ISO 26000 as a guide to CSR

Corporate social responsibility is increasingly being integrated into organisations. It is a broad concept that can be interpreted in various ways. To provide organisations with guidance, ISO 26000 has been drawn up. This is an international standard that focuses on corporate social responsibility.

Following the guidelines of ISO 26000 focuses on what can still be achieved in the field of CSR. It also shows where the organisation currently stands. The guidelines are set internationally, making it a universal language that is spoken. Only convenient!

There are plenty of opportunities for an archiving company to be socially responsible. CSR is increasingly an interwoven part of daily operations. Below are the seven principles of ISO 26000.

ISO 26000 focuses on the following principles:

1. Accountability

An organisation should be accountable for its impacts on society, the economy and the environment. This means that an organisation must accept appropriate control and also accept the duty to respond to this control.

At Archive-IT, quality and security is number one. Archive-IT is certified for ISO 9001, ISO 27001 and NEN 7510, among others. There is also a Data Protection Officer who oversees all activities related to the General Data Protection Regulation. By following these standards, Archive-IT goes beyond the applicable laws and regulations and sets the bar ever higher in terms of security and quality. In doing so, Archive-IT also better meets customer needs and requirements.

2. Transparency

An organisation should be transparent in its decisions and activities that affect society and the environment.

Transparent communication towards customers, employees and all other stakeholders is of paramount importance. This means that Archive-IT strives to provide open, timely and clear information on all relevant (CSR) activities. Communicating about CSR results provides more insight and awareness about how Archive-IT deals with the relevant sustainability themes.

For example, customers are included in the processes and Archive-IT communicates the main activities taking place on its website and social media channels. Internally, quarterly meetings take place where key developments are presented to the team and new targets are set.

3. Ethical behaviour

An organisation must behave ethically. An organisation's behaviour should be based on honesty, fairness and integrity. These values imply a concern for people, animals and the environment and a commitment to address the impact of its activities and decisions on stakeholder interests.

Archive-IT has prepared a staff handbook that clearly describes the organisation's mission, vision and core values. It also describes company rules and desired manners. The core values act as an ethical compass and form the 'core' of the corporate culture. Archive-IT's core values are as follows: quality, transparency, cooperation, collegiality, enthusiasm, respect, customer focus, initiative and commitment. Employees are motivated to comply with these rules of conduct and to propagate this to the outside world.

4. Respect for the interests of stakeholders

An organisation should respect, consider and respond to the interests of its stakeholders.

To guarantee quality to stakeholders, Archive-IT has itself tested against the ISO 9001, ISO 27001 and NEN 7510 standards. This is done annually by an external certified body and also through its own internal audits. In addition, a customer satisfaction survey and project evaluations take place every year. This gives customers the opportunity to give feedback to Archive-IT and thus the products and processes are continuously improved from the customer's point of view.

5. Respect for the rule of law

An organisation should accept that respecting the rule of law is mandatory.

Archive-IT considers it important that all business processes comply with current laws and regulations. To ensure this runs smoothly, Archive-IT has chosen to make use of the GRCcontrol package of GRCcontrol BV. This package offers support with mapping business processes and that they are in line with laws and regulations, with managing risks and complying with laws and regulations. The abbreviation GRC stands for Governance, Risk and Compliance.

6. Compliance with international standards of conduct

An organisation must respect international standards of conduct, while adhering to respect for the rule of law.

Archive-IT operates in the Netherlands, France, Belgium and Germany. International standards of conduct are respected in these countries. Everyone is treated as an equal.

7. Respect for human rights

An organisation should respect human rights and recognise both their importance and universal validity.

Archive-IT is aware of its co-responsibility in contributing to sustainable developments in society. Archive-IT considers it important that its employees are mentally and physically healthy. Healthy nutrition is motivated, among other things, by making fresh fruit available in the canteen every week.

We also keep a close eye on whether there are any work-related hazards on the work floor. Archive-IT does this through Risk, Inventory & Evaluation. As the health and safety of employees is paramount, an in-house prevention officer has been appointed since 2018.

Every year, an anonymous employee satisfaction survey takes place so that the relationship with employees can be mapped out. Points for improvement are revealed at such times. Employees can also talk to a confidential advisor to raise difficult issues.

This is just some of the things Archive-IT does in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility according to the ISO 26000 guidelines. Curious about what else we do? Check out the page on our CSR policy.