Operating Structure
A significant part of the Group’s success derives from the clarity and accountability of its management structure.The core of this structure is the individual business unit which normally comprises a separate office or activity, each of which is treated separately for the purposes of budgeting and accounting. From time to time business units are grouped into either functional or geographical areas.This organisation is capable of delivering and managing significantly more organic and acquired growth.

The Group provides support to the marketing functions of these businesses through its business information unit which is also responsible for the Group website and intranet.We continued to make significant investments in the intranet and website during 2007 as they are the main mechanism we use to develop internal and external communications in the Group. In order to do this we also continued to upgrade our IT networks.The businesses in England,Wales and Scotland are supported by centrally run accountancy and personnel functions, with these services being provided locally in Ireland and the Netherlands.The offices in Australia, USA, Canada, Malaysia and Singapore are managed as part of the Energy division, but have local accounting and support staff.

Equal Opportunities in Employment
RPS provides equal opportunities for all its employees and potential employees regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, religion or beliefs, marital status, civil partnership status, race, ethnic origin, colour, nationality and national origins, disability or age.The policy applies to the advertisement of jobs, recruitment and appointment, training, conditions of work, pay and to every aspect of employment.

We recognise our obligations to ensure that people with disabilities are afforded equal opportunities to employment and progress within the Group.

We deplore all forms of sexual and racial harassment and seek to ensure that our working environment is sympathetic to all employees.

Advice is available to all employees involved in employment decisions, particularly in respect of promotion, transfer, training and discipline, as well as all stages of recruitment and selection.

RPS' policy on equal opportunities covers all areas of discrimination.We seek to comply with relevant legislation in all the countries in which we operate.

Training and Continuous
Professional Development
RPS is committed to the training, education and development of its employees to increase effectiveness, develop potential and ensure adequate succession planning. RPS was named as one of Britain's Top Employers 2008 by the Corporate Research Foundation.The CRF report, published in March 2008 by Guardian Books, singled out the Company's approach to knowledge management and staff training as important factors in its high ranking in the UK's top 20 employers of choice.