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ALS LIMITED Governance Information 2018

Jun 20, 2018

64365_rns_2018-06-20_e004c8ec-bed8-4a7c-8d56-af564f7a2b6a.pdf

Governance Information

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2018

The policies and practices developed and implemented by the Board over many years meet or exceed the Principles and Recommendations set out in ASX’s 3rd Edition Corporate Governance Council guidelines (ASX guidelines) which were amended in March 2014 (from the 2[nd] Edition, 2010) and became effective for a company’s first full financial year on or after 1 July 2014.

This statement was approved by the Board of ALS and is current as at 28 May 2018. The statement and information identified therein are available on the Company's website at www.alsglobal.com under the Corporate Governance section.

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation
Principle 1: Lay solid foundations for management and oversight
A listed entity should establish and disclose the respective roles and responsibilities of its board
and management and how their performance is monitored and evaluated.
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.
The Board’s role is to govern the Company
rather than to manage it. It is the role of
executive
management
to
manage
the
Company in accordance with the direction and
delegations
of
the
Board
and
the
responsibilities of the Board to oversee the
activities of management in carrying out these
delegated duties.[Rec 1.1(a)(b)]
A summary of the Company’s board charter is
posted on the Company's website which sets
out the role, powers and responsibilities of
the Board.
Yes
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.
Any director that is being considered for
appointment to the ALS Board will be subject
to background and probity checks to verify
their educational and employment history and
to determine if they possess skills and
experience that is complementary to the
efficient operation and functioning of the
Board. [Rec1.2(a)] At the upcoming 2018 AGM
to be held 1 August 2018, Bruce Phillips and
Charlie Sartain will stand for re-election.
Security holders will be provided with all
material information in the AGM Notice
relevant to a decision on whether to re-elect
them as non-executive directors for a further
3-year term.[Rec 1.2(b)]
Yes

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2018

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation
1.3 A listed entity should have
a written agreement with
each director and senior
executive setting out the
terms of their
appointment.
Directors are not appointed for specific terms
and are subject to rotational requirements for
re-election. Criterion for continued office is
effective contribution, which is regularly
reviewed in the evaluation of the Board’s
performance. All Non-executive directors and
senior executives have written agreements
setting out the terms of their appointment.
[Rec 1.3]
On 20 July 2017 Raj Naran was appointed as
the Managing Director & CEO. The terms of
Raj’s appointment were notified to the ASX.
Yes
1.4 The company secretary of
a listed entity should be
accountable directly to the
board, through the chair,
on all matters to do with
the proper functioning of
the board.
The Board has access to the Company
Secretary (who is accountable directly to the
Board, through the Chair, on all matters to do
with the proper functioning of the Board) and
has
procedures
for
the
provision
of
information, including requests for additional
information.[Rec 1.4]
Yes
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:
i.
the respective
proportions of men
and women on the
board, in senior
executive positions
and across the
whole organisation
(including how the
Diversity
The Company recognises that a diverse and
inclusive workforce is not only good for our
employees, it is also good for our business.
The Company has established a Diversity
Policy that is reviewed and approved by the
Board which contains measurable objectives
for
key
diversity
categories,
including
recruitment, leadership development and pay
equity [1.5(a)].
The Company’s Diversity Policy is published
on the Group’s website [1.5(b)].
The Company’s Diversity Policy is based on
the following key principles, reflective of the
ASX guidelines on diversity:
1. Treat
others
with
respect,
value
differences and maintain privacy;
2. Value
diversity
and
it
will
bring
opportunities to enhance our businesses;
3. Women and minority cultural groups will
not
be
disadvantaged
in
gaining
employment and accessing the benefits
and privileges that other persons in the
company enjoy in their employment with
the Company;
4. Transparency will be exercised in all
recruitment decisions from Board level to
entry level;
5. Workforce composition statistics will be
reviewed annually to determine if there
Yes

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2018

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation
entity has defined
“senior executive”
for these purposes);
or
ii.
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.
are any areas that warrant an increased
focus on diversity; and
6. Public reporting of progress against the
Company’s diversity objectives.
A summary of the matters required to be
reported each year is contained in the People
section of the 2018 Sustainability Report
under Diversity & Equity.[Rec 1.5(c)(i)(ii)]
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.
Board performance
The Board undertakes an annual review of its
performance. A Board Performance review
was carried out during the year.[Rec 1.6(a)(b)]
Yes
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.
Executive performance
The Board undertakes an annual review and
assessment
of
the
Group’s
executive
management. An Executive Management
Performance review was carried out during
the year.[Rec 1.7(a)(b)]
Yes
Principle 2: Structure the board to add value
A listed entity should have a board of an appropriate size, composition, skills and commitment to
enable it to discharge its duties effectively.
2.1 The board of a listed entity
should:
Nomination Committee Yes

