ISO 26000 - Social Responsibility

ISO 26000 provides guidance on businesses implementing corporate social responsibility.

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What is it?

ISO 26000 is an international standard that provides guidance on social responsibility. It was published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in November 2010. Unlike other ISO standards, ISO 26000 is not intended for certification but rather serves as a framework for organizations to integrate social responsibility into their practices.

The standard covers various aspects of social responsibility, including:

  1. Accountability: Organizations should be accountable for their impacts on society and the environment.
  2. Transparency: Organizations should operate in an open manner, providing information relevant to their stakeholders.
  3. Ethical Behavior: Ethical conduct is essential for organizations to build trust and demonstrate respect for stakeholders.
  4. Stakeholder Engagement: Organizations are encouraged to identify and engage with their stakeholders, understanding their needs and concerns.
  5. Respect for the Rule of Law: Compliance with applicable laws and regulations is fundamental to responsible conduct.
  6. Human Rights: Organizations should recognize and respect human rights in their operations and supply chains.
  7. Labor Practices: This includes fair labor practices, workplace safety, and the promotion of equal opportunities for all employees.
  8. The Environment: Organizations are encouraged to minimize their environmental impact and promote sustainability.
  9. Fair Operating Practices: This involves fair competition, anti-corruption measures, and responsible marketing practices.
  10. Consumer Issues: Organizations should consider the rights and needs of consumers in their products and services.
  11. Community Involvement and Development: This emphasizes the role of organizations in contributing to the social and economic development of their communities.

Overall, ISO 26000 is designed to help organizations operate in a socially responsible manner and to contribute positively to sustainable development.

Who is it for?

ISO 26000 is an international standard that provides guidance on social responsibility. It is designed for organizations of all types and sizes, including businesses, governmental institutions, non-profits, and other entities. The standard aims to help these organizations understand and implement social responsibility principles, enabling them to contribute to sustainable development.

ISO 26000 addresses various stakeholders such as:

  • Organizations: It provides a framework for integrating social responsibility into an organization's strategy and operations.
  • Employees: It encourages organizations to promote fair labor practices and to foster a positive work environment.
  • Customers: It emphasizes the importance of ethical consumerism and product safety.
  • Suppliers: It promotes sustainable purchasing practices and responsible supply chains.
  • Local Communities: It encourages organizations to engage with and contribute positively to their communities.
  • Investors: It addresses the growing interest in socially responsible investing.
  • Regulators: It serves as a reference point for developing public policies and regulations related to corporate social responsibility.

Overall, ISO 26000 is intended for any organization looking to improve its social responsibility practices, enhance its reputation, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

When was it introduced?

ISO 26000, the Standard for Social Responsibility, was first published in November 2010. It provides guidance on how businesses and organizations can operate in a socially responsible manner.

Unlike other standards, ISO 26000 has not been subject to formal revisions or updates since its initial release. This is because it's not a certifiable standard but a guidance document, which serves as an information resource for organizations.

However, to ensure its relevance and effectiveness in the evolving landscape of social responsibility practices, ISO 26000 undergoes periodic reviews. The next review is scheduled for 2023, but updates or changes might not be published immediately.

For the most recent information on ISO 26000, it is recommended to consult the ISO's official website or relevant standards organizations.

Why is it important?

ISO 26000 is an important framework for organizations that want to operate in a socially responsible manner. It provides guidance on how to assess and address social responsibility in their operations, with the aim of promoting sustainable development and enhancing the well-being of the community, environment, and stakeholders. Here are some key reasons why ISO 26000 is important:

  • Holistic Approach: ISO 26000 offers a comprehensive understanding of social responsibility, covering areas such as human rights, labor practices, the environment, fair operating practices, consumer issues, and community involvement.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: The standard emphasizes the importance of engaging with stakeholders, which helps organizations understand and respond to the needs and expectations of those affected by their operations.
  • Reputation Management: Adopting ISO 26000 can enhance an organization's reputation by demonstrating its commitment to ethical behavior and social responsibility, which can lead to increased trust and loyalty among customers, employees, and partners.
  • Risk Management: By following the principles of ISO 26000, organizations can better identify and manage social, environmental, and ethical risks, leading to more sustainable and resilient business practices.
  • Alignment with Global Goals: ISO 26000 aligns with global initiatives such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), helping organizations contribute to addressing social and environmental challenges at a broader level.
  • Guidance for Implementation: The standard provides practical guidance on how to implement social responsibility principles within an organization, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes and sectors.
  • Competitive Advantage: Companies that embrace social responsibility can differentiate themselves in the marketplace, potentially leading to improved business performance and competitive advantage.

Overall, ISO 26000 serves as a valuable tool for organizations seeking to integrate social responsibility into their strategies and operations, fostering positive impacts on society and the environment.

What do organisations need to do?

