ISO 37000:2021: governance guidance for organisations

ISO 37000:2021 is an international guide that establishes the principles and best practices for effective governance in all types of organisations. It defines governance as the way decisions are made and how they impact the achievement of objectives, focusing on purpose, culture, values, processes and structures.

The standard attributes ultimate responsibility for governance to the governing body, which must be composed of competent, diverse, independent and ethical individuals who must act with strategic vision and continuous improvement. Its correct implementation improves performance, responsible resource management and ethical behaviour, reinforcing the culture of compliance and stakeholder confidence.

ISO 37000 is based on 11 guiding principles and offers practical guidelines for its application, from risk and stakeholder analysis to the definition of policies, controls and codes of ethics. It is also applicable to SMEs and family businesses, helping them to professionalise their management, reduce risks and lay the foundations for sustainable, long-term growth.