Integrated reporting, stylised by the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) as <IR>, is increasingly being talked about as the future of corporate reporting. Deloitte has been a supporter of <IR> since its inception, sharing as we do the desire to improve corporate reporting by embedding integrated thinking within an organisation.

<IR> aims to give investors greater insight into the decision-making processes and long-term strategy of companies. It goes further than traditional financial reporting, giving stakeholders information on how management’s value-creation plans are influenced by a range of resources, such as people, infrastructure and the environment.

We participated in and hosted the IIRC’s pilot programme, which came to a close in 2014, and momentum has continued to build this year. We are working with the IIRC in leading the newly formed UK <IR> Business network and recently launched our Directors’ Guide to Integrated Reporting, which looks at the drivers and benefits of the <IR> approach. Our annual insights report, Providing a clear steer, showcased the latest trends, innovations and opportunities to drive improvements in the preparation of annual reports. Shared with clients and regulators, it’s another example of how Deloitte promotes best practice in corporate reporting and contributes to building public trust.

We are continuing on our own <IR> journey, embedding integrated thinking in the organisation and refreshing our key performance indicators. We will be providing more insight on this in our 2016 report.