Annual Report and Accounts 2015


John Lewis Partnership plc 101


Work performed by the Chairman’s Nominations Committee during the year


Succession planning and talent management


Succession planning and talent management was the focus of two reviews during the year by the Committee.


The first review focussed on the development of talent management in the Partnership, particularly senior talent and Board development, as well as reviewing measures to develop succession plans. Talent management within the Partnership follows a meritocratic approach and provides greater clarity for Partners around career progression. The three priority areas for the talent management strategy have been identified as 1) developing the competitive capabilities that are needed for the organisation; 2) ensuring strong succession plans are in place where they are needed most; and 3) building a healthy pipeline of talent for the future.


The second review focussed on succession plans. The role of the Chairman’s Nominations Committee is to oversee and review the plans for the Board and senior management succession and assurance was provided that succession cover is in place for the Executive Director roles. The talent management review extended to include functional reviews and considered the future capabilities required for the Partnership and any capability gaps.


The Committee is supported by the Director of Personnel and assisted by independent consultants, as required.


Appointment of new Directors


The Chairman’s Nominations Committee oversees the process for selecting and recommending candidates for appointment as Executive Directors.


Following the resignation of Helen Weir as Group Finance Director on 1 December 2014, and the appointment of Loraine Woodhouse as Acting Group Finance Director with effect from the same date, the Committee has initiated the search process for a new Group Finance Director. The search includes internal and external candidates. The Committee selected Saxton Bampfylde as external search consultants to assist with the search for suitable candidates. The candidates will be shortlisted and considered on merit against objective criteria set by the Committee, including ensuring prospective candidates share the Partnership’s values. Saxton Bampfylde have no other connection with the Partnership.


During the year, the Committee also oversaw the extension of Baroness Hogg’s term to April 2017 and approved the addition of Baroness Hogg as a member of the Committee for the duration of the search process for a new Group Finance Director.


Appointment of new General Counsel and Company Secretary


The Chairman’s Nominations Committee also oversees the process for selecting and recommending candidates for the position of General Counsel and Company Secretary.


Following the retirement of Margaret Casely- Hayford as Director of Legal Services and Company Secretary with effect from 31 July 2014, the Committee delegated authority to the Chairman to make a six month interim appointment to provide cover for the role during the selection process for the permanent appointment.


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 this provision. 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 three 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.


Continued on page 103,


Introduction


Partnership difference


Principles


Strategy


Performance


Governance


Financial statements


In a nutshell...


A Nominations Committee is a standard Board committee, whose main role is to ensure the integrity of the nominating process for Partnership Board members.


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