Aligning Internal and External Infomation Paper 2021
Aligning Internal and External Infomation Paper 2021
Aligning Internal and External Infomation Paper 2021
ALIGNING INTERNAL
AND EXTERNAL
INTEGRATED
REPORTING:
AN INFORMATION
PAPER
www.integratedreportingsa.org
CONTENTS Page
1 FOREWORD
4 THE CHALLENGES
5 THE BENEFITS
9 KEY CONSIDERATIONS
11 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
13 IRC OF SA MEMBERS
ISBN 978-0-6399597-4-0
December 2021
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INTEGRATED REPORTING
COMMITTEE (IRC) OF SOUTH AFRICA 1 International <IR> Framework (2021), paragraph 1.1
PURPOSE OF This Information Paper was developed to assist organizations to
THE PAPER better align their internal reporting to their external reporting,
specifically the annual integrated report.
The Paper discusses the challenges and benefits of alignment and offers organizations some practical
considerations in achieving better alignment. The Paper emphasises an integrated business approach to
an organization’s reporting in a world of purpose and sustainable value creation, with a need for holistic
information to drive operations, decision-making and behavioural change.
The Paper explores:
6 The role of key players
6 The challenges in achieving alignment
6 The benefits of alignment
6 How the Content Elements of the International <IR> Framework (2021) (<IR> Framework) can support
alignment
6 Key considerations
This Paper aims to assist executives responsible for internal reporting and the integrated report, as well as
those involved in preparing them. It can also be of use to members of the governing body in their oversight of
reporting.
The key considerations set out in this Paper are informed by the collective experience of the IRC Working
Group members, as well as input from IRC members and other sources. The list of key considerations
should not be seen as exhaustive. This Paper does not purport to be authoritative guidance and is issued for
information purposes only.
In this Paper, excerpts from the <IR> Framework are in blue italics. The IRC of South Africa has endorsed
the <IR> Framework as guidance on good practice on how to prepare an integrated report. The Paper also
includes references to the King IV Report on Corporate Governance™ for South Africa 2016 (King IV)2, which
is the corporate governance code in South Africa released in November 2016. Excerpts are in italics.
The <IR> Framework defines those charged with governance as: The person(s) or organization(s) (e.g., the
board of directors or a corporate trustee) with responsibility for overseeing the strategic direction of an
organization and its obligations with respect to accountability and stewardship. For some organizations and
jurisdictions, those charged with governance may include executive management. King IV uses the term
‘members of the governing body’. This Paper refers to ‘the governing body’ to denote both.
2
INTEGRATED REPORTING 2 Copyright and trademarks are owned by the Institute of Directors in South Africa (IoDSA) NPC and all of its rights are reserved. King IV
COMMITTEE (IRC) OF SOUTH AFRICA is available at http://www.iodsa.co.za/?page=AboutKingIV
THE ROLE OF The <IR> Framework charges the organization’s governing body
KEY PLAYERS with responsibility for the integrated report.
There is a specific requirement for the integrated report to include a statement from those charged with
governance acknowledging their responsibility to ensure the integrity of the integrated report and their
opinion or conclusion about whether, or the extent to which, the integrated report is presented in accordance
with the <IR> Framework3. Further, it is stated that:
Those charged with governance have ultimate responsibility for how the organization’s strategy, governance,
performance and prospects lead to value creation over time. They are responsible for ensuring that there is
effective leadership and decision-making regarding the preparation and presentation of an integrated report,
including the identification and oversight of the employees actively involved in the process.4
The governing body delegates the responsibility of preparing the integrated report to management and the
report is signed off by the executive in charge of the reporting process (this could be the chief executive
officer, chief financial officer, chief value officer5, investor relations executive or strategy executive).
Internal reporting is usually positioned as the direct responsibility of management, but it is still under the
overall oversight of the governing body. Internal reporting is wide and tailored to meet the needs of the
organization, however, it can generally be split into senior management and line management reporting
(see page 7). Reporting to the governing body is also captured in the internal reporting process.
All the key players have an interest in ensuring the availability of holistic, connected and reliable information
to inform their decision-making and monitor and manage performance and outcomes throughout the year.
