Corporate Sustainability Reporting (GRI Standards) Training Course

Corporate Sustainability Reporting (GRI Standards) Training Course

Introduction

Introduction to Corporate Sustainability Reporting (GRI Standards) In today's global economy, sustainability reporting has evolved from a voluntary practice into a strategic imperative for organizations aiming to demonstrate corporate transparency and accountability. Corporate Sustainability Reporting (GRI Standards) Training Course provide the world's most widely used framework for this purpose. This training course is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to navigate the complexities of sustainability and ESG reporting. By adopting the GRI framework, companies can effectively communicate their impacts on the economy, environment, and people, fostering trust with key stakeholders and enhancing their corporate reputation.

This comprehensive program delves into the latest GRI Standards, covering everything from foundational principles to advanced reporting processes. Participants will learn how to identify their organization's most significant impacts (materiality analysis), collect reliable data, and prepare a high-quality, in-accordance sustainability report. The curriculum integrates real-world case studies and interactive exercises to ensure a deep understanding and practical application of the standards. Mastering GRI reporting is essential for anyone looking to drive sustainable business practices and meet the growing demands of investors, regulators, and the public for comprehensive non-financial disclosures.

Course Duration

5 days

Course Objectives

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

1. Understand the core concepts of sustainable development and its connection to corporate reporting.
2. Navigate the structure and key features of the latest GRI Standards 2021 Update.
3. Apply the principles of GRI 1: Foundation to initiate the reporting process.
4. Conduct a robust materiality assessment to identify an organization's most significant impacts.
5. Gather and prepare data for GRI 2: General Disclosures and relevant Topic-Specific Standards.
6. Effectively use the GRI Sector Standards to address industry-specific impacts.
7. Create a comprehensive and compliant sustainability report "in accordance" with the GRI Standards.
8. Integrate the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the reporting process.
9. Develop a stakeholder engagement strategy to inform report content.
10. Link ESG data to business strategy to drive long-term value creation.
11. Understand the importance of external assurance and quality control in sustainability reporting.
12. Benchmark and analyze sustainability performance over time and against competitors.
13. Leverage GRI reporting to enhance brand reputation and attract sustainable finance and investment.

Organizational Benefits

• By publishing transparent and credible sustainability reports, companies build trust with consumers, investors, and communities.
• The reporting process forces organizations to identify and manage environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks, mitigating potential financial and reputational damage.
• With the rise of ESG investing, investors increasingly rely on GRI reports to make informed decisions. A strong report can unlock new sources of green finance and capital.
• The data collection and analysis required for a GRI report often reveal opportunities for resource efficiency and cost savings.
• Training and reporting on sustainability can boost employee morale and attract top talent who are passionate about working for responsible companies.
• The process of determining material topics helps organizations align their business strategy with sustainability goals, creating a more resilient and forward-looking business model.
• As regulations on climate disclosure and non-financial reporting evolve globally, a solid GRI framework ensures the organization is prepared to meet mandatory requirements, such as the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

Target Audience

1. Sustainability and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) managers and practitioners.
2. Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) professionals.
3. Investor relations and finance professionals focused on ESG.
4. Corporate governance and legal professionals.
5. Public relations and communications specialists.
6. Human resources personnel involved in social impact reporting.
7. Auditors and consultants specializing in non-financial reporting.
8. C-suite executives and board members responsible for sustainability strategy.

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Corporate Sustainability Reporting

• Introduction to Sustainable Development and its business relevance.
• The evolution of sustainability reporting and the role of the GRI.
• Key terminology: ESG, CSR, and non-financial performance.
• Overview of the GRI Standards as a modular system.
• Case Study: A global beverage company's journey from ad-hoc reporting to a structured GRI framework.

Module 2: Navigating the GRI Standards

• Deep dive into GRI 1: Foundation 2021 and its core principles.
• Understanding the "in accordance" requirements.
• Applying GRI 2: General Disclosures to provide organizational context.
• How to use the GRI Topic Standards (GRI 200, 300, 400 series).
• Case Study: A large technology firm's use of GRI 2 to map its governance, strategy, and stakeholder relationships.

Module 3: Materiality and Stakeholder Engagement

• The concept of materiality and its central role in GRI reporting.
• Step-by-step guide to conducting a materiality assessment.
• Identifying and prioritizing key stakeholders.
• Effective methods for stakeholder engagement and feedback.
• Case Study: A retail company's materiality assessment that identified ethical supply chains and plastic waste as key material topics.

Module 4: Reporting on Economic & Environmental Impacts

• Reporting on economic impacts using GRI 200 series
• Reporting on environmental impacts using GRI 300 series
• Practical tips for data collection and management.
• Integration with other frameworks (TCFD, CDP, CSRD).
• Case Study: A manufacturing company's report on its carbon emissions reduction and circular economy initiatives, linking them to GRI 305 and 306.

Module 5: Reporting on Social & Human Impacts

• Reporting on social impacts using the GRI 400 series
• Understanding human rights due diligence in the context of reporting.
• Disclosing information on occupational health and safety.
• Reporting on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) metrics.
• Case Study: An apparel brand's GRI-based report detailing its human rights policies in its global supply chain.

Module 6: Integrating the SDGs into GRI Reporting

• Overview of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their business relevance.
• Mapping an organization's impacts to the 17 SDGs.
• Using GRI to track and report on contributions to the Global Goals.
• Practical examples of SDG integration into corporate strategy.
• Case Study: A financial institution's GRI report that shows how its sustainable lending practices contribute to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

Module 7: The Reporting Process & Quality Control

• A five-step guide to the entire GRI reporting cycle: prepare, connect, define, monitor, and report.
• Best practices for compiling and presenting the report.
• The importance of the GRI Content Index.
• Understanding the value of external assurance and third-party verification.
• Case Study: A multinational corporation's journey to securing external assurance for its GRI report, highlighting the benefits of increased credibility.

Module 8: Advanced Topics & Future Trends

• Emerging trends in sustainability disclosure, including the CSRD and ISSB standards.
• Leveraging GRI data for enhanced investor communication and ESG ratings.
• The role of technology in automating sustainability reporting.
• Future of reporting: double materiality and integrated thinking.
• Case Study: How a logistics company is using new software to streamline its GRI reporting and monitor real-time ESG performance data.

Training Methodology

This course utilizes a blended learning approach to maximize participant engagement and knowledge retention. The methodology includes:

• Interactive lectures and presentations by certified GRI experts.
• Hands-on exercises and group workshops to apply concepts in a practical setting.
• Real-world case studies and examples from diverse industries.
• Q&A sessions and facilitated discussions to address specific challenges.
• Access to digital resources, templates, and reference materials.

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.