5 WHAT ARE THE KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL INTEGRATED REPORTING?
Failure to carry out such verification procedures would create a paradox between the goals of
At every step of the process (review of the reporting framework, design and implementation
of internal control procedures, verification and validation of data), several complementary
approaches could be adopted by internal audit or the external auditor depending on the type
of indicators published and the company s level of maturity. The need to conduct such verifications
is all the more necessary given that some of this information is unconventional and difficult to
collect, compile or quantify.
RELEVANT
COMMUNICATION
Given their operations, locations, products, regulatory and competitive environment, companies
are complex structures. One of the greatest challenges of integrated reporting is to simplify and
reflect this complexity in a format and language that are accessible to a wide variety of readers.
Too much information can be as harmful as too little. Therefore, if the scope of communication
is to be widened, relevant indicators must be selected. Communication must be concise and
effective.
The integrated report must be tailored to each company using simple words and graphics (infographics,
analytical charts, hyperlinks, etc.). Under the supervision of their governance body, companies
must therefore make a balanced judgement in selecting information with a significant impact on
their business model and capitals. Those responsible for preparing the report must organise this
information by order of importance and put it into perspective, which includes using technology
to facilitate access to more detailed information for relevant stakeholders.