Featuring Insights from David Carlin, Head of Risk at UNEP FI, global advisor on climate risk, regulation, and disclosure.

The UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (UK SRS) will form the new baseline for climate-related and sustainability disclosures in the UK. They are designed to create clearer, more consistent reporting and help organisations strengthen the quality and decision-usefulness of their climate information.

Is UK SRS mandatory?

UK SRS is expected to become mandatory once finalised, with the government confirming that the standards will be implemented following the consultation process. They will guide how UK companies disclose climate risks, governance, metrics, and transition planning as part of their annual reporting obligations.

Who is covered?

Coverage will depend on the final rules, but UK SRS is expected to apply to:

• UK companies already within scope of existing climate reporting requirements
  
• Organisations required to report under TCFD-aligned rules
  
• Large companies likely to be brought into future phases as standards evolve
  

The intention is to ensure consistency with international reporting expectations while tailoring requirements to the UK market.

What are the timelines?

The standards are expected to be finalised in early 2026. Once published, they will take effect shortly after, aligning with statutory annual reporting cycles. Companies should expect their first UK SRS-aligned disclosures to be required for the financial year following the standards’ adoption.

What are the requirements?

UK SRS is based closely on the ISSB global baseline and will require disclosures on:

• Governance of climate-related risks and opportunities
  
• Strategy and resilience, including transition planning
  
• Risk management processes
  
• Metrics and targets, including emissions reporting
  

The standards will also integrate and, in some cases, replace elements of existing UK reporting frameworks such as TCFD and SECR, creating a more streamlined and interoperable reporting system.

Key features of UK SRS

• Expected finalisation early next year
  
• Builds on ISSB and closely connected to TCFD
  
• Designed to align with UK corporate reporting requirements
• Subsumes elements of SECR and enhances climate-reporting expectations

Tip 1: Understand the timeline and prepare before finalisation

The consultation for UK SRS has closed, and the final standards are expected soon. While details may change slightly, most of what was proposed will likely remain. Companies should not wait for the final publication to begin preparing. Early planning allows teams to understand emerging requirements, assess readiness, and build the foundations needed for smooth adoption.

Pre-implementation preparation should focus on understanding the expected structure of the standards and how they compare with existing reporting obligations. Taking early action reduces the risk of last-minute compliance challenges once the final standards are released.

Tip 2: Know the UK-specific differences and adjust processes accordingly

While UK SRS is closely based on ISSB, there are several important UK-specific adaptations. These include more flexible industry classifications, different language around sector guidance, and terminology tailored to the UK regulatory environment. Some reliefs available under ISSB may also differ, particularly around Scope 3, depending on the final version.

Understanding these differences early allows companies to avoid incorrect assumptions and ensures that existing sustainability processes are properly aligned. Most organisations will be able to leverage their ISSB or TCFD reporting work, but some adjustments will be necessary.

Tip 3: Strengthen governance and get assurance-ready

Governance under UK SRS will follow the same principles as other climate-reporting frameworks: strong leadership, clear accountability, and appropriate incentives. Companies that already report under TCFD or CSRD will recognise many of these elements, but assurance will become increasingly important under UK SRS.

While the final assurance roadmap is still developing, limited assurance is the most likely starting point. Organisations should prepare by strengthening controls, documenting methodologies, and ensuring teams have the necessary skills to support assured disclosures.

Tip 4: Leverage existing frameworks to create efficiencies

Companies already reporting under SECR, TCFD, CSRD, ISSB, CDP or GRI can reuse much of their existing work for UK SRS. Because UK SRS is designed to be interoperable, organisations with mature reporting systems will be able to streamline processes rather than rebuild them.

Aligning methodologies across frameworks reduces duplication and creates consistency in governance, data management, and disclosure processes. This efficiency becomes even more valuable for multinational companies reporting in several jurisdictions.

UK SRS can be supported by:

• TCFD reporting already in place
  
• SECR and emissions data systems
  
• ISSB or CSRD alignment work
• CDP and GRI voluntary disclosures

Tip 5: Start with a gap assessment and understand your current position

Companies are in very different places on reporting maturity. Some already follow TCFD or ISSB closely, while others have done little formal sustainability reporting. The first step for UK SRS readiness is to understand where you stand today, what is already in place, and where the gaps lie compared to the expected standards.

A structured gap assessment helps determine which capabilities need strengthening – whether governance, skills, methodologies or data systems. This early visibility ensures an efficient and targeted implementation plan, reducing the risk of surprises once reporting becomes mandatory.