The IVF Network (IVFN) is a fertility and reproductive health service whose core services are delivered digitally. We aim to operate responsibly and sustainably, taking an approach that is proportionate to our size and stage of growth.
Our direct environmental footprint is relatively small, while creating positive social impact is central to our purpose. We recognise that sustainability encompasses environmental responsibility, social impact and good governance. This policy sets out our current commitments and the areas we will continue to develop as IVFN grows.
Environmental Responsibility
We seek to minimise the environmental impact associated with our operations wherever reasonably practicable.
- Our core service is delivered digitally, limiting the need for physical materials, premises, shipping and manufacturing associated with service delivery.
- At in-person events, we favour digital and reusable materials and signage over single-use printed flyers and handouts wherever practical.
- We consider environmental impact alongside cost, quality and operational requirements when making relevant purchasing and supplier decisions.
- As the business grows, we will review our suppliers, working practices, technology use and business travel to identify practical opportunities to reduce our environmental impact.
We will develop our environmental commitments proportionately as our operations and supply chain grow.
Social Impact
Improving access to trusted reproductive health information, specialist support and community is central to IVFN’s purpose.
- We provide access to reproductive health information, specialist support and a peer community, helping address gaps in access to fertility and reproductive health support.
- We provide free fertility awareness events and educational content for the public alongside our peer community.
- IVFN is female-founded and led. We value diversity of background, perspective and lived experience and seek to foster an inclusive working environment.
- We are committed to fair and responsible employment practices. Our team members receive appropriate holiday and leave entitlements, managed through our HR systems, and we do not use zero-hours contracts.
- As we grow, we will continue to consider accessibility, inclusion and the needs of different communities in the development and delivery of our services.
Governance
We believe responsible governance is particularly important when operating in reproductive health and handling sensitive personal information.
- The IVF Network Limited is a UK-registered company (company number 13271328), with its registered office at 8 West Warwick Place, London SW1V 2DL.
- We operate in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation, including UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
- We hold Cyber Essentials certification covering the organisation, assessed by Synovum Cyber Security through IASME.
- An independent clinical advisory board provides external clinical oversight and input into relevant strategic and business decisions.
- We aim to work with suppliers and partners whose standards of conduct are consistent with our commitment to responsible business practices.
Responsibility and Review
Responsibility for this policy sits with the IVFN leadership team.
The policy will be reviewed at least annually, and earlier where there is a material change to our business model, operations or regulatory obligations. As IVFN grows, we will consider introducing appropriate measures and targets to track our environmental and social impact and will update this policy accordingly.
