Certification timeline
Every stage, what is recorded, and when.
A WWEC certification file moves through eight stages. This page sets out what happens at each one, the indicative timing, what is recorded, and how the Womenians Workplace Excellence Council™ reaches its decision.
Stage by stage
The eight stages of a certification file.
Indicative timings depend on how quickly evidence is supplied. Every date shown on your own file is the actual recorded date, not an estimate.
01 · Application
Organisation
Day 0
The organisation submits the certification application. A unique reference is created and the file is opened on the Council register.
Recorded: Application reference issued, submission date logged
02 · Eligibility
Council
Within 5 working days
The Council checks that the proposed scope, legal entity and locations are clear and that the organisation is eligible to be assessed.
Recorded: Eligibility confirmed or scope query raised
03 · Evidence
Organisation
Agreed evidence window
Supporting documents are uploaded through the secure evidence portal against the eight dimensions. Nothing is assessed until the evidence set is complete.
Recorded: Each document logged with upload date and status
04 · Assessment
Assigned assessors
After evidence is complete
Assessors approved by the Council review every item, request clarification where needed, and record their review notes against the file.
Recorded: Each item marked reviewed, accepted or returned
05 · Scoring
Assigned assessors
Following assessment
Each of the eight dimensions is scored against the published criteria and scoring guide, with the reasoning captured for Council review.
Recorded: Score and written rationale per dimension
06 · Decision
Council
At the next Council review
The Council reviews the complete file and records one of four outcomes. Assessors do not decide; the Council does.
Recorded: Decision, decision date and reasoning
07 · Verification
Council
On certification
Certified workplaces are published to the public directory so anyone can verify the recognition, its scope and its validity period of one year.
Recorded: Certificate number, issue date, validity period
08 · Improvement
Organisation & Council
Across the validity period
Findings are turned into an improvement plan. Conditions attached to a conditional outcome are closed and recorded before they lapse.
Recorded: Improvement actions and any conditions closed
At a glance
Who acts, and what the record shows.
| Stage | Owner | Indicative timing | Recorded on the file |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 · Application | Organisation | Day 0 | Application reference issued, submission date logged |
| 02 · Eligibility | Council | Within 5 working days | Eligibility confirmed or scope query raised |
| 03 · Evidence | Organisation | Agreed evidence window | Each document logged with upload date and status |
| 04 · Assessment | Assigned assessors | After evidence is complete | Each item marked reviewed, accepted or returned |
| 05 · Scoring | Assigned assessors | Following assessment | Score and written rationale per dimension |
| 06 · Decision | Council | At the next Council review | Decision, decision date and reasoning |
| 07 · Verification | Council | On certification | Certificate number, issue date, validity period |
| 08 · Improvement | Organisation & Council | Across the validity period | Improvement actions and any conditions closed |
How decisions are made
The Council decides; assessors assess.
Separating assessment from decision is what keeps recognition credible.
- STEP 01
The file is assembled, not argued
The Council reviews the evidence record, the assessors' notes and the scored dimensions as one complete file.
- STEP 02
Conflicts are declared first
Any member with a relationship to the applicant declares it and withdraws from the discussion and the decision.
- STEP 03
Scores are tested against the criteria
The Council checks that each score is supported by the published criteria and by evidence actually on file.
- STEP 04
One of four outcomes is recorded
Certified, conditional, deferred or not certified — with written reasoning saved against the application.
- STEP 05
The applicant is notified and the record updated
The decision email is sent, the application timeline is updated with the decision date, and certified workplaces are published.
Outcomes
Four recorded decisions.
Certified
Evidence meets the standard. Certification is issued for one year and published.
Conditional
Evidence largely meets the standard, with named conditions to close in an agreed period.
Deferred
The file is paused pending further evidence or clarification.
Not certified
Evidence does not meet the standard. Reasoning is given and the organisation may reapply.
Timings are indicative. Certification outcomes cannot be purchased, negotiated or sponsored, and no timeline commitment guarantees an outcome.