• The role and responsibilities of the corporate board in ensuring ethical and sustainable business practices
• The importance of stakeholder engagement and communication in building trust and reputation
• The key dimensions of sustainability: environmental, social and governance (ESG)
• The global frameworks and standards for sustainability reporting and assurance
• The risks and opportunities of sustainability for business performance and competitiveness
• The challenges and trends in the global sustainability agenda, such as climate change, anti-globalization, Covid-19 and net zero emissions

This course is designed for senior executives, managers and directors who are responsible for or involved in setting the strategic direction and goals of their organization. The course is suitable for participants from various sectors and industries who want to enhance their knowledge and skills in corporate responsibility and sustainability.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the concepts and principles of corporate responsibility and sustainability
• Identify and assess the material sustainability issues and risks for their business
• Apply the best practices and tools for managing and reporting on sustainability performance
• Evaluate the impact and value of sustainability initiatives and investments
• Develop a strategic vision and action plan for advancing corporate responsibility and sustainability in their organization

Day One:

The Responsible and Ethical Corporate Board

• Introduction to the course and participants
• What is corporate responsibility and sustainability?
• Why does it matter for business leaders?
• The role and responsibilities of the corporate board in ensuring ethical and sustainable business practices
• Case studies and examples of good and bad corporate governance
• Group discussion and reflection

Day Two:

Sustainability – the ‘people dimension’

• What are the key stakeholders for a sustainable business?
• How to engage and communicate with stakeholders effectively?
• Sustainability and the community: how to create positive social impact and address local needs
• Sustainability and our employees: how to attract, retain and develop talent, foster diversity and inclusion, promote well-being and health
• Sustainability and customers: how to meet customer expectations, deliver value, enhance loyalty and satisfaction
• Group exercise: stakeholder mapping and analysis

Day Three:

Green Strategy and Sustainability

• What are the environmental challenges and opportunities for businesses?
• How to measure and manage environmental performance?
• How to reduce environmental footprint, waste, emissions, energy consumption?
• How to adopt green innovation, design, technology, products, and services?
• How to align business strategy with environmental goals?
• Case studies and examples of green strategy and sustainability
• Group exercise: green strategy canvas

Day Four:

Is my supply chain sustainable?

• What are the benefits and challenges of a sustainable supply chain?
• What are the hallmarks of a responsible supply chain?
• What are the typical supply chain abuses that can harm people, planet and profit?
• How to identify, assess and mitigate supply chain risks?
• How to monitor, audit and improve supply chain performance?
• How to collaborate with suppliers, partners, regulators, NGOs on supply chain issues?
• Case studies and examples of sustainable supply chain management
• Group exercise: supply chain risk assessment

Day Five:

Sustainability Reporting Standards

• What is the purpose of sustainability reporting?
• What are the global frameworks and standards for sustainability reporting?

• • Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Sustainability Reporting Standards
  • Other International Reporting Frameworks:

• • • ISO 26000 Guidance on Social Responsibility
    • OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
    • UN Global Compact
    • UN Guiding Principles on Business
    • Human Rights

• How to choose the most relevant framework or standard for your business?

• • How to apply the principles of materiality, stakeholder inclusiveness, context, balance, comparability, accuracy, timeliness, clarity, reliability in sustainability reporting?
  • How to report on specific topics such as governance, ethics, human rights, labour practices, environment, product responsibility, society?
  • Case studies
  • Examples of sustainability reports from different sectors
  • Group exercise: sustainability report review

Day Six:

Sustainability – External Assurance Assessment

• What is external assurance – Why is it important for sustainability reporting?
• What are the benefits – Challenges of external assurance?
• What are the criteria – Standards for external assurance?
• AA1000 Assurance Standard – ISAE 3000 Assurance Engagements other than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial Information
• How to prepare for an external assurance process?
• How to communicate the assurance statement and opinion?

Day Seven:

The risks of irresponsibility

• How can irresponsibility damage reputation, trust, brand, customer loyalty, employee engagement, stakeholder relations, legal compliance, financial performance, market share, competitiveness?
• What are the sources and types of irresponsibility risks?
• How to identify, assess and respond to irresponsibility risks?
• What are the principles and tools for managing risk?
• Risk management framework
• Case studies
• Group exercise: risk management plan

Day Eight:

Socially Responsible Investment (SRI)?

• How does it differ from conventional investment?
• What are the drivers and trends of SRI?
• What are the benefits and challenges of SRI?
• What are the key dimensions of SRI?
• Environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing: how to integrate ESG factors into investment decisions and processes?
• The shareholder perspective on ESG: how to engage with companies on ESG issues and performance?
• Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI
• The links between responsible investing and financial performance
• Case studies and examples of SRI practices and outcomes
• Group exercise: ESG analysis of a company

Day Nine:

Sustainable Development Principles

• How does it relate to corporate responsibility and sustainability?
• What are the global goals and frameworks for sustainable development?
• UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Sustainability in developing economies: what are the opportunities and challenges for businesses operating or investing in emerging markets?
• Globalization and corporate sustainability: how to balance global standards and local contexts in sustainability practices?
• Case studies and examples of sustainable development initiatives and impacts by businesses

Day Ten:

Dealing with Activism and Climate Change

• What are the current and emerging issues and trends in the global sustainability agenda?
• Climate change: what are the causes and consequences of climate change for businesses and society?
• The costs of carbon on climate change and how are these being mitigated?
• The Paris Climate Agreement: what are the main commitments and implications for businesses?
• What does “net zero” mean for emissions?
• Anti-globalization: what are the drivers and manifestations of anti-globalization movements and sentiments?
• Activism: what are the roles and strategies of activists in advancing sustainability agenda?
• Who are the main actors and stakeholders in activism?
• How do activists influence public opinion, media attention, policy change, corporate behaviour?
• How can businesses engage with or respond to activists constructively?
• Case studies and examples of activism and climate change challenges and responses by businesses

To enhance learning and practical application of concepts, the training course will use a combination of interactive lectures, case studies, group discussions, practical exercises, and real-world examples. Participants will also get the chance to collaborate on group projects and create action plans adapted to the needs of their respective organizations.