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QUANTUM GRAPHITE LIMITED — Governance Information 2015
Oct 25, 2015
65646_rns_2015-10-25_315e3bfd-3337-4d4a-b7de-3f4b0739235e.pdf
Governance Information
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ASIA PACIFIC I EUROPE I THE AMERICAS
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26 OCTOBER 2015
ASX: VXL & VXLO
AUSTRALIAN STOCK EXCHANGE ANNOUNCEMENT
APPENDIX 4G AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT
Valence Industries Limited (ASX:VXL) includes its Appendix 4G and 2015 Corporate Governance Statement in accordance with Listing Rules 4.7.3, 4.7.4 and 4.10.3.
For further information, please contact:
Investor enquiries:
Jaroslaw (Jarek) Kopias Company Secretary [email protected] +61 8 8215 6400
w w w . v a l e n c e i n d u s t r i e s . c o m
Rules 4.7.3 and 4.10.3[1]
Appendix 4G
Key to Disclosures Corporate Governance Council Principles and Recommendations
Name of entity:
| Name of entity: | |
|---|---|
| Valence Industries Limited | |
| ABN / ARBN: 41 008 101 979 |
Financial year ended: |
| 41 008 101 979 | 30 June 2015 |
Our corporate governance statement[2] for the above period above can be found at:[3]
☐ These pages of our annual report: ☒ This URL on our website: http://www.valenceindustries.com/responsibilities.php
The Corporate Governance Statement is accurate and up to date as at 30 June 2015 and has been approved by the board.
The annexure includes a key to where our corporate governance disclosures can be located.
Date: 26 October 2015
Name of Director or Secretary authorising lodgement:
Jaroslaw (Jarek) Kopias
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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 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:☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location]… 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): ☒at http://www.valenceindustries.com/responsibilities.php |
☐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:☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐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:☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐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:☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐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): ☐in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location]… and a copy of our diversity policy or a summary of it: ☐at [insert location]… 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: ☐in our Corporate Governance StatementOR☐at [insert location]… and the information referred to in paragraphs (c)(1) or (2): ☐in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☒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):☐in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location]… and the information referred to in paragraph (b): ☐in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☒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 |
| 1.7 | 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):☐in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location]… and the information referred to in paragraph (b): ☐in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☒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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
[If the entity complies with paragraph (a):] … the fact that we have a nomination committee that complies with paragraphs (1) and (2): ☐in our Corporate Governance StatementOR☐at [insert location]… and a copy of the charter of the committee: ☐at [insert location]… and the information referred to in paragraphs (4) and (5): ☐in our Corporate Governance StatementOR☐at [insert location][If the entity complies with paragraph (b):] … the fact that we do not have a nomination committee and the processes we employ 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: ☒in our Corporate Governance StatementOR☐at [insert location] |
☐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. |
… our board skills matrix:☒in our Corporate Governance StatementOR☐at [insert location] |
☐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 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: ☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location]… and, where applicable, the information referred to in paragraph (b): ☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location]… and the length of service of each director: ☒in our Corporate Governance StatementOR☐at [insert location] |
☐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:☐in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☒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:☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐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:☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐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. |
… our code of conduct or a summary of it:☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐an explanation why that is so in our Corporate GovernanceStatement |
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 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): ☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location]… and a copy of the charter of the committee: ☒at http://www.valenceindustries.com/responsibilities.php… and the information referred to in paragraphs (4) and (5): ☐in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☒in our Corporate Governance Statement and in our AnnualReport [If the entity complies with paragraph (b):] … the fact that we do not have an audit committee and the processes we employ that independently verify and safeguard the integrity of our corporate reporting, including the processes for the appointment and removal of the external auditor and the rotation of the audit engagement partner: ☐in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐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:☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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:☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐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 OR☐at [insert location] |
☐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:☒at http://www.valenceindustries.com/responsibilities.php |
☐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:☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐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: ☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐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:☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐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 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): ☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location]… and a copy of the charter of the committee: ☒at http://www.valenceindustries.com/responsibilities.php… and the information referred to in paragraphs (4) and (5): ☐in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☒in our Corporate Governance Statement and in our AnnualReport [If the entity complies with paragraph (b):] … the fact that we do not have a risk committee or committees that satisfy (a) and the processes we employ for overseeing our risk management framework: ☐in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐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: ☐in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location]… and that such a review has taken place in the reporting period covered by this Appendix 4G: ☐in our Corporate Governance StatementOR☐at [insert location] |
