Sustainability Reporting Compliance in the UK

Preparing for sustainability reporting compliance in the UK involves understanding the specific regulations that apply to your organisation, adopting best practices, and implementing robust processes for collecting and managing data. Here's a structured approach to get started:

1. Conduct a Materiality Assessment

• Use GRI’s Materiality Principles to identify and prioritise key ESG topics that are most relevant to stakeholders.

• Align these insights with the ISSB's financial materiality focus for integrated reporting.

2. Use GRI for Impact-Focused Reporting

• While ISSB focuses on financial implications, GRI enables reporting on:

  • Social impacts (e.g., labour practices, human rights).

  • Environmental impacts (e.g., water use, biodiversity).

  • Governance impacts (e.g., anti-corruption practices).

3. Align Metrics

• Many GRI disclosures (e.g., GRI 305 for emissions, GRI 306 for waste) align with metrics required under ISSB standards (e.g., Scope 1, 2, 3 emissions in S2).

• By aligning GRI and ISSB disclosures, organisations can streamline reporting and avoid duplication.

4. Strengthen Stakeholder Engagement

• GRI standards emphasise stakeholder inclusiveness, helping organisations communicate sustainability progress effectively to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.

5. Integrate Reporting Frameworks

• Develop an integrated sustainability report using both frameworks:

  • Use GRI for broader impact reporting.

  • Use ISSB for financial reporting.

• This dual approach provides a complete picture of sustainability performance.

Benefits of Combining GRI and ISSB Standards

1. Holistic Reporting:

   • GRI addresses societal and environmental concerns.

   • ISSB connects these concerns to financial risks and opportunities.

2. Enhanced Credibility:

   • GRI’s focus on inclusiveness improves stakeholder trust.

   • ISSB’s focus on financial integration strengthens investor confidence.

3. Future-Proofing:

   • Using both frameworks prepares organisations for evolving regulatory requirements and investor expectations.

If your organisation wants to implement GRI alongside ISSB, I can help with:

• Designing a materiality assessment process.

• Aligning metrics across both frameworks.

• Structuring a comprehensive report that serves diverse stakeholder needs.

About the Author

Omar Hadjel, MCIM, is a seasoned marketing consultant, bid support specialist, and GRI-certified sustainability professional with extensive experience helping organisations align their operations with global sustainability standards. Drawing on his deep knowledge of public sector procurement, ESG frameworks, and international reporting standards, Omar supports businesses in identifying material issues, crafting impactful reports, and integrating sustainability into their strategic objectives. With a commitment to fostering transparency and driving positive social impact, Omar is dedicated to helping organisations navigate the complexities of sustainability reporting while building trust with stakeholders.