Access to Essential Services

Access to essential services — including healthcare, education, water, energy, financial services, and telecommunications — is a fundamental element of social responsibility for organisations that provide or influence access to these services.

ISO 26000 emphasises that organisations should not deny essential services to consumers who cannot afford to pay, and should consider the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged consumers. Key issues include affordability and pricing of essential services, geographic accessibility (particularly in rural and underserved areas), quality and reliability of service delivery, non-discrimination in service provision, and the impact of digitalisation on access (digital divide). Financial inclusion — ensuring access to affordable financial services — is particularly important, with approximately 1.4 billion adults remaining unbanked globally.

Further Reading

• ISO 26000 — Consumer issues guidance
• UN Guidelines for Consumer Protection — International consumer protection framework

Related Topics

• Consumer Issues
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption
• Fair Operating Practices