Report Services FAQs

© GRI 2023

Contents
Report Services FAQs ..................................................................................................................... 1
What are Report Services? .......................................................................................................... 3
What are the main benefits of these Services? ........................................................................... 3
Where can I find more information about Report Services? ........................................................ 3
What services can I use if I am reporting using the Universal Standards 2021? ........................ 4
What does the process of completing a service involve? ............................................................ 4
Why can’t I request a Materiality Disclosure Service? ................................................................. 5
Why is the SDG Mapping service for the new services an Add-On?........................................... 5
How to map SDGs in you Content index? ................................................................................... 5
What is required to undergo a GRI Alignment Service? .............................................................. 6
How long does each service take? .............................................................................................. 6
We have a tight deadline and need to publish soon; is there a faster option we can choose? ... 7
Can we apply for a service if our report is already published? .................................................... 7
What is the price of each service? ............................................................................................... 7
Do GRI Community Members receive a discount? ...................................................................... 7
How can I pay for the service? Do I need to pay in advance?..................................................... 7
Do the services verify the information and/ or data in the report? ............................................... 8
What are Disclosure Labels? I cannot see them mentioned in the GRI Standards ..................... 8
My report is not in English, can I still apply for a service? ........................................................... 8
We want to publish our report in other languages, can we use the mark in the translated
reports? ........................................................................................................................................ 9
Our report is online, can GRI still perform a service? .................................................................. 9
In previous years the mark for the service included the company’s name and the month when
the service has been closed. Why did it change? ........................................................................ 9
Are there any other service that can help us with our reporting? ................................................ 9
Do you know a consultancy that can approve my report? ......................................................... 10
Does GRI provide any further tools that can help to create the GRI content index? ................. 10

Page 2 of 10

What are Report Services?
The focus of current GRI Report Services is the GRI content index, which is a table listing allreported GRI Standards and disclosures, and the location of the reported information. This is an
essential element of all GRI reports that allows readers to quickly identify what disclosures arebeing covered. Requirement 7 of GRI 1: Foundation 2021 (for reports based on the Universal
Standards 2021) set out the requirements for a GRI content index.
Different GRI Services review different parts of the GRI content index. Our review provides
feedback on whether the index meets the expectations of Requirement 7 of GRI 1: Foundation
2021. For example, we provide feedback whether the GRI Standards have been correctly
referenced, or whether the title of the GRI content index is correct. We also review the wording of
the in-accordance statement of use as per Requirement 8 of GRI 1: Foundation 2021.
Furthermore, references made in the report to GRI and the GRI Standards are also reviewed.
This is the case for all services.
Furthermore, we also review references provided in the GRI content index (pages or URLs forexample), and we provide feedback on whether these references are clear, and if they accuratelyreflect the location of the reported information (the references reviewed depend on theservice). This is done by checking both the references in the GRI content index, and by reviewing
the location of disclosure labels in the report.

What are the main benefits of these Services?
Ensuring a GRI content index that improves comparability, navigability, and quality inthe report -GRI content indices that are easily navigable act as an excellent tool for Stakeholders
to locate the reported information and to understand which GRI Standards have been used for thereport. The more accurate a GRI content index is, the more the report quality increases.
Increased understanding of the requirements of the GRI Standards - GRI assistsorganizations to better address the reporting requests as set out by the GRI Standards, such as
Standard titles, title of index, and accessibility of index. Our services are a great way to ensurethat an organization has some of the key elements of the GRI Standards appropriately applied.
We provide feedback about any parts of the GRI content index that do not meet these
expectations. Our service allows our customers to gain an increased understanding of these
expectations.
Increasing understanding of the stakeholder perspective for our customers - Through ourservices our customers can understand how their index can be improved not only from a GRI
Standards perspective, but also from the perspective of stakeholders. For example, if thestructure of the index would be unclear from stakeholders’ perspective, we give guidance about
how this can be improved, to increase the clarity and accessibility of the GRI content index.

Where can I find more information about Report Services?
You may find more specific information about our services in our Methodology. Please also
consult our Terms & Conditions and our Pricing Policy.

