ISO 31000
International guidelines for enterprise risk management
ISO 26000
International guidance standard for social responsibility.
Quick Verdict
ISO 31000 provides risk management guidelines for all organizations to handle uncertainty on objectives, while ISO 26000 offers social responsibility guidance across seven core subjects. Both non-certifiable, companies adopt them for better decisions, resilience, and stakeholder trust.
ISO 31000
ISO 31000:2018 Risk management — Guidelines
Key Features
- Defines risk as effect of uncertainty on objectives
- Eight principles: integrated, customized, dynamic, inclusive
- Framework embeds risk in governance and operations
- Iterative six-step risk management process
- Non-certifiable guidelines for any organization
ISO 26000
ISO 26000:2010 Guidance on social responsibility
Key Features
- Non-certifiable guidance avoiding compliance burdens
- Seven principles underpinning all SR decisions
- Seven core subjects for holistic impact coverage
- Stakeholder engagement for contextual prioritization
- Integration into existing management systems
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ISO 31000 Details
What It Is
ISO 31000:2018, Risk management — Guidelines is an international standard offering principles-based guidance for enterprise-wide risk management. Its primary purpose is to help organizations systematically manage uncertainty affecting objectives, applicable to any size, sector, or risk type. The risk-based approach emphasizes creating and protecting value through iterative practices.
Key Components
- **Three pillars8 principles (integrated, structured, customized, inclusive, dynamic, best information, human factors, continual improvement); framework (leadership, integration, design, implementation, evaluation, improvement); process (communication/consultation, scope/context/criteria, risk assessment, treatment, monitoring/review, recording/reporting).
- No prescriptive controls or requirements.
- Aligned with PDCA cycle.
- Non-certifiable guidelines only.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances decision-making, resilience, and value creation.
- Builds stakeholder trust and governance strength.
- Voluntary best practice; supports regulatory alignment indirectly.
- Provides competitive advantage via risk-informed strategy.
Implementation Overview
- Phased roadmap: leadership commitment, gap analysis, pilot process, integration, monitoring.
- Key activities: policy development, risk criteria, training, tools like registers/dashboards.
- Universal applicability; internal audits for assurance, no external certification.
ISO 26000 Details
What It Is
ISO 26000:2010 is an international guidance standard on social responsibility (SR), providing a voluntary framework for organizations to address societal and environmental impacts. It applies universally across all organization types, sizes, and locations, using a holistic, principles-based approach emphasizing context-specific prioritization through stakeholder engagement.
Key Components
- Seven **core subjectsorganizational governance, human rights, labor practices, environment, fair operating practices, consumer issues, community involvement.
- Seven **principlesaccountability, transparency, ethical behavior, respect for stakeholder interests, rule of law, international norms, human rights.
- No certifiable requirements; focuses on integration rather than audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances sustainability commitment, risk management, and stakeholder trust.
- Aligns with SDGs, OECD, GRI for credibility without certification burdens.
- Drives resilience, efficiency, talent retention, and market access.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: assess materiality, engage stakeholders, integrate into governance/operations.
- Cross-functional teams, training, reporting via ISO tools.
- Suitable for all sectors; no certification, self-assessed progress.
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 31000 | ISO 26000 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Enterprise risk management principles, framework, process | Social responsibility principles, seven core subjects |
| Industry | All organizations, any sector, size | All organizations, any sector, size |
| Nature | Voluntary guidelines, non-certifiable | Voluntary guidance, explicitly non-certifiable |
| Testing | Internal audits, monitoring, reviews | Self-assessment, stakeholder engagement |
| Penalties | No legal penalties, internal consequences | No legal penalties, reputational risks |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 31000 and ISO 26000
ISO 31000 FAQ
ISO 26000 FAQ
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