Vodafone 1997 Annual Report Download - page 49

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Vodafone Group Plc Annual Report & Accounts for the year ended 31 March 1997 - Report of the Directors
Monitoring process
There are clear procedures for monitoring the system of internal financial control. The significant
components of these are:
● Formal annual confirmation by subsidiary managing directors concerning the operation of financial
control systems for which they are responsible;
● An internal audit department, reporting directly to the Audit Committee, which on a risk assessment
basis undertakes periodic examination of business processes and reports on financial controls throughout
the Group;
● Reports from the external auditors, Deloitte & Touche, on internal controls and relevant financial
reporting matters.
Review of effectiveness
The directors believe that the Group's system of internal financial control provides reasonable, but not
absolute, assurance that problems are identified on a timely basis and dealt with appropriately.
The directors confirm that they have reviewed the effectiveness of the system of internal financial control
through the monitoring process set out above and are not aware of any significant weakness or deficiency
in the Group's system of internal financial control during the period covered by this report.
The environment
The Group is committed to adopting a responsible approach to environmental matters and has formally
established a worldwide environmental policy. In particular the Group seeks to minimise the visual
impact of its installations and conserve the environment.
Minimal visual impact
Subject to technical and commercial constraints all reasonable efforts are made to ensure the minimal
impact of radio masts and mobile telephone exchange sites on the environment. Where possible, facilities
are installed on existing buildings and structures, with antennas and equipment rooms designed to blend
in with their surroundings in terms of height, mast design, colour and texture. The Group has conducted
extensive research and development over recent years into the design and appearance of antennas and
their support structures, enabling many sites to have their visual impact considerably reduced.
In the UK, Vodafone Limited is a member of a joint working party chaired by the Department of the
Environment which published, in April 1996, of a Code of Best Practice relating to the development of
radio towers. This aims to generate a better understanding and level of communication between the
various Telecommunication Code System Operators and Local Planning Authorities.
http://www.vodafone.com/download/investor/reports/annual97/5/2.htm (3 of 9)29/03/2007 22:44:39