Shareholders
The Group conducts its operations in accordance with what it believes are
principles of good corporate governance. Our aim is to provide shareholders with
a return on investment that rewards their financial commitment.The Board
understands the importance of strong cash flows and earnings and develops its
business in such a way as to grow these in a sustainable way as far as possible.
The Board endeavours to maintain involvement of shareholders by keeping
them informed on major actions or decisions affecting their investment, through
a year-round Investor Relations programme. RPS employees in possession of
information which, if disclosed, could affect the market price of its shares are
prohibited from trading in securities until after public disclosure of such
information.
The Chairmen of the Audit Committee, Remuneration Committee and Nomination Committee attend the Annual General Meeting, and are available to answer shareholders’ questions. The Chairman and the Senior Independent Non- Executive Director are available to discuss governance, strategy and any issues of concern or interest with any major shareholders. The Chief Executive and Finance Director meet frequently with major institutional shareholders and fund managers. They both attend the Annual General Meeting.
There is a standing board agenda item on investor relations and the views of shareholders in so far as they are known are disclosed to the Board as a whole. This gives the Board an opportunity to develop an understanding of the views of major shareholders of the Group.
Transport and Vehicle Management
During 2007, there has been a significant
investment in video conferencing facilities
within the Group that is beginning to help
reduce company travel, nevertheless some
of the projects undertaken by RPS involve
considerable travel. Other projects require
transportation to and from the client’s
site. Employees are encouraged to use
public transport where possible, and some
offices have put in place formalised
transport plans.
At the end of 2007, there were 354 company cars in the UK.These have an average emission of 154g CO2/km which accounted for approximately 1,004 tonnes of CO2. RPS is introducing a new company car policy that will include an incentive for drivers to select a vehicle with lower CO2 emissions.
In addition, there were 475 vans, mainly associated with leakage detection contracts for water companies.These were responsible for 2,852 tonnes of CO2. RPS has set limits on van engine sizes to reduce emissions and is currently investigating further measures.
RPS carries out extensive work around the world and, especially in the Energy business, there is a substantial requirement for international travel. In 2008 a monitoring programme has been started to measure the impact that air travel has on RPS’ CO2 emissions.