Corporate social responsibility
Vectura recognises the increasing importance of corporate social responsibility and endeavours to take into account the interests of all the Group’s stakeholders, including its investors, employees, customers, suppliers and business partners, when operating the business. The Company believes that having empowered and responsible employees who display sound judgement and awareness of the consequences of their decisions and actions, and who act in an ethical and responsible way, is key to the success of the business.
Environment
Vectura is committed to complying with environmental legislation and minimising the impact of its activities on the environment. Vectura considers that its activities have a low environmental impact. The Company is committed to minimising any adverse environmental impact of its manufacturing and laboratory facilities and complies with UK environmental legislation.
Health and safety
Vectura has established a Health and Safety Committee to review health and safety standards within the Company on an ongoing basis. Vectura considers health and safety to be a priority in its workplaces. The Company has an excellent safety record and there have been no major incidents or accidents to report to the Health and Safety Committee. Vectura has provided training to individuals who are responsible for health and safety.
Vectura continues to keep environment and health and safety practices under review.
Ethical and social policies
Vectura's principal activities are undertaken within the pharmaceutical industry which is subject to a highly regulated ethical framework with which the Company complies. In addition, Vectura seeks to conduct its activities generally in accordance with good business ethics.
Vectura does not consider it appropriate at its current stage of development to make significant financial donations to charitable, community or social activities, but considers that its most important contribution to the communities within which it operates is to provide high-quality employment opportunities and to develop inhaled pharmaceuticals.
Employees
Vectura recognises that in an industry based on innovation, research and development, its employees are one of its biggest assets and seeks to communicate and, where appropriate, consult with them on matters affecting them as employees, in the most appropriate manner.
Vectura is committed to achieving equality of opportunity in all its employment practices, policies and procedures. Employees are highly valued and their rights and dignity are respected. The Company does not tolerate any harassment or discrimination. Vectura practises equal treatment of all employees or potential employees irrespective of their race, creed, colour, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, disability, age, gender or marital status. The equal opportunities policy covers all permanent and temporary employees (including non-executive directors), all job applicants, agency staff, associates, consultants and contractors. The Group also endeavours to be honest and fair in its relationships with customers and suppliers and to be a good corporate citizen, respecting the laws of the countries in which it operates.
Vectura provides training and development appropriate to individual needs and offers remuneration packages, including pensions, private medical, permanent health and life insurance and a working environment which are designed to be both fair and competitive with larger companies within the industry. Participation in the Company’s share option schemes is extended to all of Vectura’s employees.
Employee involvement
Vectura has a policy of providing its employees with information about the Company through regular presentations by directors, management and the Group’s intranet. In addition, regular meetings are held between management and employees to allow for a free flow of information and ideas. Staff forums have been formed to comply with the requirements of the Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations 2004, which implement the EC Directive.
Disabled employees
Applications for employment by disabled persons are always fully considered, bearing in mind the aptitudes of the applicant concerned. With regard to existing employees and those who may become disabled, Vectura’s policy is to examine ways and means to provide continuing employment under its existing terms and conditions and to provide training and career development, including promotion, wherever appropriate.
Family-friendly employment policies and careers
The maternity leave and maternity pay policy conforms with statutory requirements. Flexible approaches to return to work after maternity leave and part-time or non-standard hours and work patterns are considered where viable. Vectura has adopted a paternity leave policy in line with UK legislation.
