Award-winning assurance for Co-op
Published on: Mar 25, 2011
Two Tomorrows has won a global award for our independent report assurance for ethical leader The Co-operative.
Together with The Co-operative, we were presented with the ‘Credibility Through Assurance’ award at the 2011 Corporate Responsibility Reporting Awards, which recognise the best in CR and sustainability reporting.
The award recognised our independent assurance of The Co-operative’s 2009 sustainability report, which was carried out in accordance with AA1000AS (2008).
The Credibility Through Assurance award is given for the assurance statement that adds most credibility to a report.
The Co-operative Group report received comments from voters such as “comprehensive, transparent and focused on accuracy “ and “Reading the assurance statement alone has provided lots of inputs on the company’s approach to sustainability.”
Mark Line, executive chairman of Two Tomorrows, says: “The Co-operative was keen for us to spell out openly within our assurance statement our views on what we believed their next steps in reporting should be. This openness, together with the thorough approach we take when assuring a report, has undoubtedly contributed to this award.
“The Co-operative Group structure and democratic processes around its Values and Principles Committee is an excellent model that aligns with the principles Two Tomorrows investigates through our assurance work.
“Its recently announced ethical operating plan creates a framework for the next stage of evolution in reporting and assurance. Its reporting ticks many boxes in terms of informing stakeholders – not least the focus on ‘materiality and strategy’ for each section, and disclosures on lobbying and shareholder resolutions.
“We are extremely proud to have The Co-operative Group as a client, and we are delighted to have won this prestigious award.”
The best global CR reports now include an external assurance statement from an independent third party. The statement covers the assuror’s methodology, conclusions and recommendations.
