Code of conduct
Better is a leader in digital healthcare solutions, transforming healthcare systems worldwide with its innovative products. The company’s mission is to improve health and care by simplifying the work of care teams and accelerating digital transformation. Our open digital health platform, Better Platform, serves as the foundation for modern healthcare ecosystems, ensuring data is structured, vendor-neutral, and lasts a lifetime, ensuring that healthcare organisations can innovate and deliver better person-centred care both now and in the future. With a presence in over 20 markets and more than 150 sites, Better supports 30 million+ patient records worldwide.
We believe in the power of data transparency and strive to create a positive impact on healthcare through ethical and responsible business practices. This code of conduct outlines our core values and the expected behaviours of our employees, partners, and stakeholders.
Ethics by design approach
Our commitment to ethical conduct extends beyond compliance with legal requirements. We practice “ethics by design” by integrating ethical considerations into the development, implementation, and use of our open data platform and digital solutions. In other words, Better is building ethical principles into the DNA of the company. We consider our products’ social, environmental, and human rights impacts and strive to ensure they are used for positive purposes.
The main pillars of such an approach are:
- Proactive approach: iInstead of waiting for ethical issues to arise and then reacting, Better considers potential ethical implications throughout the design, development, and deployment stages of our products.
- Focus on stakeholders: This approach considers the impact of business decisions on all stakeholders, including employees, customers, society, and environment.
- Mitigating risks: By proactively identifying and addressing potential ethical risks, Better aims to prevent harm and build trust with stakeholders.
- Continuous improvement: Ethics by design is not a one-time fix; it is an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring, evaluation, and improvement.
1. Better values
Regarding our business and relationship with our clients, we strive to be a supporting partner to them, therefore:
- We care: We believe there’s a better, more collaborative way to deliver digital health. We put data before any application or vendor. We give control of the data to the patient and the healthcare system.
- We listen: We work closely with the clinical community to ensure our digital solutions are designed to fit the needs of healthcare professionals.
- We solve problems: We create products to overcome challenges and get things done, so healthcare professionals can provide better care to more people.
- We build community: We are developing a community for the benefit of everyone so that the knowledge and technology that improves care in one hospital or region, is reusable by all.
- We are passionate about technology: We are focused on the digital innovation that makes it easier for healthcare professionals to help people live longer, healthier lives.
2. Professional conduct
- Compliance with laws and regulations: . We operate with integrity, ensuring full compliance with all applicable laws, industry standards, and internal policies in every region we work in, including data privacy and security regulations.
- Conflict of interest: We avoid any situations that could create a conflict of interest between personal and professional interests.
- Confidentiality: We maintain confidentiality of sensitive data and information entrusted to us by our clients and partners.
- Intellectual property: We respect and protect the intellectual property rights of others and ensure the proper use of our own. We are encouraging innovation while ensuring the responsible use of company and third-party assets.
- Professional communication: We maintain a professional, engaging, and respectful tone in all communications, both internally and externally.
- Prohibited conduct: We strictly prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment, bullying, or illegal activity within our workplace and in our dealings with clients and partners.
3. Client and partner relationships
- Client focus: We are dedicated to exceeding client expectations by providing exceptional service and high-quality solutions.
- Transparency and communication: We communicate openly and transparently with our clients and partners, keeping them informed of progress and addressing concerns that might arise promptly.
- Fair and ethical business practices: We engage in fair and ethical business practices, avoiding any form of bribery, corruption, or unfair competition.
4. Social responsibility and sustainability
We recognise our responsibility to society and the environment, striving for sustainable practices and minimising our ecological footprint. Better demonstrates its social responsibility through various initiatives in which we actively participate every year. By giving donations and engaging in sponsorships, we give special attention to organisations as well as hospitals, mainly those who improve the health and care of children. Furthermore, Better is committed to:
- Environmental sustainability: We are committed to minimising our environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices.
- Community engagement: We strive to contribute positively to the communities we serve through social responsibility initiatives.
5. Equality and non-discrimination
Better is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment based on race, colour, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We treat all individuals with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or affiliation. In addition, a separate Gender equality policy was adopted and implemented that states we are promoting equality in our workplace and creating a culture that values diversity and inclusion
6. Anti-bribery and anti-corruption
Better strictly prohibits offering, promising, authorising, giving, receiving, or soliciting any form of bribe or improper advantage, whether directly or indirectly, in connection with our business activities. We comply with all applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws and regulations in all jurisdictions where we operate. A special Anti-bribery and Anti-corruption policy was adopted.
7. Specific expectations:
This Code of Conduct further outlines expectations in the following areas:
- Confidentiality and data privacy: We respect the privacy of our clients and partners and take all necessary measures to protect their confidential information.
- Conflict of interest: We avoid situations that might create a conflict between personal interests and professional duties.
- Use of company resources: We use company resources responsibly and efficiently and avoid personal use that could compromise company interests.
- Communication: We communicate openly and honestly with colleagues, clients, and partners, using professional and respectful language.
- Reporting: We encourage employees to report any suspected violations of this Code of Conduct without fear of retaliation.
- Fair treatment and inclusion: We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful work environment where everyone is treated fairly and has equal opportunities to contribute and grow.
- Ethical business practices: We conduct business honestly and transparently, rejecting any form of bribery, corruption, or unethical behavior in our professional interactions.
8. Compliance and enforcement:
Better is committed to ensuring compliance with this Code of Conduct. We will take appropriate disciplinary action against any employee who violates this Code. The specific form of discipline will vary based on the severity of the violation. This Code of Conduct is not intended to be an exhaustive list of company policies and procedures. Employees are expected to comply with all company policies and applicable laws and regulations.
9. Reporting concerns
Better encourages its employees to report any concerns regarding potential violations of this code of conduct. We maintain a confidential reporting system and ensure that no employee will face retaliation for raising concerns in good faith. In this respect, we are compliant with the Slovenian Reporting Persons Protection Act and the EU directive on the protection of “whistleblowers”[1].
10. Enforcement
This Code of conduct applies to all employees, partners, and stakeholders of [Better]. Violations of this code may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or termination of contracts.
11. Conclusion
This Code of conduct is a living document and may be subject to change as our company and industry evolve. We are committed to maintaining a high ethical standard and creating a positive and productive work environment for all.