ISO 26000 provides guidance on social responsibility for organisations to operate in a socially responsible and ethical manner. Although ISO 26000 is not a certification, organisations can align with its principles by following these key steps:

Understand and Integrate Social Responsibility

Organisations must understand the core subjects of ISO 26000, which include human rights, labour practices, the environment, fair operating practices, consumer issues, and community involvement. They should integrate social responsibility into their values and operations.

Engage Stakeholders

ISO 26000 encourages organisations to identify and engage with their stakeholders�employees, customers, suppliers, and communities�understanding their expectations and addressing their concerns in a transparent and inclusive way.

Assess and Address Social Responsibility Impacts

Organisations should assess the social, environmental, and economic impacts of their operations and implement practices to minimise negative effects. This includes adopting sustainable practices, respecting human rights, and promoting ethical behaviour.

Establish Accountability and Transparency

To comply with ISO 26000, organisations must demonstrate accountability and transparency in their decisions and actions, including communicating their social responsibility performance and ensuring ethical governance across their operations.

Continual Improvement

Organisations should strive for continuous improvement in their social responsibility practices, regularly reviewing and updating their policies and actions to align with evolving societal expectations and international standards.

What are the benefits?

ISO 26000 is an international standard that provides guidelines for social responsibility (SR), applicable to all types of organizations. Here are several key benefits of implementing ISO 26000:

Enhanced Reputation and Brand Trust

Adopting ISO 26000 demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility, which can improve the reputation of an organization and increase trust among customers, employees, and stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement

The standard encourages organizations to engage with various stakeholders, which can lead to better relationships and a deeper understanding of their needs and expectations.

Risk Management

By addressing issues related to social responsibility, organizations can identify and mitigate risks associated with social, environmental, and governance challenges.

Competitive Advantage

Organizations that implement ISO 26000 can differentiate themselves in the marketplace, responding to the growing consumer demand for socially responsible practices.

Improved Employee Engagement and Morale

A commitment to social responsibility can enhance employee satisfaction and loyalty, as staff members prefer to work for organizations that align with their values.

Sustained Economic Performance

Responsible practices can lead to more sustainable economic performance through cost savings (e.g., reducing waste) and improved operational efficiency.

Compliance and Legal Benefits

Aligning with ISO 26000 can help organizations stay compliant with laws and regulations related to social and environmental responsibility, reducing the risk of legal penalties.

Framework for Continuous Improvement

ISO 26000 provides a framework for organizations to assess and enhance their social responsibility practices continuously.

Global Applicability

Being an internationally recognized standard, ISO 26000 offers a comprehensive approach that can be adapted to various cultural and regulatory environments, making it suitable for organizations operating globally.

Contribution to Sustainable Development

By adhering to the principles of social responsibility, organizations can contribute positively to societal goals and sustainable development, enhancing their overall impact on the community and environment.

Implementing ISO 26000 can help organizations not only meet stakeholder expectations but also foster a culture of ethical behavior and sustainable practices.

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Here’s what our customers say

Hear how our vetted sustainability consultants have driven meaningful change for our clients

Good communication, flexible schedule and delivered exactly what was agreed and on time. Would work with her again!

Alexander Pfeiffer
CEO
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Terralytiq

Tom helped us with calculating our carbon footprint outputs from 2019 to 2023. He managed everything end to end with minimal client direction. It was seamless and effortless. He's an excellent professional.

Bolu
COO
at
Miai

The support's been great from when we first started speaking, you wrote the brief for me and did all the sourcing. So that was fantastic. Communication has been great. The level of engagement has been brilliant.

Nick Anderdon
CFO
at
Freddies Flowers

‍Working with Leafr has been a pleasure from the beginning. Leafr has a wide network of talented individuals, and they have been able to seamlessly connect us with strong candidates for our various projects.

Lara
Partner
at
Xynteo

Leafr's marketplace boasts an extensive network of highly talented individuals. They have effortlessly connected us with great candidates. Leafr has become our go-to for skilled sustainability professionals.

Brenan Hodkinson
CRO
at
Apiday

Whenever you hire consultants you worry whether they'll be as motivated or skilled as your team. Every Leafr consultant has been so impressive. We spoke to several sustainability agencies and this has been far better value.

Guadalupe Oliver
CEO
at
Candoe

Our expert immediately became a seamless addition to our team. Her work showed a mastery of ESG and a strong understanding of the financial sector. We'd love the opportunity to work with her again.

Jess Katz
Director
at
TRIPTIK

What you get by working with us

When you work with Leafr, we make sure to deliver - every time.

Flexibility

Flexibility

We adapt to your needs, offering tailored solutions that evolve as your sustainability goals and challenges change.

Quality

Quality

We don’t compromise. We connect you with specialists who deliver exceptional work, ensuring every project meets the highest standards.

Value

Value

We maximise impact while keeping costs low, ensuring you get exceptional results within your budget, with a clear focus on return on investment.

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Commitment

Your mission becomes ours. We’re dedicated to supporting you from start to finish, no matter the complexity or duration.

