rise to litigation in which RPS needs to participate.There are procedures in place for managing such litigation.The Group also has extensive cover in place to ensure against losses and potential loss. The main insurance policies are Professional Indemnity and Employers and Public Liability, although a range of others are also in place.

Health and Safety
The health and safety performance of the Group is fundamental to RPS operations worldwide. Safeguarding the employee’s well-being is of paramount importance with the responsibility resting with the Board.This responsibility is shared with the local management teams within the organisation and is passed down to each manager and employee.

The Board sets the policy and objectives for health and safety management.The Company Secretary has been appointed to oversee implementation of the health, safety and environment management within the Group.The performance is discussed at every board meeting, where an analysis of accidents and incidents is presented together with proactive performance indicators.

The Board require that each business provide and maintain safe working conditions, suitable equipment and resources to implement safe systems of work to protect employees, contractors, visitors and other people who could be effected by the Group’s activities.

Compliance with legislation in all the countries where activities are carried out is a mandatory requirement. Systems are in place to ensure that this is carried out. Wherever possible the Group aims to surpass minimum standards to develop best-practice within the industry.

During 2007 a Group Environment, Health and Safety Manager was appointed to strengthen the resources in the organisation. Each major business in the Group has appointed health and safety professionals to implement appropriate management systems. Some of these have had third party certification to OHSAS18001.

All activities that are undertaken are assessed for hazards with appropriate controls put in place to ensure the risk is reduced to a satisfactory level.Where necessary safe systems of work are documented.There are systems in place throughout the organisation to audit activities to ensure compliance.

All employees are trained to ensure that they have the appropriate skills to carry out their job safely. Senior management are trained to ensure that they can discharge their responsibilities to their staff.