How can you ensure the reliability of your CSR report for performance reporting?

1 Define your scope and standards

The first step to ensure the reliability of your CSR report is to define the scope and standards of your reporting. Scope refers to the boundaries and coverage of your report, such as the time period, the geographic locations, the business units, and the topics that you will report on. Standards refer to the frameworks and guidelines that you will follow to measure and present your CSR performance, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC), or the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB). By defining your scope and standards, you can set clear expectations and criteria for your reporting.

3 Engage your stakeholders

The third step to ensure the reliability of your CSR report is to engage your stakeholders. Stakeholders are the individuals or groups that have an interest or influence on your business and CSR activities, such as your employees, customers, suppliers, investors, regulators, and communities. By engaging your stakeholders, you can understand their needs and expectations, solicit their feedback and input, and address their concerns and questions. Stakeholder engagement can help you improve your materiality assessment, identify your risks and opportunities, and increase your accountability and trust.

4 Tell your story

The fourth step to ensure the reliability of your CSR report is to tell your story. Story refers to the narrative and tone that you will use to communicate your CSR vision, strategy, goals, actions, and results. To tell your story, you need to craft a compelling and coherent message that highlights your achievements and challenges, showcases your best practices and innovations, and reflects your values and culture. You also need to use clear and concise language, avoid jargon and technical terms, and provide examples and case studies. Furthermore, you need to balance your positive and negative aspects, and acknowledge your limitations and areas for improvement.

5 Choose your format and channels

The fifth step to ensure the reliability of your CSR report is to choose your format and channels. Format refers to the design and layout of your report, such as the length, structure, style, and visuals that you will use to present your information. Channels refer to the platforms and media that you will use to distribute and promote your report, such as your website, social media, newsletters, webinars, or events. By choosing your format and channels, you can optimize your accessibility and readability, appeal to your target audiences, and enhance your visibility and reputation.

6 Review and improve your report

The sixth and final step to ensure the reliability of your CSR report is to review and improve your report. Review refers to the evaluation and feedback that you will conduct and receive on your report, such as the quality, relevance, completeness, and usefulness of your information. Improve refers to the actions and changes that you will implement to enhance your reporting process and performance, such as the lessons learned, the best practices adopted, and the goals set. By reviewing and improving your report, you can ensure your continuous improvement and learning, and demonstrate your commitment and leadership in CSR.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?