Sustainability report assurance – general principles

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) sets out the requirements concerning sustainability reports and their assurance. According to the directive, it will be a responsibility of the certified auditors. In order to allow the implementation of the provisions into Polish law, some amendments had to be done, primarily to the Accounting Act, but also Act on Certified Auditors.

Joanna Ryś-Bednarczyk and Magdalena Krzemińska, discuss the new regulations regarding assurance of ESG reports. MDDP experts explain, among others, the changes done to the Polish legislation, conditions to become an auditor, requirements for audit firms and the scope of auditors’ responsibilities.

“Sustainability report assurance is inevitable, so it is advisable to choose an audit firm early on during the preparation of the reports. This will facilitate both the preparation of the report and its assurance.

The regulations allow the same entity to conduct both the audit of the financial statement and the ESG report, provided it holds the necessary qualifications. A certified auditor with a deep understanding of the company’s finances is the best choice, as this ensures effective collaboration. National standards will also be crucial, as they will set the direction for the analysis and preparation of the ESG report to meet the assurance requirements”.

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#MORE on the BPCC website >> https://bpcc.org.pl/sustainability-report-assurance-general-principles/.