Interview with Noelia Acosta
What should the companies concerned take into account?
Firstly, despite the considerable size of the groups with which we are collaborating, we are finding that these clients had initiated CSR reports posted on their websites without being audited and guided in some points by international standards, but in general with free formats, and in other cases where CSR was in a more initial stage. Affecting international and in many cases family groups.
And in those cases, what would you recommend
? The first step would be to establish indicators or KPIs that are easy to get and calculate by the company, with reliable information sources and covering legality. Concrete and achievable goals are needed for this closure, and later, work will be done to improve and expand them.
In some way, this change gives companies a good opportunity to catch up on CSR issues
… Yes, due to the imposition and urgency of this new legislation, we must tackle it in the best way possible and take advantage of the opportunity to work on those points that we have not worked on up to now. This is a good opportunity for everyone, for companies and for auditors.
Does all the information have to be audited? Will it be reviewed by the auditors?
According to the Act the information included in the non-financial information statement will be verified by an independent verification service provider. Therefore, it must be reviewed by an expert without the auditor of the annual accounts giving an opinion on such information. The verifier must have the appropriate knowledge and experience and may be the Company’s own auditor or any other expert.
How do you help companies?
As auditors and experts in Social Responsibility and verification of financial and non-financial information, we have a multidisciplinary team made up of auditors, environmentalists and experts in social issues who will be able to verify this information, helping you in those points that are more sensitive or difficult for society.