Assessment Process for the Pehta Framework
The Pehta Framework aims to illustrate an organization's commitment to Indigenous community benefits and opportunities. To ensure the credibility and reliability of the data disclosed, industry must undergo a thorough assessment process. This section outlines the key steps and procedures that industry should follow to prepare for and undergo a valid assessment.
Aligning Industry Efforts
a) Establish a Consistent Time Period
Industry should select an annual time period for reporting and aligning their efforts in Indigenous community benefits. This time period can be based on the fiscal or calendar year, depending on the industry's standard reporting practices.
Note: It is important to specify whether the annual reporting is based on the fiscal year or the calendar year to maintain consistency and clarity in reporting.
b) Identify and Implement Relevant Initiatives
Throughout the reporting period, industry should identify, plan, and implement initiatives that align with the Pehta Framework's objectives.
c) Monitor and Evaluate Progress
Regular monitoring and evaluation of the implemented initiatives should be conducted to ensure effectiveness and continuous improvement in achieving Indigenous community benefits and opportunities.
Preparing Data for Review and Assessment
a) Collect and Organize Data
Industry must gather data related to their Indigenous community benefit initiatives and compile it in a standardized format that aligns with the Pehta Frameworks’ Generalized Data Standards for Assurance Purposes.
b) Conduct Internal Review Before submitting the data for external auditing, industry should perform an internal review to ensure accuracy, validity, completeness, and adherence to the Pehta Frameworks’ Generalized Data Standards for Assurance Purposes.
c) Prepare Supporting Documentation
Industry should prepare and maintain supporting documentation for each disclosure item, including records of initiatives, contracts, financial contributions, and any other relevant information.
Engaging an Assessor
a) Select a Qualified Assessor
Industry should engage an independent, qualified assessor with expertise in the Pehta Framework and experience in assessing Indigenous community benefit initiatives.
b) Share Data and Documentation
Industry must provide the assessor with access to all relevant data, documentation, and records necessary to conduct a comprehensive assessment.
c) Facilitate Assessor's Inquiry
Throughout the assessment process, industry must cooperate with the assessor, providing prompt responses to any requests for additional information or clarification. This cooperation includes granting the assessor access to key management personnel for interviews, ensuring that relevant insights and perspectives from different levels of management are available to inform the assessment comprehensively.
Assess Reports and Pehta Framework Compliance
a) Assessor's Report
Upon completion of the assessment, a detailed report will be issued by an independent assessor, licensed as per provincial CPA body regulations. This report will critically evaluate industry adherence to the Pehta Framework Disclosure Topics, focusing on Indigenous community benefit initiatives, data accuracy, effectiveness of efforts, and transparency to Indigenous communities.
Note: The assessment process, aimed at issuing an opinion, should comply with CSSA 5000 requirements and fall within the regulatory framework of provincial CPA bodies.
b) Addressing Assessment Findings
Industry should review the assessment findings and take appropriate actions to address any identified shortcomings or areas for improvement. This may involve developing policies, implementing new initiatives, or adjusting future activities and practices.
c) Disclosing Assessment Results
In alignment with the Pehta Framework, industry should transparently disclose the assessment results, demonstrating their commitment to the Pehta Framework and enhancing accountability to Indigenous communities and other interested and affected parties.
Continuous Improvement and Ongoing Monitoring
a) Regular Assessing Cycles
Industry should establish regular assessment cycles (e.g., annual or biennial) to ensure ongoing compliance with the Pehta Framework and to demonstrate their long-term commitment to Indigenous community benefits and opportunities.
b) Benchmarking and Best Practices
To enhance performance, industry should benchmark their Indigenous community benefit initiatives against industry peers and adopt best practices to drive continuous improvement in their programs. Industry benchmarks can be found at the Pehta Foundation at www.pehta.org.
c) Periodic Updates to the Pehta Framework
As the Pehta Framework evolves over time, industry should stay informed about updates to the Disclosure Topics, ensuring alignment with the most current version of the Framework.
d) Interested and Affected Party Engagement
Engaging with Indigenous communities, investors, and regulatory bodies, is crucial for industry to understand their expectations and to incorporate feedback into their Indigenous community benefit and opportunity initiatives. e) Training and Capacity Building
Industry should invest in training and capacity-building programs for their employees, suppliers, and contractors to raise awareness of the Pehta Framework and to enhance their ability to contribute to Indigenous community benefits and opportunities.
Reporting and Communication
a) Transparent Reporting
Industry should adhere to the Pehta Framework's principles of transparent reporting by disclosing both their successes and challenges in achieving Indigenous community benefits and opportunities, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.
b) Integration with Other ESG Disclosures
To provide a comprehensive view of the organization's ESG performance, industry should integrate their Pehta Framework reporting with other ESG disclosures.
c) Accessible Communication Channels
Industry should use accessible and inclusive communication channels, such as websites, annual reports, and investor presentations, to share their Pehta Framework compliance and progress with Indigenous communities.
d) Mandatory Submission of Pehta Public Dataset
Upon confirming compliance with the Pehta Framework, industries are required to submit a copy of their Pehta public dataset to the Pehta Foundation. This submission should be made through the official website www.pehta.org. This step ensures ongoing transparency and facilitates the Foundation's role in monitoring, supporting and stewardship of the Framework.
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