Corporate Social Responsibility at Kettering Surgical Appliances

At Kettering Surgical Appliances Ltd, we believe that being a responsible business goes beyond the products we supply. As a family-owned company serving the NHS and wider healthcare community, we are proud to combine innovation, integrity, and sustainability with a genuine commitment to people and the planet.

Our approach to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is simple: do the right thing, for the right reasons, in a way that makes a lasting difference.

Our CSR Vision

We want to be recognised not only for the quality of our medical devices, but for the positive impact we create. Our vision is to build a sustainable future where:

• Employees feel supported, valued, and able to grow.
• Communities benefit from our involvement and investment.
• The environment is respected and protected for future generations.
• Ethical practices are embedded across everything we do.

Supporting Our People

People are at the heart of our business. That’s why we:

• Encourage employees to support charities and causes that matter to them.
• Provide flexible working arrangements, especially for young parents and carers.
• Foster a culture of kindness, fairness, and responsibility at every level.
• Encourage training and other opportunities for staff who are interested in developing new skills and wish to grow in their careers.

By supporting our employees, we not only strengthen our business but also help them make a positive impact in their own lives and communities.

Protecting the Environment

Sustainability is central to our long-term vision. We have already taken meaningful steps and will continue to build on them:

• We are committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
• Our emissions are already well below the UK company average, thanks to careful planning and conscious choices.
• Solar panels are installed on our premises, with more planned in the coming years.
• In 2025, we introduced recycling stations and food waste composting, helping us cut waste and promote a culture of responsibility.

Every year, we update our carbon reduction plan and take measurable steps towards achieving our goal.

Ethical and Responsible Business

We are determined to ensure our supply chains and operations meet the highest standards of integrity:

• We have a robust modern slavery policy, backed by clear procedures and a published statement.
• Our supply chain has been mapped to Tier 1, giving greater transparency and accountability, even when information from manufacturers is difficult to obtain.
• We are proud to be members of the Slave-Free Alliance, working with experts to strengthen our processes and protect vulnerable workers worldwide.

Giving Back to the Community

We want to share our success with those around us. Each year, we commit to initiatives that have a real and lasting impact:

• An annual donation to Prostate Cancer UK, a cause close to many of our employees.
• Work experience placements with local schools, helping young people gain valuable insights into the world of work.
• Employee volunteering, enabling staff to give their time and skills to causes they care about.

These commitments help us strengthen ties with our local community while contributing to wider social progress.

How We Deliver

Our CSR work is delivered in a number of ways:

• Direct initiatives run within our business.
• Partnerships with schools, charities, NGOs, and other organisations.
• Active involvement from our employees.
• Guidance from expert agencies, particularly on carbon reduction and supply chain transparency.

This flexible approach allows us to combine resources, share expertise, and maximise the positive impact we can achieve.

Governance and Accountability

To make sure our commitments are met:

• Our Board of Directors approves and oversees the CSR strategy and reviews it annually.
• A CSR Committee monitors activities throughout the year and keeps projects on track.
• Our employees and partners play an active role in making CSR a reality.

Progress is reviewed regularly, and achievements are shared openly through our annual report and on this website.

Looking Ahead

We are proud of the steps we have already taken, but this is only the beginning. In the years ahead, we will:

• Expand our use of renewable energy by installing more solar panels.
• Grow our partnerships with local schools and community groups.
• Continue reducing our emissions year by year, moving steadily toward net zero.
• Strengthen our commitment to ethical supply chains with the support of the Slave-Free Alliance.

published 31.8.25 created by the company managing director, John Wolstenholme.

John Wolstenholme
Managing Director