Breaking Down The SAA
Thinking it through... Securing commitment within the organization and ensuring an understanding of the purpose and benefits of social accounting -essentially, ensuring 'buy-in'.
- Step One – What difference do we want to make? Ensuring that the vision, mission and values are clear. Ensuring internal objectives are being met. Clarifying the objectives. Identifying stakeholders and key stakeholders.
- Step Two – How do we know we are making a difference? Understanding and identifying indicators and outcomes. Confirming the scope and planning the social accounts. Putting the plan into action and obtaining data and the results from consultation with stakehodlers.
- Step Three – What is the difference we are making? This involves drafting the social accounts – either in basic or advanced format. The data gathered in step two are used to report on performance, impact and key outcomes, comparing them to targets and benchmarks where appropriate.
- Step Four – Can we prove we made a difference? This is the audit stage where the draft accounts are tested by the Social Auditor and the panel. The Social Audit statement is completed and signed off, the Social Report finalised and a Summary produced if required
Throughout, the work includes the use of succinct checklists and reference to work that would already be being undertaken within the organisation, to promote economy of effort. SAA is supported with a comprehensive Prove, improve and Account! Guide to Social Accounting and Audit
