The soundest reporting science is that which is based on practice. Reporting standards, not only of sustainability issues, but also of financial issues, are difficult to separate from their application in practice. Therefore, when choosing any form of learning, it is worth coordinating it with the application of the acquired knowledge in practice, whether in the preparation of the company's report (if you are an expert responsible for reporting at the company) or in its verification (if you are an auditor).
The ESRS are such a new set of standards that no textbooks have yet been published that comprehensively and in a friendly manner explain how to apply these standards. If you prefer this form of learning (independent reading), I suggest reading the standards themselves. In what order you should read them I already indicated in the August 7 newsletter. [this links to a blog post that had the content of the 07.08 newsletter, „How to read ESRS?”]. In addition, it is worth reading the materials Implementation Guidelines, which EFRAG will issue in the coming weeks. Guidelines on materiality testing and value chain issues will be issued first.
For many people, the most accessible form of acquiring knowledge is one in which complex topics are explained by an expert. There are already some courses and training available today on the new standards. You are invited to attend a course Basics of CSRD and ESRS available at MATERIALITY ACADEMY. It's nearly a 3-hour intensive introduction to the new standards. Also recently available is second version of the course, enhanced by the opportunity to participate in online Q&A sessions with my participation.
One solid source of knowledge will also be webinar series organized by the Association of Stock Exchange Issuers. These are 6 one-and-a-half hour online conferences in September, October and November, during which experts from consulting companies with SEG ESG Partner status will explain the basic issues covered in all the standards. Participation in these webinars is free of charge for all employees of SEG member companies and those who have taken out the corresponding subscription at the Association.
No course, short or long, can replace reading the standards. At some stage of learning, one must expect to read the standards carefully. A good course, on the other hand, will help with this reading. After it, we should understand the fundamental principles of the ESRS system and know how to read the standards and what to look for in them. A solid course should also give the participant the basis for organizing the report preparation work in the company. Have a successful and fruitful learning experience!
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