Page 3 of 10

What services can I use if I am reporting using the Universal Standards
2021?
Content Index – Essentials:
Getting the basics right for your report's content index
This service focuses on those disclosures that do not permit reasons for omissions from the GRI
content index under the updated Universal Standards 2021, i.e., disclosures 2-1 to 2-5, 3-1, 3-2. It
ensures that these disclosures are included and referenced correctly and helps demonstrate toyour stakeholders how you are ensuring the quality of your reporting.

Content Index – Advanced:
Demonstrate to your stakeholders that your report contains a high-quality content index
This service reviews your entire report's GRI content index, covering all disclosures andomissions. A high-quality content index is essential to ensure your report can be easily navigated.
With this service you are demonstrating to your stakeholders the highest level of commitment toensuring transparency and access to the information that is most relevant to them.

SDG Mapping Add-On
Align your SDG reporting with the GRIThe SDG Mapping Add-On can only be chosen in combination with Content Index - Essentials
Service or the Content Index - Advanced Service. The Add-On focuses additionally on those GRI
disclosures which reporting organizations have linked to the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs).

What does the process of completing a service involve?
Application steps are similar for all GRI Report Services:• Fill in the online GRI Service Application Form and submit the final draft of your report.
• A GRI analyst (a dedicated contact who will support you through the service and canaddress any questions you have) will be assigned to you and the service confirmed.
• Once we have completed the first round of review (in line with the timeline for the service
that has been chosen), you will receive our feedback. Our turnaround time depends onwhether you have opted for a regular or a fast-track timeline, which is available for an
additional fee.
• You will then need to implement the changes outlined as requirements in our feedback
document. We will also provide suggestions for improvement: you are not required toaddress these in the document, but we recommend you considering doing so.
• Once you have updated the report, you will need to return it to us. We then perform
another review and send through any additional feedback points, within the review
timelines for the service of your choice. (Follow-up review rounds take less time than theinitial first feedback round.)• Once all the feedback is implemented, we will confirm the completion of the service byemail and send you the mark for the service, including instructions on how to use it.
In the graphic below you can see the process visualized. However, please be aware that you canskip steps if you fulfil requirements of the service earlier.

Page 4 of 10

1st feedbackround• Submit the (online)
Sign-up form andthe final draft
version including
GRI content index

Reportsubmission• Your GRI analyst
reviews the report andshares feedback
according to thechosen timeline

2nd (and 3rd)
feedback round• The company will
update the report• If feedback has notbeen implemented
your analyst will
provide you withmore feedback

Implementing
feedback• After a successful
completion GRI
sends out theservice mark

Close service

Why are there no longer services for reports using the Universal Standards
2016?
The Universal Standards 2021 were released in October 2021 and are mandatory for reportingwith the GRI Standards from 1 January 2023, this means that any reports published after 1
January 2023 need to use the Universal Standards 2021 to be GRI compliant. If your report has
been created using the Universal Standards 2016 and you wish to use a GRI report service,please contact as we may be able to help you with your transition to the Universal Standards
2021. For more information on the revised GRI Universal Standards 2021, including theStandards themselves, please consider the GRI Academy: Transitioning to the GRI Standards
2021 Update course, and a FAQ section, please check this link.

Why can’t I request a Materiality Disclosure Service?
The Materiality Disclosure service was designed for reports using the Universal Standards 2016.
The equivalent service for reports that use the Universal Standards 2021 is the GRI Content
Index Essentials service. If your report has been created using the Universal Standards 2016 andyou wish to use a GRI report service, please contact as we may be able to help you with yourtransition to the Universal Standards 2021.

Why is the SDG Mapping service for the new services an Add-On?
GRI services want to make the SDG Mapping more accessible for all reporters. The existing SDG
Mapping service has, therefore, been converted to an Add-On for reporters using the revised
Universal Standards 2021, which can be chosen in combination with either the Content Index Essentials or Content Index - Advanced Services.

How to map SDGs in you Content index?
In your content index, you can add another column with the SDG linked to your material topics
and connected disclosures. The linkages between the SDGs and GRI disclosures must align withthe mapping set out in the “Linking the SDGs and the GRI Standards” document. The title of each
SDG and business theme can also be mentioned, but no interpretation or abbreviation of the text
in the titles of the SDGs is allowed. Relevant targets may also be mentioned. If targets areincluded in the index, these will also be reviewed as part of the Service. In the picture below you
can see a practical example on how the mapping could look like in your content index.

