Course Description

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the CSRD and ESRS requirements? This course will guide you through one of the most critical — yet often misunderstood — components of ESRS reporting: stakeholder engagement.

Designed for professionals involved in sustainability reporting, this course explores how meaningful stakeholder engagement contributes to transparent, relevant, and impactful disclosures.

Throughout the course, you will:

• Discover what stakeholder engagement is and how it is embedded in the ESRS framework
• Understand why stakeholder engagement is essential for identifying material impacts, risks, and opportunities
• Explore strategies and practical steps for identifying, mapping, and involving stakeholders
• Learn from case studies and global references such as the AA1000 Stakeholder Engagement Standard and Stakeholder Value Network

Although some reference materials (e.g., AA1000) are not formally part of ESRS, they are essential to understanding best practices in engagement and building alignment with regulatory and ethical expectations.

By the end of this course, participants will learn how stakeholder input shapes an organisation’s materiality assessment, strategy, and reporting priorities, and how it aligns with ESRS requirements.

 

Course Content / Training Agenda

Delivery format: Online course with expert-led input, real-world case studies, and knowledge checks.

Introduction

• Course overview, objectives, and terminology
• Role of stakeholder engagement in sustainability reporting frameworks

Part 1: Relevance of Stakeholder Engagement

• Why engagement matters for transparency, accountability, and credibility
• Linkages to impact identification, materiality, and governance

Part 2: Effective Stakeholder Engagement Strategies

• Stakeholder mapping and prioritisation
• Techniques for engagement and dialogue
• Best practices from AA1000 and the Stakeholder Value Network

Part 3: ESRS Reporting Requirements

• Review of ESRS provisions that reference stakeholder engagement
• Cross-cutting standards and double materiality assessments
• How engagement feeds into disclosures under E, S, and G topics

Part 4: Case Studies

• Real-life examples of organisations implementing engagement strategies
• Lessons learned: successes and challenges

Wrap-Up

• Knowledge check and reflection
• Key takeaways and next steps to apply in ESRS reporting

All participants receive course slides, checklists for stakeholder mapping, and a Certificate of Completion.

 

Target Audience

This course is designed for beginners and professionals who want to strengthen their understanding of stakeholder engagement under the CSRD/ESRS.

Ideal for:

• Reporting practitioners preparing ESRS-aligned disclosures
• ESG and sustainability professionals improving engagement processes
• Consultants advising on materiality assessments and CSRD readiness
• Communications, compliance, and sustainability strategy teams
• Anyone interested in how stakeholder engagement connects to EU reporting

Skills You Will Acquire

By completing this course, you will be able to:

• Explain the importance of stakeholder engagement for materiality and accountability
• Define the elements of a robust stakeholder engagement strategy
• Describe ESRS reporting requirements for stakeholder involvement
• Apply insights from case studies to design and implement engagement processes

These skills help ensure your organisation’s reporting not only meets ESRS expectations but also creates value for both business and stakeholders.

 

Course Information

Duration: 1 day
Language: English or Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian
Delivery Options: Live remote training or face-to-face workshops
Prerequisites: No prior knowledge required
Certificate: Certificate of Completion (issued by GRI Academy — see example)
Course Fees: View Course Fees (including available discounts)
What We Offer: Explore Course Benefits (tekst ispod)
SDG Alignment: Your Contribution to Achieving the UN SDGs (tekst ispod)
Note: This course is part of the ESRS Professional Certification Program

 

Top 3 Relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• Promotes transparent, inclusive, and participatory governance
• Builds trust and accountability in reporting processes
• Supports ESRS cross-cutting disclosures (e.g., ESRS 2)

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Encourages collaboration with employees, communities, regulators, NGOs, and other stakeholders
• Builds competencies for multi-stakeholder cooperation
• Strengthens reporting through diverse perspectives

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• Ensures disclosures reflect the most significant environmental and social impacts
• Engagement supports double materiality assessments under ESRS topical standards (E2–E5, S1–S4)
• Promotes responsible supply chain and resource practices

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What We Offer

• Live, Instructor-Led Online Sessions – with practical frameworks and global examples
• Interactive Components – stakeholder mapping exercises, quizzes, and knowledge checks
• Peer Collaboration – discussions and case study reflections
• Smart Learning Tools – templates, glossaries, and best-practice guides
• Global Relevance & Local Context – lessons adapted to EU regulation and organisational realities
• Direct Trainer Access – individual guidance and feedback