Independence Standards for Sustainability Assurance Engagements Outside the Scope of IESSA

The objective of the Project Team is to undertake fact-finding with a view to establishing a basis for a recommendation to the IESBA as to

(a)          Whether to undertake a project to develop independence standards for sustainability assurance engagements outside the scope                                of the International Independence Standards in the International Ethics Standards for Sustainability Assurance (IESSA); and

(b)          Whether the approach to such a project should be profession-agnostic.

Subject to there being a sufficient basis for undertaking a project, the Project Team will:

(a)          Identify options for the approach to developing such independence standards and their pros and cons from the point of view of                                  maximizing the adoption and implementation of those standards; and

(b)          Highlight questions of principle or judgment on which the IESBA’s direction is needed before commencing any such project.

PROJECT TEAM

• Szilvia Sramko
• Elaine Cahoon

BOARD ADVISORS

• Mark Babington
• Nancy Miller

IESBA June 2026 Meeting Highlights

The IESBA considered the Project Team’s final report and recommendations, following information gathering on whether to undertake a project to develop independence standards for sustainability assurance engagements (SAEs) outside the scope of the International Independence Standards in the IESSA.

The IESBA agreed not to initiate a standard-setting project for such SAEs at this time in light of the current limitations in available information and stakeholder feedback indicating no perceived gaps in the Code.

The IESBA supported the recommendation to continue monitoring developments in sustainability assurance practice through existing mechanisms, including the IESSA Implementation Monitoring Advisory Group.