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INGENIA COMMUNITIES GROUP — Governance Information 2017
Aug 21, 2017
65125_rns_2017-08-21_63be46e4-bfd4-4a01-b38f-499047a5039c.pdf
Governance Information
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Rules 4.7.3 and 4.10.3[1]
Appendix 4G
Key to Disclosures Corporate Governance Council Principles and Recommendations
Name of entity:
INGENIA COMMUNITIES GROUP (COMPRISING INGENIA COMMUNITIES HOLDINGS LIMITED, INGENIA COMMUNITIES MANAGEMENT TRUST AND INGENIA COMMUNITIES FUND)
ABN / ARBN:
154 444 925 / 122 928 410 / 107 459 576
Financial year ended: 30 JUNE 2017
Our corporate governance statement[2] for the above period above can be found at:[3]
☐ These pages of our annual report:
þ This URL on our website: http://www.ingeniacommunities.com.au/about-us/corporate-governance/
The Corporate Governance Statement is accurate and up to date as at 21 August 2017 and has been approved by the board.
The annexure includes a key to where our corporate governance disclosures can be located.
Date:
21 August 2017
Name of Director or Secretary authorising Leanne Ralph lodgement:
1 Under Listing Rule 4.7.3, an entity must lodge with ASX a completed Appendix 4G at the same time as it lodges its annual report with ASX. Listing Rule 4.10.3 requires an entity that is included in the official list as an ASX Listing to include in its annual report either a corporate governance statement that meets the requirements of that rule or the URL of the page on its website where such a statement is located. The corporate governance statement must disclose the extent to which the entity has followed the recommendations set by the ASX Corporate Governance Council during the reporting period. If the entity has not followed a recommendation for any part of the reporting period, its corporate governance statement must separately identify that recommendation and the period during which it was not followed and state its reasons for not following the recommendation and what (if any) alternative governance practices it adopted in lieu of the recommendation during that period.
Under Listing Rule 4.7.4, if an entity chooses to include its corporate governance statement on its website rather than in its annual report, it must lodge a copy of the corporate governance statement with ASX at the same time as it lodges its annual report with ASX. The corporate governance statement must be current as at the effective date specified in that statement for the purposes of rule 4.10.3.
2 “Corporate governance statement” is defined in Listing Rule 19.12 to mean the statement referred to in Listing Rule 4.10.3 which discloses the extent to which an entity has followed the recommendations set by the ASX Corporate Governance Council during a particular reporting period.
3 Mark whichever option is correct and then complete the page number(s) of the annual report, or the URL of the web page, where the entity’s corporate governance statement can be found. You can, if you wish, delete the option which is not applicable.
Throughout this form, where you are given two or more options to select, you can, if you wish, delete any option which is not applicable and just retain the option that is applicable. If you select an option that includes “OR” at the end of the selection and you delete the other options, you can also, if you wish, delete the “OR” at the end of the selection.
Page 1
ANNEXURE – KEY TO CORPORATE GOVERNANCE DISCLOSURES
| Corporate Governance Council recommendation | Corporate Governance Council recommendation | We have followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed … |
We have followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed … |
We have NOT followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed …4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRINCIPLE 1 – LAY SOLID FOUNDATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT AND OVERSIGHT | ||||
| 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 fact that we follow this recommendation: þin our Corporate Governance Statement … and information about the respective roles and responsibilities of our board and management (including those matters expressly reserved to the board and those delegated to management): þin our Board Charter at http://www.ingeniacommunities.com.au/about-us/corporate- governance/ |
☐ an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐ we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
|
| 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. |
… the fact that we follow this recommendation: þ in our Corporate Governance Statement AND þ detailed at 1.2(a) Corporate Governance Statement 1.2(b) All material information relevant to a decision on whether to elect or not elect or re-elect a director is contained in the Company’s AGM notice of Meeting at http://www.ingeniacommunities.com.au/investor-centre/asx- announcements/ |
☐ an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐ we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
|
| 1.3 | A listed entity should have a written agreement with each director and senior executive setting out the terms of their appointment. |
… the fact that we follow this recommendation: þ in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐at [insert location here] |
☐ an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐ we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
|
| 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 fact that we follow this recommendation: þin our Corporate Governance Statement AND þin our Board Charter at http://www.ingeniacommunities.com.au/about-us/corporate- governance/ |
☐ an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐ we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
4 If you have followed all of the Council’s recommendations in full for the whole of the period above, you can, if you wish, delete this column from the form and re-format it.
Page 2
| Corporate Governance Council recommendation | Corporate Governance Council recommendation | We have followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed … |
We have NOT followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed …4 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
… the fact that we have a diversity policy that complies with paragraph (a): þ in our Corporate Governance StatementAND … and a copy of our diversity policy or a summary of it: þ athttp://www.ingeniacommunities.com.au/about-us/corporate- governance/ … and the measurable objectives for achieving gender diversity set by the board or a relevant committee of the board in accordance with our diversity policy and our progress towards achieving them: þ in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐at [insert location here] … and the information referred to in paragraphs (c)(1) or (2): þ in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐at [insert location here] |
☐ an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐ we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
|
| 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. |
… the evaluation process referred to in paragraph (a): þ in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐at [insert location here] … and the information referred to in paragraph (b): þ in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐at [insert location here] |
☐ an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐ we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
Page 3
| Corporate Governance Council recommendation | Corporate Governance Council recommendation | We have followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed … |
We have NOT followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed …4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
… the evaluation process referred to in paragraph (a): þ in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐at [insert location here] … and the information referred to in paragraph (b): þin our Corporate Governance StatementAND þ details of the outcomes of the performance evaluation undertaken during the year for the CEO and senior executives can be found in the Remuneration Report in the Annual Report. Refer http://www.ingeniacommunities.com.au/investor- centre/reports/ |
☐ an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐ we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
Page 4
| Corporate Governance Council recommendation | Corporate Governance Council recommendation | We have followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed … |
We have followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed … |
We have followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed … |
We have NOT followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed …4 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRINCIPLE 2 - STRUCTURE THE BOARD TO ADD VALUE | ||||||
| 2.1 | The board of a listed entity should: (a) have a nomination committee which: (1) has at least three members, a majority of whom are independent directors; and (2) is chaired by an independent director, and disclose: (3) the charter of the committee; (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 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 fact that we have a nomination committee that complies with paragraphs (1) and (2): þin our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐at [insert location here] … and a copy of the charter of the committee: þ athttp://www.ingeniacommunities.com.au/about-us/corporate- governance/ … and the information referred to in paragraphs (4) and (5): þin our Corporate Governance Statement AND þ at 2.1(a)(4) Corporate Governance Statement 2.1(a)(5) Corporate Governance Statement and Directors Report Section of the Annual Report Refer http://www.ingeniacommunities.com.au/investor-centre/reports/ Note : The Committee is a combined Remuneration and Nomination Committee |
☐ an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐ we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
|||
| 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. |
… ou þ ☐ |
r board skills matrix: in our Corporate Governance Statement at [insert location here] |
OR | ☐ an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐ we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
Page 5
| Corporate Governance Council recommendation | Corporate Governance Council recommendation | We have followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed … |
We have followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed … |
We have followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed … |
We have NOT followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed …4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
… the names of the directors considered by the board to be independent directors: þ in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐at [insert location here] … and, where applicable, the information referred to in paragraph (b): Not Applicable … and the length of service of each director: þ in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐at [insert location here] |
