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ADHERIUM LIMITED Governance Information 2016

Sep 25, 2016

64305_rns_2016-09-25_aef0b8fe-3163-4d6e-9dce-1cae9367bffe.pdf

Governance Information

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Corporate Governance Statement

The Board of Directors of Adherium Limited ( Adherium or the Company ) is responsible for the corporate governance of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Board guides and monitors the business and affairs of Adherium on behalf of the shareholders by whom they are elected and to whom they are accountable.

The table below summarises the Company's compliance with the ASX Corporate Governance Council's Principles and Recommendations.

PRINCIPLE 1 – LAY SOLID FOUNDATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT AND OVERSIGHT

Corporate Governance Council
Recommendation
Compliance Disclosure
1.1 A listed entity should disclose:
(a) The
respective
roles
and
responsibilities of its board and
management; and
(b) those matters expressly reserved
to the board and those delegated to
management.
Complies The Board is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the Company and for overseeing and
monitoring its businesses and affairs. Directors are accountable to the shareholders for the
Company’s performance. The Board's overriding objective is to increase shareholder value within
an appropriate framework that protects the rights and enhances the interests of all shareholders,
whilst ensuring that the Company is properly managed. Directors must fulfil their fiduciary
obligations to shareholders, but will also take into consideration the interests of other stakeholders
in the Company, including employees, customers, creditors and others with a legitimate interest in
the Company's affairs. The Board reviews and approves the Company’s business plans and
guiding policies. Day to day management of the Company’s affairs and implementation of its
strategy and policy initiatives are delegated to the Chief Executive Officer and by him to other
senior executives.
1.2 A listed entity should:
(a) undertake appropriate checks before
appointing a person, or putting forward
to security holders a candidate for
election, as a director; and
(b) provide security holders with all material
information in its possession relevant to
a decision on whether or not to elect or
re-elect a director.
Complies (a) The Board is responsible for ensuring it is comprised of individuals who are best able to
discharge the responsibilities of Directors having regard to the law and the best standards of
governance.
(b) This will necessarily include undertaking background and other checks before appointing a
person or putting them forward to security holders as a candidate for election as a Director,
as well as providing all material information relevant to a decision for election as a Director.
The qualifications, experience and special responsibilities of the Board members are set out
in the Directors Report within the Annual Report for the period ended 30 June 2016.
1.3 A listed entity should have a written
agreement with each director and senior
executive setting out the terms of their
appointment.
Complies The Directors and senior executives have entered into written agreements setting out the terms of
their appointment.
1.4 The company secretary of a listed entity
should be accountable directly to the board,
Complies The Joint Company Secretaries are appointed by the Board and are responsible for developing
and maintaining the appropriate governance systems and processes for the Board to fulfil its role
and areresponsible to theBoardforensuring compliancewith Board procedures and governance

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through the chair, on all matters to do with
the proper functioning of the board.
matters. The Joint Company Secretaries are also responsible for overseeing and coordinating
disclosure of information to the ASX as well as communicating with the ASX. The Joint Company
Secretaries areMark Licciardo andRobTurnbull.
1.5 A listed entity should:
(a) have a diversity policy which includes
requirements for the board or a
relevant committee of the board to set
measurable objectives for achieving
gender
diversity
and
to
assess
annually both the objectives and the
entity’s progress in achieving them;
(b) disclose that policy or a summary of it;
and
(c) disclose as at the end of each reporting
period the measurable objectives for
achieving gender diversity set by the
board or a relevant committee of the
board in accordance with the entity’s
diversity
policy
and
its
progress
towards achieving them and either:
(1) the respective proportions of men
and women on the board in senior
executive positions and across the
whole organisation (including how
the entity has defined “senior
executive” for these purposes); or
(2) if the entity is a “relevant employer”
under
the
Workplace
Gender
Equality Act, the entity’s most recent
“Gender Equality Indicators”, as
defined in and published under that
Act.
Complies (a)
The Company recognises that people are its most important asset and is committed to the
maintenance and promotion of workplace diversity. Diversity drives the Company’s ability to
attract, retain and develop the best talent, create an engaged workforce, deliver the highest
quality services to its customers and continue to grow the business.
In addition to business policies, practices and behaviours that promote diversity and equal
opportunity and create an environment where individual differences are valued, the Board
adopted a Diversity policy in July 2015. This policy set out minimum expectations to be met
by the Group on workforce diversity. Appointments are made on merit but with regard to the
Company's Diversity policy and its objectives.
(b)
A copy of the Policy is available on the Investor section of the Group’s website:
www.adherium.com. The strategies outlined below aim to achieve the objectives of this Policy
by:

setting measurable objectives relating to gender at all senior management and
leadership levels;

broadening the field of potential candidates for senior management and board
appointments; and

increasing the transparency of the board appointment process.
(c)
The Board has set a number of objectives under the Policy, namely to:

Continue to review gender diversity on the Board.

continue to work to develop a balanced ratio of female management

optimise local talent in senior management and the workforce in established international
markets; and

establish an effective measurement and reporting framework. The Policy objectives, and
the Group’s progress in achieving them, will be assessed on an annual basis.

