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ALS LIMITED Governance Information 2019

Jun 25, 2019

64365_rns_2019-06-25_aafb87ee-8f89-4bd6-9b00-152102ce3aac.pdf

Governance Information

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2019

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.The 4[th] edition of the ASX Guidelines were released in February 2019 and come into force for the financial years commencing on or after 1 January 2020.

This statement was approved by the Board of ALS and is current as at 26 June 2019. 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
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. This process was
undertaken in respect of the appointment of
Siddhartha Kadia to the Board in January 15,
2019[Rec1.2(a)] At the upcoming 2019 AGM to
be held 31 July 2019, Tonianne Dwyer and
Siddhartha Kadia will stand for re-election and
election, respectively. Security holders will be
provided with all material information in the
AGM Notice relevant to a decision on whether
tore-electTonianneDwyerand elect Siddhartha
Yes

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2019

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation
not to elect or re-elect a
director.
Kadia as non-executive directors for a 3-year
term. [Rec 1.2(b)]
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 15 January 2019 Siddhartha Kadia was
appointed as a non-executive director. Details
of Mr Kadia’s appointment were notified to the
ASX at that time.
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
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;
Yes

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2019

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation
board, in senior
executive positions
and across the whole
organisation
(including how the
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.
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
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 2019 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, and each of the Committees and
individual directors. A Board Performance
review and skills evaluation 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.

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2019

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation
2.1 The board of a listed entity
should:
(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.
Nomination Committee
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 international non-executive director
Siddhartha
Kadia
was
appointed
as
an
independent non-executive director of the
Company on 15 January 2019.
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)]
Yes
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. During the year,
the Board identified Siddhartha Kadia to have
the requisite skills, diversity, experience and
expertise to join the Board as an independent
non-executive director. [Rec 2.2]

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2019

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation
The Board will be undertaking a review of the
performance of Tonianne Dwyer, who stands
for re-election at the AGM in August 2019.
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
Professional Skills and experience
Strategy
Policy Development.
Financial Performance /Accounting
Treasury, Finance and funding
Risk and Compliance Oversight
Corporate Governance
Executive Management
Commercial Experience
Mergers and Acquisitions
Government/ Regulator
Legal
Talent Management
Remuneration
Investor Relations and Stakeholder
Management
IT Systems, process improvement/change
management
Industry Skills and experience
Analytical and testing services and
consulting
Regulatory and business environment
Testing, Inspection and Certification market
Commercial and Corporate
Financial Debt and Equity Capital
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 boardis ofthe
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
Yes

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2019

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation
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.
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.
2.4 A majority of the board of a
listed entity should be
independent directors.
The Board currently comprises of seven
independent non-executive directors (including
the Chairman) and one executive director (the
Managing Director). [Rec 2.4]
With the appointment of 5 new directors over
the past 7 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 same person as the CEO
of the entity.
The
chairman
of
the
Company
is
an
independent non-executive director.[Rec 2.5]
The roles of chairman and chief executive are
exercised by separate individuals. [Rec 2.5]
Yes
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
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

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2019

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation
perform their role as
directors effectively.
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
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:
Audit and Risk Committee
The Company has an established Audit and Risk
Committee (formerly Audit and Compliance
Committee) operating under a written Charter
Yes

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2019

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation
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 engagement
partner.
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
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
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
Yes

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2019

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation
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.
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.
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 2019

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.
Information is communicated to shareholders
through:
Yes

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2019

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation

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 2019
Sustainability Report on its website in June
2019.
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 2019 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
entity and its security
registry electronically.
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]
An
active
campaign
is
currently
being
undertaken to try and get more shareholders
Yes

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2019

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation
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 FY2019 [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:
(a) review the entity’s risk
management
framework at least
annually to satisfy itself
The Company has a qualified Chief Risk Officer
who oversees the design and implementation of
the
risk
control
program,
monitors
performance
and
develops
appropriate
programs
to
enhance
awareness
and
compliance. These programs include training
foremployees, using both internaland external
Yes

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2019

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation
that it continues to be
sound; and
(b) disclose, in relation to
each reporting period,
whether such a review
has taken place.
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,

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
Yes

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2019

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation
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.
The Sustainability Committee is chaired by
independent non-executive director, Charlie
Sartain whom assists the Board with effective
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 2019
Sustainability Report in June 2019 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)
risks of the Company’s business activities,
and how these are managed.

Yes

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2019

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation
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,
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.
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.
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.
Yes
8.2 A listed entity should
separately disclose its
policies and practices
regarding the remuneration
of non-executive directors
and the remuneration of
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
Yes

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2019

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation
executive directors and
other senior executives.
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.
Structure of remuneration
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 $1.65 million (inclusive of
statutory superannuation) was last approved by
shareholders at the 2018 AGM. 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 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.

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2019

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation
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 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.
Share-based plans
The People Committee is responsible for
reviewing recommendations with respect to
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
Yes

ALS Limited | Corporate Governance Statement 2019

ASX Recommendation ASX Recommendation Statement commentary Compliant with
ASX
Recommendation
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 2019