☐ an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement |
||
| 2.4 | A majority of the board of a listed entity should be independent directors. |
… the fact that we follow this recommendation: þ in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐at [insert location here] |
☐ an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐ we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
||
| 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 fact that we follow this recommendation: þ in our Corporate Governance StatementOR ☐at [insert location here] |
☐ an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐ we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
||
| 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 fact that we follow this recommendation: þ in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐at [insert location here] |
☐ an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐ we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
||
| 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. |
… ou þ þ |
r code of conduct or a summary of it: in our Corporate Governance Statement AND athttp://www.ingeniacommunities.com.au/about- us/corporate-governance/ |
☐an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement |
Page 6
| Corporate Governance Council recommendation | Corporate Governance Council recommendation | We have followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed … |
We have NOT followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed …4 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 (5) 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. |
[If the entity complies with paragraph (a):] … the fact that we have an audit committee that complies with paragraphs (1) and (2): þin our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐at [insert location here] … and a copy of the charter of the committee: þ athttp://www.ingeniacommunities.com.au/about-us/corporate- governance/ … and the information referred to in paragraphs (4) and (5): þin our Corporate Governance Statement AND þ at 4.1(a)(4) http://www.ingeniacommunities.com.au/about-us/directors- and-senior-management/ 4.1(a)(5) Corporate Governance Statement and Directors Report Section of the Annual Report Refer http://www.ingeniacommunities.com.au/investor-centre/reports/ Note: The Committee is a combined Audit and Risk Committee. |
☐ an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement |
|
| 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. |
… the fact that we follow this recommendation: þ in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐at [insert location here] |
☐ an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement |
Page 7
| Corporate Governance Council recommendation | Corporate Governance Council recommendation | We have followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed … |
We have followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed … |
We have NOT followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed …4 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
… the fact that we follow this recommendation: þ in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐at [insert location here] |
☐ an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐ we are an externally managed entity that does not hold an annual general meeting and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
||
| 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. |
… our continuous disclosure compliance policy or a summary of it: ☐in our Corporate Governance Statement þ athttp://www.ingeniacommunities.com.au/about-us/corporate- governance/ |
☐ an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement |
||
| 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. |
… information about us and our governance on our website: þ athttp://www.ingeniacommunities.com.au/investor-centre/ andhttp://www.ingeniacommunities.com.au/about-us/ |
☐ an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement |
||
| 6.2 | A listed entity should design and implement an investor relations program to facilitate effective two-way communication with investors. |
… the fact that we follow this recommendation: þ in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐at [insert location here] |
☐ an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement |
||
| 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. |
… our policies and processes for facilitating and encouraging participation at meetings of security holders: þ in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐at [insert location here] |
☐ an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐ we are an externally managed entity that does not hold periodic meetings of security holders and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
||
| 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. |
… the fact that we follow this recommendation: þ in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐at [insert location here] |
☐ an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement |
Page 8
| Corporate Governance Council recommendation | Corporate Governance Council recommendation | We have followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed … |
We have NOT followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed …4 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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: (3) the charter of the committee; (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 risk committee or committees that satisfy (a) above, disclose that fact and the processes it employs for overseeing the entity’s risk management framework. |
[If the entity complies with paragraph (a):] … the fact that we have a committee or committees to oversee risk that comply with paragraphs (1) and (2): þin our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐at [insert location here] … and a copy of the charter of the committee: þ athttp://www.ingeniacommunities.com.au/about-us/corporate- governance/ … and the information referred to in paragraphs (4) and (5): þin our Corporate Governance Statement AND þ at 7.1(a)(4) Corporate Governance Statement 7.1(a)(5) Corporate Governance Statement and Directors Report Section of the Annual Report Refer http://www.ingeniacommunities.com.au/investor-centre/reports/ Note: The Committee is a combined Audit and Risk Committee. |
☐ an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement |
|
| 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. |
… the fact that board or a committee of the board reviews the entity’s risk management framework at least annually to satisfy itself that it continues to be sound: þ in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐at [insert location here] … and that such a review has taken place in the reporting period covered by this Appendix 4G: þ in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐at [insert location here] |
☐ an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement |
Page 9
| Corporate Governance Council recommendation | Corporate Governance Council recommendation | We have followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed … |
We have NOT followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed …4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
[If the entity complies with paragraph (a):] … how our internal audit function is structured and what role it performs: þ in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐at [insert location here] |
☐ an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement |
| 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. |
… whether we have any material exposure to economic, environmental and social sustainability risks and, if we do, how we manage or intend to manage those risks: þ in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐at [insert location here] |
☐ an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement |
Page 10
| Corporate Governance Council recommendation | Corporate Governance Council recommendation | We have followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed … |
We have NOT followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed …4 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRINCIPLE 8 – REMUNERATE FAIRLY AND RESPONSIBLY | ||||
| 8.1 | The board of a listed entity should: (a) have a remuneration committee which: (1) has at least three members, a majority of whom are independent directors; and (2) is chaired by an independent director, and disclose: (3) the charter of the committee; (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. |
[If the entity complies with paragraph (a):] … the fact that we have a remuneration committee that complies with paragraphs (1) and (2): þin our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐at [insert location here] … and a copy of the charter of the committee: þ athttp://www.ingeniacommunities.com.au/about-us/corporate- governance/ … and the information referred to in paragraphs (4) and (5): þin our Corporate Governance Statement AND þ at 8.1(a)(4) Corporate Governance Statement 8.1(a)(5) Corporate Governance Statement and Directors Report Section of the Annual Report Refer http://www.ingeniacommunities.com.au/investor-centre/reports/ Note : The Committee is a combined Remuneration and Nomination Committee |
☐ an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐ we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
|
| 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. |
… separately our remuneration policies and practices regarding the remuneration of non-executive directors and the remuneration of executive directors and other senior executives: þ in our Corporate Governance Statement AND þ in the Remuneration Report section of the Annual Report at http://www.ingeniacommunities.com.au/investor-centre/reports/ |
☐ an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐ we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
|
| 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. |
… our policy on this issue or a summary of it: þ in our Corporate Governance Statement AND þ athttp://www.ingeniacommunities.com.au/about-us/corporate- governance/ |
☐ an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐ w e do not have an equity-based remuneration scheme and this recommendation is therefore not applicable OR ☐ we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
Page 11
INGENIA COMMUNITIES GROUP
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT
This statement outlines the main corporate governance practices currently in place for Ingenia Communities Group ( Group or Ingenia ) and addresses the 3rd Edition of the ASX Corporate Governance Council’s Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations ( ASX Recommendations ). The Board believes the Group accords with all of the principles and recommendations of the ASX Corporate Governance Council.
