What It Is

ISO 26000:2010 is a non-certifiable international guidance standard providing a framework for social responsibility (SR). Its primary purpose is to help organizations of all types, sizes, and locations integrate SR into operations through transparent, ethical behavior contributing to sustainable development. It uses a holistic, stakeholder-engaged, context-based approach rather than prescriptive requirements.

Key Components

• Seven **core principlesaccountability, transparency, ethical behavior, respect for stakeholder interests, rule of law, international norms, human rights.
• Seven **core subjectsorganizational governance, human rights, labor practices, environment, fair operating practices, consumer issues, community involvement.
• No fixed controls; focuses on integration and prioritization.
• Explicitly rejects certification, emphasizing self-assessment and transparent reporting.

Why Organizations Use It

Enhances credibility, risk management, and stakeholder trust without certification burdens. Aligns with SDGs, OECD, GRI for ESG reporting. Drives resilience, efficiency, talent retention, and market access amid rising regulatory pressures like EU CSRD.

Implementation Overview

Phased approach: materiality assessment, stakeholder engagement, policy integration into management systems (e.g., ISO 14001), training, supplier due diligence, KPI monitoring. Applicable universally; no audits required, but third-party assurance recommended for credibility.

What It Is

The Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) is Australia's principal federal privacy regulation, establishing a principles-based framework for handling personal information by government agencies and eligible private sector organizations. Its primary purpose is to protect individual privacy while enabling information flows, using a risk-based 'reasonable steps' approach across the data lifecycle.

Key Components

• 13 Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) covering collection, use, disclosure, security, and rights.
• Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme for mandatory reporting.
• APP 11 security and APP 8 cross-border accountability.
• Enforced by OAIC via investigations, audits, and penalties up to AUD 50M.

Why Organizations Use It

• Mandatory for entities over $3M turnover or handling sensitive data.
• Mitigates regulatory fines, reputational damage, and breach costs.
• Builds trust, enables compliant data use, and supports risk management.

Implementation Overview

Phased approach: gap analysis, policy design, controls deployment, training, and audits. Applies economy-wide, scalable by size; no formal certification but OAIC assessments required. (178 words)