SDG Impact Standards
Assurance Scheme
A credible mechanism for integrating sustainability into organisational decision-making
The UNDP has engaged Social Value International as Interim Scheme Manager for the SDG Impact Standards Assurance Scheme. In this role, it will lead the scheme’s operations, guide its implementation, and champion its adoption among enterprises and investors working towards a more sustainable future.
What is the Assurance Scheme?
The SDG Impact Standards Assurance Scheme is designed to help organisations show they are managing their operations in a way that truly supports sustainable development.
It sets out what kind of evidence is needed, how assessments should be carried out, and the certification rules for making sure everything is done fairly and consistently. This allows independent, third-party experts assurance professionals to check whether an organisation's internal management practices and decision-making processes are in line with the SDG Impact Standards.
The SDG Impact Standards are not a reporting scheme and so assurance against the Impact Standards does not compete with existing reporting schemes on sustainability performance or assurance against those reporting schemes.
In short, the scheme gives organisations a clear and credible way to prove they are putting sustainable decision-making into practice.
What are the benefits of the Assurance Scheme?
Who can get involved?
Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs)
Become recognised assurance providers
Assurance Practitioners
Complete training to expand offering to clients
Enterprises and Private Equity Investors
Undergo assurance on your SDG Impact management practice
Are you seeking Assurance?
Are you an Enterprise representative or Private Equity Investor seeking conformity to the Assurance scheme?
SVI has a directory of accredited professionals across the globe who can help ensure alignment with the SDG Impact standards.
Want to deliver assurance?
Interested in expanding your professional offering through the SDG Impact Standards?
For those wanting to either become a Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) or an Assurance Practitioner for the SDG Impact Standards Scheme, they must first undertake the Train-the-Trainer course prior to enrolling for the Assurance Assessor training.
For individuals who wish to deliver conformity assurance services as an Accredited Assurance Assessor, the requirements are listed below.
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To demonstrate knowledge in social and environmental impact measurement and management
To complete training on impact measurement and management recognized by the Scheme Manager
To complete a recognized training course on the SDG Impact Standards
To evidence involvement in decision-making informed by impact data
To complete the SDG Impact assurance training course
As individuals, to be employed by organizations accredited under ISO 17065, with responsibility to carry out certification assignments under ISO14001, ISO9001 or similar as agreed with the Scheme Manager with three years’ experience
Want to become an Assurance Service Provider?
Is your certification organisation aiming to become a leading provider of assurance services for the SDG Impact Standards?
SVI is currently inviting expressions of interest for its assurer training programme. Don’t miss this opportunity to position your organisation at the forefront of sustainability assurance.
Please note that any prospective CABs or Assurance Practitioners will need to first undertake the Train-the-Trainer course before embarking on the Assurance Assessor Training.
The scheme has been designed to conform with ISO 17065: 2012 Conformity assessment — Requirements for bodies certifying products, processes and services.
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