ISO 26000 certification in Saudi Arabia does not mean obtaining a certificate as much as it means applying a set of important principles within a specific framework that enhances the organization’s position and value in society and also gives it a strong competitive advantage. So, what is the ISO 26000 standard, and why are organizations keen to implement it? This is the focus of our discussion later.
What is iso 26000 standard?
ISO 26000 is an international standard issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It provides guidance on how to integrate social responsibility into organizations’ activities, focusing on principles such as transparency, accountability, ethical behavior, respect for human rights, and others. It is also a guiding standard that organizations can implement without obtaining accreditation.
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Benefits of iso 26000 standard
The most prominent benefits of implementing the ISO 26000 standard in organizations include:
- It primarily aims to improve the organization’s social and environmental performance by adopting ethical and sustainable practices.
- Significantly enhances the organization’s reputation and credibility in the local and international markets.
- Gives the organization a respected social value and standing, as it demonstrates its commitment to social responsibilities and all laws and regulations related to sustainability, the environment, and society.
- Enhances the confidence of customers, partners, and stakeholders, and attracts investors seeking investments in socially responsible institutions.
- Implementing ISO 31000 also helps achieve sustainable development and support the community, in addition to making social responsibility a culture and general approach within the organization.
It is worth noting that achieving mutual benefit when implementing the ISO 26000 standard for both the organization and society requires the assistance of an ISO expert to thoroughly study and analyze the organization and then determine how it can assume its social responsibility role in a way that benefits the organization, society, and its individuals.
ISO 26000 certification in Saudi Arabia requirements
It is worth noting that the requirements of ISO 26000 are guidelines and not mandatory requirements, as they aim to help companies integrate the principles of social responsibility into their practices.
It involves adopting and implementing certain fundamental principles, such as transparency and ethical behavior, respect for human rights, adherence to the law, and others. The ISO standard is based on seven main themes, including: Organizational governance, human rights considerations, labor practices, the environment, fair operating practices, consumer issues, and community participation, which contribute to the development of society and its individuals.
How to Implement ISO 31000 Standard
Obtaining iso 26000 certification in Saudi Arabia, or more precisely, following the guidelines of the Social Responsibility Management Standard Guidelines. requires the following steps:
- Studying and identifying social responsibility-related activities and issues that impact the organization and its stakeholders.
- Communicate with stakeholders to understand their needs and expectations, and then engage them in developing a customized CSR system for the organization.
- Policies and procedures for implementing social responsibility principles in the organization must be consistent with the principles of the standard.
- Train employees and all workers on how to apply the principles of the standard, to ensure they understand how to integrate social responsibility into their daily work.
- Performance must also be monitored regularly, and necessary improvements made to ensure that the social responsibility goals of both the organization and society are achieved.
If you are now wondering about the audit and accreditation step to obtain ISO 26000 certification in Saudi Arabia, remember that the ISO 26000 standard is a guide and not a standard for accreditation or issuing official certificates. That is, it is not possible to obtain the ISO 26000 certificate like other ISO certificates, such as ISO 9001 or ISO 50001.
ISO 26000 certification in Saudi Arabia cost
Since ISO 26000 is a guideline standard, not an official certification or accreditation standard, there is no cost to obtain certification in the traditional sense. The cost here is the price of the standard and the number of pages. However, statistics indicate that the average purchase price of a standard ranges from $20 to $265. Consulting fees may also be charged, which will help the organization implement the principles of this standard professionally.
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Role of MQM with ISO 26000 certification in Saudi Arabia
Modern Quality Makers is one of the largest Saudi companies with over 20 years of experience in providing ISO services. We have already helped countless companies implement ISO standards and obtain certification in the shortest possible time, the first time.
Regarding the ISO 26000 standard, we have ISO specialists and consultants who can professionally apply the principles of this guiding standard to any organization.
We carefully study the organization and determine the best community engagement and activities it can offer. We then develop a framework and policies for implementing the principles of social responsibility in accordance with ISO 26000 standards, in a way that achieves the organization’s high standing and societal value, and also achieves the public good of society and its individuals.
It is worth noting that all ISO consulting and qualification services, including ISO 26000 for the Social Responsibility Management System, are provided by our company at very excellent and affordable prices.
FAQs About ISO 26000 certification in Saudi Arabia
1. Can ISO 26000 be certified?
The ISO 26000 standard just guides companies on how to adhere properly to social responsibility principles. It does not include specific requirements, so it is not eligible for accreditation and certification like other ISO standards.
2. What is ISO 26000 in Saudi Arabia?
There is no certification, but implementing the ISO 26000 principles in any organization in Saudi Arabia is considered conclusive evidence of its commitment to social responsibility and ethical business practices, supporting its long-term growth and sustainability. This increases the appeal of stakeholders and investors seeking socially responsible investments.
3. What’s the difference between ISO 9001 & 26000?
ISO 26000 is a non-certification, guidance-only standard that focuses on the application of social responsibility principles and standards, while ISO 9001 is a standard for implementing a quality management system within organizations according to a set of specific requirements and conditions. Any organization that successfully implements the principles of this standard will receive ISO 9001 accreditation.
