Effective governance is the foundation of Zylus Group International (“Zylus” or the “Company”) performance and long-term sustainability as a Pan-African International recognized ‘Real Estate Company of the Year – 2020’.
This Corporate Governance Manual and the policies contained herein document Zylus’s obligations, expectations and intentions. These are reinforced regularly at all levels of the Company.
The principal responsibility of the directors is to oversee the management of the Company in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders/stakeholders. This responsibility requires that the directors attend to the following:
3. evaluate the performance of, and oversee the progress and development of, senior management and take appropriate action, such as promotion, change in responsibility and termination;
4. oversee the Company’s auditing and financial reporting functions; viii. evaluate the Company’s systems and business to identify and manage the risks faced by the Company;
5. evaluate the overall effectiveness of the Board and its committees.
The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Zylus Group Intl. (“Zylus” or the “Company”) has adopted these Corporate Governance Guidelines (the “Guidelines”) to assist the Board in the exercise of its responsibilities. The Board may modify or make exceptions to the Guidelines from time to time in its discretion and consistent with the duties and responsibilities owed to the Company and its shareholders/stakeholders.
The principal responsibility of the directors is to oversee the management of the Company in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders/stakeholders. This responsibility requires that the directors attend to the following:
3. evaluate the performance of, and oversee the progress and development of, senior management and take appropriate action, such as promotion, change in responsibility and termination;
4. oversee the Company’s auditing and financial reporting functions
5. Provide assistance to the Company’s senior management, including guidance on those matters that require Board involvement; and
6. Evaluate the overall effectiveness of the Board and its committees.
In discharging their fiduciary duties of care, loyalty and candour, directors are expected to exercise their business judgment to act in what they reasonably and honestly believe to be the best interests of the Company and its shareholders/stakeholders are free from personal interests. In discharging their duties, the directors normally are entitled to rely on the Company’s senior executives, other employees believed to be responsible, and its outside advisors, auditors, and legal counsel, but also should consider second opinions where circumstances warrant.
Directors are responsible for determining that effective systems are in place for the periodic and timely reporting to the Board on important matters concerning the Company. Directors should also provide for periodic reviews of the integrity of the Company’s internal controls and management information systems.
Directors are responsible for determining that effective systems are in place for the periodic and timely reporting to the Board on important matters concerning the Company. Directors should also provide for periodic reviews of the integrity of the Company’s internal controls and management information systems.
Directors are responsible for adequately preparing for and attending Board meetings and meetings of committees on which they serve. They must devote the time needed, and meet as frequently as necessary, to properly discharge their responsibilities.
The directors are entitled to Company-provided indemnification through corporate articles and by-laws, corporate statutes, indemnity agreements and, when available on reasonable terms, directors’ and officers’ liability insurance.
The Board will ensure that it has at all times at least the minimum number of directors who meet applicable standards of director independence. For members of the Audit Committee, director independence is to be determined in accordance with legal independence standards applicable to the Company’s Audit Committee. For other purposes, the Board will, from time to time, establish independence standards that (i) comply with applicable legal requirements and (ii) are designed to ensure that the director does not have, directly or indirectly, a financial, legal or other relationship that, in the Board’s judgment, would reasonably interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of the director.
The Board believes that a Board comprised of ‘five to eight members’ is an appropriate size given the Company’s present circumstances. The Board also will consider the competencies and skills that the Board, as a whole, should possess and the competencies and skills of each director.
The Board does not believe that its members should be prohibited or discouraged from serving on boards of other organizations, and the Board does not propose any specific policies limiting such activities, providing they do not reduce a director’s effectiveness or result in a continuing conflict of interest. However, the Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee should take into account the nature of and time involved in a director’s service on other boards in evaluating the suitability of individual directors and in making its recommendations.
The Board does not believe it should establish director term or age limits. Such limits could result in the loss of directors who have been able to develop, over a period of time, significant insight into the Company and its operations and an institutional memory that benefits the Board as well as management.
As an alternative to term and age limits, the Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee will review each director’s continuation on the Board annually. This will allow each director the opportunity to confirm his or her desire to continue as a member of the Board and allow the Company to replace directors where, upon recommendation of the Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee, the Board makes a determination in that regard.
The Board will select a Chairperson of the Board in a manner and upon the criteria that the Board deems appropriate at the time of selection. The Board believes the offices of Chairperson of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”) should not be held by the same person.
At any time when the Chairperson of the Board is not independent, the independent directors will select an independent director to carry out the functions of a lead director. This person will Chair regular meetings of the independent directors and assume other responsibilities which the independent directors and the Board as a whole have designated.
Except where the Company is legally required by contract, law or otherwise to provide third parties with the right to nominate directors, the Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee will be responsible for (i) identifying individuals qualified to become Board members, consistent with criteria approved by the Board, (ii) recommending to the Board the persons to be nominated for election as directors at any meeting of shareholders/stakeholders and (iii) recommending to the Board persons
to be elected by the Board to fill any vacancies on the Board. The Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee’s recommendations will be considered by the plenary board but the recommendations are not binding upon it.
An invitation to join the Board will be extended by the Chairperson of the Board when authorized by the Board.
If the votes “for” the election of a director nominee at a meeting of shareholders/stakeholders are fewer than the number voted “withhold”, the nominee will submit his or her resignation promptly after the meeting for the consideration of the Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee. The Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee will make a recommendation to the Board of Directors after reviewing the matter, and the Board will then decide within 90 days after the date of the meeting of shareholders/stakeholders whether to accept or reject the resignation. If the Board does not accept the resignation, the press release will fully.
state the reasons for the decision. The nominee will not participate in any deliberations by the Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee or the Board, whether to accept or reject the resignation. This policy does not apply in circumstances involving contested director elections.
The Chairperson of the Board shall propose an agenda for each Board meeting. Each Board member is free to request the inclusion of other agenda items and is generally free to request at any Board meeting the consideration of subjects that are not on the agenda for that meeting, although voting on matters so raised may be deferred to another meeting to permit proper preparation for a vote on an unscheduled matter (emergencies excepted).
The Chairperson of the Board, in consultation with the members of the Board, will normally determine the frequency and length of Board meetings; however, the ultimate power in this regard rests with the plenary Board. Special meetings may be called from time to time as required to address the needs of the Company’s business.
Information that is important to the Board’s understanding of the business to be conducted at a Board or committee meeting will normally be distributed in writing to the directors reasonably before the meeting (with a goal of seven calendar days) and directors should review these materials in advance of the meeting. Certain items to be discussed at a Board or committee meeting may be of a time-sensitive nature and the distribution of materials on these matters before the meeting may not be practicable.
An executive session of independent directors will be held following each meeting of the Board of Directors.
In the event that the Board considers any matters that may convey a personal interest to any of the directors, such directors shall declare their personal interest and shall abstain from voting on the matter at hand to the extent required by law.
The Board will at all times have an Audit Committee, a Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee and a Safety, Health, Environmental and Corporate Social Responsibility (or “CSR”) Committee. The Board may, from time to time, establish or maintain additional committees or subcommittees as it deems necessary. The Board may delegate any of its powers to committees of the Board, except that it may not
delegate the powers to fill Board vacancies, remove a director, change the membership or fill vacancies in a Board Committee, or remove or appoint officers who are appointed by the Board.
Each committee will have a mandate that has been approved by the Board. The committee mandates will set forth the purposes, goals and responsibilities of the committees. The Board will, from time to time as it deems appropriate, but at least annually, review and reassess the adequacy of each mandate and make appropriate changes. Each committee mandate must address those matters required by applicable laws and regulations.
The Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee will be responsible for recommending to the Board the persons to be appointed to each committee of the Board. The Audit, Compensation, Nominating and Governance, Safety, Health, Environmental and CSR Committees will each have a minimum of three directors. Other committees shall have at least one member or the minimum number of members required by applicable law and the Company’s Mandate documents.
Each committee chairperson, in consultation with the other committee members, will develop the committee’s agenda.