☒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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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: ☐in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location][If the entity complies with paragraph (b):] … the fact that we do not have an internal audit function and the processes we employ for evaluating and continually improving the effectiveness of our risk management and internal control processes: ☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐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: ☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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): ☐in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location]… and a copy of the charter of the committee: ☐at [insert location]… and the information referred to in paragraphs (4) and (5): ☐in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location][If the entity complies with paragraph (b):] … the fact that we do not have a remuneration committee and the processes we employ for setting the level and composition of remuneration for directors and senior executives and ensuring that such remuneration is appropriate and not excessive: ☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐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: ☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐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:☒in our Corporate Governance StatementOR☐at [insert location] |
☐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 applicableOR ☐we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES APPLICABLE TO EXTERNALLY MANAGED LISTED ENTITIES | |||
| - | Alternative to Recommendation 1.1 for externally managed listed entities: The responsible entity of an externally managed listed entity should disclose: (a) the arrangements between the responsible entity and the listed entity for managing the affairs of the listed entity; (b) the role and responsibility of the board of the responsible entity for overseeing those arrangements. |
… the information referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b):☐in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement |
| - | Alternative to Recommendations 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3 for externally managed listed entities: An externally managed listed entity should clearly disclose the terms governing the remuneration of the manager. |
… the terms governing our remuneration as manager of the entity:☐in our Corporate Governance StatementOR☐at [insert location] |
☐an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement |
Page 11
ASIA PACIFIC I EUROPE I NORTH AMERICA
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT
This statement reports on the significant corporate governance practices of Valence Industries Limited (Company) as at 28 September 2015 and it has been approved by the Board of the Company.
It is the responsibility of the Board of Directors of the Company to monitor the business affairs of the Company and to protect the rights and interests of the shareholders. The Board believes that high standards of corporate governance are an essential prerequisite for creating sustainable value for shareholders. This statement sets out the Company’s main corporate governance policies and practices. All these practices, unless otherwise stated, were in place for the entire year ended 30 June 2015. The policies and practices are reported against the 3[rd] Edition of the ASX Corporate Governance Council’s Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations.
Where the Company’s compliance with the Principles and Recommendations is reflected in a separate document or policy, a reference to the location of that document or policy is included in this statement.
References in this statement to “reporting period” are to the financial year ended 30 June 2015.
PRINCIPLE 1 – LAY SOLID FOUNDATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT AND OVERSIGHT
Recommendation 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.
Recommendation followed . The Company’s Board Charter sets out (amongst other things): (a) the roles and responsibilities of the Board and of management; (b) the matters expressly reserved to the Board; and (c) the matters delegated to management.
A copy of the Board Charter can be viewed at http://www.valenceindustries.com/pdf/responsibilities/01_VXL_Board_Charter.pdf.
Recommendation 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.
Recommendation followed . Prior to the appointment of a person, or putting forward to security holders a candidate for election, as a director, the Company undertakes checks which it believes are appropriate to verify a director’s character, experience, education, criminal record and bankruptcy history including for new directors.
w w w . v a l e n c e i n d u s t r i e s . c o m
60 Hindmarsh Square I Adelaide I South Australia I 5000 I Australia p: +61 8 8215 6400 I e: [email protected] ABN 41 008 101 979
The Company ensures that all material information in its possession relevant to a shareholder’s decision whether to elect or re-elect a director, including the information referred to in Recommendation 1.2, is provided to shareholders in the Company’s Notice of Annual General Meeting.
Recommendation 1.3
A listed entity should have a written agreement with each director and senior executive setting out the terms of their appointment.
Recommendation followed . Each director and senior executive of the Company has an agreement in writing with the Company which sets out the key terms and conditions of their appointment including their duties, rights and responsibilities and (to the extent applicable) the matters referred to in the commentary to Recommendation 1.3.
Recommendation 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.
Recommendation followed. The Company Secretary has a direct line of reporting to the Chairman and is responsible for:
-
advising and supporting the Chairman and the Board and its committees to manage the day to day governance framework of the Company;
-
assisting with Board effectiveness by monitoring whether applicable Board and committee policies, procedures and charters are followed and coordinating timely completion and despatch of Board agendas and papers; and
-
assisting with all matters to do with the proper functioning of the Board including advising on governance matters and assisting with induction and professional development of directors.
The responsibilities of the Company Secretary are set out in the Board Charter referenced in this statement.
Recommendation 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:
-
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
-
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.
Recommendation not followed. The Company seeks to treat everyone with fairness and respect which includes valuing diversity and difference and acting without prejudice. The Company believes that decision-making is enhanced through diversity and supports and encourages diversity at all levels of the organisation in accordance with the Company’s Diversity Policy. A copy of the Diversity Policy is located at http://www.valenceindustries.com/pdf/responsibilities/02_VXL_Diversity_Policy.pdf.
