Policy - BCO - British Council for Offices Policy - BCO - British Council for Offices

Policy

Policy

The BCO is the leading forum for the UK’s office sector. When it comes to policy, we present our members’ views to local, regional and national government organisations. Our mission is to lead the debate on office issues and play an active part in debates.

The BCO’s position on policies are supported by our active research programme. Though the BCO is not a lobbying organisation, our committees produce evidence-based responses to policy developments, communicated effectively to government departments and select committees.

BCO members are particularly interested in the following policy areas:

  • Business rates
  • Building regulations
  • Code for commercial leases
  • Energy efficiency and energy performance standards
  • Health and safety
  • Land use and planning
  • Ownership and investment concerns related to the office market including real estate investment trusts
  • Sustainability
  • Sustainable construction
  • Upward only rent reviews
  • Urban regeneration and regional development policy
  • Work/life balance

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Through its committee members, the BCO is represented on and engaged with the following organisations and their initiatives:

THE PROPERTY INDUSTRY ALLIANCE

The BCO is a founding member of the Property Industry Alliance (PIA), which brings together the views of seven leading property organisations:

  • British Council for Offices
  • Association of Real Estate Funds
  • British Property Federation
  • Commercial Real Estate Finance Council Europe
  • Investment Property Forum
  • Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
  • Urban Land Institute

The BCO is an active member of the PIA and is involved in joint ESG and
research initiatives.

COMMITTEES AND TEAMS

The BCO is run by a series of committees covering research, the regions, our awards programme and the next generation.
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DIVERSITY, EQUALITY
and INCLUSION

The BCO champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, broadening the office sector and promoting participation from all backgrounds.
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SPONSORSHIP

As one of the premier award ceremonies in the UK property calendar the BCO Awards delivers real value to its sponsors.
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MENTAL HEALTH

The BCO is dedicated to supporting its members' mental health and wellbeing by providing links to sources of support through networks regionally and centrally. 
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Latest news

July 10, 2025
By BCO Media

BCO report calls for new approach to space planning as office use reaches critical shift

The British Council for Offices (BCO) has published new research revealing a fundamental shift in how UK offices are used, with major implications for developers, investors and occupiers. The report, authored by Nigel Oseland of Workplace Unlimited, shows that the long-standing benchmark of 80% office utilisation may no longer be fit for purpose. Post-pandemic data […]
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July 01, 2025
By BCO Media

Helen Hare elected president of the British Council for Offices

Helen Hare, director of projects at GPE, has been elected president of the British Council for Offices (BCO) with immediate effect. She succeeds Peter Crowther, chief executive of Tatton Estate and co-founder of HERE. Andy McBain, head of future of workspace & design at NatWest Group, takes over from Helen as vice president, while John […]
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June 19, 2025
By BCO Media

Chancellor’s £15bn local transport boost is just the ticket for unlocking regional office development

The £15.6bn earmarked for local transport by Rachel Reeves last week is a welcome intervention that will have impacts beyond those set out in the Spending Review. It is not just about moving people; it is a strategic investment in our urban centres that has the potential to spur economic growth through regional office investment. […]
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