Effective corporate governance remains key to the business. The Company continues to review its internal control framework to ensure it maintains a strong and effective internal control environment. The effectiveness of the framework has been under regular review by the Management Board. The Group will continue to comply with the Combined Code on corporate governance and the UK Listing Authority rules.
Business controls are reviewed on an ongoing basis by the internal control function which operates internationally and to a programme based on risk assessment. Professionally qualified personnel manage the department with experience gained from both inside and outside the industry. A risk-based audit plan, which provides assurance over key business processes and commercial and financial risks facing the Company, is approved by the Audit Committee quarterly.
The Audit Committee considers significant control matters raised by management and both the internal and external auditors and reports its findings to the Board. Where weaknesses are identified, the Audit Committee ensures that management takes appropriate action. No significant failings or weaknesses were identified during 2009/10.