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2018

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation
(a) have a nomination
committee which:
i.
has at least three
members, a
majority of whom
are independent
directors; and
ii.
is chaired by an
independent
director,
and disclose:
iii.
the charter of the
committee;
iv.
the members of the
committee; and
v.
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 full Board is the Nomination Committee
and regularly reviews Board membership. This
includes an assessment of the necessary and
desirable competencies of Board members,
Board succession plans, evaluation of the
Board's performance and consideration of
appointments and removals.[Rec 2.1]
The Committee met during the financial year
as part of their regular Board meetings [Rec
2.1(a)(iv)] to review the skills, experience,
expertise and personal qualities that will best
complement the Board’s effectiveness in future
years as part of its board renewal and
succession planning processes undertaken
during the year.
Following an extensive global search for
suitable internal and external candidates Raj
Naran was appointed Managing Director & CEO
of the Company on 20 July 2017 following the
retirement of Greg Kilmister.
A
summary
of
the
role,
rights
and
responsibilities
of
the
Nomination
Committee, as well as the committee’s policy
for appointment of directors, is available on
the
Company’s
website.[Rec
2.1(a)(i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(v)]
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.
When a Board vacancy occurs, the Nomination
Committee identifies the particular skills,
diversity, experience and expertise that will
best complement Board effectiveness, and
then
undertakes
a
process
to
identify
candidates who can meet those criteria.[Rec
2.2]
The Board will be undertaking a review of the
performance of Bruce Phillips and Charlie
Sartain, who are standing for re-election at the
AGM in August 2018.
Yes

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2018

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation
A skills matrix (disclosed below) is utilised to
assess the relevant criteria of candidates for
appointment to the Board.[Rec 2.2]
Board skills matrix
Skills and experience Number of
directors/Board
representation
(out of 7, including
Managing Director)
Executive leadership-
Senior executive
experience including
international experience.
5
Board experience-
Experience as a board
member or member of a
governance body.
6
Financial acumen- Senior
executive or equivalent
experience in financial
accounting and reporting,
corporate finance, risk and
internal controls.
7
Health, safety,
environment and
sustainability- Experience
related to health, safety,
environmental, social
responsibility, or
sustainability initiatives.
7
Governance- Experience
with sophisticated
governance structures.
6
Strategy- Experience in
developing, implementing
and challenging a plan of
action designed to achieve
the long-term goals of an
organisation.
7
Industry Relevant
experience
- Oil & Gas and Energy 2
- Minerals & Mining 3
- Life Sciences 2
- Other relevant industrial
and technical expertise
7
Capital management-
Experience in capital
management strategies,
including capital
partnerships, debt
financing and capital
raisings.
5
Legal qualifications/
Experience
1

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2018

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation
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
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.
Independence of directors
The Board considers that all current directors,
other than the Managing Director, Raj Naran,
to
be
independent
of
management
influence.[Rec 2.3(a)]
The Board distinguishes between the concept
of independence, and the issues of conflict of
interest or material personal interests which
may arise from time to time. Wherever there is
an actual or potential conflict of interest or
material personal interest, the Board's policies
and procedures ensure that:

the interest is fully disclosed and the
disclosure is recorded in the register of
directors' interests and in the Board
minutes;

the relevant director is excluded from all
considerations of the matter by the Board;
and

the relevant director does not receive any
segment of the Board papers or other
documents in which there is any reference
to the matter.
There
exists
no
material
professional,
business
or
substantial
shareholder
relationship
by
any
director
with
the
Company.[Rec 2.3(b)]
The names, skills and experience of the
directors in office at the date of this Statement,
and the period of office of each director, are
set out in the Directors' Report and in the
Annual Report. [Rec 2.3(a)(b)(c)]
Independent professional advice
Each director has the right, at the Company's
expense, to seek independent professional
advice in relation to the execution of Board
responsibilities.
Prior
approval
of
the
Chairman, which will not be unreasonably
withheld, is required. Where appropriate,
directors share such advice with the other
directors.
Yes
2.4 A majority of the board of
a listed entity should be
independent directors.
The
Board
currently
comprises
of
six
independent
non-executive
directors
(including the Chairman) and one executive
director (the Managing Director). [Rec 2.4]
With the appointment of 4 new directors over
the past 6 years, the Company considers the
Board to be independent.
Yes
2.5 The chair of the board of a
listed entity should be an
independent director and,
in particular, should not be
The
chairman
of
the Company
is
an
independent non-executive director.[Rec 2.5]
Yes

