A New Step-By-Step Guide To Client Disclosure Reporting

Client Disclosure Reporting (CDR) is more than just reporting, it’s a transformative tool that can enable positive change. 

CDR is a simple way to open the doors of your business and share your decisions and actions with key stakeholders. Simply disclose the industries that provide your revenue. That’s it, nothing more, nothing less. 

Click here to visit our Resources page to see our new methodology with a step-by-step guide to completing your CDR, and other useful tools for adoption and implementation.

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What is Client Disclosure Reporting?

Client Disclosure Reporting “CDR” is a simple annual report that discloses the industries which make up the revenue base for any Professional Service Provider. Check out our Resources page to find tools & more information.

A “Professional Service Provider” is a business of any size (either company or individual), that provides a service or expertise rather than a physical product. These can be advertising or marketing, accountants, legal, IT, management consulting etc.

Why adopt Client Disclosure Reporting

Companies today are facing a significant trust gap, as studies show declining trust from investors, customers, and employees. Stakeholders now demand more than just financial performance; they want businesses to actively address global challenges. They expect transparency about a company’s commitment to sustainability, including environmental responsibility, social well-being, and ethical practices. 

“If the broad light of day could be let in upon men’s actions, it would purify them as the sun disinfects.”

- Louis Brandeis

Why the new methodology?

Universality

CDR should be applicable to all professional services providers regardless of size, industry, or location. A standardised approach ensures a level playing field and allows stakeholders to compare practices across the board.

Comparability

The reports should follow a consistent format and utilise standardised metrics to facilitate easy comparison between different professional services providers. This allows stakeholders to readily assess the potential environmental and social impact associated with working with various service providers.

Accountability

CDR holds professional services providers accountable for the environmental and social implications of their work. By disclosing client industry information and potential sustainability impacts, these reports empower stakeholders to hold service providers responsible for their actions and encourage them to align their practices with sustainability goals.

Objectivity

The reports should be based on factual data and presented in a neutral and unbiased manner. The methodology for data collection and analysis should be transparently outlined in the CDR. This includes the rationale behind choosing specific assumptions and acknowledging any limitations or uncertainties. Potential biases inherent in any chosen methodology should be openly discussed and mitigated whenever possible.

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