Get It Fair GIF ESG rating and reporting assurance is the first programme worldwide for sustainability information assurance
in the form of ESG rating and sustainability reporting
evaluated suitable for accreditation purposes according to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17029,
integrating the additional requirements specified in the new international standards IESBA IESSA and IAASB ISSA 5000
and adopting the GIF AP Credentialing system for certifying practitioners’ competence
Programme’s reference standard
What is ISO
ISO is an independent, non-governmental organization made up of members from the national standards bodies of 173 countries.
Through its members ISO bring together experts from all over the world to develop International Standards.
Why is important
ISO/IEC 17029 contains general principles and requirements for the competence, consistent operation and impartiality of bodies performing validation/verification as conformity assessment activities. The document is used by accreditation bodies as a basis for accreditation of bodies providing third party validation/verification services.
Additional requirements to ISO/IEC 17029
In addition to ISO/IEC 17029 the Get It Fair programme adopts two standards interoperable standards, IESBA IESSA and IAASB ISSA 5000.
These standards establish clear expectations for ethical behavior in sustainability reporting and assurance and provide more specific requirements for practitioners and organizations in relation to assurance engagements on sustainability information.
The IAASB’s ISSA 5000 and the IESBA’s IESSA share five common goals:
- Equipping global markets with a cohesive package of standards. After robust and close coordination, the IAASB and IESBA developed comprehensive, interoperable global standards for assurance, ethics, and independence for sustainability assurance engagements.
- Offering a global baseline and leveling the playing field by meeting market demands and regulatory calls and expectations for profession-agnostic global standards.
- Providing a framework-neutral approach that allows ISSA 5000 and IESSA to be applied in relation to sustainability information prepared under any suitable sustainability reporting framework.
- Promoting informed decision-making based on trust and independently assured sustainability information.
- Mitigating risks of fraud, including greenwashing, and non-compliance with laws and regulations.
What is IESBA
The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) is an independent global standard-setting board. The IESBA’s mission is to serve the public interest by setting high-quality, international ethics (including independence) standards as a cornerstone to ethical behavior in business and organizations, and to public trust in financial and non-financial information that is fundamental to the proper functioning and sustainability of organizations, financial markets and economies worldwide.
Why is important
The International Ethics Standards for Sustainability Assurance (IESSA) and related revisions to the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) (the Code), setting a global benchmark for ethical behavior and independence in sustainability reporting and assurance. The standard contains proposed independence standards for use by all sustainability assurance practitioners regardless of their backgrounds, and specific ethics provisions relevant to sustainability reporting and assurance.
What is IAASB
The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) sets high-quality international standards for auditing, assurance, and quality management that strengthen public confidence in the global profession.
Along with IESBA (International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants), the IAASB is part of the International Foundation for Ethics and Audit. The Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB) oversees IESBA and IAASB activities and the public interest responsiveness of the standards.
Why is important
International Standard on Sustainability Assurance 5000 (ISSA 5000) provides a principles-based framework for conducting assurance engagements on sustainability information reported by entities in accordance with the criteria.
ISSA 5000 requires the practitioner to evaluate whether the criteria that the practitioner expects to be applied in the preparation of the sustainability information are suitable for the engagement circumstances.
Competence requirements
What is
The GIF AP Credentialing system is a certification scheme for persons attesting the ability to apply the knowledge and skills to achieve the intended results in the field of sustainability and ESG practitioning and assessment. The GIF AP Credentialing System is accredited in compliance wito ISO/IES 17024.
ISO/IEC 17024:2012 contains principles and requirements for a body certifying persons against specific requirements, and includes the development and maintenance of a certification scheme for persons.
Why is important
ISO/IEC 17024 is the international standard for personnel certification, outlining the requirements for the certification of individuals working in various fields.
The GIF AP Credentialing system provides a recognized and respected validation of individual competence for practitioner, assessors and technical experts in the field of sustainability, ESG risk management and sustainability reporting preparation and assurance.
10 benefits of being a GIF AP certified person
1. Global recognition – ISO/IEC 17024 certification is internationally recognized and provides a global standard for assessing and certifying the competence of individuals in their respective fields. This recognition can be advantageous when seeking employment or opportunities abroad.
2. Enhanced credibility and trust – GIF AP Credentialing certification demonstrates that professionals have met rigorous standards and possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies in your field. It enhances individual credibility and builds trust among employers, clients, and colleagues as well.
3. Improved career prospects– Having a GIF AP credential certified according to ISO/IEC 17024 can significantly enhance the career prospects. Employers often prioritize certified professionals, as it assures them of professionals’ competence and ability to perform tasks to industry-recognized standards.
4. Marketability and competitiveness – GIF AP Credentialing system sets professionals apart from others in the field of sustainability and ESG. It demonstrates the commitment to professional development, quality, and continuous improvement. This makes a professional more marketable and competitive, increasing your value in the job market.
5. Continuous professional development– GIF AP Credentialing system requires ongoing professional development and adherence to renewal requirements. This ensures that certified professionals stay up-to-date with the latest industry practices and advancements in the field of sustainability risks and reporting assurance
6. Industry recognition and validation– GIF AP certification provides validation from the industry or professional body that oversees the certification process. This recognition reinforces expertise and demonstrates that professionals meet or exceed industry standards.
7. Networking opportunities – The GIF AP Credentialing system provides opportunities for networking with other certified professionals in your field. Engaging with this community allows professionals to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and build professional relationships that can contribute to the career growth.
8. Increased client and employer confidence – Clients and employers often prefer working with certified professionals who have been independently assessed and certified by a trusted third-party organization. GIF AP Credentialing system instills confidence in the abilities, expertise, and commitment to maintaining high standards, which can lead to increased client satisfaction and trust.
9. Personal and professional growth – GIF AP Credentialing System requires a commitment to continuous improvement and professional development. It encourages professionals to expand your knowledge, skills, and competencies, contributing to your personal and professional growth.
10. Compliance with industry requirements – GIF AP Credentialing System ensures that professionals meet the specific requirements and standards in the field of sustainability, ESG and reporting assurance. This is especially important in the Get It Fair programme where third party assurance is necessary to provide stakeholders with confidence of sustainability information accuracy, reliability and credibility.