NORMAPME ISO 26000 User Guide for European SMEs

The essence of.

Guido Gürtler2011-07-25

2NORMAPME ISO 26000 user guide for European SMEs, in essence

Europe shares • Common values• A tradition of nations and

constitutions with societal• Laws and regulations • A culture of compliance• Efficient enforcement

mechanisms.

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In Europe, enterprises are•Medium-sized up to 250• Small up to 50, and •Micro up to 10 persons.

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The vast majority of the 20 million European SMEs are characterised by • Personal ownership, • Being owner-managed with•Only informal structures.

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In European nationsmany CSR related activities are regulated, a significant distinction from other regions.

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In Europe societies’ needs and demands are locally specific and subject to continuous change.

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Practicing CSR can lead to significant benefits, like• Higher motivation and

productivity among employees• Increased reputation and trust• Enhanced acceptance within the

community.

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The NORMAPME user guide

addresses only those ISO 26000 recommendations, which may be relevant for European SMEs.

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Accountability:•Willingness to take

responsibility for the impact an SME may have on its specific environment.

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Transparency:• Availability of information on

relevant social, economic and environmental aspects of the SME’s operations.

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Ethical behaviour:• Carrying out all decisions in an

honest, fair and reliable way, without accepting illegal benefits or conflicts of interest.

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Networking:• Identifying who has an interest in the SME’s

decisions and activities• Understanding the SME’s clients’ networks

and values• Solving problems through common efforts in

an atmosphere of personal confidence• Engaging actively in society based networks

to improve situations.

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Relevance of ISO 26000 “core subjects”:Looking at all core subjects, though for SMEs not all core subjects and issues are equally relevant.

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Human rights in the European Union:• Their respect is a fundamental

principle, and • Their legal protection is

guaranteed by the rule of law and functioning juridical systems.

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Human rights issues:• Be aware of human risk situations

outside Europe• Avoid complicity• Consider conditions of purchased

goods• Avoid exclusion and discrimination

of vulnerable groups

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Labour practices in the European Union:• In the member states all relevant

labour standards have been adopted either by law or by collective agreements.

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Labour issues:• Ensure that working conditions comply with

national law and/or standards set in collective agreements

• Respect and implement the results of social dialogue

• Implement and maintain an occupational health and safety policy

• provide workers with access to skills development and training where feasible.

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The environment in the European Union:• Member states and CEN,

CENELEC and ETSI have launched most of the relevant regulations and standards.

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Environmental issues:• Prevent pollution•Use sustainable resources• Contribute to climate change

mitigation and adaptation• Protect ecosystems

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Fair operating practices:• SMEs should operate in a fair

manner vis-à-vis business partners, suppliers, government agencies and others.

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Fair operating issues:• Prevent corruption on all levels• Practice fair competition• Promote social responsibility in

the value chain

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Consumer issues, if a European SME deals with consumer products and/or services:• Fair marketing, factual and unbiased

information, and fair contractual practices• Provision of all product relevant health and

safety information• Design products and packaging for easy reuse,

repair and recycling• Respect data protection and privacy• Care for a cooperative dispute settlement.

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Community involvement and development: • SMEs can help to strengthen civil

society and to promote well being in the community.

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Community related issues:• Participation in and support for civil

institutions• Support education on all levels• Sharing knowledge, skills and technology• Engagement in programmes aimed at

improving social aspects of community life.

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Practicing social responsibility: • SMEs practice CSR in a more

informal, practical and often spontaneous way,• Without being aware of any

specific ‘system’ of decision making and ‘implementation’.

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SMEs may practice CSR individually through : • The owners’ personal involvement• Reviewing the relevance of core

subjects and issues • Influencing their “sphere of

influence”• Undertaking one action at a time.

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SMEs may practice CSR in a collective approach through : • Co-operating with other SMEs• Contributing to CSR promoting

organizations• Engaging in sector organizations • Supporting regional professional

organizations.

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SME’s communication on CSR activities: • Only the SME decides how

to communicate• Internally• Externally• Through sector associations.

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Voluntary initiatives on social responsibility: • Such initiatives are intended to

assist members to further enhance their social responsibility • SMEs may consider joining such

voluntary initiatives.

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Thank you for your attention!