What are effective ways to report CSR progress and outcomes to your board?

1 Align with board priorities

Before you prepare your CSR report, you need to understand what matters most to your board and how your CSR activities align with their priorities and expectations. For example, you can show how your CSR initiatives contribute to the business performance, reputation, risk management, stakeholder relations, and innovation. You can also identify the key issues and opportunities that your board should be aware of and address in relation to your CSR strategy. By aligning your CSR report with your board's priorities, you can demonstrate the value and relevance of your CSR efforts and gain their buy-in and support.

4 Use visuals and data

To make your CSR report more appealing and accessible, you should use visuals and data that complement your narrative and convey your CSR progress and outcomes in a clear and concise way. You should use graphs, charts, tables, infographics, photos, and videos that highlight your key CSR metrics, trends, and achievements. You should also use data that is relevant, reliable, and verifiable, and that supports your CSR claims and objectives. You should also provide sources, references, and links for your data, and explain how you collect, analyze, and verify your data. By using visuals and data, you can enhance your CSR report and show your board the evidence and impact of your CSR activities.

5 Seek feedback and dialogue

Your CSR report should not be a one-way communication, but also an opportunity to seek feedback and dialogue with your board and other stakeholders. You should invite your board to review, comment, and question your CSR report, and provide them with channels and platforms to do so. You should also engage your board in discussions and consultations on your CSR strategy, goals, and challenges, and seek their input and advice on how to improve your CSR performance and outcomes. You should also share your CSR report with your other stakeholders, such as your employees, customers, suppliers, investors, and communities, and listen to their feedback and expectations. By seeking feedback and dialogue, you can strengthen your CSR report and build trust and collaboration with your board and stakeholders.

6 Follow up and update

Your CSR report should not be a static document, but also a dynamic tool that helps you to monitor, evaluate, and improve your CSR progress and outcomes. You should follow up and update your board and stakeholders on your CSR achievements and challenges, and report on how you are implementing their feedback and suggestions. You should also keep track of the changes and trends in your CSR context, such as the social and environmental issues, the stakeholder demands, and the regulatory requirements, and adjust your CSR strategy and goals accordingly. You should also communicate your CSR updates and results regularly and transparently, using various channels and formats, such as newsletters, blogs, podcasts, webinars, or social media. By following up and updating, you can maintain your CSR report and show your board and stakeholders your continuous CSR improvement and accountability.

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?