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The Brien Holden Vision Institute is an Australian company dedicated to the advancement of eye care research, education and industry.
At the Brien Holden Vision Institute we are committed to making a positive difference in the communities in which we live and work. We recognize that responsible behaviour is our calling card, creating opportunities to generate greater value for our stakeholders, while at the same time fostering sustainable development in the communities and countries where we operate.
We strive to earn the trust of all with whom we interact, whether they be our employees, the communities where we live and work, the governments that host us, or any other persons or parties with whom we engage in the research, education and training and supporting sustainable development of eye care and health.
We endorse the definition of Corporate Social Responsibility as proposed by the World Bank:
Corporate Social Responsibility is the commitment of business to contribute to sustainable economic development – working with employees, their families, the local community and society at large to improve the quality of life, in ways that are both good for business and good for development.
Our Approach to Corporate Social Responsibility
The following five pillars guide the Brien Holden Vision Institute in its conduct of business around the world. Regional business units and management groups are accountable for complying with this Charter consistent with international, regional and local priorities.
1. Ethics
The Brien Holden Vision Institute Code of Business Conduct and Ethics mandates that we conduct our business with the ethical standards set forth in that Code and in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations. We strive to act as a responsible corporate citizen and lend our expertise to help engage in constructive dialogue and informed debate on issues of importance to the Institute, the eye care industry and the communities in which we operate. This includes desisting from non-competitive behaviour, ensuring controls to exclude corruption, promoting socially responsible media and financing socially responsible advertising.
2. Employees
The Brien Holden Vision Institute is committed to developing the full potential of our employees. We respect and value each of our employees and observe the fundamental tenets of human rights, safety and non-discrimination in the workplace. We fairly compensate our employees for their contributions, provide meaningful performance feedback to them and offer them professional development and training opportunities.
We encourage accountability and employee involvement in issues affecting the workplace to help improve safety and work conditions, as well as our efficiency and our business. We also recognize that best practices in this important area continue to evolve and that, accordingly, we must learn and evolve as a business as well.
3. Community
The Brien Holden Vision Institute fully considers social, cultural, environmental, governmental and economic factors when evaluating project development opportunities. In those communities in which we operate, we interact with individuals, education institutions, research organisations, local community, governments, non-governmental organizations, international agencies and other interested groups to facilitate long-term and beneficial resource development.
We give priority to building partnerships in entrepreneurial endeavours that contribute to enhancing local capacity and we also commit to providing financial support of organisations through our charitable donations, budgets and policies. The employment of indigenous peoplesand local community members is also a priority. The Brien Holden Vision Institute respects the interests of all members of the communities in which we conduct business and encourages open and constructive dialogue and interaction with them. We take the responsibility to listen carefully, be responsive and provide information that is accurate, appropriate and timely.
4. Environment, Health and Safety
The Brien Holden Vision Institute has a responsibility to protect and enhance the environment in the way it operates and therefore encourages wise environmental stewardship and diligently supports management controls to achieve this goal. We are committed to ensuring the following:
- Development of environmentally friendly technologies.
- That environmental impacts are being adequately addressed.
- Controls are in place to ensure compliance with corporate environmental policies and obligations.
- Environmental management activities are supported by adequate resources and financial provisions.
- Plans are in place to ensure that the environment is protected for future generations and that the sustainability of nearby communities is safeguarded.
At the Brien Holden Vision Institute, we are committed to performing every job in a safe and healthy manner. The Brien Holden Vision Institute expects all employees and contractors to work in accordance with company safety and occupational health management policies for the benefit of each one of our colleagues, families, communities and business.
Through the Brien Holden Vision Institute health and safety practices, we provide the equipment, training and resources necessary to enable employees to work safely. Our goal is to have every employee go home in good health and uninjured, after every shift, each and every day.
5. Research
The Brien Holden Vision Institute has a commitment to conducting world-class research and product development through multidisciplinary projects. This means ensuring the community and consumers benefit from high-quality basic, strategic and applied research and related postgraduate training in the eye care and health sciences.
The Brien Holden Vision Institute is also committed to the advancement of knowledge and trained social scientists who meet the needs of users and beneficiaries, thereby contributing to the economic competitiveness of Australia, the effectiveness of public services and policy and the quality of life and the gained expertise, knowledge and public promotion of the eye care and eye health sciences. |
