Global standards for social enterprise

Social Enterprise Australia and all the state and territory social enterprise peak bodies endorsed the global standards in 2024.

Social Enterprise Australia endorsed the standards because they are: 

  • Independent: no single organisation sets the standards and verifies social enterprises - they are collectively owned by a global network.

  • Clear: they set the bar on what a social enterprise is, in a way that is visible and easy to understand.

  • Global: the standards cross borders and mean recognition and opportunities within and beyond Australia.

The standards and verification

State and territory peak bodies in Australia use the global standards to verify social enterprises. They are verification review partners for People and Planet First which coordinates verification worldwide.

How to get verified

If you’re a social enterprise but not yet verified - apply for Social Enterprise Australia membership first. The application form includes a link to complete the verification process, and your membership fee covers the cost.

The verification process

People and Planet First uses the Good Market digital commons to keep costs low and maximize benefits to applicants. The verification process has three steps.

Step 1: Application form

Create an account and free online profile on Good Market.

Step 2: Verification fee

Pay the verification fee ($85 USD/$130 AUD) - waived if you apply for Social Enterprise Australia membership.

Step 3: Verification form

Provide an explanation and evidence for each of the five standards. 

There’s growing demand for businesses that put people and planet first. But it can be hard to tell the real thing from marketing hype. 

To help change this, People and Planet First global verification sets five clear and robust minimum standards for social enterprise. 

No greenwashing. No social washing. Just businesses that put people and planet first. 

The global standards outline that social enterprises do five things:

  • Exist to solve a social or environmental problem

  • Prioritise purpose, people, and planet over profit in operational decisions 

  • Have a self-sustaining revenue model

  • Reinvest the majority of any surplus towards their purpose

  • Choose legal structures and financing that protect and lock-in purpose long term.