The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has engaged Social Value International (SVI) as Interim Scheme Manager of the SDG Impact Assurance Scheme, a global initiative to enhance transparency and accountability in how organisations embed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their management systems and processes. The appointment directly advances SVI’s mission to change the way the world accounts for value by helping to operationalise the SDG Impact Standards through credible, independent assurance.

What are the SDG Impact Standards?

Developed and owned by UNDP, the SDG Impact Standards are sustainability management system standards that set out clear requirements for integrating impact management into an organisation's strategy, operations, governance and reporting. Their aim is to help organisations make meaningful contributions to sustainable development and achieve positive outcomes aligned with the SDGs.

What is the SDG Impact Standards Assurance Scheme?

The SDG Impact Standards Assurance Scheme (Assurance Scheme) defines the evidence and certification requirements, the necessary assessment procedures, and the overarching governance arrangements for independently verifying the alignment of an organisation’s internal management systems with the SDG Impact Standards. It is a valuable tool for promoting a reliable, evidence-based approach to impact management that supports organisations to demonstrate their commitment to the SDGs.

The urgent case for assurance

Global progress toward the SDGs is falling behind, with only 17% of targets on track. The 2024 report from the UN highlights that progress has been two times slower from 2020-2023 compared to the previous four years. As urgency grows and concerns over ‘impact washing’ increase, there has never been a greater need for robust mechanisms to verify impact claims.

Who can benefit from the SDG Impact Assurance Scheme?

The assurance scheme is applicable to a wide range of stakeholders, including:

Certification service providers that wish to provide assurance for the SDG Impact Standards.
Enterprises and private equity investors who want to evidence their impact management systems as being aligned to the SDG Impact Standards.
Sustainability consultants and advisors who are supporting organisations to align with the SDG Impact Standards.
Training providers and trainers that wish to expand their services to deliver an SDG Impact Standards User Training course.
Assurance practitioners who are looking to gain accredited recognition for assurance against the SDG Impact Standards.

Express your interest

To explore opportunities to get involved with the SDG Impact Standards Assurance Scheme, please fill out this form to register your interest and stay informed.

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