Date: December 9th, 2021.
In acknowledgement of International Anti-Corruption Day 2022, the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS) is calling on all organizations to build a foundation of good governance in the fight against corruption.
Through the International Standard, ISO 37000:2021, Governance of organizations – Guidance, organizations and their governing bodies are afforded the principles and practices they need to govern well, enabling them to perform effectively while behaving ethically and exercising responsible stewardship.
TTBS is therefore pleased to announce the formal adoption of the following governance-related standards:
- Governance of organizations – Guidance (TTS/ISO 37000:2022);
- Anti-bribery management systems – Requirements with guidance for use (TTS/ISO 37001:2022);
- Whistleblowing management systems – Guidelines (TTS/ISO 37002:2022) and;
- Compliance management systems – Requirements with guidance for use (TTS/ISO 37301:2022)
The publication of these National Standards provide critical guidance to improve governance practices, as well as the technical requirements to build management systems to address whistleblowing, anti-bribery and corruption in a systematic way. The use of these standards will also aid in enhanced trust, transparency, accountability and overall risk management in organizations across different sectors and industries.
ISO 37000 was developed by the ISO technical committee ISO/TC 309, Governance of organizations, whose secretariat is held by the British Standards Institution (BSI). TTBS, in its capacity as the National Standards Body and a full member of ISO, partnered with BSI to co-lead the development of ISO 37000 and see its publication as a voluntary standard in 2021.
Dr Axel Kravatzky, Managing Partner of the T&T-based Syntegra-ESG, who is also Vice-Chair of ISO/TC 309 and WG 1 Co-Convenor, led the team of national experts on the TTBS’ National Mirror Committee (NMC). Dr Kravatzky, together with the NMC Vice-Chair, Ms Deborah Souza-Okpofabri of The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus and Ms Andrea Primus, Managing Director, FHH Integrated Management Solutions Limited, provided their expertise in the development of ISO 37000 at the international level.
The NMC comprises stakeholders from the:
- Public Sector
- Private Sector (including Chambers of Commerce and Trade Associations)
- Financial Sector
- Not-for-Profit Organizations
- Academia
- SMEs and family-owned businesses
According to Dr Kravatzky, “The remit of many governing bodies is ever expanding and increasingly complex. ISO 37000, however, will help them to navigate and fulfil this through an integrated governance framework and system which empowers all governing groups and organization actors. The foundation for long term success of organizations is built upon principles of good governance, as this ensures that organizations contribute to the protection and restoration of social, economic and natural environmental systems.”
Mr Rodney Ramnath, Executive Director (Ag.), TTBS, adds, “Governing bodies should ensure that their organizations remain viable and perform over time without compromising the needs of future generations, as we strive to fulfil the UN Sustainable Development Goals as well as Vision 2030. It is through the building and maintenance of trust, good governance contributes to improved business performance as well as to sustainable social and environmental welfare”.
Corruption is a major impediment to development, peace and security. From education to the environment, from business to sports, from gender equality to access to justice, and more – corruption undermines all areas of society’s development. The ISO 37000 series of standards provide a clear roadmap for organizations to strategically achieve their purpose and value and improve overall accountability at all levels.
-ENDS-
For further information, please contact:
Dr Axel Kravatzky Vice-Chair, ISO TC 309,
ISO/TC 309/WG 1 Co-Convenor,
Editor, ISO 37000
Email: axel.kravatzky@syntegra-esg.com
Ms Nadita Ramachala
Manager, Standardization Division
Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards
Email: nadita.ramachala@ttbs.org.tt
To purchase the standards, please contact:
TTBS’ Standards Information Centre
Phone: 868 662 8827 Ext 2030
Email: ttbs@ttbs.org.tt
Website: www.gottbs.com
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