Supporting young people

Contribution to sustainable development and people’s quality of life:

AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood recognises the value of encouraging and supporting young people’s interest in acquiring the skills they will need to face the challenges of the future.

Organisation: AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood

Sector: Private

Duration: Ongoing

Summary: As a major UK science-based company, AstraZeneca is a significant contributor to the science and research and development (R&D) base in the UK. R&D is a key driver of competitiveness in pharmaceuticals.

The search for new medicines depends upon the availability of talented scientists. Educational Liaison activities support this by focusing on partnering primary and secondary schools with the following emphasis:

• Raising the level of educational attainment for young people up to the age of 13 years
• Encouraging knowledge of and interest in science among young people between 13 and 16 years old
• Promoting career opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry to 16-18 year olds, and to university students

Background: Our Education Liaison Programme covers a range of activities including:

• hosting lessons and practical experiments in schools
• providing science resources
• giving presentations, lectures and seminars to pupils, students and teachers
• participating in science festivals
• helping to launch science clubs in schools
• lesson planning
• site visits for students and teachers
• work experience for students
• providing careers advice
• producing and on-going development of a careers website (www.inspiringcareers.co.uk) and brochure
• collaborating with universities to support science in further education by offering student bursaries
• supporting literacy and maths in primary schools
• delivering team-building days
• operating school governor network for staff
• partnering senior managers with local head teachers to share leadership best practise
• donating equipment within the local community
• sponsoring and donating money to support education initiatives

Project results: Our Education Liaison Programme has been very far reaching. Benefits include:

1. Assisting teachers in strengthening curriculum development
Providing schools with additional resources and inspiring children to develop and learn – in new, innovative and fun ways. We also provide exciting opportunities to see science in a working environment.

2. Aids recruitment and retention
It is essential that we attract, retain and develop leading talent. Our work hopes to awaken the interest of young people in fields where there will be future skills shortages.

3. Internal and external reputation
All our work in the community helps build the company’s reputation as a responsible corporate citizen. This enhances AstraZeneca’s position as an ‘Employer of Choice’

4. Developing employees
Working in our local community has a range of benefits for our staff. Staff can expect:

• a positive experience
• to contribute to the local community
• a sense of achievement
• an opportunity to learn new skills
• an opportunity to widen experiences
• a chance to meet new people
• Sharing best practice

AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood has worked hard to ensure its community strategy is effective. The site was very proud to receive the 2002 Leicestershire Business Award for Contribution to the Community and strives to increase the reach and scope of activity it undertakes.

AstraZeneca works with our community partners to develop ideas, which can be shared as example of best practice.

Keywords: AstraZeneca, Education Liaison, Community involvement, School Support, extra resource, partnership working, careers, science, employee commitment, best practice

Contact Details:

AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood

Bakewell Road

Loughborough

Leicestershire

LE11 5RH

Web: www.astrazeneca.com