TRAINING SESSION
Understanding EU Sustainability Reporting Obligation: The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)
Prepare now for the upcoming changes
The EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) represents a significant shift in corporate responsibility, substantially widening both the scope of those who must report on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues as well as the reporting scope.
Although both scope and obligations under the CSRD are currently undergoing significant changes, it is clear that failure to comply with the CSRD can have significant consequences, such as legal actions by stakeholders and EU regulatory bodies, reputational damage and denial of access to the EU market.
This training will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the CSRD, including likely scope of application to your company as per the currently negotiated changes, and how to take first steps to comply, and will also ensure that you are aware of the latest requirements in this fast-paced area.
Audience
Board Members and executives of EU and non-EU companies
Policymakers, company members, lawyers, lobbyists and all other professionals
Duration
Half day
(2-4 hours, depending on desired depth)
Format
Interactive workshop
Materials provided
Training handbook
Access to additional resources and templates
Sample Agenda
This training is designed to foster engagement and interaction among participants, ensuring that they all leave with a clear understanding of the directive and actionable insights for your company.
It can be adapted to your company’s individual needs as every training includes a video (call) to optimise the training. For an optimal learning effect, we recommend face-to-face training, however, trainings can also be held online.
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM | Introduction to the CSRD and its Purpose
- Overview of the CSRD as part of the European Green Deal
- Introduction to the concept of “double materiality” and its implications for reporting
- Discussion: Initial questions and expectations
09:45 AM – 10:15 AM | Scope and Applicability of the CSRD
- Explanation of phased implementation based on company size, listing status, and EU vs. non-EU categorisation
- Application of the CSRD to your company and changed timescales
10:15 AM – 11:00 AM | Detailed Reporting Requirements under the CSRD
- Overview of currently required disclosures:
- General standards (ESRS 1 and ESRS 2) focusing on strategy, governance, and risk management
- Topical standards covering environmental, social & governance topics
- Likely changes according to the ongoing review by the EU
- Discussion on certain grace periods, e.g. for certain value chain disclosures
- Case Study: Examples of reporting on climate change & human rights impacts
- Outlook: What other changes to expect to reporting requirements under the Omnibus Package?
11:00 AM – 11:15 AM | Coffee break
11:15 AM – 12.00 NOON | Strategic Implications for Compliance
- Review of the operational steps for compliance:
- Developing ESG strategies
- Establishing data collection mechanisms
- Engaging with value chain partners – which ones to focus on?
- Discussion on how CSRD compliance can enhance company reputation, operational efficiency, and financing opportunities
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM | Next Steps and Implementation Roadmap
- Outline of actionable steps to initiate or enhance sustainability reporting
- Group Activity: Developing a high-level action plan for CSRD compliance
12:30 PM – 13:00 PM | Open Discussion and Closing Remarks
- Open Q&A on specific challenges or clarifications
- Recap of key takeaways and follow-up actions
The presenter
Dr Alexandra von Westernhagen benefits from over 20 years as an EU regulatory lawyer gained in seven jurisdictions (including Brussels, the UK & Germany), in international private practice, academia (e.g. MIT) & international organizations (European Commission & OECD).
She is currently Partner & Head of EU Sustainability at Liberius Legal based in Brussels, the heart of the EU, as well as EU/Regulatory Partner at Keystone Law in London. She is also a Board member (Europe) of the Global Alliance of Impact Lawyers (GAIL).
Alexandra regularly provides EU law overview & strategic implementation trainings to company boards and members of their organizations, including to Barclays, Sodexo, Royal Mail and many other EU and international companies, law firms, public sector organizations, universities and think tanks.