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(1)
As a measurement of gender diversity, the proportion of women employees in the
consolidated entity as at the date of this statement are as follows:
Women on the Board: 0%
Women in senior executive roles: 0%
Women in management position: 60%
Women in the organisation: 30%
(2) The Company is not a relevant employer under the Workplace Gender Equality Act.
1.6 A listed entity should:
(a) have and disclose a process for
periodically evaluating the performance
of the board, its committees and
individual directors; and
(b) disclose, in relation to each reporting
period,
whether
a
performance
evaluation was undertaken in the
reporting period in accordance with that
process.
Complies (a) A structured process has been established to review and evaluate the performance of the
Board. The Chairman will have individual meetings with each director and selected senior
executives to assess their views on these issues and to identify any areas of concern or
opportunity for improvement of performance of the Board and/or individual directors. The
Chairman will provide a summary of his findings to the Nomination and Remuneration
Committee and to the full Board and is responsible for ensuring that agreed actions are
implemented. It is recognised that some findings will be of a sensitive nature and will not be
included in the Chairman’s report but will be acted upon by the Chairman on a one to one
basis. This process occurs at least annually.
(b) A performance evaluation was not undertaken during this reporting period as the board was
newly formed in July 2015.
1.7 A listed entity should:
(a) have and disclose a process for
periodically evaluating the performance
of its senior executives; and
(b) disclose, in relation to each reporting
period,
whether
a
performance
evaluation
was
undertaken
in
the
reporting period in accordance with that
process.
Complies (a) The Board will regularly review the performance of its senior executives and address any
issues that may emerge from that review. The Board has authority to develop key performance
indicators for management to assess the performance of each senior executive according to
key performance criteria agreed to within the context of each executive’s employment contract.
(b) A performance evaluation was undertaken during this reporting period

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PRINCIPLE 2 – STRUCTURE THE BOARD TO ADD VALUE

  • 2.1 The board of a listed entity should: Complies (a) have a nomination committee which: 1. has at least three members, a majority of whom are independent directors; and

    1. is chaired by an independent director, and disclose the charter of the committee, the members of the committee; and

    2. as at the end of each reporting period, the number of times the committee met throughout the period and the individual attendances of the members at those meetings: OR

  • (b) if it does not have a nomination committee, disclose that fact and the processes it employs to address board succession issues and to ensure that the board has the appropriate balance of skills, knowledge, experience, independence and diversity to enable it to discharge its duties and responsibilities effectively.

The Nomination and Remuneration Committee is responsible for reviewing the remuneration of Directors and senior management and evaluation of senior management, making recommendations to the Board on these matters. This role also includes responsibility for recommendations to the Board on share and option schemes, incentive performance packages, superannuation entitlements, composition of the Board and the process and criteria for selection of new Directors. The Committee also has the responsibility to oversee the Company’s general remuneration strategy.

Remuneration levels are competitively set to attract the best qualified and experienced Directors and key management personnel appropriate to the size and stage of development of the Company. The Committee is authorised to obtain independent advice on the appropriateness of remuneration packages.

Details of the amount of remuneration, and all monetary and non-monetary components, for each of the (non-Director) key management personnel and all Directors remuneration during the period is included in the Directors’ Report within the Annual Report. Termination entitlements for key management personnel, if any, are also contained in the report.

The Nomination and Remuneration Committee is responsible for identifying qualified individuals for appointment to the Board. In identifying candidates, the Nomination and Remuneration Committee will have regard to the selection criteria set out in the board appointment process, which will include:

  • skills, expertise and background that add to and complement the range of skills, expertise and background of the existing Directors;

  • diversity; and

  • the extent to which the candidate would fill a present need on the Board

Remuneration levels are competitively set to attract the best qualified and experienced Directors and key management personnel appropriate to the size and stage of development of the Company. The Committee is authorised to obtain independent advice on the appropriateness of remuneration packages.

(a)

  1. The Nomination and Remuneration Committee is comprised of Bryan Mogridge (Chair), Jeremy Curnock Cook and John Mills – and does have a majority of independent Directors.

