Governance: Corporate governance

Statement on corporate governance compliance

Rolls-Royce attaches the highest priority to corporate governance, the system by which the Company is directed, managed and controlled in the interests of all its stakeholders. The strength of the Company's corporate values, its reputation and its ability to achieve its objectives are influenced by the effectiveness of the Company's approach towards corporate governance.

The Board confirms that throughout 2007, the Company complied with the Combined Code on Corporate Governance (the Combined Code). This corporate governance report and, where appropriate, the Directors' remuneration report, explain how the Company discharges its corporate governance responsibilities.

The Board's composition and directors' independence

Simon Robertson chairs the Board of directors and Sir John Rose is the Chief Executive. The division of responsibilities between them is set down in writing and agreed by the Board. Iain Conn is the Company's Senior Independent Director.

There are currently 13 directors on the Board comprising the non-executive Chairman, the Chief Executive, four other executive directors and seven non-executive directors.

The quality and broad experience of the directors, the balance of the Board's composition and the dynamics of the Board as a group, ensure the Board's effectiveness and also prevents any individual or small group dominating the Board's decision making.

Each executive director receives a service contract on appointment (see the Directors' remuneration report for further information) and each non-executive director receives a letter setting out the conditions of his or her appointment. Non-executive directors are appointed for an initial term of three years, which may be extended subsequently with the agreement of the Board, although reappointment is not automatic. Executive directors are employees who have executive responsibilities in addition to their duties as directors. Non-executive directors are not employees and do not participate in the daily business management of the Group.

The Board applies a rigorous process in order to satisfy itself that its non-executive directors remain independent. The Combined Code does not regard the Chairman as being independent in view of his unique role in corporate governance. Although, on his appointment as Chairman on January 1, 2005, Simon Robertson met the criteria for independence contained in the Combined Code. His other significant commitments are described and could be read on Board of directors. The Board reviews the independence of the non-executive directors every year, based on the criteria in the Combined Code. This review was undertaken in 2007, and the Board concluded that all the non-executive directors (other than the Chairman) were independent in character and judgement. The Board determined that Peter Byrom remains independent in character and judgement notwithstanding that he has served on the Board for more than nine years, that there are no relationships or circumstances which are likely to affect his independent judgement and that he is in no way dependent on the remuneration he receives from the Company. The Board believes strongly that in a long-term, complex and technologically advanced business it is essential that non-executive directors have the opportunity to acquire, over a number of years, the experience and knowledge of the business and the sectors within which the Group operates. The Board concluded that Helen Alexander remains independent in character and judgement and, notwithstanding that the Chairman and Helen Alexander sit on the board of The Economist Newspaper Limited where she is the Chief Executive, there are no relationships or circumstances which are likely to affect her independent judgement.

Role of the Board

The Board is responsible to all the Company's stakeholders for its conduct and performance of the Company.

The day-to-day running of the Company is delegated by the Board to the executive team under the leadership of Sir John Rose, the Chief Executive.

The Board retains responsibility for the approval of certain matters which affect the shape and risk profile of the Company, as well as such items as the annual budget and performance targets, the published accounts, payments to shareholders, major capital investments and any substantial change to balance sheet management policy. This division of responsibilities between the Board and the executive team is set out in detail in a schedule approved annually by the Board, which defines those decisions which can only be taken by the Board itself.

The Board has approved the following statement summarising its core responsibilities:

Primary goal

The primary goal of the Board is to ensure that the Company's strategy creates value for the long-term investor within an acceptable risk profile.

The Board's tasks

In line with its primary goal, the Board's principal tasks are to:

ensure the development of the Company's strategy and keep it under rigorous review;
monitor the implementation of the strategy, ensuring that the necessary financial and human resources are in place to deliver it and that effective controls exist to manage risk;
safeguard the values of the Company, including its brand and corporate reputation and the safety of its products;
oversee the quality and performance of management and ensure through effective succession planning and remuneration policies that it is maintained at world-class standards; and
maintain an effective corporate governance framework that aspires to deliver long-term value to shareholders.

Directors' induction, training and information

Newly appointed directors participate in a structured induction programme and receive a comprehensive data pack providing detailed information on the Group. An existing executive director acts as a mentor to each newly appointed non-executive director, giving guidance and advice as required. As part of their briefing, non-executive directors visit key sites and meet a cross-section of managers and employees to gain a better understanding of the Group and its operations. Ongoing training is available for all the directors, including presentations by the executive team on particular aspects of the business.

There is an agreed procedure for directors to take independent professional advice at the Company's expense. This is in addition to the access every director has to the General Counsel and Company Secretary.

