What It Is

ISO 26000:2010 is a non-certifiable international guidance standard providing a framework for social responsibility (SR). Applicable to all organizations regardless of size, sector, or location, it defines SR as responsibility for impacts on society and environment through transparent, ethical behavior aligned with stakeholder expectations, law, and international norms. Its holistic, principles-based approach emphasizes context-specific application over rigid requirements.

Key Components

• **Seven 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.
• Built on multi-stakeholder consensus; no auditable requirements or certification model—uses self-assessment, reporting, and stakeholder validation.

Why Organizations Use It

Enhances sustainability commitment, risk management, and stakeholder trust without certification burdens. Drives operational resilience, ESG alignment (SDGs, GRI, OECD), competitive differentiation, and credibility in reporting. Mitigates legal/reputational risks amid rising due diligence norms.

Implementation Overview

Phased approach: materiality assessment, stakeholder engagement, policy integration into management systems (e.g., ISO 14001), training, supplier due diligence, transparent reporting via ISO Communication Protocol. Suited for all organizations; 12-18 months typical for full embedding.

What It Is

ISO 30301:2019 is an international standard specifying requirements for a Management System for Records (MSR). It provides a certifiable framework to establish, implement, maintain, and improve records management, ensuring authoritative evidence of business activities. Applicable to any organization, it uses a risk-based, High-Level Structure (HLS) approach across Clauses 4–10.

Key Components

• **HLS clauses (4–10)Context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
• **Clause 8 and Annex A (normative)Records lifecycle controls (creation, capture, access, retention, disposition).
• Built on ISO 15489 principles (authenticity, reliability, usability).
• Flexible conformity: self-declaration, external confirmation, or third-party certification.

Why Organizations Use It

• Enhances compliance, auditability, and transparency.
• Mitigates records risks (loss, alteration, noncompliance).
• Improves efficiency and integrates with ISO 9001/27001.
• Builds stakeholder trust via governance and performance measurement.

Implementation Overview

Phased approach: gap analysis, policy design, operational controls, audits. Suited for all sizes/industries; certification optional via accredited bodies. (178 words)