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FY2020 Annual Report · Capita
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Annual Report  
2020

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Capita  
Annual Report
2020

Our purpose
Capita is a purpose-led 
organisation which exists 
to ‘create better outcomes’ 
for all its stakeholders.

Our stakeholders

We create better outcomes for:

Our people

by providing an environment in which they  
can thrive and develop

Read more  
on stakeholder  
engagement  
on pages 38 and 39

Clients and  
customers

by delivering solutions, transforming businesses 
and services, and by delighting them

Suppliers  
and partners

by treating them fairly and  
encouraging them to deliver

Investors

by delivering improving returns

Society

by acting as a responsible business  
for the communities we serve

Cautionary statement 
The directors present the Annual Report for the year ended 
31 December 2020, which includes the strategic report, corporate 
governance, and audited accounts for this year. Pages 1 to 108 of 
this Annual Report comprise a report of the directors which has been 
drawn up and presented in accordance with English company law, 
and the liabilities of the directors in connection with that report shall 
be subject to the limitations and restrictions provided by such law. 
Where the directors’ report refers to other reports or material, such 
as a website address, this has been done to direct the reader to other 
sources of Capita plc information which may be of interest. Such 
additional materials do not form part of this report.

Strategic report 
Our purpose 

01  Our values and Group performance
02  Capita at a glance
04	 Chairman’s	introduction
06  Business model
08  Our response to Covid-19
10	 Chief	Executive	Officer’s	review
17  Key performance indicators
18	 Chief	Financial	Officer’s	review
26  Divisional strategy and performance
26	
28 
30 
32 
34 
36 

	 Software
  People Solutions
  Customer Management
  Government Services
  Technology Solutions 
  Specialist Services

38  Stakeholder engagement
40  Our people
44  Responsible business
50  Risk management
58  Viability statement

Corporate governance

60	 Chairman’s	report
62  Board members
64  Executive Committee
66  Corporate governance statement
76	 Directors’	responsibility	statement	
78  Nomination Committee
80  Audit and Risk Committee
90	 Directors’	remuneration	report

Financial statements 
110	 Independent	auditor’s	report
124	 Consolidated	financial	statements
129   Notes to the consolidated 
financial	statements

191	 Company	financial	statements
193   Notes to the Company 
financial	statements

203  Additional information
203  Shareholder information
204   Alternative performance measures

Our values

Group performance

Everyone at Capita strives to create  
better outcomes for all our stakeholders  
by living our values of being:

Financial performance
Adjusted revenue1 

£3,181.2m

(2019: £3,501.0m) 

Adjusted free cash flow3

£238.6m

(2019:	£(23.2)m	outflow)

•  Open

•  Ingenious

•  Collaborative

•  Effective

We bring these values to life through 
our day-to-day behaviours and by 
putting our purpose at the centre of 
everything	we	do.

We are committed to being a  
progressive, responsible business –  
in	how	we	operate,	serve	society,	 
respect our people and the  
environment, and deliver improving 
returns to our investors.

Our response 
to Covid-19

Capita has provided a resilient response 
to the challenges of the pandemic. 
More	details	can	be	found	in	the	CEO’s	
review	on	page	10	and	on	our	website.	
Details	of	our	Covid-19	framework	can	
be found on page 8. 

capita.com/ 
our-thinking

Reported revenue

Reported free cash flow

£3,324.8m

(2019: £3,678.6m)

£303.8m

(2019:	£(213.0)m	outflow)

Adjusted profit before tax1 

£65.2m

(2019: £197.7m) 

Reported loss before tax

£(49.4)m

(2019: £(62.6)m)

Adjusted earnings per share2

4.19p

(2019: 9.30p)

Reported loss per share

(0.41)p

(2019: (4.18)p)

Non-financial performance
Colleague engagement
Positive	points	swing	in	employee	net	
promoter score (eNPS)

+7pts

(2019: +14pts)

Clients and customers
Positive	points	swing	in	customer	net	
promoter score (cNPS)

+17pts

(2019: +22pts)

Adherence to fair business terms
Suppliers	paid	within	60	days

95%(2019: 97%)

1.   Refer to alternative performance measures  

(APMs) on pages 204 to 206.

2.	Refer	to	note	2.7	to	the	consolidated	financial	statements.
3.   Refer to note 2.10 to the consolidated  

financial	statements.

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

1

 
 
 
 
Capita at  
a glance

About us

Capita is a consulting, 
transformation and digital 
services business. 

We deliver innovative solutions to 
simplify	the	connections	between	
businesses and customers, and 
between	government	and	citizens.

We	partner	with	clients	to	transform	
their businesses and services.

We	do	complex	and	difficult	things	so	
clients	don’t	have	to.

Our strategy

Our plan is to do fewer things, better

We are simplifying and strengthening  
to succeed as a business that: is truly 
responsible and predictable; generates 
sustainable	revenue	growth	and	cash	flows;	
simplifies	services,	reduces	costs	and	frees	 
up time; creates better experiences for 
end-customers; is innovative and creative;  
has an improved reputation, based on 
competence and integrity; and creates  
better outcomes for all stakeholders.

2

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Part	of	the	fabric	of	UK	society,	we	
help millions of people every day.

But	we	know	that,	to	be	a	truly	
responsible business, Capita must 
change	and	improve;	and	that	is	why	
we	are	transforming	–	on	behalf	of	our	
clients,	the	people	and	societies	we	
serve, and all our stakeholders.

Simplify

Strengthen

Succeed

Simplify

Strengthen

Succeed

•  More focused business 

•  Winning more of the right 

•  Progressive, purpose-led, 

with	strong	positions	and	
growth	potential

•  Using common, scalable 

capabilities

•  Empowering	our	people	to	

deliver

•  Further streamlined cost 

base

work	

responsible business

•  Improving cash generation 

•  Innovative and creative

•  Non-core disposal 

•  Generates sustainable 

proceeds to pay liabilities

•  Extend debt maturities

•  Investment in asset base, 
technology and people

revenue	growth	and	cash	
flows	in	2022

Strategic  reportOur people

Our clients

Capita	is	the	UK’s	largest	business	processes	
outsourcing	(BPO)	provider	with	37,000	
employees across the country.

But	we	also	deliver	services,	develop	software	
and digital solutions, and provide support 
functions	across	a	global	network,	with	more	
than 18,000 of our overall 55,000 people 
based outside the UK. We have around 7,000 
colleagues in India, 3,900 in South Africa, and 
others in Germany, Ireland, Poland, 
Switzerland,	the	United	Arab	Emirates	and	the	
United States. 

The	new	Capita	is	a	consulting,	transformation	
and	digital	services	business	whose	purpose	
is to deliver better outcomes for all its 
stakeholders	–	and	which	values	all	its	people,	
whatever	their	roles	and	wherever	they	work.

We	work	across	a	range	of	sectors,	
partnering	with	our	clients	and	providing	the	
insight, innovative solutions and cutting-edge 
technologies	that	give	time	back,	allowing	
them	to	focus	on	what	they	do	best	and	
making	people’s	lives	easier	and	simpler.

Private sector
•  Financial services
•  Pensions
•  Retail
•  Telecoms and 

media
•  Transport
•  Energy and utilities

Public sector
•  Central 

government

•  Local government
•  Education
•  Defence and 

security

•  Health	and	welfare
•  Justice and 
emergency 
services

More about our people 
strategy can be found 
on pages 40 to 43.

Our divisions

Capita	has	six	operating	divisions:	five	–	Software,	People	Solutions,	Customer	
Management, Government Services, and Technology Solutions – are focused on key 
growth	markets;	and	the	sixth,	Specialist	Services,	contains	standalone	businesses	
being managed on a portfolio basis to maximise value. The six divisions are 
supported	by	a	common	set	of	company-wide	capabilities	and	functions.

Growth platforms 

Value platform 

Software
Vertical market, specialised, 
enterprise products and services

People Solutions
Integrated human resources 
services and products 

Customer Management
Transforming customer 
experience for our clients

Specialist Services
Standalone businesses 
managed for value

Revenue 
contribution
8%

Revenue 
contribution
15%

Revenue 
contribution
36%

Revenue 
contribution
6%

Government Services
Tech-enabled, public sector 
business services

Technology Solutions
Digital IT and connectivity 
solutions

Revenue 
contribution
23%

Revenue 
contribution
12%

Divisional details and 
performance can be found 
starting on page 26.

Divisional	financial	performance	
(see pages 26 to 37) is presented on 
an adjusted basis. Reported is not 
included, as the Board assesses 
divisional performance on adjusted 
results. The calculation of adjusted 
figures	and	our	key	performance	
indicators (KPIs) are contained in the 
APMs on pages 204 to 206.

Capita at a glance

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

3

Strategic  reportChairman’s 
introduction

A challenging year 

“ Our purpose – to ‘create 
better outcomes’ for all 
stakeholders – remains 
fundamental to the 
company’s transformation.”

  Sir Ian Powell
  Chairman 

As	for	so	many	businesses,	2020	was	
a tough year for Capita and its people. 
The	organisation	is	part-way	through	
a complex, multi-year transformation 
which,	despite	continuing	progress,	
was	already	proving	harder	than	we	
had originally envisaged. 

The impact of the Covid-19 crisis disrupted 
some of our plans; and it proved to be a 
disappointing	year	for	our	investors,	of	which	
we	remain	acutely	conscious.	I	would	like	to	
thank our shareholders for their patient and 
continued support.

Our	purpose	–	to	‘create	better	outcomes’	for	
all stakeholders – remains fundamental to the 
transformation of the company. Underpinned 
by our commitment to that purpose, the 
professionalism of our 55,000 people has 
allowed	us	to	navigate	our	way	through	the	
pandemic	–	and	we	ended	the	year	with	
evidence	of	renewed	momentum.

I	would	like	to	thank	all	our	colleagues	for	their	
hard	work	and	commitment	during	such	
difficult	times,	and	also	our	clients	for	working	
with	us	so	collaboratively	to	help	counter	the	
exceptional challenges of the Covid crisis.

Strategy and performance 

Significant	progress	has	been	made	in	many	
aspects	of	Capita’s	transformation	over	the	
past three years; and the actions taken to 
address underinvestment in many key areas, 
together	with	operational	and	cultural	changes,	
enabled us to deliver a decisive and resilient 
response to the pandemic.

The	controls	and	technology	systems	were	in	
place for a strong senior leadership team to 
adapt to the crisis at very short notice; and it 
allowed	us	to	bring	the	wellbeing	of	our	
employees to the top of our agenda and 
ensure the vast majority of our people could 
very	quickly	work	from	home.	At	the	same	
time,	we	were	able	to	continue	to	deliver	
services to our clients and customers in a safe 
and	secure	way.	Both	our	employee	and	
customer net promoter scores rose in 2020.

Financially,	we	weren’t	able	to	deliver	the	
growth	that	was	planned,	but	through	our	
response	we	addressed	the	challenges	of	a	
significant	fall	in	revenue	and	profit	with	robust	
cost	and	cash	action,	and	with	a	strong	focus	
on the balance sheet. By the end of 2020, 
positive	signs	had	emerged:	we	had	secured	a	
number	of	disposals,	signed	significant	new	
contracts and had a healthy pipeline in place.

We	will	continue	to	implement	our	‘simplify,	
strengthen,	succeed’	strategy,	which	has	guided	
the transformation so far. Our priority in 2021 is 
to continue to further strengthen the balance 
sheet,	through	a	combination	of	refinancing	our	
current	debt	arrangements	and	continuing	with	
the disposal of non-core businesses.

The Board is also pleased to have announced 
the next phase of our transformation, 
consolidating the current divisional structure to 
continue to remove complexity and create a 
more focused, client-centric and streamlined 
business; more details of this are outlined in the 
Chief	Executive	Officer’s	review	on	page	10.

The Board and governance

We have continued to improve the governance 
of the company, at both Board level and across 
the	wider	organisation.	We	seek	to	make	sure	
that	we	have	the	right	senior	management	
team in place, supported and challenged by the 
Board,	to	take	the	company	forward.	As	part	of	
that,	we	are	grateful	for	the	contribution	played	
in such a short space of time by Gordon Boyd 
as	interim	Chief	Financial	Officer.

We have continued to keep the constitution of 
the	Board	under	review,	aiming	to	bolster	its	
increasingly	impressive	range	of	knowledge,	
skills, diversity and perspectives. The 

4

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Strategic  report“ I am confident we will continue to 
make progress towards becoming 
a more profitable, sustainable 
business for the long term.”

Our values and 
behaviours remain more 
relevant than ever.

