NORMAPME ISO 26000 User Guide for European SMEs The essence of.

1. NORMAPME ISO 26000 User Guide for European SMEsThe essence of. Guido Gürtler 2011-07-25

2. Europe shares • Common values • Atradition of nations and constitutions with societal • Laws and regulations • Aculture of compliance • Efficient enforcement mechanisms. NORMAPMEISO 26000 user guide for European SMEs, in essence

3. In Europe,enterprises are • Medium-sized up to 250 • Small up to 50,and • Micro up to 10 persons. NORMAPME ISO 26000 user guide for European SMEs, in essence

4. The vast majority of the 20 million European SMEs are characterised by • Personal ownership, • Being owner-managed with • Only informalstructures. NORMAPME ISO 26000 user guide for European SMEs, in essence

5. InEuropean nationsmany CSR related activities are regulated, a significant distinction from other regions. NORMAPME ISO 26000 user guide for European SMEs, in essence

6. InEurope societies’ needs and demands are locally specific and subject to continuous change. NORMAPME ISO 26000 user guide for European SMEs, in essence

7. Practicing CSR can lead to significant benefits, like • Higher motivation and productivity among employees • Increased reputation and trust • Enhanced acceptance within the community. NORMAPME ISO 26000 user guide for European SMEs, in essence

8. The NORMAPME user guide addresses only those ISO 26000 recommendations, which may be relevantfor European SMEs. NORMAPME ISO 26000 user guide for European SMEs, in essence

9. Accountability: • Willingness to take responsibility for the impact an SME may have on its specific environment. NORMAPME ISO 26000 user guide for European SMEs, in essence

10. Transparency: • Availability of information on relevant social, economic and environmental aspects of the SME’s operations. NORMAPME ISO 26000 user guide for European SMEs, in essence

11. Ethical behaviour: • Carrying out all decisions in an honest, fair and reliable way, without accepting illegal benefits or conflicts of interest. NORMAPME ISO 26000 user guide for European SMEs, in essence

12. 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. NORMAPME ISO 26000 user guide for European SMEs, in essence

13. Relevance of ISO 26000 “core subjects”: Looking at all core subjects, though for SMEs not all core subjects and issues are equally relevant. NORMAPME ISO 26000 user guide for European SMEs, in essence

14. 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. NORMAPME ISO 26000 user guide for European SMEs, in essence

15. 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 NORMAPME ISO 26000 user guide for European SMEs, in essence

16. Labour practices in the European Union: • In the member states all relevant labour standards have been adopted either by law or by collective agreements. NORMAPME ISO 26000 user guide for European SMEs, in essence

17. 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. NORMAPME ISO 26000 user guide for European SMEs, in essence

18. The environment in the European Union: • Member states and CEN, CENELEC and ETSI have launched most of the relevant regulations and standards. NORMAPME ISO 26000 user guide for European SMEs, in essence

19. Environmental issues: • Prevent pollution • Use sustainable resources • Contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation • Protect ecosystems NORMAPME ISO 26000 user guide for European SMEs, in essence

20. Fair operating practices: • SMEs should operate in a fair manner vis-à-vis business partners, suppliers, government agencies and others. NORMAPME ISO 26000 user guide for European SMEs, in essence

21. Fair operating issues: • Prevent corruption on all levels • Practice fair competition • Promote social responsibility in the value chain NORMAPME ISO 26000 user guide for European SMEs, in essence

22. 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. NORMAPME ISO 26000 user guide for European SMEs, in essence

23. Community involvement and development: • SMEs can help to strengthen civil society and to promote well being in the community. NORMAPME ISO 26000 user guide for European SMEs, in essence

24. 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. NORMAPME ISO 26000 user guide for European SMEs, in essence

25. 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’. NORMAPME ISO 26000 user guide for European SMEs, in essence

26. 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. NORMAPME ISO 26000 user guide for European SMEs, in essence

27. SMEs may practice CSR in a collective approachthrough : • Co-operating with other SMEs • Contributing to CSR promoting organizations • Engaging in sector organizations • Supporting regional professional organizations. NORMAPME ISO 26000 user guide for European SMEs, in essence

28. SME’s communication on CSR activities: • Only the SME decides how to communicate • Internally • Externally • Through sector associations. NORMAPME ISO 26000 user guide for European SMEs, in essence

29. 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. NORMAPME ISO 26000 user guide for European SMEs, in essence

30. Thank you for your attention! NORMAPME ISO 26000 user guide for European SMEs, in essence