Initial application
Complete a short eligibility form indicating the diversity areas and certifications already covered by your organisation.
Process
How the BEQUAL diversity certification process works.
BEQUAL uses the independent certifications you already hold. Accredited auditors verify the documentation without repeating the underlying audits.
Eligibility review
We confirm whether your certifications are suitable for assessment and identify the potential BEQUAL level before requesting the full documentation.
Documentary verification
An accredited auditor reviews the issuer, validity, scope and relevance of each certificate. The original organisational audits are not repeated.
Certification decision
Once the evidence is accepted, BEQUAL issues the level corresponding to the number of verified diversity areas.
Digital verification
The organisation receives a certificate and certification mark. A unique number and QR code allow anyone to verify its authenticity, scope and status.
Two layers of assurance
Specialist depth. Independent documentary review.
BEQUAL CERTIFICATE combines specialist depth with cross-diversity breadth.
Specialist certification
Each supporting certification assesses the organisation against its own technical requirements, indicators and evidence.
For example, DisCert evaluates disability management through more than 160 assessment parameters, while FemCert evaluates equality through more than 40 parameters covering women's representation, equal pay and work-life balance.
Independent BEQUAL CERTIFICATE review
A BEQUAL CERTIFICATE-authorised independent auditor reviews every supporting certificate used for the certification decision.
- The identity and competence of the issuing body.
- The current validity and status of the certificate.
- The organisation, sites and operations covered.
- The requirements and evidence included in its scope.
- Its relevance to one or more BEQUAL CERTIFICATE diversity areas.
- Any limitations, exclusions or conflicts of interest.
BEQUAL CERTIFICATE does not repeat the underlying audits. It verifies that the evidence is credible, current, relevant and sufficient for the awarded diversity level.
What auditors verify
Evidence, scope and validity.
BEQUAL verification establishes whether each supporting certification can reliably demonstrate coverage of one or more diversity areas.
✓
Issuer
The certificate was issued by a competent public authority or eligible independent certification body.
✓
Validity
The certificate is current, active and has not been suspended or withdrawn.
✓
Organisational scope
The certificate applies to the legal entity, operations or sites included in the BEQUAL application.
✓
Relevant coverage
The audited or verified scope clearly supports the BEQUAL area being claimed.
Supporting certifications
Build on the certifications you already hold.
BEQUAL can recognise valid third-party certifications that demonstrate an organisation's commitment in one or more diversity areas.
The examples below are illustrative and not exhaustive. Eligibility is confirmed through documentary review of the issuer, validity, organisational scope and relevant coverage.
Disability inclusion
DisCert
Independent certification for organisations committed to disability inclusion. It recognises, assesses and supports continuous improvement in disability management.
How BEQUAL CERTIFICATE considers DisCert
Equal opportunities
FemCert
Certification for organisations committed to women's representation, equal pay and work-life balance, based on the verification of policies, practices and measurable evidence.
How BEQUAL CERTIFICATE considers FemCert
Diversity & inclusion
ISO 30415:2021
International guidance standard for embedding diversity and inclusion across governance, leadership, workforce practices and stakeholder relationships.
Official ISO informationFor ISO 30415:2021, BEQUAL considers third-party certificates or conformity assessments issued by eligible independent bodies. ISO does not certify organisations.
Auditors
Independent verification by qualified professionals.
BEQUAL documentary reviews are performed by accredited auditors. The organisations listed below are either accredited or undergoing approval to participate in the scheme.
Accredited auditor
Bequal Audit
Accredited auditor
ICDQ
Pending auditor
AENOR
Pending auditor
DNV
Pending auditor
INTERTEK
Accredited Auditor: within the BEQUAL scheme, this means an independent auditor evaluated and authorised by the BEQUAL Technical Committee. It does not imply accreditation by a national accreditation body unless expressly stated.
Frequently asked
Clear answers before you apply.
No. Specialist certifications provide the detailed assessment and evidence for a particular diversity field. BEQUAL CERTIFICATE recognises that work and brings eligible certifications together under a broader framework. The supporting certifications remain valid, visible and technically independent.
No. The BEQUAL auditor performs documentary verification and does not repeat the audits conducted for the supporting certifications.
Yes, when its audited or verified scope provides clear and sufficient evidence for each area concerned.
BEQUAL is valid for three years, provided that the certifications supporting the awarded level remain valid.
The organisation must provide evidence of renewal. If it is not renewed, BEQUAL may revise, suspend or withdraw the awarded level.
Certification scope. BEQUAL verifies the documentary evidence supporting the awarded diversity areas. It does not provide legal advice or independently certify compliance with CSRD, national equality or disability legislation, public procurement requirements or other statutory obligations unless expressly stated.
Start with what you already have
Your first eligibility review is simple.
Tell us which certificates your organisation holds. We will explain the next step.