Esg (environmental, Social, And Governance) Auditing: Evaluating Sustainability Performance

Introduction:

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors are increasingly important to investors, stakeholders, and regulators. This comprehensive training course on ESG Auditing equips participants with the specialized knowledge and skills to assess ESG risks and performance within organizations. Participants will learn how to evaluate ESG frameworks, identify material ESG issues, conduct ESG audits, and provide valuable insights to improve sustainability performance and reporting. This course bridges the gap between traditional audit practices and the evolving ESG landscape, empowering participants to become leaders in driving sustainable business practices.

Target Audience:

This course is designed for professionals responsible for evaluating and improving ESG performance within their organizations, including:

• Internal Auditors
• Sustainability Professionals
• ESG Consultants
• Compliance Officers
• Risk Managers
• Investors
• Anyone involved in ESG reporting and assurance

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this ESG Auditing training course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the growing importance of ESG factors and their impact on organizations.
• Evaluate ESG frameworks and standards (e.g., GRI, SASB, TCFD).
• Identify and assess material ESG risks and opportunities.
• Conduct ESG audits using industry best practices.
• Develop audit programs and procedures for ESG assessments.
• Evaluate ESG performance and reporting.
• Understand the role of ESG in investment decisions.
• Develop recommendations for improving ESG performance.
• Communicate ESG audit findings effectively to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with business units on ESG initiatives.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest ESG trends and best practices.
• Contribute to a stronger ESG culture within their organizations.
• Enhance their understanding of sustainability and responsible business practices.
• Become a more valuable and sought-after ESG audit professional.
• Understand how to provide assurance over ESG data.

DURATION

5 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Introduction to ESG and Sustainability

• Defining ESG and its growing importance for businesses and investors.
• The business case for ESG: value creation and risk mitigation.
• Key ESG concepts and terminology.
• Overview of global sustainability trends and challenges.
• Introduction to ESG reporting frameworks and standards.

Module 2: ESG Frameworks and Standards

• In-depth exploration of GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) standards.
• Understanding SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board) standards.
• Overview of TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures) recommendations.
• Exploring other relevant ESG frameworks (e.g., UN SDGs, PRI).
• Comparing and contrasting different ESG frameworks.

Module 3: Identifying and Assessing Material ESG Issues

• Materiality assessment process and methodologies.
• Stakeholder engagement for identifying material ESG issues.
• Analyzing ESG risks and opportunities.
• Prioritizing material ESG issues for audit and reporting.
• Using data and analytics for ESG materiality assessment.

Module 4: Environmental Auditing

• Auditing environmental management systems (EMS).
• Assessing environmental impacts and performance.
• Evaluating compliance with environmental regulations.
• Auditing climate change-related risks and opportunities.
• Auditing resource management (energy, water, waste).

Module 5: Social Auditing

• Auditing labor practices and human rights.
• Assessing community engagement and social impact.
• Evaluating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) practices.
• Auditing supply chain social responsibility.
• Auditing product safety and responsibility.

Module 6: Governance Auditing

• Auditing board oversight of ESG issues.
• Assessing ethical conduct and anti-corruption measures.
• Evaluating risk management related to ESG factors.
• Auditing transparency and disclosure practices.
• Auditing stakeholder engagement and communication.

Module 7: ESG Data Management and Reporting

• Collecting and managing ESG data.
• Ensuring data quality and reliability.
• Developing ESG reports and disclosures.
• Using ESG reporting software and tools.
• Understanding ESG assurance and verification.

Module 8: Conducting ESG Audits

• Developing an ESG audit program.
• Planning and executing ESG audits.
• Gathering and analyzing ESG evidence.
• Documenting and reporting ESG audit findings.
• Following up on ESG audit recommendations.

Module 9: Emerging Trends in ESG and Sustainability

• The evolving ESG landscape and regulatory developments.
• The increasing importance of ESG integration in business strategy.
• Sustainable finance and ESG investing.
• The role of technology in ESG reporting and assurance.
• The future of ESG auditing and its contribution to a sustainable future.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.