This is one of three courses being offered through AIAG on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Framework. Learn the basics, benefits and best practices for utilizing GRI's sustainability reporting process through an introductory webinar, a half-day live session and/or the full two-day GRI-certified course.
This two-day session provides an introduction to the GRI Process, GRI's tool for managing sustainability and corporate responsibility reporting.
Course information is presented using an interactive, discussion-based approach with emphasis on practical application. Participants are also provided a training handbook and supplementary documents as useful tools for implementing strategies learned during the course.
Participants will receive a certificate of completion from GRI and BrownFlynn after sucessfully finishing the course.
This course is designed for those tasked with leading the company's development of a sustainability report.
Course Outline
The certified training syllabus is divided into six sections:
Overview: Introduction to the GRI framework and five-step reporting process
Presenting the business case for sustainability and its relationship to sustainability reporting
GRI Guidelines/Reporting Framework structure and composition
Standard report components for inclusion in GRI-based reports
GRI Principles for report content and quality
Overview of the GRI Sustainability Reporting Process (Phases 1-5)
GRI Phase 1: Prepare
Coordinating the reporting process for maximum internal buy-in
Organizing for Success - the Team and the Timeline
External Influences on Strategy Decisions - Regulations, Certifications, Evaluations...
Definition of report scope, boundary and time period
Getting Started - Linking Business Goals and Sustainability Impacts
GRI Phase 2: Connect
Importance of stakeholder engagement to the reporting process
Stakeholder identification and prioritization
Effective stakeholder communication
GRI Phase 3: Define
Identifying material (relevant) sustainability issues for action and reporting
Evaluating existing monitoring systems for realistic goal-setting
Setting goals and performance targets
Appropriately reviewing and modifying internal policies and procedures
Reviewing existing monitoring systems for realistic goal-setting
GRI Phase 4: Monitor
The GRI Indicators and Protocols - GRI's guidance on what to measure and how to measure it
Checking processes and monitoring activities
Ensuring quality of information
GRI Phase 5: Communicate
Communication tactics and formats
Maximizing internal and external report value
Options for incorporating sustainability reporting into a traditional annual report
Designing a report for clarity and readability
GRI Application Levels and external assurance of report information
What You'll Learn
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
Make arguments for the business case for reporting.
List the steps to plan and present a reporting process.
Give examples of links between everyday organizational activities and their economic, social and environmental impacts based on their own current experience and context.
Recognize some self-assessment tools for initial evaluation of such impacts.
Identify the Global Compact Principles and explain how they can be used in the initial evaluation of aspects to report.
Identify the goals of the kick off meeting.
Identify priority stakeholders in their context and explain why.
Justify why stakeholders' input is critical for the success of the reporting process.
Explain the difference between a GRI category, GRI aspect and a GRI indicator.
Decide on appropriate ways to consult stakeholders about issues to report.
Explain what the GRI materiality principle is and its role to select the indicators for action and to report.
Explain and give examples of the GRI reporting principles for defining content.
Recognize what decisions about the report content need to be taken by decision makers before monitoring.
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