Abstract
This research report investigates the connectivity between financial and non-financial information in the Australian not-for-profit (NFP) private sector, with a particular focus on the relevance and application of service performance reporting (SPR). The report draws on literature reviews, annual report analysis, surveys, and stakeholder focus groups to evaluate current reporting practices, stakeholder perceptions and practical pathways for improving integration, accessibility, and credibility of SPR across the sector. Key messages include:
• Connectivity between financial and non-financial information remains fragmented across the NFP sector, with limited integration and inconsistent terminology.
• Stakeholders (including donors, regulators, preparers, auditors, and directors) recognise the value of SPR but highlight challenges around implementation costs, capacity constraints, assurance gaps, and the need for flexible reporting guidance.
• International case studies (e.g., New Zealand, United Kingdom, Canada) illustrate varied models of SPR, offering insights into balancing comparability, contextualisation, and proportionality.
A successful SPR framework for Australia must be scalable, principles-based, and informed by stakeholder perspectives to ensure it is both credible and context-sensitive.
• Connectivity between financial and non-financial information remains fragmented across the NFP sector, with limited integration and inconsistent terminology.
• Stakeholders (including donors, regulators, preparers, auditors, and directors) recognise the value of SPR but highlight challenges around implementation costs, capacity constraints, assurance gaps, and the need for flexible reporting guidance.
• International case studies (e.g., New Zealand, United Kingdom, Canada) illustrate varied models of SPR, offering insights into balancing comparability, contextualisation, and proportionality.
A successful SPR framework for Australia must be scalable, principles-based, and informed by stakeholder perspectives to ensure it is both credible and context-sensitive.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Place of Publication | Melbourne, Vic. |
| Publisher | AASB Research Centre |
| Commissioning body | Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) |
| Number of pages | 167 |
| Publication status | Published - 2025 |
Publication series
| Name | AASB Research Report Series |
|---|---|
| No. | XX |