The Board has put measures in place to ensure that the Company operates in a safe, ethical and responsible manner and in a way that helps protect the environment and safeguards the health and safety of its employees, customers, suppliers and the communities in which it operates. Our products have a growing reputation for helping medical professionals in their efforts to deliver a higher standard of clinical care to their patients. Yet it is important to acknowledge that behind this success lies a less tangible indication of our quality and performance. Biocompatibles’ Company Statement and Mission Statement clearly explain our value system and how we conduct our business with integrity and honesty at all times, and with all stakeholders.
Our employees receive training on the Company Statement and performance against Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR) goals is monitored through the management system. Examples of measures that relate to CSR goals include customer satisfaction measures such as delivery and product quality performance; the results of quality audits designed to improve the capability of key suppliers; information sharing, and reward and recognition systems for employees; delivery of growth in the value of shareholders’ investments; a policy for the environment with a commitment to a reduction in use of non-renewable energy and an increase in the use of recycling; and targeted levels of charitable fundraising by employees matched or exceeded by the Company.
Biocompatibles believes that everyone has a role to play in building a strong and prosperous society and the Company is committed to doing its part. Employees are encouraged to engage with and make a difference in the communities where we live and work. The Company is actively engaged in initiatives for young people from the local community. For those who may wish to pursue a career in science, Biocompatibles hosts regular ‘Hands-On Science’ days for local secondary schools and offers a number of summer work placements to A Level science students. In addition, staff have been released during office hours, to take part in a one-to-one mentoring initiative at Heath End School, Farnham which aims to assists students who are underachieving in their studies. In 2009, the Company accommodated 15 local Year 10 students for work experience and successfully initiated a similar work experience scheme for disabled students at Treloar College, a specialist college for young people with physical disabilities based locally in Holybourne, Alton, Hampshire.
During the last financial year the Company and its employees helped make a difference by supporting a number of very worthwhile charities. Led by the staff Charity Committee, over £3,100 was raised to support a breast cancer charity, Bosom Buddies which is a support network of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer, and St Luke’s Cancer Fund, both based locally in Guildford. In 2007 a more ‘hands-on’ charity initiative was successfully launched whereby the Company releases employees for one day a year to work for a local good cause. In 2009, staff planted out a sensory herb garden, carried out general maintenance and landscaping to the garden areas and redecoration of the garden-based buildings at Treloar College, Alton.
In 2010 the Charities Team have again elected to raise funds to support cancer charities, in particular, Macmillan Cancer Support based at St Luke’s Cancer Centre at the Royal Surrey Hospital in Guildford, Surrey. In addition, the Charity Committee will identify a suitable local project to support through the release of employees for a day.