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Community investment

£2.1m(2019: £2.8m)

For more information about our  
community investment, go to:  
www.capita.com/responsible-business

V O I C E

We are honest, 
transparent 
and respectful

We think 
about	what’s	
possible

We achieve 
more	when	we	
work	together

We care about 
doing the best 
job	we	can

Our values 
define	who	
we	are	as	an	
organisation

contribution	of	our	two	employee	directors,	
Lyndsay	Browne	and	Joseph	Murphy,	has	
been	significant,	providing	a	vital	perspective.

The recent appointments of non-executive 
directors	David	Lowden	and	Neelam	Dhawan	
have	been	very	positive	moves	and	will	benefit	
Capita hugely. As a former chief executive, 
chairman and director, David brings extensive 
strategic	and	board	skills;	while	Neelam’s	wealth	
of	leadership	and	board	experience	will	provide	
us	with	a	fresh	global	and	technology	perspective.

I	would	like	to	thank	all	the	Board	members	for	
their	hard	work	and	great	flexibility	during	such	a	
challenging	year.	I	would	also	like	to	thank	outgoing	
directors	Gillian	Sheldon	and	Andrew	Williams	
for	their	significant	contributions	throughout	
their	long	tenures;	as	well	as	Patrick	Butcher,	
former	Chief	Financial	Officer,	for	the	important	
part he played in our ongoing transformation. 

Values and culture

The	real	test	of	a	corporate	purpose	is	how	it	
manifests itself in a crisis and ours has proved 
resilient during the Covid pandemic. It has 
continued to guide the company and our 

people,	even	while	they	have	faced	such	
disruption	in	their	lives	at	work	and	at	home.	

The focus on our purpose, underpinning our 
drive as a responsible business, has also 
contributed to the continued improvement in 
Capita’s	reputation.	This	has	in	turn	–	
alongside our turnaround in operational 
performance, and improved client relationships 
and levels of trust – helped strengthen our 
ability	to	win	important	new	work.

Diversity remains an especially strong focus for 
us. As for so many organisations, the killing of 
George Floyd and the subsequent issues raised 
by	the	Black	Lives	Matter	movement	was	a	
seminal moment for Capita. We recognised that 
the	actions	we	were	taking	to	create	an	inclusive	
workplace	for	many	of	our	Black,	Asian	and	
minority	ethnic	colleagues	were	not	happening	
fast enough. We therefore instigated a series of 
practical and strategic actions to tackle racism, 
as	well	as	to	enhance	ethnic	diversity.

We	are	very	conscious,	however,	that	we	need	
to do more to increase diversity and inclusivity 
in all parts and at all levels of the organisation. 
We also remain committed to improving our 

gender	pay	gap	which	continues	to	disappoint.	
We strive to be a truly responsible business, 
mindful of our place in society and the 
communities	we	serve,	and	of	our	
responsibility to people and the environment.

Looking forward

There	remains	a	large	amount	of	work	still	to	
do to ensure a stable, sustainable and less 
complex	Capita;	but	there	was	material	
progress in 2020, despite the disruption 
caused by the pandemic.

This progress needs to manifest itself in terms 
of	better	financial	performance.	We	need	to	
focus on restructuring the balance sheet to 
give	the	business	a	stable	financial	base,	and	
we	must	deliver	improving	returns	to	investors.	

However,	as	we	move	onto	the	next	phase	of	
our transformation – and look to further 
simplify	and	strengthen	–	I	am	confident	that	
we	will	continue	to	make	progress	towards	
Capita	becoming	a	more	profitable,	
sustainable business for the long term, for the 
benefit	of	its	people,	clients	and	customers,	
suppliers and partners, investors, and society.

Chairman’s	introduction

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

5

Strategic  reportBusiness 
model

How we 
create value

Capita is a consulting, transformation and digital services business. We are 
focused	on	creating	value	and	better	outcomes,	by	working	collaboratively	 
with	our	clients	as	partners.	We	provide	consulting	and	professional	services,	
drawing	on	our	practical	experience;	provide	digitally	enabled	services	and	
solutions,	often	under	multi-year	contracts;	and	sell	software	licences	and	
support. We consult, transform and deliver.

What we do  
as a business

At	Capita,	we	provide	consulting,	
transformation and digital services.

Our consultants:
•  Work	collaboratively	with	clients	as	trusted	

consultants and long-term strategic partners

•  Proactively	identify	opportunities	within	client	

businesses

•  Generate	forward-looking	insights	by	

analysing, researching and debating trends 
and data

•  Support the design, development and 

implementation of better solutions for clients

•  Maximise opportunities on behalf of all 

Capita, driving our pipeline and creating 
pull-through revenue

Our transformation services:
•  Improve process quality, reliability 

and	efficiency

•  Help reduce risk and cost 

•  Create	new	opportunities	for	clients

•  Allow	clients	to	focus	on	what	they	do	best

Our digital services:
•  Help	simplify	clients’	services

•  Assist better decision making

•  Provide information

•  Contribute to process acceleration

•  Free up time

•  Improve end-customer experiences

Our expertise  
and resources

Market expertise
We have deep understanding of our clients 
and their markets; for example, in customer 
engagement, government services, recruitment 
processes and technology solutions.

Technological resources
We offer technology-led, digitally enabled 
services and solutions. We are investing in 
digital	and	software	development.	We	partner	
with	global	technology	leaders.

We are a people-focused business, built 
around 55,000 skilled and committed 
employees	who	have	deep	understanding	
of	our	clients’	markets	and	needs.

International infrastructure
We	have	growing	international	operations,	
with	more	than	18,000	people	delivering	
technology solutions and customer 
engagement services, principally in Europe, 
India and South Africa.

Client relationships
We	form	longstanding	partnerships	with	
a	wide	range	of	clients,	from	blue-chip	
businesses to the public sector, to transform 
their businesses by delivering insight and 
innovative solutions.

Our people

Consult

We work collaboratively with  
clients as partners, drawing  
on our practical experience  
and delivering solutions

Capita

Capita is a consulting,  
transformation and  
digital services business

Deliver

We provide software and  
networks, and digitally enabled 
services and operations, often  
under multi-year contracts

Transform

We create innovative  
solutions to transform  
businesses and services

6

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Strategic  reportStrategic  
report

Generating  
financial value

Better outcomes  
for stakeholders

We	operate	in	large	and	growing	markets,	at	
scale	and	often	with	significant	market	share.	
We	generate	revenue,	profit	and	cash	flow	by	
providing valuable services to our clients, 
consistently	and	efficiently	over	the	long	term.

Transformational services
Clients procure our digitally enabled services 
and	network	solutions	through	contracts,	
often	long-term,	to	effect	significant	change	
in their businesses. In 2020, approximately 
88%	of	Group	revenue	was	underpinned	by	
contracts of one year or more. Our order 
book	at	31	December	2020	was	£5.9bn.

Software licences and services
We	provide	clients	with	business-critical	
software	products,	earning	recurring	revenue	
from implementation, annual licence fees 
and	revenue	from	‘software	as	a	service’	
arrangements. Approximately 8% of adjusted 
revenue1	is	derived	from	Software.

Transactional services
Approximately 12% of adjusted revenue1 
comes from our transactional businesses 
where	we	sell	products	and	professional	
services	to	our	clients	across	a	wide	range	of	
functions. In 2020 this represented £393.2m 
of adjusted revenue1,	reflecting	a	particular	
impact from Covid-19.

Efficient operations
Running	our	business	as	efficiently	as	we	
can	allows	us	to	pass	savings	through	to	our	
clients and customers over the long term, as 
well	as	generating	value	for	our	stakeholders.	
During	2020,	we	delivered	transformation	
cost savings of £145.2m by reducing the cost 
of poor quality, structuring our business 
better	and	adopting	efficiency-generating	
technologies such as automation.

Generating cash flow
In the early stages of our multi-year 
turnaround	we	committed	significant	funds	 
to	fixing	and	stabilising	the	business	to	
reduce	the	significant	cash	cost	of	poor	
quality.	During	2020	we	improved	adjusted	
free	cash	flow1 from £(23.2)m to £238.6m.

1.   Refer to alternative performance measures  

(APMs) on pages 204 to 206.

We are focused on creating better 
outcomes for all our stakeholders.

Our people
by providing an environment in  
which	they	can	thrive	and	develop	

+7pts

Positive	points	swing	in	employee	 
net promoter score 
(2019: +14pts)

Clients and customers
by delivering solutions, transforming 
services and delighting them 

+17pts

Positive	points	swing	in	customer	 
net promoter score1 
(2019: +22pts)

Suppliers and partners
by treating them fairly and  
encouraging them to deliver

95%Suppliers	paid	within	60	days2 

(2019: 97%)

Investors
by delivering improving returns

£238.6m

Adjusted	free	cash	flow3 
(2019:	£(23.2)m	outflow)

Society
by acting as a responsible business 
for	the	communities	we	serve

40%Reduction in carbon footprint4 

(2019: 5.9%)

Read more about our 
stakeholders on  
page 38 and 39.

1.   Measured from 2017 baseline via our annual client survey, 

demonstrating	the	number	of	clients	who	would	recommend	
Capita as a supplier.

2.   Data includes invoices paid through Capita UK companies.
3.	 	Refer	to	note	2.10	to	the	consolidated	financial	statements.
4.   Reduction in carbon footprint based on emissions per 

headcount from 2018 baseline.

Business model

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

7

Our response 
to Covid-19

Capita and its people have, 
like thousands of other 
businesses, faced numerous 
challenges and uncertainties 
over the past 12 months. 

But,	thanks	to	the	hard	work	and	professionalism	of	our	
colleagues,	we	have	delivered	a	strong	operational	 
response to the Covid-19 crisis. This has only been possible 
due to the actions already taken and changes previously 
made as part of our multi-year transformation strategy to 
simplify and strengthen the organisation. 

Impact on operations 
Our priority throughout the Covid-19 crisis  
has	been	to	protect	the	welfare	and	safety	
of our colleagues. 

85%of	people	working	from	home	at	the	height	of	

the pandemic

21,500

average visits per month to the Wellbeing Hub 
since its launch in April 2020

+7pts

movement in employee net promoter 
score (eNPS)

6%of colleagues furloughed at peak

Discover how we are helping customers  
evolve for a new tomorrow 
www.capita.com/evolving-tomorrow

Our Covid-19 
framework

8

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

01

02

03

Review 
Early monitoring of the 
developing external 
situation and internal 
health and guidance. 
Business continuity 
preparations and 
scenario planning 
begins. 

Respond 
Endurance	as	we	
manage the crisis and 
protect the health 
safety	and	wellbeing	 
of	colleagues.	The	way	
we	work	adjusts	to	
ensure business 
continuity and stability 
in	the	‘eye	of	the	storm’.

Reimagine 
Ongoing sense of 
stability is established 
as	we	begin	to	emerge	
from the crisis. This 
temporary	‘new	normal’	
allows	us	to	begin	
planning for the future 
ways	of	working.

Strategic  reportFinancial impact
While the majority of our revenue remained 
resilient, our transactional and face-to-face 
operations	were	significantly	affected.	
Covid-19 has been net negative for Capita.

Client response
We took decisive action to ensure that 
we	maintained	a	high	level	of	service	
for our clients. 

Reimagining our future
We	can	make	some	of	the	benefits	of	Capita	
permanent. We are talking to our people and 
clients	to	define	future	ways	of	working. 

77%of	employees	now	want	to	spend	the	

majority	of	their	time	working	from	home

49permanent property closures 
11%reduction	in	office	space	in	2020;	 

a further 15% expected in 2021 

90%compliance	with	operational	KPIs	 

(2019: 91%)

11.2mletters sent to vulnerable people 

on behalf of the NHS

70,000

children protected through provision 
of safeguarding monitoring

10,000

council and NHS trust staff helped 
with	remote	working	infrastructure

13,600

devices delivered to disadvantaged children

5%of adjusted revenue1 lost (£153m)
£105m

total contract value (TCV)  
of	Covid-related	wins	

£122m

cash preservation savings 

119locations temporarily closed at peak
£32mtravel savings – expected to continue 

1.   Refer to alternative performance measures  

(APMs) on pages 204 to 206.

04

05

Return 
The transition to  
future	ways	of	working	
begins, although  
social distancing and 
modified	ways	of	
working	are	still	required	
to manage the ongoing 
risks of Covid-19. 

Reform 
Following	the	end	of	the	
crisis, supporting health 
and	wellbeing	remains	 
a	priority	as	we	fully	
embrace the changes 
we	have	made.	Our	 
future	ways	of	working	
become reality and the 
new	normal	is	business	
as usual.

Our response to Covid-19

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

9

Strategic  reportChief Executive 
Officer’s review

Maintaining progress 

“ Capita is a much better 
business than it was at the 
start of the transformation, 
with stronger positions and 
improved growth prospects.”

