ISO 26000 and Consumers

CI Congress sub-plenary 6c

- How can ISO 26000 be used by consumer groups?

Jens HenrikssonSwedish Consumer Expert

ISO 26000 - Guidance on Social Responsibility

• Initiative by Consumers• ISO Consumer Policy Committee,

ISO COPOLCO, Trinidad/Tobago 2002

• CI and and several consumer experts active throughout the work

• Published in November 2010

ISO 26000 Basics

• Guidance standard• Developed in consensus• New open process with clearly

defines stakeholder groups• Standard not to be certified• Not to be a barrier to trade

ISO 26000

• Twinned leadership ABNT/SIS• Largest standards activity with

participation, more then 400 attend some meetings

• 70 nations, balance north-south• 30 liaison organisations e.g.. CI• Good gender balance

ISO 26000

Stakeholder Groups•Consumer•Government•Industry•Labour•NGO•Others (Academia, Consultants etc)

The role of ISO 26000

• Practical guidance on implementing sustainable development

• Sustainability is the overall objective and SR the tool

• A systematic approach to being a responsible organisation

• Taking an active approach, not just following the law

The role of ISO 26000

• Voluntary responsibility in addition to legal development

• Coordinating and pointing to already existing international law by using the ISO global network

• Trying to find a global solution to global challenges and sometimes global organisations

The role of ISO 26000

• Intended for all types of organisations (not only CSR)

• Provides a common understanding of what constitutes SR

• Including Consumer Rights!!• Common language for

communication on SR

Content of ISO 26000

• Understanding the concept• Guiding principles• Recognizing its role in SR context

and identifying stakeholders• Core subjects (elements)• How to implement• Excellent reference material

ISO 26000 Principles

• Accountability• Transparency• Ethical behaviour• Stakeholder interests• The rule of law• International norms of behaviour• Human rights

ISO 26000 Core subjects

• Organizational governance• Human rights• Labour practices• The environment• Fair operating practices• Consumer issues• Community involvement and

development

ISO 26000 Consumer issues

• The consumer section is vital to the ISO 26000 document as it is a fundamental right to be protected

• But also as consumer protection is core to successful work on SR for all organisations

• The section is based on The UN Guidelines for Consumer Protection

ISO 26000 Consumer issues

1. Fair marketing, factual and unbiased information and fair contractual practices

2. Protecting consumers' health and safety

3. Sustainable consumption

cont.

ISO 26000 Consumer issues

4. Consumer service, support, and complaint and dispute resolution

5. Consumer data protection and privacy

6. Access to essential services7. Education and awareness

ISO 26000 - Get started!

• It is a tool both for “saving the world” and protecting the consumer

• We, the consumer movement, have a double win using the document

• We were the one asking for it, let’s use it!

• Start by acting the good example

ISO 26000 - Get started!

• Buy the document (We do not want to risk copyright infringement…)

• Implement the ISO 26 000 content in your strategy and management

• Use for lobbying on sustainability• Use for creating respect for and

developing consumer rights

ISO 26000 - Get started!

• Use the document explaining governments and business the importance of consumer organisations and protection

• Use it, where appropriate, when approaching bad business behaviour

• Use the SR elements in your Test Magazines

ISO 26000 – Get started!

• Challenge other organisations to use it, not only business

• Public bodies have a huge direct impact the market, through public procurement

• When business and public bodies use it, monitor their work and reporting

• Publish good and bad examples

ISO 26000 Finally

• It is a positive tool and an opportunity to be explored

• It is not a substitute to legal initiatives

• Society can and must move towards social responsibility both in the public and private sphere

• Society needs both political and voluntary initiatives

ISO 26000 Finally

Consumer organisations has the potential of acting as a catalyst for the much needed change towards a sustainable society. Social responsibility, preferable in line with the guidance in ISO 26000, gives all types of organisations guidance and a common language.

Contact Details

The Swedish Consumers’ Association

Jens Henriksson, International Officer

Box 38001

100 64 Stockholm

Telefon 08-674 43 00

jens.henriksson@sverigeskonsumenter

www.sverigeskonsumenter.se