Sustainability Reporting Assurance Course
This comprehensive course provides a practical, step-by-step approach to third-party sustainability reporting assurance, equipping professionals with the knowledge, frameworks, and skills needed to engage effectively with assurance providers. Designed for ESG reporting specialists, sustainability managers, and corporate governance professionals, this course bridges the gap between sustainability teams and assurance providers - ensuring clear communication, streamlined assurance engagements, and mutually beneficial outcomes.
Whether you're new to sustainability assurance or looking to deepen your expertise, this course will empower you with the tools and insights to navigate the evolving assurance landscape with confidence. Gain an applied understanding of ISAE 3000, AA1000AS, and ISSA 5000 to successfully prepare for sustainability report assurance and establish a well-structured internal process on the reporter’s side.
Fundamentals of Sustainability Assurance
Master key principles, terminology, and the differences between financial auditing and sustainability assurance. Understand how standards like ISAE 3000, AA1000AS, and ISSA 5000 shape assurance processes.
Preparing for External Assurance
Learn how to structure your reporting systems, assess data reliability, and implement effective internal controls to meet modern assurance requirements.
Strategic Decision-Making in Assurance
Gain practical tools to define the scope of assurance, select the appropriate assurance level, and develop a tailored roadmap for your organization.
Lessons from
Real-World Cases
Analyze both successful and challenging assurance engagements to anticipate common pitfalls and apply best practices in your own reporting.
Future Trends & Regulatory Developments
Stay ahead with insights into emerging technologies, evolving assurance methodologies, and regulatory changes shaping the future of sustainability assurance.
Throughout the course, you will engage in interactive discussions with an experienced mentor, ensuring a hands-on, practice-driven learning experience tailored to real-world challenges.
Comprehensive knowledge for effective audit readiness and compliance, aligned with CSRD-ESRS, stock exchange requirements, investor expectations, and international and local regulations.
The Sustainability Reporting Assurance Course is offered in two formats: a mentorship-driven program a self-paced+ option, built on 15+ years of experience in ESG reporting for leading national and global companies.
Comprehensive Curriculum
Covering everything from foundational principles to advanced assurance processes, this course provides a structured, end-to-end approach to sustainability reporting assurance.
Tailored ESG Assurance Training
Unlike generic auditing courses, this program is specifically designed for sustainability reporting, offering a customized learning experience. With a strong focus on ISAE 3000, AA1000AS, and ISSA 5000, it equips you with specialized ESG assurance knowledge. In the mentorship format, you receive personalized guidance, ensuring your learning journey aligns with your professional needs and industry challenges.
Practical
Focus
Focus
Gain actionable insights, checklists, and real-world case studies designed to help you bridge the gap between theory and practice in sustainability assurance.
Developed by Expert Report Preparers, Enriched with Auditor Insights
Created by seasoned sustainability report preparers, this course is built on real-world experience in ESG disclosure and assurance. To provide an audit-ready perspective, we conducted 100+ hours of discussions with auditors and assurance providers, integrating their expertise into the curriculum. This unique combination of reporting know-how and assurance insights ensures you develop the skills to confidently navigate the sustainability assurance process.
Looking for Tangible Learning Results?
Choose MENTOR-LED
Courses
In a complex, multi-dimensional field like sustainability reporting—with its many nuances—we believe only personalized mentoring can ensure a thorough understanding of the material, empowering you to apply it independently and effectively in real-world scenarios.
Looking for Tangible Learning Results?
Choose MENTOR-LED
Courses
In a complex, multi-dimensional field like sustainability reporting - with its many nuances - we believe only personalized mentoring can ensure a thorough understanding of the material, empowering you to apply it independently and effectively in real-world scenarios.
01
module
Fundamentals and Principles of Assurance
Theme 1: Introduction
Theme 2: Understanding Assurance
Theme 3: Fundamental Principles of Assurance
Theme 4: Terminology: Financial Auditing vs. Sustainability
Theme 5: Assurance
Theme 6: Assurance Standards and Frameworks
Theme 7: Approaches to Sustainability Assurance
Theme 8: Levels of Assurance: Limited vs. Reasonable
Theme 9: Drivers Behind the Increasing Demand for Assurance
02
module
Preparing for Assurance: Systems, Controls, and Costs
Theme 10: Preparing for Assurance
Theme 11: Assessing Reporting Systems
Theme 12: Internal Controls and Assurance
Theme 13: Internal and External Cost Considerations
03
module
The Assurance Process: Requirements, Stages, and Pitfalls
Theme 14: Understanding the Assurance Engagement Process
Theme 15: Determining Assurance Requirements
Theme 16: Understanding Assurance Trends
Theme 17: Choosing the Right Assurance Scope
Theme 18: The Five Stages of the Assurance Process
Theme 19: Common Mistakes and Pitfalls
Mentorship
Self-Paced+
Self-Paced Classic
Duration
Access to the platform for 6 months
4 mentor sessions to be completed over a 6-month period.