The chairperson of each committee, in consultation with the other committee members, will determine the frequency of the committee meetings consistent with any requirements set forth in the committee’s Mandate. Special meetings may be called by any member from time to time as required to address the needs of the Company’s business and fulfill the responsibilities of the committees.
All directors have, at all reasonable times and on reasonable notice, full and free access to officers and employees of the Company. Any meetings or contacts that a director wishes to initiate should normally be arranged through the CEO or the Chief Financial Officer (the “CFO”). The directors will use their judgment to ensure that any such contact is not disruptive to the business operations of the Company. The directors are normally expected to provide a copy or otherwise inform the CEO or CFO of any communication between a director and an officer or employee of the Company.
The Board believes that directors should be provided with incentives to focus on long term shareholder value. The Board believes that including equity options and cash settled restricted share units as part of director compensation helps align the interests of directors with those of the Company’s shareholders.
The Company seeks to attract exceptional talent to its Board. Therefore, the Company’s policy is to compensate directors competitively relative to comparable companies. The Company’s management will, from time to time, present a report to the Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee comparing the Company’s director
compensation with that of comparable companies. The Board believes that it is appropriate for the Chairperson of the Board and the chairpersons of the Board committees, if not members of management, to receive additional compensation for their additional duties in these positions. Directors who are also employees of the Company may receive additional compensation for Board or committee service if they are not already compensated at full industry rates in their capacities as employees.
When any employee of the Company serves as a director of another company at the request of the Company or as the representative of the Company, that employee may not accept compensation from that other company for such service. If any such compensation is nonetheless received, it shall be received on behalf of and paid over to the Company.
All directors have, at all reasonable times and on reasonable notice, full and free access to officers and employees of the Company. Any meetings or contacts that a director wishes to initiate should normally be arranged through the CEO or the Chief Financial Officer (the “CFO”). The directors will use their judgment to ensure that any such contact is not disruptive to the business operations of the Company. The directors are normally expected to provide a copy or otherwise inform the CEO or CFO of any communication between a director and an officer or employee of the Company.
The Board and each committee shall have the power to hire and consult with independent legal, financial or other advisors for the benefit of the Board or such committee, as they may deem necessary, without consulting or obtaining the approval of any officer of the Company. Such independent advisors may be the regular advisors to the Company. The Board or any such committee is empowered, without further action by the Company, to cause the Company to pay the appropriate compensation of such advisors as established by the Board or any such committee.
The Board and the Company’s senior management will conduct orientation programs for new directors as soon as possible after their appointment as directors. The orientation programs will include presentations by management to familiarize new directors with the Company’s projects and strategic plans, its significant financial, accounting and
risk management issues, its compliance programs, its Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, its principal officers, its internal and independent auditors and its outside legal advisor(s). In addition, the orientation programs will include a review of the Company’s expectations of its directors in terms of time and effort, a review of the directors’ fiduciary duties and visits to Company headquarters and, to the extent practical (but at least once every quarter), the Company’s principal operatingfacilities.
To enable each director to better perform his or her duties and to recognize and deal appropriately with issues that arise, the Company will provide the directors with suggestions to undertake continuing director education, the cost of which will be borne by the Company. The Company will periodically schedule site visits by directors to the Company’s principal operatingfacilities.
The Board selects the Company’s CEO in the manner that it determines to be in the best interests of the Company. The Board, together with the CEO, will develop a clear position description for the CEO. The Board will also develop the corporate goals and objectives that the CEO is responsible for meeting.
The Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee will be responsible for overseeing the evaluation of the performance of the CEO. The Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee will determine the nature and frequency of the evaluation, supervise the conduct of the evaluation and prepare an assessment of the performance of the CEO, to be discussed with the Board. The Board will review the assessment to ensure that the CEO is providing the best leadership for the Company over the long- and short- term.
The Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee will be responsible for overseeing an annual evaluation of senior management succession planning.
The Board will establish, and review on an annual basis, its expectations for senior management generally.
Compensation of the CEO must be determined, or recommended to the Board for determination, by the Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee. The CEO must not be present during voting or deliberations. Based on consultation with the CEO, compensation for all other members of senior management must be determined, or recommended to the Board for determination, by the Compensation, Nominating, and Governance Committee.
The Board of Directors, on the recommendation of the Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee, will adopt and maintain a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) that will apply to the employees, officers, directors and major suppliers of the Company.
The Board of Directors (the “Board”) is responsible for the stewardship of Zylus Group Intl. (“Zylus” or the “Company”) and for the supervision of the management of the business of the Company.
Directors shall exercise their business judgment in a manner consistent with their fiduciary duties. In particular, directors are required to act honestly and in good faith, with a view to the best interests of the Company and to exercise the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances.
The Board discharges its responsibility for supervising the management of the business and affairs of the Company by delegating the day-to-day management of Zylus to the senior executive leadership team. The Board relies on the senior executives to keep it abreast of all significant developments affecting the Company and its operations.
The Board discharges its responsibilities directly and through delegation to its committees. The Board’s responsibilities include:
The Audit Committee (the “Committee”) shall carry out its responsibilities under applicable laws, regulations and other requirements with respect to the employment, compensation and oversight of the Company’s independent auditor, and other matters under the authority of the Committee.
The Committee shall also assist the Board of Directors in carrying out its oversight responsibilities relating to the Company’s financial, accounting and reporting processes, the Company’s system of internal accounting and financial controls, the Company’s compliance with related legal and regulatory requirements, and the fairness of transactions between the Company and related parties. In furtherance of this purpose, the Committee shall have the following responsibilities and authority:
6.The independent auditor’s internal quality-control procedures;
7.Any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality control review, or peer review of the auditor, or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities within the preceding five years respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the firm;
maintaining the auditor’s independence.
8. The Committee shall oversee the implementation by management of appropriate information technology systems for the Company,
including as required for proper financial reporting and compliance
Financial Statement and Disclosure Review
Conduct of the Annual Audit
The Committee shall oversee the annual audit, and in the course of such oversight the Committee shall have the following responsibilities and authority:
– The Committee shall meet with the independent auditor prior to the audit to discuss the planning and conduct of the annual audit, and shall meet with the independent auditor as may be necessary or appropriate in connection with the audit.
Compliance and Oversight
Risk Assessments
The Audit Committee shall periodically, and no less than once a year, receive a report from the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) aggregating risk assessments within the entire organization and shall consider and discuss risks and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures, including the top risks identified by the CFO and the policies and practices adopted by the Company to mitigate those risks. These risks should include, without limitation, consideration of:
Legal and Ethics Compliance Matters
The Committee shall periodically, and no less than once a year, consider and discuss the Company’s legal and ethics compliance matters. The matters should include, without limitation, consideration of:
Related Party Transactions
The Committee shall review for fairness to the Company, proposed transactions, contracts, and other arrangements between the Company and its subsidiaries and any related party or affiliate, and make recommendations to the Board whether any such transactions, contracts, and other arrangements should be approved or continued. The foregoing shall not include any compensation payable pursuant to any plan, program, contract, or arrangement subject to the authority of the Company’s Compensation,
Nominating and Governance Committee.
Number and qualification
The Committee shall consist of a minimum of three persons unless the Board should from time to time otherwise determine. All members of the Committee shall meet the experience and financial literacy requirements. At least one member of the Committee shall be a “financial expert”.
Selection and Removal
Members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Board, upon the recommendation of the Compensation, Nominating, and Governance Committee. The Board may remove members of the Committee at any time with or without cause.
Independence
All of the members of the Committee shall be “independent”.
Chair
Unless the Board elects a Chair of the Committee, the Committee shall elect a Chair by majority vote.
Compensation
The compensation of the Committee shall be as determined by the Board.
Term
Members of the Committee shall be appointed for one-year terms. Each member shall serve until his or her replacement is appointed, or until he or she resigns or is removed from the Board or the Committee.
