The Annual Report
It is a legislative requirement that a Crown entity must report on compliance with its obligation to be a ‘good employer’ (including its equal employment opportunities programme) in its Annual Report (S 151 (1) (g)).
'The first Annual Report to report fully against the SOI under s150 of the Act will be produced at the end of 2007 for the 2006/07 financial year.' [1]
At the very least, the Annual Report should include a big picture summary of the organisation’s ‘good employer’ report. This could be a reference to the main points, with a hyperlink that takes the reader to the more detailed report. The summary might briefly refer to:
- the organisation’s ‘good employer’ strategy and how it is aligned with the broader business strategy,
- the major activities relating to the strategy,
- the performance indicators being used, and
- progress made.
It is not recommended that the organisation simply repeat the text in the Act, claiming that they have met their obligations to be a ‘good employer’ and has an EEO programme in place. There needs to be some demonstration of this or link to evidence that supports this claim.
The Treasury has developed guidance for Crown entities on compiling Annual Reports and Statements of Intent here. Audit New Zealand is compiling a ‘model’ Annual Report.
Examples of good employer/EEO statements in public reports
In 2003, the UK released a report called Accounting for People that has relevant information and contains sample annual reports.
The 2004-2005 New Zealand Fire Service Annual Report outlines their EEO activities on page 9
IBM produces a Corporate Social Responsibility report each year. See their 2004-2005 Report from page 17 on.
Westpac New Zealand produces a corporate Social Responsibility Report which can be ordered from this website.
[1] Guidance and Requirements for Crown entities Preparing the 2006/07 Statement of Intent. Developed by the Treasury and the State Services Commission in consultation with the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, September 2005