Access to the platform for 6 months
Access to the platform for 6 months
Access
Building on all the benefits of Self-Paced+, plus:
- Curated materials reflecting your progress and mentor feedback
Constantly updated and evolving learning content reflecting all ongoing changes in the regulatory environment and standards application practices
Constantly updated and evolving learning content reflecting all ongoing changes in the regulatory environment and standards application practices
Materials
- Additional resources in MS Word and PDF upon request for specific areas of study interest
- Custom-prepared study materials aligned with your industry or regional specifics
- Course translation into any native language, supplied as a PDF and sent straight to your inbox
- Videos, texts, pictures, tables, infographics, tests
- 100+ illustrative practical disclosures
- 100+ real-life reporting examples from top companies for each disclosure requirement
- Course translation into any native language, supplied as a PDF and sent straight to your inbox
- Videos, texts, pictures, tables, infographics, tests
- 100+ illustrative practical disclosures
- 100+ real-life reporting examples from top companies for each disclosure requirement
Flexibility
- Enjoy a flexible pace with one requirement: schedule mentor session(s) within the first 6 months
Total freedom:
study at your own pace, pause whenever you want, or speed up to reach your goals sooner.
Select one date within the next 6 months for a single mentor meeting.
Total freedom:
study at your own pace during 1 year, pause whenever you want, or speed up to reach your goals sooner.
Support
- Direct access to a mentor for personalized guidance and support
24/7
dedicated team support
- Only on weekdays from 10 AM to 6 PM London time.
Mentor Session Focus
Building on all the benefits of Self-Paced+, plus:
- Sessions customized to your individual objectives and professional needs
- Option to adapt the curriculum and study materials to your personal preferences and goals
- Individual assignments tailored to your specific needs and objectives
Onboarding (kick-off call)
At the start, you and your mentor review your learning goals, agree on the best study approach, and—if helpful—receive extra resources tailored to those goals.
Final meeting (wrap-up Q&A)
At the end, you bring every remaining question, get in-depth answers, and, when needed, receive additional materials for your future self-study.
Pace
- Opportunity to request or receive additional materials on practically any ESG reporting or disclosure topic
- Curriculum customization at each study stage to address your specific needs, experience, and learning objectives
- In-depth review of your assignments, challenges encountered, and experience gained
- Opportunity to discuss, develop, and refine your real-world project with an experienced mentor
Follows a practice-oriented curriculum covering essential knowledge of the methodology and application, with progress checks through multiple-choice tests.
Follows a practice-oriented curriculum covering essential knowledge of the methodology and application, with progress checks through multiple-choice tests.
Mentor Sessions
- Four 1.5-hour sessions
- Two 1-hour sessions
Price
800 GBP
+ VAT (if applicable)
Interested in mentoring format?
Discover how to skyrocket your reporting goals in a free 1-on-1 session with our expert mentor.
Discover how to skyrocket your reporting goals in a free 1-on-1 session with our expert mentor.
Coming soon
For any inquiries or to pre-register, please email us at lra@reporting.academy.
Coming soon
For any inquiries or to pre-register, please email us at lra@reporting.academy.
Payment Flexibility
Discounts for groups of 3 or more
20% discount for students or NGOs
Option to pay in up to four instalments
One-time payment
Discounts for groups of 3 or more
One-time payment
Discounts for groups of 3 or more
Bridging Expertise with Modern Learning
Our course combines traditional expertise with modern, flexible learning methodologies, ensuring a comprehensive and practical understanding of the assurance process:
Interactive Modules
Engage with structured, step-by-step lessons that progressively build your expertise.
Real-World Case Studies
Learn from in-depth examples that translate theory into real-world application.
Independent Learning Support
Access detailed resources, step-by-step guides, and structured materials designed for self-directed study.
Mentor Support
Receive personalized guidance and expert insights throughout the course. Whether you need help understanding complex topics, refining your approach, or applying assurance concepts to your specific context, our mentors provide tailored support to enhance your learning experience.
Ross Kurinko, Dr. is a distinguished expert with over 15 years of experience in sustainability, ESG, integrated ESG communications and corporate reporting. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in establishing ESG governance frameworks and comprehensive disclosure systems, notably building one from scratch for one of Europe’s largest railway companies. As an independent consultant, he has guided over 20 prominent businesses and educated hundreds of professionals, enabling them to make significant strides in sustainable practices. His work has consistently emphasized the enhancement of corporate governance, reduction of environmental impacts, and strengthening of social responsibility initiatives, with a particular focus on creating robust, transparent reporting and disclosure frameworks. These efforts have been widely recognized with awards and honours.
