Philanthropy Policy
Our approach to donations and non-commercial sponsorship
Healthscope is committed to responsible corporate behaviour. One way we show our commitment is through the way we approach our philanthropic (or charitable) donations and our non-commercial sponsorships.
Our approach to donating follows our sustainable business model and our innovative culture. We focus on projects which are in line with our core values and make a real difference through:
- innovation;
- collaboration;
- quality; and
- sustainability.
Scope of policy
This policy covers our philanthropic donations and non-commercial sponsorships. However, it does not cover either our commercial donations or our sponsoring of activities that are part of research and development or of marketing.
Guiding principles
Key principles guide our decisions on whether to donate money or to sponsor events. Our guiding principles are that there must be:
- an appropriate fit with our brand and company values as set out in our Code of Conduct;
- a relationship and connection with Healthscope and its community;
- the potential for broad community impact;
- support for not-for-profit organisations; and
- the potential to involve our employees and local Healthscope businesses.
Our support is directed to organisations and programs that are based in our Healthscope community, that operate there, and that help people there.
Two strategic areas we aim to support
Through our philanthropic contributions, we aim to support 2 strategic areas:
- Improvement in health care by supporting:
- organisations and projects which focus on prevention, detection and/or treatment of disease with demonstrable improvement in health outcomes;
- initiatives which provide information to patients about their health and treatment options; and
- projects which provide the opportunity for collaboration with organisations and stakeholders in health education and research.
- Healthscope communities by supporting:
- humanitarian and social projects;
- emergency assistance after natural disasters; and
- collaborative community projects focussed on the environment.
Who decides about donations and sponsorship
To reflect our local approach to giving, our general managers are primarily responsible for deciding on where and how to donate money in their local areas. They need to get agreement from:
- for Australian activities, the Group COO; and
- for international activities, the Director of Corporate Strategy and Business Development.
Local philanthropic activities
Our General Managers decide on local donations based on our corporate values and priorities within delegation approvals and agreed budgets. They consult with Corporate Office to make sure our activities are co-ordinated and aligned with our strategy.
All other activities — emergency relief, major projects etc.
For projects including emergency relief or large scale projects, our General Managers review the proposals and make their recommendations. They work closely with the relevant local authorities and their Division COO.
Submitting a proposal
We review emergency relief proposals as they arise. We review all other proposals twice a year.
Proposals must be sent directly to the local General Manager or State Manager as appropriate. The deadlines for submitting proposals are:
- 1 November; and
- 1 May.
What to include with a proposal
We will evaluate and reply to proposals only if they include these details:
- verification of the organisation’s appropriate legal status;
- an overview of the organisation;
- a full project description with detailed budget; and
- a hand signed letter or email.
How we evaluate a proposal
We evaluate each proposal on a case by case basis. However, these general guidelines help us to evaluate proposals.
Projects we support
We aim to support projects:
- that are innovative and contribute to our identified areas of support;
- to which our involvement makes a real difference and has broad community impact;
- to which we can contribute with our knowledge, expertise and logistics (rather than simply with cash);
- that are driven by locally established organisations and are supported by local authorities;
- with mutually recognised timetables and deliverables to enable Healthscope to withdraw its support; and
- that are operated by not for profit organisations.
Projects we don’t support
Generally, we do not support projects:
- that involve commercial or mainstream entertainment events such as sports or popular music concerts;
- for humanitarian or social causes that are driven solely by individuals or that are not supported by local authorities;
- that the government should be responsible for;
- to replace public funding;
- that are at a final stage to which we cannot usefully contribute our knowledge and experience;
- run by commercial businesses for profit; or
- outside the reach of the Healthscope community that don’t have significant state, national or international reach.
Healthscope does not reply to:
- illegal or unethical proposals;
- mass mailings, unsigned requests or requests broadcasted throughout Healthscope;
- projects with clear political, religious or commercial background or purpose; or
- requests from, or to benefit, single individuals.
Reporting and management
The board of directors, through the Audit, Compliance and Risk Assurance Committee:
- oversees Healthscope’s philanthropic activities; and
- makes sure those activities comply with Healthscope’s Code of Conduct and this policy.
Each year, the Communications Manager prepares a Sustainability Report for the Audit, Compliance and Risk Assurance Committee. This report shows:
- all donations greater than $1,000 (these are reported to the divisional GM Finance by 31 December and 30 June).
- key project details including expected outcomes.
Updated: August 2009