Case study: Alliance Healthcare France’s 2008/09 scorecard
Our principal French pharmaceutical wholesale business, Alliance Healthcare France, provides a good example of how the scorecard system works.
The team identified thirteen issues within the four key corporate social responsibility performance scorecard areas, and has worked to develop appropriate criteria and targets for each of these. Set out below are a number of the many positive achievements made during the year:
Community
Alliance Healthcare France works in partnership with universities across France to help their pharmacy students gain a more practical insight into the pharmacy profession. During 2008/09, lectures were conducted in the pharmacy faculties of over 20 universities across the country, covering various topics including healthcare in the home, pharmacy management and merchandising.
In addition, as a member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Répartition Pharmaceutique, France’s national association of pharmaceutical wholesalers, we are involved with ‘Pharmaceutical Wholesale’, the learning programme established by the organisation for the Paris V and Paris XI universities. Three lectures are given each year to fifth year pharmacy students on marketing and communication, human resources and the European pharmaceutical wholesale sector.
Environment
Every year, we make multiple deliveries of pharmaceutical products to our pharmacist customers across France. At the beginning of 2009, Alliance Healthcare France began to use newly designed delivery crates which are 20% lighter and more durable than the old versions. As a result of this small change in day to day activity, Alliance Healthcare France has managed to achieve greater efficiency, improved working conditions and reduce the impact on the environment.
Marketplace
At the end of 2008, Alphega Pharmacy in France, in partnership with the non governmental organisations International Osteoporosis Foundation and Groupe de Recherche et d’Information sur les Ostéoporoses, launched a public campaign to increase the awareness of osteoporosis across France. The 400 pharmacists taking part in this campaign were provided with comprehensive training on osteoporosis, including e-learning sessions, a prevention manual and a number of training sessions with a rheumatologist. In addition, customer awareness was also raised through informative leaflets offering advice, a self-test questionnaire and information on treatment.
Workplace
Alliance Healthcare France’s commitment to the wellbeing of its people is evidenced by the employment of an Assistante Sociale, a qualified social worker. During 2008/09, the scope of responsibility of this role was broadened to include all businesses in France, with the exception of Depolabo which was acquired in December 2008. Throughout the year, support was available to our people who were suffering financial difficulties, preparing for retirement, or in need of legal or social advice.