Page 5 of 10

In some cases, GRI disclosures can be linked to multiple SDGs. The reporting organization willneed to assess which goals are more relevant for them.

What is required to undergo a GRI Alignment Service?
If your report is based on the Universal Standards 2021, we accept ‘in accordance’ reports. If the
GRI content index is included as a separate document, then the report must include a link to the
GRI content index.
Please be aware that we do not accept reports without a GRI content index.

How long does each service take?
The timelines for providing feedback during each of the services are set out in our Terms &Conditions. The total time it takes to close a service depends on the time taken by the reportingorganization to implement the feedback, and whether there are multiple feedback rounds. For
applications received before 10 AM (CET/CEST), the timeline starts from that working day.
However, if we receive an updated report or service application after 10 AM (CET/CEST), thetimeline starts from the next working day.
Regular Timeline

Fast Track TimelineFirst Roundof Feedback

Subsequent
Round(s) of
Feedback

First Roundof Feedback

Subsequent
Round(s) of
Feedback

Content Index - Essentials

6 days3 days3 days2 daysContent Index - Advanced

8 days

5 days

5 days2 daysService

Sector Standard(s)In line with the timeline of the selected service
SDG Mapping

Page 6 of 10

We have a tight deadline and need to publish soon; is there a faster option
we can choose?
In this case, we would recommend the fast-track timeline (at an additional fee), as it reduces thedelivery times of the first feedback and any subsequent reviews.

Can we apply for a service if our report is already published?
Services can be performed on published reports. There are typically two options available inthese cases:• If you can make changes in your report and republish it after addressing our feedback, we
can conduct the service and provide you with the mark when the service is completed• If you cannot make changes in your report, we can still conduct the service so that you
can implement the learnings in your next report, but will not provide you with a services
markWhat is the price of each service?
The fee varies per service as well as per type of organization and the timeline selected.
Services for reports based on the Universal Standards 2021:
Service Name

Timeline for first feedback

Not-for-profit/ SMEs

Corporate

Content Index - Essentials

6 working days

€ 3000, -€ 4400, -Content Index - Advanced

8 working days

€ 3400, -€ 5500, -€ 600, -€ 1000, -Add-ons
3 working days (Essentials)
Fast Track timeline
4 working days (Advanced)
Sector Standard(s)As above€ 300, -€ 500, -SDG Mapping

As above€ 300, -€ 500, -All fee amounts presented in the table above are exclusive of Value-Added Tax (VAT),
Withholding Tax or any other incurring taxes which should be covered by the party responsible forpaying for the service.

Do GRI Community Members receive a discount?
GRI Community members with Plus package are entitled to a 25% discount on services if theirmembership is paid at the time of applying for a service. The discount is applicable on the regular
price of each service (excluding the fast-track fee or other add-ons, where applicable) and is notavailable for other Community packages.
GRI Community members with Legacy Community Plus package are entitled to receive a service
for free (the most expensive one if they applied for multiple, but except fast track) and 25% offeach subsequent service.

How can I pay for the service? Do I need to pay in advance?
Page 7 of 10

After the service is confirmed, the invoice will be sent to the contact indicated in the sign-up form
within a few working days. The reporting organization can then proceed with paying for theservice via a wire transfer. GRI accepts payments via credit card (Visa or MasterCard only) but
does not accept PayPal. It is important to note that a surcharge of 4.23% applies. This fee goes
toward the party processing the payment and not GRI. This fee will not, therefore, be included on
the invoice but will appear on the payment confirmation instead.
For other payment terms, please ensure to consult our Pricing Policy before applying for aservice.

Do the services verify the information and/ or data in the report?
It is very important to note that GRI Services do not verify, check, or pass judgment on the qualityof the disclosures within a report nor the process of preparing the disclosures. Given GRI’s status
as an independent standards setter, that responsibility remains with the reporting organizationand its stakeholders. GRI Services are also not an external assurance engagement (although
they are complementary) and thus should not be referred to in the part of the report mentioning
external assurance. Companies applying for a GRI Service should not attempt to misrepresent orotherwise overstate the role played by GRI in completing the service and are asked to include
disclaimers in their report to make it clear the level of support provided.

