Corporate Governance Statement
Corporate Governance Statement
The Company is committed to maintaining the highest standards in corporate governance throughout its operations and to ensure all of its practices are conducted transparently, ethically and efficiently. The Company believes scrutinising all aspects of its business and reflecting, analysing and improving its procedures will result in the continued success of the Company and deliver value to shareholders. Therefore, and in accordance with the AIM Rules for Companies, the Company has chosen to formalise its governance policies by complying with the UK's Quoted Companies Alliance Corporate Governance Code 2018.
The Board currently consists of four Directors: a Chief Executive Officer, Non-Executive Chairman and two Non-Executive Directors (NEDs). The Board considers that appropriate oversight of the Company is provided by the currently constituted Board.
QCA Code
The 10 principles set out in the QCA Code are listed below, with an explanation of how the Company applies each of the principles and the reason for any aspect of non-compliance.
- Diversified in nature and broadly mirrors the mix of commodity production globally;
- Comprised of royalties across various geographies and all stages of project development;
- Acquired at attractive valuations reflecting single asset risk which is re-rated when included as part of a diversified portfolio;
- Suitable to support the use of appropriate leverage to assist in growth of equity value; and
- Suitable to support a path to material dividend payments.
The Company’s strategy follows the well understood royalty company model, however it seeks to create value through the acquisition of attractive and robust royalties in commodities and jurisdictions which are inherently less competitive relative to those with a precious metal and North or South American focus.
Investors also have access to current information on the Company through its website www.tridentroyalties.com and through Adam Davidson, Chief Executive Officer who is available to answer investor relations enquiries info@tridentroyalties.com. The Company provides regulatory, financial and business news updates through the Regulatory News Service in accordance with the AIM Rules for Companies.
The Board recognises that the long-term success of the Company will be enhanced by good relations with different internal and external groups and to understand their needs, interest and expectations, the Board has established a range of processes and systems to ensure that there is ongoing two-way communication, control and feedback processes in place with to enable appropriate and timely response.
The Board is comprised of a Chief Executive Officer (Adam Davidson) a Non-Executive Chairman (James Kelly) and three NEDs (Mark Potter, Al Gourley and Helen Pein). Each Director serves on the Board until the Annual General Meeting following his election or appointment. The Chief Executive Officer works full time for the Company. Each member of the Board is committed to spending sufficient time to enable them to carry out their duties as a Director. The Board meets regularly throughout the year as deemed appropriate formally and informally, in person and by telephone.
The Company constantly keeps under review the constitution of the Board and may seek to add more members as required as the Company grows and develops.
The Board as a whole considers that Non-Executive Directors James Kelly, Mark Potter and Helen Pain to be independent of management and free from any business or other relationship which could materially interfere with the exercise of their independent judgement.
The Board has implemented an effective committee structure to assist in the discharge of its responsibilities. All committees of the Board have written terms of reference dealing with their authority and duties. Membership of the Audit, Remuneration and Nominations Committees is comprised exclusively of Non-Executive Directors. The Company Secretary acts as secretary to each of these committees.
All Directors, through their involvement in other listed companies as well as the Company, including attendance at seminars, forums and industry events and through their memberships of various professional bodies, keep their skill sets up to date.
The Board reviews annually, and when required, the appropriateness of its mix of skills and experience to ensure that it meets the changing needs of the Company.
The Company has a professional Company Secretary in the UK who assists the Chief Executive Officer in preparing for and running effective Board meetings, including the timely dissemination of appropriate information. The Company Secretary provides advice and guidance to the extent required by the Board on the legal and regulatory environment. In addition, the Board’s finance function is supported by Silvertree Partners LLP who are engaged by the Company to provide accounting and finance services.
The Company conducts periodic reviews of its Board succession planning protocols which includes an assessment of the number of Board members and relative experience of each Board member vis-a-vis the Company’s requirements given its stage of development, with the goal of having in place an adequate and sufficiently experienced Board at all times.
The Board recognises that its decisions regarding strategy and risk will impact the corporate culture of the Company and that this will impact performance. The Board is very aware that the tone and culture set by the Board will greatly impact all aspects of the Company and the way that employees behave. The exploration for, and development of, mineral resources can have a significant impact in the areas where the Company and its investments are active and it is important that the communities view its activities positively. Therefore, the importance of sound ethical values and behaviours is crucial to the ability of the Company to successfully achieve its corporate objectives. The Board places great importance on this aspect of corporate life and seeks to ensure that this is reflected in all the Company does.
