Committee members are chosen for the skills, experience and other qualities they bring to the Committee. At the next Board meeting following each Committee meeting, the Board is given a report by the Chairman of the respective Committee and Minutes of the meeting are tabled. The Audit Committee is comprised of two Non-Executive Directors, who are duly appointed by the Board.
The Audit Committee reviews the annual financial statements to determine whether they are complete and consistent with the information known to Committee members and to assess whether the financial statements reflect appropriate accounting principles.
The Audit Committee is responsible for making recommendations to the Board on appointment and terms of engagement of the external auditors. The selection is made from appropriately qualified companies in accordance with Board policy. The Board submits the name of the recommended appointee to shareholders for ratification.
The Committee ensures that significant findings and recommendations made by the external auditors are received and discussed promptly, and that management responds to recommendations by the external auditors in a timely manner. The external auditor is invited to the Annual General Meeting of shareholders and is available to answer relevant questions from shareholders.
The Audit Committee reviews the effectiveness of the systems for monitoring compliance with all legal and regulatory obligations and the Constitution of the Company. The Committee obtains regular updates from management and satisfies itself that all regulatory compliance matters have been considered in the preparation of the financial statements.
Reviews of the findings of any examinations by regulatory agencies are undertaken and the Chairman of the Audit Committee has the right to approach a regulator directly in the event of a prudential issue arising.