ISO and Consumers CI Congress sub-plenary 6c - How can ISO be used by consumer groups? Jens Henriksson Swedish Consumer Expert

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

The role of ISO 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 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 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 Understanding the concept Guiding principles Recognizing its role in SR context and identifying stakeholders Core subjects (elements) How to implement Excellent reference material

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

ISO Core subjects Organizational governance Human rights Labour practices The environment Fair operating practices Consumer issues Community involvement and development

ISO Consumer issues The consumer section is vital to the ISO 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 Consumer issues 1.Fair marketing, factual and unbiased information and fair contractual practices 2.Protecting consumers' health and safety 3.Sustainable consumption cont.

ISO Consumer issues 4. Consumer service, support, and complaint and dispute resolution 5. Consumer data protection and privacy 6. Access to essential services 7. Education and awareness

ISO 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 Get started! Buy the document (We do not want to risk copyright infringement…) Implement the ISO content in your strategy and management Use for lobbying on sustainability Use for creating respect for and developing consumer rights

ISO 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 – 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 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 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 Stockholm Telefon