THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors meets regularly throughout the year and retains full and effective control over the Company and its subsidiaries (the Group). It is collectively responsible for the success of the Group and determines its strategy and policies whilst monitoring performance. The Board met eleven times during 2006 and, after the retirement of Sir George Russell on
25 April 2006, comprised the Chairman, the Senior Independent Director, five other Non-Executive Directors, the Chief Executive and four other Executive Directors. Where Directors were absent from Board or Committee meetings, on each occasion the Board or respective Committee was satisfied with the apologies that were offered.
The Board has a written schedule of matters reserved for its review and approval. Reserved matters include: the setting of capital expenditure budgets, the declaration of dividends, the setting of policies for balance sheet structural risk management, the raising of non retail funds, liquidity, credit risk, and the approval of the annual report and accounts. It has also adopted a detailed procedures manual which covers the responsibilities and