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2018

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation
the same person as the
CEO of the entity.
The roles of chairman and chief executive are
exercised by separate individuals. [Rec 2.5]
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.
The Board provides an appropriate induction
program for new directors, which includes
onsite visits to operations. Directors have the
opportunity for professional development
through programs operated by the Australian
Institute of Company Directors. [Rec 2.6]
Yes
Principle 3: Act ethically and responsibly
A listed entity should 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.
Code of Conduct
Through established practices and policies the
Board supports the need for directors and
employees to observe the highest standards of
behaviour and business ethics. All directors,
managers and employees are expected to act
with integrity, striving at all times to enhance
the reputation and performance of the Group.
The Board's policies conform with the ASX
guidelines.
Appropriate training programs on the Group's
internal policies including workplace health
and safety, environmental law compliance,
trade practices legislation and affirmative
action programs support this process.
The Board recognises that managing "natural,
human, social and other forms of capital" may
also assist in creating value for shareholders.
To this end the Board seeks, by the individual
contributions of directors and by encouraging
activities
of
its
executives,
to
uphold
community standards and to maintain good
relations with community and government
organisations. However, the Board seeks to
balance these considerations in order to
ensure
that
the
claims
of
legitimate
stakeholders do not prejudice or diminish the
legitimate expectations of shareholders. The
Board does not support a process by which
companies are regulated in their dealings in
these areas, beyond the consideration of their
programs to ensure compliance with legal and
ethical standards.
A Code of Conduct which draws together all
of the Company's policies and codes was
updated during the year and is available on
the Company's website.[Rec 3.1(a)(b)]
Yes

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2018

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation
Principle 4: Safeguard integrity in corporate reporting
A listed entity should have formal and rigorous processes that independently verify and safeguard
the integrity of its corporate reporting.
4.1 The board of a listed entity
should:
(a) have an audit
committee which:
i.
has at least three
members, all of
whom are non-
executive directors
and a majority of
whom are
independent
directors; and
ii.
is chaired by an
independent
director, who is not
the chair of the
board,
and disclose:
iii.
the charter of the
committee;
iv.
the relevant
qualifications and
experience of the
members of the
committee; and
v.
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
(b) 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 reporting,
including the processes
for the appointment
and removal of the
external auditor and
the rotation of the
Audit and Risk Committee
The Company has an established Audit and
Risk
Committee
(formerly
Audit
and
Compliance Committee) operating under a
written Charter approved by the Board which is
reviewed annually.
The Audit and Risk Committee comprises three
independent non-executive directors with an
independent chairman who is not also
chairman of the Board. The Audit and Risk
Committee’s Charter was reviewed during the
year and affirmed by the Board. The Charter is
available,
along
with
other
information
suggested in the ASX guidelines, on the
Company's website.[Rec 4.1(a)(iii)]
The names and qualifications of members of
the Audit and Risk Committee are set out in the
Directors’ Report and in the Annual Report.
[Rec 4.1(a)(iv)(v)]
Other non-executive directors of the Board are
entitled to be present at all meetings of the
Committee. Meetings of the Committee are
attended, by invitation, by the Managing
Director, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief
Risk Officer, the engagement partner from the
Company's external auditor and such other
senior staff or professional people as may be
appropriate from time to time.
The number of meetings of the Committee
held during the year is set out in the Directors’
Report.[Rec 4.1(a)(v)]
Minutes of all Committee meetings are
provided to the Board and the Chairman of the
Committee also reports to the Board after each
Committee meeting.
Auditor independence
The external auditor, KPMG, has declared its
independence to the Board through its
representations
to
the
Committee
and
provision of its Lead Auditor’s Independence
Declaration to the Board, stating that there
have been no contraventions of auditor
independence requirements as set out in the
Corporations Act or any auditors’ professional
code.
The Audit and Risk Committee has examined
detailed material provided by the external
auditor and by management and has satisfied
itself
that
the
standards
for
auditor
Yes