  Jon Lewis
	 Chief	Executive	Officer

We started 2020 expecting to 
continue to strengthen the business 
operationally and to deliver more 
evidence of improvement – to be 
reflected	in	modest	revenue	
growth	and	significant	free	cash	
flow	generation.	

We	continued	to	make	progress	with	many	
aspects of our transformation, but the impact 
of Covid-19 set us back and increased some 
of	the	challenges	we	faced.

I	am	pleased	with	our	operational	response	to	
the pandemic, prioritising our colleagues and 
ensuring	we	could	continue	to	deliver	for	our	
clients. The majority of our revenue has been 
resilient	and	we	took	decisive	cost	and	cash	
action	to	manage	the	impact	where	it	affected	
us.	I	do	not	believe	we	would	have	achieved	
this	without	the	progress	made	in	strengthening	
Capita	over	the	preceding	two	years.

Adjusted revenue

£3,181.2m

(2019:£3,501.0m)

Adjusted profit before tax

£65.2m

(2019:£197.7m)

The	fall	in	revenue	and	profit	due	to	Covid-19	
has put pressure on our balance sheet. But our 
cash	preservation	initiatives	ensured	that	we	
met	our	covenant	obligations,	with	net	debt	
significantly	better	than	at	the	end	of	2019.	We	
also took the decision to accelerate strategic 
actions	to	provide	further	financial	support	and	
dispose	of	non-core	software	assets,	including	
Education	Software	Solutions	(ESS),	which	
sold for initial proceeds of £299m.

10

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Despite the challenges of 2020, Capita is a 
much	better	business	than	it	was	at	the	start	
of	the	transformation,	with	stronger	positions	
and	improved	growth	prospects.	With	a	more	
solid	operational	foundation	in	place,	we	
are	now	moving	onto	the	next	phase	of	our	
transformation	plan	to	‘simplify,	strengthen	and	
succeed’.	We	will	be	consolidating	our	current	
structure into three divisions. This comprises 
two	core	divisions	–	Capita	Public	Service	and	
Capita	Experience	–	focused	on	specific	client	
needs	and	distinct	markets	where	we	know	
we	can	win.	We	will	also	have	a	third,	enlarged	
portfolio	of	non-core	businesses	we	intend	
to exit in due course; and a smaller overhead, 
generating additional long-term cost savings.

With respect to the balance sheet, our focus in 
2021	is	to	ensure	that	we	meet	our	upcoming	
debt	maturities	of	£440m	over	the	next	two	
years,	and	put	in	place	a	longer-term	financing	
solution. We have therefore started the 
process to extend our revolving credit facilities 
and	we	are	targeting	gross	disposal	proceeds	
of at least £700m, comprising £200m from 
three	non-core	disposals	currently	under	way,	
and	ESS	proceeds	of	£299m	that	we	have	
now	received,	with	another	£200m	to	come	
thereafter.	Further	support	comes	from	benefits	
of	the	planned	new	structure	and	lower	‘below	
the	line’	cash	costs.	We	plan	to	issue	
longer-term	debt	when	market	conditions	allow.

Our	simpler	new	structure	will	support	our	
inflection	to	sustainable	cash	generation	in	
2022	–	as	we	continue	to	build	a	more	focused,	
client-centric and streamlined business.

Strategic  report“ With a more solid 
operational foundation in 
place, we are now moving 
onto the next phase of our 
transformation plan.”

Better 
outcomes

We have been chosen to 
transform and modernise the 
Royal Navy’s shore-based 
training across 16 sites in the 
UK as the lead partner in a 
consortium called Team Fisher. 
The contract, worth an estimated 
£1bn over 12 years, will see us 
leading the delivery of the new 
training programme, utilising our 
expertise in transformation, 
learning and the delivery of 
complex, technology-enabled 
defence projects. We are 
partnering in the consortium 
with Raytheon UK, Elbit Systems 
UK, and Fujitsu, as well as with 
several smaller British suppliers.

Chief	Executive	Officer’s	review

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

11

Strategic  reportChief Executive 
Officer’s review 
continued

“ Our priority throughout the 
Covid crisis has been to 
protect the welfare and 
safety of our colleagues.”

Financial results

Net debt

Our	financial	performance	in	2020	was	
significantly	affected	by	the	impact	of	Covid-19,	
despite the resilience of our operational 
response.	To	protect	the	business	we	took	
action to save a further £122m and, as a result, 
we	were	able	to	meet	our	covenant	obligations	
at the year end and reduced net debt to 
£1,077.1m.

Adjusted revenue1,2, fell by 9% during the year 
to £3,181.2m (2019: £3,501.0m) as a result of 
the impact of Covid-19, particularly on our 
transactional businesses such as Capita 
Travel	&	Events	and	Pay360,	as	well	as	due	
to prior-year contract losses in areas such as 
local	government.	This	was	partially	offset	
by	encouraging	contract	renewals	and	wins,	
as	well	as	Covid-related	work,	mostly	for	
the Government.

Adjusted	profit	before	tax1,2 decreased to 
£65.2m	(2019:	£197.7m),	reflecting	the	loss	
of high-margin Covid-impacted transactional 
revenue and revenue from lost contracts, 
mitigated by a combination of £145.2m of 
planned transformational cost savings and 
£122m of cost and cash preservation taken 
in response to the pandemic. Including the 
impact of restructuring costs and accounting 
adjustments,	reported	loss	before	tax	was	
£49.4m (2019: £62.6m loss). Reported 
earnings	per	share	was	(0.41)p	(2019:	(4.18)p).

Our strong cash performance in the year 
included	strong	working	capital	management	
and other short-term measures taken to 
protect	the	business,	with	around	£50m	
expected to be sustainable. Adjusted free cash 
flow1 increased to £238.6m (2019: £23.2m 
outflow)	as	we	improved	cash	from	trading	
operations, reduced capital expenditure 
significantly,	and	from	strong	client	cash	
collection. The overall improvement in net 
debt	was	boosted	by	cash	preservation	
benefits	such	as	the	£118.8m	VAT	deferral,	
offsetting cash costs of restructuring of 
£64.1m.	Net	debt	at	31	December	was	
£1,077.1m	(2019:	£1,353.2m)	and	we	were	
well	within	the	covenants.

£1,077.1m

(2019: £1,353.2m)

Response to Covid-19

Our priority throughout the Covid-19 crisis has 
been	to	protect	the	welfare	and	safety	of	our	
colleagues	and	I	would	like	to	thank	them	all	
for	their	dedication.	In	February	2020,	we	set	
up	a	pandemic	planning	team	and,	within	a	few	
weeks,	we	had	successfully	mobilised	85%	of	
our	people	to	work	from	home,	while	ensuring	
we	had	secure	workplaces	for	key	workers	
who	needed	them.

Reflecting	the	critical	nature	of	many	of	the	
services	we	provide	to	our	clients,	most	of	our	
revenue remained resilient. We delivered client 
services	on	a	remote	basis,	building	software	
and digital platforms, managing IT solutions 
and	shifting	to	remote	provision.	However,	we	
have	been	significantly	affected	in	areas	such	
as	our	travel	business,	and	where	our	work	is	
transactional	and	therefore	affected	by	lower	
economic activity.

Offsetting	this	impact,	we	secured	c.£100m	
of Covid-related business in 2020, including 
providing	1,200	contact-centre	workers	to	
a Government department and sending 
11.2 million letters to the vulnerable on behalf 
of the NHS. 

We	won	work	in	the	private	sector,	where	our	
resilient delivery model and onshore location 
meant	we	could	offer	services	to	key	retail	and	
telecoms clients that some of our major 
competitors could not.

We implemented a range of cost-saving 
initiatives to mitigate the revenue impact of 
the pandemic, sustaining these through the 
second half of the year and into 2021. We 
achieved £122m of savings in total, including 
discretionary expenditure of £64m, staff-

related savings of £48m, and £10m mainly 
in	variable	property	costs,	as	we	temporarily	
closed 168 of our 294 properties at the height 
of	the	first	lockdown.

We	have	also	participated	in	the	Government’s	
VAT	deferral	scheme,	benefiting	the	Group	by	
£118.8m; postponed £56.7m of scheduled 
additional pension contributions; and entered 
into	receivables	financing	arrangements.	We	
expect these temporary cash saving measures 
to be paid back over the next 12 months.

Our	experience	with	Covid-19	has	enabled	us	
to	take	steps	to	sustain	some	of	the	benefits	
and cost savings, mainly in travel and property.

Operationally,	we	have	demonstrated	to	clients	
that	remote	working	can	be	secure	and	
productive,	while	maintaining	our	service	KPIs.	
This has given fresh impetus to rationalising 
our property footprint. We have permanently 
closed	11%	of	our	floor	space	in	2020,	
including	our	head	office	in	London.	We	are	
now	moving	to	a	more	flexible	workspace	
model,	allowing	collaboration	when	needed	
but	also	recognising	that	our	people	want	to	
spend	more	time	working	at	home	than	before	
the	pandemic.	We	plan	to	reduce	office	space	
by another 15% in 2021.

Responsible business

Being a responsible business continues to be 
a	fundamental	part	of	Capita’s	strategy.	Putting	
our purpose – to create better outcomes – 
at	the	centre	of	all	we	do	will	benefit	all	of	
our stakeholders in the long term and has 
helped improve our reputation sentiment 
with	external	stakeholders.

In	2020,	we	delivered	on	our	commitment	to	
pay	our	UK	employees	the	real	living	wage	
as a minimum. Our employee engagement 
continues to make progress, although there is 
clearly much more to be achieved. The employee 
net	promoter	score	(eNPS)	maintained	its	upward	
trajectory, increasing by seven points during 
the year and up 21 points since 2018.

We	value	our	relationships	with	our	suppliers,	
spending	£2bn	in	2020	with	more	than	24,540	
direct suppliers in 87 countries. We pay 95% of 
our	suppliers	in	60	days	or	less,	in	line	with	the	
Government’s	prompt	payment	code.	We	are	

1.   Refer to alternative performance measures (APMs) on pages 204-206.
2.	 	Adjusted	results	for	both	2020	and	2019	exclude	Education	Software	Solutions	(ESS)	as	it	is	a	business	exit	at	31	December	2020.	ESS	adjusted	revenue	and	adjusted	profit	before	tax	in	2020	

were	£90.6m	and	£51.3m	respectively.	Covenant	calculations	adjust	for	ESS	being	excluded	from	EBITDA.

12

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Strategic  report“ Our eNPS increased 
by seven points.”

now	looking	to	strengthen	relationships	with	
smaller suppliers.

Throughout	2020,	we	maintained	our	focus	on	
our environmental impact. We reduced our 
carbon	footprint	by	40%,	as	we	reduced	travel	
and	vacated	offices.	We	have	published	our	
first	statement	on	climate-related	financial	
disclosure in our 2020 Responsible Business 
report	and,	in	February	2021,	we	were	
accredited by the Science-based Target 
Initiative for our company carbon reduction 
targets,	which	will	form	the	foundation	of	our	
commitment	to	get	to	net	zero.

Transformation: building for 
revenue growth

Our revenue each year comes from a 
combination of longer-term, committed 
contracts	that	we	report	in	our	order	book,	
framework	contracts	whose	volumes	are	
variable (but usually reliable), and transactional 
revenue	that	is	won	in-year.

While	our	target	to	grow	revenue	for	the	first	
time	in	many	years	was	significantly	affected	
by	the	pandemic,	our	track	record	of	winning	
business	showed	tangible	signs	of	improving	
during	2020,	as	we	saw	the	first	benefits	from	
our investment in our clients, our structure and 
our capabilities.

Total	contract	value	(TCV)	won	in	the	year	was	
£3.1bn,	£233m	more	than	in	2019,	which	
included	framework	and	transactional	wins.	
This	represented	8%	growth	in	TCV,	or	11%	in	
our core divisions (excluding Specialist 
Services).	Our	contract	renewal	rate	of	90%,	
based on further improved client relationships, 
was	a	key	driver.	We	have	started	2021	
strongly,	with	a	£1bn	contract	to	train	the	Royal	
Navy	for	the	next	12	years.	As	would	be	
expected,	we	also	lost	some	contracts	that	
impacted	the	second	half	of	2020	and	will	have	
a further impact in 2021.

The	Group’s	order	book	declined	to	£5.9bn	in	
2020	(2019:	£6.7bn),	with	£2.4bn	recognised	
as	revenue	in	the	year	and	£1.6bn	won	in	order	
book-qualifying revenue. Book-to-bill has 
increased from 0.79x to 0.94x on a Group 
basis	and,	following	the	win	of	the	Royal	Navy	
training	contract	in	January	2021,	this	has	now	
risen to 1.26x.