The corporate governance policies and practices described below are those that have been in place for the 2016-17 financial year, or as at the date of this report where indicated. The Board continues to review the governance framework and practices of the Group to ensure they meet the interests of securityholders.
All references to the Group’s website are to: www.ingeniacommunities.com.au
Principle 1: Lay solid foundations for management and oversight
(a) Ingenia Communities Group and its Constitutions
Ingenia Communities Group is a triple stapled structure comprising the parent company, Ingenia Communities Holdings Limited ( ICH ), Ingenia Communities Fund ( ICF ) and Ingenia Communities Management Trust ( ICMT ), (together known as the Group). ICF and ICMT each have their own Constitution (the Constitutions ) both of which have been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission ( ASIC ). The rights and obligations of unitholders are governed by these Constitutions and the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) ( Corporations Act ) . The terms contained in each Constitution are substantially the same.
The responsible entity of ICF and ICMT, Ingenia Communities RE Limited ( ICRE ) is the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence ( AFSL ).
As a result of the stapling, ICH and ICRE operate as a coordinated Group with the boards of both companies having the same composition and the meetings held concurrently where appropriate. References to the ‘Board’ in this statement are references to the boards of ICH and ICRE (as the Responsible Entity of ICF and ICMT), which comprise the same directors.
(b) Compliance Plans
In accordance with the Corporations Act requirement, the Responsible Entity has registered compliance plans for ICF and ICMT with ASIC. The compliance plans describe the procedures that the Responsible Entity will apply in operating ICF and ICMT to ensure compliance with the Corporations Act and the Constitutions of ICF and ICMT.
The Board of the Responsible Entity is responsible for monitoring the Group’s compliance with the compliance plans. Further details are provided under the section on risk management.
(c) Role of the Board
The Board is committed to effectively representing and promoting the Group, and thereby adding long-term value to all securityholders. The Board is accountable to securityholders for the management of the Group’s business and affairs and as such is responsible for the overall strategy, governance and performance of the Group. To clarify the roles and responsibilities of directors and management and to assist the Board in discharging its responsibilities, the Group has established a governance framework at 1(d) below, which sets out the functions reserved to the Board and provides for the delegation of functions to Board Committees and to senior management. The Board operates under a formal charter, which can be found on the Group’s website.
Page 1 of 20
(d) Governance Framework
The diagram below depicts the operation of the Group’s governance framework.
BOARDS OF ICH AND ICRE
-
The Board formally delegates certain functions to its committees and to management via the formal Board and Committee charters. Directly retains responsibility for a number of matters including:
-
Corporate Strategy – Evaluation, approval and monitoring of the strategic and financial plans for the Group.
-
Oversight of Management - Guidance and monitoring of management’s performance, implementation of strategy, appointment and replacement of the CEO, executive succession planning, performance monitoring and remuneration of the CEO and senior management.
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Oversight of Financial Management – Review and approval of annual operating budgets and financial reports of the Group, evaluati on and approval of all decisions concerning major capital expenditure of the Group.
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Oversight of Capital Management – Approval of changes to the Group’s capital structure, Distribution Policy determination and approval of dividend payments pursuant to that policy and approval of the establishment and issue of any equity rights via incentive plans.
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Board Composition and Structure – Review composition of the Board, succession plans, conducting annual performance reviews and assess establishment, composition and effectiveness of Board committees.
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Compliance and Risk Management – Monitoring of strategic risk management systems and the integrity of internal control and reporting systems.
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Investor Communications – Approval of material reporting and other external communications by the Group, reviewal of policies and procedures to ensure compliance with ASX continuous disclosure requirements.
-
Ethics and Responsible Decision-Making – Actively promoting ethical and responsible decision making and monitoring compliance with policies governing the operation of the Group.
==> picture [414 x 329] intentionally omitted <==
----- Start of picture text -----
Remuneration and Nomination
Audit and Risk Committee Committee Investment Committee
Key functions are to oversee and review: Key functions are to review and make Key functions are to review and make
recommendations on: recommendations on:
• The integrity of the Group’s external
financial reporting and financial • Executive remuneration and • Investment and capital
statements; incentive policy; management;
• The and appointment, competence independence of Ingenia’ s • Level of remuneration for non executive directors; • Asset portfolio construction;
external auditors; • Investment returns and the cost of
• The effectiveness of Ingenia’ s • Design of all equity based plans; capital;
system of risk management and • Board size and composition; • Investment risk;
internal controls;
• Ingenia’s systems and procedures • Criteria for Board membership; and • Acquisition strategy; and
for compliance with applicable legal • Debt portfolio construction and
and regulatory requirements; and • Appointment, re-elections and management; and
• Ensuring the Group maintains succession of directors and key • Acquisition and divestments.
management personnel.
appropriate insurance.
CEO & Other Senior Executives
Executive Risk Management Committee
Key function:
• Overseeing the Group’s risk culture and framework
Executive Investment Committee
Key function:
• Review the Group’s investment in assets and make recommendations to the Investment Committee
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(e) Role of the Board of the Responsible Entity
As the Responsible Entity, the Board of ICRE has additional responsibilities for the operation of ICF and ICMT. The Responsible Entity must exercise its powers and perform the obligations conferred on it under the Constitutions and the Corporations Act and ensure that the activities of the Group are conducted in a proper and efficient manner in the best interests of unitholders. The Responsible Entity must also ensure compliance with the conditions of the AFSL and approve and monitor compliance with compliance plans.
(f) Board Committees
The ultimate responsibility for the oversight of the operations of the Group rests with the Board. However, the Board may discharge any of its responsibilities through committees of the Board in accordance with the Constitutions and the Corporations Act.
The Board has established the below listed standing committees to assist in the execution of its responsibilities. The composition and effectiveness of the committees are reviewed on an annual basis:
-
Audit and Risk Committee;
-
Remuneration and Nomination Committee; and
-
Investment Committee.
Each committee operates in accordance with specific charters approved by the Board, the charters of which can be found on the Group’s website.