Meeting
The Committee shall consist of a minimum of three persons unless the Board should from time to time otherwise determine. All members of the Committee shall meet the experience and financial literacy requirements. At least one member of the Committee shall be a “financial expert”
Subcommittees
The Committee may form and delegate authority to one or more subcommittees, consisting of at least one member, as it deems appropriate from time to time under the circumstances.
Reports to the board
The Committee shall regularly report to the Board with respect to such matters as are relevant to the Committee’s discharge of its responsibilities and shall report in writing on request of the Chairperson of the Board.
Mandate
The Committee shall, at least annually, review and reassess the adequacy of this Mandate and recommend any proposed changes to the Board for approval.
Independent Advisors
The Committee shall have the authority to engage such independent legal and other advisors as it deems necessary or appropriate to carry out its responsibilities. Such independent advisors may be regular advisors to the Company. The Committee is empowered, without further action by the Board, to cause the Company to pay appropriate compensation to advisors engaged by the Committee.
Investigation
The Committee shall have the authority to conduct or authorize investigations into any matters within the scope of its responsibilities as it deems appropriate, including the authority to request any officer or other person to meet with the Committee and to access all Company records.
Additional Powers
The Committee shall have such other powers as may be delegated from time to time by the Board of Directors.
Limitation of Committee’s Role
While the Committee has the responsibilities and powers set forth in this Charter, it is not the duty of the Committee to plan or conduct audits or to determine that the Company’s financial statements and disclosures are complete and accurate and are in accordance with GAAP and applicable rules and regulations. These are the responsibilities of management and the independent auditor.
The Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee (the “Committee”) shall assist the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Zylus Group Intl. (the “Company”) in carrying out its responsibilities relating to executive and director compensation. In furtherance of this purpose, the Committee shall have the following responsibilities and authority:
– The Committee shall recommend to the Board the form and amount of compensation to be paid by the Company to directors for service on the Board and on Board committees. The Committee shall review director compensation at least annually.
– The Committee shall annually review the Company’s base compensation structure and the Company’s incentive compensation, and other equity-based compensation programs and recommend changes in or additions to such structure and plans to the Board as needed.
– The Committee shall recommend to the Board the annual base compensation of the Company’s executive officers and senior managers (collectively the “Officers”). – The Committee shall recommend to the Board annual corporate goals and objectives under any incentive compensation plan adopted by the Company for Officers and recommend incentive compensation participation levels for Officers under any such incentive compensation plan. In determining the incentive component of compensation, the Committee will consider the Company’s performance and the values of similar incentives at comparable companies and the awards given in past years.
– The Committee shall evaluate the performance of Officers generally and in light of annual corporate goals and objectives under any incentive compensation plan. – The Committee shall periodically review with the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) his/her assessments of Officers and succession plans and make recommendations to the Board regarding appointment of Officers.
The CEO of the Company shall not be present during any vote or other deliberation of the Committee regarding the compensation or performance of the CEO.
Number
The Committee shall consist of three persons unless the Board should from time to time otherwise determine.
Selection and removal
Members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Board. The Board may remove members of the Committee at any time with or without cause.
Independence
All members of the Committee shall be “independent”.
Chair
Unless the Board elects a Chair of the Committee, the Committee shall elect a Chair by majority vote.
Compensation
The compensation of the Committee shall be as determined by the Board.
Term
Members of the Committee shall be appointed for one-year terms. Each member shall serve until his or her replacement is appointed, or until he or she resigns or is removed from the Board or the Committee.
Meeting
The Committee shall consist of a minimum of three persons unless the Board should from time to time otherwise determine. All members of the Committee shall meet the experience and financial literacy requirements. At least one member of the Committee shall be a “financial expert”
Subcommittees
The Committee may form and delegate authority to one or more subcommittees, consisting of at least one member, as it deems appropriate from time to time under the circumstances.
Reports to the board
The Committee shall regularly report to the Board with respect to such matters as are relevant to the Committee’s discharge of its responsibilities and shall report in writing on request of the Chairperson of the Board.
Mandate
The Committee shall, at least annually, review and reassess the adequacy of this Mandate and recommend any proposed changes to the Board for approval.
Independent Advisors
The Committee shall have the authority to engage such independent legal and other advisors as it deems necessary or appropriate to carry out its responsibilities. Such independent advisors may be regular advisors to the Company. The Committee is empowered, without further action by the Board, to cause the Company to pay appropriate compensation to advisors engaged by the Committee.
Investigation
The Committee shall have the authority to conduct or authorize investigations into any matters within the scope of its responsibilities as it deems appropriate, including the authority to request any officer or other person to meet with the Committee and to access all Company records.
Additional Powers
The Committee shall have such other powers as may be delegated from time to time by the Board of Directors.
Limitation of Committee’s Role
While the Committee has the responsibilities and powers set forth in this Charter, it is not the duty of the Committee to plan or conduct audits or to determine that the Company’s financial statements and disclosures are complete and accurate and are in accordance with GAAP and applicable rules and regulations. These are the responsibilities of management and the independent auditor.
Independence
All of the members of the Committee shall be independent
Financial Literacy and Financial Expert Requirements
This states that each audit committee member must be financially literate.
“For the purposes of this manual, an individual is financially literate if he or she has the ability to read and understand a set of financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of the issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by the issuer’s financial statements.”
For purposes of this Item, an audit committee financial expert means a person who has the following attributes:
– An understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and financial statements;
– The ability to assess the general application of such principles in connection with the accounting for estimates, accruals and reserves;
– Experience preparing, auditing, analyzing or evaluating financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by the registrant’s financial statements, or experience actively supervising one or more persons engaged in such activities
– An understanding of internal control over financial reporting; and
– An understanding of audit committee functions. A person shall have acquired such attributes through:
o Education and experience as a principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller, public accountant or auditor or experience in one or more positions that involve the performance of similar functions;
o Experience actively supervising a principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller, public accountant, auditor, or person performing similar functions;
o Experience overseeing or assessing the performance of companies or public accountants with respect to the preparation, auditing, or evaluation of financial statements; or
o Other relevant experience.
Purpose: Responsibilities and Authority as it relates to Nominating and Governance
The Committee shall assist the Board in carrying out its responsibilities relating to stewardship and governance and shall have the following responsibilities and authority:
The Committee shall consist of three persons unless the Board should from time to time otherwise determine.
Members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Board. The Board may remove members of the Committee at any time with or without cause.
All members of the Committee shall be “independent”.
Unless the Board elects a Chair of the Committee, the Committee shall elect a Chair by majority vote.
The compensation of the Committee shall be as determined by the Board.
Members of the Committee shall be appointed for one-year terms. Each member shall serve until his or her replacement is appointed, or until he or she resigns or is removed from the Board or the Committee.
The Committee shall meet as often as it deems necessary in order to perform its responsibilities. The Committee shall keep minutes of its meetings and any other records as it deems appropriate.
The Committee shall regularly report to the Board with respect to such matters as are relevant to the Committee’s discharge of its responsibilities and shall report in writing on request of the Chairperson of the Board.
The Committee shall, at least annually, review and reassess the adequacy of this Charter and recommend any proposed changes to the Board for approval.
The Committee shall have the authority to engage such independent legal and other advisors as it deems necessary or appropriate to carry out its responsibilities. Such independent advisors may be regular advisors to the Company. The Committee is empowered, without further action by the Board, to cause the Company to pay
appropriate compensation to advisors engaged by the Committee.
The Committee shall evaluate its own performance, and oversee the evaluation of the performance of all other committees of the Board, at least annually.
The Committee shall have the authority to conduct or authorize investigations into any matters within the scope of its responsibilities as it deems appropriate, including the authority to request any Officer or other person to meet with the Committee.
The Committee has the authority, without further approval of the Board to:
determines necessary to carry out its duties;
iii) communicate directly with external advisors and any other person of the Company; and
duties
The Committee shall be directly responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of any Independent Advisors retained by the Committee. The Company must provide for appropriate funding, as determined by the Committee, for payment of reasonable compensation to any Independent Advisors retained by the Committee.
