ISO 26000 Guidelines for Social Responsibility

ISO 26000 Guidelines for Social Responsibility

Social responsibility is an ethical theory that motivates organizations to work in a balanced way. It suggests that an organization should focus on development, but at the same time, it should act responsibly for society. Profit generation is significant for an organization, but its actions should positively affect society and the world.

What is ISO 26000 Certification?

ISO 26000 is an internationally accredited standard for Social Responsibility. It is not a management standard but guides the organization on social responsibility. The ISO 26000 standard supports and promotes Sustainable development, as it motivates the organizations to consider the impacts of their operations on the wider social issues and environment.

ISO 26000 is an international standard to help organizations effectively assess and address social responsibilities that are relevant and significant to their mission and vision, operations and processes, customers, employees, communities and other stakeholders and environmental impact. It also includes very small organizations, also known as Micro organizations.

ISO 26000 standards work on seven principles. These are:

Principle 1: Accountability

Principle 2: Transparency

Principle 3: Ethical behaviour

Principle 4: Respect for stakeholder interests

Principle 5: Respect for the rule of law

Principle 6: Respect for international norms of behaviour

Principle 7: Respect for human rights

Benefits of the ISO 26000 Certification

It demonstrates that your organization is concerned about social issues and the environment and builds customer’s trust and confidence in your goods and services.

 

ISO 26000 standards can benefit an organization in the following ways:

 

Secures a good impression and a better reputation in the market. 

 

Offers a competitive edge and access to the global market

 

Complies with all the local, national and international laws and regulations and existing ISO standards that promote responsible business operations. 

 

ISO 26000 standards help organizations to implement effective tools to address social responsibility.

 

An ISO 26000 standard demonstrates your organization’s commitment to the environment and society. It considers environmental, legal, political and organizational diversity. 

 

Leverages your organization and improves the relationship with organizations, governments and communities where it operates. 

Guidelines for Social Responsibility

Guidance on social responsibility is an international guideline on social responsibility. These guidelines were developed by International Organization for Standardization. The guidance for Social Responsibility contains seven core subjects. These are:

1. Organizational Governance

The first step in any organization is to define its scope and objectives. An organization also determines the impact of its actions on society and the environment. Organizational Governance includes all the formal and informal mechanisms and structures and integrates seven principles of Social Responsibility into decision-making. 

2. Human Rights

United Nations states- “Human Rights are rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion or any other status.”

Human Rights are classified into two broad categories civil and political rights. ISO 26000 standards do not support any practice and activity that risk human rights.

3. Labour Practices

Organizations are the major source of jobs in society, and an ISO 26000 standard encompasses all the policies and practices, including recruitment, promotion, transfer and termination. ISO 26000 standards provide training to develop required skills and adopt worker-friendly procedures and practices.  

4. Environmental Responsibility

The environment provides us with resources and makes our life better. Environment protection is at the core of the ISO 26000 standard.

The global population and consumption are increasing, causing serious social and environmental threats. ISO 26000 standards align with the Sustainable Development Goals and create a balance between development and the environment.

5. Fair Operating Practices

It examines an organization’s relationship with other organizations, including relationships with government agencies, as well as relationships with their partners, contractors, suppliers and others to promote positive impacts. It requires an organization to follow fair and just practices and procedures and encourages social responsibility in the value chain.

6. Consumer Issues

The consumer is the god as all the activities in the organizations are consumer-oriented and meet customer’s needs and requirements. Apart from other responsibilities, it is equally important to communicate the right information and fair marketing practices.

An organization should provide excellent consumer support, service and grievance redressal forum and promote sustainable development.

7. Community Involvement and Development

Community Involvement and Development

Community involvement and community development are the two most initiatives taken by any private and public organization. Organizations are also a citizen of their community, and an organization must be a good citizen.

Cost of ISO 26000 certification

The cost of ISO 26000 Certification varies from organization to organization. ISO 26000 standards apply to any organization, large and small, irrespective of the size, nature and location.

The cost of an ISO 26000 Certification depends on many factors, such as:

a. Size of your organization,

b. The number of employees in your organization,

c. Location of your organization,

d. The number of branches your organization has and many others.

The cost of ISO 26000 certifications also depends on the Certification body you choose.

ISO 26000 certification in India

SIS Certifications is the leading ISO Certification body in India. SIS Certifications have trusted clients in over 30 countries and operational offices in over 10 countries. It is a trusted certification body accredited by IAS, IAF and IAOS.

SIS Certifications is a dedicated team of auditors and technical experts committed to helping you manage risks and access the global market.

Conclusion

The ISO 26000 certification is an internationally accredited standard for Social responsibility. It provides a framework for developing tools and practices to address and assess social responsibilities. It is a holistic standard which guides organizations to consider their social and environmental impacts. It promotes the use of fair and just practices and aligns organizational objectives with ISO 26000 standards. It works on seven principles and promotes equitable growth.