Board effectiveness

The Chairman meets at least once a year with the non-executive directors without the executive directors present, in order to review the operation of the Board.

The Chairman has an annual meeting with each non-executive director to review their contribution to the Board. The Senior Independent Director chairs an annual meeting with the non-executive directors to review the performance of the Chairman, the outcome of which is reported back to him.

Each year, the Chairman reviews the performance of the Chief Executive as part of the annual salary review process overseen by the remuneration committee. The Chief Executive reviews the performance of the other executive directors in the same way.

In 2007, the annual process to enable the Board to evaluate the effectiveness of its performance involved the completion of a written questionnaire by the directors and a series of meetings between the Chairman and each individual director. The Board reviewed the results of this exercise in December 2007.

The review covered all aspects of corporate governance, including board and committee structure, board dynamics, the conduct and frequency of board meetings, the consideration of strategic issues by the Board and the information provided to directors. The Board considered that it was operating effectively. However, this review identified the need for improvements in some areas, including board induction and training and continuing development. These improvements will be implemented in 2008. The audit, remuneration and nominations committees have separately undertaken reviews of their terms of reference and effectiveness during 2007.

Board committees

The Board is assisted by its committees. Details of their membership and principal terms of reference are set out below. Their full terms of reference are available in the Investors section on the Group's website.

The following table shows the level of attendance by the directors at Board and principal committee meetings in 2007:

Attendance at meetings of the Board and its principal committees in 2007
	Board		Audit		Nominations		Remuneration
	Held*	Attended	Held*	Attended	Held*	Attended	Held*	Attended
Helen Alexander	4	3			2	2	2	2
Peter Byrom	7	6	3	3	4	4	4	4
John Cheffins	5	5
Iain Conn	7	5	4	4	4	3
Prof Peter Gregson **	6	4			3	1	3	1
James Guyette	7	7
John Rishton	6	4	3	3	3	2
Simon Robertson	7	7			4	4
Sir John Rose	7	7			4	4
Andrew Shilston	7	7
Colin Smith	7	7
Ian Strachan	7	6	4	4	4	4
Carl Symon	7	7			4	4	4	4
Sir John Taylor	2	2			1	1	2	2
Mike Terrett	4	4
* The number of meetings held during the period a director was in office or a member of a committee. ** Professor Gregson was absent for part of the year due to illness.

Nominations committee

In 2007, the nominations committee was chaired by Simon Robertson. Its other members were Helen Alexander (from September 1, 2007), Peter Byrom, Iain Conn, Professor Peter Gregson (from March 1, 2007), John Rishton (from March 1, 2007), Sir John Rose, Ian Strachan, Carl Symon and Sir John Taylor (until May 1, 2007). The committee met four times during the year.

The committee makes recommendations to the Board on the appointment of executive and non-executive directors and on the membership of Board committees. It is assisted in the former task by external recruitment consultants. It reviews succession planning for appointments to the Board and to other senior positions within the Group. The committee also oversees the annual review of Board effectiveness.

In carrying out these tasks, the committee gives careful consideration to the balance of skills required on the Board, including the need to reflect diversity, international experience and strong managerial and business skills. Before recommending the appointment of a non-executive director to the Board, the committee satisfies itself that the candidate will have sufficient time available to discharge his or her responsibilities effectively.

Remuneration committee

The committee has responsibility for making recommendations to the Board on the Group's policy regarding executive remuneration. The committee determines, on the Board's behalf, the specific remuneration packages of the executive directors and a number of senior executives. It also makes recommendations to the Board on the remuneration of the Chairman. The committee met four times during the year. The committee's membership and principal terms of reference are set out in the Directors' remuneration report.

Audit committee

The audit committee consists exclusively of independent, non-executive directors. The committee was chaired by Peter Byrom until September 13, 2007 when he was succeeded by John Rishton. John Rishton, who became a member of the committee on his appointment to the Board on March 1, 2007, has recent and relevant financial experience. In 2007, its other members were Iain Conn and Ian Strachan. The committee met four times during the year. The Director of Risk, Head of Business Assurance and a representative of the external auditors normally attend the meetings. Additionally, the Head of Business Assurance has direct access to the committee. The Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive, the Finance Director and any other Board member or senior executive may attend the meetings as necessary, at the invitation of the audit committee chairman.

The committee has responsibility for recommending to the Board the published accounts and for reviewing the Group's financial reporting and accounting policies, including major announcements made to a regulatory information service. It is also responsible for the relationship with the external auditors and for assessing the role and effectiveness of the internal audit function, which in Rolls-Royce is termed Business Assurance. In addition, the committee reviews the Group's procedures for detecting, monitoring and managing the risk of fraud.

