ISO 26000 Guideline for social responsibility

Are you looking for guidance on how to start with social responsibility in your business?

Maybe the ISO 26000 guidelines on social responsibility can be helpful.

ISO 26000 is a voluntary international standard that provides guidance on social responsibility. It was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in 2010 to help organizations of all types and sizes operate socially responsibly.

The standard is not a certification or a set of requirements but rather a voluntary guidance document that provides recommendations and best practices for social responsibility. It is designed to be adaptable to each organization’s specific needs and circumstances, regardless of its industry or location.

The image shows an overview of how the standard is structured.

ISO 26000 is based on seven core subjects of social responsibility:

1. Organizational governance
2. Human rights
3. Labor practices
4. The environment
5. Fair operating practices
6. Consumer issues
7. Community involvement and development

Each subject is broken down into specific issues that organizations should consider when developing their social responsibility policies and practices. 

For example, under the subject of human rights, ISO 26000 recommends that organizations respect and support the rights of their employees, customers, and stakeholders and that they work to prevent human rights abuses throughout their operations and supply chains.

ISO 26000 also emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement and communication. The standard recommends that organizations consult with their stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and local communities, to understand their expectations and concerns related to social responsibility. This can help organizations to identify opportunities for improvement and to build trust and credibility with their stakeholders.

Implementing ISO 26000 can benefit organizations, including improved reputation, increased stakeholder satisfaction, and enhanced risk management. It can also help organizations to align their social responsibility practices with international norms and standards, such as the United Nations Global Compact and the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.