Barclays 2007 Annual Report Download - page 133

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Governance
Barclays PLC Annual Report 2007 131
The Directors retiring by rotation at the 2008 AGM and offering themselves
for re-election are Fulvio Conti, Gary Hoffman and Sir John Sunderland.
Sir Nigel Rudd retires annually as recommended by the Code and is
offering himself for re-election. In addition, David Booth, Sir Michael Rake
and Patience Wheatcroft, who were appointed as Directors since the last
AGM, will be offering themselves for re-election at the 2008 AGM. Danie
Cronjé is retiring at the AGM and is not offering himself for re-election.
Directors’ Interests
Directors’ interests in the shares of the Group on 31st December 2007
are shown on page 158.
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 144 to 158
and in Note 42 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 234 of the
Companies Act 2006) were accordingly in force during the course of
the financial year ended 31st December 2007 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
Barclays has an extensive community programme covering many
countries around the world. The Group provides funding and support
to over 7,140 charities and voluntary organisations, ranging from small,
local charities, like Passage (UK), to international organisations like the
Red Cross. We also have a very successful employee programme which
in 2007 saw more than 43,700 employees and pensioners worldwide
taking part in Barclays-supported volunteering, giving and fundraising
activities. Further information on our community involvement is given
on pages 72 and 74.
The total commitment for 2007 was £52.4m (2006: £46.5m). The Group
committed £38.9m in support of the community in the UK (2006: £39.6m)
and £13.5m was committed in international support (2006: £6.9m). The
UK commitment includes £30.4m of charitable donations (2006: £35.2m).
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
£170,142 in 2007 (2006: £212,729) 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 2007.
At the AGM in 2007, shareholders gave a limited authority for 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 similar
to an authority given by shareholders in 2006. This authority, which has
not been used, expires at the conclusion of the AGM held this year, or, if
earlier, 26th July 2008. The Companies Act 2006 largely restates the
provisions of The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.
The risk of inadvertently breaching the Companies Act 2006 remains
and the Directors consider it prudent to seek a similar authority from
shareholders. A resolution to authorise Barclays PLC and its subsidiaries
to make EU political donations and incur EU political expenditure up to a
maximum aggregate sum of £125,000 is therefore being proposed at the
Barclays PLC 2008 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 Employee Opinion Survey is undertaken with results
being reported to the Board HR and Remuneration Committee, all
employees and to Unite (Amicus section), our recognised union in
the UK. Roadshows and employee forums also take place.
In addition, Barclays undertakes regular and formal Group, business unit
and project specific consultations with Unite (Amicus section).
Diversity and Inclusion
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 and
disability helpline. 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 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 its premises, such
as contractors, visitors and members of the public, and ensures, so far
as is reasonably practicable, that they are not exposed to significant risks
to their health and safety.
Barclays regularly reviews its Statement of Health and Safety Commitment,
issued with the authority of the Board and which applies to all business
areas in which Barclays has operational control. In this statement Barclays
commits to:
– demonstrate personal leadership that is consistent with this
commitment;
– provide the appropriate resources to fulfil this commitment;
– carry out risk assessments and take appropriate actions to mitigate
the risks identified;
– consult with 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.