Stage 1: Negotiation and signing of a certification agreement. Appointment of a certification consultant.

Stage 2: Self-assessment of the company based on the “Compliance Questionnaire” for obtaining the certificate. Deadline – up to 2 weeks.

Stage 3: Audit and review of the activities under the questionnaire by the consultant together with company employee(s). Deadline – up to 2 weeks.

Stage 4: Preparation of a report with an assessment and recommendations for awarding the certificate by the consultant. Deadline – up to 2 weeks.

Stage 5: Final decision by the Independent Certification Committee of the National Network for Children and awarding of the “Child-Friendly Company” certificate.

Stage 6: Implementation of the recommendations and monitoring of activities by the company. Implementation of joint activities.

Stage 7: Negotiation for extension of the certificate validity period.

This Audit Handbook for obtaining the “Child Friendly Company” Certificate is intended for companies and consultants working on the certification process. The Handbook aims to establish a unified understanding of the standards and the assessment approach, ensuring that children’s rights are safeguarded by companies. It is the key document guiding both companies and certification consultants, in order to provide the most accurate assessment of the company and to identify the areas where the company needs to focus so as to integrate children’s rights into its work to the greatest extent possible.

The certification approach is primarily designed to provide guidance and support to companies, so that their efforts in the field of children’s rights are fully recognised and developed. In this sense, the certification process is more of a consultation and support mechanism rather than a traditional audit, as what matters most is not simply whether the “Child Friendly Company” Certificate is awarded, but that companies receive meaningful support in understanding and improving the impact of their business on children in Bulgaria.