  2. The Nomination and Remuneration Committee is chaired by an independent Director

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3.
The number of meetings held by the Committee are detailed in the Directors Report within
the Annual Report.
2.2 A listed entity should have and disclose a
board skills matrix setting out the mix of
skills and diversity that the board currently
has or is looking to achieve in its
membership.
Does
not
fully
comply
The Company supports the appointment of Directors who bring a wide range of business and
professional skills and experience. While the Company does not have or disclose a formal skills
matrix it does consider Directors attributes prior to any appointment. The qualifications, skills,
experience and expertise relevant to the position of Director held by each Director in office at the
date of the annual report and their attendance at Board and Committee meetings is included in
the Directors’ Report within the Annual Report. It is anticipated that a Board Skills review will be
carried out during the forthcoming financial year in conjunction with the Board performance
evaluation.
2.3 A listed entity should disclose:
(a) the names of the directors considered
by the board to be independent
directors;
(b) if a director has an interest, position,
association or relationship of the type
described in Box 2.3 of the ASX
Corporate Governance Principles and
Recommendations but the board is of
the opinion that it does not compromise
the independence of the director, the
nature
of
the
interest,
position,
association or relationship in question
and an explanation of why the board is
of that opinion; and
(c) the length of service of each director.
Complies a)
The names of independent directors is disclosed in the Director’s Report within the Annual
Report.
b)
N/A
c)
The length of service is detailed in the Director’s Report within the Annual Report.
2.4 A majority of the board of a listed entity
should be independent directors.
Complies The majority of the Board’s Directors are considered independent.
2.5 The chair of the board of a listed entity
should be an independent director and, in
particular, should not be the same person
as the CEO of the entity.
Complies Dr John Douglas (Doug) Wilson was Chairman of the Company until 1 September 2016 and was
considered independent. On 1 September 2016 Mr Thomas Lynch was appointed Chairman of
the Company and is considered independent. Mr Garth Sutherland is an executive director and
the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

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2.6 A listed entity should have a program for
inducting
new
directors
and
provide
appropriate
professional
development
opportunities for directors to develop and
maintain the skills and knowledge needed
to perform their role as directors effectively.
Complies The Board’s induction program provides incoming Directors with information that will enable them
to carry out their duties in the best interests of the Company. New directors are encouraged to
spend time with the management team and receive Information Packages and documentation
pertinent to the role. This includes supporting ongoing education of Directors for the benefit of the
Company. Members of the Board are able to take independent professional advice at the expense
of the Company.

PRINCIPLE 3 – ACT ETHICALLY AND RESPONSIBLY

3.1 A listed entity should:
(a) have a code of conduct for its directors,
senior executives and employees; and
(b) disclose that code or a summary of it.
Complies (a)
The Board has adopted a Code of Conduct. The code establishes a clear set of values
which emphasise a culture encompassing strong corporate governance, sound business
practices and good conduct from an ethical stand point.
(b)
The code is available on the Company’s website www. adherium.com.
PRINCIPLE 4– SAFEGUARD INTEGRITY IN CORPORATE REPORTING
4.1 The board of a listed entity should:
(a) have an audit committee which:
1.
has at least three members, all of
whom are non-executive directors
and a majority of whom are
independent directors; and
2.
is chaired by an independent
director, who is not the chair of the
board;
and disclose:
3.
the charter of the committee;
4.
the relevant qualifications and
experience of the members of the
committee; and
(b) in relation to each reporting period, the
number of times the committee met
throughout the period and the individual
attendances of the members at those
meetings;OR
(c) if it does not have an audit committee,
disclose that fact and the processes it
employs that independently verify and
safeguard the integrity of its corporate
Complies (a)
The Board has established an Audit and Risk Committee to focus on issues relevant to
the integrity of the Company’s financial reporting and provides the Board with additional
assurance regarding the reliability of financial information for inclusion in the financial
statements.
1.
The Audit and Risk Committee is comprised of Bruce McHarrie (Chair), Jeremy Curnock
Cook, John Mills – and does have a majority of independent Directors.
2.
The Audit and Risk Committee is chaired by an independent Director
3.
The Audit and Risk Charter is avalaible on the Company’s website www.adherium.com
4.
In accordance with the information suggested in_Guide to Reporting on Principle 4_, the
Company has disclosed full details of its Directors in the Directors’ Report within the
Annual Report including each director’s qualifications, and their membership of the
committee.
(b)
The number of meetings held and attendance by the Committee is detailed in the
Directors Report

