Definition
The ISO 26000: Guidance on Social Responsibility is the internationally recognized and supported standard for social responsibility, published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
The ISO 26000 provides guidance to those who recognize that respect for society and environment is a critical success factor. As well as being the “right thing” to do, application of ISO 26000 is increasingly viewed as a way of assessing an organization’s commitment to sustainability and its overall performance.
For businesses and organizations committed to operating in a socially responsible way, there’s ISO 26000.
What is ISO 26000?
ISO 26000 is a voluntary international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that provides guidance on social responsibility. It was published in 2010 and aims to help organizations, both public and private, to understand their social responsibility and develop strategies to effectively address the social, environmental, and ethical issues related to their operations.
The standard defines social responsibility as: “the responsibility of an organization for the impacts of its decisions and activities on society and the environment through transparent and ethical behavior” that:
- Contributes to sustainable development, including the health and welfare of society
- Takes into account the expectations of stakeholders
- Complies with applicable law and is consistent with international norms of behavior
- Is integrated throughout the organization and practiced in its relationships.
ISO 26000 provides a comprehensive framework for organizations to assess and manage their social responsibility, taking into account their impact on society and the environment. It covers seven core subjects of social responsibility, including organizational governance, human rights, labor practices, the environment, fair operating practices, consumer issues, and community involvement and development.
While ISO 26000 is not a certification standard and is not intended for certification purposes, it provides a valuable tool for organizations to demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility and to build trust with stakeholders.
Who uses ISO 26000?
ISO 26000 can be used by a wide range of organizations, including businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), governments, and other types of organizations, regardless of their size, sector, or location. It is designed to be applicable to all types of organizations, whether they are located in developed or developing countries, and whether they are large or small.
ISO 26000 is particularly relevant for organizations that seek to integrate social responsibility into their overall business strategy and operations. It is also useful for organizations that want to build stronger relationships with their stakeholders, including customers, employees, suppliers, communities, and governments.
In addition, ISO 26000 is used by organizations that want to demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility through their reporting and communication activities, such as sustainability reports, annual reports, and other types of disclosures. Many organizations also use ISO 26000 as a reference when developing their own social responsibility policies, programs, and initiatives.