The applicable composition requirements and current membership of each of the Board Committees are set out below:
| Board Committee |
Composition Requirements | Membership |
|---|---|---|
| Audit and Risk Committee |
At least three members, all non-executive and the majority of whom are independent. The Chairman should be a non-executive director, who is not the Chairman of the Board. One member must also have financial expertise. |
Ms Amanda Heyworth (Chair); Mr Robert Morrison; and Ms Valerie Lyons. |
| Remuneration and Nomination Committee |
At least three members, the majority of whom are non-executive and independent. The Chairman should be an independent non- executive director. |
Mr Philip Clark AM (Chair); Ms Amanda Heyworth; and Ms Valerie Lyons. |
| Investment Committee |
At least three members, all non-executive and the majority of whom are independent. The Chairman should be independent and not Chairman of the Board. |
Mr Robert Morrison (Chair); Mr Jim Hazel; and Ms Valerie Lyons. |
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The number of scheduled Board and Committee meetings held during the year and the number of meetings attended by each of the directors is set out in the table below. The attendance noted for Committee meetings are for directors that are members of that Committee. All directors are invited and eligible to attend any committee meeting:
| Board | Investment Committee |
Audit & Risk Committee |
Remuneration & Nomination Committee |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A B A B A B A B |
||||
| Jim Hazel 14 13 4 4 - - - - Philip Clark AM 14 13 - - - - 5 5 Amanda Heyworth 14 14 - - 7 7 5 5 Robert Morrison 14 14 4 4 7 7 - - Norah Barlow1 7 7 2 2 3 2 2 2 Simon Owen 14 13 - - - - - - Valerie Lyons2 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 |
A : Meetings eligible to attend B : Meetings attended
1 Resigned 15 November 2016
2 Appointed 1 March 2017
(g) Executive Committees
The Group has established two executive committees:
-
Executive Risk Management Committee ( RMC ); and
-
Executive Investment Committee ( IC ).
The RMC is an executive committee, established to assist the Audit and Risk Committee in fulfilling its risk responsibilities. The RMC is responsible for overseeing the Group’s risk culture and framework which includes:
-
Review of the effectiveness of the design and implementation of the risk framework,
-
Understanding the business’ risk appetite,
-
Assessing methodologies, monitoring and reporting processes; and
-
Evaluation of lessons learned when a variation is experienced.
The RMC meets monthly, or as necessary, with a minimum of four meetings per year. The RMC reports the proceedings of the committee to the Audit and Risk Committee at their next meeting.
The RMC consists of senior executives.
The executive IC has been established to review investment in assets and make recommendations to the board Investment Committee. The IC is responsible for assessing proposed acquisitions, development and divestment of assets in accordance with investment strategies.
The IC meets as required to assess new projects or investment decisions or to review the performance of assets post-acquisition.
The IC consists of senior executives.
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(h) Senior Executives
The Board delegates the responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Company and implementation of the strategic plan to the Chief Executive Officer ( CEO ), who is assisted by the senior executives who report to him.
The CEO consults with the Chairman on any matters the CEO considers are of such a sensitive, extraordinary or strategic nature as to warrant the attention of the Board, regardless of value. The authorisation thresholds for the control of expenditure and capital commitments are established and defined in the Company’s Delegations and Authorities Policy, which is set to optimise the function and decision-making of the executive team as the Group continues to grow and expand, whilst maintaining appropriate oversight by the Board.
Subject to these policy limits and the directions of the Audit and Risk Committee, the CEO may sub-delegate the day-to-day running of the Group to the senior executive team. The exercise of delegated authority is restricted to specific organisational functions and roles.
The Delegations and Authorities Policy details the delegated thresholds for various types of commitment and individual positions, as well as the authorisation processes required to be followed.
All senior executives are appointed to their positions after a rigorous recruitment process. Each member of the senior executive team, including the CEO, is employed pursuant to an employment contract, which covers a range of matters including their duties, rights, responsibilities and any entitlements on termination. Each contract refers to a specific formal job description. Each contract sets out the remuneration of the executive, including their entitlements to any rights under incentive plans.
(i) Performance of Senior Executives
The evaluation for all executives is based on specific criteria, including the business performance of the Group, whether strategic objectives are being achieved, and the development of management and personnel.
The Board formally assesses the CEO’s performance on an annual basis. All key performance indicators ( KPIs ) are carefully considered by the Remuneration and Nomination Committee, which evaluates the CEO’s performance and makes recommendations to the Board.
An annual assessment of the performance of all other senior executives is undertaken by the Board on the basis of recommendations by the CEO, who conducts performance reviews in relation to each senior executive.
A performance evaluation for all senior executives, including the CEO, was undertaken in the reporting period in accordance with the process disclosed above.
Further information on directors' and executives' remuneration, including principles used to determine remuneration, is set out in the Annual Report under the heading 'Remuneration Report'.
(j) The Company Secretary
The Company Secretary acts as secretary of the Board, attending all meetings of the Board and its committees. The Company Secretary is accountable to the Board through the Chairman on all corporate governance matters.
Page 5 of 20
Principle 2: Structure the Board to add value
(a) Board Size and Composition
The Constitution of the Group provides there will be a minimum of three directors and not more than ten directors.
At the date of this report, the Board comprises five non-executive directors and one executive director. The Boards of ICH and ICRE have the same directors.
The current members of the Board are:
-
Mr Jim Hazel (Chairman), (appointed 1 March 2012)
-
Ms Amanda Heyworth (Non-executive Director), (appointed 16 April 2012)
-
Mr Philip Clark (Non-executive Director), (appointed 4 June 2012)
-
Mr Robert Morrison (Non-executive Director), (appointed 8 February 2013)
-
Mr Simon Owen (Managing Director and CEO), (appointed 24 November 2011)
-
Ms Valerie Lyons (Non-executive Director), (appointed 1 March 2017)
(b) Board skills and diversity
The Board considers that its directors and senior management have the combined skills and experience to discharge their respective responsibilities.
The full biographies of all directors are included in the Director’s Report in the Annual Report, including details of other listed entity directorships and relevant experience. Below is a summary of skills possessed by directors supporting the assessments in the skills matrix information disclosed further in this Statement.
Mr Hazel has had an extensive corporate career in both the banking and retirement sectors. As chairman of the board, he brings his skills as a highly experienced director, with current listed company directorships including Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited and Centrex Metals Limited. He also serves on the Boards of Coopers Brewery Limited and the University of South Australia. He has a high level of skill in the areas of strategy, finance and treasury, capital markets merger and acquisition experience, ASX governance and industry experience.
Mr Owen has significant industry experience, as the immediate past National President of the Retirement Villages Association (now part of the Retirement Living Council), the peak industry advocacy group for the owners, operators, developers and managers of retirement communities in Australia, a role he held for four years. Mr Owen also brings other valuable skills to the Board with over 20 years experience working in ASX listed groups with roles across finance, funds management, mergers and acquisitions, business development, sales and marketing. Mr Owen is a qualified accountant (CPA) with postgraduate diplomas in finance and investment and advanced accounting.
The Board collectively has a deep knowledge and understanding of finance, capital markets and funds management. Mr Morrison has extensive experience in property investment, property development, portfolio management, capital raisings as well as institutional funds management. Mr Morrison’s investment experience includes senior portfolio management roles where he managed both listed and unlisted property funds on behalf of institutional investors.
