Verification Guide
The People and Planet First verification uses the Good Market digital commons to keep costs low and maximize benefits to applicants. If you need technical support at any point, you can email hello@goodmarket.global or click Help in the bottom menu on the site.
For most applicants, there are 3 steps in the verification process. If you have one of the following badges, you are eligible for a “double badge” verification.
This means no additional payment or document review is required. You only need to complete Step 1 to be recognized as People and Planet First Verified. The verification remains valid for as long as you retain your status with your double badge partner. You will be able to download an updated certificate each year.
Step 1: Application Form
The first step is to submit the application form to create a free online public profile. This form serves as a common application to access multiple services, networks, and verification systems.
If you already have a profile on Good Market, you do not need to submit a new application. Contact verify@peopleandplanetfirst.org and say you are Good Market Approved and interested in verification. You can proceed directly to Step 2.
The verification is implemented through a global network of networks. If you are connected to a network partner, click their logo and use their invite link to go to the apply page.
Sign Up
Click the New Application button, sign up, and verify your email address. If you need help, you can find more details here.
Submit Application
The Organization page of the application form tends to take the longest and is the only page with required questions. The rest of the form is mostly Yes / No and multiple choice questions and tends to go quickly. The average submission time is 30 minutes.
The key thing is to use the application form to share your enterprise’s purpose and story, and if a question doesn’t apply, don’t worry about selecting No. Every enterprise is different. It is normal to have No answers.
Continue through the Environment, Customers, Workers, Suppliers, and Community sections of the form. On the final Additional Info page, select People and Planet First Verified Social Enterprise. When you click the Submit button, you will see the confirmation page and receive an email.
If you need additional application help, you can find more details here.
Step 2: Verification Fee
The next step is to pay the USD 85 initial verification fee online. The fee is kept as low as possible to increase accessibility, cover basic costs, and ensure the service is self-sustaining. When you make the payment, it triggers a notification to the verification support team.
If you have payment-related questions, contact finance@goodmarket.global
Step 3: Verification Form
The verification form covers the 5 standards. You’ll need to explain how you meet each standards and provide evidence to support each claim.
Gather Evidence
Before submitting the form, gather evidence for each of the 5 standards. Examples of evidence include:
- Online statement, web page, or post (link, screenshot, etc.)
- Signed or filed copy of governing documents (articles, charter, constitution, memorandum, bylaws, statutes, resolutions, etc.)
- Impact monitoring documents (spreadsheet, impact report, video, etc.)
- External verification or certification (valid certificate or link to profile in certifier directory)
- Financial records showing earned income and expenses and use of surplus (spreadsheet, financial report, copy of tax returns, etc.)
You can find more details here.
The maximum file upload size is 5 MB. If you have large files, you can include a link to the file instead of uploading. These can be links to files on a website or in Google Drive, SharePoint, Dropbox, iCloud, Nextcloud, or other cloud storage services. Sharing links instead of uploading files avoids network connectivity issues.
Submit Verification Form
Click Account in the bottom menu to open your enterprise account page. Open the People and Planet First section at the bottom of your enterprise account page and click the green Verification Form link to open the verification form.
Select answers for each of the five standards, explain how you meet the standard, and provide evidence to support your claims.
When you are finished, click the Submit button. A new Submitted Forms table will appear in the People and Planet First section of your account page, and an email will be sent to the verification support team to let them know your verification form is submitted.
Annual Renewal
People and Planet First verification requires an annual renewal fee and verification form submission.
Renewal Fee
The annual renewal fee is USD 70. When you make the payment, it triggers a notification to the verification support team.
New Verification Form
Click Account in the bottom menu to open your enterprise account page. Open the People and Planet First section at the bottom of your enterprise account page and click the green Verification Form link to open a new verification form. Do not click the Edit button.
Select answers for each of the 5 standards and upload your latest financial documents. If you have had changes in the past year, please provide details.
When you are finished, click the Submit button. The new form will appear in the Submitted Forms table in the People and Planet First section of your account page, and an email will be sent to the verification team to let them know your verification form is submitted for renewal.