Key Features of the Germancert-Trustmark Certification:
- Comprehensive Assessment: The certification process involves a thorough evaluation
across several areas crucial for building trust and ensuring brand quality. These include brand
definition, brand management & reputation management, quality management, transparency,
and compliance. Each area has specific criteria and point allocations.
- Points-Based System: A points-based system assesses each area. Minimum points
must be achieved in each category to receive certification. The total score determines whether
certification is granted.
- Key Assessment Areas:
- Brand Definition: Clear brand identity, assets, and values. A
comprehensive understanding of the brand's past, present, and future position is
essential.
- Brand Management & Reputation Management: Clear mission and
vision, employee alignment with brand values, active reputation monitoring, and
documented processes for innovation and customer satisfaction.
- Quality Management: Documented and certified (ISO 9001) quality
management system, consistent quality criteria across all products and locations, and
effective monitoring and improvement systems.
- Transparency: Commitment to quality with public indicators,
communication of health and safety performance, stakeholder engagement, and transparent
annual reports (including non-financial information).
- Compliance: Documented compliance management system, regular
review of relevant laws, regulations, and standards.
- Certification Thresholds: Each category (Brand Definition, Brand Management
& Reputation Management, Quality Management, Transparency, Compliance) has minimum point
requirements that must be met. The total score from all categories determines whether the GC-Trustmark
is awarded.
- Continuous Improvement: The assessment process encourages continuous improvement
within the company, not just a one-time evaluation.
In summary, the GC-Trustmark is a rigorous certification demonstrating a high commitment to
brand definition, quality management, transparency, and legal compliance. It serves to build
trust and enhance the credibility of the certified brand.