ISO has embarked on its first ever multi-stakeholder standard-setting process with the aim of creating the ISO 26000 Guideline for Social Responsibility. Scoping work on this began in 2004, technical work began in 2005, and the results are expected in 2008.

The ISO 26000 Guidance Standard has the potential to provide much needed guidance for organizations and their stakeholders in the complex area of codes, norms, standards, and tools in the area of Social Responsibility. However, the ISO Guidance Standard will not be developed in a vacuum. In order to be of value the new ISO initiative should provide guidance that fits with, and adds to, the various codes, norms, standards, and tools that have been anchored in international and national law or that have been adopted widely around the world on a voluntary basis.

GRI has welcomed ISO's invitation to get involved directly in the process over the next few years. GRI is invited to be represented in four of the technical working groups that were convened to create this Guideline, specifically:

- The Chair's Advisory Group to the ISO Working Group on Social Responsibility
- ISO 26000 Task Group 1 - Funding and Stakeholder Engagement
- ISO 26000 Task Group 5 "Core Context" (Structure of the Guideline)
- ISO 26000 Task Group 6 - "How" (Content of the Guideline)

The GRI Partnership for ISO 26000 was designed to bring together organisations that have similar interests to GRI and who are keen to stay closely up-to-date on progress.

Joining the Partnership costs €5000 per year, and requires a three year commitment, for a total of €15000. This is payable in one upfront contribution or in three installments spread evenly over 2005-2008. This will enable GRI to dedicate top professionals to the process, effectively prepare for and attend the meetings.

Partnership members will get direct access to the experiences of GRI delegates in regularly-scheduled telephone conferences and written reports outlining process made and seeking input on key issues and questions.

Follow the links to the right for more information on the ISO process, GRI's position and interests in the process, and how GRI plans to engage with your help. For further questions or to discuss joining the consortium please contact James Murphy (murphy@globalreporting.org) before September 2005.