The committee has responsibility for recommending to the Board the appointment of the external auditors and for reviewing the nature, scope and results of the annual external audit. It also approves the audit fee and, on an annual basis, assesses the effectiveness and independence of the external auditors. It keeps under review the Group's internal controls and systems for assessing and mitigating financial and non-financial risk. It also reviews and approves the Business Assurance work programmes and ensures that this function is adequately resourced and co-ordinated with the work of the external auditors. Twice a year the committee receives a written report on the reviews conducted throughout the Group by Business Assurance, and a report from senior executives on the key business risks and risk systems in selected sectors.

In order to safeguard auditor independence and objectivity, the following policy is applied in relation to services provided by the auditors:

Audit related services - these are undertaken by the auditors as it is work that they must, or are best suited to, perform. It includes formalities relating to borrowings, shareholder and other circulars, risk management services, various regulatory reports and work in respect of acquisitions and disposals;
Tax, accounting and mergers and acquisitions - the auditors are used for this work where they are best suited to undertake it. All other significant consulting work in these areas is put out to tender; and
All other advisory services/consulting - the auditors are generally prohibited from providing these services.

Throughout the year the committee monitors the cost of non-audit work undertaken by the auditors and is, therefore, in a position to take action if at any time it believes that there is a risk of the auditors' independence being undermined through the award of this work.

Risk committee

The Board has a risk committee, chaired by the Chief Executive, with specific accountability for the system of risk management and for reporting key risks and their associated mitigating actions to the Board. In 2007, its other members were John Cheffins (until September 30, 2007), James Guyette, Andrew Shilston, Colin Smith and Mike Terrett (from September 1, 2007).

Directors' responsibilities

The directors are responsible for the Group's system of internal control and for maintaining and reviewing its effectiveness from both a financial and operational perspective. The system of internal control is designed to manage, rather than eliminate, the risk of failure to achieve business objectives and to provide reasonable but not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss. The Group's approach to internal control is based on the underlying principle of line management's accountability for control and risk management.

In reviewing the effectiveness of the system of internal control, the Board has taken account of the results of the work carried out to audit and review the activities of the Group.

There is an ongoing process to identify, assess and manage risk, including those risks affecting the Group's reputation. This process is subject to continuous improvement and has been in place throughout the financial year to which these statements apply and up to the date of their approval. In 2007, the risk review framework has been enhanced at both programme and sector level and assurance activities are more closely co-ordinated with the risk management process.

The Board has reviewed the risk management process and confirms that ongoing processes and systems ensure that Rolls-Royce continues to be compliant with the Turnbull guidance as contained in 'Internal Control: Guidance for Directors on the Combined Code'.

Organisation

The Group has a clearly defined organisation structure within which operational management has detailed responsibilities and levels of authorisation, supported by written job descriptions and operating manuals.

The risk management system

The risk management system is an integral part of management's approach to delivering business objectives and is a systematic process designed to identify, assess, treat, manage and communicate risks. It also provides a method of escalation and delegation to the appropriate level within the organisation and ensures that actions are owned, defined, resourced and effective.

Management is responsible for the ongoing identification and evaluation of significant risks within its areas of responsibility and, using a common process, for the operation of suitable controls or mitigation actions. Risks are recorded in regularly updated risk registers operating at all levels of the organisation and are continuously reviewed and monitored. During the review process, significant emphasis is placed on learning from and sharing prior experience. Risks may arise from a variety of internal and external sources. They may be associated with regulations, customer requirements and competitor actions, or could result from the capability of the processes used to execute the business, or from external and largely unpredictable events, such as terrorist activity or war. Please read the principal risks and uncertainties for the Group.

Risks, irrespective of source, are managed through processes operated by project and functional teams. Management reports regularly to the risk committee on its view of risks and how they are managed so that the Board can then consider and review these risks in terms of their potential impact.

Management has continued to perform comprehensive risk reviews for all key projects, programmes and business change plans. In addition, all the processes operated by the Group are subject to continuous improvement, including the risk management process itself.

Systems of internal control

The general managers of individual businesses are aware of their responsibility to operate systems of internal control which provide reasonable assurance of effective and efficient operations, reliable financial information and compliance with laws and regulations. Financial managers are required to acknowledge in writing that their routine financial reporting is based on reliable data and that their results are properly stated in accordance with Group requirements.

The Group has a comprehensive budgeting system with an annual budget approved by the Board. Revised forecasts for the year are reported at least quarterly. Actual results are reported monthly against budget and variances reviewed.

