Smiths recognises the value of engaging stakeholders in developing our EHS reports during the preparation stage, as well as in validating and providing feedback on the published report.

We have taken forward the stakeholder dialogue programme initiated last year with help from The Environment Council, an independent organisation with expertise in facilitating stakeholder dialogue. We completed two employee workshops, held meetings with more than 20 major customers and investors, and established electronic consultation via a dedicated website.

Our stakeholders identified supply chain management and the environmental and social impacts of our products - including life cycle assessment, hazardous materials management and producer responsibility legislation – as worthy of attention. The scope of our current EHS reporting was judged as about right.

We also received stakeholder feedback on broader questions of corporate social responsibility outside the scope of this EHS report. This feedback has assisted our already established review of our existing policies and practices.

Stakeholder partnerships

We participate in a number of forums and networks on EHS issues. A particular focus has been on producer responsibility legislation (EU Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment /Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directives) through dialogue with the UK’s Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the DTI’s Better Regulation Task Force, the Engineering Employers’ Federation (EEF) and the Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI).

Smiths plays an active role in the EEF through its Health Safety & Environment Policy Committee and the Society of British Aerospace Companies’ (SBACs) Environmental Special Interest Group (ESIG).