EDGE Certification – Workplace Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

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:

• EDGE Assess: the first level of certification that confirms your commitment to gender equity through a comprehensive assessment of its policies, practices and data
• EDGE Move: the second level, which requires you to demonstrate improvements and measurable progress in closing gender equity gaps, such as equal pay and representation
• EDGE Lead: the highest level of certification, recognizing your organization as a leader in gender and intersectional equity, with proven results and best practices embedded in your operations

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:

• Initial assessment: the process begins with a comprehensive assessment of your company’s policies, practices, and employee data. This includes analyzing pay equity, representation and inclusion metrics
• Gap analysis: the collected data is compared to the EDGE global standards and benchmarks. This process identifies strengths and areas needing improvement in terms of gender equality and diversity practices
• Statistical analysis (optional at EDGE Assess): a statistical analysis of gender pay gaps to identify and address any unexplained disparities in pay between genders
• Action plan: based on the assessment results, the organization creates a written action plan that outlines specific steps to close any identified gaps. This plan includes measurable milestones, resource allocation and designated accountabilities
• Third-party audit: an independent auditor verifies the organization’s data, policies and practices to ensure compliance with the EDGE standards
• Certification: once the action plan has been implemented and improvements are demonstrated, you can achieve the appropriate EDGE certification level. This is either EDGE Assess, EDGE Move, EDGE Lead (gender-binary), EDGE Assess & EDGEplus, EDGE Move & EDGEplus or EDGE Lead & EDGEplus (gender and intersectionality)
• Continuous improvement: EDGE Certification is valid for two years, after which you are reassessed to ensure ongoing progress and commitment to gender and intersectional 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 does not require you to meet specific numerical targets. Instead, it evaluates your organization’s commitment and progress in achieving gender equity. However, for higher certification levels like EDGE Move and Lead, measurable progress in areas like pay equity and representation is expected.

EDGE Certification focuses specifically on gender equality, assessing gender balance, equal pay, and policies supporting career progression and leadership opportunities for all genders.

EDGEplus Certification goes beyond gender and includes a broader lens of intersectional equity, looking at additional dimensions of diversity such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and age. EDGEplus evaluates whether an organization’s diversity and inclusion practices also address these intersecting identities, ensuring that equity initiatives are inclusive of all underrepresented groups.

In short, EDGE Certification centers primarily on gender equality, while EDGEplus Certification incorporates a broader, intersectional approach that addresses multiple layers of identity and diversity.

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.