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      Now that the first wave of reporting under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) has subsided, here are some of KPMG’s practical assurance takeaways based on our work in the UK and across our wider EMA network. For details on the reporting trends please read our FAST 270 report.

      The CSRD is underpinned by the European Sustainability Reporting Standards, or ESRS, which set out the detailed disclosure requirements, and whilst there is a process of simplification on the horizon, including those released by the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) in late July 2025,we’ve seen what works, where the challenges lie, and what others can learn before they go through it themselves. These lessons hold true no matter where the final ESRS requirements land.

      Joshua Olomolaiye
      Joshua Olomolaiye

      Director, ESG Reporting and Assurance

      KPMG in the UK

      Here are five things we’ve learned:

      • Start early and bring the right people together

        The CSRD should be treated as a structured programme, not just a compliance exercise. The leading reporters brought together finance, sustainability, risk, legal and operations from day one and created clear governance responsibilities.

      • Get the double materiality assessment right

        This is the foundation of CSRD. The best outcomes came from treating it as a serious cross-functional process, documenting the judgements and using the results to shape strategy and disclosures.

      • Phase the data collection and assurance

        Many CSRD metrics are new or sourced from legacy systems. Trying to get everything audit-ready in one go is unrealistic. Organisations that prioritised key metrics and phased their build-out had smoother assurance and fewer surprises.

      • Build assurance in from the start

        CSRD requires external assurance, that means high quality documentation, clear ownership and verifiable data. Companies who planned for this had more confidence, better evidence and fewer rework cycles.

      • Your narrative must be verifiable too

        Qualitative disclosures are subject to assurance just like companies KPIs. Every claim, from governance to strategy, needs to be supported. Telling your story is still important but so is being able to evidence it.

      Even though timelines have shifted, the direction is clear. ESRS simplification doesn’t mean easy, these requirements still demand structure, judgement and evidence. Those getting this right are using the extra time now to refine their systems and focus on what’s most material. 

      If you would like to understand how best to prepare for CSRD and want support as you plan for upcoming reporting and assurance requirements, get in touch with our experts Josh Olomolaiye and Tom Arnold to arrange a workshop so we can understand your specific challenges and concerns.

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