The Guardian uses an article written by Black Sun which looks at Black Sun's research findings into the level of integration of non-financial information into FTSE 100 and G20 Annual Reports. To do this Black Sun reviewed the links and integrated connections between an organisation's strategy, governance and financial performance and the social, environmental and economic context within which it operates.

Our findings from our research of the FTSE 100 over the past six years has shown dramatic growth in the quantity of corporate responsibility reporting. Our latest analysis showing 97% of the FTSE 100 reported on corporate responsibility in their Annual Reports, with an increase in the integration of corporate responsibility into the group strategy, with 56% of FTSE 100 companies taking this approach, up from 36% last year.

Within the G20, we found that companies are still working towards achieving full integration, with less than half of those analysed (43%) meeting what is considered current integrated reporting good practice.

These figures appears to indicate that non-financial issues are becoming strategic priorities and suggests companies are increasingly recognising the importance of the integration of corporate responsibility into their business. Companies appear to be taking up the challenge to build an integrated picture of their business throughout all areas of the business from strategy, remuneration and governance, to risk, opportunities and performance, in order to tell their story.

So it appears that we are seeing momentum for change in reporting. Companies are increasingly seeing their role in society as contributing to its long-term sustainable development. However, this is a journey of change in established thinking and will evolve over the coming years as companies better understand and make decisions on the relationship between different factors that contribute to their success.

To see the full article please go to The Guardian: Companies are embracing corporate responsibility in their Annual Reports