An	increasing	amount	of	Capita’s	revenue	
comes	from	framework	and	transactional	
revenue.	Revenue	won	that	was	recognised	
in	2020	(in-year	revenue)	was	flat	at	£1.2bn,	
despite	the	significant	Covid-19	impact.	
Customer Management and Government 
Services	were	particularly	strong,	increasing	
by	72%	and	92%	respectively,	benefiting	from:	
Covid-related	work;	extensions	for	Transport	
for	London	(TfL);	and	big	framework	wins,	such	
as	a	renewal	for	a	European	telecoms	client.

Better structured with the right tools
As	set	out	in	2018,	our	transformation	growth	
strategy	has	been	to	win	work	through	
improving the capability and discipline in our 
sales	function.	We	are	now	leveraging	our	new	
customer relationship management (CRM) 
platform better, giving us more insight and 
capability to predict future revenue. During the 
year	we	refined	processes	and	the	quality	of	
our pipeline data, impacting pipeline in Q1 
2020.	We	are	winning	more	of	the	right	work	
through	the	discipline	of	our	contract	review	
committee	(CRC).	In	2020,	we	maintained	an	
average double-digit margin on the bids 
processed	by	the	CRC,	although	with	a	slightly	
lower-margin	mix	of	work.

Focusing on the client
The	way	we	sell	and	the	way	that	clients	want	
to	engage	has	been	changing.	As	we	have	
simplified	and	strengthened	across	Capita,	we	
have moved from selling one bespoke product 
to each client, to selling solutions based on 
standardised	platforms	and	which	bring	people	
and products together from across Capita. We 
then use our sector and business insight to 
offer the right solution to a client need.

As	we	have	invested	in	operational	
improvement,	as	well	as	offering	more	relevant	
and	better	propositions,	we	have	seen	strong	
support from our clients. We have seen 
another	significant	improvement	in	our	
customer	net	promoter	score,	which	increased	
by 17 points from +15 to +32. In our top 20 
accounts this focus translated into pipeline 
growth	of	40%.

During	2020,	we	streamlined	the	portfolio	to	
focus	on	high-value	propositions,	as	we	build	
our	understanding	of	what,	to	whom,	and	

where,	we	should	be	selling.	As	a	result,	during	
the year 80% of TCV sold derived from 20 
value proposals, out of a total portfolio of 
around 120.

With stronger client perception and better 
propositions	to	sell,	account	management	was	
a major part of our sales performance in 2020. 
43%	of	our	2020	TCV	was	won	from	our	top	20	
client	accounts.	Notable	wins	during	the	year	
were	the	TfL	congestion	charge	and	ultra-low	
emission	zone	extension	(£355m),	the	RPP	
army recruitment extension (£140m), a 
European	telecoms	client’s	new	framework	
extension	(£114m),	and	the	Teachers’	Pension	
extension (£60m).

Transition to consulting-led sales
A consulting-led business model remains a 
key	part	of	our	revenue	growth	proposition,	
securing pull-through transformational and 
delivery	work,	enabling	us	to	move	up	the	
value	chain,	win	more	business	and	improve	
the margin mix of Group revenue. Despite 
being hit hard by Covid-19, consulting revenue 
in 2020 focused on a highly specialised team 
with	deep	expertise	in	government,	financial	
services and critical infrastructure, alongside 
three core practice areas: data and AI; 
transformation; and cloud.

A	significant	example	of	a	consulting-led	
innovative and data-driven client solution 
was	for	the	Financial	Services	Compensation	
Scheme (FSCS). In the face of a surge of 
claims to the FSCS, Capita and the FSCS 
worked	in	partnership	to	design	a	solution	
using	data,	AI	and	automation	to	allow	them	
to process regulated, highly-complex claims 
more quickly and accurately, at around 30% 
of	normal	cost	and	taking	two	years	less	
than normal. Having built this platform, 
we	see	opportunities	to	use	it	in	other	
regulated industries. 

Our markets are also gradually changing in 
nature,	away	from	traditional	business	process	
outsourcing (BPO) to higher value business 
process services (BPS) and business process 
as a service (BPaaS). As a market leader in 
UK	Government	BPS,	where	the	solution	is	
delivered through a combination of people and 

2.	Nelson	Hall/Tech	Market	View
3. Tussell March 2020

Chief	Executive	Officer’s	review

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

13

Strategic  reportChief Executive 
Officer’s review 
continued

a	bespoke	digital	platform,	we	are	now	
investing	in	BPaaS	capabilities,	which	is	
a	standardised,	process-specific	solution	
deliverable to many clients.

Consulting and transformation revenue 
comprised just over 15% of total Group 
revenue	won	in	2020.	We	expect	to	improve	
both margins and cash generation by 
increasing	this	type	of	revenue,	as	well	as	
doing	more	BPS	and	BPaaS	work.

Market positioning
Supporting the more client-focused approach, 
we	are	leveraging	our	strong	market	positions	
to	bring	more	insight	into	our	specific	markets	
than competitors.

Capita is one of the biggest IT services 
suppliers3	to	the	UK	Government	which	
spends around £1bn4	each	year	with	us.	
Through	improved	contractual	delivery,	we	
now	have	a	stronger	relationship	with	the	
Government	at	a	time	when	they	are	
increasingly targeting investment in digital 
services and IT infrastructure. We also have 
a strong private sector position as the biggest 
customer	experience	partner	in	the	UK,	with	
specific	expertise	in	the	financial	services,	
telecoms	and	utilities	sectors.	When	we	bring	
our understanding of complex solutions 
together	with	specific	digital	capabilities	and	
combine	them	with	our	IT	ecosystem	partners	
such	as	Microsoft	Azure,	AWS	and	Cisco,	our	
competitive	position	is	now	very	strong.

Our better service delivery, investment in 
digital and IT capabilities, and more targeted 
marketing activities have all contributed to an 
improved	market	reputation	with	existing	and	
potential clients in our chosen markets.

Sales outlook
The	outlook	for	2021	is	promising,	with	a	
strong	unweighted	pipeline	of	£9.7bn	(2019:	
£8.0bn),	out	of	a	total	unweighted	pipeline	of	
£18.2bn (2019: £16.9bn), including a big 
increase in Government Services. It also 
includes	contract	bids	that	were	delayed	from	
2020, such as the Royal Navy training contract 
which	has	now	been	won.

Transformation: reducing cost and 
targeting margin increases

We have continued to target and deliver 
significant,	sustainable	cost	reductions,	
through	greater	efficiency	and	structural	
‘cost-out’	opportunities.	In	2020,	we	secured	
a further £145.2m of transformation cost 
savings (4% of the total cost base), taking the 
total across the last three years to £305m of 
sustainable savings. This is in addition to the 
£122m of Covid savings in 2020.

14

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

“ Better service delivery, investment 
in digital and IT capabilities, and 
more targeted marketing activities 
have all contributed to an 
improved market reputation.”

have	optimised	structures	to	align	with	our	
target	operating	model,	delivering	efficiency	
and overhead savings of £25m in 2020 and 
we	see	similar	opportunity	in	2021.

Technology
We	are	making	significant	technology	savings	
through	better	governance,	major	efficiencies	
driven by consolidation of resource from 
across the Group, and through associated 
third-party	procurement	savings	as	we	
consolidated	our	supplier	base.	These	were	
£30m	in	2020	and	we	have	significant	further	
opportunity in 2021.

We are bringing all of our IT services together 
to be managed in one place, giving clarity of 
management	and	more	efficient	use	of	
resource,	with	lower	future	maintenance	and	
investment costs. We also made further 
progress	in	consolidating	our	software	
development resource from across the 
divisions under the umbrella of the digital 
development centre in the UK and India.

Group and overhead costs
We accelerated our property consolidation 
programme,	closing	49	offices	in	2020	and	
reducing	the	office	footprint.	This	delivered	
savings	of	£11m	in	the	year,	with	an	annualised	
run rate of £25m in 2021. Procurement savings 
also generated £4m of cost savings during the 
year,	focusing	on	scale	benefits,	in	particular	
as	we	consolidated	previously	fragmented	
third-party purchasing behaviours.

Contractual targets reached

90.3%(2019: 91.4%)

Operational excellence and improvement
Despite	the	pandemic,	we	maintained	our	high	
level of service KPIs at 90.3% for 2020 (2019: 
91.4%), including slightly better year-on-year 
performance in Customer Management, 
Government Services and People Solutions. 
This contributed to further improving our 
service	credits,	which	reduced	from	£11m	
in 2019 to £4m in 2020.

We	also	significantly	reduced	the	cash	
drag from major contracts, in particular in 
Government Services. The number of 
operationally	and	financially	challenged	
contracts	have	reduced	during	the	past	two	
years	from	16	to	two	(PCSE	and	Electronic	
Monitoring),	where	we	expect	to	resolve	key	
outstanding issues in 2021 and deliver 
significant	benefits	in	2022.

We	are	now	also	better	at	delivering	large	
transformation	projects.	On	RPP,	we	delivered	
another year of high KPI achievement; and our 
performance	on	the	new	Defence	Fire	and	
Rescue	contract	was	exemplary,	with	all	
operational KPIs delivered on target, good cost 
and	cash	performance,	and	with	additional	
revenue	from	contracts	won	to	work	at	six	
more Ministry of Defence sites during the year.

We saved £73m in 2020 simply by doing 
things	better,	including	from	the	benefits	of	
operational maturity, process improvement, 
reducing our cost of poor quality and reducing 
margin erosion through performance failures.

Structural optimisation
One of the major objectives of the 
transformation	has	been	the	simplification	of	
a	highly	complex	and	inefficient	organisation.	
Leveraging	data	from	our	new	HR	platform,	we	

Strategic  reportBetter 
outcomes

We signed a contract with the 
Department of Education to continue 
the administration of the Teachers’ 
Pension Scheme. The extension, 
which is due to start in October 2021, 
is worth £60m over four years. We will 
continue to deliver a fully integrated 
administration service for more than 
two million TPS members which 
includes the collection of contributions 
from over 11,200 employers, and the 
calculation and payment of pensions 
to more than 700,000 pensioners 
and beneficiaries.

Chief	Executive	Officer’s	review

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

15

Strategic  reportChief Executive 
Officer’s review 
continued

Next phase of the transformation

Over	the	past	three	years	we	have	improved	
governance,	addressed	inefficiency,	and	
focused on historical underinvestment and on 
delivering better outcomes for our clients. 
Capita	is	now	a	simpler	business	with	a	
stronger operational platform to underpin its 
future	development	than	it	was	in	2018.	Last	
year	we	announced	the	disposal	of	our	
Specialist	Services	division,	which	is	delayed	
but	ongoing,	as	well	as	announcing	our	
intention	to	dispose	of	non-core	software	
products,	starting	with	Eclipse	and	ESS.	
Structurally,	our	core	business	is	now	more	
orientated	to	growth	markets	and	focused	on	
our clients.

With	this	stronger	foundation	in	place,	we	are	
now	moving	onto	the	next	phase	of	our	
transformation,	consolidating	down	to	three	
divisions:	two	core	divisions	–	Capita	Public	
Service and Capita Experience – focused on 
distinct market and client needs and a third 
Capita	Portfolio	division.	This	will	comprise	an	
enlarged portfolio of valuable but non-core 
businesses	of	which	we	are	not	the	best	owner	
and	which	we	intend	to	exit	when	appropriate,	
with	proforma	revenue	of	around	£700m.

We	now	have	a	clearer	insight	into	where	we	
can	win,	with	most	of	our	2020	contract	wins	in	
clearly	defined	and	focused	areas	–	in	specific	
parts of the UK Government market and in our 
core Customer Management industries. Both 
Public	Service	and	Experience	will	adopt	our	
‘consult,	transform,	deliver’	business	model	
with	an	increasing	focus	on	digital	
transformation	work.	This	structure	will	in	turn	
drive out complexity and require a smaller, leaner 
Group	overhead,	from	which	we	expect	to	save	
£50m on an annualised basis from 2022.

Public	Service	will	integrate	and	simplify	our	
offering to government, currently spread 
across four divisions, to focus on addressing 
their need to implement policy, transform 
productivity	and	improve	citizen	experience.	
The	UK	Government	market	is	currently	worth	
around	£69bn.	The	fastest-growing	parts	of	
that,	at	around	mid-single	digit	CAGR	growth,	
are business process and technology-enabled 
services. As the number one strategic supplier 
of	IT	and	software,	Capita	is	already	well	
positioned	in	this	large	and	growing	market,	
with	a	2021	unweighted	pipeline	of	£3.5bn.	
The proforma revenue of this division is 
expected to be around £1.2bn.

