EDGE Standards Development
At EDGE Certified Foundation (ECF), our global standards lay the groundwork for organizations to achieve gender and intersectional equity in the workplace, fostering lasting impact both within and beyond the organization.
The EDGE Certified Foundation Board oversees the development and revision of the standards, making final decisions on whether to adopt new or updated standards.
Our approach to standards setting and revision is grounded in three core principles:
- That the EDGE Standards have real world impact.
- That the EDGE Standards are credible.
- That the EDGE Standards and Certification System is rigorous.
In 2024, the Board of the EDGE Certified Foundation initiated a comprehensive root-and-branch review of the EDGE Standards and Certification Requirements to ensure their continued relevance, scientific rigour, and fitness for purpose.
The EDGE Standards Review process commenced in July 2024 and continued into 2025, following leading practice for sustainability-related standards systems. It included structured stakeholder engagement, targeted data analysis, and expert consultation. The process also drew on the latest research, evolving approaches to workplace diversity, fairness, and inclusion, and the changing needs of organizations committed to advancing gender and intersectional equity.
Procedure for EDGE Standards Version 6 Development
Introducing the EDGE Standards Version 6
The latest version of the EDGE and EDGEplus Standards offers organizations an even stronger, clearer path to building workplaces that are fair, inclusive, and rooted in merit.
The EDGE Certification Requirements Version 6 introduces thoughtful enhancements, while what defines our work remains constant: a rigorous, data-driven framework for assessing gender and intersectional equity. Built on our established methodology and anchored in four core pillars (representation, pay equity, equitable career flows, and inclusive culture) the EDGE Standards continue to provide a clear and credible framework for progress.
These updates reflect the realities organizations face today, facilitate compliance with regulatory developments globally, uphold sustainability and ethical commitments, and drive meaningful, measurable change within their workforce and beyond.
Share your feedback on the EDGE Standards
We are committed to continuous improvement and always welcome your input. If you have feedback on the EDGE Standards or your experience using them, please share it through our dedicated Contact Us form. Your insights are invaluable as we continue to work on refining and enhancing our standards.