Training course on ESG Disclosure and Reporting Legalities

Training Course on ESG Disclosure and Reporting Legalities

Introduction 

In an era of increasing stakeholder scrutiny and heightened awareness of climate change, social equity, and corporate governance, robust ESG disclosure has become an indispensable element of corporate strategy and regulatory compliance. Companies globally are navigating a rapidly evolving landscape where transparency in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance is no longer voluntary but a critical expectation from investors, regulators, customers, and employees. The proliferation of diverse ESG reporting frameworks and standards, coupled with new mandatory disclosure regulations across major jurisdictions, underscores the urgent need for professionals to master the legal intricacies and practicalities of accurate and auditable ESG reporting. Training Course on ESG Disclosure and Reporting Legalities is meticulously designed to equip legal, finance, sustainability, and compliance professionals with the in-depth knowledge and skills required to navigate the complex legalities, emerging trends, and best practices in sustainability reporting, ensuring adherence and mitigating significant greenwashing risks. 

This course will provide a detailed examination of the key global and regional ESG disclosure regulations, including landmark developments such as the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the SEC's Climate Disclosure Rule, and the standards set by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). Participants will gain a profound understanding of how to conduct materiality assessments, collect and assure ESG data, and prepare comprehensive sustainability reports that meet stringent legal and market expectations. Emphasis will be placed on the practical application of frameworks like GRI, SASB, and TCFD, alongside an analysis of emerging ESG litigation risks and the critical role of external assurance. By mastering these legal and technical aspects, attendees will be empowered to drive their organizations towards greater transparency, strengthen investor confidence, enhance corporate reputation, and effectively communicate their commitment to sustainable value creation.

Course Objectives

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

1. Analyze the global drivers and legal imperatives for ESG disclosure and sustainability reporting.
2. Differentiate between mandatory and voluntary ESG reporting frameworks and standards.
3. Interpret key ESG regulations such as the EU CSRD, SEC Climate Rule, and ISSB Standards.
4. Conduct effective materiality assessments (double materiality) for ESG reporting.
5. Develop robust strategies for ESG data collection, management, and assurance.
6. Understand the legal liabilities and greenwashing risks associated with ESG claims.
7. Apply the principles of major reporting frameworks: GRI, SASB, TCFD, and ISSB.
8. Master the process of preparing and publishing comprehensive sustainability reports.
9. Identify best practices for ESG integration into financial reporting and corporate governance.
10. Navigate the intricacies of external assurance and ESG auditing.
11. Examine emerging trends in ESG litigation and enforcement actions.
12. Design effective internal controls and governance structures for ESG compliance.
13. Discuss the future direction of global ESG regulation harmonization.

Target Audience

This course is specifically designed for professionals who are involved in, or responsible for, ESG disclosure, sustainability reporting, and regulatory compliance within their organizations:

1. Legal Professionals: Corporate lawyers, compliance officers, and in-house counsel dealing with regulatory reporting and risk.
2. Sustainability & ESG Managers: Professionals responsible for developing and implementing sustainability strategies and disclosures.
3. Finance Professionals: CFOs, financial controllers, investor relations professionals, and financial analysts.
4. Corporate Governance Professionals: Board members, company secretaries, and governance experts overseeing corporate transparency.
5. Risk Management Professionals: Individuals responsible for identifying and mitigating ESG-related legal and reputational risks.
6. Internal & External Auditors: Professionals involved in assuring the accuracy and reliability of ESG data and reports.
7. Public Relations & Communications Specialists: Those responsible for communicating ESG performance to stakeholders and managing corporate reputation.
8. Consultants & Advisors: Professionals providing expertise on ESG strategy, reporting, and legal compliance.

Course Duration: 10 Days

Course Modules 

Module 1: Introduction to ESG Disclosure & Its Evolution

• Defining ESG: Environmental, Social, and Governance Factors
• Historical Context and Drivers of ESG Disclosure Growth
• Why ESG Disclosure Matters: Investor Demand, Regulatory Pressure, Reputation
• The Business Case for Transparency in ESG Performance
• Overview of the Global ESG Reporting Landscape

Module 2: Key Global & Regional ESG Regulations

• EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS)
• SEC Climate Disclosure Rule in the United States
• International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) IFRS S1 and S2
• UK's TCFD-aligned Disclosure Requirements
• Overview of other regional (e.g., Singapore, Hong Kong) and national regulations

