1. ISO 26000 and Consumers CI Congress sub-plenary 6c - How can ISO 26000 be used by consumer groups? Jens Henriksson Swedish Consumer Expert

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. ISO 26000 Stakeholder Groups Consumer Government Industry Labour NGO Others (Academia, Consultants etc)

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. ISO 26000 Principles Accountability Transparency Ethical behaviour Stakeholder interests The rule of law International norms of behaviour Human rights

11. ISO 26000 Core subjects Organizational governance Human rights Labour practices The environment Fair operating practices Consumer issues Community involvement and development

12. 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

13. 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.

14. ISO 26000 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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.

21. 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