1. Environmental and social statement policy
1.1 Policy number: CO-O-070.2
1.2 Category: Organisational
1.3 Approval date: September 2023
1.4 Revision due: September 2026
1.5 Unit responsible: People and Performance
2. Policy declaration
The RACGP’s purpose is to ensure a strong GP profession that keeps Australia healthy, and the College has been granted charitable status on the basis that we are primarily concerned with promoting healthcare throughout Australia.
We recognise the importance of addressing sustainability challenges and strive to contribute positively to environmental, social and governance matters that impact the health and wellbeing of our stakeholders and broader communities. As such, we are committed to embedding Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations into our governance, operations, culture and decision-making processes.
3. Purpose
This ESG policy outlines our guiding principles and the material Environmental, Social and Governance factors that the RACGP is committed to and considers relevant in its business.
4. Application
This Policy applies to all our employees and contractors of the RACGP, the Board and Committee members.
5. Principles
The following principles guide the evolution of the RACGP’s approach to ESG. The RACGP will progressively review and introduce appropriate programs and initiatives to strengthen the way we apply ESG considerations in our business.
Principle 1
We increasingly incorporate ESG into our planning, practices and decision-making processes and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Principle 2
We continue to develop appropriate targets and disclosure on ESG material factors and seek the same from investees and partners.
Principle 3
We comply with relevant environmental laws and regulations and advance our reporting to align with the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards.
Principle 4
We educate ourselves on ESG best practice principles and actively engage with stakeholders, including members, employees and contractors, community, and regulatory bodies, for positive action on ESG issues.
6. Material Factors
Members, employees and contractors of the RACGP are encouraged to take into consideration the following key ESG factors impacting on business matters:
Environmental
- Strive to reduce our environmental footprint by adopting sustainable practices.
- Develop a circular economy mindset though reducing, reusing, recycling and removing.
- Increasingly invest in renewable energy and clean technology.
- Continue to actively advocate on issues relating to climate change.
Social
- Support initiatives that enhance health equity, access to healthcare and public health awareness.
- Develop our people including the education, technical training and skills of our employees and contractors.
- Enhance the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees, contractors and members.
- Implement and promote ethical supply chain and sourcing.
- Advocate for human rights and comply with our Modern Slavery policy and requirements.
- Comply with privacy and data security obligations.
- Engage with community, including a focus on reconciliation and the support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Governance
- Comply with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) governance standards.
- Foster ethical conduct, integrity, and transparency in all interactions and decisions.
- Proactively manage and mitigate risk, including cybersecurity.
- Promote diversity and inclusion in our organisation and leadership composition, and in decision-making processes.
- Be transparent and equitable in our remuneration principles for Board, Executive and employees.
- Be compliant in our tax obligations.
- Implement policies to enhance ethical and fair corporate behaviour.
7. Collaboration and Partnerships
The RACGP recognises the importance of collaboration and partnerships to drive broader ESG initiatives. We increasingly incorporate ESG into our decision-making processes regarding all partnerships. We actively collaborate with other organisations, industry associations, and government bodies to share best practices, participate in industry-wide initiatives, and advocate for policy changes that promote sustainability and responsible business practices.
8. Related Policies
9. Responsibilities
The Financial Audit & Risk Management (FARM) Committee will review this policy at least once in every three years from the last approval date, or when there is a significant change in the intent of the policy and recommend any changes to Board for endorsement.
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Board
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Responsible for approval of policy and amendments.
Responsible for approval of annual reporting on sustainability..
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FARM
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Responsible for recommendation of policy and amendments to the Board.
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CEO
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Responsible for Minor Amendments.
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Chief, People/Operating Officer
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Responsible for Minor Amendments.
Responsible for leading ESG.
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10. Glossary
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ESG
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Environmental, Social and Governance
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Major Amendment
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An amendment which materially changes the operation of the policy which is not otherwise a Minor Amendment. |
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Minor Amendment
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An amendment to style, to correct grammatical mistakes, to change overall formatting, to make updates which do not materially change meaning, or any other amendment, which in the opinion of the Chief People/Operating Officer, does not materially alter the operation of the policy.
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