Page 6 of 20
Ms Heyworth has particular strengths in strategy, managing growth and marketing having worked as a venture capital investor for over a decade and been involved in numerous product launches. She holds a MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management’s MBA program and has taught strategy and marketing for the AGSM in both Australia and Hong Kong. Ms Heyworth has strong finance and accounting credentials. She has been involved in over 40 capital raisings and M&A transactions and holds a BA (Accounting) with a major in finance from the University of South Australia and has post graduate qualifications in accounting and finance. She is now a professional company director and in the past has worked as a Federal Treasury economist and held management roles in the finance and technology sectors
Mr Clark also holds a MBA and possesses broad legal and corporate experience. Mr Clark worked at Minter Ellison for 10 years and during that time was Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining Minter Ellison, Mr Clark was Director and Head of Corporate with ABN Amro Australia and a Managing Partner with Mallesons Stephen Jaques for 16 years. Mr Clark’s other qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Law.
Mr Clark has a high level of skill in strategy, finance, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, legal compliance, ASX governance, government relations and public policy, and corporate history.
Ms Lyons has considerable industry experience in her current and past roles as CEO and CFO in well regarded seniors and disability service organisations including Uniting AgeWell, Villa Maria and Southern Cross Care (Vic). Ms Lyons has lead innovative and successful property developments in residential and retirement living, both multilevel and multi service streams. Ms Lyons has strong finance and accounting skills, holding a Bachelor of Business Studies majoring in Accounting.
The table following sets out the skills and experience considered by the Board to be important for its directors to collectively possess in order for it to effectively discharge its duties. This information presented has been taken from the Board’s current skills matrix that was reviewed and updated during the 2016-17 financial year.
The Board, via the use of its skills matrix, has assessed the relevant level of each competency on the Board and although collectively some competencies and skills have a higher expertise or skill level than others, the Board is of the opinion that collectively it has an adequate skill level for all competencies to discharge its duties.
In addition to the skills and experience set out in diagram below, the Board considers that each director has the following attributes:
-
Honesty and integrity;
-
The ability to think strategically;
-
The time available to devote to Ingenia’s business;
-
A willingness to question and challenge; and
-
A commitment to the highest standards of governance.
All directors are expected to use their range of relevant skills, knowledge and experience to apply their judgement to all matters discussed at Board meetings.
Page 7 of 20
| SKILL | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Strategy | Ability to think strategically and identify and critically assess opportunities and threats and develop effective strategies in the context of changing market conditions, including disruptions and innovations. |
| Finance and Treasury | The ability to analyse financial statements and reporting, critically assess the financial performance of the group, contribute to budget planning and efficient use of capital and resources. Familiarity with Accounting Standards. |
| Operations | A broad range of commercial and business experience in business systems, practices, improvements, risk and compliance, sales, technology and human resources. |
| Sales, marketing, communications and customer service |
Clear understanding of developing and implementing brand strategy, recruiting, running and incentivising sales teams, setting sales budgets and targets and getting brand “cut-through”, marketing / communications experience. |
| Capital markets | Expertise in efficient capital management, investment banking, capital raisings, corporate advisory, including alternative capital sources and distributions, yields and markets. |
| Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) |
Experience in all aspects of the negotiation, structuring, risk management and assessment of both acquisitions and divestments at corporate and property levels. |
| Real Estate: including acquisition, disposal management and development |
Expertise in the analysis of development feasibility and assessment, strategies for optimising value and understanding and mitigating risk from development opportunities. |
| People and performance |
HR planning and management experience with familiarity in employment legislation and labour relations, recruitment, compensation, performance reviews and conflict management. |
| Legal and compliance | Ability to identify key risks to the group in a wide range of areas including legal and regulatory compliance and monitor risk and compliance management frameworks and systems. |
| ASX governance | Knowledge and experience in best practice ASX and Corporations Act, governance structures, policies and processes. |
Page 8 of 20
| SKILL | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Government relations and public policy |
Expertise in the critical analysis of government/public policy both in terms of policy development, interest group input and lobbying and legislation. Effective networks. |
| Corporate history | The Board has a good understanding of recent corporate background including organisational structure, litigation, key contracts and relationships, performance and capital structures. |
| Workplace Health & Safety, Environmental & Sustainability |
Experience with workplace health and safety, environmental and sustainability. |
| Industry experience – retirement living |
Experience and broad understanding of the retirement living industry including market drivers, risks and trends including policies, competitors, end users, regulatory policy and framework. |
| Industry experience - tourism |
Experience and broad understanding of the tourism market including market drivers, risks and trends including policies, competitors, end users, regulatory policy and framework. |
| Technology | Expertise in the area of technology projects and keeping abreast of emerging technology relevant to the Group, cyber security, social media, digital marketing. |
| Diversity | Board composition comprising different industry backgrounds, experiences, gender, age etc |
The chart below illustrates the extent to which the current board fulfils each of the identified required skills of the board. These percentages are extracted directly from the board skills matrix, where directors are rated on their level of competence in each identified skill.
Page 9 of 20
==> picture [573 x 309] intentionally omitted <==
----- Start of picture text -----
Board Skills Summary
Strategy
Finance and Treasury
Operations
Sales, Marketing, Communications & Customer Service
Capital Markets
Mergers and Acquisitions
Real Estate
People and Performance
Legal and Compliance
ASX Governance
Government Relations & Public Policy
Corporate History
Workplace Health & Safety, Environmental &Sustainability
Industry experience - Retirement Living
Industry experience - Tourism
Technology
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120%
----- End of picture text -----
Whilst the current Board composition meets the Group’s needs, this skills and experience analysis will assist to identify opportunities for director training and development and to determine skills gaps that may be addressed through future board appointments.
One area that is becoming increasingly important within the Group is tourism and this particular skill is being actively considered as a potential director skill requirement in the next appointee.
External advisors are also engaged where required to supplement the collective skillset of the
board.
The Board’s tenure and diversity are depicted in the diagrams following. The board promotes diversity in line with its policy and is a consideration when making board appointments.
==> picture [573 x 141] intentionally omitted <==
----- Start of picture text -----
Tenure Gender
0-2 years
Male
2-4 years
Female
4 +
----- End of picture text -----
Page 10 of 20
(c) Director Appointments
Pursuant to its charter, the Remuneration and Nomination Committee reviews, and where appropriate, makes recommendations to the Board on the size and composition of the Board, including assessment of necessary and desirable competencies of Board members. To this end, the Remuneration and Nomination Committee periodically assess the appropriate mix of competencies, skills, experience and expertise required by the Board and assess the extent to which the required skills and experience are represented on the Board.
The Remuneration and Nomination Committee is also responsible for reviewing and making recommendations to the Board on its membership, including recommendations for the appointment and re-election of directors and where necessary, proposing candidates for consideration by the Board. The Remuneration and Nomination Committee must have regard to the factors set out in the Remuneration and Nomination Committee Charter, including that the Board should comprise directors with a broad range of skills, expertise and experience from a diverse range of backgrounds in accordance with the Diversity Policy.
