The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has issued International Standard on Sustainability Assurance (UK) 5000, “General Requirements for Sustainability Assurance Engagements”, which provides UK companies, investors and assurance providers with a consistent, internationally aligned assurance standards for voluntary use in sustainability assurance engagements.

ISSA (UK) 5000 is a UK version of the global benchmark standard for sustainability assurance, developed by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB). The Standard provides comprehensive requirements for conducting sustainability assurance engagements, applicable to both limited and reasonable assurance, and is designed to be profession-agnostic.

The UK Standard is intended for voluntary use by UK assurance providers and aligns with the international standard. By assuring the credibility of UK sustainability reporting, ISSA (UK) 5000 will support more informed investment decisions and enhance the attractiveness of the UK as a leading destination for sustainable finance.