The activities of the Group are subject to review by the Department of Risk, including Business Assurance and Product Introduction and Life Cycle Management, and the assurance functions of Health, Safety and Environment, Quality and Engineering. These functions operate to work programmes agreed by the appropriate Board member.

The Business Assurance function, which works closely with the external auditors, undertakes a programme of financial and operational audits and reviews agreed by the audit committee and covering all Group activities. The programme includes independent reviews of the systems of internal control and risk management. The findings and the status of corrective actions taken to address these are reported in writing to both the audit and risk committees twice a year.

Export controls

The Group attaches the highest priority to complying fully with export controls in all the jurisdictions in which it operates. Detailed processes have been put in place to ensure that the Group follows all applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The Board has established an exports committee, chaired by the Chief Operating Officer, which has responsibility for the application of appropriate controls to the Group's export activity.

In the UK, the Group fully complies with the provisions of the UK Export Control Act on both tangible and intangible exports and with the regulations relating to trade, between third parties outside the UK. Additionally, the Group complies with the relevant EU regulations regarding the export of dual use goods and technology. In relation to other jurisdictions, most notably that of the US, the Group vigorously enforces a policy of compliance with both the relevant national legislation and its underlying regulatory intent.

Ethics

The Board believes strongly that the Group's business should be conducted in a way that reflects the highest ethical standards.

Rolls-Royce has a Global Code of Business Ethics which lays down the principles to be followed by employees when conducting business. The code also gives guidance to support achievement of the required standards. Additionally, confidential reporting lines enable UK and US employees to report, outside the normal management chain, any concerns they may have with regard to business conduct.

Communication with shareholders

The Company attaches importance to the effectiveness of its communications with shareholders. It publishes an Annual review and summary financial statement as well as a full Annual report. There are also separate reports covering the environment and community relations.

The Company maintains a regular dialogue with institutional shareholders and the financial community. This includes presentations of the preliminary and interim results, regular meetings with major shareholders, participation in stockbrokers' seminars and site visits.

Each year the Group holds an investors' seminar, in order to improve the financial community's understanding of the Group and to introduce investors to a broader range of management. All shareholders can gain access to these and other presentations, as well as to the Annual report and other information about the Group, on the Group's website at www.rolls-royce.com

Holders of ordinary shares may attend the Company's AGM at which the Company highlights key business developments during the year and at which shareholders have an opportunity to ask questions. The chairmen of the audit, remuneration and nominations committees are available to answer any questions from shareholders on the work of their committees.

The Company confirms that it sends the AGM notice and relevant documentation to all shareholders at least 20 working days before the date of the AGM. For those shareholders who have elected to receive communications electronically, notice is given by email of the availability of documents on the Group's website. Amendments proposed to be made to the Company's Articles of Association at the AGM would permit the Company to take advantage of new provisions contained in the Companies Act 2006 relating to website and electronic communications. Further details are set out in the explanatory notes to the resolutions contained in the Notice of AGM.

Responsibility for maintaining regular communications with shareholders rests with the executive management team led by the Chief Executive. However, the Board is informed on a regular basis of key shareholder issues, including share price performance, the composition of the shareholder register and City expectations. Independent research is commissioned annually into institutional shareholder perceptions of the Group. The Chairman, the Senior Independent Director and the non-executive directors make themselves available to meet with shareholders as required.

Statement of directors' responsibilities in respect of the Annual report and the financial statements

The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual report and the Group and parent company financial statements, in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the directors to prepare Group and parent company financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors are required to prepare the Group financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the EU and have elected to prepare the parent company financial statements in accordance with UK Accounting Standards.

The Group financial statements are required by law and IFRS as adopted by the EU to present fairly the financial position and performance of the Group; the Companies Act 1985 (the 'Act') provides in relation to such financial statements that references in the relevant part of the Act to financial statements giving a true and fair view are references to their achieving a fair presentation.

The parent company financial statements are required by law to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the parent company.

In preparing each of the Group and parent company financial statements, the directors are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
for the Group financial statements, state whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU;
for the parent company financial statements, state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the parent company financial statements; and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and the parent company will continue in business.

The directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the parent company and enable them to ensure that its financial statements comply with the Act. They have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Group and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

Under applicable law and regulations, the directors are also responsible for preparing a Report of the directors, Directors' remuneration report and Corporate governance statement that comply with that law and those regulations. The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Group's website. Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Disclosure of information to auditors

Each of the persons who is a director at the date of approval of this report confirms that:

so far as the director is aware, there is no relevant information of which the Company's auditors are unaware.
the director has taken all steps that he/she ought to have taken as a director in order to make himself/herself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company's auditors are aware of that information.

This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in accordance with the provisions of Section 234ZA of the Act.