Corporate Social Responsibility

Building a Sustainable Business Where Everyone Prospers

As a trusted provider of mobility solutions around the world, Blatchford has a tremendous opportunity and responsibility to transform the lives of people and deliver long-term value to society. How a business contributes to tackling global and regional challenges is scrutinised more than ever and the importance of meeting these expectations is of strategic importance to us.

Our report documents and assesses the impact of our business operations, identifies progressive objectives and procedures to mitigate economic, social and environmental challenges.

Our Approach to Corporate Social Responsibility

Good Health and Wellbeing

Health and wellbeing for all people is an important part of sustainable development and with the development of advanced healthcare technology, significant progress has been made to overcome global health challenges.

Our aim: As a world-leading rehabilitation provider, through technological innovation we aim to improve lives and contribute to solving global health challenges. We strive to provide opportunities for patients to access the health care they need in all global locations. We are also dedicated to the health, safety and wellbeing of every employee and we are committed to providing a sustainable work environment.

No Poverty

Eradicating poverty in all its forms remains one of the greatest challenges facing humanity. While the number of people living in extreme poverty dropped by more than half between 1990 and 2015 (from 1.9 billion to 836 million) too many are still struggling for the most basic human needs.

Our aim: Our procurement and operations team work diligently to ensure that workers in our global supply chain are paid correctly and possess fair employment rights.

Gender Equality

While the world has achieved progress towards gender equality and women’s empowerment, it is clear more progression is needed. Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.

Our aim: We actively promote equality by fostering an environment that is inclusive and supportive for all.

Meaningful Work and Economic Growth

Economic growth should be a positive force for the whole planet and businesses must ensure that financial progression creates decent and fulfilling jobs.

Our aim: Since 1890 we have grown our business operations significantly. We now employ over 800 people globally, export our products to over 42 countries, and have extensive research, design and production facilities in the UK. We will continue to set aspirational and growth-orientated business goals that benefit the local and global economy.

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

This involves developing a long-term business perspective to meet future challenges by building resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable industrialisation and facilitating meaningful innovation.

Our aim: we aim to consistently invest in our business, continually analyse how we can improve the way we do things and identify how we can provide long-term value.

Responsible Production and Consumption

Our planet has supplied us with an abundance of natural resources. However, these resources have not been used responsibly and we currently consume beyond what our planet can supply.

Our aim: Where possible we record our impact on the environment and aim to minimise this impact across all areas of our business and in all of our global locations.

Climate Action

The effect of climate change is visible and the consequences of not acting could be catastrophic. Change is possible however, through education and adherence to climate commitments we can make the necessary actions changes to protect our planet.

Our aim: We are committed to protecting the environment by mitigating pollution, complying with environmental regulation and improving our environmental management systems where possible.

SEE OUR CARBON REDUCTION PLAN

Industry Trends and Challenges

The Empowered Patient

Patients are becoming increasingly involved in their healthcare, with a higher interest in their journey than ever before. The increasing accessibility of information has enabled patients to become more informed and knowledgeable about medical subjects, meaning patients can make more informed choices. This has changed and will continue to evolve, the way medical businesses communicate in the industry, meaning businesses are under increasing pressure and scrutiny to operate transparently and openly.

Appetite for Technology

In the last two decades, technology has fundamentally changed the competitive landscape in every industry with improvements to efficiency, reducing barriers to market entry and increasing globalisation. Consumers have also sought to receive such benefits and demand for the latest technological innovations has increased significantly in the last two decades. Medical businesses are now expected to deliver meaningful innovations with patient benefit being the ultimate criteria of new product development.

Regulatory Compliance

Medical businesses face evolving ethical and regulatory requirements and ensuring compliance is an increasingly complex task. High standards are a fundamental pre-requisite for industry-leading businesses and ensuring a patient-centric approach is a key imperative.

Access to Healthcare

Healthcare in all markets is changing rapidly and with increasing populations, facilitation by healthcare systems is becoming increasingly strained. Medical businesses face the challenge of rising demand for technologically advanced devices in these markets and ensuring affordable access to all is an ongoing challenge.

Economic Volatility and Uncertainty

The global economy continues to experience a turbulent, challenging and unpredictable environment for businesses in all industries. The post pandemic world brings with it a unique situation to navigate. Whilst agility is key, a strong governance structure helps to ensure decision-makers are empowered to make appropriate and informed decisions. Maintain a strong business model and continuing to operate with economic responsibility of business while maximising profitability.