ISO/CD 26000 - An updated overview - Part 2(b)
Study of Annex A - The voluntary initiatives and tools for social responsibility
The Introduction to the Annex A indicates in detail how it has been prepared.
Two important definitions included are for
- Initiative for social responsibility and
- Tool for social responsibility.
An initiative for social responsibility refers to an "organization, programme or activity expressly devoted to making progress towards meeting a particular aim relating to social responsibility".
A tool for social responsibility refers to a system, methodology or similar means that relates to a specific initiative for social responsibility, and that is designed to assist organizations in meeting a particular aim relating to social responsibility.
(from the Guide)
The Annex is presented in two Tables:
- - Cross sectoral
- - Sectoral
The relationship of the Initiatives and Tools are also indicated as against
- the seven (7) core subjects of social responsibility and also against
- the eight (8) Clauses for integrating social responsibility in the organizational activities.
What are the 7 core subjects of social responsibility?
The 7 core subjects of social responsibility are:
Organizational governance
Human rights
Labour practices
The Environment
Fair operating practices
Consumer issues
Community involvement and development
What are the 8 practices for integrating social responsibility?
Practices for integrating social responsibility (sub-clause titles):
Clause 5.2 Recognizing social responsibility;
Clause 5.3 Stakeholder identification and engagement;
Clause 7.2 The relationship of the organization's characteristics to social responsibility;
Clause 7.3 Understanding the social responsibility of the organization;
Clause 7.4 Practices for integrating social responsibility throughout the organization;
Clause 7.5 Communication on social responsibility;
Clause 7.6 Enhancing credibility regarding social responsibility;
Clause 7.7 Reviewing and improving the organization's actions and practices related to social responsibility.
The Annex A has 14 sections.
The number of Initiatives and Tools indicated against them is as follows:
a) Cross Sectoral:
- 1. Intergovernmental Initiative........5
- 2. Multi-stakeholder initiative.........21
- 3. Single stakeholder initiative........2
b) Sectoral:
- 1. Agriculture.................................3
- 2. Apparel.....................................2
- 3. Construction..............................1
- 4. Consumer goods/Retail...............1
- 5. Electronics..................................2
- 6. Extractive...................................2
- 7. Finance and Investments.............4
- 8. Fisheries....................................1
- 9. Information Technology...............1
- 10. Public services..........................1
- 11. Travel and tourism....................1
Total 45
As an example, the voluntary initiative and tool for IT sector is:
UNEP and International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Global e-Sustainability Initiative (GeSI)
Open to any company and related organization involved in the ICT industry.
There is annual membership fee.
Provides guidance to improve the sustainability performance of its members.
GeSI: http://www.gesi.org/
About GeSI: http://www.gesi.org/index.php?article_id=5
For a study commissioned by GeSI on climate change: http://www.smart2020.org/
Conclusion
There are, similarly, 45 voluntary initiatives indicated in the standard applicable appropriately to companies in different sectors. Knowing these 45 Initiatives provides a good insight into how organizations are promoting social responsibility by companies in their sector. Since SAP has global reach in several sectors, the CSR/BPX getting to know the progress ISO is making in the area of CSR is considered worth while.
It is proposed to write a brief overview on other clauses and other features of the Guide, in the next blog.
Sound almost like a teacher again!?
Sam Anbazhagan
