Defining Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)

In changing, challenging times, it is crucial that investors demonstrate that their activities are ethical and socially conscious to priority global issues such as climate change, equality and diversity, and corporate transparency

These factors are broadly defined as Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) which cover a company’s ‘green credentials’ such as its energy use, waste and pollution; the social values it follows in how it works with staff, key partners and the community; and its commitment to operate in a fair and transparent way

As a responsible, values-led investor, Fulcrum already place a clear focus on ESG criteria in the delivery of community healthcare facilities and initiatives throughout the UK – indeed, as Fulcrum’s parent company Meridiam says: “We deliver sustainable infrastructure that improves the quality of people’s lives”

Fulcrum’s targeted approach to ESG

While ESG offers valuable criteria for companies to follow, it remains a very broad framework where greater clarity is often needed to help inform investment decisions. Fulcrum have therefore developed a more targeted, strategic approach, offering a much more clearly defined framework of what its partnerships, events and healthcare initiatives must deliver. This includes:

POSTIVE OUTCOMES TO THE COMMUNITY

Fulcrum’s focus is to make its healthcare facilities community assets so as part of this, it is crucial that any partnerships or initiatives are directly linked to each building, and help create a positive and notable impact within the community – in other words, the building and the community is the focus, not Fulcrum
An important starting point is to research local communities to understand their key needs so that Fulcrum can ensure its projects and initiatives deliver to them. Equally Fulcrum research existing local organisations with similar goals and a proven track record of results who could be potential partners

POSITIVE OUTCOMES FOR THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

Fulcrum’s facilities deliver vital health and social care, so it is crucial that any new partnerships or initiatives reinforce this primary role
Raising awareness and ‘driving better use’ of healthcare facilities is therefore a core part of the criteria Fulcrum look for in its initiatives and partnerships – not only does this help to improve the community’s health and well-being, it also helps ease the strain on the wider NHS system, avoiding large hospitals treating needs that would be better served at a local level

SUSTAINABLE, LONG-TERM IMPACTS

The projects and initiatives Fulcrum deliver must demonstrate that they are sustainable and will deliver a longer-term impact – not a ‘one year hit’ that quickly fades away
As a result, Fulcrum are careful to identify partners that have the time, skills and resources to deliver initiatives over the long-term, maximising the chances of delivering lasting change and benefits

ALIGNING WITH LOCAL, NATIONAL AND GLOBAL PRIORITIES

To ensure maximum impact and benefits, Fulcrum look to align their initiatives with wider public goals such as NHS and Government healthcare policies, and the priority interests of the local community
At a global level, Fulcrum also look to develop projects that have clear links and a positive contribution to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, specifically the goals focussed on “Good Health and Wellbeing”

THE BENEFITS OF FULCRUM’S APPROACH

As long-term partners and co-investors, Fulcrum and the NHS share a common interest in ensuring that the healthcare facilities continue to be well-used, well-maintained and best serve the local community
It is a perfect blend of the public and private sector working together to shoulder the challenges and share the successes between them
The LIFT model also offers the convenience of “full service” rents which include the provision of critical services such as building maintenance and the “lifecycle” repair and replacement of equipment
With the burden of building upkeep removed, NHS and health practitioners can focus on what matters most – the community’s health and well-being, not bricks and mortar
As the UK enters an uncertain new chapter, the public and private sectors working in partnership is the strongest way forwards – the LIFT model offers the stability, continuity and flexibility the UK needs to tackle the healthcare challenges that lie ahead