INTRODUCTION FOR MASTERING ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) DISCLOSURES & SUSTAINABILITY REPORT ASSURANCE
ESG has been gaining traction in the recent years due to need of organisation to implement sustainable business practices. The course will cover some core principles of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices.
In matters relating to International Trade, governments had advocated the need of professionals to build skillsets by learning ESG globally recognized frameworks. This can enhanced ability to integrate ESG into business as a value adding skill sets. This will attract responsible investment opportunities.
This course will cover understanding and applying essential disclosures in sustainability report which is part of compliance. ESG disclosures and sustainability report assurance is carried out in line with the requirements of the reporting and assurance standards – the standards or guidance that you adhere to when producing a ESG or sustainability report. The options available include the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TFCD) and the AA1000 AccountAbility Principles.
Who should attend: Business professionals, auditors, accountants, finance reporting in managerial, senior and junior executive level who are involved in providing inputs, data and insights who wish to know basics of disclosures of ESG relating to financial reporting relating to sustainability.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE
On completion of the programme, participants will be able to:-
- Comply with the regulatory requirements
- Ensure ESG data integrity and transparency
- Reduce legal risks
- Avoid greenwashing
- Inspire peers and foster ESG innovation
- Reinforce internal reporting processes
TRAINING APPROACH
Where appropriate, activities will include the following:
- Lecture & Videos
- Faciliated Group Discussions & Spot Quiz
- Practical hands on learning activity
Note: Participants are required to bring laptop for group practical session for ESG Action Plan
COURSE OUTLINE
The key content of the program includes the following:
MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION TO ESG AND ITS STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE
- Defining ESG: Key Concepts and Terminologies
- Why ESG Matters: Drivers from Investors, Regulators, and Stakeholders
- ESG and Corporate Value Creation
- Case Study: ESG Integration in Leading Companies
MODULE 2: GLOBAL ESG REPORTING FRAMEWORKS & STANDARDS
Overview of Key Frameworks:
- GRI (Global Reporting Initiative)
- SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board)
- TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures)
- ISSB (International Sustainability Standards Board)
- CDP, UNGC, SDGs, and others
- Comparing Frameworks: Similarities, Differences, and Applicability
- Interactive Exercise: Mapping ESG KPIs to Relevant Frameworks
MODULE 3: ESG REGULATORY LANDSCAPE & LOCAL REQUIREMENTS
- Overview of ESG Disclosure Requirements Globally and Locally (e.g., Bursa Malaysia, SEC, EU CSRD)
- Taxonomy Regulations, Mandatory vs. Voluntary Disclosures
- Malaysia-Specific ESG Policies (e.g., Bursa Malaysia Sustainability Reporting Guide)
- Workshop: Assessing Regulatory Gaps in Participants’ Organizations
MODULE 4: DESIGNING AND IMPLEMENTING ESG REPORTING
- ESG Materiality Assessment: Tools and Techniques
- Data Collection & Management: Quality, Boundaries, and Limitations
- Setting ESG Goals and Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Hands-on Activity: Drafting a Materiality Matrix and ESG Dashboard
MODULE 5: SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING – STRUCTURE AND CONTENT
- Anatomy of a Sustainability Report
- Integration with Annual Report and Financial Statements
- Effective ESG Storytelling: Transparency, Consistency, and Engagement
- Examples of Best-in-Class ESG Reports
MODULE 6: ESG GOVERNANCE AND INTERNAL CONTROLS
- ESG Governance Structure: Board Oversight and Executive Accountability
- Internal ESG Control Mechanisms: Roles of Risk, Audit, and Compliance
- Embedding ESG into Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)
- Group Discussion: ESG Governance Practices in Different Sectors
MODULE 7: SUSTAINABILITY REPORT ASSURANCE
- Purpose and Importance of External Assurance
- Assurance Standards: ISAE 3000 (Revised), AA1000AS, and Others
- Selecting an Assurance Provider
- Levels of Assurance: Limited vs. Reasonable Assurance
- Assurance Engagement Process and Reporting
- Workshop: Evaluating Sample ESG Assurance Reports
MODULE 8: ENHANCING ESG REPORTING AND ASSURANCE QUALITY
- Common Pitfalls in ESG Disclosures and How to Avoid Them
- Key Trends in ESG Reporting & Assurance (AI, Blockchain, Digital Tools)
- Benchmarking and Continuous Improvement
- Final Activity: ESG Action Plan for Your Organisation
