Sustainability systems act as a trust mechanism between a producing enterprise or service and a buyer. The assurance or verification practices that a sustainability system puts in place create that trust.

Assurance is about assessing compliance with the standard or performance requirements. We work with our members to strengthen the integrity of the assurance process through better identification and management of risks of non-compliance, better data management, and strengthening the competence of auditors and assurance systems.

Examples of ISEAL's work on this topic includes:

The Assurance Integrity Framework

The Assurance Integrity Framework is a resource designed to help ISEAL Community Members identify opportunities to strengthen the integrity of their assurance system. Now in its second version, with updates that incorporate learnings from ISEAL Community Members, it provides an organisational perspective on how sustainability systems can be designed to effectively detect and manage integrity risks and to provide confidence in assurance results over time. It includes a self-assessment and supporting guidance across two foundational components of assurance integrity (see figure below). This can be used to inform strategic decisions about how to improve the assurance system, build internal capacity, and strengthen risk management processes.

As data-driven decisions are a critical feature of effective risk management, the Assurance Integrity Framework is designed to be complementary to other ISEAL tools, such as ISEAL's Data Maturity Rubric, a self-assessment tool that can be used by members to identify opportunities to improve how they manage and use data.

More about the Assurance Integrity Framework

Remote auditing good practices

Many sustainability systems have adapted their approach to auditing by using remote methods in addition to, or alongside, on-site audits. The pandemic became a catalyst for innovation in this area, driving many to embrace new technologies, data solutions and policy interventions. Today, remote auditing tools and practices are being used to complement on-site assessments, where remote auditing tools can enable auditors to focus on priority areas and better apply their interviewing and critical analysis skills. Having a wider range of assessment tools and approaches means sustainability systems are better equipped to ensure that their assurance remains fit-for-purpose over time. 

More about Remote auditing good practices