Our Governance
A focus on corporate governance has never been more important than in today’s business environment, where investor and public confidence in companies is no longer based strictly on financial performance or products and services.
Rather, confidence increasingly is based on a company’s structure, its board of directors, its policies and guidelines, its culture and the behavior of not only its officers and directors, but also all of its employees. We are proud of our strong commitment to maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance.
Board of Directors
At Baxter, we take seriously the importance of corporate governance. Our approach is proactive, starting with our board of directors. Baxter’s board recognizes the importance of good corporate governance as a means of addressing the needs of employees, communities, customers and shareholders.
Corporate Governance Matters
Our approach to corporate governance is articulated, in part, through several key guidelines and policies, as set forth below. These policies apply to members of the Baxter board and employees, and they include Baxter’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Conduct and Securities Trading Policy – all of which is consistent with our commitment to acting with integrity in all that we do. Information related to Ethics & Compliance matters at Baxter (including the company’s Ethics & Compliance Helpline) is also set forth below.
Investor Information
We provide comprehensive financial information for shareholders. Review our annual report and proxy statements; access information on transactions, filings, and financial schedules; or check the calendar of events for scheduled investor calls and meetings.
Corporate Governance Matters
Corporate Governance Guidelines
In 1995, we became one of the first companies to adopt formal corporate governance guidelines. At Baxter, reexamining our practices and setting new standards is an ongoing process. Today’s corporate governance guidelines reflect that process.
Corporate Governance Guidelines >
Code of Conduct
Directly tied to Baxter’s approach to values-based decision making is its widely lauded Ethics and Compliance program, which is built around the concept of integrity. Baxter’s Code of Conduct is a guide for employees and suppliers, available in multiple languages, to help explain the universal principles governing our business.
Securities Trading Policy
Federal and state securities laws impose important restrictions on “insiders” of companies with respect to their securities transactions. An “insider” of Baxter is any Baxter employee who learns of material, non-public information about Baxter, or, in some cases, about other companies.
Download Securities Trading Policy >
Ethics and Compliance
Baxter’s commitment to operating with integrity requires more than just adequate financial management, workplace relations, and public service. It requires a framework for leaders to guide their organization in an ethical way.
Learn about how Baxter integrates integrity into its culture >
Baxter’s Ethics and Compliance Helpline is an independent telephone and Web resource that is available for employees and their families, suppliers, customers, and other Baxter stakeholders to seek guidance about or report possible company ethics and compliance issues.
Pollution Incident Response Management Plan
Our Pollution Incident Response Management Plan (PIRMP) provides an easily interpreted reference document that ensures that pollution incidents will be managed and responded to in an appropriate manner.