Framework for Integrated Reporting Business Description Setting the scene? Defining their report as ‘integrated’ Top countries: As the complexity of reporting increases, contextual information is more and more vital in helping stakeholders to understand the key messages which a company is trying to communicate in terms of its current and expected performance. A clear and concise overview of the activities of a company and its organisational structure provides context for the rest of the report and helps readers to understand the market in which the company is operating. In addition to this, and fundamental to an integrated report, should be a discussion of the ESG factors which could have a material impact on the ability of the company to generate revenue, create and sustain value over the short, medium and long-term. The integration of this information at the start of the report provides the basis for joinedup reporting and demonstrates that the company considers all its activities and relationships and the impact that its operations could have on different stakeholder groups. The challenge for all companies as they move towards integrated reporting is making the distinction between what information is material or relevant and should be included and other information that may be more appropriate on the company website and sustainability report. Key findings The companies in both South Africa and Europe stand out in this area of reporting, providing very good descriptions of their organisational structure, operations, and the markets they serve as well as fundamental contextual information which is often missed by companies from other nations. The South African reports are especially strong at determining and outlining the scope of the report – indicating what information the reader can expect to find throughout the narrative. In addition, due to the Integrated Reporting Framework, a number of companies from South Africa introduce their report as ‘integrated’. The European and Brazilian reports are certainly strong at offering the reader information on their business activities and operations, but are less effective in clearly setting out the scope and intention of the report. South Africa 75% Brazil 27% Europe 5% Disclosing the process undertaken to determine material sustainability issues Top countries: South Africa 38% Brazil 36% Europe 8% 18 Towards Global Sustainability A country by country review of the international integrated reporting landscape