What are Disclosure Labels? I cannot see them mentioned in the GRI
Standards
In the reports submitted for the GRI Services, we advise that GRI disclosures should be clearly
distinguished throughout the report using disclosure labels. Disclosure labels help report readers
to navigate and locate the information that is relevant to the disclosures they have a particularinterest in and, as a result, improve the transparency of reporting. The use of disclosure labels is
not a requirement of the GRI Standards, but it is strongly recommended that they be included,
and will be reviewed as part of the service.
Disclosure labels can be incorporated into reports in different ways - for example, they can be
added directly in the body of the text; referenced in the footnotes, subscript, or superscript, or
included next to the chapter or subchapter titles. Another option would be to incorporate the labelsin the margins or footers of a page.
For more information, please see our Methodology document under section 1.5.

My report is not in English, can I still apply for a service?
Yes, we perform services on reports and GRI content indices in all languages. However, the way
in which the service is conducted depends on whether the language used is one in which the GRI
Standards are available.
In line with section 1.7 in our Methodology, for reports written in a language where there is notranslation of the GRI Standards and for reports written in a language that the GRI Standards aretranslated into, but the language contains special characters, GRI Services will rely on thereporting organization to confirm that all relevant terms are directly translated from English GRI
Standards.

Page 8 of 10

We want to publish our report in other languages, can we use the mark in
the translated reports?
The service mark you receive after successfully completing a service can also be used in an
identical translated version of the report. In this case, we ask you to include a statement to boththe original and the translated versions that clarifies which language version the service wasconducted on.

Our report is online, can GRI still perform a service?
We carry out services on reports in many different formats, including online. Online reports can besent to us as links to the back end of the website, or also in PDF format.

In previous years the mark for the service included the company’s nameand the month when the service has been closed. Why did it change?
Following the launch of our new brand in September 2020 (find out more here), GRI’sorganizational marks have been updated to reflect our new brand identity. The new marks bring aunified approach, while offering improved readability for online information consumption. The new
branding favors clear content, with a versatile format that is suitable both on light and dark
backgrounds and maintains the overall functionality of the marks.
Recognizing that the communications have largely moved online to ever smaller screens, one ofdesign criteria for the new GRI branding was to create a strong and recognizable logo which
would maintain its integrity and readability online.

Are there any other service that can help us with our reporting?
GRI provides multiple offerings for a diverse range of customers. We recommend you investigate
our other support options:•

GRI Academy: GRI offers globally applicable and recognized professional development.
GRI certified courses on sustainability reporting are offered via GRI’s Certified Training
Partners. GRI also offers the online Professional Certification Program via the GRI
Academy.

•GRI Community: Joining the GRI Community will help you access learning andknowledge-sharing opportunities that will help improve the quality of reporting with the
GRI Standards. You can read more about the benefits of joining the GRI community on
the GRI website.

•

GRI Certified Software and Tools (CST): The CST Program offers a certification service
for software and tools that make use of content from the GRI Standards. Our teamassesses this content for its accuracy before authorizing its use, so that reportingorganizations know which software and tools they can trust and use in their reporting
process. If you are interested in finding out more about the CST program please visit the
GRI website or contact us directly for more information(certifiedsoftware@globalreporting.org)

Furthermore, GRI is constantly developing. Therefore, please stay updated for new services on
our homepage or subscribe to our newsletter. You will then be informed on GRI’s updated or new
products.

Page 9 of 10

Do you know a consultancy that can approve my report?
As mentioned above, GRI does not judge the outcome or quality of an organization’s report orwhether a report is in accordance with the GRI Standards, as impartiality is important for
maintaining credibility of a standard-setter.
The use of external assurance for sustainability reports is advised, but it is not required to make aclaim that a report has been prepared in accordance with the GRI Standards. An organization isrequired to report its approach to external assurance with Disclosure 2-5 (Universal Standards2021). GRI does not recommend any particular consultancies.

Does GRI provide any further tools that can help to create the GRI content
index?
The GRI content index template provides a free, do-it-yourself guide for creating a complete GRI
content index. In a few simple steps, you can customize and include information such as yourmaterial topics, the list of reported disclosures, and the titles of the GRI Standards used, including
Sector Standards.

Page 10 of 10