International social responsibilty standard announced


1 Nov 2010

National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) has launched the world’s first standard on Social Responsibility in association with together with Geneva-based ISO (International Standards Organisation).

The standard, ISO 26000:2010, Guidance on Social Responsibility, was developed by representatives from more than 80 countries worldwide, including Ireland, and will assist organisations in their efforts to operate in the socially responsible manner that society increasingly demands.

Maurice Buckley, CEO, NSAI, said, “This standard is about helping businesses respond to consumer demands for assurances that they are ‘doing no harm’ when they buy a product or service. Consumers now want and expect businesses to have a positive impact on the world around them if they are to be perceived as responsible.”

Judgment

The new standard comes at a time when businesses are being judged on anything from their e-waste disposal, safety standards to their carbon emissions- with mobile phone giant Nokia coming first in Greenpeace International’s ‘Guide to Greener Electronics’.

The new guide provides organisations of all sizes and types with best practice guidance in social responsibility, taking into account societal, environmental, legal, cultural, political and organisational diversity, as well as differences in economic considerations

“By adopting the ISO 26000 approach and operating in a socially responsible manner, Irish companies can demonstrate to their stakeholders and their consumers the commitment to making real differences in their business practices, thus increasing their competitiveness and building their reputation.”