Corporate Governance Statement 2020
Ramsay Health Care Limited (Company) is committed to delivering high quality health care services, long-term sustainable growth and shareholder returns. The Board recognises the importance of good governance in achieving these corporate objectives, in discharging its responsibility to the Company and endeavouring to meet the expectations of all stakeholders and in executing the broader role of the Company as a good corporate citizen.
The Company's governance framework is designed to ensure that the Company is effectively managed, that statutory obligations are met and that the culture of personal and corporate integrity - The Ramsay Way - is reinforced. The Company remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining the culture and principles of The Ramsay Way across all aspects of its business, honouring the architect of The Ramsay Way, the late Mr Paul Ramsay AO.
This Statement outlines the Company's governance framework, policies and procedures as at 30 June 2020 (unless otherwise stated) in accordance with the 3rd Edition of the ASX Corporate Governance Council's Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations (ASX Recommendations). The Board continually reviews the Company's governance policies and practices to ensure that they remain appropriate in light of changes in corporate governance expectations and developments. As a result, many of the new suggestions contained in the 4th Edition of the ASX Recommendations are already embedded in the Company's existing governance arrangements, as outlined in this Statement.
1. The Role of the Board
The Board is committed to representing and promoting the Company effectively, thereby adding long-term value to all shareholders. The Board is accountable to shareholders for the oversight of the Company's business and affairs and, as such, is responsible for the overall strategy, governance and performance of the Company.
To clarify the roles and responsibilities of directors and management, and to assist the Board in discharging its responsibilities, the Company has established a governance framework which sets out the functions reserved to the Board and provides for the delegation of functions to Board Committees and to senior management as considered appropriate. These are set out in the Board Charter, which was last reviewed and updated in FY2020, and can be found in the Corporate Governance section of the Company's website (www.ramsayhealth.com/Sustainability/Governance). The Charter review in FY2020 sought to reflect the new Recommendations in the 4th edition of the ASX Recommendations.
The Board is responsible for defining the Company's purpose and approving the Company's values and Code of Conduct, which can be found in the Social section of the Company's website (www.ramsayhealth.com/Sustainability/Social).
The Company's Statement of Delegated Authorities was updated in FY2019 and will continue to be reviewed as required.
2. Governance Framework: The Board and its Standing Committees
The governance framework in place is designed to promote and foster accountability, both of the Board and senior executives, to the Company and its shareholders. The diagram on the next page summarises the Company's governance framework, including the functions reserved for the Board and those carried out by the four standing Board Committees.