EFI

About Association & Small Business Recognition

EFI Association & Small Business Ethics & Ethicality Recognition recognises organisations that demonstrate a sustained commitment to ethics and ethicality through their governance, learning, accountability and contribution to the wider professional community.

Recognition reflects evidence gathered over a three-year recognition period and is independently reviewed by the EFI Recognition Council.

Why Professional Ethical & Ethicality Recognition Matters

Recognition demonstrates that ethics is not simply stated within an organisation; it is embedded in leadership, culture, decision-making and professional practice.

It provides visible assurance to members, clients, learners and stakeholders that ethicality is actively cultivated and evidenced over time.

Recognition Framework

1. Core Ethical Infrastructure

Ethics embedded in governance, leadership and organisational practice.

2. Ethics Training & Learning

Demphasis on continuing ethics learning and development across the organisation.

3. Safeguards & Accountability

Transparent processes for raising concerns, responding appropriately and learning from ethical challenges.

4. Community Contribution & Ethical Dialogue

Active contribution to ethics dialogue, learning and the wider professional community.

Benefits of Recognition

Successful applicants receive:

• EFI Association & Small Business Ethics & Ethicality Recognition.
• EFI Recognition Certificate.
• Personalised Digital Recognition Badge.
• Public listing in the EFI Recognition Directory.
• Recognition for a three-year period.
• Communications materials supporting public announcement of recognition.

Example of the official EFI Small Business Recognition Digital Badge 

Example of the official EFI Assocation Recognition Digital Badge 

Eligibility

Suitable for:

• Professional associations
• Professional networks
• Independent education and training providers
• Professional practices
• Independent small businesses

Not sure?

Contact EFI before applying.

The Recognition Process

Stage 1 – Application Review

Independent review by the EFI Recognition Council.Approved applicants are notified by email following each review period.

Independent review by the EFI Recognition Council.Approved applicants are notified by email following each review period.

• Complete the application.
• Submit evidence across all five application sections.
• Pay the €400 Application Review Fee.

Stage 2 – Recognition

Listed in the EFI Recognition Directory.

• Application approved.
• Pay the €200 Recognition & Directory Fee.
• Complete your Directory profile.
• Receive certificate.
• Receive digital badge.

Fees & Renewal

Associations & Small Business Recognition

EFI Association & Small Business Ethics & Ethicality Recognition is €600 for a three-year recognition period.

Payment Structure

Application Review Fee: €400 (non-refundable and payable on submission).

Recognition & Directory Fee: €200 (payable only following successful recognition).

Eligible EFI Members receive a preferential Recognition & Directory Fee in accordance with current membership benefits.

Renewal

Recognition is awarded for a three-year recognition period.

Recognised organisations are expected to notify EFI of any material organisational changes during the recognition period that may affect the basis upon which recognition was granted.

Renewal requires an updated EFI Association & Small Business Recognition Evidence Records Workbookdemonstrating current evidence across all four Recognition Pillars, together with a brief organisational reflection describing significant developments during the recognition period.

Recognition Status

Use of the EFI Recognition Certificate, Digital Recognition Badge and recognition designation is permitted only while recognition remains current and the organisation is listed in the EFI Recognition Directory.

Continued or unauthorised use of the EFI Recognition Certificate, Digital Recognition Badge, recognition designation, EFI Recognition Directory listing, or any other representation of EFI Recognition after recognition has expired, been withdrawn or otherwise ceased constitutes misuse of EFI Recognition.

EFI may require the immediate removal of all such representations. Failure to comply, or deliberate or repeated misuse, may result in EFI refusing or delaying any future application for recognition.

Membership & Access

EFI Recognition is open to both members and non-members.

EFI members receive preferential application rates as part of their membership benefits.

If you are not an EFI member, you are still welcome to apply; you will need to create a free EFI account before beginning your application.