The ‘Beyond Reputation’ guide discusses the increasing need for transparency and sustainability performance reporting for organisations in the healthcare industry. Not-for-profit communications association, HCA, developed the guide in partnership with sustainability specialists, Forster Communications.

The guide aims aim to help the healthcare industry to deliver sustainable value. Mike Dixon, HCA CEO, says, “Everyone in the healthcare industry is committed to patient wellbeing but it is critical that we are achieving this in a way which protects and enhances both people and planet, inside and outside our organisations.”

Industry experts and HCA members across different specialisms were consulted on the formation of the guide. Jo Taylor, chair of the HCA Foresight Committee, says sustainability has become a critical issue, as pharmaceutical businesses must embed sustainability into practice across procurement and recruitment.

Healthcare systems, like the NHS are increasingly looking for business partners to be equally focused on sustainability goals. Beth Gaudin, a sustainability communications expert at Forster Communications, says, “Demands for action to reduce carbon emissions, protect and repair biodiversity, and ensure fair pair across every step of the supply chain are increasing from investors, regulators, customers and employees.”

The rise in ambition from pharmaceutical companies needs to be quickly met with evidence that change is taking place. “To achieve the targets being set will require complex systems and behaviour change involving multiple individuals and organisations - clear, engaging and trustworthy communications is critical,” says Gaudin.

The Beyond Reputation Guide can help comms teams in the healthcare industry to formulate strategy and drive meaningful communications around sustainability. Find the full report here.