▪
Notwithstanding its authority to engage Independent Advisors, the Committee may select an Independent Advisor to the Committee only after taking into consideration, all factors relevantto that person’s independence from management, including the following:
total revenue of the person that employs the Independent
Advisor;
iii) the policies and procedures of the person that employs the Independent Advisor that are designed to prevent conflicts of
interest;
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“….If Management is about running the business, then governance is about running it properly”
with an executive officer of the Company.
Notwithstanding the engagement of an Independent Advisor or the receipt of advice or recommendations from such an Independent Advisor, the Committee:
Advisor; and
This Mandate shall govern the constitution and activities of the Safety, Health, Environment & Corporate Social Responsibility (“CSR”) committee (the “SHEC Committee”) of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Zylus Group Intl. (the “Company”).
The principal purpose of the SHEC Committee is to review, monitor and make recommendations, on behalf of the Board, regarding the health, safety, environmental and CSR policies of the Company (collectively “SHEC Policies”) and will assist the Board in its oversight of the implementation of and compliance with the SHEC Policies.
More specifically, the SHEC Committee is to assist the Board in regards to: • monitoring and reviewing health and safety and environmental risks;
The SHEC Committee shall have the authority to delegate to one or more of its members responsibility for developing recommendations for consideration by the SHEC Committee with respect to any of the matters referred to in this Mandate.
The SHEC Committee shall consist of three persons unless the Board should from time to time otherwise determine. At least one of the members of the SHEC Committee shall be generally familiar with environmental, health and safety requirements, as well as broader sustainability and corporate social responsibility practices within the industry, including standard procedures and applicable legislation at the time of his appointment, or shall become so within a reasonable period of time following such appointment.
The Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee will be responsible for overseeing the evaluation of the performance of the CEO. The Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee will determine the nature and frequency of the evaluation, supervise the conduct of the evaluation and prepare an assessment of the performance of the CEO, to be discussed with the Board. The Board will review the assessment to ensure that the CEO is providing the best leadership for the Company over the long- and short- term.
The SHEC Committee shall periodically recommend to the Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee the qualifications and criteria for membership on the SHEC Committee. Members of the SHEC Committee shall be appointed by the Board, upon the recommendation of the Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee. The Board may remove members of the SHEC Committee at any time with or without cause.
The Board will establish, and review on an annual basis, its expectations for senior management generally.
Compensation of the CEO must be determined, or recommended to the Board for determination, by the Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee. The CEO must not be present during voting or deliberations. Based on consultation with the CEO, compensation for all other members of senior management must be determined, or recommended to the Board for determination, by the Compensation, Nominating, and Governance Committee.
ZYLUS GROUP POLICIES
DISCLOSURE POLICY
Zylus Group Intl. (“Zylus” or the “Company”) has both legal and ethical obligations to provide appropriate disclosure of Material Information, and to ensure that employees and others do not benefit from having and using undisclosed Material Information.
“Material information” is any information that reasonably could be expected to affect the market for the Company’s operational stock or to influence an investor’s decision to buy, sell or hold the stock. The wrongful use of undisclosed Material Information may make both the Company and the individual involved liable for criminal and/or civil penalties and damage awards.
All employees have the responsibility to inform senior management on a timely basis of events or developments that might have a material effect on the Company. Strict confidentiality must be maintained with regard to disclosure of confidential information to persons within the Company who have no need to know, and to anyone outside of the Company.
The Company has a variety of disclosure obligations under laws and regulations. The Company fulfils those obligations through regulatory filings, periodic reports to stake and shareholders, press releases, and website disclosures. The Company also provides information to stake/shareholders and others through communications with the media, analysts and others in the financial community, by way of industry presentations and in response to inquiries.
In carrying out the Company’s disclosure responsibilities:
– The Board has established a corporate disclosure committee (the “Disclosure Committee”), comprised of the Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”), the Chief Financial Officer (the “CFO”) and such other persons as the CEO may designate. When deemed advisable, the Disclosure Committee may designate other senior management, from time to time, to assist it in the carrying out of its duties. The Disclosure Committee is responsible for designing procedures to ensure compliance with all regulatory disclosure requirements and for overseeing the Company’s disclosure practices under this Policy.
– The Disclosure Committee may consult with the Company’s legal counsel and such other appropriate expert advisors as it considers necessary or advisable in discharging its responsibilities under this Policy.
– It is essential that the Disclosure Committee be kept fully apprised of all pending material developments related to the Company in order to evaluate and discuss those events to determine the appropriateness and timing for public release of information. If it is deemed that Material Information, as defined below, should remain confidential, the Disclosure Committee will determine how that information will be controlled.
– ensuring appropriate systems, processes and controls for disclosure are in place;
– ensuring the proper and timely completion and filing of technical reports, if necessary;
– reviewing all news releases and Core Disclosure Documents to ensure that they are accurate and complete in all respects prior to their release or filing;
– reviewing and updating, if necessary, this Policy as needed, to ensure compliance with changing regulatory requirements, subject to approval by the Board of Directors; and
– reporting to the Board.
Materiality judgments involve taking into account a number of factors which cannot be captured in a simple bright-line standard or test. The materiality of a particular event or piece of information varies between companies according to their size, the nature of their operations and many other factors. An event which is “significant” or “major” for a smaller company may not be material to a larger company. The Disclosure Committee will use appropriate industry and Company benchmarks for a preliminary assessment of materiality and, guided by these benchmarks, the Disclosure Committee will use experience and judgment to determine the timing for public release of Material Information.
“Material Information” for the purposes of this Policy is any information relating to the business and affairs of the Company that results in, or would reasonably be expected to result in, a significant change in the market price or value of the Company’s assets or that would reasonably be expected to have a significant influence on a reasonable investor’s investment decisions.
– WHISTLEBLOWER POLICY
The following procedures govern the reporting and treatment of reports of possible violations of the Zylus Group Intl. (“Zylus” or the “Company”) Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”).
The Company’s Audit Committee Mandate provides that the Audit Committee is to establish procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Company regarding operations, accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, and the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable operational, accounting or auditing matters. The Audit Committee has adopted these procedures as to complaints and submissions regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, and the Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee has adopted these procedures as to all other complaints and submissions regarding the Code.
You should make a report if you believe that any employee, officer or director of the Company or any agent or representative of the Company, may have or is about to engage in any conduct which you believe may be:
If you are unsure about the matter but concerned about the possibility of a violation or questionable practice, you should nonetheless report the matter. Delays in bringing the information to the attention of senior management, the Audit Committee or the Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee may cause damage, complications, and irreversible consequences for the Company. Following the steps outlined below will allow the Company to address the issues and ensure that timely remedial action is taken.
Procedures to Submit a Report
You may make a report under this procedure in any of the following ways:
– Bring the matter to the attention of your immediate supervisor. Any supervisor receiving such a report is to immediately bring the matter to the attention of the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), or other member of senior management.
– Bring the matter to the attention of the Chairperson of the Audit Committee.
– All reports will be treated as confidential to the extent possible, and only revealed on a need- to-know basis or as required by management.
– You may make the report orally, in writing, or by e-mail to any member of the senior management.
All report information will be input directly into the WhistleBlower Security system and a notice will be sent via email to the Chairperson of the Audit Committee and the Chairperson of the Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee.
With respect to matters involving the possible violation of laws or regulations, you also may choose to bring such concerns to an outside regulatory authority. However, the Company is committed to taking internal action in response to employee concerns, and would appreciate the opportunity to do so, if appropriate.
– Follow-up and Outcome
– Prohibition Against Retaliation
The Company welcomes the courage and honesty of an employee who voices concern over a particular course of action that he or she believes to be unlawful or harmful. Any attempts to intimidate, threaten, harass or retaliate against any employee based upon a good faith report made by an employee pursuant to the Code is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of the
person responsible for any such intimidation, threat, harassment or retaliation.
However, groundless or unwarranted complaints – including those with vindictive intent – are not acceptable. Appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken if allegations are initiated for malicious reasons or in bad faith.
