Analysis & CommentaryUK SRS · 2026 / 27

UK SRS: Who is in Scope

Independent analysis of who falls in scope for the UK Sustainability Reporting Standards.

DBT published UK SRS S1 and S2 on 25 February 2026 for voluntary use.

The FCA's CP26/5 proposes mandatory S2 climate reporting for roughly 500 listed companies from 1 January 2027.

We track the scope, the timeline, and the policy as the rules are finalised.

In scope
~500 cos
Mandatory
FY 2027
Standards
S1 + S2
Sustainability Reporting Standards · Reference Data

UK SRS by the numbers

Nine canonical figures that anchor the UK Sustainability Reporting Standards regime — every figure pinned to a primary source. The framing on this page sits behind every other reference page on the site.

Last verified 16 June 2026 · Updates as regulators publish new figures

DBT · Published
25 Feb2026
Standards published by the Department for Business and Trade

UK SRS S1 (General Requirements) and UK SRS S2 (Climate-related Disclosures) released for voluntary use immediately, alongside the Government Response to the consultation.

DBT · UK SRS S1 and S2 publication

FCA · CP26/5 scope
~500companies
UK-listed companies proposed in scope of mandatory UK SRS S2 from 2027

Approximately 500 issuers across UKLR 6 (Commercial), 16 (Non-equity), and 22 (Transition). UKLR 14 (Secondary) and 15 (Depositary Receipts) — around 40 more — face a flexible disclose-home-jurisdiction approach.

FCA · CP26/5 PDF · Chapter 3

DBT · Consultation
209responses
Submissions to the DBT consultation on the UK SRS exposure drafts

170 via online survey, 39 by direct email submission. 199 from organisations, 10 from individuals. 68% supported the four originally-proposed amendments.

Government Response · paras 1.6–1.7

UK SRS S2 · Architecture
4pillars
The TCFD four-pillar disclosure architecture, retained in UK SRS S2

Governance, Strategy, Risk Management, and Metrics and Targets. The structural foundation carried directly from TCFD (2017, disbanded 2023) — but disclosure requirements within each pillar are substantially enhanced.

UK SRS S2 · Paragraphs 5–37 · TCFD Recommendations

UK SRS S2 · Scope 3
15categories
GHG Protocol Scope 3 categories disclosable where material

From purchased goods (Cat 1) to investments (Cat 15). Comply-or-explain under FCA proposals; one-year deferral available; proposed mandatory from January 2028.

UK SRS S2 · Paragraphs B33–B58 · GHG Protocol Scope 3

ISSB · Global baseline
40+jurisdictions
Jurisdictions adopting or moving to adopt ISSB Standards

Forty-plus jurisdictions covering approximately 60% of global market capitalisation, 60% of global GDP, and 40%+ of global greenhouse gas emissions. Latest additions: Ethiopia and Peru (Feb 2026).

IFRS Foundation · ISSB Update · April 2026

Practitioner consensus
12–18months
Typical preparation window for full UK SRS S2 compliance

KPMG, PwC, Deloitte, and EY implementation studies converge on this range for a mid-cap listed company to build the data infrastructure, materiality assessment, quantitative scenario analysis, and disclosure drafting needed.

KPMG · CP26/5 implementation analysis

UK SRS · UK-specific
6+provisions
UK-specific provisions modifying the ISSB baseline standards

Four originally proposed plus additional final-version changes: paragraph B59A added, effective dates removed, ISSB December 2025 amendments incorporated.

Government Response · Chapters 1–2

FRC · Assurance
15 Dec2026
ISSA (UK) 5000 sustainability assurance standard effective date

The FRC's UK adaptation of the IAASB international sustainability assurance standard. Covers both limited and reasonable assurance, applicable regardless of underlying reporting framework.

FRC · ISSA (UK) 5000

Market Intelligence

UK Sustainability Reporting by the Numbers

Key statistics and benchmarks for understanding the scope, scale, and implementation reality of UK Sustainability Reporting Standards.

