The Stakeholder Engagement Manual Volume 2 - AccountAbility

STAGE 5
SUGGESTED METHODOLOGY M17:
DESIGNING AN ASSURANCE PROCESS
Th e purpose of this methodology is to design a process that serves to assure your
stakeholders that the preparation of the engagement, the engagement process itself
as well as the decisions on and implementation of outcomes are undertaken in a fair,
transparent and responsive manner under due consideration of the stakeholders’
expectations.
• Use the table below to guide you through the diff erent considerations and
options. It is important to start thinking about assurance early in the process;
ideally you want to involve an assurance provider right from the outset of
the engagement process when making initial decisions about the materiality of
stakeholders and issues. Alternatively good documentation of previous steps, as
well as consultation with stakeholders, can also allow an assurance provider
coming into the process at a later point to provide a certain level of assurance.
• A suitable assurance provider is, in general, a person, or a group of people
(e.g. a stakeholder panel or professional assurance provider), who is and can be
seen to be independent of the business and which is in a position to challenge
and question the business’ approach to engagement. Apart from that, they of
course need to be competent to undertake the required assurance process.
• Ensure that this assurance provider possesses legitimacy with your stakeholders.
• Overall, it is important to agree the design of the assurance process with your
stakeholders. Th is includes that you agree with them on the scope and subject
matter of the assurance process, on the principles that will be applied to this
subject matter, and on the level of assurance that will be pursued in the process.
THE PRACTITIONER'S HANDBOOK ON STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT | 129