Leadership: definition (ISO/UNDP 53001)
Leadership (French: leadership, the same word) refers, in standards built on the harmonized structure, to the demonstrated involvement of top management in the management system. For ISO 53001 it covers accountability for the effectiveness of the SDG system, its integration into strategic decisions and the provision of resources.
Updated: · edition covered: ISO/UNDP 53001:2026
In an ISO/UNDP 53001 audit
The auditor looks for concrete proof of leadership beyond declarations. Leaders are asked for examples of decisions in which the SDGs carried weight: an investment choice, the selection of a supplier, walking away from a contract. Roles and responsibilities for the system must be assigned and known.
Leadership is not judged only in the interview with top management. What staff say about the organisation's priorities and the means really available often tells the auditor as much. Clause 5 of the ISO/UNDP 53001 standard sets the frame, following the logic shared by every standard built on the harmonized structure.
Leadership tested across the visit
The interview with top management usually comes early in stage 2 and again at each surveillance audit. Answers given then are tested later in the visit: a leader who cites the exclusion of a supplier will see the auditor ask the buyer for the corresponding record.
See also
- Top management: definition (ISO/UNDP 53001)Top management (French: *direction*) is the person or group of people who direct and control the organisation at the highest level: chief executive, executive committee, board of an association.
- Policy: definition (ISO/UNDP 53001)A policy (French: *politique*) states the intentions and direction of an organisation, as formally expressed by its top management.
- Management review: definition (ISO/UNDP 53001)Management review (French: *revue de direction*) is the examination of the SDG management system by top management at planned intervals: results, changes in context, feedback from interested parties, audits, resources.
- ISO/UNDP 53001 clause 5: what the auditor checksISO 53001 clause 5 deals with leadership.