ISES 2020

International Social & Environmental Standard

ISES 2020

ISES 2020 is the revised and advanced former ISES 2000, which was developed in 1995 / 96. ISES 2020 comprises ten years of work and audit experience with the ISES 2000 with numerous companies of different sectors. The revised standard was mainly extended by environmental aspects. Further amendments in the field are collected and discussed at present and will be included after careful evaluation.

ISES 2020 relies on the responsibility of the companies to comply with the national regulations under labour, social and environmental laws and relevant international conventions and declarations as mentioned below.

The ISES 2020 covers eleven areas:

  • Management System
  • Child Labour
  • Forced Labour
  • Health and Safety
  • Freedom of Association and Rights to Collective Bargaining
  • Discrimination
  • Disciplinary Practices
  • Working Hours
  • Compensation
  • Upstream Suppliers
  • Environment Protection






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  • For companies and suppliers, the benefits of adopting ISES 2020 are significant. The widespread integrated management system of ISES 2020 based on the philosophy of a total quality management covers the fields of social accountability, health and safety as well as environment. It has a direct effect on the product, work and production quality of a company. It not only addresses relevant aspects to the employer but also addresses important issues for the employees of a company, customers and or other stakeholders. The improvement of working conditions and reduction of pollution has a direct effect on ameliorating production efficiency, leading to positive impacts on the competitiveness of the company.

    A commitment in improving working conditions and environmental aspects can lead to various benefits for the company, including: enhancing the reputation of the company, improving of the employee recruitment as well as benefits in quality, productivity and profitability. Increased organizational efficiency as well as the compliance with national and international laws and regulations are further advantages employers can gain by adopting ISES 2020.

    Benefits for employees and workers are: better working conditions including the guarantee of minimum living wages, guaranteed times off for recreation, a more secure work environment, fewer accidents and an increased awareness of labour rights.

    For other stakeholders, the benefits of companies adopting ISES 2020 lie in the improvement of environmental conditions as well as in a clearer more credible and transparent information system about the social and environmental responsibility. An identification of companies making progress towards humane working and living conditions becomes possible. On this basis, customers and investors can also make ethical purchasing and investment decisions. A specific characteristic of ISES 2020 and its auditing process is the combination of assessment and advice. Certainly, a central aspect of the audit is the assessment and evaluation of the compliance with the requirements of the standard. However, the ISES 2020 approach goes beyond and gives advice and support services to the companies that are adopting the standard. Non compliance with aspects of the requirements does not lead to exclusion of certification. Instead, IGEP has chosen an approach of cooperation with the companies. In case of non compliance the auditors and IGEP will- together with the company- develop a corrective action plan (CAP). The CAP contains measures that have to be implemented by the company or other expoerts to meet the minimum social and environmental standards and be accredited. This form, of cooperation promotes the companies in improving organizational and productive efficiency and hence national and international market competitiveness. Only in cases of total unwillingness and disinterest in going for social and environmental compliance, companies will be excluded from the certification process.

    A further particularity of ISES 2020 is the holistic approach. This covers on one side all production steps and production groups, integrating the supply chain with regard to social and environmental issues. On the other side the ISES 2020 approach includes a total quality management focusing not only on aspects of production, but as well on a personal management system, aspects of accounting and of continuous improvement.


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    Want to know more about ISES

    For more information about the working structure and criteria of ISES 2020, please contact us:

    info@igep.org

    We will be happy to answer your questions.