GRI Index
GRI Index
The table below shows a summary of the principal sustainability indicators of Home Retail Group which reflect its social, environmental and economic performance.
The aim is to supply a link between our corporate responsibility performance and the guidelines contained within the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI 3)
Key: ARA: Annual Report and Accounts, CR: CR Report on line
Profile
Strategy and analysis
Organisation
Report parameters
Governance, Commitments and Engagement
Economic
Economic performance
Indirect economic aspects
Environmental
Energy
Biodiversity
Emissions and Waste
Products and services
Compliance
Transport
Social performance
Labour practices
Human rights
Investment and Procurement Practices
Impacts on Society
Community
Product Responsibility
Customer health and safety
Product and service labelling
Marketing Communications
Verification Statement
Verification Statement
Objective
Acona Partners LLP has been commissioned by Home Retail Group to verify its 2011 Corporate Responsibility Report (the “Report”) and provide assurance relating to its accuracy. In particular, that:
- Quantitative data is materially accurate and are supported by robust data collection systems and processes.
- Qualitative statements can be supported by evidence and properly represent activity across the Group.
This review took place during April and May 2012.
Scope
The review covered operations in the UK and Eire. It also examined statements and data relating to the Group’s overseas operations where these were explicitly referred to within the report.
Information subject to verification by other third parties – such as financial data included within the Annual Report and Accounts or those submitted as part of a legislative requirement – was outside our scope. However, we have relied on it in forming our conclusions.
The information and statements contained within the Report are the responsibility of Home Retail Group. This statement is the responsibility of Acona Partners LLP and represents our independent opinion of the content of the report.
Process
The following approach was adopted:
- Desk-top evaluation and analysis of the raw data used to construct the Report, including comparisons with previous years and sample based testing of source data.
- Review of internal and external documents relating to CR management, including policies, procedures and stakeholder comments, particularly ensuring that evidence was made available to support substantive comments and claims made.
- Detailed interviews with staff throughout Home Retail Group who were involved in compiling the Report to test the accuracy of data, understand underlying processes and evaluate the extent to which qualitative statements accurately reflected current policies and practices.
- Observation of other communications and stakeholder dialogue to support statements included with the Report.
The work was undertaken by a multi-disciplinary team whose members have expertise in the areas of CR assurance and reporting, and of wider aspects of CR both within the retail sector and more broadly. Biographical information – including details of individuals’ experience and backgrounds – are available on our website.
Outcome
The data and inferences drawn from them and substantive statements are materially accurate and supported by a range of evidence from internal and external sources.
Home Retail Group has continued to improve the quality of its data, aided by the use of a dedicated online data collection system. Home Retail Group employees responsible for the collation and input of data now have a much greater degree of familiarity with the system and its functionality. Consequently, errors in the presentation of the data have reduced and those that remained – which were overwhelmingly of a minor nature – were swiftly identified and rectified during the verification process.
In reviewing statements contained within the report we were able to satisfy ourselves as to their accuracy. Where we identified the need for changes – mainly concerning emphasis and/or clarification of particular points – these were readily accepted and a suitable form of words adopted.
Consequently, it is our opinion that the Report succeeds in presenting an accurate picture of CR activity at Home Retail Group.
About Acona Partners LLP
Acona Partners LLP is an independent, employee-owned consultancy, based in London but with staff all over the UK. We have broad expertise and advise large, mainly corporate, clients on the full range of social, environmental and ethical matters. More information on Acona can be found on our website.
Acona has provided consultancy support to Home Retail Group during the year under review. This support included advice on strategy, disclosure and assistance with the implementation of projects. Acona is independent from Home Retail Group, and is impartial from the organisation's major stakeholders. This review was undertaken by members of our team who were not involved in advising on the structure or content of this report and was lead by a Senior Partner who had not previously worked with Home Retail Group on any aspect of its CR programme.
Paul Burke
Senior Partner
Acona Partners LLP
May 2012