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Corporate governance

Governance and Committee memberships

The Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules require the Company to: (i) make a corporate governance statement in its annual report and accounts based on the code to which it is subject, or with which it voluntarily complies; and (ii) describe its internal control and risk management arrangements. The Board has considered the principles and provisions of the AIC Code. The AIC Code addresses the principles and provisions set out in the UK Corporate Governance Code, as well as setting out additional principles and provisions on issues that are of specific relevance to listed investment companies. The Board considers that reporting against the principles and recommendations of the AIC Code will provide better information to Shareholders. As a recently incorporated company, the Company does not yet comply with the UK Corporate Governance Code or the principles of good governance contained in the AIC Code. However, the Company intends to join the AIC as soon as practicable following Admission, and arrangements have been put in place so that, with effect from Admission, the Company will comply with the AIC Code (save as indicated below) which complements the UK Corporate Governance Code and provides a framework of best practice for listed investment companies.

The UK Corporate Governance Code includes provisions relating to:

  • the appointment of a senior independent director;
  • the role of the chief executive;
  • executive directors’ remuneration; and
  • the need for an internal audit function.

It is acknowledged in the UK Corporate Governance Code that some of its provisions may not be relevant to externally managed investment companies (such as the Company). The Board does not consider that the above provisions are relevant to the Company. The Company will therefore not comply with these provisions. The AIC Code also includes a provision relating to the appointment of a senior independent director. The Board considers that, due to the size of the Board, this provision is not appropriate to the position of the Company.

Audit and Risk Committee

The Company’s Audit and Risk Committee consists of Afkenel Schipstra, Abigail Rotheroe and Simon Hogan and is chaired by Afkenel Schipstra. The Audit and Risk Committee will meet at least three times a year. The Board considers that the members of the Audit and Risk Committee have the requisite skills and experience to fulfil the responsibilities of the Audit and Risk Committee. The Audit and Risk Committee will examine the effectiveness of the Company’s risk management and internal control systems. It will review the interim and annual reports and also receive information from the AIFM and the Investment Adviser. It will also review the scope, results, cost effectiveness, independence and objectivity of the external auditor.

Audit and Risk Committee Terms of Reference – Download

Management Engagement Committee

In accordance with the AIC Code, the Company has established a Management Engagement Committee which consists of Abigail Rotheroe, Afkenel Schipstra and Simon Hogan and is chaired by Abigail Rotheroe. The Management Engagement Committee will meet at least once a year or more often if required. Its principal duties will be to (i) consider the terms of appointment of the AIFM, the Investment Adviser and other service providers; (ii) annually review those appointments and the terms of engagement; and (iii) monitor, evaluate and hold to account the performance of the AIFM, the Investment Adviser, the other service providers and their key personnel.

Management Engagement Committee Terms of Reference – Download

Remuneration Committee

The Company’s Remuneration Committee consists of Abigail Rotheroe, Afkenel Schipstra and Simon Hogan and is chaired by Abigail Rotheroe. The Remuneration Committee will meet at least twice a year or more often if required. The Remuneration Committee’s main functions include: (i) agreeing the policy for the remuneration of the Directors and reviewing any proposed changes to the policy; (ii) reviewing and considering ad hoc payment to the Directors in relation to duties undertaken over and above normal business; and (iii) appointing independent professional remuneration advice.

Remuneration Committee Terms of Reference – Download

Nomination Committee

The Company’s Nomination Committee consists of Simon Hogan, Afkenel Schipstra and Abigail Rotheroe and is chaired by Simon Hogan. The Nomination Committee will meet at least once a year or more often if required. Its principal duties will be to advise the Board on succession planning bearing in mind the balance of skills, knowledge and experience existing on the Board and will make recommendations to the Board in this regard. The Nomination Committee advises the Board on its balance of relevant skills, experience, gender, race, age and length of service of the Directors serving on the Board. All appointments to the Board will be made in a formal and transparent matter.

Nomination Committee Terms of Reference – Download

Valuation Committee

The Valuation Committee consists of Afkenel Schipstra, Abigail Rotheroe and Simon Hogan and is chaired by Afkenel Schipstra. The Valuation Committee has been established to meet formally on at least a quarterly basis to formulate valuation policies for investments of the Company, consider whether independent valuation of the portfolio is required and approve the valuations or valuation methodology of the Private and Listed Hydrogen Assets.

Valuation Committee Terms of Reference – Download