The Board assesses any measurable objectives for achieving gender diversity and annually reviewing any such objectives and the Company’s progress towards achieving them. The Board reviews at least annually on the relative proportion of women and men appointed or employed within the Company group.
Given the size of the Company and status of the Company’s exploration projects, the directors believe that it is not appropriate at this stage to set measurable objectives in relation to diversity beyond those included in the Diversity Policy. Notwithstanding this, the Company strives to provide the best possible opportunities for current and prospective employees of all backgrounds in such a manner that best adds to overall shareholders value and which reflects the values, principles and spirit of the Diversity Policy. The directors also believe that diversity is a relevant consideration for constitution of an effective Board, as discussed at Recommendation 2.2.
For the reporting year ended 30 June 2015, the Company reports as follows:
| Gender diversity report | Total positions | Held by women |
|---|---|---|
| Board | 5 | - |
| Senior executives | 3 | - |
| Other employees | 30 | 5 |
| Total organisation | 38 | 5 |
Recommendation 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.
Recommendation not followed. The Board recognises that as a result of the Company’s size and its position as a publicly listed resource company, the assessment of the Board’s overall performance and its own succession plan is conducted on an ad hoc basis. Whilst Recommendation 1.6 is not strictly followed the Directors consider that at the date of this report the evaluation process of company directors is appropriate and effective. A more formal process of Board assessment will be considered in the future as the Company develops.
The informal review undertaken by the Board takes into account various matters including those set out in the Board Charter included in this statement.
Recommendation 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.
Recommendation not followed. The Managing Director (or Chairman in the absence of a Managing Director) reviews the performance of the senior executives on an ad hoc basis. These evaluations take into account criteria such as the achievement and performance towards the Company’s objectives and (where appropriate) performance benchmarks and the achievement of individual performance objectives. However, the Board also recognises the need for flexibility in defining performance objectives which must reflect the current status of the company (as an exploration company) and the development of its projects.
During the reporting period, no informal performance evaluations of the senior executives were undertaken by the Company.
PRINCIPLE 2 – STRUCTURE THE BOARD TO ADD VALUE
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;
(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.
Recommendation followed. The Board has no formal nomination committee. Acting in its ordinary capacity from time to time as required, the Board carries out the process of determining the need for, screening and appointing new Directors. In view of the size and resources available to the Company, it is not considered that a separate nomination committee would add any substance to this process.
Recommendation 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.
Recommendation followed. The Board regularly evaluates the mix of skills, experience and diversity at the Board level. The Board believes that a highly credentialed Board, with a diversity of background, skills and perspectives, will be effective in supporting and enabling delivery of good governance for the Company and value for the Company’s shareholders. At 30 June 2015, the Board comprised five Directors from diverse backgrounds with a range of business experience, skills and attributes. The following table demonstrates the skills and experience of the Directors across several dimensions that are relevant to Valence. Biographical information on each director is contained in the Annual Report and on the company’s website.
Composition of skills and experience of the Board (out of 5)
| Managing and leadership Senior management positions held outside Valence(past andpresent) 5 Fundraising Debt and / orequityraising 5 Industry experience Management / board representation in other resource entities(past andpresent) 4 Experience in resource based transactions – mergers, acquisitions, etc 5 Capitalprojects 5 |
Governance or regulatory |
|---|---|
| Experience in governance of listed organisations 5 |
|
| Board membership of other listed entities (past and present) 5 |
|
| Strategy | |
| Experience in corporate transactions – mergers / acquisitions / divestments 5 |
|
| Experience in growing the business 5 |
|
The Board aspires to have a Board comprised of individuals’ diverse experience and expertise and will be mindful of this when making appointments which will also be based on merit.
Recommendation 2.3
A listed entity should disclose:
(a) the names of the directors considered by the board to be independent directors;
(b) if a director has an interest, position, association or relationship of the type described in Box 2.3 but the board is of the opinion that it does not compromise the independence of the director, the nature of the interest, position, association or relationship in question and an explanation of why the board is of that opinion; and
(c) the length of service of each director.
Recommendation followed. In the opinion of the board, to qualify as being “independent”, a director must be independent of management and free of any business or other relationship which could materially interfere or could reasonably be perceived to interfere materially with the Director’s independent exercise of their judgement.
Mr G Spurling was appointed on 16 September 2013 and is considered by the Board to be an independent director, having regard to the factors set out above.
