AccountAbility Launches E-Licensing Platform and Guidance Resources for Assurance Providers

Launch Announcement Re-Published from 3BL Media

New York/London - January 12, 2021:

In 2020, AccountAbility introduced the AA1000 Assurance Standard (AA1000AS v3) as a next-generation standard and solution of choice for sustainability leaders seeking assurance of their sustainability management, performance, and reporting.

Today, the firm is pleased to formally launch an innovative e-licensing platform through which the AA1000AS v3 will be administered.

This platform transitions the licensing process – from registering for an AA1000AS v3 license, to submitting payments, to logging client disclosures and issuing assurance statements and markings – to be fully online.

Via this site, AccountAbility will grant Licensees a non-exclusive license to use the AA1000AS v3, Logo, and Markings in relation to their Sustainability Assurance Services. The easy-to-use, time-saving platform provides a seamless and integrated process for Assurance Providers to manage all licensing activities.

E-Licensing is now mandatory for all commercial use of the latest AA1000 Assurance Standard (AA1000AS v3), and as of January 1, 2021 the AA1000AS v3 is the only recognized AA1000 Assurance Standard.

Over 50% of active AccountAbility-Licensed Assurance Providers have already transitioned to the AA1000AS v3 license though its pilot launch – and other new and returning Assurance Providers are encouraged to start the licensing process as soon as possible at www.accountability.org/licensing.

To further support Assurance Providers in navigating the application of the AA1000AS v3, AccountAbility also published a supporting resource today – Guidance on Applying the AA1000AS v3 for Assurance Providers.

This supplementary resource provides additional guidance to ensure clear understanding of AccountAbility’s Principles-based Assurance Process – including:

• A Flow Chart outlining the sequential AA1000AS v3 assurance process and risk mitigation suggestions.
• Detailed content sections on implementation within the Preconditions, Conduct Engagement, and Issue Statement process phases.
• A sample Assurance Statement outlining a potential format for Assurance Providers seeking to issue an AA1000AS v3 assurance statement – providing an illustrative example as to how the assurance process is put into action.

The AA1000 Assurance Standard (AA1000AS v3) is the leading methodology used by sustainability professionals worldwide for sustainability-related assurance engagements, to assess the nature and extent to which an organization adheres to the AccountAbility Principles.

Through the launch of the e-licensing platform, and development of resources to support the application of the AA1000AS v3, AccountAbility is reinforcing its commitment to helping AccountAbility-Licensed Assurance Providers conduct high-quality, market-leading sustainability assurance.

More information about the AA1000 Assurance Standard, including how to start the licensing process and free download links for the AA1000AS v3 and Guidance on Applying the AA1000AS v3 for Assurance Providers, is available at: https://www.accountability.org/licensing/.