Use of the EDGE Certified Seals
After achieving EDGE Certification, we encourage you to proudly broadcast this accomplishment, not only as a testament to your commitment to workplace gender and intersectional equity but also as a source of inspiration for others to follow suit.
The EDGE and EDGEplus Certified Seals recognize and reward commitment to workplace gender and intersectional equity.
As a certification mark and registered trademark, strict rules govern the display of the EDGE Certified Seal. Below, you will find the rules governing the use of the EDGE and EDGEplus Certified Seals which help the seals retain their integrity and value.
The Display of the Seal
In order to maximize the visibility of your achievement, we suggest that you display the seal in:
- Your Organization’s Website
- Annual Report / Investor Briefings
- Social Media (e.g., LinkedIn / Twitter/ Facebook)
- Job Advertisements
- Any other Communication / Publications in Connection with Recruitment and Talent Management
- Email Signature of HR Director / Chief Diversity Officer / Talent Management Professional
- Sustainability Reports
The Usage of the Seal
Whenever possible use the coloured version. Always place the seal on white background and make sure there is sufficient clear space around it (see safe area below).
EDGE and EDGEplus Certified Seals Safe Area and Minimum Size
Safe-area
The safe-area around our seals protects their integrity and ensures they are legible and prominent across all communications. The seal safe‑areas are determined by a 1⁄3 of the diameter of the seal.
As a rule of thumb, try to leave as much clear space as possible to showcase the seal.
Minimum size
In order to ensure the legibility and effectiveness of the seal, a strict size requirement has been specified. To ensure the correct usage of the seal, files are supplied at the minimum size (use these at 100% scaling or higher).
There is no maximum size restriction for display of the EDGE and EDGEplus Certification Seals.
EDGE and EDGEplus Certified Seals Approved Taglines
The EDGE and EDGEplus Certified Seals can be paired with their specific boilerplate copy to further explain the certification and aid understanding.
To explain and substantiate the EDGE Certified Seal you may wish to add the following approved tagline next to the seal:
“This organization is independently verified against the highest standard in gender equity.”
To explain and substantiate the EDGEplus Certified Seal you may wish to add the following approved tagline:
“This organization is independently verified against the highest standard in diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
This section outlines examples of permissible claims that you may consider using or incorporating into your communications at your EDGE Certification level to emphasize your commitment to workplace gender equity. Additionally, it provides examples of how to effectively communicate your EDGEplus commitment to analyzing gender in intersection with other dimensions of diversity.
EDGE Assess
EDGE Assess is the first level of certification where the organization recognizes its commitment to workplace gender equity.
Achieving EDGE Assess Certification indicates that the organization is taking a proactive approach towards creating a diverse and equitable workplace.
Recertification acknowledges continued dedication to analyzing statistical data, evaluating policies and practices, and obtaining feedback from employees to ensure continuous improvement.
EDGE Assess shows that the organization is committed to implementing an impactful action plan that will support the organization to accelerate its progress in terms of gender balance across the talent pipeline, gender pay equity, effectiveness of policies and practices to ensure equitable career flows, and fostering an inclusive workplace.
EDGE Move
EDGE Move is the second level of certification and showcases progress in workplace gender equity. At the EDGE Move level, the organization has reached the EDGE Standards in some of the assessed areas.
EDGE Move Certification indicates that the organization has not only made a commitment to gender equity but has taken concrete steps to transform that commitment into action. EDGE Move showcases this commitment, while giving organizations further support as they progress their gender equity strategy.
EDGE Move Recertification consolidates an organization’s ongoing commitment to gender equity in the workplace and underlines that equitable practices have been sustainably integrated into the organization and forms a key strategic area for the future success of the organization.
At the EDGE Move level, the organization has reached the EDGE Standards in some of the assessed areas.
EDGE Lead
EDGE Lead is the highest EDGE Certification level, showing that the organization meets every single one of the EDGE Standards across the four pillars of the methodology.
EDGE Lead Certification is the ultimate recognition of an organization’s commitment to gender equity.
EDGE Lead Recertification reflects the organization’s commitment to fostering a culture of gender equity in the workplace, exemplified by its unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of gender equity across its strategy and operations.
Achieving EDGE Lead Certification requires substantial effort and dedication and signifies that the organization is a leader in making gender equity in the workplace a reality.
EDGEplus
EDGEplus Certification showcases the organization’s commitment towards assessing intersectional equity.
EDGEplus Certification extends the scope of EDGE Certification by including additional dimensions of diversity beyond gender binary in the analysis.
EDGEplus Certification is awarded for monitoring [statistics / policies and practices / employee experience] from an intersectional perspective of gender and the specific dimension/s included in the analysis – [gender identity, race/ethnicity, LGBTQ+, working with a disability, nationality, age].
By recognizing the importance of analyzing different dimensions of diversity, the organization is paving the way for a more intersectional approach to workplace equity that supports employees from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
General Rules Governing the Seal
EDGE Certified Foundation’s mission is to use the certification seal and the EDGE Certification System to contribute to fostering gender equal and diverse workplaces and rewarding organizations for their commitment and success in doing so.
EDGE Certified Foundation owns the registered trademark of the certification seal for each of the levels of certification and their respective names: EDGE Certified Assess, EDGE Certified Move, EDGE Certified Lead, EDGE Certified Assess & EDGEplus, EDGE Certified Move & EDGEplus, EDGE Certified Lead & EDGEplus.
EDGE Certified Foundation reserves all rights in relation to these registered trademarks. Only organizations that have successfully undergone the EDGE Certification preparation and third-party independent verification have the right to use the seal. The EDGE Certified Seal cannot be displayed without having received a valid EDGE Certificate from an EDGE-accredited Certification Body.
Permission to display it does not transfer or license any intellectual property rights to others.
Unauthorized display is prohibited and will be treated as a trademark infringement. EDGE Certified Foundation reserves the right to take legal action against any party that reproduces or copies the EDGE Certified name and seal without prior authorization. The EDGE and EDGEplus Certified Seals must not be forwarded to any third parties, except designers creating associated promotional materials.
EDGE Certified Foundation reserves the right to request a sample of each of the particular uses the organization is making of the EDGE Certified Seals, whether in print, publication or display (e.g., website, job advertisements, e-mail signatures, etc).
EDGE Certified Foundation reserves the right to list the certifying organization’s EDGE Certification level, scope and status on its website, and if no objection is made within 30 days of the date of the organization’s EDGE Certification, to use the certifying organization’s logo in social media posts communicating newly EDGE Certified organizations.