Day 1
Introduction to the course
- Program structure and objectives
- Explanation of the focus and value of the theoretical part and the in-house part
Question & Answers (Q&A)
CSR and sustainability trends and evolution
- Megatrends and global challenges
- Drivers of sustainability
- Sustainability and CSR concepts and evolution
- Good practice and bad practice in managing sustainability
- The context in Cyprus
Real life cases and examples
Key standards, frameworks and guidelines
- Introduction to regulatory trends and requirements in Europe and Cyprus (i.e. EU Directive 2014/95/EU)
- Overview of most common standards, frameworks and guidelines such as GRI G4, IIRC, UNGC, ISO 26000, ILO, UN Human rights etc.
Exercise on comparing relevance of frameworks
Recap of the content and quiz to test the own understanding
The materiality process – part 1
- Introduction to materiality and relation to various standards and frameworks
- Detailed walkthrough to the GRI G4 and Integrated Reporting materiality process
- The materiality matrix
Real life cases and examples
Exercise to understand the process in detail
The materiality process – part 2
- Pitfalls and success factors
- Tools for the materiality process
Real life cases and examples
Exercise to understand the process in detail
Close of day 1- Discussion and comments Question and Answer session
Day 2
Introduction to day 2
- Agenda
- Feedback from day 1
- Recap of content of day 1
Quiz to test the own understanding
Question & Answers (Q&A)
Compiling and structuring information:
- Process and aspects to consider in compiling information
- Structure of the report (i.e. basic elements as of GRI G4 and other standards)
- The roles in sustainability reporting (i.e. sustainability team, departments)
- Tools to compile information (i.e. templates, interviews)
- Identifying gaps in information and data
Exercise to familiarize with the data capturing tools and process
Group discussion
The reporting process – part 1:
- The process in overview
- Reporting steps in detail
- The importance of presenting data and information (i.e. layout and texting)
Real life cases and examples
Exercise to plan a reporting process
The reporting process – part 2:
- Using KPIs and graphs
- Common pitfals in reporting process
- Validation and consistency of data
Real life cases and examples
Group discussion
Recap of the content and quiz to test the own understanding
Quality and assurance:
- The relevance of credibility and gaining trust via a report
- Quality elements and criteria (i.e. GRI quality criteria)
- Greenwashing vs good practice reporting
- Value and types of external assurance
- Assurance standards (i.e. ISAE 3000, AA1000)
Exercise to distinguish between good quality and bad reports
Real life cases and examples
Communicating with stakeholders:
- The importance of stakeholders
- Types of stakeholders (i.e. stakeholder matrix)
- The stakeholder engagement process
- Channels to engage with stakeholders
- Good practice communication
Exercise to identify effective ways communicating sustainability with stakeholders
Group discussion
Close of course – Discussion and Question and Answer session