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2018

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation
audit engagement
partner.
independence and associated issues are fully
complied with.
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.
Certification of financial reports
The Managing Director and Chief Financial
Officer state in writing to the Board each
reporting period 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. The statements from the Managing
Director and Chief Financial Officer are based
on a formal sign off framework established
throughout the Company and reviewed by the
Audit and Risk Committee as part of the six-
monthly financial reporting process.[Rec 4.2]
Certification of risk management controls
In conjunction with the certification of
financial reports under Rec 4.2, the Managing
Director and Chief Financial Officer state in
writing to the Board each reporting period
that:

the statement is founded on a sound
system of risk management and internal
compliance
and
control
which
implements the policies adopted by the
Board.

the Company’s risk management and
internal compliance and control system is
operating efficiently and effectively in all
material respects.
Financial controls
The Chief Financial Officer reports in writing
and personally to each Board meeting, attends
all meetings of the Audit and Risk Committee
and
provides
written
reports
to
that
Committee.
Yes
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.
Availability of auditor at AGM
The senior engagement partner (or his
representative) of the Company’s external
auditor, KPMG, attends the Company’s annual
general meetings and is available to answer
questions from shareholders about the audit.
The Chairman advises the shareholders of this
at the commencement of each annual general
meeting.[Rec 4.3]
Yes
Principle 5: Make timely and balanced disclosure
A listed entity should make timely and balanced disclosure of all matters concerning it that a
reasonable person would expect to have a material effect on the price or value of its securities.

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2018

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation
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.
Continuous Disclosure
The Company has established policies and
procedures for timely disclosure of material
information concerning the Company. This
includes internal reporting procedures in place
to ensure that any material price sensitive
information is reported to the Company
Secretary in a timely manner. These policies
and procedures are regularly reviewed to
ensure that the Company complies with its
obligations at law and under the ASX Listing
Rules.
The Company has a Continuous Disclosure
policy which is published on the Company's
website.[Rec 5.1(a)(b)]
The Company undertook a review of its
Continuous Disclosure policy during the year.
The Company Secretary is responsible for
communications
with
the
Australian
Securities
Exchange
(ASX)
including
responsibility for ensuring compliance with
the continuous disclosure requirements in the
ASX Listing Rules and overseeing information
going to the ASX, shareholders and other
interested parties. The matter of continuous
disclosure is a permanent item on the agenda
for all Board meetings and is specifically
addressed by each director at those meetings.
Other Disclosure
The directors have obligations under a
Disclosure of Interests and Transactions in
Securities Agreement entered into with the
Company to inform the Company of any
securities trading in the Company.
The directors have made disclosure that they
have no material margin lending terms in
relation
to
their
holding
of
Company
securities.
Announcements made to the ASX by the
Company are published on the Company’s
website.
Yes
Principle 6: Respect the rights of security holders
A listed entity should respect the rights of its security holders by providing them with appropriate
information and facilities to allow them to exercise those rights effectively.
6.1 A listed entity should
provide information about
itself and its governance to
investors via its website.
Communications strategy
The Company aims to keep shareholders
informed of the Company’s performance and
all major developments in an ongoing manner.
Yes

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2018

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation
Information is communicated to shareholders
through:

the annual report which is published on
the Company’s website and distributed to
shareholders where specifically requested;

the full year and half-year investor
presentations which are published on the
Company’s website; and

other correspondence regarding matters
impacting on shareholders as required.
All material documents that are released
publicly are made available on the Company’s
web site.
Shareholders
are able
to
view
relevant
Corporate Governance documents and Investor
information on the Company’s website at
www.alsglobal.com.[Rec 6.1]
The Company will be publishing its 2018
Sustainability Report on its website in June
2018.
6.2 A listed entity should
design and implement an
investor relations program
to facilitate effective two-
way communication with
investors.
The Managing Director usually holds post-
results (full year and interim) teleconferences
and meetings with financial analysts and
institutional investors.[Rec 6.2]
Investor Days are also held during the year.
Yes
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.
Shareholders
are
also
encouraged
to
participate in the Annual General Meeting
(AGM) to ensure a high level of accountability
and
identification
with
the
Company’s
strategies and goals. Important issues are
presented
to
shareholders
as
separate
resolutions.
Shareholders who are unable to attend the
AGM may vote by appointing a proxy using
the form included with the Notice of Meeting
or via the online facility. The Company’s
Constitution allows for direct voting at the
AGM, allowing shareholders to vote before the
meeting without having to attend or appoint
a proxy. Further, shareholders are also invited
to submit questions in advance of the AGM so
that the Company can ensure those issues are
addressed at the meeting.[Rec 6.3]
For the 2018 AGM, it is intended to webcast
proceedings.
Yes
6.4 A listed entity should give
security holders the option
to receive communications
from, and send
communications to, the
Shareholders have the option to receive
communications
from,
and
send
communications to, the Company and its
share
registry,
Boardroom
Pty
Limited,
electronically.[Rec 6.4]
Yes

