The UK Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has issued a UK version of the IAASB’s international sustainability assurance standards - ISSA (UK) 5000 – for voluntary use by UK assurance providers.
Having launched a public consultation on adopting ISSA 5000 in May this year, the FRC noted the “strong support” for doing so from companies, investors, accounting firms and professional bodies.
Mark Babington, executive director of regulatory standards at the FRC, stated: “The release of ISSA (UK) 5000 marks a significant step in establishing a consistent framework for sustainability assurance in the UK.
“By underpinning investor confidence in sustainability disclosures, this standard will help UK companies access capital more efficiently and contribute to long-term economic growth,” he added.
ISSA (UK) 5000 is effective for assurance engagements on sustainability information reported for periods beginning on or after 15 December 2026, with early application permitted.
