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.
How can I benefit from EDGE certification?
- Achieve global recognition for your commitment to equity
EDGE certification is the global standard for workplace gender and intersectional equity - Attract and retain top talent
Demonstrate your organization’s dedication to fostering an inclusive work environment - Improve business performance
Benefit from diverse perspectives that drive innovation and better decision-making - Track and improve equity over time
Utilize benchmarking and continuous improvement strategies with EDGE’s data-driven approach - Boost investor and consumer trust
Build confidence among stakeholders by showing your DEI leadership - Align with global sustainability goals
Support your ESG initiatives with certification that resonates across industries
What makes EDGE certification different from other gender equity certifications?
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.
What are the EDGE certification levels?
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.
How can you achieve EDGE certification?
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
How long does the certification process take?
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.
What happens after you are certified?
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.
Why choose SGS for EDGE certification?
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.
About SGS
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.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).
Blvd Gjergj Fishta,
Pallati Alpas, Kati 8, PO Box, 2408,
Tirana, Albania