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reporting, including the processes for
the appointment and removal of the
external auditor and the rotation of the
audit engagement partner.
4.2 The board of a listed entity should, before it
approves the entity’s financial statements
for a financial period, receive from its CEO
and CFO a declaration that, in their opinion,
the financial records of the entity have been
properly maintained and that the financial
statements comply with the appropriate
accounting standards and give a true and
fair view of the financial position and
performance of the entity and that the
opinion has been formed on the basis of a
sound system of risk management and
internal
control
which
is
operating
effectively.
Complies Following a recommendation by the Audit and Risk Committee to the Board of Directors to
approve the annual and half year financial accounts, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer state in writing to the Board that the Company’s Financial Reports present a true
and fair view, in all material respects, of the Company’s financial condition and operational results
and are in accordance with relevant accounting standards; and that this statement is founded on
a sound system of risk management and internal compliance and control which implements the
policies adopted by the Board.
4.3 A listed entity that has an AGM should
ensure that its external auditor attends its
AGM and is available to answer questions
from security holders relevant to the audit.
Complies The external auditors are requested to attend the Annual General Meeting and are available to
answer shareholders’ questions about the conduct of the audit and preparation of the Auditor’s
Report.
PRINCIPLE 5– MAKE TIMELY AND BALANCED DISCLOSURE
5.1 A listed entity should:
(a)
have a written policy for complying with
its continuous disclosure obligations
under the Listing Rules; and
(b)
disclose that policy or a summary of it.
Complies (a) The Company has adopted a Board Charter which contains the Continuous Disclosure policy.
The policy ensures that it complies with the continuous disclosure regime under the ASX
Listing Rules and the Corporations Act 2001.
(b) the Company’s Board Charter which contains the Continuous Disclsure policy policy is
available on the Company’s website www.adherium.com.

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PRINCIPLE 6– RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS PRINCIPLE 6– RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS PRINCIPLE 6– RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS
6.1 A listed entity should provide information
about itself and its governance to investors
via its website.
Complies The Company has adopted a shareholder communication strategy. The Company uses its website
www.adherium.com, annual report, market disclosures and media announcements to
communicate with its shareholders, as well as encourages participation at general meetings.
6.2 A listed entity should design and implement
an investor relations program to facilitate
effective two-way communication with
investors.
Complies The Company is committed to:

ensuring that shareholders and the financial markets are provided with full and timely
information about the Company’s activities in a balanced and understandable way through
the annual and half yearly reports, ASX releases, general meetings and the Company’s
website www.adherium.com;

actively responding to shareholder’s direct enquiries;

complying with continuous disclosure obligations contained in the applicable ASX Listing
Rules and the Corporations Act in Australia; and

encouraging shareholderparticipationat general meetings.
6.3 A listed entity should disclose the policies
and processes it has in place to facilitate
and encourage participation at meetings of
security holders.
Complies The Board encourages full participation of shareholders at the Company’s annual general
meetings and any general meetings to ensure a high level of accountability and identification with
the Company’s strategy. The external auditor will also be invited to attend the annual general
meeting of shareholders and will be available to answer any questions concerning the conduct,
preparation and content of the auditor’s report.
6.4 A listed entity should give security holders
the option to receive communications from,
and send communications to, the entity and
its security registry electronically.
Complies The Company’s registrar, Computershare, provides the option for shareholders to receive and
send communications electronically. Shareholders are encouraged to create an online account at
https://www-au.computershare.com/investor.
PRINCIPLE 7– RECOGNISE AND MANAGE RISK
7.1 The board of a listed entity should:
(a) have a committee or committees to
oversee risk, each of which:
(1)
has at least three members, a
majority
of
whom
are
independent directors; and
(2)
is chaired by an independent
director, and disclose the charter
of the committee; the members
of the committee; and
(3)
as at the end of each reporting
period, the number of times the
Complies Ultimate responsibility for risk oversight and risk management rests with the Board and risk
management issues are considered at every Board meeting.
(a) The Audit and Risk Committee is responsible for ensuring that risks and mitigation of these
risks are identified on a timely basis and that the Group’s objectives and activities are aligned
with the risks and opportunities identified by the Committee and the Board of Directors.
1.
The Audit and Risk Committee is comprised of Bruce McHarrie (Chair), Jeremy Curnock
Cook, John Mills – and does have a majority of independent Directors
2.
The Audit & Risk Committee is chaired by an independent Director
3.
The number of meetings held by the Committee is detailed in the Directors Report

