The AccountAbility released the 2018 AccountAbility Principles, its next-generation sustainability management framework and guidance.

Among the most notable changes, the AA1000AP (2018) is now positioned as a guiding framework of principles for sustainability management rather than as a prescriptive standard, as it was in 2008. It also introduces Impact as a fourth, overarching Principle, in support of results-based management and accountability.

For reports published after 1st January 2019, organisations seeking assurance through the AA1000 Assurance Standard (AA1000AS) should use the AA1000AP (2018). For reports published before this date, however, organisations can continue to use the AA1000APS (2008), allowing time for a transition period.

Upon the release of the AA1000AP (2018), the AA1000 Assurance Standard (AA1000AS) Working Group will commence work on the next version of the AA1000AS, planned for release in 2019.

The AA1000AP (2018) is available here for download, free of charge. In case you have any queries on the 2018 AccountAbility Principles, please contact us.