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2018

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation
entity and its security
registry electronically.
An active campaign is currently being
undertaken to try and get more shareholders
to provide their email addresses and bank
account details so as communications can be
sent to them electronically and payment of
dividends made directly.
Principle 7: Recognise and manage risk
A listed entity should establish a sound risk management framework and periodically review the
effectiveness of that framework.
7.1 The board of a listed entity
should:
(a) have a committee or
committees to oversee
risk, each of which:
i. has at least three
members, a
majority of whom
are independent
directors; and
ii. is chaired by an
independent
director,
and disclose:
iii. the charter of the
committee;
iv. the members of the
committee; and
v. 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
risk committee or
committees that
satisfy (a) above,
disclose that fact and
the processes it
employs for
overseeing the entity’s
risk management
framework.
Oversight of the risk management function
The Company places a high priority on risk
management and identification throughout the
Group’s operations and regularly reviews its
adequacy in this regard. The Company
incorporates the oversight of risk management
within its Audit and Risk Committee (refer
Principle 4).[Rec 7.1(a)]
Under the guidance of the Audit and Risk
Committee, a comprehensive risk control
program has been developed which includes
legislative compliance and property protection
audits
using
risk
assessors,
self-audits,
engineering and professional advisers.
Matters in relation to health, safety and the
environment are now carried out by a separate
Sustainability Committee set up the Board at
the beginning of FY2018 [refer Rec 7.4 for
further details].
The Chief Risk Officer reports in writing to the
Board each month and personally to meetings
of the Audit and Risk Committee and
supervises not only the six-monthly sign off
process but also the follow up of any non-
compliances or identified areas requiring
further training or risk management.
The Company’s Risk Management Policy and
internal compliance and control system were
reviewed and re-affirmed during the year and
are available on the Company’s website.
Yes
7.2 The board or a committee
of the board should:
The Company has a qualified Chief Risk Officer
who oversees the design and implementation
of
the
risk
control
program,
monitors
Yes

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2018

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation
(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.
performance
and
develops
appropriate
programs
to
enhance
awareness
and
compliance. These programs include training
for employees, using both internal and
external experts. Regular review meetings are
held with divisional general managers and
senior personnel to provide guidance and
strategies
for
implementation
of
risk
mitigation measures in their businesses.
During the year, the Audit & Risk Committee
reviewed and the Board adopted the Risk
Management Program presented by the Chief
Risk Officer, which outlined the Group’s overall
risk profile and the Group’s management of its
material business risks.[Rec 7.2(a)(b)]
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 evaluating and
continually improving
the effectiveness of its
risk management and
internal control
processes.
Internal audit
The company has established robust internal
assurance processes including a dedicated
internal audit program. The company utilises
both external and internal resources to
provide an internal audit function. [Rec 7.3(b)]
The company is mindful to ensure a suitable
level of independence is achieved in this
internal control program and regularly reports
to the Audit and Risk Committee in an
objective manner allowing for assurance that
key risks are being accurately evaluated and
reported.
Coordination
of
the
internal
controls program is undertaken by the Chief
Risk Officer who operates in a corporate role
and is independent to the Business Divisions.
An internal audit plan is established and
designed to provide a suitable level of
assurance to the CEO and Audit and Risk
Committee
that
internal
controls
are
operating effectively and efficiently.
A number of different approaches are utilised
as part of the Internal Audit Plan. These
include:

Peer
reviews
using
the
financial
controllers independent to their own
business divisions undertaking audits
across the group within their area of
expertise e.g. finance, tax, accounting
practices, etc.,

Control self-assessments completed by
divisional financial controllers using a
standardised review checklist,

