ISO 37000 Governance of Organizations Management System Certification
The ISO 37000 series is a groundbreaking management system standard that focuses on creating and managing an anti-bribery compliance program within organizations. This framework provides the necessary tools to understand, design, implement, operate, monitor, review, maintain, and improve an organization’s compliance with laws, regulations, codes of conduct, and other requirements related to bribery.
ISO 37001:2016, which is part of this series, is specifically designed for organizations that are looking to establish a management system aimed at preventing bribery. It complements existing management systems like ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 45001 (Health and Safety), and others by offering tailored guidance on embedding anti-bribery measures into the organization's culture and processes.
The standard is not prescriptive but rather provides a flexible approach that organizations can adapt to their specific needs. This flexibility makes it suitable for businesses of all sizes, from small enterprises to large multinational corporations. By integrating ISO 37000 principles into day-to-day operations, organizations can enhance their reputation and mitigate risks associated with bribery.
The implementation of an anti-bribery management system under ISO 37000 is a proactive step towards maintaining compliance and avoiding the potential legal, financial, and reputational consequences of non-compliance. This standard aligns with international best practices and aims to help organizations achieve their strategic goals while adhering to ethical standards.
The application of this management system can be seen across various sectors including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, construction, finance, and technology, among others. Compliance officers and quality managers often find ISO 37000 particularly useful as it helps them in establishing robust compliance programs that are integral to the overall governance framework.
The certification process for ISO 37000 involves an audit conducted by a certified auditor who assesses the organization's management system against the requirements of the standard. Once successful, organizations receive a certificate recognizing their adherence to the ISO 37000 principles.
Applied Standards
| Standard Number | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 37001:2016 | Management systems - Guidelines for the Prevention of Corruption | This standard provides guidelines on how organizations can establish, implement, and maintain a management system to prevent corruption. It is aligned with other ISO standards such as ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety). |
| ISO 37002:2016 | Management systems - Guidelines for the Prevention of Corruption - Part 2: Guidance on Implementation | This part offers practical guidance to organizations in implementing the principles outlined in ISO 37001. It includes detailed steps and best practices for embedding anti-bribery measures into everyday operations. |
| ISO 37003:2016 | Management systems - Guidelines for the Prevention of Corruption - Part 3: Implementation Guidance for Senior Management | This part focuses on the role and responsibilities of senior management in establishing an effective anti-bribery program. It provides insights into how leaders can drive cultural change within their organizations. |
Benefits
- Enhanced compliance with legal and regulatory requirements related to bribery.
- Reduction in the risk of financial penalties and reputational damage from corruption.
- Improved internal processes leading to increased efficiency and effectiveness.
- Achievement of strategic objectives through ethical business practices.
- Increased trust among stakeholders including customers, suppliers, employees, and regulators.
- Enhanced reputation as an ethical and responsible organization.
- Competitive advantage in bidding for contracts where compliance is a key criterion.