Ultimately, the full Board determines who is invited to fill a casual vacancy after extensive one-on-one and collective interviews with candidates and thorough due diligence and reference checks.
The Remuneration and Nomination Committee’s current membership is set out earlier in this statement and the independence of the members is discussed below.
(d) Terms of Appointment
Non-executive directors are appointed pursuant to formal letters of appointment which, among other things, set out the key terms and conditions of their appointment, the Board’s expectations in relation to the performance of the director, procedures for dealing with a director’s potential conflict of interest and the disclosure obligations of the director, together with the details of the director’s remuneration.
Non-executive director remuneration is reviewed on an annual basis pursuant to advice from an external remuneration consultant. Non-executive directors are not entitled to participate in any executive incentive plan.
A director induction program has been designed and directors are expected to participate in this induction and orientation program on their appointment, including site visits.
(e) Directors’ Independence
The Board considers that it is able to exercise its judgement in an independent and unfettered manner and provide independent and effective oversight of management.
All members of the Board, whether independent directors or not, exercise independent judgement in making decisions in the best interests of the Group as a whole.
In determining the independent status of each director, the Board has adopted the approach contained in ASX Principle 2, and specifically assesses the independence of all directors against the criteria outlined in Box 2.3 of the ASX Recommendations.
The Group does not use prescribed or pre-determined materiality thresholds for the purposes of assessing director independence but instead assesses independence on a case by case basis, having regard to the extent to which any relevant relationship or connection may materially interfere with the director’s ability to exercise unfettered and independent judgement in the discharge of their responsibilities and duties.
Mr Jim Hazel, Ms Amanda Heyworth, Mr Philip Clark, Mr Robert Morrison and Ms Valerie Lyons are considered by the Board to be independent. Given the executive position held by Mr Owen, he is considered to be non-independent based on the criteria in Principle 2 of the ASX Recommendations.
Page 11 of 20
(f) Directors’ Interests
Directors are required to keep the Board advised of any interest that might be in conflict with those of the Group, and restrictions are applied to directors’ rights to participate in discussion and to vote, as circumstances dictate when a conflict has been identified. In particular, where a potential conflict of interest may exist, directors concerned may be required to leave the Board meeting while the matter is considered in their absence.
The Group has also entered into a Deed of Disclosure with each director, which is designed to facilitate the Group’s compliance with its obligations under the ASX Listing Rules relating to disclosure of changes in directors’ interests in Ingenia securities. Directors and their nominated related party securityholdings, are also monitored to identify changes that may require urgent disclosure.
Standing items at each Board meeting include:
-
Director’s Securityholding Register; and
-
Director’s Standing Notice Register.
(g) Chairman
One individual does not occupy the role of Chairman and CEO. The Board has agreed it should continue to have a majority of independent non-executive directors, that the positions of Chairman and CEO must be separate, and that the Chairman should be an independent non-executive director.
Mr Jim Hazel was appointed Chairman of the Group on 1 March 2012 and is considered an independent director in accordance with recommendation 2.5 of the ASX Recommendations.
(h) Board Meetings
The Board typically schedules approximately nine meetings per year, with additional meetings convened as required. Agendas for each meeting are prepared by the Company Secretary, together with input from the CEO and Chairman, and are distributed prior to the meeting with supporting papers.
Standing items include the CEO’s Report, Financial Report and Workplace Health and Safety updates as well as reports addressing matters of strategy, governance and compliance. Senior executives are directly involved in Board discussions, and directors have a number of further opportunities to contact a wider group of employees, including visits to parks owned by the Group.
(i) Independent Advice
The Board has a policy of enabling directors to seek independent professional advice for Group related matters at the Group’s expense, subject to the prior notification of the Chairman and where the estimated costs are considered to be reasonable.
(j) Board and Director Performance
The Board is committed to enhancing its effectiveness through performance management and review. The Board review process is designed to help enhance performance by providing a mechanism to raise and resolve issues and to provide recommendations to enhance its effectiveness.
In June 2017, the Board conducted a formal, structured evaluation that involved each director completing a confidential questionnaire covering the role, composition, processes and the carrying out of its responsibilities. The results of the questionnaire and an analysis of these results were reported to the Board by the Company Secretary. A similar evaluation process was also undertaken by each of the Board committees in June 2016.
Page 12 of 20
Results of the evaluations consistently indicate that the perception of the role, the composition, function, procedures, working style, behaviours and administration of the Board are highly effective and that the Board and each of the committees are performing well.
In relation to the Board, the evaluation identified that the high quality of interaction between directors, the relationship between the Board and management and the Board’s strong understanding of the business were key factors in its effective function.
The established evaluation process continues to identify strengths, improvements and areas for increased focus.
Principle 3: Act Ethically and Responsibly
(a) Code of Conduct and Ethical Behaviour
The Board acknowledges the need for high standards of corporate governance practice and ethical conduct by all directors and employees of the Group.
The Board has endorsed a Code of Conduct which outlines acceptable behaviour and attitudes expected from all staff to promote and maintain the confidence and trust of all those dealing with the Group.
The Group’s Code of Conduct, which may be viewed on the Group’s website, is the subject of periodic review to ensure that it covers all relevant issues and sets standards consistent with the Group’s commitment to ethical and responsible behaviors.
Various measures have been established to ensure all staff members observe a high standard of ethical business behaviour. Policies and procedures to assist this include:
-
Managing conflicts of interests;
-
Personal security trading;
-
Whistleblower procedures;
-
Acceptance of gifts and entertainment as part of the Gifts, Entertainment and Antibribery Policy; and
-
Handling confidential information.
In addition to their obligations under the Corporations Act in relation to inside information, all directors, employees and consultants have a duty of confidentiality to the Group in relation to confidential information they possess.
(b) Employee and Director Trading in Ingenia Communities Group Securities
In accordance with ASX Listing Rule 12.9, the Group has a Personal Trading Policy that governs the ability of directors, employees and contractors to trade in the Group’s securities. Subject to necessary prior written consents being obtained, the Group’s directors, executives and employees may trade in the Group’s securities at any time outside closed periods, which cover the following:
-
1 January until the day after the release of half yearly results;
-
1 July until the day after the release of annual results; or
-
Any other period determined by the Board.
Page 13 of 20
Directors, employees and contractors may, in exceptional circumstances as defined in the policy, trade during a closed period but only with the prior written consent of the Chairman for directors, a non executive director for the Chairman and the Compliance Manager for employees and contractors. Notwithstanding the closed periods and approval requirements, a person is prohibited from trading at any time if they possess material, price-sensitive information about the Group that is not generally available to the public.
The policy also prohibits short term trading, margin lending, short selling and hedging of the Group’s securities.
The Group’s Personal Trading Policy may be viewed on the Group’s website.
