About this course

In today’s dynamic business landscape, organisations of all sizes and sectors need to prepare sustainability-related information. Organisations investing in developing or continually improving their sustainability strategies and associated reporting are most likely to benefit from also being financially sustainable – not just for the long term but more immediately. 

This course builds on ACCA’s well-received Sustainability Reporting Guide to navigate practitioners through the eight stages of the reporting cycle, equipping them to meet sustainability reporting demands effectively. Additionally, learners can choose to explore the implementation requirements of the first two ISSB standards (IFRS S1, IFRS S2) and European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) at pivotal points in the cycle. 

Learning outcomes

By completing this course, you will be able to: 

  • Articulate the need for and importance of effective, accurate and standardised sustainability reporting 
  • Identify the stages in the sustainability reporting cycle 
  • Determine and allocate appropriate levels of responsibility for sustainability reporting 
  • Define data requirements and plan data collection activities to meet organisational requirements 
  • Prepare an effective sustainability reporting process plan that includes verification and continual improvement 

Who is it for?

This course has been designed for finance professionals involved in reporting high-quality sustainability-related information, but may also be relevant to practitioners in other functions.  You should be familiar with the key sustainability issues, metrics and practices affecting your organisation, as the course will build on this foundational sustainability knowledge.  If you are at the start of your sustainability journey, we recommend that you complete ACCA's Certificate in Sustainability for Finance before taking this course.

 

Syllabus

  • Introduction to sustainability reporting

    In this module, you will learn about the demand for sustainability reporting, the benefits of planned implementation, how this course is structured, and the stages of the sustainability reporting cycle. 

    On completion of this module, you will be able to:  

    • Articulate the need for and importance of effective, accurate and standardised sustainability reporting  
    • Explain the benefits of structured sustainability reporting for business strategy and risk management   
    • Compare and contrast the roles of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) in shaping sustainability reporting standards and their adoption across different jurisdictions  
    • Identify the stages in the sustainability reporting cycle 
  • Allocating responsibility and the reporting landscape

    In this module, you will learn about the first two steps in the sustainability reporting cycle: allocating responsibility for sustainability reporting and establishing the reporting landscape. 

    On completion of this module, you will be able to: 

    • Identify the appropriate distribution of responsibility for sustainability reporting, emphasising awareness within the organisation  
    • Understand the Responsibility Assignment Matrix and its importance in clarifying roles and responsibilities within organisational processes, with a specific focus on sustainability reporting and governance   
    • Describe the organisation and its environment, including the reporting frameworks relevant to it    
    • Identify and prioritise sustainability efforts, focusing on compliance and resource management, while adapting to changing regulations 
  • Materiality and data requirements

    In this module, you will learn about the next two stages in the sustainability reporting cycle: determining the material sustainability-related information to be reported and determining the data requirements for this reporting. 

    On completion of this module, you will be able to: 

    • Identify, describe and evaluate the sustainability-related risks and opportunities (SRROs) that could reasonably be expected to affect an organisation’s prospects 
    • Identify, describe and evaluate the material information to be reported for each relevant SRRO  
    • Understand considerations for sustainability data requirements and reporting boundaries 
    • Understand considerations for setting the scope and parameters of sustainability data collection 
  • Collecting and reporting on data

    In this module, you will learn about steps five and six in the sustainability reporting cycle: collecting data and reporting on the collected data. 

    On completion of this module, you will be able to: 

    • Select and evaluate appropriate sources of data for sustainability reporting, acknowledging the breadth of data required which spans across sectors and standards  
    • Understand and apply methodologies for data collection that ensure the verifiability and reliability of sustainability data  
    • Navigate the use of technology in sustainability reporting, including choosing suitable technological tools and understanding their role in data collection and strategy implementation 
    • Identify when to utilise external support, such as consultants or third-party systems, to enhance the organisation's reporting process and strategy 
    • Make informed decisions on technology for sustainability reporting by assessing its credibility, alignment with reporting timelines, consistent methodology, and maximisation of data usage 
    • Communicate sustainability reporting effectively, ensuring connectivity of information and applying qualitative characteristics of good reporting to enhance the overall reporting package 
  • Implementing reporting and report verification

    In this module, you will learn about the activities underpinning the last two stages in the sustainability reporting cycle: implementing reporting, and verification and continual improvement. 

    On completion of this module, you will be able to: 

    • Create a formal plan for implementing sustainability reporting  
    • Analyse the level of governance built into the technology  
    • Engage and manage providers and users of sustainability-related information 
    • Formulate and implement strategies for accessing, developing, and maintaining talent 
    • Verify your organisation’s efforts in implementing sustainability reporting 
    • Evaluate your organisation’s continual improvement in sustainability reporting