Experience	will	bring	together	our	experts	in	
designing, transforming and delivering 
frictionless customer experiences for blue-chip 
clients, including our regulated businesses, 
and a number of assets from three of the 
existing	divisions.	The	global	market	is	worth	
around	£56bn	and	expected	to	grow	at	around	
5% pa for the next three years. Currently one 

16

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

“ Capita is now a simpler 
business with a stronger 
operational platform to underpin 
its future development.”

of the customer experience market leaders in 
the	UK,	and	with	a	solid	foothold	in	Germany	
and	Switzerland,	Capita	has	an	opportunity	to	
leverage its sector expertise, digital ecosystem 
and global delivery centre to become a 
pan-European leader. The proforma revenue of 
this division is expected to be around £1.3bn.

We plan to complete this next phase of the 
transformation	this	year	and	will	provide	more	
detail to the markets later this year.

Balance sheet

Our focus in 2021 is to address our upcoming 
debt maturities and put in place a longer-term 
financing	solution.

Our	plan	at	the	beginning	of	2020	was	that	
net	debt	would	increase	slightly,	before	the	
disposal of the Specialist Services portfolio, 
in order to complete key elements of the 
transformation;	but	thereafter	sufficient	
sustainable	free	cash	flow	would	be	generated	
to	allow	us	to	reduce	headline	net	debt	to	
EBITDA	to	within	our	target	range	of	1x	to	2x	
(pre-IFRS 16). We had also planned a bond 
issue	to	extend	our	debt	maturities.	We	were,	
however,	unable	to	do	either	of	these	in	2020.

Instead,	we	protected	the	balance	sheet	
through successful cost and cash preservation 
and	the	bringing	forward	of	our	plans	to	
dispose	of	non-core	software	products.	We	
repaid £218.4m of maturing debt, remained 
well	within	financial	covenants	at	both	the	half	
year and full year, and reduced net debt 
through a combination of good cash 
management, disposal proceeds and the 
deferral of VAT and pension payments.

In the short term, our priority is to lengthen our 
current	debt	maturity	profile	as	our	free	cash	
flow	strengthens	and	to	continue	to	be	able	to	
invest in our business. 

However,	we	face	significant	short-term	loan	
note	maturities,	with	£440m	due	over	the	next	
two	years.	We	plan	to	address	this	as	follows:

•  We recently received proceeds of £299m 
from the completion of the ESS disposal, 
which	provides	£220m	of	available	liquidity,	
with	a	further	£45m	contingent	on	CMA	
clearance	of	buyer	Montagu’s	subsequent	
transaction	with	ParentPay.

•  We	expect	to	renew	and	extend	the	maturity	

of our revolving credit facility.

•  We are continuing to dispose of non-core 

assets,	with	three	processes	currently	under	
way:	namely	our	‘blue	light’	emergency	
services	software;	our	specialist	insurance	
businesses	in	partnership	with	Artificial	
Labs;	and	our	Axelos	joint	venture	with	the	
UK	Government,	with	combined	expected	
proceeds of at least £200m. We anticipate 
proceeds to come through in the second half 
of the year. Further non-core disposals are 
expected to realise around £200m, including 
from	more	off-the-shelf	software	assets,	as	
well	as	Specialist	Service	businesses	that	
will	be	sold	once	recovery	from	the	Covid	
crisis	is	well	established.

We plan to put in place longer-term debt 
funding solutions, likely to be later in the year 
and subject to market conditions.

Outlook

Despite	national	lockdown	through	Q1,	we	are	
still	targeting	our	first	year	of	organic	revenue	
growth	for	six	years.

We	plan	to	deliver	improving	profitability	and	
cash	flow	from	trading	operations,	offset	by	
reversal of VAT savings, pension commitments 
and	significant	ongoing	restructuring	charges.

We are targeting disposal proceeds of £700m, 
with	£500m	in	2021.

Our	new	simpler	structure	supports	inflection	
to sustainable cash generation in 2022.

We are continuing to build a more focused, 
client-centric and streamlined business, in 
order to deliver improving returns to investor.

Strategic  reportKey performance 
indicators 

Measuring  
our performance 

Financial performance indicators

Adjusted profit before tax (£m)1*

Adjusted operating margin (%)1

Adjusted earnings per share (p)2

2020

2019

65.2

197.7

2020

2019

3.5

7.3

2020

2019

4.19

9.30

Adjusted free cash flow3*

Return on capital employed4

£238.6m

(2019:	£(23.2)m	outflow)

3.8%(2019: 7.8%)

Headline gearing: headline net  
debt to adjusted EBITDA5

3.1x(2019: 2.7x)

Non-financial performance indicators

Our people 

Our suppliers and partners 

Our clients and customers 

Our employee net promoter score (eNPS) 
continued	its	upward	trend	demonstrating	our	ability	
to maintain our overall employee engagement in 
unprecedented times.

We	are	signatories	to	the	UK	Government’s	
Prompt Payment Code, reporting our payment 
practices and performance to the government 
every six months.

We	actively	seek	the	views	of	our	clients	through	
a customer net promoter score (cNPS) survey. 
In	2020,	we	received	feedback	from	more	than	
1,020 individuals across 638 clients.

Employee net promoter score
Positive points swing in eNPS

Adherence to fair business terms
Suppliers paid within 60 days

Customer net promoter score
Positive points swing in cNPS

+7pts

(2019: +14pts)

95%(2019: 97%)

+17pts

(2019: +22pts)

1.   Refer to alternative performance measures on pages 204 to 206.
2.	Refer	to	note	2.7	of	the	consolidated	financial	statements.
3.	 	Refer	to	note	2.10	of	the	consolidated	financial	statements.
4.  Post IFRS 16.
5.	 	The	Board’s	view	is	that	the	appropriate	headline	leverage	ratio	for	Capita	over	the	medium	term	should	be	between	1.0	and	2.0	times	headline	net	debt	to	adjusted	EBITDA	(prior	to	the	adoption	

of	IFRS	16).	At	31	December	2020,	the	Group’s	headline	gearing	ratio	was	2.4x	(2019:	2.1x)	excluding	the	impact	of	IFRS	16,	as	a	result	of	the	lower	adjusted	EBITDA	due	to	the	impact	of	
Covid-19.	The	Board	has	not	formally	reviewed	the	target	range,	but	taking	account	of	the	adoption	of	IFRS	16,	the	range	would	increase	arithmetically	to	be	between	1.7	and	2.7x	headline	net	
debt to adjusted EBITDA. At 31 December 2020, this ratio exceeded this range at 3.1x (2019: 2.7x) for the same reasons as the pre-IFRS 16 ratio.

*  Measures used to determine variable remuneration, see page 93.

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

17

Strategic  reportChief Financial 
Officer’s review

Focused on the balance sheet

“ Our priority for 2021 is to 
address the short-term 
debt maturities through 
extending our committed 
credit facilities and issuing 
new long-term debt 
instruments, while 
continuing to strengthen 
the balance sheet.”

  Gordon Boyd
  Chief Financial Officer (interim)

events, resourcing, face-to-face training, and 
the payment services software we use to 
collect the London congestion charge. We 
continued to see resilient revenue 
performance in the majority of our operations 
from long-term contracts with a stable 
government and blue-chip customer base, and 
saw contract wins with the DWP and the NHS. 

Adjusted profit before tax1 was impacted by 
new contract wins not yet replacing profits from 
lost contracts, reduced transactional revenue, 
mostly due to the pandemic, and scope and 
volume reductions. These were partially offset 
by cost savings from our ongoing 
transformation plan and cost saving actions 
taken to offset the financial impact of Covid-19, 
particularly in those businesses of a more 
transactional nature. There were, however, 
other cost increases, including inflation, 
additional depreciation, amortisation and 
running costs on completed transformation 
programmes, and an increased bad debt 
provision. The Group participated in the job 
retention scheme made available by the 
Government to help ease the impact Covid-19 
otherwise would have had, including potentially 
additional headcount reductions. The grant 
income of £21.3m was recorded in the year 
and offset against the associated payroll costs. 

Cash from trading operations was improved by 
contractual working capital movements more 
than offsetting the decline in adjusted 
operating profit1. Adjusted free cash flow1 
was underpinned by this improvement in cash 
from trading operations, shorter public sector 
payment cycles as part of the Covid-19 
response, the impact of lower revenue, and 
better working capital management, lower 
capital expenditure and lower spend on 
certain transformation projects as the Group 

Summary of financial performance

Financial highlights

Adjusted1 results – continuing operations

Reported results – continuing operations

Adjusted1 
2020

Adjusted1 

Adjusted1 

2019

YOY change

Reported 
2020

Reported 
2019

Reported 
YOY change

£3,181.2m £3,501.0m

(9)% £3,324.8m £3,678.6m

(10)%

£111.0m

£254.5m

(56)%

£(32.0)m

£0.4m (8,100)%

£65.2m

£197.7m

(67)%

£(49.4)m

£(62.6)m

21%

4.19p

9.30p

(55)%

(0.41)p

(4.18)p

90%

£238.6m

243%
£(1,077.1)m £(1,353.2)m £276.1m £(1,077.1)m £(1,353.2)m £276.1m

£303.8m £(213.0)m

£(23.2)m

1,128%

Revenue
Operating 
profit/(loss)
Profit/(loss) 
before tax
Earnings/
(loss) per 
share
Free 
cash flow
Net debt

Overview

The onset of the Covid-19 crisis interrupted the 
pace of our ongoing transformation at Capita, as 
well as planned disposals and refinancing plans. 

A small decline in adjusted revenue1 was 
expected in the first half of 2020 due to 
contract losses reported in 2019 and the first 
quarter of 2020 was broadly in line with 
expectations. However, the economic impact 
of Covid-19 resulted in lower revenue in a 
number of businesses through the rest of the 
year. The weaknesses in transactional revenue 
and volume-related framework contracts 
related to businesses such as travel and 

1   Refer to alternative performance measures  

on pages 204 to 206.

18

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Strategic  reportfocused on managing cash in the face of 
economic uncertainty.

As part of our drive for simplification, and 
strengthening the balance sheet, we continue 
to seek to dispose of a number of non-core 
businesses. In June 2020, we completed the 
disposal of Eclipse Legal Services for net 
cash proceeds of £50.0m, realising a gain of 
£43.3m, and in February 2021 we received 
cash proceeds from the disposal of the 
Education Software Solutions (ESS) business 
of £298.5m, of which £50.1m was payable to 
the Capita defined benefit pension scheme 
to obtain legal title to the intellectual property 
rights used by the ESS business. Proceeds 
from both of these disposals will strengthen 
the Group’s balance sheet by reducing net 
debt and pension liabilities. The Board has 
approved a disposal programme and further 
disposals will be considered in due course 
where there are opportunities to maximise the 
value from exiting these non-core businesses.

Liquidity at 31 December 2020 was £708.6m, 
made up of £452.0m of our committed 
revolving credit facility and £150.0m backstop 
liquidity facility which expired on completion of 
the ESS disposal, none of which were drawn 
at 31 December, and £106.6m of unrestricted 
cash and cash equivalents net of overdrafts. 
The Group was in compliance with its financial 
covenants at 31 December 2020. 

Our priority for 2021 is to address the 
short-term debt maturities through extending 
our committed credit facilities and issuing new 
long-term debt instruments, while continuing 
to strengthen the balance sheet. We had 
planned a bond issuance in 2020, to extend 
our debt maturities; however, due to market 
appetite, we were unable to do this.

The move to a new corporate structure in the 
second half of 2021, that is more focused and 
client-centric, will also drive further cost 
savings from reduced overheads.

Summary of financial performance

Adjusted results
Capita reports results on an adjusted basis to 
aid understanding of business performance. 
The Board has adopted a policy to disclose 
separately those items that it considers are 
outside the underlying operating results for the 
particular period under review and against 
which the Group’s performance is assessed. 
In the directors’ judgement, these need to be 
disclosed separately by virtue of their nature, 
size and/or incidence for users of the financial 
statements to obtain a proper understanding 
of the financial information and the underlying 
in-period performance of the business. Those 
items which relate to the ordinary course of 
the Group’s operating profit remain within 
adjusted profit. 

1   Refer to alternative performance measures  

on pages 204 to 206.

Chief Financial Officer’s review

Adjusted revenue1 bridge by key driver

Year ended 31 December 2019
One-offs in 2019
Year ended 31 December 2019 rebased
Losses
Scope and volume
Transactional
Wins
One-offs in 2020
Year ended 31 December 2020 – pre-Covid-19
Covid-19 – scope and volume
Covid-19 – transactional
Covid-19 – wins
Year ended 31 December 2020

£m

3,501.0 
(39.3)
3,461.7 
(212.1)
(51.8)
(1.1)
122.4 
14.7 
3,333.8
(112.3)
(110.7) 
70.4
3,181.2

In accordance with the above policy, the 
trading results of business exits, along with the 
non-trading expenses and gain on disposals, 
were excluded from adjusted results. To 
enable a like-for-like comparison of adjusted 
results, the 2019 comparatives have been 
re-presented to exclude 2020 business exits. 
Education Software Solutions was classified 
as a business exit and therefore excluded from 
adjusted results in both 2020 and 2019.