(c) Diversity
A formal diversity policy has been adopted by the Board that outlines the Group’s commitment to diversity in the workplace and the provision of a work environment that is free from discrimination and promotes equal opportunity for all. Ingenia promotes an inclusive workplace where employee differences in areas like gender, age, culture, disability and lifestyle choice are valued. The unique skills, perspectives and experience the Group’s employees bring, encourage creativity and innovation in thought and better represent Ingenia’s diverse customer base, ultimately driving improved business performance.
The policy includes the following specific gender diversity targets:
• Board: 30% female; and
- Executive Committee: 30% female.
As at the date of this report, both of these gender diversity targets have been met.
The Group has always had a policy of actively encouraging gender diversity at all levels in the organisation and a culture that supports workplace diversity. This is evidenced by:
-
The proportion of female directors: 33%
-
The proportion of female employees on the executive committee: 60%
-
The proportion of female employees in the whole organisation: 69%
-
The proportion of female employees in senior positions: 28%
In accordance with the requirements of the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012, the Group has lodged its 2017 Annual Report with the Workplace Gender Equality Agency.
Principle 4: Safeguard integrity in corporate reporting
The Audit and Risk Committee is responsible for assisting the Board in discharging its responsibilities to safeguard the integrity of the Group’s financial reporting and the system of internal control. A key component of the committee’s role is to provide appropriate advice and recommendations to the Board to assist the Board to fulfil its responsibilities in regard to financial reporting, the internal control environment, and audit management where appropriate across the Group.
The Audit and Risk Committee Charter, which is available on the Group website, takes into account the roles and responsibilities of the Audit and Risk Committee as well as contemporary governance practices. The Audit and Risk Committee Charter includes details on the appointment and oversight of the external auditor. The Group will ensure the external auditor is available to securityholders at the Annual General Meeting to answer any questions about the Group’s external audit.
Page 14 of 20
The Audit and Risk Committee’s current membership, the independence of the members and details of Audit and Risk Committee meetings and attendance by each Committee member are set out earlier in this Statement and the Directors’ Report in the Annual Report.
The qualifications and experience of the members of the Audit and Risk Committee are outlined in the Directors Report in the Annual Report and earlier in this Statement where skills of each of the Directors is addressed.
In accordance with section 295A of the Corporations Act and Recommendation 4.2 of the ASX Recommendations, before it approves the entity’s financial statements for a financial period, the Board receives 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.
Principle 5: Make timely and balance disclosure
The Group is committed to complying with its continuous disclosure obligations under the ASX Listing Rules and Corporations Act and to ensuring that its securityholders are kept wellinformed of all major developments affecting the Group’s state of affairs, in order to promote transparency and investor confidence.
The Group has a Continuous Disclosure Policy that incorporates the continuous disclosure framework, as set out in the ASX Listing Rules Chapter 3, as well as the revised ASX Listing Rules Guidance Note 8. This policy is available on the Group’s website.
The Continuous Disclosure Policy creates a framework for compliance with relevant disclosure obligations and establishes the accountability of the Board for achieving compliance. More specifically the policy:
-
Explains the Group’s obligations under ASX Listing Rule 3.1 and the Corporations Act 2001;
-
Establishes internal processes for reporting of information considered to be potentially price-sensitive and for consideration of information reported by the Board;
-
Establishes processes for the disclosure of price sensitive information, taking into account the clarification provided by ASX Guidance Note 8;
-
Establishes internal processes for briefing of analysts, investor and media groups, responding to market speculation, leaks and rumours and calling trading halts where appropriate to avoid trading occurring in an uninformed market;
-
Outlines authorisation procedures for ASX announcements; and
-
Delegates to the Company Secretary the authority to release information or make disclosures to the ASX and responsibility for decisions regarding price sensitive information, coordinating disclosures, establishing and monitoring procedures under this policy and making recommendations to the Board on any necessary updates to the policy.
Principle 6: Respect the rights of securityholders
The Board aims to ensure that its securityholders are kept well-informed of all major developments and business events that are likely to materially affect the Group’s operations and financial standing, and the market price of its securities. Information is communicated to securityholders through:
Page 15 of 20
-
The engagement of a full-time Group Investor Relations Manager;
-
The Group’s website under the Investor Centre and About Us tabs;
-
Annual and half year financial reports lodged with the ASX and made available to all securityholders;
-
Announcement of market-sensitive and other information, including annual and half year results announcements and analyst presentations released to the ASX; and
-
The Chairman and CEO’s addresses to, and the results of, the Annual General Meeting.
The Group’s website contains a large amount of information for investors and is all contained in the Investor Centre and About Us tabs.
-
I. The following information for investors is located under the Investor Centre tab:
-
Share Price details;
-
ASX releases;
-
Securityholder reports;
-
Analyst presentations;
-
Contact details (including email addresses for both the investor relations contact and the share registry);
-
Share registry information and contact details;
-
Dividend information (including taxation details);
-
Frequently asked questions; and
-
An events schedule.
-
II. The following information for investors is located under the About Us tab:
-
General information about the Group and its activities;
-
Strategy and vision details;
-
Details of the Board of Directors and management; and
-
Corporate governance information, including charters and policies.
The Group has a Continuous Disclosure Policy that includes a formal procedure for dealing with potentially price-sensitive information. The policy sets out how the Group meets its disclosure obligations under ASX Listing Rule 3.1. The Group’s policy is to lodge with the ASX and place on its website all market-sensitive information, including annual and half year results announcements and analyst presentations, as soon as practically possible.
The Group produces two sets of financial information each financial year: the half year financial report for the six months ended 31 December and the annual financial report for the year ended 30 June. Both are made available to securityholders and other interested parties via the Group website and the ASX.
Securityholders have the right, and are encouraged, to attend the Group’s Annual General Meeting, held in November each year, and are provided with explanatory notes on the resolutions proposed through the notice of meeting. A copy of the notice of meeting is also posted on the Group website and lodged with the ASX.
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In addition, a document is enclosed with the notice of meeting to invite securityholders to submit questions of the Board, auditors or management, which are addressed at the Annual General Meeting.
Securityholders are encouraged to vote on all resolutions and unless specifically stated otherwise in the notice of meeting, all securityholders are eligible to vote on all resolutions. Securityholders who cannot attend the Annual General Meeting may lodge a proxy in accordance with the Corporations Act. Proxy forms may be lodged with the share registry by mail, hand delivery, facsimile or electronically.
Transcripts of the Chairman and CEO’s reports to securityholders are also released to the ASX upon the commencement of the Annual General Meeting. These transcripts, together with the results of the meeting are also posted on the Group’s website and the ASX.
The Group has a communications plan and an investor relations calendar providing information of key dates impacting securityholders, analyst briefings and conferences. These are available on the Group website.
All securityholders are provided the option to receive communications from the Group and the share registry electronically (and are encouraged to do so, with election documentation included in regular mail outs to securityholders).
