The Board regularly communicates with investors and analysts as a matter of course, and during the year the Chairman has independently met with investors to understand how the strategy, action and performance of the business is perceived by the investor community. Feedback received from these meetings has been delivered to the Board to ensure that consideration of these needs and expectations are at the heart of our strategy and decision making. The Board also believes that the results presentations and Annual General Meeting provide a platform for transparency and engagement with investors.

The Board sets our overarching risk culture and the impact of any changes to the risk profile, driven by both macro and micro environmental conditions, ensuring that we manage risk appropriately across the Group.

The Executive Board, supported by the Group’s General Counsel has management responsibility for risk and internal control with the Board completing a full review bi-annually of the risk profile to consider any emerging risks or notable changes in existing risks.

The Board has three established committees for audit, remuneration and disclosure. The composition, tenure and experience of the Board is reviewed regularly by the Board. Given the size and composition of the Board, the Board does not consider that a nominations committee is required as the Board are able to collectively work together to consider both succession issues and new appointments.

The Board is satisfied that its current composition includes an appropriate balance of skills, experience and capabilities, including experience of recruitment, people management, funding requirements, sustainability and risk management.

The Board obtains external advice and training as required and if instances where the Board considers that it does not possess the necessary expertise or experience it will engage the services of third- party advisers.

The Board regularly considers the effectiveness and relevance of its contributions, any learning and development needs and the level of scrutiny of the senior management team but at this stage has considered that internal review is sufficient given the size of the Board. This will be kept under continuous review. The Chairman also met with each Director to discuss Board and individual effectiveness during the period to continuously foster development and growth at both Board level and within the senior management team.

As a regulated law service business, the Group is focused on promoting a strong ethical corporate culture. The Board implements a policy of equal opportunities in the recruitment and engagement of employees during their employment and always recognises the importance of honest and open feedback to facilitate the growth of individuals and teams within the business.

The Group prides itself on its one team culture and maintaining this culture through consistent engagement with its staff is integral to the Group’s success. The Group achieves this consistent messaging through the day-to-day management of teams by Client Services Directors and Business Services Directors, regular meetings with partners and regional conferences. This regular engagement ensures that all staff are fully informed about any key business developments and the business’ value proposition. The collaborative management structure encourages engagement at all levels.

The Board is responsible for the Group’s overall strategic direction and management and meet regularly to review, formulate, and approve the Group’s strategy, budgets and corporate actions, and to oversee the Group’s progress towards its goals. The Group has an established set of reserved matters for approval by the board which is regularly reviewed and updated as necessary given the growth of the business.

The Group is committed to maintaining good communication and having constructive dialogue with its shareholders. The Chairman has independently met with several shareholders to obtain and consider their feedback. Regular shareholder meetings are held with the CEO and CFO to discuss Group performance, particularly following publication of the Group’s interim and full year results and any trading updates.

Employees are updated with all key developments within the business and the business maintains transparent and collaborative engagement with its regulators.

In addition, a range of corporate information (including copies of presentations and announcements, and an overview of activities of the Group) are available on the Group’s website.