Governance and management

Our worldwide research, development, manufacturing and marketing activities put AstraZeneca in the global spotlight on a wide range of issues that affect or concern our stakeholders and society. Effective management of these issues is critical to maintaining trust and confidence in AstraZeneca as a company committed to delivering business success responsibly.

To that end, our responsible business objectives are aligned to, and support delivery of our business strategy. They are agreed within the business and take account of insights from external stakeholder dialogue and internal risk assessment of the reputational challenges and opportunities. Together with associated targets and key performance indicators, the agreed objectives are collectively presented within our Responsible Business Plan which provides the global framework for managing the sustainable development of our business going forward. Performance against the Plan is reported quarterly to our Senior Executive Team (SET), bi-annually to Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, Non-Executive Director with oversight of our responsible business activity, and annually to the AstraZeneca Board.

Accountabilities and responsibilities

The AstraZeneca Board is responsible for our Responsible Business framework and Non-Executive Director, Dame Nancy Rothwell, oversees implementation and reporting to the Board. Our Senior Executive Team (SET) and senior managers throughout the Group are accountable for operating responsibly within their areas, taking into account national, functional and site issues and priorities. Line managers are accountable for ensuring that their teams understand the requirements and that people are clear about what is expected of them as they work to achieve AstraZeneca’s business goals. Individually, everyone has a responsibility to integrate responsible business considerations into their day-to-day decision making, actions and behaviours.

Governance

Our Responsible Business Council is chaired by our Executive Vice-President of Human Resources & Corporate Affairs and members include senior leaders from across the business.  The Council’s agenda is focused on driving long-term value creation by agreeing, among other things:

• Responsible Business priorities for the Group in line with strategic business objectives
• Managing and monitoring the annual process of setting responsible business objectives and targets recorded in the Responsible Business Plan, as well as reviewing company performance against KPIs
• Appropriate policy positions to support AstraZeneca’s business objectives and reputation management

Safety, Health and Environment (SHE)

The AstraZeneca Board has responsibility for setting the direction for SHE management in the business. An identified Board member focuses on SHE in the company. The Chief Executive Officer is delegated authority from, and is accountable to, the Board for the Company’s SHE performance. Primary responsibility for SHE management is cascaded through line management. Local legal requirements also place specific accountabilities on Marketing Company Presidents and local managers. Our approach to SHE management is compatible with ISO14001 and, although not a requirement, facilities have the option of seeking certification.

SHE support to the organisation is provided through a team of SHE professionals who work locally and within a central SHE organisation to reinforce the SHE accountabilities and responsibilities that exist within the line. On a regular basis, the Board and Senior Executive Team (chaired by the CEO), formally review, and provide direction on SHE performance, strategic initiatives and compliance status.

A member of the global SHE team also sits on the Responsible Business Working Group.