Barclays 2006 Annual Report Download - page 119

Barclays PLC
Annual Report 2006 115
Governance
2
Directors’ Emoluments
Information on emoluments of Directors of Barclays PLC, in accordance
with the Companies Act 1985 and the Listing Rules of the United
Kingdom Listing Authority, is given in the Remuneration report on pages
125 to 140 and in Note 46 to the accounts.
Directors’ Indemnities
The Board believes that it is in the best interests of the Group to attract
and retain the services of the most able and experienced Directors by
offering competitive terms of engagement, including the granting of
indemnities on terms consistent with the applicable statutory
provisions. Qualifying third-party indemnity provisions (as defined by
section 309B of the Companies Act 1985) were accordingly in force
during the course of the financial year ended 31st December 2006 for
the benefit of the then Directors and, at the date of this report, are in
force for the benefit of the Directors in relation to certain losses and
liabilities which they may incur (or have incurred) in connection with
their duties, powers or office.
Activities
Barclays PLC Group is a major global financial services provider engaged
in retail and commercial banking, credit cards, investment banking,
wealth management and investment management services. The Group
operates through branches, offices and subsidiaries in the UK and
overseas.
Community Involvement
The total commitment for 2006 was £46.5m (2005: £39.1m).
The Group committed £39.6m in support of the community in the UK
(2005: £35.3m) and £6.9m was committed in international support
(2005: £3.8m). The UK commitment includes £35.2m of charitable
donations (2005: £16.7m).
Barclays is a member of the Percent Club – a group of companies that
have undertaken to ensure that donations to the community over time
amount to at least 1% of their UK pre-tax profit.
Barclays has an extensive community programme covering many
countries around the world. The Group provides funding and support
to over 8,279 charities and voluntary organisations, ranging from small,
local charities, like Passage (UK), to international organisations like
Unicef. We also have a very successful employee programme which in
2006 saw more than 33,000 employees and pensioners worldwide
taking part in Barclays supported volunteering, giving and fundraising
activities. Further information on our community involvement is given
on pages 143 and 146.
Political Donations
The Group did not give any money for political purposes in the UK nor
did it make any donations to EU political organisations or incur any EU
political expenditure during the year. Absa Group Limited, in which the
Group acquired a majority stake in 2005, made donations totalling
£212,729 in 2006 (2005: £224,400) in accordance with its policy of
making political donations to the major South African political parties
to support the development of democracy in South Africa. The Group
made no other political donations in 2006.
At the AGM in 2006, shareholders gave a limited authority for Barclays
PLC and Barclays Bank PLC to make political donations and incur
political expenditure, within an agreed limit, as a precautionary measure
in light of the wide definitions in The Political Parties, Elections and
Referendums Act 2000. This was a renewal of an authority given by
shareholders in 2002. These authorities, which have not been used,
expire on 26th April 2007. The risk of inadvertently breaching The
Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 remains and the
Directors consider it prudent to seek a renewal of the authority given by
shareholders for Barclays Bank PLC. A resolution to authorise Barclays
Bank PLC to make political donations and incur political expenditure up
to a maximum aggregate sum of £125,000 is therefore being proposed
at the Barclays PLC 2007 AGM.
Employee Involvement
Barclays is committed to ensuring that employees share in the success
of the Group. Staff are encouraged to participate in share option and
share purchase schemes and have a substantial sum invested in
Barclays shares.
Employees are kept informed of matters of concern to them in a variety
of ways, including the corporate news magazines, intranets, briefings
and mobile phone SMS messaging. These communications help
achieve a common awareness among employees of the financial and
economic factors affecting the performance of Barclays.
Barclays is also committed to providing employees with opportunities
to share their views and provide feedback on issues that are important
to them. An annual (bi-annual in the case of BGI) Employee Opinion
Survey is undertaken with results being reported to the Board HR and
Remuneration Committee and all employees. Roadshows and employee
forums also take place.
In addition, Barclays undertakes regular and formal Group, business unit
and project specific consultations with Amicus, our recognised union in
the UK.
Equality and Diversity
The diversity agenda at Barclays seeks to include customers, colleagues
and suppliers. Our objective is to recruit and retain the best people,
regardless of (but not limited to) race, religion, age, gender, sexual
orientation or disability. We strive to ensure our workforce reflects the
communities in which we operate, and the international nature of the
organisation. We recognise that diversity is a key part of responsible
business strategy in support of our increasingly global business.
Barclays is committed to providing additional support to employees
with disabilities and making it easier for them to inform us of their
specific requirements including the introduction of a dedicated intranet
site. Through our Reasonable Adjustments Scheme, appropriate
assistance can be given, including both physical workplace
adjustments, and relevant training and access to trained mentors is
also provided for disabled employees. A wide range of recruitment
initiatives have been taken to increase the number of people with
disabilities working in Barclays.
Health and Safety
Barclays is committed to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of our
employees and, so far as is reasonably practicable, to providing and
maintaining safe working conditions. Barclays regards legislative
compliance as a minimum and where appropriate we seek to
implement higher standards. Barclays also recognises its responsibilities
towards all persons on Barclays premises, such as contractors, visitors
and members of the public, and ensures, so far as is reasonably
practicable, that they are not exposed to risks to their health and safety.
In 2006 Barclays reviewed its Statement of Commitment which applies
in all business areas in which Barclays has operational control. In this
statement, Barclays commits to:
•demonstrate personal leadership that is consistent
with this vision;
• provide the appropriate resources to fulfil this commitment;
• carry out risk assessments and take appropriate actions
to mitigate risk;
• consult our employees on matters affecting their Health
and Safety;
• ensure that appropriate information, instruction, training
and supervision are provided;
• appoint competent persons to provide specialist advice; and
• review Barclays Health and Safety Group Process, and the Statement
of Commitment, at regular intervals.