Frequently Asked Questions

ISO 26000 is an international standard providing guidance on social responsibility. It was developed by ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and published in 2010. It helps organizations understand what social responsibility is, helps them translate principles into effective actions, and shares best practices relating to social responsibility globally.

No. ISO 26000 is a guidance standard, not a certification standard. Unlike ISO 9001 or ISO 14001, it provides recommendations and guidance rather than requirements. It cannot be used for certification purposes. Any organization claiming to be 'ISO 26000 certified' is making a false claim.

ISO 26000 was deliberately designed as a guidance document rather than a certification standard. This was a consensus decision made during its development to ensure it would be applicable to all types of organizations worldwide, regardless of their size, location, or nature. The standard provides flexible guidance that organizations can adapt to their specific context, rather than prescriptive requirements.

ISO 26000 is for all types of organizations in both public and private sectors, in developed and developing countries. It can be used by businesses, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and any other type of organization that wants to operate in a socially responsible manner.

The seven core subjects are: 1) Organizational Governance, 2) Human Rights, 3) Labor Practices, 4) The Environment, 5) Fair Operating Practices, 6) Consumer Issues, and 7) Community Involvement and Development. Each subject includes specific issues that organizations should address.

While CSR typically refers to corporate activities, ISO 26000 applies to all types of organizations, not just corporations. It's more accurately described as 'social responsibility' rather than 'corporate social responsibility.' ISO 26000 provides a comprehensive framework that goes beyond traditional CSR approaches.

No, ISO 26000 is not legally binding. It's a voluntary guidance standard. However, some countries may reference it in legislation or regulations, and organizations may choose to follow it to demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility.

ISO 26000 can complement other management system standards like ISO 9001 (quality) and ISO 14001 (environment). While those standards focus on specific management systems, ISO 26000 provides a broader perspective on an organization's social responsibility across multiple dimensions.