The AA1000 Standards

The standards are developed through a multi-stakeholder consultation process which ensures they are written for those they impact, not just those who may gain from them. They are used by a broad spectrum of organisations -- multinational businesses, small and medium enterprises, governments and civil societies.

The AA1000 Series of Standards:

The AA1000 AccountAbility Principles Standard (AA1000APS) provides a framework for an organisation to identify, prioritise and  respond to its sustainability challenges.

The AA1000 Assurance Standard (AA1000AS) provides a methodology for assurance practitioners to evaluate the nature and extent to which an organisation adheres to the AccountAbility Principles. 

The AA1000 Stakeholder Engagement Standard (AA1000SES) provides a framework to help organisations ensure stakeholder engagement processes are purpose driven, robust and deliver results.

Guidance and Research

AccountAbility publishes guidance and research materials to enhance the understanding and application of the AA1000 Series. The following are guidance materials for the AA1000 Assurance Standard 2008:

• Guidance for Assurance Providers

• Guidance for Reporting Organisations

• Guidance for Stakeholders

AA1000 Training, Certification, and Licensing

AccountAbility helps individuals and organisations develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand and implement the Accountability principles as well as effective stakeholder engagement, and sustainability reporting and assurance through practitioner certification. (Certified Sustainability Assurance practitioner – CSAP) and training provider certification.

Governance

The AA1000 Series of Standards have an independent governance structure designed to provide broad stakeholder representation from the public and private sectors, civil society and the standards community.

Participation

There are a number of ways to become involved in the ongoing development of the AA1000 Standards: