RWS Annual Report 2022 web - Flipbook - Page 77
OUR GOVERNANCE MODEL
As an AIM listed company, RWS has chosen to implement the Quoted Companies Alliance Corporate Governance Code
(the QCA Code). The principles and disclosures laid out by the QCA Code provides a framework to ensure we have the
appropriate corporate governance arrangements in place. The Board considers that RWS does not depart from any of
the principles of the QCA Code and the following pages include details of our compliance, which is reviewed annually in
line with the requirements of the QCA Code.
Deliver
Growth
Principle
Compliance
COLLEAGUES
1
2
3
Establish a strategy
and business model
which promote
long-term value for
shareholders
Seek to understand
and meet
shareholders’ needs
and expectations
Take into account
wider stakeholder
and social
responsibilities
and their
implications
for long-term
success
>
The Group strategy is set out on pages 12 to 15 in the Strategic Report section of our Annual Report.
>
The strategy for RWS is agreed by the Board, and progress towards delivering against objectives is
tracked and debated by the Board and the Executive Team.
>
During FY22, the Board and Executive Team held several meetings specifically focusing on the Group’s
strategic plan and five-year plan for creating value for the Group. Any significant business decision is
taken with reference to the five-year plan.
>
Our objective is to continue to increase shareholder value in the medium- to long-term by growing the
Group’s revenue, profit before tax and earnings per share.
>
Our strategy to achieve this is focused on providing an increasing range of complementary specialist
translation, localisation, language and content technology, intellectual property translation and filing
(IP services) and broader language services to existing and new clients and driving organic growth.
>
This is supplemented by selective acquisitions, providing these are complementary to our existing
business, enhance shareholder value and allow the Group to maintain conservative debt leverage
within existing covenant requirements.
>
See Strategy and Growth on pages 12 to 15.
>
Investor relations is a priority for RWS and we strive to ensure that both the investor and
analyst communities understand our strategy, business model and financial and operational
performance.
>
Regular meetings are held with investors and analysts, mainly at investor roadshows and
conferences.
>
Our AGM is our primary forum to meet and communicate with our wider shareholder base.
>
Shareholder feedback is received from our brokers and all shareholder feedback is distributed
to the Board.
>
Decision making at the Board takes into consideration how its decisions would impact our
shareholders. See page 93 of the Directors’ Report for our statement on Fostering good
relationships with our shareholders and other stakeholders.
>
In March 2022, we held a Capital Markets Day for the major investors to enable them to learn
more about our strategy and plans for accelerating growth.
>
The Board has identified the main stakeholders in the business as its shareholders,
colleagues, clients, suppliers and the communities in which it operates.
>
Decision making takes account of how our various stakeholders may be affected by our
decisions and developments.
>
We pride ourselves on transparency and open communication.
>
We take our corporate sustainability seriously and aim to incorporate best practice in all our
initiatives and actions.
>
See pages 25-26 and 60-65 of the Strategic Report and pages 66 to 69 of the Corporate
Governance Report.
GOVERNANCE REPORT RWS — Annual Report 2022
77
