Iso To Develop Social Responsibility Standard

ISO is to develop an International Standard for social responsibility. The objective is to produce "a guidance document, written in plain language which is understandable and usable by non-specialists" and not intended for use in certification.

Read the full press release on the ISO web site:

http://www.iso.org/i...004/Ref924.html

Regards,
Simon

Would this be an IOS response to the SA 8000 Social Accountability standard?
If so, God help us.
Wallace.

Would this be an IOS response to the SA 8000 Social Accountability standard?
If so, God help us.
Wallace.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It appears your post has been in the moderator's queue for quite some time. I'm sorry about that mate.

In answer to your question - Yes I think so.

After all Social Accountability, Corporate Social Responsibility or whatever you want to call it is definitely in vogue at the moment. And there's big bucks to be made.

ISO have a ‘can't fail' business plan, they let other organisations do the legwork on new standard development, then they make there own version which is guaranteed to become internationally recognised. Good thing? Bad thing? Probably a good thing until - the ‘you know who's' get involved. Let's not even go there.

Can anyone think of an independently (i.e. not ISO) produced standard that is recognised internationally?

Is being a monopoly socially responsible?

Regards,
Simon

Update: 28 January 2005

ISO prepares to launch development of standard on social responsibility

The first meeting of the ISO group that is to develop an International Standard giving guidelines on social responsibility has been scheduled for 7-11 March 2005 in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. ISO expects that developing the standard will take three years, with publication in early 2008.

The standard will provide guiding principles on social responsibility (SR). It will not be a management system standard and will not be for certification purposes.

ISO prepares to launch development of standard on social responsibility

Regards,
Simon

The danger with this "so called" standard:
Legislation is the main danger I'm afraid. I'm a contributor to one particular forum that deals with, the implications of global standardization and, this standard is raising some eyebrows regarding potential intrusion into legislation of social issues.
I hope I'm way off base here yet, it was only a matter of time before IOS decided to throw the cat amongst the pigeons.
Wallace.

I don't think it's such a bad idea as long as it remains a best practice guide for Social Responsibility. ISO have been pretty clear in stating that it will not be a management system standard and will not be for certification purposes.

Regards,
Simon