CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

The Company’s securities are traded on AIM, part of the London Stock Exchange (“AIM”). The Company has accomplished the requirements of the Quoted Company Alliance (“QCA”) corporate governance guidelines for AIM companies. Due to the size and nature of its current business the Company has not adopted the UK Corporate Governance Code in its entirety. The Company have complied with the QCA corporate guidelines where practical; instances of noncompliance have been highlighted below.

In addition, the Company has an established code of conduct for dealings in the shares of the Company by directors.

David Horgan, in his capacity as Chairman, has assumed responsibility for ensuring that the Company has appropriate corporate governance standards in place and that these requirements are communicated and applied.

The Board currently consists of 2 directors: the Chairman and one Non-Executive Director. This is not in compliance with the QCA Code which requires at least two independent non-executive directors. However the Board considers that appropriate oversight of the Company is provided by the currently constituted Board having regard to the current size and resources of the Company.

The Company also has a Chief Financial Officer who also acts as the Company Secretary.

The 10 principles set out in the QCA Code are listed below, with an explanation of how Petrel applies each of the principles and the reason for any aspect of non-compliance. The same information can be viewed at the following link http://www.petrelresources.com/financial-reports.

1. Establish a strategy and business model which promote long-term value for shareholders

 The Company has a clearly defined strategy and business model that has been adopted by the Board.

The Company strategy is the appraisal and exploitation of the assets currently owned. Concurrent with this process, management will continue to use its expertise to acquire additional license interests for oil and gas exploration to generate long term value for shareholders. The key challenges in executing this are referred to in paragraph 4 below.

2. Seek to understand and meet shareholder needs and expectations

 All shareholders are encouraged to attend the Company’s Annual General Meetings where they can meet and directly communicate with the Board. After the close of business at the Annual General Meeting, the Chairman makes an up to date corporate presentation and opens the floor to questions from shareholders.  Shareholders are also welcome to contact the Company via email at info@petrelresources.com  with any specific queries.

The Company also provides regulatory, financial and business news updates through the Regulatory News Service (RNS) and various media channels. Shareholders also have access to information through the Company’s website www.petrelresources.com which is updated on a regular basis and which includes the latest corporate presentation on the Company. Contact details are also provided on the website.

3. Take into account wider stakeholder and social responsibilities and their implications for long-term success

The Board is committed to having the highest degree possible of Corporate Social Responsibility in how the Company undertakes its activities.

We aim to have an uncompromising stance on health, safety, environment and community relations. The Company policy is that all Company activities are carried out in compliance with safety regulations, in a culture where the safety of personnel is paramount. The Company will ensure an appropriate level of contact and negotiation with all stakeholders including landowners, community groups and regional and national authorities and will seek to obtain feedback from such stakeholders. This is carried out by David Horgan and consultants as appropriate.

4. Embed effective risk management, considering both opportunities and threats, throughout the organisation

The Board regularly reviews the risks to which the Company is exposed and ensures through its meetings and regular reporting that these risks are minimised as far as possible whilst recognising that its business opportunities carry an inherently high level of risk.  It is ultimately responsible for the management, governance, controls, risk management, direction and performance of the Company. The principal risks and uncertainties facing the Company at this stage in this development and in the foreseeable future are detailed in on pages 8 of the Annual Report, together with risk mitigation strategies employed by the Board.

5. Maintain the board as a well-functioning, balanced team led by the chair

The Board’s role is to agree the Company’s long-term direction and strategy and monitor achievement of its business objectives, while ensuring that they are properly pursued within a robust framework of risk management and internal controls. The Board meets formally at least four times a year for these purposes and holds additional meetings when necessary to transact other business. The Board held six scheduled meetings during the year, during which the Board received reports for consideration on all significant strategic, operational and financial matters.

The Board is supported by the Audit and Remuneration and the Nomination committees, detailed below. The Audit Committee met twice during the year, and both the Remuneration and Nomination Committee’s met once.

The Board comprises the Chairman, David Horgan and John Teeling, Non-executive Director.

The Board currently has one non-executive director, which is a departure from the QCA Code which requires at least two independent non-executive directors. However, the Board considers that appropriate oversight of the Company is provided by the currently constituted Board having regard to the current size and resources of the Company.

All directors are subject to re-election intervals as prescribed in the Company’s Articles of Association. At each Annual General Meeting one-third of the Directors who are subject to retirement by rotation, shall retire from office. They can then offer themselves for re-election.

On appointment, each director receives a letter of appointment from the Company. The Directors will receive a fee for their services as a director which is approved by the Board, being mindful of the time commitment and responsibilities of their roles and of current market rates for comparable organisations and appointments. The non-executive Directors are reimbursed for travelling and other incidental expenses incurred on Company business.

6. Ensure that between them the directors have the necessary up-to-date experience, skills and capabilities

The Board considers the current balance of sector, financial and public market skills and experience which it embodies is appropriate for the size and stage of development of the Company and that the Board has the skills and requisite experience necessary to execute the Company’s strategy and discharge its fiduciary duties effectively. The experience and knowledge of each of the Directors gives them the ability to constructively challenge the strategy and execute performance. The Board is committed to ensuring diversity of skill and experience.

The Board delegates certain of its responsibilities to the Board Committees, listed within this report, which clearly defined terms of reference.

All Directors have access to the advice and services of the Company’s solicitors and the Company Secretary, who is responsible for ensuring that all Board procedures are followed. Any Director may take independent professional advice at the Company’s expense in the furtherance of his duties.