The roles and responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer, Non-Executive Chairman and other Directors are laid out below:
- The Chief Executive Officer’s primary responsibilities are to: implement the Company’s strategy in consultation with the Board; take responsibility for new investment opportunities and existing investments; run the Company on a day-by-day basis; implement the decisions of the Board; monitor, review and manage key risks; act as the Company’s primary spokesman; communicate with external audiences such as investors, analysts and media; be responsible for the administration of all aspects of the Company; oversee the accounting function of all group companies and deal with all matters relating to the independent audit.
- The Non-Executive Chairman’s primary responsibilities are to: lead the Board and to ensure the effective working of the Board; in consultation with the Board, ensure good corporate governance and set clear expectations with regards to the Company culture, values and behaviour; set the Board’s agenda and ensures that all Directors are encouraged to participate fully in the decision-making process of the Board and take responsibility for relationships with the Company’s professional advisers and major shareholders.
- The Company’s NED'S participate in all Board level decisions and play a particular role in the determination and articulation of strategy. The Company’s NED’s provide oversight and scrutiny of the performance of the Executive Director, whilst both constructively challenging and inspiring them, thereby ensuring the business develops, communicate and execute the agreed strategy and operate within the risk management framework.
- The Company Secretary is responsible for ensuring that Board procedures are followed and applicable rules and regulations are complied with.
The Board is supported by the audit, remuneration and nominations committees as described below.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee comprises Mark Potter as Chairman and James Kelly and Al Gourley.
The Audit Committee reviews reports from management and from PKF Littlejohn LLP (“PKF”), the Company’s statutory auditor, relating to the interim and annual accounts and to the system of internal financial control.
The Audit Committee is responsible for assisting the Board’s oversight of the integrity of the financial statements and other financial reporting, the independence and performance of PKF, the regulation and risk profile of the Company and the review and approval of any related party transactions. The Audit Committee may hold private sessions with management and PKF without management present. Further, the Audit Committee is responsible for making recommendations to the Board on the appointment of PKF and the audit fee and reviews reports from management and PKF on the financial accounts and internal control systems used throughout the Company.
The Audit Committee meets at least two times a year and is responsible for ensuring that the Company’s financial performance is properly monitored, controlled and reported. The Audit Committee is responsible for the scope and effectiveness of the external audit and compliance by the Company with statutory and other regulatory requirements.
With respect to PKF, the Audit Committee:
- monitors in discussion with PKF the integrity of the financial statements of the Company, any formal announcements relating to the Company’s financial performance and reviews significant financial reporting judgments contained in them;
- reviews the Company’s internal financial controls and reviews the Company’s internal control and risk management systems;
- considers annually whether there is a need for an internal audit function and makes a recommendation to the Board;
- makes recommendations to the Board for it to put to the shareholders for their approval in the general meeting, in relation to the appointment, re-appointment and removal of PKF and to approve the remuneration and terms of engagement of PKF;
- reviews and monitors PKF’s independence and objectivity and the effectiveness of the audit process, taking into consideration relevant professional and regulatory requirements;
- develops and implements policy on the engagement of PKF to supply non-audit services, taking into account relevant external guidance regarding the provision of non-audit services by PKF; and
- reports to the Board, identifying any matters in respect of which it considers that action or improvement is needed and making recommendations as to the steps to be taken.
The Audit Committee also reviews arrangements by which the staff of the Company and the Company may, in confidence, raise concerns about possible improprieties in matters of financial reporting or other matters and ensure that arrangements are in place for the proportionate and independent investigation of such matters with appropriate follow-up action.
Where necessary, the Audit Committee obtains specialist external advice from appropriate advisers.
Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee comprises Al Gourley, as Chairman, James Kelly and Helen Pein.
The Remuneration Committee is responsible for considering all material elements of remuneration policy, the remuneration and incentivisation of Executive Directors and senior management (as appropriate) and to make recommendations to the Board on the framework for executive remuneration and its cost. The role of the Remuneration Committee is to keep under review the Company’s remuneration policies to ensure that the Company attracts, retains and motivates the most qualified talent who will contribute to the long-term success of the Company. The Remuneration Committee also reviews the performance of the Chief Executive Officer and sets the scale and structure of his remuneration, including the implementation of any bonus arrangements, with due regard to the interests of shareholders.
The Remuneration Committee is also responsible for granting options under the Company’s share option plan and, in particular, the price per share and the application of the performance standards which may apply to any grant, ensuring in determining such remuneration packages and arrangements, due regard is given to any relevant legal requirements, the provisions and recommendations in the AIM Rules and The QCA Code.