700companies

Expected to be in scope for UK SRS S2

UK-listed companies with Premium Listing status

18months

Average end-to-end implementation timeline

From materiality assessment to first reporting

£2.1million

Median first-year implementation cost

For FTSE 100 companies including systems and consultancy

15categories

Scope 3 emissions categories under GHG Protocol

All 15 must be assessed for materiality and disclosure

4pillars

Core disclosure areas under UK SRS S2

Governance, Strategy, Risk Management, Metrics & Targets

2027

Proposed mandatory compliance date

Subject to FCA Policy Statement confirmation

Statistics based on market analysis, FCA CP26/5 consultation, and practitioner surveys. Updated regularly as new data becomes available.

Sustainability Reporting Standards · Where it stands

Where the FCA process currently stands

UK SRS S2 is not yet mandatory for any company. The Financial Conduct Authority's CP26/5 process moves through five sequential stages — three are complete, two remain. Until the Policy Statement is issued, mandatory dates are FCA proposals, not law.

Last verified 16 June 2026

1
Consultation Paper published30 Jan 2026Completed

The FCA published CP26/5: Aligning listed issuers' sustainability disclosures with international standards, proposing to replace the existing TCFD-aligned Listing Rules with rules requiring in-scope listed companies to apply UK SRS S2 from 1 January 2027 and UK SRS S1 on a comply-or-explain basis.

2
Consultation period closes20 Mar 2026Completed

The seven-week consultation drew responses from listed companies, institutional investors, accounting and assurance bodies, and trade associations. Material substantive submissions arrived from large asset managers and pension funds.

3
Policy StatementAutumn 2026 · expectedCurrently pending

The FCA is reviewing consultation responses and preparing its final Policy Statement. Three outcomes are possible: adopt the proposals as drafted; modify them in light of consultation feedback; or delay the timeline.

4
Rules come into force1 Jan 2027 · proposedSubject to Policy Statement

If the Policy Statement adopts the proposed timeline, the new UKLR rules would apply to accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2027 for in-scope listed companies.

5
First mandatory reports publishedSpring 2028 · for Dec year-endsProjected

The first mandatory UK SRS S2 reports would appear in annual reports published around six months after each in-scope company's year-end.

UK Sustainability Reporting Standards

The UK Sustainability Reporting Implementation Journey

From ISSB global baseline to UK mandatory reporting — tracking the key milestones in the UK's adoption of sustainability reporting standards.

2024

ISSB Standards Foundation

Complete

IFRS S1 and S2 standards published as global baseline for sustainability reporting

Dec 2024

TAC Endorsement

Complete

FRC Technical Advisory Committee recommends IFRS S1/S2 adoption with amendments

Jun 2025

UK SRS Exposure Drafts

Complete

DBT publishes UK SRS S1 and S2 exposure drafts for consultation

Jan 2026

FCA CP26/5 Consultation

Complete

FCA proposes mandatory UK SRS implementation timeline for listed companies

Autumn 2026

FCA Policy Statement

In Progress

Final implementation rules and timeline confirmation expected

Jan 2027

UK SRS S2 Mandatory

Proposed

Proposed mandatory climate-related disclosure date for in-scope companies

Jan 2029

UK SRS S1 Mandatory

Proposed

Proposed broader sustainability reporting comply-or-explain deadline

Who's In Scope

Application Scope & Requirements

Understanding which companies will be required to apply UK Sustainability Reporting Standards and what they'll need to disclose.

UK SRS S2

Climate-Related Disclosures

In Scope Companies

  • UK-listed companies with Premium Listing
  • Companies already subject to TCFD rules
  • Large private companies (proposed future scope)
  • ~700 companies initially in scope

Key Requirements

  • Governance of climate-related risks
  • Climate strategy and business model impacts
  • Risk management processes
  • Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions metrics
Proposed Timeline:Mandatory from 1 January 2027 (subject to FCA Policy Statement)
UK SRS S1

General Sustainability Disclosures

Comply-or-Explain Basis

  • Same in-scope companies as S2
  • Must disclose or explain non-disclosure
  • Optional 2-year deferral available
  • Covers broader sustainability matters

Coverage Areas

  • Water and biodiversity
  • Social and human capital
  • Governance and business conduct
  • All financially material topics
Proposed Timeline:Earliest 1 January 2027, latest 1 January 2029 (companies can defer 2 years)

⚠️Policy Statement Pending

All timelines and scope definitions remain proposed until the FCA publishes its Policy Statement (expected Autumn 2026). The final rules may differ from CP26/5 proposals based on consultation feedback.

