Evolving your existing integrated report to better showcase your company's commitment to sustainability and ESG (environmental, social and governance) practices is a strategic initiative that can enhance transparency, stakeholder trust, and long-term value.

Key steps include aligning with established frameworks, integrating ESG into corporate strategy, and ensuring clear metrics and visuals. Highlight real-life case studies and set measurable goals to demonstrate progress. Collaborate across departments for a holistic approach, and consider third-party assurance for credibility. By implementing these strategies, you foster trust and create impactful communications in an increasingly sustainability-focused business environment.

This eight-hour remote course will explore key steps to highlight your company’s focus on sustainability.

When and where?

26 and 27 June 2025, 8:00 to 12:00 SAST

This course will be held remotely, most likely on Zoom - exact details will be sent to registered participants a few days before the course.

Course outline

Evolving your existing integrated report to better showcase your company's commitment to sustainability and ESG (environmental, social and governance) practices is a strategic initiative that can enhance transparency, stakeholder trust, and long-term value.

To achieve this goal, the course will cover these essential steps:

Reviewing and Aligning with Frameworks

  • Consider Established Standards: Ensure your reporting aligns with established frameworks such as the international Integrated Reporting Framework. This provides a structured approach and improves comparability.
  • Benchmarking: Undertake a gap analysis of your reports against the frameworks and compare your reports with industry leaders to identify best practices and innovative ESG reporting approaches.

Highlighting ESG Integration in Strategy

  • Connect ESG to Core Business: Demonstrate how sustainability and ESG initiatives are integrated into your corporate strategy and operational plans.
  • Leadership Commitment: Showcase endorsements from leadership and the governance structure that supports sustainability and ESG objectives.

Enhancing Transparency and Clarity

  • Clear Metrics and KPIs: Provide quantifiable data that demonstrates your ESG performance. Use meaningful KPIs that reflect your sustainability efforts.
  • Visual Storytelling: Incorporate visuals such as charts, infographics, and images to convey complex data in an easily digestible format.

Showcasing Case Studies and Impact

  • Narrative Approach: Craft a compelling narrative that connects your company’s purpose with its ESG commitments, highlighting both challenges and achievements.
  • Real-life Examples: Include specific case studies that illustrate the positive impact of your sustainability initiatives on the environment, society, and governance.

Incorporating Future Goals and Progress

  • Setting Aspirational Target: Establish clear and measurable sustainability goals
  • Progress Reporting: Regularly update the progress made toward these goals in future reports, demonstrating accountability and commitment.

Engaging Internal Experts

  • Collaborate with various departments (e.g., sustainability, finance, operations) to ensure a holistic approach to ESG reporting.

Communicating with Credibility

  • Assurance Processes: Consider independent third-party assurance for your ESG disclosures to build credibility and trust.
  • Consistent Messaging: Ensure that the messaging around ESG initiatives is consistent across all platforms, including your website, social media, and press releases.

By learning how to implement these strategies, you will not only enhance your integrated report but also clearly demonstrate your company’s commitment to sustainability and produce a document that resonates with stakeholders, fosters trust, and supports informed decision-making. This evolution is essential in a business environment increasingly focused on sustainable practices and responsible governance.

Who will benefit from this course?

Board members; Integrated Reporting teams in companies; Contributors to integrated reports in an organisation; Investor relations; Strategy staff; Company secretaries

Presenter

Sheralee Morland is a dedicated professional specialising in integrated reporting since 2018, drawing upon her extensive experience in similar initiatives within various blue-chip organizations. She is passionate about assisting companies in articulating their value creation stories while emphasizing their sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) efforts. By refining how organizations convey their key messages, Sheralee empowers them to forge deeper connections with stakeholders through meaningful disclosures that facilitate informed decision-making and enhance the overall understanding of the company.

Renowned for her expertise, Sheralee has produced award-winning corporate reports, both locally in South Africa and throughout other parts of Africa. Her commitment to excellence in corporate communications not only highlights best practices but also positions organisations to stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape.

How much?

R3,960 per person

Certificate

A digital certificate of attendance from UCT will be issued to those who attend the full course.

How to sign up

Complete and submit the registration form. You will then be given the payment information. Please note that registrations will not be considered complete until payment has been made.

One or two days before the course, we will send you the Zoom link. You will need to register and use a password to access the course.

Registrations close three days before the course starts.

Download the brochure.

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