Mr C Darby was appointed to the Board on 16 September 2013. By virtue of his position as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Mr Darby is not considered by the Board to be an independent director for the purpose of ASX Recommendation 2.3.
Mr G Lamont was appointed to the Board on 17 December 2008. By virtue of directorship of the Company’s largest shareholder and substantial shareholder (as defined), Strategic Energy Resources (ASX:SER), Mr Lamont is not considered by the Board to be an independent director for the purpose of ASX Recommendation 2.3.
Mr I Schache was appointed on 26 September 2013 and is considered by the Board to be an independent director, having regard to the factors set out above.
Mr I Pattison was appointed on 10 December 2014 and is considered by the Board to be an independent director, having regard to the factors set out above.
Recommendation 2.4
A majority of the board of a listed entity should be independent directors.
Recommendation followed. The Company currently follows the recommendation of principle 2.4 as the Board has a majority of independent directors (3 out of the 5 directors are independent).
In accordance with the ASX Recommendations, the independence of a director is assessed by determining whether the director is independent of management and free of any business or other relationship that could materially interfere with, or could reasonably be perceived to materially interfere with, the exercise of their unfettered and independent judgment. The test of whether a relationship or business is material is based on the nature of the relationship or business and on the circumstances and activities of the director. Materiality thresholds are considered by the Board from time to time.
Recommendation 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.
Recommendation followed. The Chairman of the Board is an independent director as described in recommendation 2.3. The Chairman is not the current or previous CEO or Managing Director of the Company.
Recommendation 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.
Recommendation followed. All new directors are provided with an induction including meetings with the Managing Director and senior executives / management as appropriate and provision of information on the Company including Company and Board policies and other material documents.
All directors are expected to maintain the skills required to effectively discharge their obligations to the Company. Directors are encouraged to undertake continuing professional education and, if this involves industry seminars and approved education courses, where appropriate, this is paid for by the Company.
PRINCIPLE 3 – A LISTED ENTITY SHOULD ACT ETHICALLY AND RESPONSIBLY
Recommendation 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.
Recommendation followed. The Company has a Code of Conduct included in its Board Charter that sets out the standards of behaviour expected of all its employees, directors, officers, contractors and consultants. The Code of Conduct is located at http://www.valenceindustries.com/pdf/responsibilities/01_VXL_Board_Charter.pdf.
PRINCIPLE 4 – SAFEGUARD INTEGRITY IN CORPORATE REPORTING
Recommendation 4.1
The board of a listed entity should:(a) have an audit committee which:(i) has at least three members, all of whom are nonexecutive 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.
Recommendation followed. The Company has established an Audit and Risk Committee which comprises 4 nonexecutive directors. Three of the four members of the Audit Committee are independent directors, and the committee is chaired by a non-executive director, Mr Lamont who is not the chair of the Board. The majority of the audit and risk committee members are independent directors. The Audit Committee Charter is located at http://www.valenceindustries.com/pdf/responsibilities/03_VXL_Audit_and_Risk_Committee_Charter.pdf.
The Committee’s members and their relevant qualifications and experience, the number of times the Committee met throughout the reporting period and the attendance of the Committee’s members at those meetings is set out in the 2015 Annual Report.
Recommendation 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.
Recommendation followed. The Board receives a declaration in the form set out in Recommendation 4.2 from its CEO and Chief Financial Officer in relation to the financial statements.
Recommendation 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.
Recommendation followed. The Company’s external auditor attends each AGM of the Company and is always available to answer questions from security holders relevant to the audit.
PRINCIPLE 5 – MAKE TIMELY AND BALANCED DISCLOSURE
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.
Recommendation followed. The Company has a Continuous Disclosure and Communications Policy that outlines the processes followed by the Company to ensure compliance with its continuous disclosure obligations and the corporate governance standards applied by the Company in its communications to the market. The Continuous Disclosure and Communications Policy can be viewed at http://www.valenceindustries.com/pdf/responsibilities/04_VXL_Continuos_Disclosure_and_Communications_Policy.pdf.
PRINCIPLE 6 – RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Recommendation 6.1
A listed entity should provide information about itself and its governance to investors via its website.
Recommendation followed. Information about the Company and its operations is located at:
http://www.valenceindustries.com/responsibilities.php
Information about the Company’s corporate governance (including links to the Company’s corporate governance policies and charters) can be accessed from the Corporate Governance page.
Recommendation 6.2
A listed entity should design and implement an investor relations program to facilitate effective two-way communication with investors.
