Socially Responsible Initiatives

Summary of work

As a life science company, Bayer is committed to addressing social and ethical as well as business responsibilities, and that includes proactively helping the community in which it lives.

In September 2014 and July 2015, Bayer raised a total of £52,680 for Hampshire-based children’s hospices, Naomi House and Jacksplace, after cycling 560 miles from Newbury to Paris and London to Amsterdam, respectively. It was enough to provide nursing care by a specially trained nurse for well over 300 days at the hospices.

This has made a tangible difference to an organisation which, like Bayer, wants to help improve the quality of people’s lives in sometimes the darkest of days. This achievement earned Bayer the Naomi House and Jacksplace award for best corporate supporter (large company category) for two years running. It has helped generate significant awareness for a charity which needs £7 million every year to keep going. It has also fostered a growing sense of pride and togetherness among a diverse but passionate group of employees at Bayer who learned how to get the most out of themselves in tough conditions. They have since gone on to complete a third cycle ride, raising well over £33,000.

Judges' comments

This is a great initiative for a good cause – local hospices – that had strong internal engagement, including senior management, and showed evidence of positive impact, raising a good level of funds.