– Governmental or Company Inquiry
If an employee receives an inquiry from a governmental authority concerning suspected unlawful conduct, they should immediately direct the inquiry to their immediate superior, the CEO, the CFO or other member of senior management. In such circumstances, they should take measures to preserve documents and other items relevant to the investigation. To conceal an offence or to alter or destroy evidence is illegal and may result in criminal prosecution. It also violates the Company’s commitment of conducting its business in a legal and ethical manner and is strictly prohibited.
If an employee receives an inquiry from the Company representative or a Board committee in connection with an investigation under the Code, they are equally obligated to take measures to preserve documents and other items relevant to the investigation.
– Failure to Comply or File a Report
The Company is committed to complying with all applicable laws, regulations and policies. Such compliance is only possible if all employees, officers and directors ensure that they follow all applicable laws, and Company policies and guidelines. When in doubt, ask the CEO, CFO or other members of senior management. Personnel who
violate the law or the Company’s compliance policies or knowingly fail to report a violation of law or compliance policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. The nature and extent of the action will be determined on a case-by-case basis. In reviewing the situation, the following is a partial list of considerations:
Personnel is encouraged to report their own wrongdoing or possible wrongdoing. This action will be taken into account when assessing the appropriate discipline, if any. The Company will also recognize situations where a person has made an honest mistake and will take it into account in deciding the course of action to pursue.
– DIVERSITY POLICY
Zylus Group Intl. (“Zylus” or the “Company”) recognizes the benefits of promoting diversity across its business, from the Board to the front line. The Company believes that diverse perspectives enhance its organizational strength, problem solving ability and ability to innovate.
This document (the “Policy”) defines the Company’s policy with respect to diversity on the Board of Directors (“Board”) of Zylus, to those in leadership positions at the Company and amongst the workforce.
The Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee will ensure that, as required by applicable corporate laws, the annual proxy circular of the Company informs shareholders and other stakeholders about the implementation of the Company’s gender diversity commitment by:
(a) including a summary of the objectives and key provisions of this Policy;
(b) including information about the Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee’s annual review of the effectiveness of the Policy, disclosing the measures taken to ensure that the Policy has been effectively implemented;
(c) disclosing goals for the representation of women on the board and in senior management positions; and
(d) the number and proportion of women on the Board, in senior management positions, and in the business as a whole;
– Definitions
In this Policy, diversity refers to all characteristics that make individuals different from each other. It includes but is not limited to characteristics such as gender, geographical representation, education, experience, ethnicity and age.
– Diversity and the Representation of Women on the Board
Diversity is an important consideration in determining the composition of the Zylus Board. The Board has delegated the responsibility of overseeing and ensuring the implementation of this Policy to the Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee.
The Company believes that a Board made up of highly qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds promotes better corporate governance, performance and effective decision-making. To support the Company’s board diversity objectives, the Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee will, when identifying and considering the selection of candidates for election or re-election to the Board:
(a) consider only candidates who are highly qualified based on their experience, functional expertise and personal skills and qualities;
(b) consider gender diversity and representation of women on the Board;
(c) consider other diversity criteria including geographical representation, education, experience, ethnicity, and age; and
(d) in addition to its own searches, as and when appropriate from time to time, engage qualified independent external advisors to conduct a search for candidates who meet the Board’s and the Company’s criteria for expertise, skills and diversity criteria to help achieve the Company’s diversity goals.
The Company has set an aspirational target of 20% representation of women on the board by the end of the fiscal year from the adoption of this policy being December 31, 2021. The Company will report on progress towards this target every year in the Company’s annual proxy circular.
For each director vacancy being filled, the Company will require that the candidate pool includes at least 30% women regardless of whether the search is conducted solely by the company or through an external advisor.
– Senior Leadership Diversity
Diversity is also an important consideration in determining the composition of the Company’s senior leadership. The Company believes that having individuals in senior leadership positions from diverse backgrounds promotes better innovation, performance and effective decision-making.
To support the Company’s senior leadership diversity objectives, the Board, the Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee and the Chief Executive Officer, when identifying and considering the selection of candidates for senior leadership positions, will:
(a) consider only candidates who are highly qualified based on their experience, functional expertise and personal skills and qualities;
(b) consider gender diversity and representation of women on the Board;
(c) consider other diversity criteria including geographical representation, education, experience, ethnicity, and age; and
(d) in addition to its own searches, as and when appropriate from time to time, engage qualified independent external advisors to conduct a search for candidates who meet the Board’s and the Company’s criteria for expertise, skills and diversity criteria to help achieve the Company’s diversity goals.
– Amendment
The Board has reviewed and approved this Policy. The Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for reviewing this Policy annually, updating this Policy as required and reporting to the Board with respect to this Policy from time to time.
– CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
Zylus Group Intl. (“Zylus” or the “Company”) aims to conduct its business in accordance with the highest ethical and legal standards. To assist the Company in achieve this, this Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) documents the principles of conduct and ethics to be followed by employees, officers and directors of Zylus.
This Code is designed to deter wrongdoing and to:
This Code applies to all employees, officers, and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries. Major contractors and third-party vendors also are expected to meet the standards contained in this Code. A violation of a law, government regulation or this Code is a serious matter. A director, officer or employee that violates a law, government regulation or this Code will face appropriate disciplinary action, which may include demotion or immediate termination of employment for cause and possible legal termination.
– Responsibility
This Code outlines a framework of guiding principles. As with any statement of policy, the exercise of judgment is required in determining the applicability of this Code to each individual situation.
It is the responsibility of every Company employee, officer and director to read and understand the Code. Individuals must comply with the Code in both letter and spirit. Ignorance of the Code will not excuse individuals from its requirements.
In addition, it is the responsibility of every Company employee, officer and director to prevent others from violating these standards if they are in a position to do so. If they are not in a position to do so, it is their responsibility to bring the matter to the attention of a member of senior management who is in a position to take appropriate
action, or to the attention of an independent member of the Board of Directors (the “Board”).
– Compliance with Law
Each employee, officer and director must at all times comply fully with applicable laws and avoid any situation that could be perceived as questionable, improper, unethical or indicate a casual attitude towards compliance with the law.
No employee, officer or director shall commit or condone an illegal act or instruct another employee to do so.
Employees, officers and directors are expected to be sufficiently familiar with any legislation that applies to their circumstances and shall recognize potential liabilities, seeking advice where appropriate.
When in doubt, employees, officers and directors are expected to seek clarification from their immediate supervisor or the CFO.
– Policy to Prevent the Corruption of Public Officials
Domestic and foreign laws and regulations require the Company to be in contact with public officials on a wide variety of matters. Employees, officers and directors who regularly make these contacts have special responsibilities for upholding the Company’s good name.
Both Laws apply to the Company and its subsidiaries; their employees, officers and directors; and their agents and representatives. For these purposes, action by an agent or representative is the equivalent of action by the Company.
The Laws and this policy prohibit offering or providing money or anything of value for the personal benefit of any “Public Official.” For purposes of this policy, Public Official means; – any government official or any official of a public international organization or – any political party or its officials or any political candidate for the purpose of:
influencing that official in the exercise of his or her duties (or non- exercise of those duties); having any such person influence government activity; or otherwise securing an improper advantage for the purpose of aiding the Company in obtaining, retaining or directing business.
The Laws and this policy may be violated if the Company knows, or if it should have been obvious to the Company, that the payments were made for an illegal purpose.
The Laws and this policy also apply to indirect payments, i.e., where the Company offers or provides money or anything of value to any person with the knowledge that the person will make a payment to a Public Official for such a prohibited purpose.
The Laws and this policy also prohibit the possession of property or proceeds from property known to have been obtained as a result of the bribery of a Public Official or to “launder” (i.e. deal with intent to conceal) property or proceeds from property obtained as a result of the bribery of a Public Official.
Government-owned corporations and other instrumentalities are generally treated as if they are governments, and their employees, officers and directors are treated as government officials.
