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Telling the governance story HOW THE BOARD WORKS AS A TEAM
The issue How to ensure that the Governance report communicates the strength of the board as a whole, not just details of past careers.
What investors want to know That the company’s board is properly composed and balanced, with skill sets that complement one another. That a range of views will be expressed in the spirit of constructive challenge, and that the boardroom environment allows for this.
Our proposal Show how the board ‘fits together’. As an example, we have suggested doing this through a representation of the boardroom table illustrating: kkThe balance of skills, experience and personal characteristics on the board; kkThe diversity of the directors, which may increase the range of views expressed; and kkThe key aspects of the boardroom culture that the chairman encourages. Directors’ biographies A list of previous job titles does not enable readers to fully understand the skills of individual directors. Emphasise the relevant skills and experience that each director brings to the table. Forward thinking reporters describe each director’s main contribution to the company’s performance in the year.
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