Auditing the ESG Process Masterclass

3 Day Training

Dates: 03 – 05 February 2025
Locations: Grayston Ridge Office Park, Sandton
Platform: Available In-Class / Online

Price: Available on Request

Course Introduction

Sustainable business practices and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting are gaining prominence. Prospen Africa’s Auditing the ESG Process Masterclass explores the role of Internal Audit in reviewing these critical activities, examining the potential impact of ESG developments, and discussing value creation through ESG.

Course Objectives

After completing this Auditing the ESG Process Masterclass, participants will be able to:

Audit Environment, Social Responsibility, and Governance with confidence.
Review the effectiveness of the overall ESG environment.
Meet stakeholder expectations regarding ESG.
Assist businesses in deriving benefits from ESG management.
Ensure ethics and sustainability receive adequate attention.
Support the Board in ESG oversight.

Who should attend?

Heads of Internal Audit
Audit Managers and prospective managers
Lead Auditors
Senior Auditors
Assurance professionals seeking deeper ESG assessment understanding

Training Methodology

Our diverse instructional approaches ensure effective learning:

– Lectures & Presentations: Engage with expert-driven, stimulating content.
– Course Material: Access well-crafted supporting resources.
– Group Work: Collaborate on discussions and case studies for practical insights.
– Workshops & Role-Play: Participate in immersive, scenario-based activities.
– Practical Application: Focus on applying theoretical knowledge in real situations.
– Post-Training Support: Receive extensive support after training for skill implementation.

Training Outline

Introduction to ESG
- The pillars of ESG
- Demonstrating responsible business processes
- Benefits of ESG: environmental performance, employee well-being, stakeholder engagement, funding access, supply chain transparency, ethical consumer attraction
Internal Audit’s Role in ESG
- Raising ESG risk awareness with audit committees and boards
- Promoting efficiency and effectiveness improvements
- Strategic alignment with ESG goals
- Managing transition risks
- Climate-related risk focus
Environmental Audit
- Overview of environmental standards (e.g., ISO 14001)
- Key environmental concepts and terminology
- Auditing environmental processes and compliance
- Environmental legislative requirements
- Planning, conducting, and reporting environmental audits
Energy and Water Management Audit
- Energy efficiency and equipment maintenance
- Policies for energy-efficient purchases
- Water management and recycling
Waste Management Audit
- Types of waste (e.g., hazardous, chemical)
- On-site/off-site waste management strategies
- Recycling programs
Ethical and Sustainable Procurement Audit
- Supplier selection based on ESG criteria
- Compliance with ethical standards and regulations
- Packaging and material considerations
Other Environmental Topics
- Air quality, noise control, transportation practices
- Sustainability and environmental emergency preparedness
Reputational Risk Audit
- Importance of reputation in business
- Measuring and managing reputational risks
- Checklist for reviewing reputational risks
Social Responsibility and Governance
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and ethics
- Auditing ethics and CSR frameworks
- Stakeholder communication and expectations
- CSR evaluation and impact assessment
Corporate Governance
- Core principles of governance
- Governance roles (Audit Committee, Board, regulators, etc.)
- ESG considerations in governance statements
- Internal Audit’s role in governance oversight
Assessing Governance Effectiveness
- Business process analysis and risk assessment
- Aligning ESG objectives with business goals
- Linking risks to controls and strategic objectives
Meeting Stakeholder Expectations
- Identifying stakeholders and their expectations
- Strategies to exceed stakeholder expectations
- Reporting IA findings to stakeholders