Performance: definition (ISO/UNDP 53001)
Performance (French: performance, the same word) is a measurable result, quantitative or qualitative. For ISO 53001 it chiefly means SDG performance: what the organisation actually achieves against its objectives, its commitments and the contribution it claims, including the negative effects it manages to reduce.
Updated: · edition covered: ISO/UNDP 53001:2026
In an ISO/UNDP 53001 audit
The auditor does not certify a level of performance; the standard sets no threshold to reach. What is checked is that the organisation evaluates its results methodically, draws conclusions and reacts when they depart from what was planned.
A missed objective is not a nonconformity in itself. The problem arises when the result is neither analysed, nor discussed at management review, nor followed by a decision. Performance evaluation is the subject of clause 9 of the ISO/UNDP 53001 standard.
Performance across the certification cycle
Performance becomes most visible over time. At surveillance audits the auditor compares results with those of the previous visit; at recertification, over the full three years. Stagnation is not penalised in itself, but the organisation should be able to explain it and show what it decided in response. Performance claims made to the public are traced back to the evaluation records that support them and to the period they cover.
See also
- Effectiveness: definition (ISO/UNDP 53001)Effectiveness (French: *efficacité*) is the extent to which planned activities are carried out and planned results achieved.
- Measurement: definition (ISO/UNDP 53001)Measurement (French: *mesure*) is the process of determining a value: tonnes of CO₂ emitted, a gender pay gap, the share of suppliers assessed.
- 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 9: what the auditor checksISO 53001 clause 9 deals with performance evaluation.