September 6, 2024
3 minutes
Sustainability Strategy

What is an Impact Report?

An impact report outlines the effects and outcomes of your organisation beyond profit. It typically provides stakeholders, such as investors, customers, employees, and your community, with detailed information about the social, environmental, and economic impacts of your business

Impact reports often include data, statistics, case studies, and narratives to illustrate the tangible results and benefits you have achieved through your business over a period of time.

It's a living document that looks back at the progress made and to the future for planned progress. It is usually published annually

The topics it covers are:

Social impact: How your organisation has positively affected individuals, communities, or society as a whole. 

Environmental impact: The effects of your organisation on the environment, including reductions in carbon emissions, conservation of natural resources, or initiatives to mitigate climate change.

Economic impact: The economic benefits generated by your organisation, such as job creation, economic growth in local communities, or support for small businesses.

The benefits of an impact report

  • They demonstrate transparency by providing clear, detailed information about your activities, outcomes, and impacts. This transparency fosters trust among stakeholders and keeps you accountable
  • Producing an impact report requires you to collect, analyse, and reflect on your data. This process will usually help you identify areas of strength and areas for improvement, leading to continuous improvement.
  • A well-crafted impact report can grow your reputation and brand image by showcasing your positive contributions. You will attract values aligned customers, suppliers and employees.
  • Impact reports can inspire your employees, by highlighting the meaningful impact of their work. Knowing that their efforts are making a difference can boost morale and motivation
  • Impact reports can serve as powerful communication tools, allowing you to convey your mission, values, and achievements to a wide range of audiences, including investors, customers, employees, and local communities.

You can check out our most recent impact report for inspiration. 

If you’d like to find out more about how to grow, measure and report on your impact book a call with us today.

Written by:
Sarah Whale, FCCA
Sarah is the founder of Profit Impact, which guides businesses to measure and grow long-term positive social, environmental and financial impacts. Sarah has over 20 years experience as a senior financial professional as well as a qualified in Cambridge Institute Sustainability Leadership and B Corp Leader.