The
ISO 26000 standard defines the core subjects of social responsibility. Core
subjects comprise a number of issues, but it is each organization's
responsibility to identify issues are relevant and significant to their
stakeholders and/or need to be addressed. The seven core subjects are explained
in Clause 6 of the ISO 26000 standard. They are listed below, along with their
subclause numbers.
Core
subject: Organizational governance, subclause 6.2
Decisions
are to be made in consideration of the expectations of society. Accountability,
transparency, ethics, and stakeholders should be factors in the organization’s
decision-making process.
Core
subject: Human rights, subclause 6.3
All
humans have the right to fair treatment and the elimination of discrimination,
torture, and exploitation.
6.3.3
Due diligence
6.3.4
Human rights risk situations
6.3.5
Avoidance of complicity
6.3.6
Resolving grievances
6.3.7
Discrimination and vulnerable groups
6.3.8
Civil and political rights
6.3.9
Economic, social, and cultural rights6.3.10 Fundamental principles and rights
at work
Core
subject: Labor practices, subclause 6.4
Those
working on behalf of the organization are not a commodity. The goal is to
prevent unfair competition based on exploitation and abuse.
6.4.3
Employment and employment relationships
6.4.4
Conditions of work and social protection
6.4.5
Social dialogue
6.4.6
Health and safety at work
6.4.7
Human development and training in the workplace
Core
subject: Environment, subclause 6.5
The
organization has a responsibility to reduce and eliminate unsustainable volumes
and patterns of production and consumption and to ensure that resource
consumption per person becomes sustainable.
6.5.3
Prevention of pollution
6.5.4
Sustainable resource use
6.5.5
Climate change mitigation and adaptation
6.5.6
Protection of the environment, biodiversity, and restoration of natural
habitats
Core
subject: Fair operating practices, subclause 6.6
Building
systems of fair competition, preventing corruption, encouraging fair
competition, and promoting the reliability of fair business practices help to
build sustainable social systems.
6.6.3
Anti-corruption
6.6.4
Responsible political involvement
6.6.5
Fair competition
6.6.6
Promoting social responsibility in the value chain
6.6.7
Respect for property rights
Core
subject: Consumer issues, subclause 6.7
The
promotion of just, sustainable, and equitable economic and social development
with respect to consumer health, safety, and access is the organization’s
responsibility.
6.7.3
Fair marketing, factual, and unbiased information and fair contractual
practices
6.7.4
Protecting consumers' health and safety
6.7.5
Sustainable consumption
6.7.6
Consumer service, support, and complaint and dispute resolution
6.7.7
Consumer data protection and privacy
6.7.8
Access to essential services
6.7.9
Education and awareness
Core
subject: Community involvement and development, subclause 6.8
The
organization should be involved with creating sustainable social structures where
increasing levels of education and well-being can exist.
6.8.3
Community involvement
6.8.4
Education and culture
6.8.5
Employment creation and skills development
6.8.6
Technology development and access
6.8.7
Wealth and income creation
6.8.8
Health
6.8.9
Social investment
Learn
more about these social responsibility core subjects from the International
Organization for Standardization (ISO).
User questions & answers