People and Planet First
People and Planet First is a global, participatory verification system.
It focuses on five core standards to keep assessment costs low, bridge language divides and legal differences and open global opportunities for all enterprises that put people and the planet first.
About People and Planet First
Around the world there is a growing movement of enterprises, like yours, that prioritise people and our planet over private profit. They include social enterprises, cooperatives, fair trade enterprises, social businesses and others.
People and Planet First is a banner that unites this global movement. It provides a verification system that recognises trusted country-based and global certifications, provides verification in countries where these do not exist, allows access to resources and strengthens collective advocacy.
People and Planet First was stewarded by the Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) for the new economy movement as a simple and affordable verification of an enterprise’s core purpose and business model.
Every enterprise with the People and Planet First verified badge solves social and/or environmental problems and reinvests the majority of profit for the many, not the few. It can complement certifications of policies and practices, but it can also serve as a differentiator.
Why People and Planet First?
Affordable and accessible
There are three simple steps to get verified, and the first year only costs $130AUD (annual renewal $110AUD).
The fee was set at the lowest possible level to contribute to costs and ensure the service is self-sustaining and accessible to enterprises of all sizes.
Open global opportunities
Companies and organisations are interested in extending support and sourcing from social enterprises, but struggle to verify them due to their diverse legal structures.
To overcome this, People and Planet’s minimum standards provide a system to ensure social enterprises meet consistent criteria and unlock greater opportunities, such as in social procurement.
Address co-optation risks
Within profit-driven companies, businesses have begun to use the language of social impact without embracing transformative change; this verification strategy aims to establish a clear, purpose-driven framework that safeguards the integrity of social enterprises against co-optation.
Who is verification for?
Verification is for any enterprise that put people and the planet first.
Verified enterprises include:
- Social enterprises
- Fair trade enterprises
- Co-operatives
- Mutualist organisations
- Post-growth enterprises
- Not-for-profit businesses
- Earned income non-profits
- Social businesses
- Regenerative businesses
- and more!
The focus is on shared core standards, not terminology or legal form. If an enterprise meets the 5 core criteria for the People and Planet First verification, they are part of our global movement.
What are the 5 core standards?
Applicants need at least one point for each of the five standards to be eligible for verification. If they receive zero points for any standard, they are encouraged to make improvements and reapply in the future.
How it works:
Step 1: Application form
Submit a free online form on the Good Market website to create a public profile. Make sure to check the box for People and Planet First Verification on the last page of the form.
Step 2: Pay the verification fee
After your enterprise is approved, you will receive a link to pay the $130AUD verification fee online. The fee was set at the lowest possible level to contribute to costs and ensure the service is self-sustaining.
Step 3: Verification form
Go to your account page, open the short verification form and select points for each of the five standards. Upload financial documents, governing documents, or other evidence to support your claims. If the application meets the minimum standards, you will receive a welcome pack with the verification certificate and badge.
Renewal
Annual review and renewal to ensure ongoing standards. You will be asked to resubmit your evidence and pay a $110AUD renewal fee.