy 
One user£20Buy

Non-Members Price List

 Digital copy 
One user£40Buy

Please note: Members can access the e-learning course by clicking on the link under the ‘Digital Publications Purchased ‘ heading in the ‘My BCO’ section of the website. Non-members will receive an email with the relevant link.

Find the right membership level for you and your business.

Join us today

Latest news

June 27, 2024
By BCO Media

British Council for Offices Chief Executive Richard Kauntze to step down in summer 2025

After soon-to-be 25 years of serving as Chief Executive for the British Council for Offices, Richard Kauntze will be stepping down in summer 2025.
Read more
June 27, 2024
By BCO Media

Peter Crowther appointed President of the British Council for Offices

Peter Crowther, Co-Founder at HERE, has been elected President of the British Council for Offices (BCO) with immediate effect, following yesterday’s BCO annual general meeting.
Read more
June 07, 2024
By BCO Media

Results for the BCO Conference Photography Competition – Birmingham 2024

BCO Conference Photography Competition results!
Read more