In 2019, International Financial Reporting 
Standard 16 Leases (IFRS 16) was adopted, 
and to aid comparison with 2018, the primary 
adjusted measures used by the Board for 
evaluating performance were presented before 
the impact of IFRS 16. For 2020, adjusted 
results are presented after the impact of IFRS 
16 and 2019 has been re-presented on the 
same basis.

Reconciliations between adjusted and reported 
operating profit, profit before tax and free cash 
flow are provided on the following pages and in 
the note to the financial statements.

Adjusted revenue
Adjusted revenue1 reduced year on year by 
around 9%. The adjusted revenue1 bridge 
details the movements:

•  One-off benefits from contract termination 
payments and deferred income releases. 

•  Contract losses, mainly the impact of local 
government hand backs in Government 
Services, such as Birmingham and 
Southampton councils, and a number of 
losses in Specialist Services.

•  Contract wins which include the first year of 

revenue on the Ministry of Defence’s fire and 
rescue project (DFRP) contract, a project 
performed in Customer Management, and a 
number of smaller wins across all divisions.

•  As happened in 2019, a number of one-offs 

arose from deferred income releases 
associated with contract terminations and 
modifications (detailed further below).

•  Net reduction of £152.6m (5%) attributed to 
Covid-19, largely due to lower transactional 
revenues in our businesses heavily impacted 
by the pandemic in travel and events, 
enforcement, Government Services and 
People Solutions, including a number of 
our framework agreements which are driven 
by volumes. This was offset by additional 
revenue won, predominantly within 
Government Services and Customer 
Management, to assist with the UK’s 
response to the Covid-19 including contracts 
with the DWP and various NHS schemes, 
with some of these continuing into 2021.

Order book
The Group’s consolidated order book was 
£5,851m at 31 December 2020 
(2019: £6,720m) as additions from contract 
wins and extensions in 2020 (£1,573m), 
including TfL congestion charge and Army 
recruitment extension, did not offset the 
reduction from revenue recognised in the year 
(£2,365m) and contract terminations and 
scope changes (£77m). In January 2021 the 
Group signed a contract with the Royal Navy 
which represents a £0.9bn addition to the 
order book which is not reflected in the 
December 2020 order book.

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

19

Strategic  reportChief Financial 
Officer’s review 
continued

Adjusted profit before tax1 bridge by key driver

Year ended 31 December 2019
One-offs in 2019 – contract-related
Year ended 31 December 2019 rebased
Contract losses
Contract wins
Scope and volume
Other costs
Transformation cost savings
Transactional
One-offs in 2020 – contract-related
Year ended 31 December 2020

Adjusted operating profit to adjusted free cash flow1

Adjusted operating profit1
Add: depreciation/amortisation and impairment property, plant and 
equipment and intangible assets
Adjusted EBITDA
Contractual working capital movement (deferred income, contract 
fulfilment assets and accrued income)
Cash from trading operations*
Net capital expenditure
Other/working capital
Adjusted free cash flow1

2020  
£m

111.0 
182.0 

293.0 
(42.5)

250.5 
(72.4)
60.5 
238.6 

*  Cash from trading operations defined as adjusted EBITDA less contractual working capital movements.

£m

197.7 
(28.2)
169.5 
(48.0)
37.0 
(81.0)
(65.7)
145.2 
(67.9)
(23.9)
65.2 

2019  
£m

254.5 
184.9 

439.4 
(215.7)

223.7 
(172.9)
(74.0)
(23.2)

Adjusted profit before tax
Adjusted profit before tax1 declined in 2020. 
The adjusted profit before tax1 bridge breaks 
out the revenue and cost impacts on profit:

•  One-off contract related items in 2019 

relating to the release of deferred income 
and write-off of contract assets arising 
from contract terminations, settlements 
and modifications.

•  The benefit from contract wins (which 

includes the initial loss on the DFRP contract 
of £15m (refer to note 2.1 of the consolidated 
financial statements)) are not yet replacing 
margin from lost contracts.

•  Scope and volume reductions described 

earlier, and other cost increases, are partly 
mitigated by cost savings from the 
transformation cost competitiveness 
programme (see below). 

•  Other cost increases, such as, inflation 

(including the commitment in the UK to the 
real living wage), additional depreciation, 
amortisation and running costs on 
completed transformation programmes, 
and an increase in bad debt provision.

•  Reduction in transactional revenue (mostly 
attributable to Covid-19) which has a high 
initial margin impact due to fixed and 
semi-fixed cost base. This could not be 
fully mitigated by cost reduction actions, for 
example the impact of furloughing employees.

•  Unplanned contractual one-offs, including 

the release of deferred income and write-off 
of contract assets arising from contract 
terminations, settlements and modifications, 
provisions recognised on onerous contracts 
and contract related asset impairments (see 
further below).

The cost competitiveness programme 
delivered £145.2m of savings in 2020 and 
cumulative savings since 2018 of £305m, 
which were used prior to 2020 to increase 
investment in strengthening functions and 
build the platforms for growth, as well as to 
partially offset the decline in revenue. The 

1   Refer to alternative performance measures  

on pages 204 to 206.

20

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

savings continued to be generated through 
simplifying the organisation, reducing 
management layers and rationalising the 
IT and property portfolios. 

The adjusted revenue1 and adjusted profit 
before tax1 were impacted by a number of 
material unplanned contractual one-off items, 
netting to a charge of £23.9m. These items are 
not excluded from adjusted results as they are 
considered to be normal course of business 
and not associated with the transformation 
plan. These included:

•  Net gain of £14.1m from the release of 

deferred income and contract fulfilment 
asset utilisation from a contract termination 
in Customer Management. Where a contract 
is terminated early, all deferred revenue is 
recognised in the year of termination, which 
would otherwise have been deferred over 
the expected life of the contract in line with 
the Group IFRS 15 policy. Similarly, any 
associated contract assets are written off in 
the year of termination, unless there are 
alternative uses on other contracts.

•  Contract related provisions of £17.3m, 

including an onerous contract provision 
of £11.2m in Customer Management.

•  Contract related asset impairments of 
£16.4m on challenging contracts in 
Government Services and Customer 
Management.

Adjusted free cash flow
Adjusted free cash flow1 in 2020 was an inflow 
(£238.6m). This inflow was due to improved 
contractual working capital movements 
and inflows from other working capital more 
than offsetting the decline in adjusted 
operating profit1.

There are also a number of items that can lead 
to significant differences between profit and 
the generation of free cash flow, including: 

•  Timing of profits compared to the cash 

received. Typically, cash receipts are aligned 
to costs incurred whereas, under IFRS 15, 
revenue is more evenly distributed in the 
early years on the contract. This typically 
results in lower profits in early years on 
contracts which have significant 
restructuring costs or higher operating costs 
prior to transformation. The cash received is 
deferred and released as we deliver against 
our obligations to provide services and 
solutions to our clients rather than matched 
against costs as they are incurred. We have 
set out in note 2.1 a graphical presentation of 
the profits and cash flows on a typical 
outsourcing contract, and have also 
provided explanations, to aid an 
understanding of how the differences arise. 

•  Contract terminations and modifications, 

which can lead to major gains or losses in 
the year of termination or modification, and 
where cash inflows/outflows have occurred 
in prior years. 

Strategic  reportRevolving credit facility

£452.0m

at 31 December 2020

Reported cash flow

£308.8m

(2019: £(213.0m outflow)

“ The cost competitiveness 
programme delivered £145m of 
savings in 2020 and cumulative 
savings since 2018 of £305m.”

We have analysed working capital between 
‘contractual’ – being those balances which 
relate to contract movements of deferred 
income, accrued income and contract 
fulfilment assets to derive cash from trading 
operations – and ‘other/working capital’, which 
represents routine normal working capital 
items such as trade receivables, trade 
payables and prepayments, and interest and 
tax. Cash from trading operations is a more 
helpful way to think about these movements 
rather than describing them as working capital 
outflows and provides a more stable and 
consistent view of operating cash flows. 

Cash from trading operations improved to 
£250.5m (2019: £223.7m) due to a reduction 
in contractual working capital outflows, as 
previously expected. 

Contractual working capital improved with an 
outflow of £42.5m (2019: outflow £215.7m). 
This movement arises from: 

•  An increased accrued income inflow 
of £27m, driven by invoice phasing in 
Technology Solutions and the impact of 
lower volumes across People Solutions 
and Software. 

•  A reduced deferred income outflow of 

£154m, largely from advanced receipts and 
higher activity levels on the DFRP contract 
where cash has been received in 2020 in 
respect of transformation and invoice timing 
on a contract with a telecom customer, 
compared to an outflow in 2019 which 
included the £78m one-off impact of ending 
local government contracts, offset by: 

•  An increased contract fulfilment asset 

outflow of £8m, mostly from an increase 
in additions on Government Services 
contracts, the most significant being on the 
DFRP contract, offset by contract asset 
write-offs in Customer Management and 
Government Services.

1   Refer to alternative performance measures  

on pages 204 to 206.

Chief Financial Officer’s review

Adjusted1 to reported profit bridge

Adjusted1
Amortisation and impairment of 
acquired intangibles
Impairment of goodwill
Business exit – trading
Business exit – non-trading expenses
Business exit – gain on business disposals
Business exit – on hold disposal costs
Significant restructuring
Other
Reported

Operating (loss)/profit

(Loss)/profit before tax

2020  
£m

2019  
£m

111.0 

254.5 

(33.9)
— 
51.0 
(41.9)
— 
(7.5)
(109.6)
(1.1)
(32.0)

(49.9)
(41.4)
46.6 
(52.1)
— 
— 
(159.4)
2.1 
0.4 

2020  
£m

65.2 

(33.9)
— 
51.0 
(41.9)
31.4 
(7.5)
(109.6)
(4.1)
(49.4)

2019  
£m

197.7

(49.9)
(41.4)
46.6
(52.1)
—
—
(159.4)
(4.1)
(62.6)

Other working capital related cash inflows 
reflected shorter public sector payment cycles 
as part of the Covid-19 response, the impact of 
lower revenue, and actions taken to improve 
working capital.

Net capital expenditure decreased in 2020 in 
line with previously planned reductions as we 
drove focused investment and Group cash 
preservation methods in response to the 
pandemic. This included reduced spend on 
finance transformation and functional IT 
programmes, such as Workday, Salesforce 
and SAP.

Reported results
The Board presents adjusted key measures 
of profit and cash, in addition to reported 
measures, where items are significant in size 
and either they do not form part of the trading 
activities of the Group or their separate 
presentation enhances understanding of the 
underlying financial performance of the Group. 
Given the wide-ranging scope of the 
transformation plan, including for 2020 
property portfolio management, the Board has 
again sought to provide a clear understanding 
of the underlying and continuing performance 
of the businesses. This has been achieved 
by separating and disclosing separately 

significant adjusted items as set out in the 
following table. The Board will continue to 
keep under review the presentation of 
alternative measures. 

Adjusted operating profit1 and adjusted profit 
before tax1 exclude a number of specific items, 
including significant restructuring costs of 
£109.6m, the amortisation and impairment of 
acquired intangibles, including goodwill, of 
£33.9m, and business exits of £9.1m, to aid 
understanding of business performance.

Business exits are businesses that have been 
disposed of or exited during the year, or are 
in the process of being disposed of or exited. 
At 31 December 2020 these comprised:

•  The Eclipse business whose disposal 

completed on 30 June 2020.

•  The Capita Workplace Technology business 
whose disposal completed on 1 August 2020.

•  The Employee Benefits business 

whose disposal was completed on 
30 November 2020.

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

21

Strategic  reportChief Financial 
Officer’s review 
continued

“ In response to Covid-19, 
we have had to adapt and 
reassess our restructuring 
activities which will now 
extend into 2021.”

Adjusted to reported free cash flow

Adjusted1

Pension deficit contributions
Significant restructuring
Business exits
Business exits – on hold disposal costs
Non-recourse trade receivables financing
VAT deferral
Other
Reported 

•  Two businesses, including the Education 

Software Solutions business, which were in 
the process of being exited and which met 
the held-for-sale criteria. Accordingly, these 
businesses were treated as disposal groups 
held-for-sale at this date. The sale of both 
businesses completed subsequently, and

•  The exit costs relating to further planned 

disposals, including professional fees and 
separation planning costs.

