In the UK, CR is integrated into the remit of the UK Governance Group, which acts as the National CR Committee. A separate CR Steering Group manages the development of the CR framework, including priority action planning. Our UK CR Priority Action Plan is aligned with our Global Plan and has designated improvement managers responsible for ensuring that progress is made in each of the areas. In addition to the national Plan, our major locations at Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Charnwood, Avlon and Brixham have a site-based action plan, which reflects the issues and opportunities that relate to the site activity (eg research) and to the local community. Unlike these other sites, which are largely concerned with specific operational activity, the main thrust of the UK Marketing Company’s business activities take place through the activities of its sales force spread throughout the country. The UK Marketing Company’s CR actions are therefore embedded in a variety of functional plans. Individual plans include a SHE plan (eg driver safety), a business continuity plan and a risk management plan. In addition the marketing company has in place a range of detailed policies covering aspects of CR including policies covering charitable donations and the promotion of medicines in the UK. Each year, a workshop for all those with CR responsibilities is held to review progress and drive forward the CR agenda

All employees in the UK have a standard CR directive (that they “ensure their main role responsibilities are delivered in compliance with AstraZeneca’s corporate responsibility policies”) included in their performance objectives, as their number one target.

CR is a mandatory component of the induction process for all new employees in the UK. During 2007, 452 people were taken through the programme, which includes an interactive element that is designed to bring our CR commitment to life for new starters and help build their understanding of what is required of them in an engaging way.

During 2007, we launched a new internal CR website for the UK which brings together in one place our national and local priority action plans and provides resources and advice for managers in the continued integration of CR, together with examples of best practice to encourage further improvement.

At our UK marketing company, where sales and marketing is the primary activity, all our line managers receive one full day’s training annually on all corporate governance policies, including our Sales & Marketing Code. These managers are required to then follow up with presentations to their teams, and all employees are required, on an annual basis, to validate their understanding of and commitment to compliance with AstraZeneca policies and codes through an interactive intranet sign off. All new starters have to do the same and, on joining the Company, are given a four-hour corporate governance training session, with line management follow up. Where compliance issues are highlighted, actions include in the first instance remedial training and if no improvement is demonstrated, further action is taken which can include disciplinary action and ultimately dismissal.

During 2007, AstraZeneca in the UK was awarded the Business in the Community’s Award for Excellence in the Unum Healthy Workplaces category. The Award recognised our commitment to reducing employee ill health, creating and promoting a positive and dynamic working environment that helps to attract, develop and retain top talent.

Also in 2007, the company won the Chemical Industry’s Energy Award for our commitment to improving energy management and reducing our carbon footprint across the supply chain. The judges particularly recognised our holistic approach to energy management, cultivating a culture of energy and environmental awareness across the company.

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