Utilisation of external audit firms to
review specific risks in certain areas,

Investigation reporting using Forensic
Data Analytics tools,

Yes

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2018

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation

Six-monthly
accounting
sign-offs
completed by all financial controllers,

Fraud
control
plan
(reviewing
the
effectiveness of dissemination of Code of
Conduct, the company’s Whistleblower
policy,
and
monitoring
of
the
whistleblower program - ALS Integrity
Hotline).
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.
Economic,
Environmental
and
Social
Sustainability Monitoring
ALS acknowledge the need to focus on the risk
surrounding
social
responsibility
and
accordingly have implemented a number of
standards
to
address
economic,
environmental and social sustainability risks
that
are
monitored
across
all
of
its
businesses. Risks associated with economic,
environmental and social sustainability have
been included on the Company’s material
business risk register to ensure they are
included in a robust risk assessment and
management process. In the evaluation
process it has been determined ALS has only
a
minor
impact
to
environmental
sustainability with a comparatively low energy
consumption and consequently low carbon
emission for our laboratory and testing
operations. Notwithstanding this assessment
the
Company
is
committed
under
its
sustainability program to reduce energy
consumption and waste. The company has
controls in place to manage any other
potential environmental consequences e.g.
contamination, and monitors the adequacy of
these controls. [Rec 7.4]
Social sustainability is being addressed
through
the
implementation
of
the
Company’s Corporate Social Responsibility
Standard. The standard has core elements
adapted from ISO 26000 Corporate Social
Responsibility, and details the company
expectations around:

Human rights,

Labour practices,

Community,

Economy & social performance,

Legal compliance,

Anti-corruption and bribery, and

Occupational health and safety.
The Sustainability Committee is chaired by
independent non-executive director, Charlie
Sartain whomassists theBoardwitheffective
Yes

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2018

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation
discharge if its responsibilities in relation to
oversight and review of the above matters.
The Company’s Chief Risk Officer oversees
and manages the design and implementation
of the sustainability program, monitors
performance
and
develops
appropriate
programs
to
enhance
awareness
and
compliance.
The names and qualifications of members of
the Sustainability Committee are set out in the
Directors’ Report within the Annual Report.
Other non-executive directors of the Board are
entitled to be present at all meetings of the
Committee. Meetings of the Committee are
attended, by invitation, by the Managing
Director, the Chief Risk Officer, the General
Counsel & Company Secretary and such other
senior staff or professional people as may be
appropriate from time to time.
The number of meetings of the Committee
held during the year is set out in the Directors’
Report.
Minutes of Committee meetings and an update
from the Committee Chairman is provided to
the Board after each Committee meeting.
As part of its reporting commitment, the
Company will be publishing its 2018
Sustainability Report in June 2018 which will
be made available on its website.
The report will be guided by the Global
Reporting Initiative (GRI) principles and
include disclosures of material
environmental, social and governance (ESG)
aspects of the Company’s business activities.
Principle 8: Remunerate fairly and responsibly
A listed entity should pay director remuneration sufficient to attract and retain high quality
directors and design its executive remuneration to attract, retain and motivate high quality senior
executives and to align their interests with the creation of value for security holders.
8.1 The board of a listed entity
should:
(a) have a remuneration
committee which:
i.
has at least three
members, a
majority of whom
are independent
directors; and
ii.
is chaired by an
independent
director,
The
People
Committee
(formerly
the
Remuneration Committee) of the Board of
Directors is responsible for reviewing and
recommending compensation arrangements
for the directors, the chief executive officer
and the senior management team. The People
Committee assesses the appropriateness of
the nature and amount of remuneration of
such officers on a periodic basis by reference
to relevant employment market conditions
with
the
overall
objective
of
ensuring
maximum
stakeholder
benefit
from
the
retention of a high quality Board and
management team.
Yes

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2018

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation
and disclose:
iii.
the charter of the
committee;
iv.
the members of the
committee; and
v.
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.
People Committee
The
People
Committee
comprises
three
independent non-executive directors with an
independent chairman.[Rec 8.1(a)(i)(ii)]
Names of members and their attendance at
meetings of the Committee are set out in the
Directors’ Report. [Rec 8.1(a)(iv)(v)]
The People Committee Charter was reviewed
and updated during the year and is available
on the Company's website.[Rec 8.1(a)(iii)]
Additional
elements
of
focus
for
the
Committee
now
include
performance
management for the CEO and executive
management, workplace culture, key talent
development
and
succession
planning,
diversity and broader human resources risk
management.
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.
Executives, other than the non-executive
directors, are given the opportunity to receive
their base remuneration in the form of cash
and non-cash benefits. To assist in achieving
these objectives, the Company's remuneration
policy links the nature and amount of senior
executives’ remuneration to the Company’s
financial and operational performance.
All key senior executives have the opportunity
to qualify for participation in the Company’s
Short Term Incentive (STI) and Long Term
Incentive (LTI) Plans which currently provide
benefits where specified performance criteria
are met.[Rec 8.2]
Key executives are those who are directly
accountable
and
responsible
for
the
operational
management
and
strategic
direction of the Company and the consolidated
entity.
On 20July 2018, Raj Naran was appointed
Managing Director & CEO following the
retirement of Greg Kilmister and a summary of
the terms of his employment was lodged with
the ASX.
Structure of remuneration
Yes

