Your Guide to RING Certification: The Next Generation of Inclusion

The RING Certification is a next-gen approach to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). While acknowledgment in the form of MBE/WBE and other certifications has historically – and importantly – focused on organizations with a particular percentage of women or minority ownership, RING Certification moves organizations to the next level with a broader perspective, championing a variety of initiatives that reflect meaningful progress toward diversity, inclusion, equity, and allyship. RING takes a holistic view of modern inclusion, recognizing the various ways organizations foster inclusivity, equity, and a sense of belonging.

RING Certification reflects a firm’s dedication to modern inclusivity, reinforcing and amplifying this commitment across its culture and business practices.

Here’s a quick guide to modern inclusivity recognized by RING Certification:

Workforce:

✅ Gender Diversity.

✅ Racial/Ethnic Diversity.

✅ Representation in Leadership/Ownership.

✅ Dedicated DEIB Officer of the Company.

✅ Dedicated DEIB Committee.

✅ Mission statement describing your organization’s dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Get started with our Mission Statement Template.

Employee Experience:

✅ Culture of belonging fostering communication, employee satisfaction surveys, established feedback loops.

✅ Mentorship programs providing employee mentorship and career development.

✅ Inclusive workplace training and development programs.

✅ Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).

✅ Promote work-life balance policies supporting diverse needs, flexible work, parental leave, benefits, flexible hours.

Inclusive Leadership:

✅ Leadership accountability.

✅ Representation in leadership.

✅ Inclusive decision-making.

Fair and Transparent Talent Practices:

✅ HR practices around recruiting, hiring, compensation strategies.

✅ Track Next-generation DEI Metrics.

✅ Non-discrimination.

✅ Pay equity.

✅ Advancement opportunities.

✅ Accessibility measures.

Client-Centric Inclusion:

✅ Product and service offerings inclusive of various backgrounds, needs, and preferences.

✅ Brand messaging to resonate with a diverse audience.

✅ Products and services sourced from diverse suppliers.

✅ Media and outreach amplifying firm’s commitment through website, articles, PR, blogs, social media.

Commitment to Social Impact & Community:

✅ Philanthropy and community support.

✅ Pro Bono work.

✅ DEIB recognition, awards, certifications.

✅ Sustainable business practices that reflect firm’s values of equity and inclusion.

✅ Industry events, sponsorships, memberships, and associations.

 

If your firm is already practicing some or all of these next-generation inclusion strategies, it’s time to get the recognition you deserve. The RING Certification celebrates the progress you’ve made and helps amplify your impact. Take the next step–fill out the application form today and show the world your commitment to modern inclusivity.