What is ISO 26000?
ISO 26000 guides organizations on the fundamentals and concepts of social responsibility. The guidelines describe the characteristics, trends, and social responsibility background globally. The standard covers:
- Key principles and practices associated with social responsibility
- The core subjects and issues related to social responsibility
- Guidance on how to integrate social responsibility within organizations
- How to implement and promote social responsibility behaviors within the organizations and its sphere of influence
- How to engage with stakeholders on social responsibility issues
- Managing internal and external communication related to social responsibility
ISO 26000 is a standard that is designed to be inclusive, making it accessible and applicable to any organization, regardless of its size, scope, or field of business, whether public or private. It provides a framework for integrating and implementing social responsibility based on accepted international best practices, ensuring that every organization, big or small, is empowered to embark on the journey towards social responsibility.
ISO 26000 was developed to help organizations contribute to sustainable development and achieve corporate social responsibility frameworks beyond legal and regulatory compliance. The standard references and is aligned with many international social responsibility and sustainability benchmarks. ISO 26000 draws attention to three key areas of social responsibility: economic, environmental, and social development.
Achieving ISO 26000 attestation for your social responsibility framework will help your organization:
- Promote your leadership in the field of corporate social responsibility.
- Design and implement policies, objectives, and programs for your contributions towards sustainable development.
- Gain competitive advantage and supplier preference status with reputable and like-minded organizations.
- Implement a framework to manage and monitor your performance and results related to social responsibility and sustainability.
- Develop a governance framework for social responsibility initiatives based on international best practices and criteria.
- Implementing ISO 26000 can help your organization make a significant difference, not just within your communities but also throughout your supply chain. This emphasis on the broader impact of your social responsibility initiatives can inspire a sense of responsibility and the potential for positive change, motivating you to take action and make a real difference
