How can you report CSR performance to investors?

1 Choose relevant indicators

The first step is to identify the CSR indicators that are most relevant to your business and your stakeholders. These indicators should reflect your CSR goals, strategy and impact, as well as the expectations and interests of your investors. You can use frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) or the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) to guide you in selecting and measuring your indicators.

2 Provide context and analysis

The second step is to provide context and analysis for your CSR indicators. This means explaining why they are important, how they are calculated, what they mean and how they relate to your overall performance and value creation. You should also disclose the data sources, methods and assumptions behind your indicators, as well as any limitations or uncertainties. This will help you enhance the credibility, transparency and comparability of your CSR reporting.

3 Use different formats and channels

The third step is to use different formats and channels to report your CSR performance to investors. Depending on your audience, purpose and message, you can choose from various options, such as annual reports, sustainability reports, integrated reports, websites, presentations, webinars, podcasts or newsletters. You should also consider using visual aids, such as charts, graphs, tables, infographics or videos, to make your reporting more engaging and accessible.

4 Align with standards and frameworks

The fourth step is to align your CSR reporting with the standards and frameworks that are relevant to your industry, sector and market. This will help you meet the expectations and requirements of your investors, as well as regulators, rating agencies, analysts and other stakeholders. Some of the most widely used standards and frameworks for CSR reporting include the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC), the UN Global Compact, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).

5 Seek feedback and improvement

The fifth step is to seek feedback and improvement for your CSR reporting. You can do this by engaging with your investors and other stakeholders, such as customers, employees, suppliers, communities and NGOs, to understand their needs, preferences and concerns. You can also benchmark your reporting against your peers, competitors and best practices, and use external assurance or verification to validate your data and processes. This will help you improve the quality, relevance and impact of your CSR reporting.

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?