Committees

The Board delegates clearly defined powers to its Audit, Remuneration and Nomination Committees whilst the Company’s Social Responsibility Committee is responsible for reviewing the Company’s policies on corporate social responsibility and making appropriate recommendations to the Board.  The minutes of each Committee are circulated to and reviewed by the Board.

Audit Committee

Chairman: Rory Macnamara

Members: Peter Dicks & Sean O’Connor

Secretary: Daniel Talisman

The Audit Committee meets at least twice a year and normally invites a representative of both the auditors and the Executive Directors to attend its meetings, the latter usually being the Group Finance Director.  At the end of each meeting the auditors are invited to meet with the Committee with no Executive or staff member present.  The terms of reference of the Audit Committee include monitoring the integrity of the financial statements, monitoring the internal and external audit function and reviewing accounting policies, financial controls and financial reporting procedures.  The Audit Committee also has responsibility for reviewing the effectiveness of the Group's internal control and risk management systems.

During the year, the Audit Committee received presentations from senior managers on the key risks and control issues in their respective business areas and reviewed risk mitigation plans for critical risks.

Nomination Committee

Chairman: Sean O’Connor

Members: Peter Dicks, Brian Harris & Nigel Payne

Secretary: Daniel Talisman

The Nomination Committee sits formally at least twice a year.

The Committee is responsible for monitoring and formally reviewing the performance, composition, balance and expertise of the Board as a whole and making an appraisal of the contribution of individual directors, including a review of their time commitment and attendance records.  The Committee also considers succession planning for the Board and Group senior management.   When necessary the Committee prepares a description of the role to be filled and engages external consultants to administer a detailed search and the generation of a shortlist.  Any recommendations for appointments or replacements are brought before the Board.

Remuneration Committee

Chairman: Peter Dicks

Members: Brian Harris & Sean O’Connor

Secretary: Daniel Talisman

The Remuneration Committee meets when necessary during the year and considers the terms of employment and overall remuneration for the Executive Directors, including pension rights and any compensation payments.  Further, the Remuneration Committee makes decisions regarding grants or awards under share plans, salaries and incentive compensation.  The Executive Directors appraise the Remuneration Committee on the level and structure of remuneration set for senior management.

The remuneration of Non-Executive Directors is determined by the Executive Directors.

Social Responsibility Committee

Chairman: Brian Harris

Members: Sean O’Connor & Daniel Talisman

Secretary: Daniel Talisman

The Social Responsibility Committee meets at least twice a year, and in fact met three times in the last financial year.  The Audit and Compliance Manager and the Group Head of Human Resources attend its meetings and the Group Chief Executive is apprised of the Committee's work at least twice in the course of the year.

The Social Responsibility Committee is responsible for reviewing the Company's policies on corporate social responsibility and stimulating Group wide best practice on matters including age verification, fraud, money laundering, responsible gaming, self-exclusion and privacy.