The assurance engagement culminates in the practitioner’s conclusion about whether the sustainability information is free from material misstatement. The practitioner’s conclusion and assurance report are the ultimate deliverables of the sustainability assurance engagement and are designed to enhance the degree of confidence of intended users about the entity’s sustainability information.
Being well prepared sets the tone for a successful sustainability assurance engagement. In this session, IAASB experts will walk participants through the fundamental concepts and underlying premises for applying ISSA 5000—explaining its scope, authority, and why it was developed—and addressing overarching matters in preparing to perform a high-quality sustainability assurance engagement, including making sound engagement acceptance decisions.
Offered at two different times to accommodate a global audience, this webinar will cover:
Planning, risk assessment and response are at the heart of delivering a robust sustainability assurance engagement. Together they enable the practitioner to obtain sufficient appropriate evidence as a basis for their sustainability assurance conclusion.
The IAASB has released two new resources to further support jurisdictions and stakeholders in adopting and implementing the International Standard on Sustainability Assurance (ISSA) 5000, General Requirements for Sustainability Assurance Engagements.
1. Extracts from ISSA 5000 for Limited and Reasonable Assurance Engagements
In response to stakeholder requests, the IAASB has prepared reference extracts containing only the material in ISSA 5000 relevant to limited assurance engagements and, separately, reasonable assurance engagements. These extracts are designed to help regulators, standard setters, and other stakeholders more easily identify the requirements and application material most relevant to their jurisdictional decisions. They do not amend or override ISSA 5000, the authoritative text of which remains the full standard.
2. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Document on ISAE 3000 (Revised) and ISAE 3410
The IAASB has published FAQs clarifying that, for jurisdictions adopting IAASB standards, ISAE 3000 (Revised) and ISAE 3410 will no longer apply to sustainability assurance engagements once ISSA 5000 becomes effective in December 2026. These FAQs aim to support a smooth transition and consistent application of the new standard.
In addition, the IAASB has updated the adoption information on its website, reflecting the growing global momentum toward adoption of ISSA 5000.
Together with previously published materials, these publications underscore the IAASB’s commitment to supporting adoption and implementation of ISSA 5000 and fostering high-quality, globally consistent sustainability assurance practices.
Applicability of ISSA 5000, ISAE 3000 (Revised), ISAE 3410
This Frequently Asked Questions document addresses the applicability of ISSA 5000, ISAE 3000 (Revised), and ISAE 3410 for sustainability assurance engagement after the effective date of ISSA 5000 (December 2026). It is intended to assist with adoption and consistent implementation of ISSA 5000.
These extracts of the ISSA 5000 feature the material that is relevant to limited assurance and reasonable assurance engagements. They were prepared in response to requests from stakeholders to be able to separately view the material.
Narrow Scope Amendments to ISA 700 (Revised), Forming an Opinion and Reporting on Financial Statements, and ISA 260 (Revised), Communication with Those Charged with Governance