A structure outline for internal reports that is aligned with the Content Elements of the integrated report
prepared in accordance with the <IR> Framework can be very useful as a basis for internal reporting,
including the reports to the governing body and committees. It allows for internal reporting processes
to be better aligned with the integrated thinking of the integrated report. Further, the alignment of
processes internally facilitates the smooth preparation of the integrated report thus easing the pressure on
year‑end reporting.
The preparation of the integrated report includes the determination of material matters. This process
considers many and varied sources, including input from the leadership, in evaluating and deciding on the
matters most material to the organization’s process of value creation, preservation or erosion over time.
These material matters are usually core to the business’ prospects and hence to be managed throughout the
year in internal reporting.
In any organization, reporting is a critical internal process – and the more integrated it is, the more
transparent and decision-useful it is likely to be. The reporting team involved in the preparation of the
integrated report can share valuable insights into aligning internal reporting with external reporting.
3 3 International <IR> Framework (2021), 1G Responsibility for an integrated report, paragraph 1.20
INTEGRATED REPORTING 4 International <IR> Framework (2021), 3F Reliability and completeness, paragraph 3.41
COMMITTEE (IRC) OF SOUTH AFRICA 5 Responsible for overseeing value beyond profits in the organization over the longer term
THE CHALLENGES The following challenges contribute to internal reporting being
misaligned with the integrated report.
Alignment, but still not Despite some organizations having aligned their internal and external
integrated thinking reporting, they may not have achieved integrated thinking in their
operations.
4 6 Section 1F of the International <IR> Framework (2021) states that material information can be excluded if there is unavailability of
INTEGRATED REPORTING reliable information or specific legal prohibitions (with alternative disclosures required), or where disclosure would cause significant
COMMITTEE (IRC) OF SOUTH AFRICA competitive harm. This exception should not, however, be freely used to justify non-disclosure of information
THE BENEFITS The following benefits can be realized through aligning internal
reporting with the integrated report.
Deepens integrated thinking Performance information and material matters encompassing the
in the organization six capitals in both internal and external reporting embeds and
demonstrates an integrated management approach.
Greater focus on a holistic view with long term value creation in mind.
More informed decision- The governing body and executives are equipped with up-to-date and
making holistic information for more informed decision-making and enabling
agile and rapid responses to external changes.
Employees more fully understand the organization’s strategic direction
and its use of and effects on the six capitals over time.
Integrity and consistency of Greater trust in the information presented at year end because it has
information been reported numerous times throughout the year and analyzed and
scrutinized through the combined/ integrated assurance process.
The governing body has access to and confidence in relevant and
material information available throughout the year.
Consistency between internal and external reporting embeds the
organization’s messages and performance throughout all channels
– this can build and enhance reputation and trust and enables ‘one
version of the truth’ for all stakeholders.
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INTEGRATED REPORTING
COMMITTEE (IRC) OF SOUTH AFRICA
HOW THE CONTENT The Content Elements of the <IR> Framework embrace all the
ELEMENTS OF THE key aspects of managing an organization in a connected and
purpose-driven world.
INTERNATIONAL
<IR> FRAMEWORK The Content Elements encompass considering the external environment, risks and opportunities and
stakeholders’ needs in the development of strategy, through to strategy execution and achieving the
(2021) CAN outcomes that drive the organization’s purpose – all based on the lens of the six capitals. Managing an
organization across the six capitals reflects an understanding of the reliance on resources and relationships
SUPPORT INTERNAL to achieve future strategy and the need to maximize positive outcomes and avoid any negative outcomes on
the six capitals. This is integrated thinking in practice.
ALIGNMENT
The more that integrated thinking is embedded into an organization’s activities, the more naturally will
the connectivity of information flow into the management reporting, analysis and decision-making. It also
leads to better integration of the information systems that support internal and external reporting and
communication, including preparation of the integrated report.7
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INTEGRATED REPORTING
COMMITTEE (IRC) OF SOUTH AFRICA 7 International <IR> Framework (2021), Preface, page 3
HOW THE CONTENT Seven Content Elements8 of the <IR> Framework are shown in Figure 1, they are: External environment,
Governance, Strategy and resource allocation, Risks and opportunities, Business model, Performance, and
ELEMENTS OF THE Outlook. Using these Content Elements to structure the organization’s internal reporting enables:
Integrated thinking and decision-making throughout key areas
INTERNATIONAL
6
6 Reporting that is structured around strategy execution
<IR> FRAMEWORK 6 Clear causal and logical linkage between the Content Elements
(2021) CAN 6 A continuous reporting process throughout the year across all Content Elements, capitals and functions
that support strategy execution.
