Contributing to our communities

We aim to improve our world by contributing positively to our communities and society in general.

Smiths products and services support critical global industries where we are pioneering progress in safety, efficiency, and environmental performance. Our operations around the world play a beneficial role in local economies through job creation and skills development; procurement and generating tax revenues; and operating safely, environmentally responsibly and ethically. We also engage directly through fundraising, charitable giving and education initiatives. 

In Line with Our Values

Healthy and prosperous communities and strong relationships are aligned with our Smiths Values and inspire and promote a sense of pride and ownership in our people. Our community engagement activities are managed locally, with each site focusing on markets and communities that are important to them. 

Tax Strategy

We pay and collect significant amounts of tax as a result of our business activities. Our Global Tax Strategy describes our approach to the responsible management of our tax affairs to enhance long-term shareholder value while contributing to public expenditure and the overall welfare of the communities in which we operate.

Our direct economic contribution (employee costs + supplier costs + tax) was £2.33bn in FY2022.

Reports and Policies
In March 2022 Smiths donated to the Red Cross to support the vital work the organisation is doing to aid the people of Ukraine. Smiths colleagues across the world were also invited to donate to a list of organisations doing similar work through a specially created platform in order for Smiths to match these donations with a further donation to the Red Cross. We are delighted that so many Smiths colleagues supported this effort.
At the Smiths July Leadership Summit our senior leaders took time out to support our local communities in London by volunteering at five different charities. Our teams of leaders tidied and replanted the garden of a youth centre; rebuilt parts of a popular adventure playground; painted the external walls of a primary school; varnished outdoor furniture at a mother and baby centre; and helped create a new garden at a care home for older and vulnerable adults, also spending time interacting with the residents.
Each year, STEM ambassadors at John Crane, Trafford Park, UK work with the Engineering Development Trust Industrial Cadets on a 12-week STEM ‘Bronze Award’ project, aimed at encouraging younger students to choose STEM subjects and careers. In FY2022, they worked with a group from a local girls’ school on a project called Tomorrow’s Technology Today aimed at solving an engineering/science challenge.

Smiths Interconnect continued its successful Beyond Boundaries community outreach programme with a focus on activities across May 2022. Our teams undertook a wide range of activities including:

– Volunteering at schools, care homes, hospitals and other community organisations
– Litter picking and beach cleans
– Collecting for and helping food banks and pantries
– Maintenance and gardening
– Educational sessions on environmental matters