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2018

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation
The structure of non-executive directors’
remuneration and that of executives is set out
in the ‘Remuneration Report’ section of the
Directors’ Report.
During the reporting period, a review was
conducted of the Company’s remuneration
strategy and tools as part of its annual
governance program. Where appropriate,
adjustments
were
made
to
executive
remuneration, directors’ Committee fees and
the LTI Plan. The format of the Remuneration
Report is set out to demonstrate the link
between
remuneration
and
shareholder
wealth creation.
Details of the nature and amount of each
element of the remuneration of each director
of the Company and each key executive of the
Company and the consolidated entity having
responsibility for its operational performance
for the financial year are disclosed in the
‘Remuneration Report’ section of the Directors’
Report. The current non-executive directors’
(NED) fee pool of $1.5 million (inclusive of
statutory superannuation) was last approved
by shareholders at the 2012 AGM. At the 2018
AGM, shareholders will be asked to approve an
increase in the NED fee pool of $150,000 to
$1,650,000 and to adopt, as a non-binding
vote, the Remuneration Report as contained in
the Annual Report for the financial year ended
31 March 2018.[Rec 8.2]
The
Company
maintains
minimum
shareholding guidelines for non-executive
directors who are expected to build a minimum
shareholding of the equivalent of 50% of one
year’s after-tax fees – this may be built up over
a
three-year
period
from
date
of
commencement in 2017.
The quantum of the shareholding will be based
on cost outlay made to acquire the shares and
the fees quantum will be based on net fees
assuming the top marginal PAYG Taxation rate.
Directors’ retirement benefits
There are no Directors’ retirement
benefits
other
than
statutory
superannuation.
Details
are
set
out
in
the
‘Remuneration Report’ section of
the Directors’ Report.[Rec 8.2]
8.3 A listed entity which has
an equity-based
Share-based plans
The People Committee is responsible for
reviewingrecommendationswith respect to
Yes

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2018

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation
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.
issues or grants under the Company's share-
based plans. Directors approve issues or
grants under the plans only after being
satisfied that this is in accordance with the
terms of shareholders’ approval.
Long Term Incentive Plan
Shareholders approved the Company’s Long
Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) at the 2008 AGM.
Under the plan, key employees may be granted
conditional performance rights to receive
ordinary shares in the Company at no cost to
the employees (or in limited cases, to receive
cash-settled awards). Details of performance
rights
granted
and
vested
under
the
Company’s LTIP during the financial year are
set out in the Remuneration Report section of
the Financial Report.[Rec 8.3]
The Board has established written guidelines,
set out in its Securities Trading Policy, that
include provisions relating to prohibiting
directors
and
senior
executives
in
the
Company’s from hedging arrangements in
relation to any unvested securities of the
Company and the requirement to disclose to
the Board any securities in the Company that
are held as security in a margin loan
arrangement.[Rec 8.3(a)]
The Securities Trading Policy is published on
the Company’s website.[Rec 8.3(b)]
LTIP rules prohibit those who are granted
performance
rights
from
entering
into
arrangements that limit their exposure to
share price decreases in relation to unvested
performance rights.[Rec 8.3(a)]
A summary of the LTIP rules and the policy on
prohibiting arrangements that limit exposure
are set out in the Remuneration Report
section of the Financial Report.[Rec 8.3(b)]
Short Term Incentive Plan
During the year, a deferred service right was
incorporated into the KMP Short Term
Incentive Plan (KSTIP) whereby, if the financial
outperformance target level is achieved, it will
result in a portion of the STI payment to be
deferred into service rights (with a right to an
ALS share upon vesting). The period of
deferral will be two (2) years with the
executive required to still be employed by the
Group at the end of the period to receive the
shares.

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2018