In accordance with our policy, the trading 
results of these businesses, along with the 
non-trading expenses and gain or loss on 
disposal, were included in business exits and 
therefore excluded from adjusted results. To 
enable a like-for-like comparison of adjusted 

1   Refer to alternative performance measures  

on pages 204 to 206.

22

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

2020  
£m

238.6 
(29.5)
(64.1)
33.9 
(7.5)
13.6 
118.8 
— 
303.8 

2019  
£m

(23.2)
(71.1)
(148.5)
32.5
—
—
—
(2.7)
(213.0)

results, the 2019 comparatives have been 
re-presented to exclude 2020 business exits. 

During the period, the Group was in the active 
process of disposing of a number of 
businesses. However, due to the impact that 
the Covid-19 pandemic had on the underlying 
trading of these businesses, the disposal 
process was put on hold. The costs incurred in 
respect of these disposals are excluded from 
the Group’s adjusted results but disclosed 
separately to the continuing business exits 
given their materiality. These costs included 
professional fees in respect of legal and 
financial due diligence, and separation 
planning costs.

Further disposals are planned as part of the 
Group’s simplification strategy. As these 
disposals did not meet the definition of 
business exits or assets held-for-sale at 
31 December 2020, their trading results 
were included within adjusted results. 

In 2018, the Board launched a multi-year 
transformation plan to support the objectives of 
simplifying and strengthening Capita. The plan 
has extended to property rationalisation, 
procurement centralisation, transformation 
of support functions, including investment in 
growth, and transformation of finance, and 
operational excellence, including investment 
in automation. These activities are designed 
to improve the cost competitiveness of the 
Group, secure Capita’s position in the markets 
it serves, and strengthen governance and 
control. In response to the varied impacts of 
Covid-19 we have had to adapt and reassess 
our restructuring activities which will now 
extend into 2021.

The costs of the transformation plan, including 
redundancy costs, are excluded from adjusted 
operating profit1 as significant restructuring. 
We will keep this presentation under review to 
ensure it remains appropriate.

Further detail of the specific items charged in 
arriving at reported operating profit for 2020 is 
provided in note 2.4 to the consolidated 
financial statements.

Reported free cash flow was an inflow in 2020 
reflecting the inflow from adjusted free cash 
flow explained above, the benefit from the 
Government VAT deferral measures, the 
utilisation of a non-recourse trade receivables 
financing facility, and cash from the trading of 
business exits and net proceeds on the 
disposal of businesses in the period. These 

Strategic  reportNet debt

Opening net debt

Adoption of IFRS 16

Opening net debt post adoption of IFRS 16

Cash movement in net debt
Non-cash movements

Closing net debt

Remove closing IFRS 16 impact
Headline net debt (pre-IFRS 16)

Cash and cash equivalents net of overdrafts
Debt net of swaps

Headline net debt (pre-IFRS 16)/adjusted EBITDA1
Headline net debt (post-IFRS 16)/adjusted EBITDA1

Liquidity

RCF
Backstop liquidity facilities

Less: drawing on facilities

Undrawn committed facilities
Net cash, cash equivalents net of overdrafts
Less: restricted cash1
Liquidity

2020  
£m

2019  
£m

(1,353.2)
— 
(1,353.2)
344.1 
(68.0)
(1,077.1)
508.1 
(569.0)
141.1 
(710.1)
2.4x
3.1x

(466.1)
(643.9)
(1,110.0)
(241.2)
(2.0)
(1,353.2)
562.6
(790.6)
122.8
(913.4)
2.1x
2.7x

2020  
£m

452.0 
150.0 
— 
602.0 
141.1 
(34.5)
708.6 

2019  
£m

414.0
—
—
414.0
122.8
(42.1)
494.7

were offset by spend on known commitments, 
including pension deficit contributions (which 
the directors consider to be debt-like in nature), 
and restructuring costs.

headline net debt to adjusted EBITDA1. At 31 
December 2020, this ratio exceeded this range 
at 3.1 times (31 December 2019: 2.7 times) for 
the same reasons set out above. 

A non-recourse trade receivables financing 
facility was put in place to mitigate the risk 
of customer receipts slippage due to the 
Covid-19 pandemic. This facility and the VAT 
deferral were both excluded from adjusted 
free cash flow1.

Impact on net debt

Net debt at 31 December 2020 was £1,077.1m 
(2019: £1,353.2m) reflecting the cash inflow in 
the year. The reduction in net debt was largely 
from the improved adjusted free cash flow1, 
the deferral of VAT, and proceeds from the 
Eclipse disposal. 

The Board’s view is that the appropriate 
headline leverage ratio for Capita over the 
medium term should be between 1.0 and 2.0 
times headline net debt to adjusted EBITDA1 
(prior to the adoption of IFRS 16). At 31 
December 2020, the ratio exceeded the top 
of our range at 2.4 times (2019: 2.1 times) as 
a result of the lower adjusted EBITDA, which 
as explained above, was due to the impact 
of Covid-19. 

The Board has not formally reviewed the target 
range, but taking account of the adoption 
of IFRS 16, the range would increase 
arithmetically to be between 1.7 and 2.7 times 

1   Refer to alternative performance measures  

on pages 204 to 206.

Chief Financial Officer’s review

We will keep our leverage target under review 
as the economic circumstances develop 
and our balance sheet strengthens following 
asset disposals.

We were compliant with all debt covenants at 
31 December 2020.

The impact of IFRS 16 adoption on the Group’s 
adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA1 debt 
covenant ratio is neutral, as the Group 
covenants are calculated based on frozen 
GAAP, with the exception of the US private 
placement loan notes. The US private 
placement loan notes covenant test includes 
the income statement impact of IFRS 16 but 
not the balance sheet impact, and therefore 
adoption of IFRS 16 is favourable on this 
covenant measure. At 31 December 2020, 
the US private placement loan notes ratio 
was 1.8 times. 

Interest cover1 covenant was 8.5 times for 
the US private placement loan notes 
(2019: 11.2 times) and 7.8 times for other 
financing arrangements (2019: 10.8 times). 

Capital and financial risk management
Liquidity remains a key area of focus for the 
Group. Financial instruments used to fund 
operations, including the transformation plan, 
and to manage liquidity comprise US private 
placement loan notes, euro fixed-rate bearer 

notes, a Schuldschein loan, a revolving credit 
facility (RCF), backstop liquidity facilities, 
leases and overdrafts.

We have been very focused on conserving 
cash and maximising liquidity and this has 
resulted in an improved liquidity since the 
end of 2019. 

The Group’s RCF of £452.0m at 31 December 
2020 (31 December 2019: £414.0m) provides 
flexible liquidity available to fund operations 
and a reasonable liquidity buffer allowing for 
contingencies. The facility is available until 
31 August 2022, extendable for a further year 
to 31 August 2023 with the consent of the 
lenders by 31 August 2021. At 31 December 
2020 the committed RCF was undrawn 
(31 December 2019: undrawn).

Additionally, the Group secured a committed 
backstop liquidity facility of £150.0m in 
February 2020. This reduced to £93.5m on 
30 June 2020 with the disposal of the Eclipse 
business. It was then supplemented by a 
second backstop liquidity facility, bringing the 
combined value of the two facilities back to 
£150.0m. Neither facility was drawn at 31 
December 2020. Both backstop liquidity 
facilities terminated on 1 February 2021 with 
the receipt of proceeds from the disposal of 
the ESS business. 

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

23

Strategic  reportChief Financial 
Officer’s review 
continued

“ The Group has a strong track 
record of executing major 
planned disposals and a 
successful history of securing 
effective refinancing.”

As part of the Group’s mitigation of the impact 
of Covid-19, in June 2020 a non-recourse 
invoice discounting facility was executed. 
The value of invoices sold under the facility 
at 31 December 2020 was £13.6m. The 
Group’s intention is that the facility will be 
used only while Covid-19 continues to impact 
the business.

At 31 December 2020, the Group had £141.1m 
of cash and cash equivalents net of overdrafts, 
and £765.1m of private placement loan notes, 
fixed-rate bearer notes, and Schuldschein 
loan. These debt instruments mature over the 
period to 2027, with repayments of £209.9m 
and £230.2m, in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

The Group intends to extend the average 
term to maturity of its debt, and thereby 
reduce refinancing risk, by issuing new 
long-term debt instruments in 2021, market 
conditions permitting. 

As noted previously, as part of our 
simplification drive, we also decided to dispose 
of a number of non-core businesses in 2020. 
The anticipated disposal proceeds will provide 
options to reduce the Group’s debt. We will 
continue to pursue these in 2021.

Going concern and viability assessments
The Board closely monitors the Group’s 
funding position throughout the year, including 
monitoring compliance with covenants and 
available facilities to ensure it has sufficient 
headroom to fund operations. In addition, to 
support the going concern assumption and 
viability statement the Board conducts a 
robust assessment of the projections, 
considering also the committed facilities 
available to the Group.

Year end liquidity

£708.6m

(2019: £494.7m)

Headline leverage post IFRS 16

3.1x(2019: 2.7x)

The Board has considered risks to the 
projections under a severe but plausible 
downside. This includes adverse impacts 
arising from the execution risk associated with 
the transformation plan and the unprecedented 
economic uncertainties introduced by 
Covid-19. 

To mitigate these the Board is focused on 
introducing significant new funds to the Group 
via a continuation of the approved disposal 
programme, and refinancing of the debt 
maturities. The Group is already engaged in 
discussions with its RCF lenders regarding 
an extension to the existing facility which 
matures in August 2022, targeting completion 
of a refinancing during 2021, which it expects 
will include an RCF with a maturity at least 
a year later.

Any refinancing and future disposals, should 
the severe but plausible downside crystallise, 
will require third party agreements and 
approvals which represent events that are 
outside the direct control of the Company. 
Accordingly, at the time of signing these 
financial statements there remain material 
uncertainties, as defined in auditing and 
accounting standards, related to events or 
conditions that may cast significant doubt on 
the Group’s and Parent Company’s ability to 
continue as a going concern.

The Group has a strong track record of 
executing major planned disposals and 
a successful history of securing effective 
refinancing. Therefore, after careful 
consideration and reflecting also the Board’s 
confidence in the transformation plan, the 
Board has concluded that the Group and 
Parent Company will continue to have 
adequate financial resources to realise their 
assets and discharge their liabilities as they 
fall due over the going concern period to 
31 August 2022. Consequently, these financial 
statements do not include any adjustments 
which would be required if the going concern 
basis of preparation is inappropriate. 

The Board’s assessment is set out in more 
detail in Section 1 of the consolidated financial 
statements and summarised in the viability 
statement on page 58.

Pensions

As a result of the last triennial valuation at 
31 March 2017, deficit-repair contributions 
totalling £176.0m, were agreed and these will 
be fully paid in the first half of 2021. It was 
expected that the combination of the deficit 
contributions and the scheme’s investment 
strategy would largely eliminate the deficit 
identified in 2017. Looking to the valuation at 
March 2020, the Trustees will need to take 
into account the impact of Covid-19 and the 
planned delivery of the transformation of the 
Group. The impact being that we expect a 
further deficit will be identified as a result of 
more prudent assumptions. The Company and 
Trustees will continue their commitment to an 
open dialogue between them, ensuring the 
financial health of the scheme is maintained 
in a proportionate way with all other 
stakeholders. We expect to conclude the 
triennial valuation in the first half of 2021, 
including agreement with the Trustees with 
regards to repairing the deficit in the next 
three to six years.

1   Refer to alternative performance measures  

on pages 204 to 206.

24

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Strategic  reportBalance sheet
The consolidated net liabilities were £81.1m 
at 31 December 2020 (2019: £64.0m). The 
increase in net liabilities is predominantly 
driven by the actuarial loss on the Group’s 
defined benefit pension schemes.

Finance transformation
In 2018, the Board launched a multi-year 
transformation plan to support the objectives of 
simplifying and strengthening Capita. The plan 
includes transformation of finance to improve 
the Group’s financial reporting systems, 
processes and controls, by increasing 
standardisation, automation and the quality 
of available data.

The new financial systems were due to go live 
in the second half of 2019. While progress was 
made, we took the decision to defer the go-live 
as more work was required on the core 
processes and procedures before the system 
would be effectively implemented. As such, 
we impaired £12.3m at 31 December 2019, 
representing areas that we expected to 
redesign before going live. Several interim 
activities were progressed during 2020 and the 
technical asset including the IT infrastructure, 
software and codebase have been preserved 
and remain ready to deploy. No impairment 
has been recorded in 2020 as we believe the 
solution remains fit for purpose. The carrying 
value of the investment remains unchanged at 
31 December 2020 at £58.6m. The carrying 
value of the asset will be kept under review 
through the next phase of the Group’s 
transformation to assess for any triggers 
for impairment should there be a material 
change to the Group’s operating model.

