Good point!
But one has to be aware of that the field of sustainability reporting and assurance now is at an early stage with much space for developments in the future. Just consider where financial accounting and auditing was at the beginning of last century and which enormous progress has been made since then!
The past few years saw huge increases in sustainability and a raising number of companies seek external assurance. In my opinion, the introduction of legal requirements might slow down developments and pose a barrier to innovations in this field.
You are right in that sustainability assurance is not only provided by big accounting firms, but also by CSR consultants or expert panels. Organisations certainly draw into consideration several aspects when choosing an assurance provider.
For example in Japan we see quite often individual experts giving an independent opinion on a company's CSR efforts and reporting. In this case, it seems that Japanese companies anticipate much more credibility through this form of assurance.
Other reasons might include aspects such as cost and risk, or maybe the fact that accounting firms are bound to their professional standards whereas companies might prefer assurance provided in accordance more innovative standards such as the AA1000AS.
Any comments? Can you think of any other reasons why organisations engage non-accountants for sustainability assurance?
What's your opinion on experts or consultants providing assurance with regard to credibility?
