IRCA Course Outline

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IRCA Accredited Sustainability/CSR Training: Course Detail

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We would recommend that the particiapants take the five-day course but if you are able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge for the module prerequisites, the modules can be taken individually.

Module A: Foundation in Corporate Responsibility

This module covers current issues in corporate responsibility, its key drivers and the regulatory context. It will provide delegates with an understanding of the relationship between corporate responsibility, sustainability and accountability as well as explain the benefits that they provide to organisations. The module also provides an overview of leading sustainability guidelines, such as GRI G3 and the AA1000 Stakeholder Engagement and Assurance Standards.

Module B: Foundation in Stakeholder Engagement

This module provides delegates with a thorough grounding in the rationale and benefits of stakeholder engagement, and how it relates to business strategy. It will provide an understanding of both the theory and methodology for effective stakeholder engagement, including how to identify stakeholders and the issues that are likely to be material to them. It covers both the AA1000 Stakeholder Engagement Standard and the UNEP Stakeholder Engagement Manual in detail, and will enable delegates to plan and implement effective stakeholder engagement programmes.

Module C: Foundation in Sustainability Reporting

This module covers sustainability reporting, including its purpose and benefits. Delegates will gain an understanding of the key principles underlying effective reporting, including materiality. The module will also cover the GRI G3 guidelines in detail, including practical exercises assessing the effectiveness of leading companies' reporting

Module D: Sustainability Assurance Practitioner Training

This module takes place over two days. The first day provides delegates with an understanding of the benefits and principles underlying sustainability assurance. It includes detailed discussion of the changes to the AA1000 Assurance Standard. The second day will provide delegates with an understanding of typical assurance processes and procedures. It includes an opportunity to gain first hand experience through a team-based exercise where delegates will apply the AA1000AS principles to a case study and write an assurance statement following AA1000AS.

Module prerequisites

Modules may be taken independently, however some prior knowledge is required, as set out below:

Module Delegates should have prior knowledge equivalent to:

  • For module A: n/a
  • For module B: Module A
  • For module C: Module A
  • For module D: Module A, B, C

If you are wanting to take modules B, C or D without having previously attended our training, we will ask you to complete a short questionnaire so we can check your understanding and experience.

Course style

The course is delivered through a mixture of lectures, practical exercises and small group discussion. Each module includes case studies and exercises based on leading companies. Modules include a brief assessment exercise such as a quiz or practical team exercise to ensure understanding.

To maximise learning, class size is limited to a maximum of 20 on any one day.

The CSAP programme

Successful completion of the course leads to an IRCA-approved certificate. The course fulfils the training requirements to apply for the Associate level of the Certified Sustainability Assurance Practitioner (CSAP) programme. It also contributes significantly towards the requirements of becoming a CSAP or Lead CSAP. For further details on the CSAP programme or the application process, please see the IRCA website here or contact IRCA directly.

The course is certified by IRCA, Corporate Responsibility Training Course A17446. Paia Consutling is hosting this course in partnership with Two Tomorrows, an IRCA Approved Training Organisation.