Barclays 2006 Annual Report Download - page 128

Corporate governance
Corporate governance report
and to discuss any issues that may have arisen. In addition, investor
bodies and major investors are given the opportunity to meet with new
non-executive Directors on their appointment. Sir Richard Broadbent,
the Senior Independent Director, is available to meet with investors if
they are unable to resolve issues through the normal channels of the
Chairman, Group Chief Executive and Group Finance Director.
To ensure that all Directors, and in particular, non-executive Directors,
have a full understanding of the opinions of our major shareholders, an
external consultant conducts an annual audit of investor opinion, the
results of which are presented to the Board. Non-executive Directors
also receive copies of analysts’ reports on the Group and are invited to
attend results presentations to analysts.
We aim to provide a first-class service to private shareholders to help
them in the effective and efficient management of their shareholding.
The main methods of communicating with private shareholders are the
Annual Report, the Annual Review, the dividend mailings and the AGM.
We have continued to encourage shareholders to hold their shares in
Barclays Sharestore, where their shares are held electronically in a cost
effective environment. Our e-view service enables shareholders to
receive their documents electronically. It also gives shareholders
immediate access to information relating to their personal shareholding
and dividend history. Participants can also change their details and
dividend mandates online and receive dividend tax vouchers
electronically.
Annual General Meeting
All Directors are encouraged to attend the AGM and be available to
answer shareholders’ questions. All Directors attended the 2006 AGM.
It has been our practice for a number of years that all resolutions are
voted on a poll to ensure that the views of all shareholders are reflected
proportionately. Each of the resolutions considered at the 2006 AGM
was decided on a poll and a copy of the poll results is available at
www.investorrelations.barclays.com. The resolutions to be considered
at our 2007 AGM will also be decided on a poll and the results will be
made available on our website on 27th April 2007.
Signed on behalf of the Board
Marcus Agius
Chairman
8th March 2007
Barclays PLC
Annual Report 2006
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