ICEE’s validation service significantly enhances the value of corporate sustainability reporting by providing independent assurance of its veracity. It makes it easy for solution providers to produce meaningful case studies without having to disclose the client name.
Staffed with world-recognized experts in human capital management, technology, and disclosures, with a growing advisory board representing all the voices of engagement, ICEE is uniquely qualified to help organizations validate the information about employees, customers, distribution and supply chain partners and communities that they disclosure in their human capital reports.
What. An independent auditing process for Corporate Sustainability Reports designed to create enhanced impact by having the people disclosures validated by an independent, third-party expert. The process also independently identifies risks and opportunities, whether or not they are disclosed. ICEE may use ISO or EU CSRD metrics for the evaluation purposes, but does not provide certification for ISO standards unless specifically requested to do so.
The ROI. A more meaningful corporate sustainability report and the potential for value creation or risk assessment based on the information provided.
Cost: Depends on the company size, but can range from as little as $3,000 to $20,000 or more for large enterprises, at least for the first audit.
Timeline: Depending on the size of the company, validation can be provided within four to six weeks of receipt of all necessary material.
Process: The size of the organization and the disclosures being audited determines the overall scope of the project. It involves the following steps:
- Identify specifically the nature of the disclosures being audited–employees, customers, distribution and supply chains, or communities. ICEE handles all but environmental issues, with referrals available if requested.
- Clarify and review the available data, communications materials, documentable processes that support the disclosures. For larger companies that can involve interviews with relevant stakeholders.
- Provide a checklist of each claim and method of substantiation.
- Recommend, when applicable, opportunities to enhance the reports or avoid risks
Examples.
- ICEE was one of the first organizations in the world to audit an ISO 30414 report. See JetRuby, a technology outsourcing firm.
- ICEE recently audited the corporate sustainability report of Pulse Experiential Travel consistent with the disclosure framework of the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, even though it is not subject to the law. Pulse Experiential Travel likely is the first company in the travel industry to produce such a report unless subject to the law in the European Union.