Management structure
To fulfill mandates set out in the Corporate Citizenship Policy, Novartis HSE operates on four different levels: site level, country level, Business Unit/Division level and corporate level. At each level, Corporate HSE supports line management, which is responsible for health, safety and environmental protection throughout the organization.
HSE performance data is collected, validated and consolidated using a uniform tool. This data is used for management purposes as well as for external reporting in line with international reporting standards, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). Corporate HSE auditing is an integral part of the Corporate control process, assuring the Group of adequate systems to ensure legal compliance, consistent Corporate HSE standards, and suitable and effective measures for maintaining a high level of health safety and environmental protection.
Corporate HSE is part of the Corporate Affairs function, and exercises governance on behalf of the Group Executive Committee (ECN). It coordinates all HSE and Business Continuity activities, proposes Group-wide policies and practices, and defines valid procedures across Divisions and Business Units. Training is fostered and supported, and advocacy and exchange of knowledge are facilitated, at every level.
Divisions and Business Units are responsible for all managerial and operational aspects of HSE and Business Continuity. More than 400 HSE officers at Novartis sites around the world support site and line managers – ensuring that operations are both safe and environmentally sound.
To sustain an active dialogue between HSE officers at every level of the organization, and to ensure that all levels of HSE management work well together, Novartis HSE relies upon a multi-faceted network for communication.
The basis of this network is its committee structure, which includes both the Corporate HSE Steering Committee and the Corporate HSE Coordination Committee. The former is responsible for corporate HSE policy, strategy, guidelines and for the HSE audit program. It is chaired by the Head Corporate Affairs (a member of the Executive Committee of Novartis), who is joined by the Technical Heads of Division/Business Units and the Head of Corporate HSE. The latter committee fulfils advisory/coordination functions, defining, editing and revising Corporate HSE Guidelines and coordinating and facilitating training practices, as well as discussing new legislative trends and exchanging knowledge. It is composed of Division and Business Unit HSE Officers, Corporate HSE staff and chaired by the Head of Corporate HSE.
Download the Corporate Citizenship Policy
(18 KB)
Download the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
(247 KB)