“Facilitating payments” are payments made to expedite routine governmental action that does not involve obtaining, retaining or directing business. Example include payments to:
– secure processing of papers such as regulatory permits, tax clearances, work orders etc;
– induce officials to process illegally facilitated operational or financial transactions; – induce minor government functionaries (government employees without discretionary authority over a project or transaction) to complete their jobs in the manner required and where the situation does not involve the securing of business.
Effective in the Nigerian Law, facilitating payments to Public Officials is prohibited. For this reason, the policy of the Company is that no facilitating payments may be made to any Public Official, foreign or domestic.
There are three exceptions to the Laws and this policy:
– It is an affirmative defence if it can be shown that the payment was legal under the written laws and regulations of the country
– It also is an affirmative defence if it can be shown that the payment was a reimbursement of travel, lodging and other reasonable and bona fide expenses directly related to the business promotion, demonstration or explanation of the Company’s business, or the execution or performance of a contract with the government. As an example, payment of the travel expenses of a government official to visit one of our projects locations, as a part of an effort to promote the
Company, would fit into this category.
– Unconditional gifts having nominal value, when made openly and as a social amenity, or as a token of esteem, regard or gratitude in accordance with local custom, generally will not be regarded as a bribe.
The Company’s policy is firm and unconditional. Under no circumstances will the Company ever pay a bribe to a Public Official. If any employee, officer, director, agent or representative is ever solicited for such a bribe, or if they become aware of any instance where any Company employee, officer, director, agent or representative of the Company or its subsidiaries or its joint ventures proposes to offer such a bribe or is otherwise involved in such illegal activity, they must report the matter to their immediate superior, or directly to the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) or Chief Financial Officer
(“CFO”) of the Company.
Any employee, officer, director, agent or representative who participates in any scheme to pay such an illegal bribe will be terminated immediately.
With respect to payments that fall within the exceptions noted above:
regulations of the country without the prior written approval of
the CEO.
other reasonable and bona fide expenses directly related to the
business promotion, demonstration or explanation of the
Company’s business or the execution or performance of a
contract with the government without the prior written approval
of the CEO.
gratitude in accordance with local custom, the CEO will establish
a monetary limit on the value of any such gift. Any gifts with a
value in excess of that limit must be approved in advance by the
CEO.
When not prohibited by law, employees, officers and directors may entertain public officials, but only under the following conditions:
– it is legal and permitted by the entity represented by the official;
– the entertainment is not solicited by the public official;
– the entertainment occurs infrequently;
– it arises out of the ordinary course of business;
– it does not involve unreasonable expenditures, considering the circumstances; and
– the settings and types of entertainment are reasonable, appropriate and fitting to the Company’s employees, officers or directors, their guests, and the business at hand.
The Company must Keep financial records which, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions; and Maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurances that:
– transactions are executed in accordance with management authorization; – transactions are properly recorded as needed to permit preparation of financial statements and to maintain accountability for assets;
– all assets are recorded on the books of the Company and access to assets is only permitted in accordance with management authorization; and
– periodic auditing is done at reasonable intervals and action is taken to resolve discrepancies.
As an example, the accounting provisions require that the Company properly record all payments and prohibit their characterization in some other form. The accounting provisions also prohibit the Company from maintaining off-record cash “slush” funds or cash that may be accessed without senior management authorization.
The following is a list of “red flags” that may indicate the possible existence of corrupt practices:
– An agent with a poor reputation or with links to the government. – Unusually large commission payments or commission payments where the agent does not appear to have provided significant services.
– Cash payments, or payments without paper trail or compliance with normal internal controls.
– Unusual bonuses to personnel for which there is little support.
There are seven categories of reportable payments consisting of taxes, royalties, fees, production entitlements, bonuses, dividends and infrastructure improvement payments. All payments made by the Company and any entity controlled by the Company must be reported. The Company’s policy is firm and unconditional. All
payments made to any governmental entity must be reported.
– Conflicts of Interest
Employees, officers and directors shall avoid situations where their personal interest could conflict with, or appear to conflict with, the interests of the Company and its stake/shareholders.
Conflicts of interest arise where an individual’s position or responsibilities with the Company present an opportunity for personal gain apart from the normal rewards of employment, to the detriment of the Company. They also arise where an individual’s personal interests are inconsistent with those of the Company and create conflicting loyalties. Such conflicting loyalties can cause an individual to give preference to personal interests in situations where corporate responsibilities should come first. Employees, officers and directors shall perform the responsibilities of their positions on the basis of what is in the best interests of the Company and free from the influence of personal considerations and relationships.
If a potential conflict of interest arises and the individual involved is an employee of the Company, the individual involved must immediately notify their immediate supervisor and the Company’s CFO in writing and no further action may be taken unless authorized in writing by the individual’s immediate supervisor and by the Company’s CFO. If such individual is an officer or director of the Company, the Chairperson of the Board, as well
as the Company’s CFO must be immediately notified in writing and no further action may be taken until authorized in writing by the Chairperson and by the Company’s CFO.
The requirement of freedom from conflict of interest applies with equal force to the spouse, children and other close relatives of each employee, officer and director. This policy applies to all employees, officers and directors of the Company with respect to all of the affairs of the Company. While it is not possible to detail every situation where conflicts of interest may arise, the following policies cover the areas that have the greatest potential for conflict:
– Personal Financial Interest
Employees, officers and directors, should avoid any outside financial interests which might influence their corporate decisions or actions. An employee of the Company whose corporate duties bring them into business dealings with a business in which they or a member of their family has a financial interest or to which they or a member of their family has an indebtedness, or a business employing a relative or close friend, must immediately notify his or her immediate supervisor and the Company’s CFO in writing, and a transaction may not be completed unless properly authorized in writing by both the employee’s immediate supervisor and the Company’s CFO, after full disclosure of the relationship in writing. An officer or director of the Company whose corporate duties bring them into business dealings with a business in which they or a member of their family has a financial interest or to which they or a member of their family has an indebtedness, or a business employing a relative or close friend, must immediately notify the Chairperson of the Board as well as the Company’s CFO and a transaction may not be completed unless properly authorized in writing by both the Chairperson and the Company’s CFO, after full disclosure of the relationship in writing.
An employee, officer or director may not perform work or services for an organization doing or seeking to do business with the Company without appropriate prior written approval of such individual’s immediate supervisor and the Company’s CFO in the case of an employee, and of the Chairperson and the Company’s CFO, in the case of an officer
or director of the Company. An employee, officer or director may not be a director, officer, partner or consultant of an organization (other than an organization in which the Company holds an interest or in which the Company has the right to nominate a director, officer, partner or consultant) doing or seeking to do business with the Company, nor may they permit their name to be used in any way indicating a business connection with such an organization, without appropriate prior written approval of their immediate supervisor and the CFO in the case of an employee, and of the Chairperson and the Company’s CFO in the case of an officer or director of the Company.
An employee shall not accept for themselves, or for the benefit of any relative or friend, any payments, loans, services, favours involving more than ordinary social amenity, or gifts of more than nominal value from any organization doing or seeking to do business with the Company, except in accordance with this Code and within normal business practices.
– Outside Activities
Employees and officers of the Company should avoid outside activities which would impair the effective performance of their responsibilities to the Company, either because of demands on their time or because the outside commitments can be contrary to their obligations to the Company.
– Protection and Proper Use of Company Assets
All employees, officers and directors have an obligation to protect the Company’s assets, including opportunity, information and the Company’s name, and ensure their efficient use. Theft, carelessness and waste have a direct impact on the Company’s profitability. All of the Company’s assets must be used only for legitimate business purposes and not for personal use.
– Corporate Opportunities
Officers and directors will not (a) take for themselves personally, opportunities that are discovered through the use of corporate property, information or position; (b) use corporate property, information, or position for personal gain; or (c) compete with the
Company, in a manner which conflicts with fiduciary and other duties. Officers and directors owe a duty to the Company to advance its legitimate interests when the opportunity to do so arises.
