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Governance Standard
ISO 37000
ISO 37000 — the international standard for governance of organisations.
ISO 37000:2021All organisationsGoverning body focusPrinciples-based

The requirements

ISO 37000:2021 is the first international standard for the governance of organisations. It provides principles and guidance that governing bodies can use to fulfil their governance responsibilities — applicable to all organisations regardless of type, size, or industry. Encircle's four-pillar framework is aligned to ISO 37000.

Governance Principles
Accountability, transparency, responsible behaviour, impartiality, stakeholder inclusiveness — the ISO 37000 governance principles
Governing Body Mandate
The governing body's role in setting direction, oversight, and accountability — distinct from management
Organisational Purpose
Defining and maintaining the organisation's purpose and the value it creates for stakeholders
Organisational Values & Ethics
Establishing and maintaining an ethical culture, value-based decision making, anti-corruption measures
Risk & Opportunity Oversight
Governing body oversight of strategic risks and opportunities, risk appetite setting
Stakeholder Engagement
Identifying material stakeholders, understanding their needs, communicating outcomes

Mapped in Encircle

This framework contributes to the following governance domains in your Encircle score:

D01 StrategyD02 LeadershipD05 EthicsD07 StakeholdersD11 Assurance
How Encircle maps this framework

Encircle maps ISO 37000 governance principles to the 12 domains — particularly the Ethics & Culture and Direction pillars. Your ISO 37000 alignment is tracked alongside King V, providing a global governance benchmark alongside the SA-specific framework.

Your ISO 37000 readiness score

Encircle tells you when you are ISO 37000 Aligned — demonstrating that your governing body operates in accordance with international governance principles. ISO 37000 alignment is evidenced through governance documentation and board effectiveness assessments, which Encircle tracks.

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