Module 3: Foundational ESG Reporting Frameworks: GRI & SASB

• Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards: Universal, Topic, and Sector-Specific Standards
• Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Standards: Industry-Specific Materiality
• Distinguishing between GRI (impact-focused) and SASB (financially material)
• Practical Application and Cross-Referencing of GRI and SASB
• Preparing a GRI-aligned and SASB-aligned Report 

Module 4: Climate-Related Financial Disclosures: TCFD

• Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) Recommendations
• Governance, Strategy, Risk Management, and Metrics & Targets Pillars of TCFD
• Climate-Related Risk Assessment (Physical and Transition Risks)
• Scenario Analysis for Climate Resilience
• Integration of TCFD into Mainstream Financial Filings

Module 5: ESG Data Management and Quality Assurance

• Identifying Material ESG Data Points and Metrics
• Data Collection Methodologies and Systems for ESG Reporting
• Ensuring Data Accuracy, Completeness, and Consistency
• Role of Technology and Digital Solutions in ESG Data Management
• Internal Controls and Data Governance for ESG Information

Module 6: Materiality Assessment and Double Materiality

• Understanding Materiality in ESG Reporting
• The Concept of "Double Materiality" under CSRD
• Steps for Conducting a Comprehensive Materiality Assessment
• Stakeholder Engagement in Materiality Determination
• Prioritizing ESG Topics for Disclosure

Module 7: Greenwashing and Legal Liabilities

• Defining Greenwashing: Intentional and Unintentional Misleading Claims
• Regulatory Scrutiny and Enforcement Actions Against Greenwashing
• Legal Risks: Consumer Protection, Securities Law, Tort Law Claims
• Mitigating Greenwashing Risks through Robust Disclosure Practices
• Case Studies of Greenwashing Litigation and Settlements 

Module 8: ESG Integration in Financial Reporting

• The Interplay between Financial and Non-Financial Disclosures
• Integrated Reporting Framework (IIRC)
• Linkages between ESG Performance and Financial Performance
• Challenges in Quantifying ESG Impacts on Financials
• Future of Integrated ESG and Financial Reporting

Module 9: ESG External Assurance and Auditing

• Importance of Independent Assurance for ESG Reports
• Levels of Assurance: Limited vs. Reasonable Assurance
• Assurance Standards and Methodologies for ESG Information
• Role of Auditors and Verification Bodies in ESG Reporting
• Preparing for an ESG Audit: Best Practices

Module 10: Governance and Internal Controls for ESG

• Role of the Board of Directors in ESG Oversight
• Establishing Effective ESG Governance Structures
• Internal Controls for ESG Data and Reporting Processes
• Ethical Leadership and Culture in Driving ESG Performance
• Managing ESG Risks at the Board and Management Levels 

Module 11: Sector-Specific ESG Disclosures and Trends

• Tailoring ESG Disclosure to Industry-Specific Challenges and Opportunities
• Overview of ESG Metrics in Key Sectors (e.g., Energy, Finance, Manufacturing)
• Emerging Disclosure Requirements for Specific ESG Topics (e.g., Biodiversity, Human Capital)
• Supply Chain ESG Transparency and Due Diligence Disclosure
• Future Outlook for Sectoral ESG Standards

Module 12: Emerging Legal Challenges & Future of ESG Regulation

• Current Trends in ESG Litigation and Shareholder Activism
• The Role of AI and Technology in ESG Compliance and Reporting
• Global Harmonization Efforts: ISSB's Role in a Global Baseline
• Challenges and Opportunities in Cross-Border ESG Reporting
• Preparing for Future Regulatory Developments and Policy Shifts

Training Methodology

• Interactive Workshops: Facilitated discussions, group exercises, and problem-solving activities.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples to illustrate successful community-based surveillance practices.
• Role-Playing and Simulations: Practice engaging communities in surveillance activities.
• Expert Presentations: Insights from experienced public health professionals and community leaders.
• Group Projects: Collaborative development of community surveillance plans.
• Action Planning: Development of personalized action plans for implementing community-based surveillance.
• Digital Tools and Resources: Utilization of online platforms for collaboration and learning.
• Peer-to-Peer Learning: Sharing experiences and insights on community engagement.
• Post-Training Support: Access to online forums, mentorship, and continued learning resources.

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

• Participants must be conversant in English.
• Upon completion of training, participants will receive an Authorized Training Certificate.
• The course duration is flexible and can be modified to fit any number of days.
• Course fee includes facilitation, training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch, and a Certificate upon successful completion.
• One-year post-training support, consultation, and coaching provided after the course.
• Payment should be made at least a week before the training commencement to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice, to enable better preparation.