Employees will not (a) take for themselves personally opportunities that are discovered through the use of corporate property, information or position; (b) use corporate property, information, or position for personal gain; or (c) compete with the Company, without appropriate prior written approval of such individual’s immediate supervisor and the Company’s CFO.
– Fair Dealing
Directors should endeavour to deal fairly with the Company’s clients, service providers, suppliers, and employees. No director should take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts or any unfair dealing practice.
– Competitive Practices
Management of the Company firmly believes that fair competition is fundamental to continuation of the free enterprise system. The Company complies with and supports laws of all countries which prohibit restraints of trade, unfair practices, or abuse of economic power. The Company will not enter into arrangements which unlawfully restrict its ability to compete with other businesses, or the ability of any other business organization to compete freely with the Company. Company policy also prohibits employees, officers and directors from entering into, or even discussing, any unlawful arrangement or understanding.
These principles of fair competition are basic to all the Company’s operations. They are integral parts of the following sections that cover the Company’s dealings with suppliers and public officials.
– Dealing with Suppliers
The Company is a valuable customer for many suppliers of goods, services and facilities. People who want to do business, or to continue to do business, with the Company must understand that all purchases by the Company will be made exclusively on the basis of price, quality, service and suitability to the Company’s needs.
Purchases of goods and services by the Company must not lead to employees, officers or directors, or their families, receiving any type of personal kickbacks or rebates. Employees, officers or directors, or their families, must not accept any form of “under the-table” payment.
Even when gifts and entertainment are exchanged out of the purest motives of personal friendship, they can be misunderstood. They can appear to be attempts to bribe the Company’s employees, officers or directors into directing business of the Company to a particular supplier. To avoid both the reality and the appearance of improper relations with suppliers or potential suppliers, the following standards will apply to the receipt of gifts and entertainment by employees, officers and directors of the Company:
Employees, officers and directors are prohibited from soliciting gifts, gratuities, or any other personal benefit or favour of any kind from suppliers or potential suppliers. Gifts include not only merchandise and products but also personal services and tickets to sports or other events. The Company acknowledges however that as part of normal good business relationships, suppliers may offer tickets to sports and other events, meals and other forms of normal client development gifts or services. Employees, officers and directors are prohibited from accepting gifts of money.
Employees, officers and directors may accept unsolicited non monetary gifts provided:
(i) they are items of nominal intrinsic value;
(ii) they are appropriate and customary client development gifts for the industry, and they may not reasonably be considered
extravagant for such employee, officer or director; or
(iii) they are advertising and promotional materials, clearly marked with the company or brand names.
Any gift falling outside of the above guidelines must be reported to the Company’s CFO to determine whether it can be accepted.
In the transaction of some business, it is lawful and customary for business leaders to give unsolicited gifts to employees, officers or directors of the Company. These gifts can be of more than nominal value. Moreover, under the circumstances, returning the gifts or payment for them may constitute an insult to the giver. In such cases,the gift must be reported to the Company’s CFO who may permit the retaining of the gift.
In all other instances where gifts cannot be returned or may adversely affect the Company’s continuing business relationships, the Company’s CFO must be notified. The Company’s CFO can require employees, officers and directors to transfer ownership of such gifts to the Company.
Employees, officers and directors shall not encourage or solicit entertainment from any individual or company with whom the Company does business. Entertainment includes, but is not limited to, activities such as dining, attending sporting or other special events, and travel.
From time to time employees, officers and directors may accept unsolicited entertainment, but only under the following conditions:
(i) the entertainment occurs infrequently;
(ii) it arises out of the ordinary course of business;
(iii) it involves reasonable expenditures (the amounts involved should be ones that employees, officers and directors are
accustomed to normally spending for their own business or
personal entertainment); and
(iv) the entertainment takes place in settings that also are reasonable, appropriate, and fitting to employees, officers and
directors, their hosts, and their business at hand.
– Political Activities and Contributions
Employees, officers and directors who participate in political activities must make every effort to ensure that they do not leave the impression that they speak or act for the Company.
The Company encourages its employees, officers and directors to participate in political activities in their own time and at their sole expense. No corporate action, direct or indirect, will be allowed that infringes on the right of any employee individually to decide whether, to whom, and in what amount, they will make personal political contributions. The same is true of volunteer political donations of personal service time,
so long as it does not interfere with the working status of employees, officers or directors.
– Equal Opportunity
The Company supports the principle that every individual must be accorded an equal opportunity to participate in the free enterprise system and to develop their ability to achieve their full potential within that system.
There shall be no discrimination against any employee or applicant because of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, national or ethnic origin, or physical handicap (unless demands of the position are prohibitive).
All employees, officers and directors will be treated with equality during their employment without regard to their race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, national or ethnic origin, or physical handicap, in all matters, including employment, upgrading, promotion, transfer, layoff, termination, rates of pay, selection for training and recruitment. The Company will maintain a work environment free of discriminatory practice of any kind.
No employee shall have any authority to engage in any action or course of conduct or to condone any action or course of conduct by any other person which shall in any manner, directly or indirectly, discriminate or result in discrimination in the course of employment, termination of employment, or any related matter where such
discrimination is, directly or indirectly, based upon race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, national or ethnic origin, or physical handicap.
– Health, Safety and Environmental Protection
Itis the Company’s policy topay due regardto thehealthandsafety ofits employees, officers and directors and others and to the state of the environment. There are federal, state and local workplace safety and environmental laws which through various governmental agencies regulate both physical safety of employees, officers and directors and their exposure to conditions in the workplace. Should an employee, officer or director be faced with an environmental health issue or have a concern about workplace safety, they should contact the Safety, Health, Environmental and CSR Committee (“SHEC Committee”)immediately.
– Work Environment
Employees, officers and directors must treat each other with professional courtesy and respect at all times and specifically shall not subject any other employee, officer or director to unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other verbal or physical conduct which might be construed as sexual in nature. Such conduct may constitute sexual harassment under federal, and state law and may be the basis for legal action against the offending employee and/or the Company.
Any employee who believes that they have been subjected to sexual harassment should immediately advise their immediate supervisor and the Company’s CFO that there are reasonable grounds to believe that an incident of sexual harassment has occurred. The identity of the employees, officers or directors involved will be kept strictly confidential and will not be revealed by the Company’s management without the employee’s permission. The alleged harassment will be thoroughly investigated and documented by the Company and appropriate action will be taken.
– International Operations
Corporate employees, officers and directors operating outside of Nigeria have a special responsibility to know and obey the laws and regulations of countries where they act for the Company. Customs vary throughout the world, but all employees, officers and directors must diligently uphold the integrity of the Company in other nations.
– Accounting and Recordkeeping, Internal Accounting Controls and Auditing Matters
Many employees of the Company, not just accountants and controllers, participate in the financial control and reporting processes of the Company. If an employee, officer or director has ANY responsibility for any aspect of the Company’s financial activities (for example: processing or approval of payments; creation, processing or approval of invoices and credit memos; payroll and benefits decisions; approval of expense reports and other transactions; the estimation of financial reserves or other claims or the amount of any accrual of deferral; or the recording of any of the foregoing in the Company’s records) and/or the preparation of the Company’s financial statements or other financial reports, they must ensure their involvement complies with complete and accurate procedures as per established Company practice.
Employees, officers and directors may not maintain funds or assets for any improper purposes or make false or misleading statements in any Company documents, reports or records. No undisclosed or unrecorded accounts may be established using the Company’s funds or other assets. All accounting records and the financial reports produced from those records must be kept and presented in accordance with applicable law, must accurately and fairly reflect in reasonable detail the Company’s assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses and, where applicable, must be in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Transactions must be supported by accurate and reasonably detailed documentation and recorded in the proper accounts. Best efforts are to be made to record transactions in the proper accounting time period. To the extent that estimates are necessary, they must be based on good faith judgment and be supported by appropriate documentation. No payment or the related accounting entry may be approved or made with the intention or understanding that any part of the payment will be used for any purpose other than that described by the document supporting the entry or payment.
