Understanding the progress we are making - and identifying those areas where we need to do better - is critical to our aim of continuous improvement in our CR performance.

Performance measures are key to effective CR management. Understanding the progress we are making – and identifying those areas where we need to do better – is critical to our aim of continuous improvement in our performance.

Priority action plan
The key performance indicators (KPIs) that we have in place are listed in the Priority Action Plan. We are continually exploring more ways in which we can meaningfully benchmark our performance. 

External benchmarking
We also participate in a number of external surveys, which are an important means of evaluating our performance and understanding better the demands of sustainable development. To maintain our membership of these indices we will continue to develop our approach to corporate responsibility to keep pace with best practice on a global basis.

Dow Jones Sustainability Index
AstraZeneca is again listed in the 2008 Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, used by asset managers globally to guide their socially responsible investment.
However, we did not regain the place we lost in 2005 in the European Index (Dow Jones STOXX) where competition for places is increasingly fierce.
www.djindexes.com/jsp/index.jsp

FTSE4Good
FTSE4Good is an index series for socially responsible investment designed by FTSE, one of the world's leading global index providers. FTSE4Good is a series of benchmark and tradable indices facilitating investment in companies with good records of corporate social responsibility. AstraZeneca is included in the FTSE4Good UK series.
www.ftse.com/ftse4good

During 2007 we took the decision not to continue participation in the BitC CR Index, following a strategic review and rationalisation of our external benchmarking. AstraZeneca has been a participant of the index since its initial launch in 2002 and a strong supporter of Business in the Community's flagship programmes. We support the objectives of BitC and will continue to be involved, where appropriate, in supporting BitC initiatives such as the Awards for Excellence in the UK.

The content of this page was externally assured by Bureau Veritas, February 2008