About Us The Board
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The Board currently comprises a non-executive Chairman, two non-executive directors who are considered to be independent, and since July 2005, four executive directors. John Richardson is the senior independent non-executive director and is available to shareholders if they have concerns which cannot be resolved through normal channels.
The Board is responsible to shareholders for the overall strategy and direction of the Group. It has a regular schedule of meetings and a formal schedule of matters reserved to it for decision, including decisions on strategy and direction, acquisitions and disposals, major capital expenditure and risk assessment and assurance. In certain areas, specific responsibility is delegated to committees of the Board within clearly defined terms of reference.
The roles of Chairman and Chief Executive are separate and clearly defined. The Chief Executive is responsible for the executive management of the Group's business while the Chairman runs the Board. A formal process for evaluating the performance of all Board directors is currently being developed.
All directors have access to the advice and services of the Company Secretary, who is responsible for ensuring that Board procedures and applicable rules and regulations are observed. There is an agreed procedure for directors to take independent professional advice at the Company's expense, if necessary, in the performance of their duties.