What is ISO 26000?

Organisations and their stakeholders alike are rapidly becoming aware and accountable on their social responsibility.  How an organisation can demonstrate its commitment to the welfare of society and the environment is becoming become a key measure in its overall performance, which reflects the growing recognition that we need to prioritise environmental, social, and governance matters.

In order to assist organisations in making real, verifiable commitment to sustainable development, the international standard ISO 26000 was developed. The standard provides practical guidance related to making social responsibility an integral part operational activities and therefore contribute to a wider sustainable development.

ISO 26000 outlines seven key principles, which it views as the roots of socially responsible behaviour:

• Ethical behaviour.
• Respect for stakeholder interests.
• Respect for the rule of law.
• Respect for international norms of behaviour.
• Respect for human rights.