Featured Analysis

UK SRS Scope: Who is Required to Report

Authority Framework

UK SRS × FCA Framework

Canonical reference for FCA authority over UK SRS, covering regulatory architecture, compliance requirements, and the proposed mandatory timeline for in-scope listed companies.

View authority framework →
Scope 3 Implementation

UK SRS Scope 3 Reporting

Complete practitioner guide to 15 GHG Protocol categories, data quality hierarchy, PCAF financed emissions, and assurance readiness under UK SRS S2. Organisations implementing Scope 3 reporting should evaluate carbon reporting software platforms for comprehensive data collection and audit trail capabilities. For SECR and ESOS compliance expertise, consider engaging a SECR compliance specialist.

View implementation guide →
Implementation Analysis

UK SRS Report: Readiness Survey & Consultation Response

Our analysis of listed-company readiness under CP26/5, drawing on the DBT consultation responses and the gaps companies still face on Scope 3 data and scenario analysis.

Read full analysis →
Regulatory Commentary

UK SRS Consultation: FCA Policy Statement Analysis

Analysis of the FCA's autumn 2026 policy statement timeline, potential changes to CP26/5 proposals, and implications for 1 January 2027 implementation. Consultation responses point to possible changes to Scope 3 transitional reliefs.

Read commentary →
Market Trends

Implementation Patterns & Cost Analysis

Sector Variations

Financial Services Lead Implementation

Financial services institutions lead in financed emissions methodology development, while industrial companies focus on supply chain engagement frameworks following FRC TAC guidance.

Cost Analysis

Implementation Costs Trending Higher

Median first-year expenditure reaching £2.1m for FTSE 100 companies. Key cost drivers: external consultancy (38%), technology platforms (27%), internal resources (35%).

Timeline Reality

18-Month Scope 3 Collection Timeline

Comprehensive Scope 3 data collection reflects value chain engagement complexity. Early adopters gain competitive advantages through enhanced investor confidence and improved ESG ratings.

Understanding Who is in Scope for UK SRS

Who is in scope for UK SRS? The UK Sustainability Reporting Standards were published by DBT on 25 February 2026 for voluntary use.

Under the FCA's CP26/5 proposals, UK SRS S2 climate disclosures would become mandatory from 1 January 2027.

The initial scope covers roughly 500 primary-listed companies under UK Listing Rules categories 6, 16 and 22.

Those in scope must report on governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics — including Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions. See our definitive guide to the UK SRS requirements for the full breakdown.

Financial institutions can refer to uksrs.finance for sector-specific guidance on banks, insurers and asset managers.

UK SRS sits within a broader landscape of ESG reporting requirements in the UK, including SECR, ESOS Phase 4, and TCFD-aligned disclosures.

We track the market intelligence, regulatory analysis and practical timelines leadership teams need as the rules are finalised.

Related Resources

UK SRS Reference & Compliance Guidance

For comprehensive UK SRS compliance guidance, detailed regulatory analysis, and implementation templates, visit our sister site sustainabilityreportingstandards.co.uk — the complete reference guide to UK Sustainability Reporting Standards.

CDP Environmental Reporting

Complete guide to CDP reporting including timeline, framework, and standards integration.

UK SRS Standards Documentation

Complete coverage of UK SRS S1 and S2, implementation timelines, scope analysis, and compliance checklists.

FCA Regulatory Analysis

Detailed analysis of FCA CP26/5 consultation, Policy Statement timeline, and mandatory implementation framework.

Carbon Reporting Software Reviews

Independent reviews of carbon reporting software platforms for SECR and UK SRS compliance, with detailed feature comparisons and implementation guidance.