Bedfont® Scientific Ltd. is a global leader in breath analysis with over 49 years of expertise in medical device design and manufacturing. The Harriesham-based innovative medical technology company is proud to have achieved Compassionate Workplace certification from Heart of Kent Hospice in December 2025 in partnership with Compassionate Communities UK.
Image credit: Bedfont® Scientific Ltd
Compassionate Communities UK is a UK charity dedicated to embedding compassion into everyday life, including the workplace. The charity works with a range of organizations to help employers operate in a caring way towards employees who are facing bereavement, death or loss, or who may themselves be facing a terminal illness.
Heart of Kent Hospice is a charity-run hospice that provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care for adults, their families, carers and loved ones, and supports local employers by giving them the tools and confidence to have compassionate conversations about end-of-life, loss and bereavement in the workplace. They were thrilled to be awarded Compassionate Workplace certification for Bedfont® in December 2025.
Bedfont’s commitment to becoming the first certified Compassionate Workplace is a powerful statement. By recognizing grief, compassion and the reality of serious illness, they are setting a new standard for what a truly supportive employer looks like. Prioritizing compassion in the workplace will make a meaningful difference for staff and families across our communities. ”
David Dadswell, Corporate Partnerships Manager, Heart of Kent Hospice
Bedfont®, which has supported the hospice since 2023 and sponsored its flagship Bluebell Walk event and Shaun the Sheep Trail, took part in a roundtable discussion with Heart of Kent Hospice to identify areas where the hospice could provide support, such as posting signage and providing training. During the accreditation process, it was highlighted that some areas of the business needed improvement, and the hospice subsequently conducted group training sessions focused on those areas.
Following the completion of the assessment, Bedfont® became the first company in Kent to achieve Compassionate Workplace status, confirming its commitment to providing an environment where all staff feel valued, supported and heard.
“Achieving Compassionate Workplace certification is a very meaningful milestone for us.” said Jason Smith, CEO of Bedfont Scientific. “As the first organization in Kent to achieve this accreditation, we feel proud and responsible to lead by example. People are at the heart of our organization and we believe that work should be a place of understanding, dignity and compassion, especially during the most difficult times in life. This accreditation strengthens our commitment to creating a culture where compassion is embedded in our leadership, policies and everyday actions.”
Bedfont® is already committed to employee wellness, providing knowledge and tools to enhance services for staff, deal with difficult conversations, and support people dealing with bereavement or terminal illness.
