Introduction

Integrated reporting is a comprehensive reporting framework that combines financial and non-financial information, focusing on the long-term value creation of an organization. It helps stakeholders understand how a company’s strategy, governance, performance, and prospects contribute to value creation over time. This course will equip participants with the tools, frameworks, and techniques needed to prepare and assure integrated reports, focusing on quality, transparency, and stakeholder communication. The course also emphasizes the growing role of assurance providers in ensuring the integrity and credibility of integrated reports.

Objectives

By the end of this training course, participants will:

1. Understand the principles and components of integrated reporting.
2. Learn how to develop and implement an integrated reporting framework aligned with the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) guidelines.
3. Gain insights into the role of assurance in integrated reporting and the various assurance models.
4. Learn how to assess the quality and reliability of information included in integrated reports.
5. Understand the connection between integrated reporting and organizational strategy, performance, and value creation.
6. Explore best practices for stakeholder engagement and reporting.
7. Learn about the role of technology in integrated reporting and assurance, including automation and data analytics.
8. Develop the skills to provide assurance on integrated reports, focusing on both financial and non-financial data.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for professionals involved in corporate reporting, assurance, sustainability, and governance, including:

• Corporate Reporters
• Internal and External Auditors
• Sustainability Managers
• Chief Financial Officers (CFOs)
• Governance and Compliance Officers
• Risk Management Professionals
• Investors and Analysts
• Consultants in Reporting and Assurance
• Anyone interested in understanding integrated reporting and assurance frameworks

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Integrated Reporting

• Session 1: The Concept of Integrated Reporting

  • Definition and principles of integrated reporting
  • The evolution of integrated reporting: From traditional financial reporting to integrated thinking
  • The International Integrated Reporting Framework (IIRC) and its key principles
  • How integrated reporting connects strategy, governance, performance, and value creation
  • The role of integrated reporting in driving sustainable business practices

• Session 2: Key Components of Integrated Reporting

  • The Integrated Reporting Framework: 6 Capitals (Financial, Manufactured, Intellectual, Human, Social, Natural)
  • How to integrate financial and non-financial information in reports
  • The link between integrated reporting and strategic objectives
  • Key metrics and indicators used in integrated reporting
  • Case Study: Reviewing an integrated report from a leading company

• Session 3: Hands-on Lab 1 – Drafting an Integrated Report

  • Participants will work through a real-world scenario to draft an integrated report using the IIRC framework
  • Identifying and categorizing financial and non-financial information
  • Understanding how to align organizational strategy with integrated reporting

Day 2: Developing and Implementing an Integrated Reporting Framework

• Session 1: Building an Integrated Reporting Framework

  • Key steps in developing an integrated reporting framework for an organization
  • Defining the reporting objectives and stakeholders
  • Identifying material issues and ensuring the alignment of reporting with organizational goals
  • Best practices for collecting, analyzing, and presenting integrated information
  • Case Study: How companies have successfully implemented integrated reporting

• Session 2: Governance and Oversight in Integrated Reporting

  • The role of the board of directors and senior management in integrated reporting
  • How to ensure governance structures support the integrated reporting process
  • The importance of internal controls and data integrity in integrated reporting
  • Engaging with stakeholders to understand their needs and expectations

• Session 3: Hands-on Lab 2 – Framework Implementation

  • Participants will use the tools provided to develop an integrated reporting framework for a sample organization
  • Creating a report outline and identifying key areas of integration
  • Group Exercise: Participants will present their integrated report framework to peers for feedback

Day 3: Assurance on Integrated Reporting

• Session 1: The Role of Assurance in Integrated Reporting

  • The importance of assurance in ensuring the credibility and reliability of integrated reports
  • Understanding the difference between traditional financial assurance and non-financial assurance
  • Assurance standards for integrated reporting: ISAE 3000 and AA1000 standards
  • The role of internal and external auditors in the assurance process

• Session 2: Assurance Models for Integrated Reporting

  • Types of assurance: Reasonable assurance vs. limited assurance
  • Steps involved in the assurance process: Planning, risk assessment, evidence collection, and reporting
  • How to assess the quality of information in integrated reports: Accuracy, completeness, consistency, and reliability
  • Case Study: Reviewing an assurance report for an integrated report

• Session 3: Hands-on Lab 3 – Conducting Assurance on an Integrated Report

  • Participants will simulate an assurance process for a sample integrated report
  • Reviewing the report’s financial and non-financial information for completeness and accuracy
  • Identifying gaps and areas for improvement in the report
  • Group Exercise: Participants will provide feedback and assurance recommendations for the sample integrated report

Day 4: Best Practices in Integrated Reporting and Stakeholder Engagement

• Session 1: Best Practices in Integrated Reporting

  • How to make integrated reporting impactful and relevant to stakeholders
  • Aligning reports with corporate social responsibility (CSR), sustainability goals, and stakeholder expectations
  • The importance of clear, concise, and transparent communication in integrated reporting
  • Using data visualization tools and interactive dashboards to enhance reporting
  • Case Study: Best practices from global leaders in integrated reporting

• Session 2: Stakeholder Engagement and Materiality

  • Understanding the materiality of issues and their relevance to stakeholders
  • How to identify and engage key stakeholders in the reporting process
  • The role of stakeholder feedback in shaping integrated reports
  • Tools and techniques for engaging stakeholders in a meaningful way
  • Group Discussion: Analyzing stakeholder perspectives and their impact on reporting

• Session 3: Hands-on Lab 4 – Engaging Stakeholders in Integrated Reporting

  • Participants will engage in a simulated stakeholder consultation process to identify material issues for an organization
  • Developing a stakeholder engagement strategy and integrating feedback into the reporting process
  • Group Exercise: Designing a stakeholder engagement plan for integrated reporting

Day 5: Technology and the Future of Integrated Reporting and Assurance

• Session 1: The Role of Technology in Integrated Reporting

  • The increasing role of technology and automation in integrated reporting
  • Using data analytics and AI to enhance the quality and efficiency of reporting
  • The impact of digital transformation on integrated reporting processes
  • Exploring the potential of blockchain technology in integrated reporting and assurance

• Session 2: Future Trends in Integrated Reporting and Assurance

  • The evolving landscape of integrated reporting and assurance: Global trends and regulatory developments
  • How regulatory bodies and standards organizations are shaping the future of integrated reporting (e.g., GRI Standards, SASB Standards, and TCFD Recommendations)
  • The growing importance of sustainability, climate-related disclosures, and ESG metrics in integrated reports

• Session 3: Hands-on Lab 5 – Preparing for the Future of Integrated Reporting

  • Participants will explore the use of advanced technologies (e.g., data analytics, AI) in preparing an integrated report
  • Developing strategies to incorporate future reporting trends and evolving stakeholder expectations
  • Final Group Exercise: Participants will prepare an integrated report with future trends and technology considerations

Conclusion and Certification

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a Certificate in Integrated Reporting and Assurance, demonstrating their ability to develop, implement, and assure integrated reports that meet global standards and stakeholder expectations.