Social Auditing as a Learning Process New Terms of Engagement II Susan Todd, Solstice Consulting

Solstice Consulting2 Outline for session What is social auditing and how do organizations learn from it? VanCity case study Questions and sharing of stories Focus on AA1000s

Solstice Consulting3 What is social auditing social and ethical accounting, auditing and reporting (SEAAR) a way of measuring, reporting and ultimately improving on social, ethical and environmental performance usually involves independent assurance stakeholder engagement is key

With permission of AccountAbility4 AA1000 Process Model

Solstice Consulting5 The SEAAR Cycle Review policies & commitments Decide scope Stakeholder based design Define Indicators Stakeholder consultation Gather & test data Draft report Set commitments and targets Audit sign-off Disclosure Stakeholder Dialogue

Solstice Consulting6 Why do social audits? outward motivation - accountability inward motivation - learning in current practice, focus is accountability

Based on David Wheeler's presentation to NTE II 7 Evolution of behaviour level 3 level 2 level 1 Engagement Responsiveness Compliance

Solstice Consulting8 First generation social auditing premise: build trust through accountability and shared information objective: embed stakeholder engagement in business process outcome: business results that meet the needs of all stakeholders

Solstice Consulting9 Second generation social auditing premise: stakeholder engagement drives innovation objective: increase responsiveness to stakeholders outcome: improved value for all stakeholders

Solstice Consulting10 The Learning Cycle insert ISEA slide

Solstice Consulting11 Is it happening? anecdotally - not as much as it could still a focus on getting the report out not yet reaping the benefits because engagement is not connected to the learning infrastructure need more transparency some bright lights

Solstice Consulting12 Focus on AA1000 AA1000 is the SEAAR standard developed by the Institute of Social and Ethical AccountAbility, London UK provides guidance for reporting organizations and for auditors AA1000s builds on standard increased emphasis on responsiveness

Solstice Consulting13 AA1000s stakeholder engagement module rationale: organizations are investing heavily in stakeholder engagement without meeting their own or stakeholders’ objectives objective: recognize effective stakeholder engagement

Solstice Consulting14 Quality dimensions in stakeholder engagement inclusiveness - who is included procedural - design and implementation responsiveness - taking action on the basis of the engagement outcomes - what happens, with what costs and benefits, for whom?

Solstice Consulting15 Solstice Consulting Sustainability and Accountability phone: (604) Maplehurst Circle, Burnaby, V5A 3Z1