Recommendation followed. The Company has a Continuous Disclosure and Communications Policy that outlines the processes followed by the Company to ensure communication with shareholders and the investment community is effective, consistent and adheres to the principles of continuous disclosure. The Continuous Disclosure and Communications Policy is located at http://www.valenceindustries.com/pdf/responsibilities/04_VXL_Continuos_Disclosure_and_Communications_Policy.pdf.
Recommendation 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.
Recommendation followed. The Continuous Disclosure and Communication Policy sets out the policies and processes the Company has in place to facilitate and encourage participation at meetings of security holders. The Company permits shareholders to cast their proxies prior to a General Meeting if they are unable to attend the meeting.
Recommendation 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.
Recommendation followed. The Company gives security holders the option to receive communications from, and send communications to, the Company and its security registry electronically, as provided for in the Company’s Shareholder Communications Policy.
PRINCIPLE 7 – RECOGNISE AND MANAGE RISK
Recommendation 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 risk committee or committees that satisfy (a) above, disclose that fact and the processes it employs for overseeing the entity’s risk management framework.
Recommendation followed. The Company has established an Audit & Risk Committee to oversee risk whether financial, operational or otherwise. The Audit & Risk Committee comprises 4 non-executive directors, the majority of whom are independent directors, and is chaired by an independent director, Mr Lamont, who is not the chair of the Board.
The Audit & Risk Committee’s Charter is located at http://www.valenceindustries.com/pdf/responsibilities/03_VXL_Audit_and_Risk_Committee_Charter.pdf.
The Committee’s members and their relevant qualifications and experience, the number of times the Committee met throughout the reporting period and the attendance of the Committee’s members at those meetings is set out in the Annual Report.
Recommendation 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.
Recommendation not followed. The Company’s Risk Management Policy sets the framework for risk management and review of the risk management framework. The Risk Management Policy has been included in recommendation 7.1.
In the reporting period, the Board has not completed a structured review of the Company’s risk management framework. The Board as a whole addresses individual risks as required. A systematic review of risks associated with the company’s activities will be initiated by the Board as required. The Risk Management Policy is located at http://www.valenceindustries.com/pdf/responsibilities/05_VXL_Risk_Management_Policy.pdf.
Recommendation 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.
Recommendation followed. Valence is committed to understanding and managing risk and to establishing an organisational culture that ensures risk management is included in all activities, decision making and business processes. The company does not have a formal internal audit function due to its size.
The ongoing mitigation and management of key business risks is an item addressed by the Board as a whole. Operational, financial, legal, compliance, strategic and reputational risks continue to be managed primarily by the Managing Director, the Chief Operating Officer and the Chief Financial Officer as a part of the day-to-day management of the Company’s affairs. Where appropriate, these risks are managed with the support of relevant external professional advisers.
The company undertakes an ongoing review of its safety and environmental risks and reports on this aspect to the Board on a monthly basis.
Recommendation 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.
Recommendation followed. The Company undertakes mineral exploration and production activities and, as such, faces risks inherent to its business, including economic, environmental and social sustainability risks, which may materially impact the Company’s ability to create or preserve value for security holders over the short, medium or long term.
One of the Company’s core values is safety; it prioritises safety and health to people, the environment and community. The Company views sustainable and responsible business practices as an important long term driver of performance and shareholder value and is committed to transparency, fair dealing, responsible treatment of employees and partners and positive interaction with the community.
The Company has in place an ongoing review of its safety and environmental risks and reports on this aspect to the Board on a monthly basis.
PRINCIPLE 8 – REMUNERATE FAIRLY AND RESPONSIBLY
Recommendation 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 remuneration is appropriate and not excessive.
Recommendation followed. Given the current size of the Board, the Company does not have a remuneration committee. The Board as a whole reviews remuneration levels on an individual basis, the size of the Company making individual
assessment more appropriate than formal remuneration policies. In doing so, the Board seeks to retain professional services as it requires, at reasonable market rates, and seeks external advice and market comparisons where necessary.
Recommendation 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.
Recommendation followed. The Company’s policies and practices regarding the remuneration of non-executive directors and the remuneration of executive directors and other senior executives is set out in the Remuneration Report contained in the 2015 Annual Report. A copy of the 2015 Annual Report is located on the company’s website when released.
Recommendation 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.
Recommendation followed. The Company has an equity-based remuneration scheme. The Company’s Securities Trading Policy provides that participants in the scheme must not enter into any transaction which would have the effect of hedging or otherwise transferring to any other person the risk of any fluctuation in the value of any unvested equity interest. The Securities Trading Policy is located at http://www.valenceindustries.com/pdf/responsibilities/06_VXL_Securities_Trading_Policy.pdf.