"With pride, we announce that Black Sun is one of the IIRC’s first <IR> Foundation Partners. Through this appointment, Black Sun will be developing and delivering an Integrated Reporting training programme that offers a learning path to change behaviours and drive integrated thinking, decision-making and actions within organizations to help them focus on the creation of value over the short, medium and long term. Through our work with the IIRC, and our research into <IR> and trends in best practice reporting over the years, we have seen the positive impact of organisations today taking an integrated and long term approach to creating and communicating value. We believe that our <IR> training programme, delivered through the Black Sun Academy, will help strengthen the commitment of all types of organisations towards driving change and focusing on long term sustainable development." Sallie Pilot, Research and Strategy Director, Black Sun Plc  

The building blocks of Integrated Reporting are already well established in the UK through the Strategic Report requirements and guidance as evidenced in some of the most advanced FTSE 100 companies. Although not all Annual Reports are called 'Integrated Reports', companies are very much moving towards the principles and spirit of the Integrated Reporting Framework. The training initiative has the potential to help improve both individuals’ and organisations’ understanding towards integrated thinking. More and more, organisations recognise the value of reporting as a tool to trigger better ways of assessing performance and changes in information provision, business decision making, understanding of risks and opportunities and collaborative thinking by the board about goals and targets.  

Black Sun has over the years been working closely with the IIRC and other stakeholders to improve the market relevance and value of integrated thinking and reporting –  with research on the internal benefits and positive changes in external relations experienced as well as the creation, development and maintenance of ‘what good looks like’ through the <IR> Examples Database. In addition, Black Sun has worked with clients in the UK including CIMA, Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, Go-Ahead and G4S and internationally – DBS, Sime Darby and Uralkali to produce award winning integrated reports. 

This long standing mix of in-depth knowledge of best practice trends and practical experience of helping clients to implement integrated thinking and reporting will enable Black Sun to create unique and practical training programmes to support organisations as they enhance the way they think, plan and report the story of their business. 

Further details on the first training courses on Integrated Thinking and Integrated Reporting from Black Sun’s Best Practice Academy will be announced in June with training expected to begin in August.

 

Black Sun is also looking for individuals to help drive change in the market, so if you are interested in becoming involved or want to learn more about training offers please contact Sallie Pilot at [email protected].