What Is Supplier Certification?

While many people are familiar with certification programs, not everyone knows what diversity certification is all about. Diversity certification is a process that evaluates the companies’ workforce diversity, ensures that they are meeting industry standards, and audits their records each year to check for compliance.

The advantage of earning a diversity certification is improved brand recognition through increased visibility, greater access to resources & funding, better corporate branding initiatives, and enhanced employee recruitment. By becoming certified suppliers/vendors/partners/service providers, businesses demonstrate their commitment to workplace inclusion by increasing employment opportunities for women and minorities. Businesses can find it easier to sell goods or services to large corporations if they have received these certifications.

Large companies who also receive the same certifications are more likely to hire certified suppliers/vendors/partners/service providers to support their local and national initiatives. Diversity certification for supply chain business has become a great marketing strategy within the multicultural industry because it enhances the marketability of the supplier in advertising, branding, and selling goods and services to major companies who have taken part in this program.

What is a Diversity Certification?

Diversity certification is a process that evaluates companies’ workforce diversity and ensures they are meeting industry standards. It audits records each year to check for compliance.

The advantage of earning a diversity certification is improved brand recognition through increased visibility, greater access to resources & funding, better corporate branding initiatives, and enhanced employee recruitment. By becoming certified suppliers/vendors/partners/service providers, businesses demonstrate their commitment to workplace inclusion by increasing employment opportunities for women and minorities. Businesses can find it easier to sell goods or services to large corporations if they have received these certifications.

Large companies who also receive the same certifications are more likely to hire certified suppliers/vendors/partners service providers to support their local and national initiatives. Diversity certification for supply chain business has become a great marketing strategy within the multicultural industry because it enhances the marketability of the supplier in advertising, branding, and selling goods and services to major companies who have taken part in this program.

Diversity certification is awarded by third-party organizations that are approved by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) or the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC). Corporations typically require their suppliers to provide diversity certifications to ensure they are complying with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission requirements. All contracts will outline the requirements of receiving future contracts if businesses do not prove compliance with these regulations.

How Do You Become a Diversity Practitioner?

To become a diversity practitioner, you should have an in-depth understanding of the different types of certifications available. You need to know which are appropriate for your organization and provide detailed information about each type. Your expertise should be recognized by companies who work within the multicultural industry.

Awareness about how to implement effective programs will ensure that supplier diversity is given serious consideration when selecting new vendors or subcontractors, awarding contracts, or even making funding decisions at any level of government.

Establishing a Diverse Workforce with Diversity Certification

The diversity certification process enables companies to build a diverse workforce that reflects their customer base. It is especially beneficial when employees work in an environment that looks much different than their own. Such environments increase opportunities for networking and intercultural collaborations.

The certification process provides an opportunity for companies to learn more about their suppliers, which can also result in mutual growth across the supply chain.

Supply Chain Businesses with Diversity Certification

For supply chain businesses, diversity certification is a way of improving business practices that achieve fair and inclusive workplaces, while building healthy relationships with local and global communities. As the multicultural landscape continues to develop within various industries, it becomes essential for businesses to understand how they can support workforce diversity by creating equity-based jobs instead of simply focusing on numbers or percentages. Diversity certification brings awareness to the positive impacts of employment equity to create real action plans that empower minority groups throughout their organizations.

The best part for both employees and employers alike is its overall impact on organizational culture. When employees can see themselves represented in the workplace, they feel more engaged and satisfied with their jobs. And when employees possess different characteristics and qualities, it’s common for creativity to improve across every department of the business.

If you are interested in learning more about diversity supplier certification or how it can strengthen your company’s workforce, contact us today!