ISO 26000 Certification: Promoting Social Responsibility and Sustainability ISO 26000 Certification promotes social responsibility and sustainability. It aims to create a healthy ecosystem that focuses on growth in a sustainable manner. It is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). What is ISO 26000? Every organization has some responsibility toward society, and there are factors to measure the organization’s performance. A corporate responsibility outlines the strategy for sustainable development using ethical business practices and engaging stakeholders. ISO 26000:2010 is a stepping stone for public and private sector organizations to operate in a socially responsible manner. It provides a basic understanding of the international standard that creates better societal, environmental, cultural, political, legal, and organizational diversity. Understanding ISO 26000: A Comprehensive Overview of Social Responsibility and Sustainability Development at the cost of the environment will negatively impact the overall health of the world’s ecosystem. ISO 26000 standards are subject to greater scrutiny by related stakeholders, customers, employees, and investors. ISO 26000:2010 Certification offers a set of right things and practices for an organization to ensure an equitable society, a healthy ecosystem, and good organizational governance. It provides a suitable direction for organizations to enhance their overall performance. Growth at the cost of harming the environment and ecosystem will not reap the desired outcomes in the long run. Organizations go for ISO 26000 certification to demonstrate their commitment to social welfare and the environment. The Importance of ISO 26000 Certification ISO 26000:2010 certification outlines the requirements for social responsibility and sustainable development. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) developed the guidelines of the standard to achieve desired outcomes. Implementing ISO 26000:2010 standards can help organizations to unfold new opportunities while ensuring social welfare. It offers the following benefits: Provides a competitive advantage  ISO 26000 certification standards offer a set of ethical and socially responsible practices for organizations. It helps organizations sustainably expand their business. It distinguishes your company from competitors. Better reputation  Transparency and accountability are two building blocks that demonstrate an organization’s responsible behavior. Acquiring an ISO 26000 certification creates a better image of your organization. Organizations can easily incorporate the standard into brand building. Builds long-term relationships with the stakeholders  It improves the relationship between the organization and its related stakeholders, including clients, customers, and partners. ISO 26000 standards demonstrate your commitment to a healthy ecosystem and ability to operate in a socially responsible manner. Assists organizations in avoiding regulatory fines and penalties  ISO 26000 certification Promoting social responsibility and sustainable development. It is a voluntary standard though adhering to it can help organizations avoid regulatory fines and penalties. The certification maintains compliance with all the laws, standards, and regulations related to ethical and safe business practices. Who should use ISO 26000? ISO 26000 certification is not an official certification; instead, it is a voluntary initiative. Organizations with an ISO 26000 certification demonstrate their commitment to creating a healthy ecosystem and sustainable development. ISO 26000:2010 certification offers certifiable tools for organizations and helps them create a healthy ecosystem. It applies to all organizations, including public, private, and non-profit organizations, regardless of their size. The following organizations can apply for ISO 26000 certifications: Small and medium-sized enterprises Foundations, charities, and NGOs Large multinational corporations Consultancies Extractive industries, such as mining and fossil fuel companies The public sector organizations Municipal Governments Service and financial industries Farmers and agribusiness Our ISO 26000 Certification Process The objective of ISO 26000 standards is to promote sustainable development while demonstrating its commitment to social responsibility. Annex A of the standard contains a list of examples explaining how organizations can voluntarily implement certifiable tools (ISO and non-ISO). ISO 26000:2010 certification process is as follows:- Stage One (documentation review) – In the first stage, the auditors from the certification body verify the documents required for ISO 26000 certification. Stage Two (main audit) –In this stage, certification bodies measure the compliance of your organization with the requirements of ISO 26000 certification. Core subjects OF ISO 26000 Certification: Social Responsibility ISO 26000:2010 certification provides a holistic approach for an organization to enhance its operations. It helps organizations identify issues defying the core objective of social responsibility. It defines the seven core subjects to make more responsible decisions and adopt ethical business practices. These seven core subjects are: Organizational Governance (Subclause 6.2) Human Rights (Subclause 6.3) 6.3.3 Due diligence 6.3.4 Human rights risk situations 6.3.5 Avoidance of Complicity 6.3.6 Resolving grievances 6.3.7 Discrimination and vulnerable groups 6.3.8 Civil and political rights 6.3.9 Economic, social, and cultural rights 6.3.10 Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work Labor Practices (Subclause 6.4)  6.4.3 Employment and employment relationships 6.4.4 Conditions of Work and Social Protection 6.4.5 Social Dialogue 6.4.6 Health and Safety at Work 6.4.7 Human Development and Training in the Workplace Environment (Subclause 6.5) 6.5.3 Prevention of pollution 6.5.4 Sustainable resource use 6.5.5 Climate change mitigation and Adaptation 6.5.6 Protection of the environment, biodiversity, and restoration of natural habitats Fair Operating Practices (Subclause 6.6) 6.6.3 Anti-corruption 6.6.4 Responsible political involvement 6.6.5 Fair competition 6.6.6 Promoting social responsibility in the value chain 6.6.7 Respect for property rights Consumer Issues (Subclause 6.7) 6.7.3 Fair marketing, factual and unbiased information, and fair contractual practices 6.7.4 Protecting Consumers’ Health and Safety 6.7.5 Sustainable consumption 6.7.6 Consumer service, support, and complaint and dispute resolution 6.7.7 Consumer data protection and Privacy 6.7.8 Access to essential services 6.7.9 Education and Awareness Community Involvement and Development (Subclause 6.8) 6.8.3 Community involvement 6.8.4 Education and Culture 6.8.5 Employment Creation and skills development 6.8.6 Technology Development and Access 6.8.7 Wealth and income creation 6.8.8 Health 6.8.9 Social investment ISO 26000 Certification Principles: Customer focus – aiming to improve for the betterment of the interested parties and customers, this will help one sustain customers, increase customer base, and make sure to communicate their needs and expectations by monitoring throughout the organization Leadership – to achieve quality objectives leaders need to establish unity of purpose which is by aligning their strategy, policies, procedure, and resources this will lead to better coordination of the organization’s processes … Continue reading ISO 26000 certification