ISO 37000:2021
Strengthen Leadership Accountability, Transparency, Integrity, and Strategic Oversight.
ISO 37000:2021 provides internationally recognized guidance for the governance of organizations. It helps governing bodies and top management establish effective, ethical, and sustainable governance systems aligned with long-term value creation.
Unlike certifiable standards, ISO 37000 is a guidance standard that strengthens leadership accountability, transparency, integrity, and strategic oversight.
ISO 37000:2021 is the first global standard that provides comprehensive principles and guidance for the governance of organizations, applicable to:
“The human-based system by which an organization is directed, overseen, and held accountable for achieving its purpose.”
— ISO 37000:2021
ISO 37000 is built on core governance principles that guide effective and responsible leadership.
Strong governance ensures:
Investor Confidence
improved ESG performance & accountability
Reduced Risk
fewer governance failures & misconduct incidents
Sustainable Growth
long-term value creation & resilience
Regulatory Alignment
confidence with regulators & authorities
The standard focuses on five interconnected areas of organizational governance.
Establishing governance structures, policies, and authority levels.
Defining roles, duties, and accountability of board members or governing authorities.
Monitoring performance, risk, compliance, and ethical conduct.
Promoting integrity, fairness, and responsible behavior.
Ensuring sustainable growth and stakeholder value.
Organizations implementing ISO 37000 guidance experience:
ISO 37000 demonstrates your organization’s commitment to responsible leadership, transparency, and sustainable success.
ISO 9001
Quality Management Systems
ISO 14001
Environmental Management Systems
ISO 45001
Occupational Health & Safety
ISO 27001
Information Security Management
ISO 22000
Food Safety Management Systems
ISO 50001
Energy Management System
ISO 13485
Medical Device Quality Management
ISO 20000-1
IT Service Management System
ISO 37301
Compliance Management System
ISO 21001
Educational Organizations Management