Role and responsibilities
The board is accountable for the performance and affairs of Investec, it is responsible for the adoption of strategic plans, monitoring of operational performance and management, ensuring an effective risk managmenet strategy and our compliance with applicable legislation....read more about the Role of the board 

Composition, structure and process
In terms of the DLC arrangements, the boards of Investec plc and Investec Limited are identical and manage Investec as if it were a unified economic enterprise. At the end of the period under review, the boards, excluding the Chairman, comprised four executive directors and twelve non-executive directors....read more about the composition, structure and process

Independence
In accordance with the London Combined Code, in excess of half the board (excluding the Chairman) comprised non-executive directors considered by the board to be independent within the meaning of and with regard to the criteria set out in the London Combined Code and King II....read more about independence

Skills, knowledge, experience and attributes of directors
The board considers that the skills, knowledge, experience and attributes of the directors are appropriate to their responsibilities and our activities.The directors bring a range of skills to the board, including....read more about skills, knowledge, experience and attributes of directors

Board of directors' performance evaluation
The current year's annual evaluation was based on recognised codes of corporate governance and covered areas of the board's processes and responsibilities, according to leading practice.

Each director completed the evaluation, after which the Chairman conducted individual on-on-one discussions.

The results of the evaluation were collated and reviewed by the Head of Corporate Governance and Compliance and repported to the board by the Chairman.  Matters identified during the evaluation, which required attention, were scheduled for appropriate action.

Terms of appointment
TOn appointment, non-executive directors are provided with a letter of appointment.  The letter sets out, among other things, the expected time commitment of non-executive directors, details of our policy on obtaining independent advice and, where appropriate, details of the board committees of which the non-executive director is a member.  We have a policy that insures directors against certain liabilites they may incur in carrying out their duties.

Induction and training
On appointment, directors are provided with an induction programme tailored to the needs. A programme of formal presentations to the directors on regulatory and governance matters was implemented and, as part of the directors' ongoing development, the Company Secretary liaises with the directors to source relevant seminars and conferences which directors attend, funded by Investec.... read more about induction and training

Board meetings
The combined boards of Investec plc and Investec Limited met six times during the year.  Three board meetings were held in the UK and three in South Africa, in line with the requirements of our DLC structure. Furthermore, the boards of Investec plc and Investec Limited held one additional meeting each in the UK and South Africa respectively.... read more about  Board meetings