Principle 7: Recognise and manage risk
The Board is responsible for ensuring that a sound risk management framework and policies are in place. The Board has delegated to the Audit and Risk Committee the responsibility for identifying and overseeing major risks and ensuring that systems are in place to manage them.
In addition, the Audit and Risk Committee:
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Identifies and assesses the Group’s material business risks;
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Regularly reviews and updates the Group’s risk profile; and
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Oversees the risk management policies and systems.
The Audit and Risk Committee’s current membership and the independence of the members are set out earlier in this Corporate Governance Statement. Details of Audit and Risk Committee meetings and attendance by each Committee member are outlined earlier in this statement and also in the Directors’ Report contained in the Annual Report.
The Group’s risk management framework is integrated with its day-to-day business processes and functional responsibilities, and is supported by a dedicated compliance officer.
The compliance officer has been appointed under the rules of the compliance plans of ICF and ICMT. The compliance officer is responsible for ensuring adequate internal systems and controls have been implemented to ensure compliance with the Corporations Act, ICF and ICMT’s Constitutions, the Responsible Entity's AFSL, and internal and industry standards. These duties include promoting a strong compliance culture within the organisation and to external service providers.
The compliance officer is primarily responsible for reviewing compliance on an ongoing basis; reporting on compliance matters, including breaches, to the Audit and Risk Committee; and acting on recommendations of the Audit and Risk Committee. Matters are escalated to the ICRE Board or ASIC when necessary.
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The compliance officer has direct access to the Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee to ensure the compliance officer is well placed to adequately deal with compliance issues. Management, via the compliance officer, is required to assess risk management and associated internal compliance and control procedures, and is required to report back quarterly to the Audit and Risk Committee as to whether those risks are being managed effectively. The compliance officer prepares a quarterly risk and compliance report for review and consideration by the Board.
(a) Compliance Plans
ICF and ICMT both have formal compliance plans that have been adopted by the Board and lodged with ASIC. The purpose of each compliance plan is to set out key processes and systems and measures the Responsible Entity will apply to ensure compliance with:
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The Corporations Act;
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The Constitutions of ICF and ICMT;
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Industry practice standards relevant to the particular scheme; and
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Internal policies and procedures.
Each compliance plan is a ‘how to’ document and has been prepared following a structured and systematic process to consider the Responsible Entity’s key obligations under the Corporations Act, and the Constitutions; the risk of non-compliance; and measures required to meet the risks of non-compliance.
Each compliance plan describes the key obligations that must be met by the Responsible Entity, and how compliance with these measures will be monitored. In addition, the compliance plans detail the risk of not complying with these obligations, and how breaches are to be reported and addressed.
(b) Internal Audit
The Group does not have an internal audit function but does have a Compliance Officer whose responsibilities are outlined above. In addition, the structure of the Group requires the following additional external audits:
I. Compliance plan audit
The external auditors conduct annual audits on the compliance plans and report on:
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Whether the Responsible Entity has complied with the compliance plans of the Trusts for the financial year end; and
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Whether the compliance plans continue to meet the requirements of Part 5C.4 of the Corporations Act as at year-end.
II. Australian Financial Services Licence audit
The external auditor conducts the AFSL audit annually. The auditor reports on the following:
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Whether the Responsible Entity has complied with the specified provisions of Part 7.8 of the Corporations Act;
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Whether the Responsible Entity has complied with sections 981B and 982B of the Act (relating to the control and operation of trust accounts);
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Whether the Responsible Entity has complied with specific AFSL conditions relating to financial requirements, including internal procedures used by the Licensee to comply with the financial requirements under the licence; and
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- Whether the cash projections meet the cash need requirement conditions of the AFSL.
III. ASIC
ASIC may undertake a review of the Responsible Entity’s risk and compliance processes and systems at any time.
(c) Risk Management Committee (RMC)
The RMC is an executive committee established to assist the Audit and Risk Committee in fulfilling its risk responsibilities. The RMC is responsible for overseeing the Ingenia risk culture and framework. Details of this committee are outlined in section 1(f) of this statement.
(d) Economic, environmental and social sustainability risks
In accordance with Recommendation 7.4, the Audit and Risk Committee has considered whether the Group has any material exposure to economic, environmental and social sustainability risks and determined there is no material exposure to these risks.
Principle 8: Remunerate fairly and responsibly
The Board has established a Remuneration and Nomination Committee, which in accordance with its Charter (available on the Group’s website), is responsible for reviewing and making recommendations to the Board in respect of:
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Executive remuneration;
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Executive incentive plans;
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Remuneration of the Group’s key management personnel;
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Equity based incentive plans;
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Recruitment, retention, performance measurement and termination policies and procedures for non-executive directors, the CEO and any other executive director and all senior executives reporting directly to the CEO; and
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The disclosure of remuneration in the Group’s Annual Report.
The current membership of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee and the independence of the members are set out earlier in this Corporate Governance Statement. Details of Remuneration and Nomination Committee meetings and attendance by each Committee member are outlined in this Statement and in the Directors’ Report contained in the Annual Report.
The Company distinguishes between the structure of non-executive directors’ remuneration and that of executive directors and senior executives.
Ingenia rewards executives with a combination of fixed, performance-based and equity-based incentives.
The Group’s Remuneration Policy aims to ensure that remuneration packages properly reflect the person’s duties and responsibilities and that the remuneration is competitive in attracting, retaining and motivating people of suitable quality.
The structure of remuneration is designed to attract suitably qualified candidates, reward the achievement of strategic objectives, and achieve the broader outcome of long-term value creation for securityholders. The remuneration structures take into account a range of factors, including the following:
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Capability, skills and experience;
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Ability to impact achievement of the strategic objectives of the Group;
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Performance of the KMP in their roles;
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The Group’s overall performance;
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Remuneration levels being paid by competitors for similar positions; and
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The need to ensure continuity of executive talent.
Refer to the Remuneration Report, contained in the Annual Report, for detail of the mechanisms in place, which link the remuneration outcomes to individual and the Group’s performance.
In relation to ASX Recommendation 8.3, the Company’s Security Trading Policy prohibits employee shareholders (which includes those that have obtained shares via the equity-based remuneration scheme) short-term trading, margin lending, short selling and hedging of the Company’s securities.
Non-executive directors receive Board fees that are set having regard to the responsibilities and risks of the role and market competitiveness. To create alignment between nonexecutive directors and securityholders, non-executive directors are encouraged to hold INA securities and a policy has been implemented that places a minimum holding requirement of the equivalent of one-years director fees. Conversely to preserve independence and impartiality, no element of non-executive director remuneration is ‘at risk’ (that is, it is not based on the performance of the Group).
For details of the Company’s remuneration structure, please refer to the Remuneration Report in the Group’s Annual Report.
This Corporate Governance Statement was approved by a resolution of the Board on 21 August 2016.
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