Four days, four specialized & interactive modules
Taken together, all four modules provide a comprehensive grounding in CSR and sustainability management. Seasoned practitioners can also upgrade their skills in one or more areas by selecting individual modules.
Every module is based on key international frameworks such as the AA1000 series, the Global Compact, ISO 26000, and the GRI Guidelines. TAP demystifies the standards and shows you how to use them in practice.
and may be used to fulfill training requirements of the
Certified Sustainability Assurance Practitioner Program.
DAY 1: IMPLEMENTATION
REVIEWS
“Great overview of the challenges of CSR. Liked the Sharing Knowledge section.”
“Thorough overview of frameworks and useful sharing of experiences by course leaders.”
“Better understanding of the CSR process and how it all fits together.”
“Put into context CSR and how it applies to my organization and Job. Made me think about what I can do internally to improve sustainable development.”
“Broad scope, passion of the facilitators. Facilitators obviously familiar with the subject and able to deliver with a touch of humour.”
This module, or equivalent training, is a prerequisite for modules 2-4
Summary:
Drawing on global frameworks such as the Global Compact, and the ISO 26000 Guidance Standard on Social Responsibility, this module will explain the relationship between accountability, sustainability and corporate reponsibility and show you how to apply key concepts when developing and implementing your CSR strategy.
Content:
- Building the business case for CSR / Sustainability
- Trends and recent developments in CSR / Sustainability
- Introduction to the key global CSR standards
- Identifying material issues for your organization and stakeholders
- Implementing CSR / Sustainability in your organization
DAY 2: REPORTING
REVIEWS
“Definitely valuable. I’ve already put in suggestions for our next report”
“The workshop and the presenters were very well prepared and, perhaps more important from a learning perspective, completely passionate about the topic.”
“Understanding of strategic challenges faced by reporting companies.”
“The way the GRI was presented and the exercises around it were incredibly useful!”
“Solid overview of the nuts and bolts of the GRI from its application to date to how to operationalize it within an organization.”
Pre-requisite: Day 1
Summary:
Value-added sustainability reporting is more than public relations. It is an accountability and management tool that actually drives performance improvement. Participants will learn how to apply the GRI Framework to sustainability reporting to create value for both internal and external stakeholders. During the workshop, participants will have ample opportunity to share experiences and learn from a variety of published reports. Special guest: Vancity on Integrated Reporting.
Content:
- Establishing the rationale for value-added sustainability reporting
- Reporting trends and developments, including integrated reporting
- Applying the GRI (G3.1) guidelines and application levels
- Materiality, using the GRI content protocol
- Using reporting as a driver of performance improvement
DAY 3: ENGAGEMENT
REVIEWS
“A lot of new ideas on how our consultation processes can be improved. A very good tool to assess when to engage and not to engage.”
“I feel much more confident in making the case to senior management.”
“The planning that is required BEFORE the meeting actually happens.”
“Highly relevant to what we do. Will help me better communicate what stakeholder engagement means.”
“Excellent facilitation! Variety of techniques is a plus.”
Pre-requisite: Day 1
Summary:
Stakeholder engagement is at the core of sustainability / CSR, where the rationale for effective stakeholder engagement ranges from avoiding crisis and risk, to embracing opportunities and innovation. Drawing on the most recent research and practical experiences in stakeholder engagement, this module will focus on developing high-quality stakeholder engagement experiences by providing practical guidance and the means to identify, implement and assess quality engagement.
Content:
- Benefits of stakeholder engagement in sustainability
- Introduction to the Stakeholder Engagement Standard
- Approaches for stakeholder identification and mapping
- Appropriate stakeholder engagement techniques
- How to develop a stakeholder engagement plan for your organization
DAY 4: ASSURANCE
REVIEWS
“Great day. Excellent breakdown of AA1000 and its relationship to ISAE 3000.”
“Listening to concrete experience from other participants.”
“Applying the standards to real reports.”
“I thought the workshop was very very good. Thanks for your help and insight.”
“Overall, you have used a great combination of training techniques. Each module has a wonderful mix of literature, experience sharing, and assignments.”
Pre-requisite: Day 1-3
Summary:
Reporting companies will miss many of the benefits of reporting if their reports are not believed. Independent assurance, as one tool for building credibility, is becoming a key aspect of best practice in reporting. Participants will learn how to assess an organization’s assurance needs and design an assurance program which considers issues of scope, materiality, completeness, risk and independence. The workshop leaders, both experienced sustainability auditors, will share their practical experience. Special guest: Ernst & Young.
Content:
- The business case for assuring sustainability reports
- Trends and recent developments in assurance
- The AA1000 Accountability Principles Standard (APS)
- The AA1000 Assurance Standard (AS)
- How to use AA1000AS together with ISAE3000 or CICA 5025.
- Developing an assurance program