SUPPORT INTERNAL The extent and depth of reporting across the Content Elements will vary according to the purpose of
ALIGNMENT the reporting – from line management to senior management to the governing body and into external
reporting, the integrated report. These different levels of reporting are depicted in the graphic below,
continued showing the flow of information across the Content Elements in an integrated fashion and at different levels
of intensity/ detail.
Figure 2: The overall reporting architecture showing different levels of reporting aligned to the
Content Elements of the <IR> Framework9
Organizational
overview Strategy and
and external Business resource Risks and
environment model allocation opportunities Performance Outlook Governance
Integrated Organizational Business Strategic Risks and Performance Outlook Governance
report information, model objectives, KPIs opportunities against reporting structure and
purpose and showing and targets analysis and strategic processes,
analysis of key inputs, over the short, management objectives actions, and
external factors outputs and medium and and material directors’
outcomes long term matters information
Line Direct impacts Business Strategic Business unit Management Business Governance
management and unit objectives and risk registers reporting unit functions and
developments structures, business plan and reporting integrated divisional
capital implementation plan and reporting
management reporting targets
operating
plans
7 The eighth Content Element is the ‘Basis of preparation and presentation’ and it addresses disclosure aspects, including materiality
8
Social and
Financial Human Manufactured relationship Intellectual Natural
capital capital capital capital capital capital
Line management Management Human Resource and Business unit Research and Environmental
reports resources infrastructural relationship development management
reporting and reporting KPIs KPIs at
KPIs business unit
level
6 The effective execution of strategy demands that the internal reporting process continuously monitors
and manages the six capitals and value drivers in an integrated manner.
6 Continuous reporting across all the Content Elements and capitals throughout the year enhances the
level of scrutiny and review, as well as the reliability and integrity of the information.
6 Through consolidation and summarization, the information that flows into the integrated report can
largely be drawn from the internal reporting process which monitors and manages the information
throughout the year. Similarly the content for the detailed supplementary reports. This information will
be readily available and should carry a high level of integrity. The ability of management to provide
meaningful commentary on the information in the integrated report will be enhanced because of the
continuous review process throughout the year.
6 Alignment leads to ‘one version of the truth’ where the information used to manage the business is
aligned and consistent with that used for external reporting. This not only brings increased levels of
efficiency to the external reporting process but can enhance the quality of the information.
6 Integrated internal reporting can significantly enhance the structure, relevance, conciseness,
integration, integrity, quality and reliability of reporting – and this, in turn, is reflected in the external
8 reporting of the organization. For example, the application of the materiality Guiding Principle can lead
to more meaningful, relevant and concise reporting.
INTEGRATED REPORTING 10 International <IR> Framework (2021), pages 18 – 20
COMMITTEE (IRC) OF SOUTH AFRICA
KEY The key considerations listed below can assist organizations in
CONSIDERATIONS better aligning their internal reporting with the integrated report.
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INTEGRATED REPORTING
COMMITTEE (IRC) OF SOUTH AFRICA
KEY 5. Report formats and information templates
CONSIDERATIONS Developing report formats, information templates and information sheets can facilitate smoother
review, updates and signoff of material information and data. They can also ensure the consistency,
continued accuracy and availability of information required for the preparation of the integrated report. They can
reduce the complexity and challenges of aligning the reporting processes.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The IRC of South Africa thanks the members of the IRC Working Group for their commitment and dedication
in developing this Paper, especially the project leader Esha Mansingh and team members Dirk Strydom,
Mark Hoffman, Sandra Klaassen, Scott Williams, Thandeka Mthembu, Thuto Masasa and Zanele Salman.
The members of the IRC Working Group are appointed in their individual capacity and bring their experience
and expertise in different industry sectors as preparers, consultants, investors and academics.
The IRC of South Africa thanks those who kindly gave their time in commenting on the Paper including the
IRC’s organization, corporate and honorary members.
The IRC of South Africa thanks Ince (Pty) Ltd for the design and typesetting of the Paper.
While every effort was made to ensure the information published in this Paper is accurate at the date of
publication, the IRC of South Africa, its members, secretariat and the members of its Working Group take no
responsibility (jointly or individually) for any loss or damage suffered by any person as a result of reliance on
the information contained herein.
