FRC Consultation Release: Introduction of International Standard on Sustainability Assurance (UK) 5000
News types: Consultation Announcement
Published: 29 May 2025
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has today issued a consultation on a proposed UK version of the International Standard on Sustainability Assurance (ISSA) 5000, “General Requirements for Sustainability Assurance Engagements”.
The consultation proposes ISSA (UK) 5000 for use on a voluntary basis by assurance providers. The FRC proposes alignment with the international standard in order to minimise burdens for firms carrying out assurance engagements across multiple jurisdictions. The profession-agnostic Standard supports application by both professional accountants and other assurance practitioners, provided they meet the relevant quality management and ethical requirements.
During its recent study of the UK sustainability assurance market, stakeholders expressed support for an assurance framework that provides a clear and internationally consistent approach to sustainability assurance.
Mark Babington, Executive Director of Regulatory Standards, said:
‘As sustainability assurance matures, it is important that the UK establishes a consistent sustainability assurance framework which underpins investor confidence in UK sustainability reporting. The proposed adoption of this Standard demonstrates the FRC's continued commitment to internationally consistent audit and assurance frameworks, while allowing flexibility through voluntary use.
We encourage all interested parties - from assurance providers and investors to businesses and sustainability experts - to respond to this important consultation and help shape the future of sustainability reporting in the UK.’
Stakeholders are invited to comment until 31 July 2025 on the appropriate adoption of ISSA 5000 for the UK market by emailing [email protected].
Read the summary of findings from the FRC’s market study on the UK’s sustainability assurance market
Read the IAASB’s ISSA 5000 Implementation Guide providing practical non-authoritative guidance intended to assist practitioners in implementing ISSA 5000
The FRC will release its next consultations in July 2025.