Details of the current Board of Directors’ biographies are as follows:

David Horgan, Chairman

David Horgan has over 20 years’ experience in oil and gas and resources projects in Latin America, Africa and the Middle East through a number of AIM listed companies including Clontarf Energy and Pan Andean Resources. He previously worked at Kenmare where he raised finance, captured the premium graphite worldwide market and evaluated investment opportunities. Prior to that he worked with Boston Consulting Group internationally for seven years. He holds a first class law degree from Cambridge and an MBA with distinction from the Harvard Business School.

John Teeling, Director

John Teeling is non-executive director of Petrel Resources.  He has 40 years’ resources experience. John Teeling is also involved in a number of other AIM exploration companies.  He is a founder of a number of companies in the resource sector including African Diamonds, Pan Andean Resources, Minco, African Gold, Persian Gold and West African Diamonds, all were listed on AIM. John Teeling holds degrees in Economics and Business from University College Dublin, an MBA from Wharton and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Harvard. He lectured for 20 years in business and finance at University College Dublin.

All Directors have access to the Company Secretary who is responsible for ensuring that Board procedures and applicable rules and regulations are observed.

The Board as a whole considers the Non-Executive Director to be independent of management and able to exercise independent judgement.

7. Evaluate board performance based on clear and relevant objectives, seeking continuous improvement

In accordance with provisions of the Code, a performance evaluation of the Board is carried out annually. In 2022, the performance evaluation process was conducted internally.

Board Evaluation Process in July 2022

The Chairman David Horgan appraised the Board on the performance of each of the Directors during the year.  The Board formally concluded on its own performance, on the performance of Committees and on the performance of individual Directors, including the Chairman.

Analysis of 2022 evaluation

The evaluation indicated a high level of satisfaction with the composition, performance and effectiveness of the Board, its Chair and Committees. It found that there are good communications both within the Board/ Committees and with management.

A number of key focus areas were identified for the Board to consider. These include:

• Continued consideration of succession planning at Board and management level
• Increased allocation of Board meeting time to consideration of strategic issues
• Increased diversity on the Board

Arising from the evaluation process, a number of actions were agreed by the Board which will be implemented by the Chairman during the current year.

8. Promote a corporate culture that is based on ethical values and behaviours

The corporate culture of the Company is promoted throughout its contractors and is underpinned by compliance with local regulations and the implementation and regular review and enforcement of various policies: Health and Safety Policy; Share Dealing Policy; Code of Conduct and Privacy Policy. The Company policy is that all Company activities are carried out in compliance with safety regulations, in a culture where the safety of personnel is paramount. The Company will ensure an appropriate level of contact and negotiation with all stakeholders including strategic partners, landowners, community groups and regional and national authorities.

The Board recognises that their decisions regarding strategy and risk will impact the corporate culture of the Company and that this will impact performance. The Board is well aware that the tone and culture set by the Board will greatly impact all aspects of the Company and the way that contractors behave.

The exploration for and development of oil and gas resources can have significant impact in the areas where the Company and its contractors are active and it is important that the communities in which we operate view the Company’s activities positively. Therefore, the importance of sound ethical values and behaviours is crucial to the ability of the Company to successfully achieve its corporate objectives. The Board places great importance on this aspect of corporate life and seeks to ensure that this is reflected in all the Company does.

The Company also has an established code for Directors’ dealings in securities which is appropriate for a company whose securities are traded on AIM, and is in accordance with Rule 21 of the AIM rules and the Market Abuse Regulation.

9. Maintain governance structures and processes that are fit for purpose and support good decision-making by the board

The Board has overall responsibility for all aspects of the business. The Chairman is responsible for overseeing the running of the Board, ensuring that no individual or group dominates the Board’s decision-making. The Chairman has overall responsibility for corporate governance matters in the Company and chairs the Nomination Committee. The Chairman has the responsibility for implementing the strategy of the Board and managing the day-to-day business activities of the Company. The Company Secretary is responsible for ensuring that Board procedures are followed and applicable rules and regulations are complied with.

The Nomination Committee comprises the Chairman, the Company Secretary and the Non-Executive Director, John Teeling meets at least once per year to examine Board appointments and to make recommendations to the Board in accordance with best practice and other applicable rules and regulations.  The Nomination Committee met to discuss and accept the resignation of Riadh Mahmoud Hameed.

The Audit Committee, which is chaired by Chairman, David Horgan, and also includes John Teeling meets at least twice a year and assists the Board in meeting responsibilities in respect of external financial reporting and internal controls. The Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary James Finn is invited to attend meetings of the Committee. The Audit Committee also keeps under review the scope and results of the audit. It also considers the cost-effectiveness, independence and objectivity of the Auditor taking account of any non-audit services provided by them.

The Remuneration Committee is comprised of David Horgan and John Teeling. The Remuneration Committee meets at least once a year to determine the appropriate remuneration for the Company’s executive directors, ensuring that this reflects their performance and that of the Company. The Company has a share option scheme for directors. No Director participates in discussions concerning his own remuneration.

The Company’s Audit Committee Report is presented on pages 15 & 16 and provides further details on the committee’s responsibilities and its activities during 2022, and while a separate report from the Remuneration Committee was not produced due to the size of the company, the Company intends to review this requirement on an annual basis.

10. Communicate how the company is governed and is performing by maintaining a dialogue with shareholders and other relevant stakeholders

The Board is committed to maintaining good communication and having constructive dialogue with its shareholders. Institutional shareholders and analysts have the opportunity to discuss issues and provide feedback at meetings with the Company.

Investors also have access to current information on the Company though its website http://www.petrelresources.com and through David Horgan, Chairman, who is available to answer investor relations enquiries. In addition, all shareholders are encouraged to attend the Company’s Annual General Meeting and any other General Meetings that are held throughout the year.

The Company’s financial reports can be found here: http://www.petrelresources.com/investors/financial-reports

 

 

 

 

 

Last updated 8th September 2023