Guidebook launched for sustainability reporting training providers
This is so that they can align their courses with the standards set out by the International Sustainability Standards Board
[SINGAPORE] Sustainability-reporting training providers can now refer to a new guidebook to design their programmes and courses in a way that aligns with standards set out by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB).
Launched by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (Acra) on Monday (May 19), the guidebook – titled Sustainability Reporting Body of Knowledge (SR BOK) – aims to provide essential knowledge areas on ISSB standards that training providers could use to develop programmes for professionals involved in sustainability reporting.
In September last year, the Singapore Exchange Regulation mandated that listed companies in Singapore make climate-related disclosures aligned with the ISSB from this financial year.
“With an increasing number of companies progressively disclosing climate-related information to meet stakeholder expectations, Singapore will need to build a talent pipeline to meet the growing demand for professionals who can take on sustainability reporting-related roles,” said Acra.
The guidebook aims to equip professionals with technical skills and competencies in greenhouse gas accounting, as well as sustainability and climate reporting, so that they would be able to take on roles as specialists in preparing sustainability reports.
“Training providers should refer to the SR BOK to design specialised courses. This will help ensure consistency in the depth of training programmes across different training providers,” Acra said.
However, while the manual will serve as a foundation for providers to design their curricula, they have the flexibility to restructure the content and incorporate relevant topics to address specific learning needs.
Case studies to demonstrate applications of key concepts will also be made available to training providers.
Acra also said that it is working with SkillsFuture Singapore to provide funding support for training programmes aligned with the guidebook.
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Topics covered in the guidebook include materiality assessment, climate transition plans and assurance.
Acra said that the training manual has been validated by more than 50 key industry stakeholders, including company preparers, assurance providers, professional bodies and training providers.
Training providers such as the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants, as well as several institutes of higher learning, including the Nanyang Technological University and Temasek Polytechnic, have committed to align their training programmes with the guidebook.
“This alignment will strengthen the development of comprehensive training programmes to build capacity in sustainability reporting, creating a strong pipeline of professionals who can prepare climate-related disclosures and bolster Singapore’s sustainability reporting ecosystem,” said Acra.
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