No employee, officer or director who exercises supervision or influence over another employee shall direct, request or encourage that other employee to do anything or omit to do anything; the doing of which or the omission of which is contrary to the Code, any other policy, procedure or rule of the Company or any applicable law. Employees are required to immediately report any situation in which any person attempts to direct, request or encourage them to violate the Code, or any other policy, procedure or rule of the Company or any applicable law.
It should be noted that not every instance in which a policy is overridden or an exception to policy is taken will constitute a breach of the Code. To ensure that any decision to depart from Company policy is not inconsistent with the Code, any manager or supervisor who directs another employee to disregard Company policy, procedure, or internal control will report the matter directly to the CFO together with a brief explanation as to why they took the view that the departure from policy was warranted in the circumstances. The CFO will maintain a log of all instances of override reported and provide a summary on a quarterly basis to the Audit Committee.
Examples of inappropriate management override include but are not limited to:
– A manager requests that a payment be made to a vendor without the authorized approvals;
– A manager instructs an employee to conduct unsafe acts
– A manager instructs an employee to act in violation of environmental policies
– A manager who disregards harassment or abuse of another employee; – A manager requests that a significant journal entry is made or not made without basis or without adequate documentation;
– A manager requests a vendor payment without a supporting invoice; – A manager makes unsupported allowances, judgments, or estimates to manipulate earnings
– A manager does not disclose a potential conflict of interest before the Company enters into a business transaction with the related party.
The Company employs a firm of independent chartered accountants to audit the Company’s annual financial statements. The annual audit has a number of purposes, including;
– compliance with regulatory requirements;
– providing an independent assessment of whether the Company’s financial statements fairly present the financial condition, results of operations and cash flow of the Company;
– assessment of the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the Company in preparing its financial statements; and
– assessment of the Company’s system of internal controls over financial reporting as required by applicable law and regulatory policies. Each employee is responsible for providing whatever assistance may be required by the auditors. If inquiries from the Company’s independent accountants are received, employees, officers and directors must respond promptly, fully and accurately.
– If an employee, officer or director has any concerns as to weaknesses in the Company’s accounting system or in the Company’s internal controls; or if they believe that any instances of fraud, or incorrect or questionable accounting practices may have occurred; or if they believe that any instances of fraudulent, incorrect or questionable practices may have occurred in connection with the annual audit of the Company’s financial statements, they must consult with their immediate supervisor or with the Company’s CEO or CFO. Alternatively, they can contact the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors using the procedures outlined within the Company’s Whistleblower Policy, of the Company’s Corporate Governance Policies and Procedures Manual.
– Use of Company Property
Employees, officers and directors are entrusted with the care, management and cost effective use of the Company’s property and they are not to make use of these resources for their own personal benefit or for the personal benefit of anyone else. Passwords are to be kept confidential and use of the computer systems is limited to authorized business purposes, although occasional personal use of the internet, e-mail and voice mail will normally be permitted unless an employee’s supervisor believes that this privilege is being abused.
However, in order to protect the Company’s interests – including for example, to ensure that the Company’s computers and voice mail are not being used for improper purposes, such as sexual harassment – the Company reserves the right to review the contents of the Company’s computers, its e-mail system, and its voice mail system. No employee has a
right of personal privacy with respect to information that is placed in the Company’s computers,the e-mail system, or the voice mail system.
Employees, officers and directors are responsible to ensure that all Company property assigned to them is maintained in good condition, and that they are able to account for such equipment. Any disposition of Company property should be for the benefit of the Company and not for personal benefit.
Company letterhead stationery is to be used only for correspondence related to the Company’s business. It must not be used it for personal correspondence or charitable solicitation.
Employees, officers and directors are to return all documents and property in their possession upon termination of employment for any reason.
– Confidentiality
Employees, officers and directors will comply with the Disclosure Policies of the Company. Employees, officers and directors should review and become thoroughly familiar with these Policies and are encouraged to review these Policies throughout the year.
– Standards of Compliance
Current employees, officers and directors designated to receive the Code will receive their copies immediately after publication.
Future employees, officers and directors designated to receive the Code will receive their copies at the time they are hired.
Upon receiving their copy of this Code, current and future employees, officers and directors will:
– become thoroughly familiar with this Code.
– resolve any doubts or questions about the Code with their supervisors or the CFO. – inform their supervisors and the CFO of any existing holdings or activities that might be, or appear to be, at variance with this Code.
– prepare written disclosures of such information, if requested, by supervisors or the CFO.
– take steps to correct existing situations and bring holdings and activities into full compliance with this Code.
Employees, officers and directors have the responsibility to maintain their understanding of this Code.
Supervisors have the responsibility to maintain an awareness on the part of their employees of the importance of their adhering to this Code and for reporting deviations to management.
As requested by the Board of Directors or senior management, employees, officers and directors will be asked to re-verify their understanding of this Code and their compliance with this Code from time to time.
Employees, officers and directors must inform their supervisors or the CFO of any changes in their holdings or activities that might be, or appear, to be in non compliance with this Code.
Employees, officers and directors must prepare written disclosure of such information, if requested.
Employees, officers and directors must take steps to correct any such changes, if necessary, to bring holdings and activities into full compliance with this Code. Such steps will be approved in writing and will be based on the written disclosures submitted by employees, officers and directors.
Regular audits of the Company will include procedures to test compliance with this Code.
– Violations of Standards
Employees, officers and directors must immediately report any violations of this Code. Failure to do so can have serious consequences for the employees, officers or directors and the Company.
Reports of violations should be made by employees to their immediate supervisor and to the Company’s CFO and by officers and directors to the Chairperson and to the Company’s CFO.
After a violation is investigated, appropriate action will be taken. Management has the right to determine the appropriate disciplinary action for a violation up to and including termination of employment. All proposed disciplinary action is subject to review by senior management.
Employees, officers and directors should be aware that in addition to any disciplinary action taken by the Company, violations of some of this Code may require restitution and may lead to civil or criminal action against individual employees, officers and directors and any company involved.
Supervisors have the responsibility of taking remedial steps to correct any operating procedures that may contribute to violations of this Code.
Retaliation in any form against an individual who reports a violation of this Code or who assists in the investigation of a reported violation, is itself a serious violation of this policy. Acts of retaliation should be reported immediately to their supervisor and the CFO.
– Amendment, Modification, and Waiver
The Company will periodically review this Code. This Code may be amended, modified, or waived by the Board of Directors and waivers may also be granted by the Audit Committee, provided that any waivers granted to directors or executive officers of the Company by the Audit Committee must also be approved by the Board. Employees, officers, and directors will be fully informed of any material revisions to the Code.
– Commitment
To demonstrate its determination and commitment, Company asks each employee to review the Code periodically throughout the year and discuss with management any circumstances that may have arisen that could be an actual or potential violation of these ethical standards of conduct.
Directors, officers and employees are required to sign the Code when they are engaged or when changes to the Code are introduced.
Directors, officers, and employees are also required to re-verify their understanding of
this Code and their compliance with this Code from time to time, as determined appropriate by the Audit Committee, acknowledge they have read this Code, but no less than once every three years.
Zylus Group International is a fast-growing, privately owned, and internationally recognized business capital organization with interests in Real Estate, Investment, Human Capital Development, Agriculture, Designs and Printing, Media, Transport and Logistics, Travels and Tours, and many more.
31, Theophilus, Oji Street, Lekki Phase 1
Zylus Group International is a fast-growing, privately owned, and internationally recognized business capital organization with interests in Real Estate, Investment, Human Capital Development, Agriculture, Designs and Printing, Media, Transport and Logistics, Travels and Tours, and many more.
31, Theophilus, Oji Street, Lekki Phase 1
Per conubia nostra, per inceptos hime Mauris in erat justom etone. Per conub per inceptos hime naeos.
9235 Bayberry Drive
Hendersonville, NC 28792
london@email.com
+51853 458 243