Gender and intersectional equity are not only ethical imperatives but key drivers of organizational success. Ensuring fairness and fostering diversity creates inclusive environments, attracts top talent and builds trust with stakeholders. However, maintaining and verifying equity practices can be challenging.
Launched at the World Economic Forum in 2011, EDGE certification evaluates your practices across four pillars: representation, pay equity, career flows and cultural inclusiveness. Our EDGE certification services enable you to measure and certify your organization's commitment to workplace diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), focusing on gender and intersectionality.
EDGE certification is unique because it is data-driven, independent and globally recognized. It focuses not only on gender equity but also on intersectional equity, considering how various identities intersect in the workplace. Additionally, it offers a structured framework for continuous improvement, allowing you to move up levels of certification over time.
EDGE certification (gender-binary) comes in different levels, depending on your performance in the specified 12-month reference period:
EDGEplus certification (gender and intersectionality) is an add-on to EDGE (gender-binary) certification. By adopting the EDGEplus approach, you publicly demonstrate your commitment to assessing gender in conjunction with other diversity dimensions, including non-binary gender identity, LGBTQ+, race/ethnicity, nationality, age and disability. Upon successful audit, an additional “+” EDGEplus seal will be added to your certification level.
To achieve EDGE certification, organizations follow a structured process that evaluates their commitment to gender equity:
The certification process depends on the size and complexity of your organization, but typically it takes three to six months. This includes the initial assessment, implementation of improvements and final certification.
EDGE certification is valid for two years. During that time, you are expected to implement continuous improvement plans and may choose to advance to higher certification levels. After two years, a reassessment is conducted to ensure sustained progress and commitment.
As an approved EDGE certification body, we are authorized to perform third-party audits and certification. Our in-depth expertise and global presence help your organization to navigate the certification process. Our qualified auditors, located worldwide, ensure that you meet the highest standards for DEI practices.
We are recognized for our ethical assessments and bring decades of experience in conducting thorough audits that add value to your business. With our extensive pool of EDGE-qualified professionals, we support organizations across industries and geographies, ensuring smooth certification processes no matter where you operate.
Contact us today to determine your DEI needs.
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.
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