A growing number of investors, both institutional and private, and in developed and emerging markets alike, look at ESG risks as a testing ground for their portfolio companies. The ones that perform well on ESG are well-positioned for the future and have better chances of adapting their products and services to a global consumer base that is increasingly demanding environmental protection, respect for human rights and corporate transparency. The number of financial institutions that integrate ESG into their decision-making processes is on the rise globally, and it is expected to further increase as studies have shown that companies with high ESG ratings held up better than their competitors during the crisis.

In some cases, ESG reporting is being mandated, and we can expect to see more examples of this type of legislation over the coming years.

In this course, we will begin by exploring the relevance of ESG and its increasing prominence in investment strategies and corporate conversations. We will review the rise of ESG among private and public sector entities and explore its relevance to various industries. We will discuss the principle of materiality and practice applying materiality assessments using several common ESG frameworks.

We will explore case studies, workshop concepts, influencing and leadership techniques, and ensure participants walk away with practical tools and insights to use in their own ESG implementation, reporting and compliance work. We will review how ESG not only mitigates risk but also adds value to an underlying asset.

Finally, we will take course participants through the process of ESG reporting to workshop stages of the process, data collection principles, narrative development, telling a holistic story and the final stage of ESG report assurance.

What can you expect from this event?

• Five days of classroom tuition presented by our most senior instructors
• A VantagePoint welcome pack
• A hosted VantagePoint dinner on one evening of your course
• VantagePoint guest speaker presentations and technology demonstrations
• Collaborative learning and discussion with fellow attendees. 

• ESG and why it is important
• Global developments regarding ESG
• ESG strategy vs ESG tactics
• Voluntary ESG reporting frameworks
• Materiality
• Mandatory ESG reporting in Europe (CSRD and ESRS), including simplifications through Omnibus
• The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB)
• IFRS S1 and IFRS S2
• Accounting for climate change
• ESG data, accounting, and information management
• Data collection principles
• ESG report assurance
• The ESG arbitrage effect
• ESG throughout the investment lifecycle
• ESG risk mitigation and value creation
• Telling a compelling and honest ESG story
• The power and value of narrative in ESG reporting
• Understand different personality preferences while using this understanding to communicate with more impact to colleagues
• Adapt your natural style to become more influential with senior staff in your entity
• Understand more about leadership and therefore become a more credible, effective finance leader in your entity
• Practical case studies/demonstration of ESG reporting implementation.

This course is delivered through an engaging and interactive format, designed to enhance participant understanding and practical application abilities.

• Group live instruction combining clear explanations with illustrative examples to bring ESG concepts to life.
• Participants will engage in practical workshop exercises using real-world scenarios, case studies and best practice models that can be applied directly in the workplace.
• Interactive participation is encouraged throughout to promote discussion, reflection and peer learning.
• In line with VantagePoint’s sustainability commitment, all course materials are provided in soft copy, with printed handouts limited to in-class exercises only.

This course provides you with 40 hours of CPE/CPD credits.

VantagePoint is currently in the process of registering with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.