Learning Programs 2011

Why Materiality Matters

2012 Workshop Booking Form

"Paul Hohnen occupies a special place in the sustainable development debate. His contributions reflect a distinguished history of service to government, multilaterals, civil society, and business in support of a just and humane future."

Dr Allen White, Co-founder of the Global Reporting Initiative


"Paul Hohnen’s expert knowledge of global best practice in corporate responsibility has given our people valuable insights into the future challenges for our business."

Renee Hancock, Corporate Responsibility Manager, ANZ Bank


"Paul ran a CSR session for our global communications directors that was sharply focused, engaging and witty. He’s absolutely fabulous to work with."

Cressida Ward, Communications Director, Corporate Social Responsibility, Sanofi-Aventis

Why Materiality Matters: Mapping Your Way to A Better Understanding of Your Company’s Sustainability Profile

February 16th | Melbourne

2.00pm – 5.30pm

 

  • A one-time special Materiality Master Class - PLACES LIMITED
  • What does ‘material’ mean in the context of sustainable development?

  • How can you use the materiality principle to develop better sustainability strategies and reports?
Companies are familiar with the financial accounting principle of materiality. In the GRI and other frameworks, however, companies are increasingly expected to report on their material issues in the context of sustainable development.   What does ‘material’ mean in this context and how can material issues be identified?  What happens when a company’s assessments of what is material differ from those of its stakeholders?  How are materiality assessments used in helping a company fine tune its business strategies and stakeholder engagement?  How can materiality assessments be tested and assured?

These and other materiality issues will be the subject of a special half - day Master Class led by ACCSR Senior International Associate Paul Hohnen.  Participants will learn:

  • The relationship between financial and non-financial concepts of materiality
  • What materiality means and why it is important in the CSR context
  • How leading companies map their material issues
  • The role of stakeholder engagement
  • How materiality assessments can be assured using AA1000
  • How to develop a materiality approach for your own organisation.

A former Australian diplomat, Paul is known internationally for his work in the CSR and sustainable development fields.  He was recently invited to author a materiality course for the Accenture Supply Chain Academy and has been closely involved in the development of many of the world’s leading CSR frameworks and initiatives.  

Master Class Program:

  • Defining materiality and its relevance
  • Developing a materiality approach
  • Identifying key principles and guidance frameworks
  • Mapping  stakeholders and material issues
  • Techniques for ranking stakeholders and their issues
  • Reviewing and assuring materiality assessments
  • Communicating materiality assessments
  • Practice developing a materiality assessment
Past participants in workshops with Paul Hohnen say...

"Great international perspective and case studies, great to have such a wealth of experience to draw from."

"Really knowledgeable and set the context."

"Highly engaging and knowledgeable."

"Really great perspectives given on a global scene."