Corporate governance
Our commitment
The Board is firmly committed to the highest standards of corporate governance and recognises the value and importance of sound corporate governance commensurate with the size and nature of the Group and the interests of its shareholders. Details of our Board and Committee responsibilities are included below. More information on our governance framework, including how we comply with the QCA Code, can be found on pages 84 to 97 of the Annual Report and Accounts, which can be downloaded here Annual Report and Accounts.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee has responsibility for, among other things, the monitoring of the integrity of the Group’s financial statements, reviewing the effectiveness of the internal control framework and ensuring that the Group applies accurate financial reporting and sound internal control principles. The Audit Committee also provides oversight of the activities of Peel Hunt’s internal and external auditors. The ultimate responsibility for reviewing and approving the Annual Report and Accounts and the half-yearly reports remains with the Board. The Audit Committee meets at least four times a year, having regard to the financial reporting cycle, and such other times as the chair of the Committee thinks fit. The responsibilities of the Audit Committee covered in its terms of reference include oversight of the external and internal audit, the financial reporting process, whistleblowing arrangements and systems of governance and internal controls.
Chair: Elizabeth Blythe
Members: Maria Bentley and Richard Brearley
All of whom are independent non-executive directors.
Risk Committee
The Risk Committee has responsibility for, among other things, providing oversight and advice to the Board regarding the Group’s risk exposure and future risk strategy, implementing and overseeing the Group’s risk appetite and reviewing and challenging the Group’s Enterprise Wide Risk Management Framework, and overseeing the risks to good conduct within the Group. The Risk Committee also reviews the Group’s overall internal assessments of risk and reviews the Group’s capability to identify and manage new risk types. The Risk Committee meets at least four times a year, and more frequently if required. The responsibilities of the Risk Committee covered in its terms of reference include oversight of current and potential risk exposures and future risk strategy, and implementing and oversight of the Group’s risk appetite.
Chair: Richard Brearley
Members: Maria Bentley and Elizabeth Blythe
All of whom are independent non-executive directors.
Remuneration Committee
The purpose of the Remuneration Committee is to consider and agree a remuneration policy for all employees, including executive directors and senior executives, ensuring alignment to the Company’s business objectives, values, risk appetite, regulatory compliance and the long-term sustainable success, recognising the interest of all relevant stakeholders. The Committee has specific responsibility for determining and overseeing the application of remuneration policy, including the approval of individual remuneration arrangements and performance outcomes for executive directors and senior executives. The full responsibilities of the Remuneration Committee (which meets at least four times a year) are outlined in the terms of reference. Key areas include the following: determining and monitoring policy on remuneration, terms of service, broader employment terms and conditions, reporting and disclosure and regulatory alignment.
Chair: Maria Bentley
Members: Elizabeth Blythe and Richard Brearley
All of whom are independent non-executive directors.
Nomination Committee
The Nomination Committee is responsible for overseeing nominations and appointments of candidates to the Board and their succession planning and diversity. The Nomination Committee also has responsibility for overseeing the Group’s talent development strategy and overseeing training sessions for Board members. The Nomination Committee meets at least two times a year, and additionally as required. The Nomination Committee’s terms of reference deal with such things as membership, quorum and reporting responsibilities.
Chair: Lucinda Riches
Members: Maria Bentley, Elizabeth Blythe and Richard Brearley (independent non-executive directors) and Darren Carter (non-executive director not considered to be independent).
ESG Committee
The Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Committee has responsibility for the formulation, implementation, and development of Peel Hunt’s ESG strategy with regard to current and future ESG objectives. In addition, the ESG Committee, with authority from the Board, provides oversight of, and delegation to, the Sustainability Forum with respect to responsible and sustainable business activities and the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Forum with respect to diversity, well-being, and corporate social responsibility. The ESG Committee meets at least four times a year, and more frequently if required. The responsibilities of the ESG Committee covered in its terms of reference include identifying and monitoring ESG matters that may affect Peel Hunt’s operations and/or strategy, assessing policies and procedures for identifying and managing ESG risks and providing oversight of Peel Hunt’s overall approach to its sustainability and diversity commitments and targets.