GRI compliance
We have benchmarked our CR reporting against the updated Global Reporting Initiative sustainability reporting guidelines (GRI: G3). We assess our application of the GRI reporting framework to be at level B+. See our index of conformance with the GRI guidelines.
Here we describe how we comply with the GRI reporting principles. For details on our compliance with the principles of materiality and completeness, see our application of AA1000.
Stakeholder inclusiveness
How we identify and respond to stakeholders' expectations and interests
In the stakeholder engagement section of this site we describe our engagement with individual stakeholder groups and on specific issues identified as material to Vodafone. A summary of the feedback received from different stakeholders and our response to stakeholders' concerns on key issues are also included. We also publish unedited comments from stakeholders and experts on key issues in our CR report and on this website.
Sustainability context
How we present our performance in the wider organisation's context of sustainability
Our CR management and reporting includes wider social challenges in the definition of our material issues. For example, poverty and development are key in setting the context for our strategy on access to communications and climate change is integral to our management of energy use. We describe our performance on CR issues in the context of broader sustainability goals and conditions where appropriate and where data are available. Our Group CR programme is designed to allow our local operating companies the flexibility to adapt to the demands of local culture and society.
Balance
How we present the negatives as well as the positives
We believe that our reporting provides our readers with a balanced view of the issues and events on which have had a material impact. Our "we said, we have, we will" approach in the performance pages of this website promotes continuity and transparency on areas where our CR programmes are less successful. In our identification of issues to report on, we are conscious not to mislead the reader through any omissions or the way information is portrayed. We clearly distinguish between factual information and our views. The principle of balance is an integral part of our application of the AA1000 principles, which has been assured.
Comparability
How we enable stakeholders to make comparisons year on year and with other organisations
We have maintained a consistent approach in our reporting that enables the reader to make a direct comparison of our performance over several years in most cases, both in the quantitative and qualitative information. Our distinctive approach to reporting – "we said, we have, we will" –strengthens this comparability. Any significant variation in the scope of the data is identified and explained. Where possible, we provide a table that compares performance across the Group at each of our local operating companies or we provide an industry or peer average, along with our indicators.
Accuracy
How the information disclosed is sufficiently accurate and detailed to asses our CR performance
We have a global data collection system with over 200 key performance indicators against which we collect both quantitative and qualitative data every quarter from each local operating company, along with their financial reports. The qualitative statements made in our reporting are supported by available evidence. An explanation is provided where any errors in our reporting are discovered.
Timeliness
How the information disclosed relates to the reporting period and is available in time to make decisions
Reporting annually on the Group's CR performance ensures reliability and comparability. Our CR reporting cycle runs for the financial year ending 31st March. In our CR report, we do not include information on activities occurring outside the financial year in question although information may occasionally be updated up to the point of publication where appropriate, if it is of particular significance. This is clearly noted in these cases. Significant CR developments are communicated to relevant stakeholder groups throughout the year using appropriate channels at Group and local level – on our website, through face-to-face meetings or through press releases.
Clarity
How we make our reporting understandable and accessible
We make a conscious effort to provide clear and unambiguous information in our CR reporting. Our printed Group CR report is structured around the most material issues and the website is designed to follow an intuitive structure, supported by a clear navigation and banners on featured items. Information our CR performance and management can be accessed by looking in the appropriate issue section of the printed report and this website or found through our index of conformance with the GRI reporting guidelines. We recognise that not all of our readers are experts in every subject and remove as much jargon as possible from our CR reporting. We also provide a glossary of CR and telecoms acronyms. Our printed CR Review provides a summary of our performance in the year, focusing on the link between our management of CR issues and our core business strategy.
Reliability
How the preparation process ensures the quality and materiality of the information
We are confident that the information provided in our CR reporting is reliable and that it stands up to critical examination. As part of our report preparation, each individual ‘issue owner’ within Vodafone is required to provide evidence of the claims made and sign off on the information reported in their section. Issue owners receive a template and guidelines on how to submit information for CR reporting purposes, explaining how to comply with the AA1000 and GRI principles.
Our CR reporting is subject to an independent assurance process by Deloitte. The assurance process is conducted at Group level through a series of interviews with the CR team and issue owners across the business and within local operating companies. Deloitte independently chooses and visits visits several different local operating companies each year to examine their CR activities (see assurance for a full list).
