The Company was admitted to trading on AIM on 25 November 2004. As an AIM traded company it is not required to comply with the UK Corporate Governance Code.  However, the Board is committed to complying with best corporate governance practice as set out in the Quoted Companies Alliance guidelines where appropriate, given the size and operations of the Company. This includes evaluating directors’ performance, the management of the Company, and ensuring that it maintains full and effective control over appropriate strategic, financial, operational and compliance issues.

There is no separate Audit, Remuneration or Nomination Committee as the Board considers that, given its current size, all members of the Board should participate in those roles and responsibilities normally reserved for such committees. Therefore, the full Board of Directors provides a forum for reporting by the Company’s external auditors.

Dealing Code

The Company has adopted a dealing code for dealing in the Company’s securities and related financial instruments which complies with the requirements of the EU Market Abuse Regulation and the requirements of AIM Rule 21.

Board and Directors

The Board comprises two Executive Directors, a Non-Executive Chairman and a Non-Executive Director. The Directors work together throughout the year.

The Board meets formally as required, but at least four times a year. At each scheduled meeting of the Board, the Directors report on the Company’s operations. All Directors are subject to re-election by shareholders at the first opportunity after their appointment. All Directors are required to retire by rotation and up to one third of the Board is required to seek re-election each year. Recommendations on new appointments to the Board are made by individual Directors and are discussed at Board meetings.

Auditor

The Board undertakes an assessment of the auditor’s independence each year which includes:

• A review of non-audit services provided to the Company and related fees;
• Discussion with the auditors of a written report detailing all relationships with the Company and any other parties that could affect independence or the perception of independence;
• A review of the auditor’s own procedures for ensuring the independence of the audit firm and partners and staff involved in the audit, including the regular rotation of the audit partner; and
• Obtaining written confirmation from the auditor that, in their professional judgment, they are independent.

Accountability, Financial Reporting and Internal Control

The Board aims to present a balanced and understandable view of the Company’s financial position and prospects.

The Board is responsible for ensuring that the Company maintains a system of internal financial controls, including suitable monitoring procedures. The objectives of the systems are to safeguard Company assets, ensure proper accounting records are maintained and that the financial information used within the business and for publication is reliable. Any such system can only provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss. Internal financial control monitoring procedures undertaken by the Board include the review of financial reports, the monitoring of performance and the prior approval of all significant expenditure.

The Company does not have an independent internal audit function as it is not deemed appropriate given the size of the Company and the nature of the Company’s business. However, the Board considers annually whether there is a need for such a function.

Relations with Shareholders

The Directors seek to build a mutual understanding of objectives between the Company and its shareholders. The Company reports formally to shareholders in its interim and annual reports setting out details of its activities. In addition, the Company keeps shareholders informed of events and progress during the year through the issue of press releases. The Company maintains an investor relations page on its website (amedeoresources.com).

Shareholders have the opportunity to meet members of the Board at the annual general meeting where the Board members are happy to respond to questions.  The Board also responds to written queries made by shareholders during the course of the year and may also meet with major shareholders if so requested.

Directors are required to attend the Annual General Meeting of the Company unless unable to do so for personal reasons or due to pressing commercial commitments.  Shareholders are given the opportunity to vote on each separate issue.