Report Review
Independent, expert assessment by a 5-time reporting awards adjudicator.
Book a consultationYour most important document deserves expert scrutiny
Your annual report is likely the single most scrutinised document your organisation publishes. Analysts, investors, regulators, media, employees and your board all read it. You probably spend six figures producing it.
But when was the last time someone independently assessed whether it actually works?
We evaluate your annual report as a strategic communication document — not just a compliance instrument. You get a score, not an opinion. A clear picture of where your report stands against best practice and your peers. And a practical roadmap for what to improve, in what order.
The review process
We start with a consultation and questionnaire to understand your reporting objectives. You provide your annual report and all relevant documents. We handle everything from there.
We evaluate the quality and completeness of your reporting against our comprehensive review framework, informed by regulatory standards and contemporary best practice.
You receive a comprehensive report with scores, detailed commentary and prioritised recommendations.
We walk your team through the findings, answering questions and helping you prioritise next steps.
Why invest in an independent report review
Adjudicator-grade expertise
Your report is assessed by a team led by an experienced reporting awards adjudicator. The same rigour applied to judging reporting excellence is applied to your report.
Evidence-based methodology
Our assessment framework has been refined through real-world application across ASX-listed companies, government agencies and major organisations. Every recommendation is backed by documented evidence. Every score is justified by what was, or was not, found in your report.
Communication expertise, not just compliance
Unlike auditing firms or governance consultants, we evaluate your annual report as a communication document. Strategic narrative, messaging clarity, design effectiveness, readability and accessibility are assessed alongside governance and compliance.
Who this is for
ASX-listed companies
Wanting to exceed disclosure requirements and engage shareholders effectively through compelling narrative reporting.
Government agencies and statutory authorities
Needing to meet accessibility standards and public accountability expectations while communicating impact clearly.
Large private companies and not-for-profits
Seeking to strengthen stakeholder trust, demonstrate transparency, and tell their impact story.
Organisations considering award entry
Wanting professional assessment and guidance before investing in an awards submission.
What you get
Scored across categories
Your report is assessed against a structured framework covering content, compliance, communication, design, accessibility, sustainability and stakeholder engagement. Every score is justified by evidence.
Peer comparison
See how your report measures against comparable organisations in your sector. Concrete, evidence-based insight into where you lead and where competitors outperform you.
Regulatory and governance checks
Assessment against ASX Corporate Governance Principles, mandatory sustainability reporting requirements, accessibility standards and sector-specific legislative obligations.
Plain English analysis
Detailed readability assessment with actionable before-and-after examples showing how to make your report clearer and more engaging for your audiences.
Prioritised improvement roadmap
Recommendations organised by implementation effort and impact, so you know exactly what to tackle first — and what will make the biggest difference to your next report.
Leadership walkthrough session
A session with your leadership team to walk through findings, answer questions, and help prioritise next steps for your reporting cycle.
Choose the Report Review to match your goals
Every engagement includes a comprehensive assessment against our proprietary frameworks and prioritised recommendations.
An independent assessment of your annual report's communication effectiveness.
Multi-year assessment tracking report improvements, emerging gaps and opportunities.
Compare your report with competitors, peers and across sectors.
For organisations with specific requirements — extended peer sets, stakeholder research, production SOP development, or combined review and writing engagements.
Which review is right for you?
Every tier uses the same rigorous methodology. The right choice depends on where you are in your reporting cycle and what decisions you need to make.
Communications and investor relations teams working on a report that hasn't been published yet. Particularly valuable if previous reports have drawn feedback for being difficult to follow, or if this is your first year in the role and you want expert input before signing off.
Expert assessment while you can still act on it — catching compliance gaps, plain English problems and narrative issues before they become locked in. You leave with a prioritised list of improvements and enough time to implement them.
Communications, marketing and investor relations leaders wanting an independent, evidence-based picture of how last year's report performed. Also well suited to incoming leaders who want to understand what they've inherited, and teams building a case for investment in reporting improvement.
A scored, structured benchmark — clear evidence of where your report is strong, where it underperforms, and what to prioritise next year. Multi-year options show how your reporting has evolved and whether the work you've put in is showing up in the results.
Investor relations and communications teams in competitive sectors where how you compare to peers matters to shareholders, boards and analysts. Especially relevant for companies entering a reporting refresh, navigating increased scrutiny, or wanting to sharpen their narrative positioning.
A side-by-side picture of how your report performs against comparable organisations — where you're leading, where you're behind, and the specific changes that will strengthen your competitive position. Concrete, not subjective.
Organisations with requirements that don't fit a standard package — extended peer sets, stakeholder perception research, production SOP development, or a combination of review and writing support. Also for teams undertaking a significant reporting transformation who need advisory alongside assessment.
Assessment and advisory scoped to your actual situation. We work through a short discovery conversation to make sure the engagement is structured around what you genuinely need — not a template that doesn't quite fit.
Led by a reporting specialist
WorkWords Content is led by Amanda Vanelderen — Certified Practising Marketer, five-time Australasian Reporting Awards adjudicator and author of Write better: How to cut the crap and say what you mean.
Amanda has assessed annual reports for ASX-listed companies, government bodies, NFPs and private organisations. She works with corporate communications, investor relations and marketing teams to deliver reporting assessment that meets strategic objectives and audience expectations.
Frequently asked questions
What types of organisations use this service?
ASX-listed companies, government agencies, statutory authorities, not-for-profit organisations and industry bodies. Our review methodology adapts to your sector, regulatory environment and reporting objectives.
Do we need to prepare anything before you start?
We begin with a structured briefing to understand your reporting context, stakeholders and objectives. You provide your report (published or draft) and any supporting materials. We handle the rest.
How long does the review take?
Essential reviews typically take 2–4 weeks. Strategic reviews with peer benchmarking take 3–5 weeks. Timeframes commence from briefing completion and receipt of all required materials.
What do we receive at the end?
A comprehensive, professionally authored assessment report with overall scores and grades, detailed category assessments, regulatory compliance review, plain English analysis with before/after examples, and a prioritised implementation roadmap. Plus a 90-minute leadership feedback session.
Can you review our report before we publish it?
Yes. Our pre-publication review assesses your draft report and provides prioritised recommendations while changes can still be made. This is ideal for organisations wanting to maximise impact before going to print.
How is this different from an ARA entry?
The Australasian Reporting Awards assess whether your report meets defined standards. Our review goes further — evaluating strategic messaging, communication effectiveness, design, readability and competitive positioning. Many clients use our review to prepare for award submissions.
Do you also write annual reports?
Yes. Our report writing and production service is a separate offering. Some clients use both services — a review to benchmark their current report, then our writing team to implement the improvements.
How much does it cost?
Pricing depends on scope — the review level, years analysed, number of peers and any add-on services. We provide a detailed quote after an initial conversation about your goals. Book a walkthrough and we'll talk you through the options.