AccountAbility's AA1000 series are principles-based standards to help organisations become more accountable, responsible and sustainable. They address issues affecting governance, business models and organizational strategy, as well as providing operational guidance on sustainability assurance and stakeholder engagement. The AA1000 standards are designed for the integrated thinking required by the low carbon and green economy, and support integrated reporting and assurance.
The standards are developed through a multi-stakeholder consultation process which ensures they are written for those they impact, not just those who may gain from them. They are used by a broad spectrum of organisations -- multinational businesses, small and medium enterprises, governments and civil societies.
The AA1000 AccountAbility Principles Standard (AA1000APS) provides a framework for an organisation to identify, prioritise and respond to its sustainability challenges.
The AA1000 Assurance Standard (AA1000AS) provides a methodology for assurance practitioners to evaluate the nature and extent to which an organisation adheres to the AccountAbility Principles.
The AA1000 Stakeholder Engagement Standard (AA1000SES) provides a framework to help organisations ensure stakeholder engagement processes are purpose driven, robust and deliver results.
AccountAbility publishes guidance and research materials to enhance the understanding and application of the AA1000 Series. The following are guidance materials for the AA1000 Assurance Standard 2008:
AccountAbility helps individuals and organisations develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand and implement the Accountability principles as well as effective stakeholder engagement, and sustainability reporting and assurance through practitioner certification. (Certified Sustainability Assurance practitioner – CSAP) and training provider certification.
The AA1000 Series of Standards have an independent governance structure designed to provide broad stakeholder representation from the public and private sectors, civil society and the standards community.
There are a number of ways to become involved in the ongoing development of the AA1000 Standards:
Use the AA1000 Assurance Standard and the AA1000 Stakeholder Engagement Standard, and supporting resources and feedback your experience and learning.
Collaborate on research with AccountAbility to help strengthen the international standards architecture