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Ownership

We take responsibility for our work, proactively managing projects and driving outcomes that align with your vision.

The values that drive everything we do

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Flexibility

Flexibility

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Quality

Quality

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Value

Value

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Commitment - Workplace X Webflow Template

Commitment

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Ownership

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Our vetting process

Each applicant must pass our stringent vetting process before working with clients. Only those meeting our high standards are accepted. We test for behavioural competency, technical skills,  sustainability experience, and culture fit.

20% pass rate

In-depth skill review

Each consultant submits a written application along with case studies of their work. This ensures they have the specialised technical skills to tackle your sustainability challenges.

12% pass rate

Live screening

We interview each candidate for behavioural and technical skills, and test against our detailed  sustainability skillset matrix. We also ask for references and testimonials.

3% pass rate

Test projects & peer review

With the help of our experts, we review past projects to verify the consultant’s ability to deliver impactful sustainability outcomes.

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Frequently asked questions

Hiring a sustainability consultant can be a daunting process. Here we answer some of the common concerns we hear.

Will the consultant be available when I need them?

Leafr consultants are committed to your project�s success. We ensure they have the availability you need, and our support team is on hand to address any urgent requirements. Our consultants are trusted by top organisations because of their reliability and commitment.

How will you handle our sensitive or confidential information?

Confidentiality is a top priority at Leafr. All consultants sign strict non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and are trained to handle sensitive information with the utmost care, ensuring your business data remains secure. This is part of why organisations worldwide trust our consultants.

What if the consultant pushes solutions that are too expensive to implement?

Leafr consultants focus on providing cost-effective, practical solutions. They work within your budget constraints and prioritise recommendations that offer the most value without unnecessary expenditure. We offer a risk-free period so you can evaluate their proposals without financial risk.

Will working with a consultant disrupt our current operations?

Our consultants are skilled at integrating smoothly into existing operations. They work with minimal disruption, focusing on enhancing your processes rather than interrupting them. Their experience with top organisations ensures a seamless fit into your team.

I'm worried the consultant might leave the project halfway through.

Continuity is ensured through our rigorous project management oversight. Leafr consultants are committed professionals, and we have contingency plans in place to guarantee that your project will be completed even if unforeseen circumstances arise. Our 100% project satisfaction rating is a testament to our reliability.

I'm worried about committing long-term just to see results.

Leafr offers flexible engagement options. Whether you need short-term assistance or long-term support, we tailor our services to match your desired commitment level. Our risk-free period allows you to explore these options without long-term obligations.

What happens if the consultant becomes unavailable or the project gets delayed?

We have a robust network of consultants, so if any unexpected issues arise, we can quickly provide an equally qualified replacement to keep your project on track. Leafr�s support team is always available to manage and mitigate any potential delays. We also offer a risk-free period to give you peace of mind.

Is the cost-benefit ratio of hiring a consultant really worth it?

Leafr consultants are chosen for their ability to deliver clear ROI. We ensure that the value they bring far outweighs the investment, with tailored solutions that directly impact your bottom line. Plus, our risk-free period allows you to assess the value without commitment.

Will the consultant communicate effectively with our team?

Effective communication is a cornerstone of our consultants� approach. We ensure clear, consistent communication throughout the project, fostering collaboration and alignment with your team. This commitment to communication is a key factor in our 100% project satisfaction rating.

Will my team need retraining after the consultant leaves?

Our consultants focus on knowledge transfer, equipping your team with the skills and understanding they need to sustain progress after the project concludes. This ensures that the improvements are lasting and your team remains confident moving forward.

Will the consultant stay updated with the latest sustainability trends and regulations?

Leafr consultants are experts in their fields, continuously updating their knowledge of the latest trends and regulations. We ensure they bring the most current insights to your project, supported by ongoing training and development opportunities.

I'm concerned about how to assess the consultant's performance effectively.

Leafr provides clear metrics and regular updates, allowing you to track the consultant�s progress and assess the impact of their work. We also encourage feedback to ensure expectations are met. Our 100% project satisfaction rating reflects our dedication to transparency and performance.

How soon will we see results from the consultant's work?

While sustainability initiatives often have long-term goals, our consultants focus on delivering quick wins and measurable progress early in the engagement, ensuring you see value from the outset. Our risk-free period allows you to experience these early results firsthand.

I'm worried the consultant might not fully commit if they have multiple clients.

Our consultants are dedicated to delivering results. Leafr carefully manages consultant workloads to ensure your project receives the attention and commitment it deserves. Our 100% project satisfaction rating is a testament to our consultants� focus and dedication.

What if the consultant doesn't understand my specific industry or business model?

At Leafr, we thoroughly vet our consultants to ensure they have deep expertise in various industries. We match you with specialists who have proven experience in your sector, ensuring they understand your unique challenges and goals. Our consultants have been trained and trusted by the best organisations worldwide.

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