Stakeholder Engagement as Part of the Report Preparation Process
Rostelecom is increasingly using the results of the Report evaluation for stakeholder engagement, performance benchmarking, and responding to the interests of multiple external groups. Due to these processes, the quality of reporting on business practices and social impacts is expected to grow. An integrated report is just one prospect of many. PJSC Rostelecom believes that a set procedure of handling citizens’ enquiries, openness, and willingness to engage with the general public on multiple topics will further drive its sustainability.
In 2018, PJSC Rostelecom had its first dialogue with stakeholders as part of summarising the 2016–2017 reporting campaign and preparing for the next reporting cycle. The said procedure was guided by the АА1000 SES international standard developed by the Institute of Social and Ethical Accountability, and the Global Reporting Initiative (G4 Guidelines). Representatives of multiple stakeholder groups, government authorities, public and environmental organisations, and mass media took part in the event, and all feedback was incorporated.
On 20 February 2019, as part of preparing the 2018 Report, PJSC Rostelecom held its second dialogue with stakeholders to summarise the 2017–2018 reporting campaign and discuss the concept of the 2018 Sustainability Report. The meeting gathered 35 people, and the procedure was guided by the above-mentioned international standards. In addition, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals were also taken into account.
The Company’s representatives expressed their appreciation for the stakeholders’ constructive engagement with the event and highlighted the 25 key proposals to sum up, which will be listed in the table below.
| Key queries and proposals of stakeholders | The Report section expanded in line with a query or proposal |
|---|---|
| 1) Include the performance indicators over the past three years into the Report, providing commentary and process explanation | Incorporated into Report sections and the Key Performance Indicators Appendix |
| 2) Seek to disclose the achieved indicators for the reporting period as a benchmark against the plans outlined in the report for the previous reporting period | Incorporated into Report sections |
| 3) Ensure that information is balanced and provided equally | Incorporated into Report sections |
| 4) Disclose information on the management system by demonstrating the risk management system, both for financial and market risks and for sustainability and reputation risks | Incorporated into Section 1. Company Profile |
| 5) Disclose the context of the Report preparation demonstrating the national and global environment, as well as Rostelecom’s role in these processes | Incorporated into: Section 2. Building a Sustainable Digital Future Section 4. Investing in Society Section 6. Delivering High-Quality Services to Customers |
| 6) Disclose the UN SDGs in a more detailed manner highlighting their connection to the Company’s strategic goals | Incorporated into: Section 2. Building a Sustainable Digital Future Section 3. Investing in Our People Section 4. Investing in Society Section 5. Fostering a Safe and Favourable Environment Section 6. Delivering High-Quality Services to Customers |
| 7) Ensure close monitoring over the consistency of sections so that they do not contradict each other | Incorporated into Report sections |
| 8) Introduce a section on the Company’s economic impact (similar to that in the Annual Report) in the Sustainability Report although ensuring a different perspective and demonstrating the Company’s social impact, rather than repeating the same information | Incorporated into Section 1. Company Profile |
| 9) Disclose information on Rostelecom’s presence in international sustainable development indices and ESG ratings, relevant for investors | The Company is currently reviewing the feasibility of joining an international sustainable development index, which will be explored in greater depth in the Report |
| 10) Disclose information on Mikhail Oseevsky, Head of the RSPP Committee on Digital Economy since 2018 | Incorporated into Section 1. Company Profile |
| 11) Integrate a cross-reference system into the Report | Incorporated into Report sections |
| 12) Include the RSPP Certificate as well as the Opinion as it is important to disclose the recommendations on the improvement of Rostelecom’s report | Incorporated into the RSPP Opinion Appendix |
| 13) Upload the English version of the Report to the Corporate Register — the major global directory of corporate responsibility reports | The English version of PJSC Rostelecom’s Sustainability Report will be uploaded to the Corporate Register |
| 14) Add text boxes with the opinion of relevant stakeholders | Incorporated into: Section 4. Investing in Society Section 6. Delivering High-Quality Services to Customers |
| 15) Disclose information on the Company’s social initiatives, the method for measuring the social performance of its projects, and the customer satisfaction index | Incorporated into Section 4. Investing in Society |
| 16) Disclose cooperation with non-commercial organisations in a more detailed manner and implement additional social initiatives | Incorporated into Section 4. Investing in Society |
| 17) Demonstrate the way Rostelecom helps non-commercial organisations carry out digital transformation | Incorporated into: Section 4. Investing in Society Section 6. Delivering High-Quality Services to Customers |
| 18) Demonstrate Rostelecom’s contribution to the youth development and support | Incorporated into Section 4. Investing in Society |
| 19) Participate in corporate practice competitions in addition to international annual report competitions | The Company plans on taking part in international corporate practice competitions |
| 20) Disclose the topic of early career guidance for the youth | Incorporated into Section 4. Investing in Society |
| 21) Add colourful and representative photo illustrations to the Report | This year’s concept and design template do not include photo illustrations. In future, we will consider this proposal and add photo illustrations provided that they are necessary for the concept |
| 22) Disclose information on Rostelecom’s activities for supporting multiple business categories | Incorporated into Section 1. Company Profile |