UnitBirwelco achieve ISO 26000

UnitBirwelco conducted a full self-assessment against the requirements of ISO26000 Guidance on Social Responsibility. The practice, policies, procedures, and organisational governance that we have in place demonstrates we are compliant to the core subjects and issues of social responsibility addressed in ISO26000.

 

Why is social responsibility important?

Organizations around the world, and their stakeholders, are becoming increasingly aware of the need for, and benefits of, socially responsible behaviour. The objective of social responsibility is to contribute to sustainable development. An organization’s commitment to the welfare of society and the environment has become a central criterion in measuring its overall performance and its ability to continue operating effectively. This, in part, is a reflection of the growing recognition that we need to ensure healthy ecosystems, social equity and good organizational governance. Ultimately, an organization’s activities depend on the health of the world’s ecosystems. These days, organizations are subject to greater scrutiny by their various stakeholders.

 

What benefits can be achieved by implementing ISO 26000?

An organization’s performance on social responsibility can influence, among other things:

• Competitive advantage

• Reputation

• The ability to attract and retain workers or members, customers, clients and users

• The maintenance of employee morale, commitment and productivity

•  The perception of investors, owners, donors, sponsors and the financial community

• Relationships with companies, governments, the media, suppliers, peers, customers and the community in which it operates

 

Who can benefit from ISO 26000 and how?

ISO 26000 provides guidance for all types of organization, regardless of their size or location, on:

• Concepts, terms and definitions related to social responsibility

• Background, trends and characteristics of social responsibility

• Principles and practices relating to social responsibility

• Core subjects and issues of social responsibility

• Integrating, implementing and promoting socially responsible behaviour throughout the organization and, through its policies and practices, within its sphere of influence

• Identifying and engaging with stakeholders

• Communicating commitments, performance and other information related to social responsibility

 

ISO 26000 is intended to assist organizations in contributing to sustainable development. It encourages them to go beyond legal compliance, recognizing that compliance with the law is a fundamental duty of any organization and an essential part of their social responsibility programme. The standard seeks to promote a common understanding of social responsibility while complementing – but not replacing – other existing tools and initiatives. When applying ISO 26000, organizations should consider societal, environmental, legal, cultural, political and organizational diversity as well as differences in economic conditions, while being consistent with international norms of behaviour.