Ross Kurinko’s expertise is particularly concentrated on ESG reporting and disclosure, where he has been at the forefront of aligning corporate practices with the rigorous demands of responsible finance and ESG analytics. His close professional relationships with leading organizations like GRI, S&P Global, Moody’s, Sustainalytics, and CDP have delivered direct value to his clients, enhancing their brand reputations and increasing shareholder confidence. His strategic guidance has positioned these businesses as leaders in their industries, driving measurable impact and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Ross Kurinko’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility has established him as a key figure in advancing transparency and accountability in corporate reporting.
In addition to the aforementioned roles, Ross Kurinko, Dr., is a frequent speaker on ESG/Sustainability reporting, strategy, and management. He serves as an official tutor for the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and is a qualified CSR consultant under the EBRD Business Advisory Services Programme. Moreover, he has authored several books for UN agencies and written articles for both US and European academic institutions, contributing to renowned institutions such as Cambridge and Harvard Universities.
Ross Kurinko, Dr. is a distinguished expert with over 15 years of experience in sustainability, ESG, integrated ESG communications and corporate reporting. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in establishing ESG governance frameworks and comprehensive disclosure systems, notably building one from scratch for one of Europe’s largest railway companies. As an independent consultant, he has guided over 20 prominent businesses and educated hundreds of professionals, enabling them to make significant strides in sustainable practices. His work has consistently emphasized the enhancement of corporate governance, reduction of environmental impacts, and strengthening of social responsibility initiatives, with a particular focus on creating robust, transparent reporting and disclosure frameworks. These efforts have been widely recognized with awards and honours.
Ross Kurinko’s expertise is particularly concentrated on ESG reporting and disclosure, where he has been at the forefront of aligning corporate practices with the rigorous demands of responsible finance and ESG analytics. His close professional relationships with leading organizations like GRI, S&P Global, Moody’s, Sustainalytics, and CDP have delivered direct value to his clients, enhancing their brand reputations and increasing shareholder confidence. His strategic guidance has positioned these businesses as leaders in their industries, driving measurable impact and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Ross Kurinko’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility has established him as a key figure in advancing transparency and accountability in corporate reporting.
In addition to the aforementioned roles, Ross Kurinko, Dr., is a frequent speaker on ESG/Sustainability reporting, strategy, and management. He serves as an official tutor for the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and is a qualified CSR consultant under the EBRD Business Advisory Services Programme. Moreover, he has authored several books for UN agencies and written articles for both US and European academic institutions, contributing to renowned institutions such as Cambridge and Harvard Universities.
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Sustainability Managers and ESG Specialists
Gain a deep, practical understanding of sustainability assurance processes to enhance reporting quality, ensure compliance with international standards, and build stakeholder trust. This course equips you with tools to improve ESG data management, strengthen internal controls, and effectively prepare for third-party assurance engagements.
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Sustainability Reporting Consultants
Enhance your ability to guide clients through the assurance process by providing strategic advice on preparing for external assurance, addressing regulatory requirements, and improving report credibility. Learn how to anticipate challenges, align reporting with best practices, and strengthen ESG disclosures to help clients meet investor and regulatory expectations.
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Internal Auditors and Assurance Professionals
Develop a comprehensive understanding of sustainability assurance, including the differences between limited and reasonable assurance, pre-assurance readiness checks, and key assurance frameworks (ISAE 3000, AA1000AS, ISSA 5000). Learn to assess the integrity of ESG data, integrate sustainability assurance into traditional audit processes, and collaborate effectively with sustainability teams to enhance reporting accuracy.
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Corporate Governance and Compliance Officers
Learn how to establish robust oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance with key regulations such as CSRD, the GHG Protocol, and stock exchange requirements. Gain insights into developing governance frameworks, conducting materiality assessments, and aligning reporting criteria with key performance indicators (KPIs). This course will help you navigate regulatory risks, avoid penalties, and enhance corporate transparency and accountability.
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CFOs and Senior Executives
Gain strategic insights into the role of sustainability assurance in driving investor confidence, corporate reputation, and long-term value creation. Learn how to integrate ESG goals into corporate strategy, oversee sustainability disclosures with credibility, and align assurance processes with financial reporting expectations. This course empowers executives to effectively engage with sustainability teams, auditors, and stakeholders to ensure ESG commitments translate into measurable impact.
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Investor Relations and Sustainability Analysts
Professionals responsible for engaging with investors and ESG rating agencies need to understand how assurance enhances the credibility of sustainability disclosures. This course equips you with the knowledge to interpret assurance reports, assess ESG data reliability, and communicate verified sustainability information effectively to investors and stakeholders.
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Risk Management Professionals
As ESG risks become increasingly financially material, risk managers must understand how assurance processes validate ESG data and reduce exposure to reporting-related risks. This course provides insights into assessing ESG data integrity, identifying gaps in sustainability reporting, and mitigating risks related to compliance, reputational damage, and stakeholder trust.
