New York and London [March 2025] – The AccountAbility AA1000 Standards Board has issued an open invitation to stakeholders interested in serving on the Working Group tasked with revising the AccountAbility AA1000 Stakeholder Engagement Standard (AA1000SES), to be released in 2027.  

The Working Group will operate under the mandate laid out in its Terms of Reference and will commence its duties in May 2025.  

Group membership will be comprised of a diverse selection of stakeholders chosen based on expertise in sustainability and related standards. The Working Group is supported by AccountAbility, the secretariat and steward of the AA1000 Series of Standards. ‍

Informing the Evolution of Stakeholder Engagement

With shifting consumer expectations and rising global investor scrutiny increasing the demand for transparency, stakeholder engagement is more important than ever.  

The global rise in sustainability disclosures has heightened the need for organizations to demonstrate how they engage and communicate with stakeholders. To effectively manage information and competing stakeholder priorities, engagement and consultation strategies must align with corporate objectives, ensuring a consistent, balanced, and long-term approach.  

The revised AA1000SES will provide an updated approach to identify, prioritize, and respond to stakeholders. The revised AA1000SES will be future-focused and aligned to relevant sustainability frameworks, leading practices, local guidelines / standards related to stakeholder engagement, and non-financial regulatory requirements.

How to apply

The application deadline for stakeholders wishing to serve on the AA1000SES Working Group is May 2, 2025.

Please send a copy of your résumé and a short letter describing why you want to join the Working Group, what interests you about the topic, and how you believe you can contribute. We also encourage you to detail how much time you can dedicate to the group and your level of commitment. We welcome applications from individuals who are passionate about contributing to our mission.

Applications should be sent to standards@accountability.org.

Nominations will be open to all interested leaders; preferences include professionals experienced or involved in Industry, Sustainability, Consulting, Legal, Accounting, Auditing, and Regulatory Environments.

About the AA1000SES

The AA1000 AccountAbility Stakeholder Engagement Standard (AA1000SES) is the most widely applied stakeholder engagement standard in the world.  

The AA1000SES:

• Establishes the global benchmark for conducting high-quality stakeholder engagement projects and programs.

• Provides a simple, relevant, and practical framework to implement high-quality stakeholder engagement.

• Outlines how to rethink an organization's approach to engagement by empowering stakeholders as active contributors to value creation.

• Describes how to integrate stakeholder engagement with an organization's governance, strategy, and operations.  

About AccountAbility

Established in 1995, AccountAbility is a leading global consulting and standards firm dedicated to advancing the sustainability and ESG agenda. The firm works with businesses, investors, governments, and multilateral organizations to improve sustainability performance, drive innovation, and create lasting impact. Operating as a Public Benefit Corporation, AccountAbility has a global presence with offices in New York, London, Riyadh, and Dubai. The firm has been recognized by the Financial Times, Forbes, and Capital Finance International for its excellence in sustainability, strategy, and governance and its website is archived by the United States Library of Congress.