Diversity Policy

The Board remains strongly supportive of the principle of boardroom diversity and has continued to be mindful of the recommendations by the Hampton Alexander Review, which builds on the recommendations made by Lord Davies of Abersoch in his report issued in 2011 on "Women on Boards”. The Group also supports and already complies with the Parker Review ‘Beyond One by ‘21’ recommendation that FTSE 100 company boards should have at least one ethnically diverse director by 2021.

The Board is committed to achieving a Board which will include and make the best use of differences in culture, gender, skills, background, regional and industry experience and other qualities. All of these factors are considered in determining the composition of the Board, and all Board appointments will continue to be made on merit, in the context of the skills, diversity and experience the Board, as a whole, requires for it to be effective.

In reviewing Board composition, the Nomination Committee aims to maintain an appropriate balance of skills, experience, and background on the Board, by considering all aspects of diversity including gender. In identifying suitable candidates to recommend for appointment to the Board, the Committee considers candidates on merit against objective criteria and with due regard for the benefits of diversity on the Board to achieve the most effective Board possible.

We expect to continue to make further progress as our existing Non-Executive Directors rotate in the ordinary course of business.