ISO26000

ISO 26000 is an international standard that provides guidance on social responsibility. It was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to help organizations understand and address their social and ethical responsibilities in a consistent and credible manner.

ISO 26000 covers a wide range of social responsibility issues, including organizational governance, human rights, labor practices, environmental sustainability, fair operating practices, consumer issues, community involvement, and stakeholder engagement. It emphasizes the importance of integrating social responsibility into the organization's overall strategy, operations, and decision-making processes.

The standard provides guidance rather than certification, meaning that organizations cannot be certified as ISO 26000 compliant. Instead, it serves as a framework to assist organizations in identifying and addressing their social responsibility impacts and challenges. It is designed to be applicable to organizations of all types, sizes, and sectors, including businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.

ISO 26000 encourages organizations to take a proactive approach to social responsibility by engaging with stakeholders, assessing their social impacts, and implementing policies and practices that contribute to sustainable development and the well-being of society. It promotes transparency, ethical behavior, and respect for the interests of various stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, communities, and the environment.

While ISO 26000 is not a mandatory standard, organizations can use it as a guide to improve their social responsibility performance and enhance their reputation and credibility. It helps organizations align their practices with internationally recognized principles and expectations related to social responsibility.

ISO 26000 was first published in 2010 and has become widely adopted and referenced by organizations around the world. It is recognized as a valuable tool for promoting sustainable and responsible business practices and contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).