The IRC of South Africa website is a resource for preparers, investors and users of integrated reports
offering the latest integrated reporting excellence awards in South Africa, publications, blogs, webcasts of
our annual conferences, and academic research papers.
If you would like to receive our technical releases, event invitations and other communications, you can join
the IRC Network by clicking on the menu button on the homepage of our website.
We hope you find this Paper useful and welcome your comments and suggestions, addressed
to admin@integratedreportingsa.org
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ABOUT THE IRC OF The IRC is a voluntary association, not for gain, in South Africa
SOUTH AFRICA founded in May 2010. The IRC’s role as a national body is to
provide direction on matters relating to integrated reporting and
integrated thinking in South Africa through technical information
and guidance, conferences and other activities.
The IRC’s Board as at December 2021 comprises Professor Mervyn King (Chair), Professor Suresh Kana
(Deputy Chair), Leigh Roberts (Chief Executive Officer), Graeme Brookes (JSE Ltd), Loshni Naidoo (South
African Institute of Chartered Accountants), Parmi Natesan (Institute of Directors in South Africa),
Sunette Mulder (Association for Savings and Investment South Africa), Jayne Mammatt
(PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc.) and Russell Loubser (IRC honorary member).
The IRC CEO is Leigh Roberts and the Head of the IRC Secretariat is Lyn Bunce, with Elrida Oberholzer the
Secretariat of the IRC Working Group. The IRC of South Africa relies on a team of people who volunteer
their services: Bronwyn Forsyth (social media), Darren Gorton (IT), Julie Dixon (website), Graham Terry
(membership development), Sheralee Morland (IR Practitioners Forum) and Yvette Lange (academic research
initiatives).
The IRC’s membership comprises organization members (professional and industry bodies), corporate
members (large and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)) and honorary members. The founding
organization members are the Association for Savings and Investment South Africa, Institute of Directors in
South Africa, JSE Ltd and the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants.
Our other organization members are ACCA South Africa, Auditor-General of South Africa, Banking
Association South Africa, Chartered Governance Institute of Southern Africa, Council of Retirement Funds for
South Africa (Batseta), Institute of Internal Auditors of South Africa, The Institute of Risk Management South
Africa, Financial Sector Conduct Authority, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants South Africa,
South African Institute of Professional Accountants, University of Johannesburg: Department of Accountancy
and the University of the Witwatersrand - School of Accountancy.
Our 2021/22 corporate members are African Bank Ltd, AfroCentric Investment Corporation Ltd,
Bastion Graphics (Pty) Ltd, BDO South Africa Services (Pty) Ltd, Deloitte South Africa, Discovery Ltd,
Ernst & Young (EY), Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd, Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS),
Imperial Logistics Ltd, Ince (Pty) Ltd, Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa Ltd (IDC),
KPMG South Africa, Legal Practitioners Insurance Indemnity Fund NPC (LPIIF), Liberty Holdings Ltd,
Liberty Two Degrees Ltd, Nampak Products Ltd, Nedbank Ltd, Northam Platinum Ltd,
PricewaterhouseCoopers South African Firm, Redefine Properties Ltd, Royal Bafokeng Platinum Ltd,
Sasfin Holdings Ltd, Super Group Ltd and SNG Grant Thornton Inc. Our 2021/22 SME members are
Alchemy Creative Studios (Pty) Ltd, Big Ticket Items (Pty) Ltd, HKLM Exchange (Pty) Ltd,
O’Hearne Ferreira (Pty) Ltd, R&A Strategic Communications (Pty) Ltd and Trialogue (Pty) Ltd.
Our honorary members are Professor Mervyn King, Dr Gavin Andersson, Garth Coppin, Hester Hickey,
Karin Ireton, Professor Suresh Kana, Corli le Roux, Russell Loubser, Ansie Ramalho, Leigh Roberts,
Dirk Strydom, Graham Terry and Sandy van Esch.
The IRC of South Africa gratefully thanks its members for their continued support and
commitment to integrated reporting. For membership enquiries, please contact Leigh Roberts at
leigh@integratedreportingsa.org
www.integratedreportingsa.org @ircofsa
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IRC OF
SOUTH AFRICA
MEMBERS
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