The ISO’s draft standard for social responsibility

Mr Trummel Redmond of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards sent a detailed Scope of the Standard as it now stands. 

“International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO)/ Committee Draft (CD) 26000 standard – Guidance on Social Responsibility

“Scope of the proposed standard
“Assist organisations in addressing their social responsibilities while respecting cultural, societal, environmental and legal differences and economic development conditions.

“Provide practical guidance to:
•  Operational social responsibility
•  Identifying and engaging with stakeholders, and
• Enhancing credibility of reports and claims made about social responsibility (SR)

“Emphasise performance results
and improvement

•  Promote common terminology
•  Be consistent with existing standards
• Not reduce government’s authority to address the SR of organisations
•  Broaden awareness of SR

“Key characteristics of the standard
•  It addresses a full range of core subjects relating to social and environmental issues aimed at promoting sustainable development
•  An ISO standard providing guidance
•  It is not intended for third-party certification
•  It is being developed to be applied by all types of organisations

“Social responsibility is the responsibility of an organisation for the impacts of its decisions and activities on society and the environment through transparent and ethical behaviour that:
•  Contributes to sustainable development, health and the welfare of society
•  Takes into account the expectations of stakeholders
•  Is in compliance with applicable laws and consistent with international norms of behaviour
•  Is integrated throughout the organisation and practised in its relationships

“Principles of social responsibility
•  Accountability: an organisation should be accountable for its impact on society and the environment.
•  Transparency: an organisation should be transparent in its decisions and activities that impact on others.
•  Ethical behaviour: an organisation should behave ethically at all times.
• Stakeholder: an organisation should respect and consider the interests of its stakeholders.
• Rule of law: an organisation should respect and consider the rule of law.
• International norms: an organisation should respect relevant international norms where these norms are favourable to sustainable development and the welfare of society.
• Human rights: an organisation should recognise both the importance and the universality of human rights.

“Social responsibility core subjects
“There are seven core subjects:

1. Organisational governance
     •   Decision making processes and structures

2. Human rights
    • Due diligence
    • Human rights risk situations
    • Avoidance of complicity
    • Discrimination and vulnerable groups
    • Resolving grievances
    • Civil and political rights
    • Economic, social and cultural rights
    • Fundamental rights at work

3. Labour practices
    • Employment and employment relationships
    • Conditions of work and social production
    • Social dialogue
    • Health and safety at work
    • Human development

4. Environment
    • Prevention of pollution
    • Sustainable resource use
    • Climate change mitigation and adaptation
    • Protection and restoration of the natural environment

5. Fair operating practices
   • Anti-corruption
   • Responsible political involvement
   • Fair competition
   • Promoting social responsibility in the sphere of influence
   • Respect for property rights

6. Consumer issues
   • Fair marketing, information and contractual practices
   • Protecting consumers’ health and security
   • Sustainable consumption
   • Consumer service, support and dispute resolution
   • Consumer data protection and privacy
   • Access to essential goods and services
   • Education and awareness

7. Community involvement
   • Community involvement
   • Social involvement
   • Employment creation
   • Technology development
   • Wealth and income
   • Civil and politics rights
   • Health
   • Responsible investment
“Publication of standard

“On its website, the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has stated a target publication date for the ISO/DIS 26000 standard – Guidance on Social Responsibility as September 30, 2010.

“DIS means Draft International Standard. As at February 15, 2010 the standard was at the 40.60 stage with 40 representing the Enquiry stage and 60 the Close of voting.”