Throughout the year, the B4SI Network has actively engaged stakeholders across the APAC region, fostering discussion on strategies to manage and measure social impact. These events spotlight B4SI members, allowing them to share their experiences overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities to maximise social impact. After hosting events in Hong Kong, Sydney, and Melbourne, we recently convened in Brisbane, supported by B4SI member The Lottery Corporation (TLC).  

Hans de Koning, Head of Community Partnerships and Environmental Initiatives at TLC, emphasised the importance of B4SI in addressing the unique social impact challenges and stakeholder expectations faced by TLC in a highly regulated industry. 

Historically, lotteries have funded major public projects in Australia, such as the development of the Sydney Opera House. While community development is at the core of TLC’s mission, eroding sentiment and general mistrust towards the industry often demands that TLC substantiate its claims of positive social impact. Hans highlighted the growing skepticism surrounding corporate claims, referring to concepts like “blue washing” and “social washing” and stakeholders’ need for proof that contributions are genuinely impactful. This is the context for TLC’s decision to align their community investment reporting to the B4SI framework. Taking a step further, TLC has found getting their community data assured against the B4SI framework has been instrumental against five key areas.  

1. Building Trust and Integrity
   TLC operates in one of the most regulated industries. Despite this, stakeholders remain skeptical about the figures TLC reports on community contributions. B4SI assurance provides TLC with the confidence that their figures align with global standards, enhancing the credibility of their data and fostering greater trust among stakeholders. 
2. Maximising Positive Community Benefits
   Assuring community investment data provides a credible and accurate reflection of their effectiveness. This process helps businesses understand the true impact of their investments, enabling them to maximise the benefits delivered to the communities they serve. 
3. Continuing Social License Growth
   Community contributions are essential to gaining societal approval and maintaining a social license to operate, and Hans explained that these contributions are integral to TLC’s broader ESG goals. By ensuring their data is assured and transparently reported, TLC can better communicate their social impact and continue to earn public trust.
4. Differentiating from Competitors
   TLC’s commitment to community impact, backed by a globally recognised framework and assured data, sets them apart from competitors. This dedication not only signals to stakeholders that TLC is serious about its social responsibilities but also differentiates them by demonstrating a deeper level of accountability to social impact.  
5. Expressing Clear Leadership
   For TLC, being a leader in its sector means transparently reporting on their community investments. By seeking third-party assurance, TLC not only meets but exceeds industry standards, setting a positive example for others to follow. 

Hans’ presentation sparked a lively discussion among attendees, both in-person and virtually. Topics ranged from addressing fears of ‘social washing’ to ensuring community partners are prepared for assurance. The session underscored the value of aligning corporate social impact reporting with B4SI to ensure transparency and continuous improvement. 

We extend our deep thanks to Hans de Koning for his insightful presentation and to TLC for their warm hospitality. To learn more about these events or joining the network, reach out to the B4SI team at b4si@corporate-citizenship.com.