John Lewis Partnership plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014
69
The Committee chose Egon Zender as the external search consultancy to assist with the search for suitable candidates. The candidates were shortlisted and considered on merit against objective criteria set by the Committee. Egon Zender has no other connection with the Partnership.
During the year, the Committee has also overseen the extension of Baroness Hogg’s letter of appointment to 30 September 2014.
Succession planning Succession planning is considered twice a year by the Committee, which has overseen the Chairman’s proposals for the succession planning process for Executive Directors and senior management. During the year, the talent review processes have been extended substantially with divisional talent reviews. A Partnership functional talent review process has also been introduced, which will provide opportunities to view talent not only through the Partnership and divisional structures, but also in a matrix structure, centred on Partners’ skills.
The Committee is supported by the Director of Personnel and assisted by independent consultants, as required.
Diversity and Inclusion Policy The Partnership Board has adopted a Diversity and Inclusion Policy Statement, the aims of which are supported by the Partnership’s Diversity and Inclusion Policy (the Policy). The Partnership Board recognises and embraces the benefits of having a diverse Partnership Board and the principles of our Policy apply equally to the Board. As at the date of this report, six of the 15 members of the Partnership Board are female.
Through the Chairman’s Nominations Committee, the structure, size, composition and balance of the Board (including skills, knowledge, experience and backgrounds) are monitored, to ensure that when considering Board candidates, due regard is given to the benefits of diversity, including gender, ethnicity and other characteristics protected by the provisions of the Equality Act 2010.
Ultimately, all Board appointments are made on merit against objective criteria in the context of the skills and experience required for them to be effective. It is not the Board’s policy to set specific targets by legally protected characteristics such as gender.
Induction and training During the year, the Committee has reviewed and updated the induction programme for Executive, Non-Executive and Elected Directors. Induction training is provided internally and includes the Partnership’s governance mechanisms and meetings with all Directors and senior Partners who support the Partnership Board agenda. The training programme for Directors includes external training courses to support development and gain external insight on topics covered by the Partnership Board. Kate Brewer has received induction training upon joining the Partnership Board and an induction programme has been arranged for the two new Non-Executive Directors who joined the Partnership Board after the year end.
The Committee also reviewed the continuing development of the Partnership Board and made recommendations for the Director training programme for 2014.
Committee Evaluation During the year, the Committee undertook an externally facilitated evaluation of its own effectiveness. The key recommendations of the evaluation were to review the role and responsibilities of the Committee and the role of management that supports and provides assurance to the Committee so that they are clearly defined and reflected within the Committee’s terms of reference. Board Intelligence, who facilitated the review, has no other connection with the Partnership.
On behalf of the Chairman’s Nominations Committee
Comply or explain?
COMPOSITION AND ROLE OF THE CHAIRMAN’S NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE
Code provision B.2.1 states that the Nominations Committee be chaired by an independent Non-Executive Director, comprise a majority of Independent Non- Executive Directors and lead the process for board appointments. This provision supports the Code principle that the process for nominating persons to the Board is subject to independent review and not dominated by the executive.
The Committee does not comply with all parts of the Code. Under the Constitution the Chairman is responsible for the appointment of the Executive Directors and co-ordinates their responsibilities. He therefore chairs the Committee. The Committee also comprises two Non-Executive Directors and two Elected Directors. This provides a broad mix of members, including those mindful of Partners’ interests as co-owners of the business.
The Chairman’s Nominations Committee, led by the Chairman, oversees the process for Partnership Board appointments and makes recommendations to the Partnership Board.
The Chairman’s Nominations Committee takes no part in the appointment of the Elected Directors, which is led by the Partnership Council.
, Chairman and Chairman of the Chairman’s Nominations Committee
THE JOHN LEWIS PARTNERSHIP
OUR PERFORMANCE
GOVERNANCE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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