ISO 26000 – Social responsibility

What is ISO 26000?

ISO 26000:2010 provides guidance for businesses and organizations relating to social responsibility. It is aimed at all types of organizations regardless of their activity, size or location. In addition to this standard, organisations that can demonstrate Socially Responsible Practices by adopting ISO 26000, may opt for a Social Performance Assessment to assure themselves and their customers of their consideration towards staff and employees.

Once certified, organisations can proudly promote themselves as certificate holders in any of their promotional materials and can include the URS certification logo free of charge.

Who requires an ISO 26000 certification?

Whilst an ISO 26000 certification is not a requirement for organisations, it provides social responsibility guidance that companies of any size or sector would benefit from gaining.

How can a ISO 26000 certification benefit your business?

Becoming certified for ISO 26000 can bring a wide range of benefits to your organisation, including:

• Improving your brand and reputation


• Engaging with stakeholders


• Mitigating risks

How can you prepare for ISO 26000 Certification?

Although the thought of starting the certification process may seem daunting, there are a variety of steps you can take to make the process to becoming certified far more streamlined:

 

• Familiarise yourself with the ISO 26000 standard


• Conduct a gap analysis to highlight where any improvements can be made


• Engage with stakeholders to address concerns and involve them in the implementation process


• Train staff members on the ISO 26000 principles and their responsibilities

What are the key requirements ISO 26000?

When working towards becoming certified for ISO 26000, there are various areas that will be a focus during the audit. These areas include:

 

• Accountability


• Stakeholder interests


• Transparency


• Ethical behaviour

What clauses make up the structure of ISO 26000?

Clauses 1-2 – Introductory clauses:

The first two clauses of ISO 26000 introduce the scope of the standard and outline the core subjects that feature throughout. To ease understanding, clause 2 provides an extensive list of terms and definitions that are relevant to the standard.

Clause 3 – Understanding social responsibility:

Clause 3 focuses on the social responsibility that organisations have, and uses historical and recent trends to highlight characteristics that would benefit an organisations reputation and brand.

Clause 4 – Principles of social responsibility:

Clause 4 provides seven principles of social responsibility that organisations should base their behaviour on. These principles include, accountability, transparency, stakeholder interests and the rule of law.

Clause 5 - Recognising social responsibility and engaging stakeholders:

Clause 5 addresses two fundamental practices of social responsibility; recognising the social responsibility that an organisation has, and the ability to identify and engage with stakeholders. Both of which are explored in this section through the use of figures and core guidance.

Clause 6 – Guidance on social responsibility core subjects:

Clause 6 defines the scope within which an organisations social responsibility, issues and priorities fall under. This section covers areas such as governance, decision making and human rights.

Clause 7 - Guidance on integrating social responsibility throughout an organisation:

In the final section of this standard, clause 7 focuses its guidance on how an organisation can put its social responsibility into practice. This is done through the use of policies, networks and structures that build upon the process the organisation has already implemented.

How long will your ISO 26000 certificate be valid for?

Your ISO 26000 certificate will be valid for at least three years; dependent on the type of site that is being certified.

Ready to get started? Apply using the quotation link below.