The Remuneration Committee comprises Al Gourley, as Chairman, James Kelly and Helen Pein.
The Remuneration Committee is responsible for considering all material elements of remuneration policy, the remuneration and incentivisation of Executive Directors and senior management (as appropriate) and to make recommendations to the Board on the framework for executive remuneration and its cost. The role of the Remuneration Committee is to keep under review the Company’s remuneration policies to ensure that the Company attracts, retains and motivates the most qualified talent who will contribute to the long-term success of the Company. The Remuneration Committee also reviews the performance of the Chief Executive Officer and sets the scale and structure of his remuneration, including the implementation of any bonus arrangements, with due regard to the interests of shareholders.
The Remuneration Committee is also responsible for granting options under the Company’s share option plan and, in particular, the price per share and the application of the performance standards which may apply to any grant, ensuring in determining such remuneration packages and arrangements, due regard is given to any relevant legal requirements, the provisions and recommendations in the AIM Rules and The QCA Code.
The Remuneration Committee:
- determines and agrees with the Board the framework or broad policy for the remuneration of the Chief Executive Officer;
- determines the remuneration of Non-Executive Directors;
- determines targets for any performance-related pay schemes operated by the Company;
- ensures that contractual terms on termination and any payments made are fair to the individual, the Company, that failure is not rewarded and that the duty to mitigate loss is fully recognised;
- determines the total individual remuneration package of the Chief Executive Officer, including bonuses, incentive payments and share options;
- is aware of and advises on any major changes in employees’ benefit structures throughout the Company;
- ensures that provisions regarding disclosure, including pensions, as set out in the (Directors’ Remuneration Policy and Directors’ Remuneration Report) Regulations 2019, are fulfilled; and
- is exclusively responsible for establishing the selection criteria, selecting, appointing and setting the terms of reference for any remuneration consultants who advise the Remuneration
Nominations Committee
The Nominations Committee comprises James Kelly as Chairman, Helen Pein and Mark Potter.
The Nominations Committee shall be responsible for considering all criteria for new Executive and Non-Executive Director appointments, including experience of the industry in which the Company operates and professional background. Specifically, the Nominations Committee:
- is responsible for identifying and nominating for the approval of the Board, candidates to fill Board vacancies as and when they arise;
- evaluates the balance of skills, knowledge, experience and diversity of the Board and, in the light of this evaluation, prepares a description of the role and capabilities required for a particular appointment;
- reviews annually the time required from the Non-Executive Directors and assess whether each Non-Executive Director is spending enough time to fulfil their duties;
- considers candidates from a wide range of backgrounds;
- gives full consideration to succession planning in the course of its work, taking into account the challenges and opportunities facing the Company, and the skills and expertise therefore needed on the Board, reporting to the Board regularly;
- regularly reviews the structure, size and composition (including the skills, knowledge and experience) of the Board and make recommendations to the Board with regard to changes;
- keeps under review the leadership needs of the Company, both executive and non-executive, with a view to ensuring the continued ability of the Company to compete effectively in the marketplace;
- makes a statement in the annual report about its activities, the process used for appointments and explains if external advice or open advertising has not been used, the membership of the Nominations Committee, number of Nominations Committee meetings and attendance over the course of the year;
- ensures that on appointment to the Executive and Non-Executive Directors receive formal letters of appointment setting out clearly what is expected of them in terms of time commitment, committee service and involvement outside Board meetings;
- considers and makes recommendations to the Board about the re-appointment of any Non-Executive Director at the conclusion of their specified term of office or retiring in accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association; and
- considers and make recommendations to the Board on any matter relating to the continuation in office of any Director at any time.
The Company also provides regular updates on the progress of the Company, detailing recent business and strategy developments, in news releases which is available on the Company's website www.tridentroyalties.com.
The Company’s financial reports can be found on its website www.tridentroyalties.com. The Company has elected to host its AGMs in London. The Directors believe hosting the AGM in London will enhance engagement with the Company's shareholders by making the meeting more accessible.
The Company also participates in various investor events including conferences and presentation evenings, at which shareholders can meet with management in person to answer queries, provide information on current developments and to take into consideration shareholder views and suggestions.
The Board is always open to receiving feedback from shareholders. Communications should be directed to info@tridentroyalties.com. The Chief Executive Officer has been appointed to manage the relationship between the Company and its shareholders and will review and report to the Board on any communications received.