Open Call for Nominations: AA1000AS Working Group
LONDON, June 29, 2015 /3BL Media/ - The Nominations Committee has issued an open invitation to all interested stakeholders to serve on the Working Group for the new version of the AA1000AS, to be released in 2015. The Working Group will operate under the mandate laid out in its’ Terms of Reference and will commence its duties in late July 2015. Group membership is comprised of a diverse group of selected volunteers, representing a range of stakeholders contributing their expertise in sustainability, assurance and other relevant standards. The Working Group is supported by AccountAbility, the secretariat and steward of the AA1000 Series.
An Opportunity for Sustainability:
To lead in the global market, sustainability must embrace a long-term, strategic, holistic perspective that emphasizes integrity and assurance of non-financial information. The emergence of the new AA1000AS, which reflects the rapid evolution of the marketplace, especially in recent years, presents an opportunity to showcase the value of sustainability.
Market Trends and a Strategic, Long-Term View:
Encompassing prevailing market trends and the proliferation of non-financial information, the new AA1000AS requires assurance providers to go beyond verification of data, to evaluate the way reporting organisations manage sustainability, align disclosures with financial reporting and assurance. AccountAbility Chief Executive Officer, Sunny Misser, highlighted: “The next version of AA1000AS will provide a long-term, holistic view towards the review and assurance of non-financial information. This standard will move beyond ticking the boxes and focus on identifying value through improved transparency, materiality, and engagement.” To this end, the new version will reflect the current reporting environment, driven by initiatives such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G4, the Integrated Reporting <IR> movement and future directions in sustainability thinking.
Aligning Assurance with Disclosures:
The new standard embodies transparency, materiality, value, and engagement. As Mr. Dongsoo Kim, Chair of the Nominating Committee and Member of the AA1000 Standards Board, expressed: “This is an important juncture in the evolution of the AA1000AS. We are eagerly anticipating a broad range of applicants from across the global stakeholder base of the AA1000 series. We look forward to their active participation in tackling the challenge of developing the new AA1000AS. Their inputs will shape how the next generation of standards will reflect current and emerging trends. ”
Stakeholders wishing to serve on the Working Group will have until 10th July 2015 to complete their applications for consideration to the Nominations Committee. Applications should be sent to standards@accountability.org. Nominations will be open to all interested stakeholders, including previous members of the Interim Standards Board, Advisory Council and Technical Working Groups/ Committees. Interested candidates can download an application form here.
For more information, please contact standards@accountability.org