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committee met throughout the
period
and
the
individual
attendances of the members at
those meetings;OR
(4)
if it does not have a risk
committee or committees that
satisfy (a) above, disclose that
fact and the processes it employs
for overseeing the entity’s risk
management framework.
A copy of the Audit & Risk Committee Charter is available on the Company’s website www.
adherium.com.
7.2 The board or a committee of the board
should:
(a) review the entity’s risk management
framework at least annually to satisfy
itself that it continues to be sound; and
(b) disclose, in relation to each reporting
period, whether such a review has
taken place.
Complies (a) The Company has undertaken a critical analysis of its current policy on risk oversight and
management designed to promote a culture of risk control throughout the Company. The Board
reviews and oversees the operation of systems of risk management at least annually to ensure
that the significant risks facing the Company are identified, that appropriate control, monitoring
and reporting mechanisms are in place and that risk is appropriately dealt with. The Board
monitors risk management with assistance from the Audit and Risk Committee.
(b) During the period under review the risk management framework was reviewed by the Board.
7.3 A listed entity should disclose:
(a) if it has an internal audit function, how
the function is structured and what role
it performs;OR
(b) if it does not have an internal audit
function, that fact and the processes it
employs for evaluation and continually
improving the effectiveness of its risk
management
and
internal
control
processes.
Complies The internal audit function is to provide an independent assessment of risk and compliance with
internal controls, with processes to ensure that appropriate follow up actions are taken in relation
to significant audit findings and identified areas of risk. The Audit and Risk Committee's internal
audit responsibilities include:
reviewing the internal auditor’s mission, charter and resourcing (including qualifications,
skills, experience, funding and equipment);
reviewing and approving the scope of the internal audit plan and work program;
monitoring the progress of the internal audit plan and work program and considering the
implications of internal audit findings for the control environment;
monitoring and critiquing management’s responsiveness to internal audit’s findings and
recommendations;
evaluating the process which the Company has in place for monitoring and assessing the
effectiveness of the internal auditor;
overseeing the co-ordination of the internal auditor with the external auditor; and
providing the opportunity for Audit and Risk Committee members to meet with the
internalauditorswithoutmanagement personnelbeing present atleast once a year.

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7.4 A listed entity should disclose whether it
has any material exposure to economic,
environmental and social sustainability
risks and, if it does, how it manages or
intends to manage those risks.
Complies The Company has identified key risks within the business. There are no material identified
economic, environmental or social sustainability risks, however in the ordinary course of business,
management monitor and manage business risks.
Key operational and financial risks are presented to and reviewed by the Board.

PRINCIPLE 8 – REMUNERATE FAIRLY AND RESPONSIBLY

  • 8.1 The board of a listed entity should: Complies The Board has a Nomination and Remuneration Committee as referenced in item 2.1. (a) have a remuneration committee which: (1) has at least three members, a 1. The Committee does have a majority of independent Directors. majority of whom are independent 2. The Nomination and Remuneration Committee is chaired by an independent Director.

  • directors; and

    1. The Nomination and Remuneration Committee is chaired by an independent Director.

    2. A copy of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee Charter is available on the Company’s website www.adherium.com.

  • (2) is chaired by an independent director,

  • and disclose:

  • The Nomination and Remuneration Committee is compased of Bryan Mogridge (Chair), Jeremy Curnock Cook and John Mills,– and does have a majority of independent Directors.

  • (3) the charter of the committee;

    1. The number of meetings held by the Committee is detailed in the Directors Report within the Annual Report.
  • (4) the members of the committee; and

  • (5) as at the end of each reporting period, the number of times the committee met throughout the period and the individual attendances of the members at those meetings; OR

  • (b) if it does not have a remuneration committee, disclose that fact and the processes it employs for setting the level and composition of remuneration for directors and senior executives and ensuring that such remuneration is appropriate and not excessive.

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8.2 A listed entity should separately disclose its
policies
and
practices
regarding
the
remuneration of non-executive directors
and the remuneration of executive directors
and other senior executives.
Complies The details of the remuneration paid to Directors and Officers is included in the Remuneration
Report section of the Annual Report.
8.3 A listed entity which has an equity-based
remuneration scheme should:
(a) have a policy on whether participants
are permitted to enter into transactions
(whether through the use of derivatives
or otherwise) which limit the economic
risk of participating in the scheme; and
(b) disclose that policy or a summary of it.
Complies (a)
The Company has a Policy for dealing in securities and Directors and employees must not
create, enter into or deal in derivatives, a derivative arrangement or margin calls in relation
to Company securities at any time.
(b)
A copy of the Policy for dealing in securities is available on the Company’s website
www.adherium.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, Adherium’s corporate governance practices were in place for the financial year ended 30 June 2016 and to the date of signing the Directors’ Report within the Annual Report.

Various corporate governance practices are discussed within this statement. For further information on corporate governance policies adopted by the Company, refer to our website www.adherium.com.

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