The Group has continued to invest in shared 
service centres and offshoring, and in making 
improvements to the Group’s existing reporting 
systems, processes and controls.

Contingent liabilities
In September 2020, the Group settled a liability 
relating to past services received under 
supplier software licence agreements. The 
settlement requires a cash payment of £5m 
(payable in USD) in January 2021, and with 
a commitment to future purchases of £79m of 
which £6m (payable in USD) is over the period 
to 31 December 2021 and £73m (payable in 
USD), is over the period to 30 June 2024.

In June 2020 the Group made a provision for 
the cash settlement at 31 December 2020 and 
excluded this from adjusted results. The future 
purchases will be at the usual discounted 
prices available to the Group, and the Group 
has forecasts that support the requirement for 
such products and services. These products 
are important in supporting the delivery of 

1   Refer to alternative performance measures  

on pages 204 to 206.

Chief Financial Officer’s review

“ As part of our drive for 
simplification, and 
strengthening the 
balance sheet, we 
continue to seek to 
dispose of a number of 
non-core businesses.”

future performance obligations and digital 
solutions for our customers. Accordingly, there 
is no provision to record as the committed 
future purchases will benefit the Group and 
do not represent an economic outflow of 
resources. As the future purchases are made, 
the cost if expensed will be recorded in 
adjusted results.

Refer to note 2.4 of the consolidated financial 
statements for the ‘adjusted operating profit 
and adjusted profit before tax’ disclosure 
note and note 6.2 for the ‘commitments’ 
disclosure note.

Forward planning assumptions

The uncertainties created by the current 
and potential future impact of Covid-19 on our 
business means that forecasting is inherently 
uncertain and so guidance is not provided. 
However, our current planning assumptions are:

•  Revenue: despite lockdown in the first 

quarter of 2021, targeting organic 
revenue growth.

•  Adjusted profit before tax and cash 

from trading operations: underpinned 
by net cost savings (further £50m savings 
in 2022 from future Capita).

•  Restructuring: continuation of restructuring 

programme, broadly in line with 2020.

•  Pensions: triennial valuation agreement 
targeted for the first half of 2021, deficit 
reduction programme expected over the 
next three – six years.

•  Net debt: broadly flat year on year – 

before disposals.

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

25

Strategic  reportDivisional strategy  
and performance

Software

Software provides application software and other solutions 
to clients in the local government, emergency services, 
healthcare, utilities and energy, professional and financial 
services, and payments sectors.

Adjusted revenue

Our strategy

Cost and operational excellence

Software capability remains critical to Capita. 
Our vertical market domain expertise and 
industry class software development capability, 
ensure we are the differentiating catalyst for 
Capita’s digitally enabled BPO services.

While we will continue to sell direct to market, 
we will increasingly create microservices and 
other digital componentry as a powerful 
enabler of our BPO services. We will also seek 
opportunities to embed our software and 
microservices in other third-party software. 

We see increasing benefits from our global 
digital development centre (DDC) in India 
and the UK, which is now considered a top 
capability, as evidenced by the Capability 
Maturity Model Integration Institute’s award 
of a ‘maturity level 5’ for development and 
support – an accreditation shared by IBM, 
Accenture and Deloitte. 

We intend to leverage the DDC for the benefit 
of all of Capita and work is underway to 
transition to a pan-Capita DDC model, which 
is expected to drive Group cost savings in 
addition to the highest standards of software 
development.

Financial performance

Adjusted revenue in 2020 fell by 2.4% to 
£246.0m, with go-lives in Secure Solutions and 
Services, US growth and increased volumes in 
AMT Sybex, offsetting contracts ending. 
Covid-19 adversely impacted the volume-
driven payments business and delayed 
pipeline delivery. 

Adjusted operating profit decreased by 14.4% 
to £43.4m, due to an increase in depreciation 
and amortisation, and increased costs of the 
DDC. The Covid-related transactional decline 
also adversely impacted profit. 

Adjusted cash from trading operations 
improved by 21.7% to £58.8m with the 
reduction in profit more than offset by 
improvements in contractual working capital, 
driven by advance billing and lower contract 
fulfilment asset (CFA) additions in Secure 
Solutions and Services and AMT Sybex.

Swift action was taken to protect the business 
from the impact of Covid-19 and we sustained 
delivery on 96% of our service-level 
agreements. Our rapid response strengthened 
client relationships, with very positive feedback 
from local government and ambulance services 
and an increase in our cNPS of 26 points.

Our cost-saving initiatives helped to mitigate 
amortisation and inflationary cost increases; 
key programmes included organisational 
restructure, technology and procurement. 

Our investment in standard software tools, 
developing best practice processes and 
shortened development cycles allowed us, for 
example, to develop and embed healthcare 
decision software within Microsoft’s ‘Azure 
Health Bot’, allowing healthcare organisations 
around the world to build and deploy large-
scale AI-powered, compliant, conversational 
healthcare experiences. This is an example of 
how, by embedding software in third party 
software, we can distribute at scale and low 
marginal cost, and we expect to see benefits 
beginning in 2021.

Investing in growth

In 2020, we invested £15m in new product 
development, and reduced development 
cycles, and increasingly focused on 
microservices and digital componentry as 
a catalyst for pan-Capita digital services.

We also used products in new markets; for 
example, ResponsEye has been assisting 
social housing organisations with the 
maintenance of properties. 

At 31 December 2020, the total unweighted 
pipeline was £1,037m, an increase of £252m 
from February 2020 (post divisional 
restructure), with £389m of total contract value 
(TCV) won. The order book at the year end 
was £510.9m, a decrease of £67.5m, from 
31 December 2019. Our renewals rate across 
all opportunities was 88%, and 98% on those  
that we bid for.

£246.0m

(2019: £252.1m) -2.4%

Adjusted operating profit

£43.4m

(2019: £50.7m) -14.4%

Following a strategic review of our Software 
division, we decided to focus on a portfolio of 
core software capabilities which are better 
aligned with and support our consulting, 
transformation and digital business process 
outsourcing (BPO) services, and the vertical 
markets of the rest of the Group. We will retain 
our software assets that are catalysts for 
growing our other services and plan to dispose 
of the standalone software products that have 
little overlap or cross-sell with the rest of Capita.

Our markets and growth drivers

Our existing markets remain the focus. While 
the payments market is expected to grow by 
double digits through to 2025, and our 
payments business is a successful challenger 
in this high-growth market, the remaining 
markets are expecting low to mid-single-digit 
growth in the next five years. 

We are focusing on cross-selling opportunities 
in existing and adjacent markets, and strategic 
expansion into new markets.

At a macro level, market growth continues 
to be driven by software’s deepening role in 
every aspect of business and consumer life, 
which has been further accelerated by the 
Covid-19 pandemic. The growth of cloud 
solutions and software as a service (SaaS) 
continued during 2020 and our investment 
reflected this shift, as we continued to 
replatform our core products ahead of 
segment demand.

26

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Strategic  reportAdjusted1 revenue by type (%)

Revenue by market (%)

1  94% Long-term 
  contractual 
2  4% Short-term 
  contractual 
3  2% Transactional   

2

1  71% Public sector 
2  29% Private sector 

1

2

3

1

Financial performance

Divisional financial summary

Adjusted revenue (£m)
Adjusted operating profit (£m)
Adjusted operating margin (%)
Adjusted cash from trading operations (£m)
Order book2 (£m)

1.  Refer to alternative performance measures on pages 204 to 206. 
2  Includes £92m for ESS, derecognised upon disposal completion in 2021.

2020

246.0 
43.4 
17.6
58.8
510.9 

2019

Change %

252.1 
50.7 
20.1 
48.3
578.4 

(2.4)
(14.4)

21.7
(11.7) 

Better 
outcomes

We have successfully completed 
the integration of location 
finding app, what3words, into 
our ControlWorks solution. This 
will enable emergency services 
– such as police, and fire and 
rescue services – to respond 
to incidents when callers are 
unable to describe their 
exact location. 

Business units

•  Local Government

•  Healthcare

•  Payments

•  Resource Management

•  Emergency Services

•  Utilities, transport and assets

Employees

•  3,500

Client distribution

•  UK, India, US and Australasia

Competitors

•  Civica

•  Northgate

•  WorldPay

•  Saviom

•  Mavenlink

•  Frequentis

•  Utiligroup

•  Global enterprise – SAP, Microsoft, 

Oracle, SalesForce

Major contract wins  
and renewals

•  £6m, five-year contract with a local 

city council

•  £19m, seven-year, regional 

NHS contract

•  £2m, three-year contract with 

Royal London 

•  Renewal worth £4m over two years, 

with a major UK police force 

•  Strategic new logo win with Marble 

for AMT-Sybex

Divisional strategy and performance | Software

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

27

Strategic  report 
Divisional strategy  
and performance 
continued

People Solutions

People Solutions provides expert human resources advisory 
and digitally enabled services to large public and private sector 
organisations. Areas of expertise include learning, resourcing, 
pensions and HR outsourcing services business.

Adjusted revenue

Our strategy

£472.0m

(2019: £535.0m) -11.8%

Adjusted operating profit

£52.5m

(2019: £68.9m) -23.8%

We aim to refocus on the parts of these 
markets that are attractive and where we have 
an ability to win. During 2020, we sold the 
sub-scale employee benefits business, which 
provided flexible benefits and brokerage 
services, in order to focus our investments 
on our pensions business, where we have 
a leading UK market position.

Our markets and growth drivers

People are at the centre of our clients’ stated 
business strategies, creating significant growth 
opportunities for our business. According to 
NelsonHall, the HR outsourcing market in the 
UK is estimated to be worth £7bn and is 
expected to grow at approximately 3% a year 
through to 2024.

The key market growth drivers are: (i) our 
clients’ needs for financial sustainability for 
both themselves and their employees; (ii) a 
better employee experience; and (iii) the need 
to have access to skills, whether they are 
bought, borrowed or built internally, enabling 
them to be fit for a digital future. Legislation 
such as IR35 or judgments, such as McCloud 
and guaranteed minimum pension 
equalisation, offer continuous opportunities.

28

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

The core guiding principle of our divisional 
transformation journey is client centricity. 
We aim to retain and grow our existing 
clients through strong account management 
discipline. This involves working in partnership 
with our clients, understanding their issues and 
needs, increasing service levels, and providing 
digital solutions alongside data and insights.

Financial performance

Adjusted revenue decreased in 2020 by 11.8% 
to £472.0m, due to contract losses in learning 
services; the transition of historic pension 
contract losses and volumes on frameworks in 
learning. Covid-19 significantly adversely 
impacted learning and resourcing volumes. 

Adjusted operating profit declined by 23.8% to 
£52.5m, as revenue decreases and increased 
investment in the pensions business adversely 
impacted profit. Cost containment became the 
focus due to the higher fixed-cost base of 
learning and resourcing, with Covid-related 
declines partially offset by savings. 

Adjusted cash from trading operations fell by 
8.8% to £64.0m, reflecting the decline in profit, 
which was partially offset by improvements in 
contractual working capital as a result of CFA 
balance unwinds and advanced receipts on 
some contracts.

Cost and operational excellence

We delivered a fast and effective response 
to Covid-19. The division performs critical 
processes for clients, including payroll and 
pension payments as well as recruitment 
and assessment for the British Army (RPP). 
We maintained continuity of these critical 
services by moving 91% of our colleagues 
to home working and assigning key worker 
status to others. 

In order to serve our clients better, operational 
excellence and digital transformation are 
critical. During 2020, despite Covid, we 
invested in operational excellence tools and 
processes across our portfolio. This helped us 
manage a remote workforce, while maintaining 
a resilient service for our clients. Progressing 
along an ambitious digital roadmap remains 
a priority, particularly in our pensions 
administration business.

We are improving our core products and 
platforms while working towards standard 
management information tools across all 
businesses. We are also strengthening our 
analytics capability and technological 
partnerships with key enterprise resource 
planning providers.

The successful transformation of the RPP 
contract resulted in a two-year contract 
extension worth £140m, starting in March 2022.

Investing in growth

We reorganised our business to align more 
closely with our clients so that we not only 
execute on their contracts but also solve their 
ever-changing challenges. 

We invested in the development of our 
products, mainly the completion of product 
development for: Security Watchdog and 
Onboarding; a digital platform for learning; 
and a CRM system to improve employee 
experience in HR Solutions. We are also 
investing in digital remote training capabilities 
as a result of Covid, and we continued 
investment in the pensions member experience 
and the development of Axelos products. 

At 31 December 2020, the total unweighted 
pipeline was £2,039m, an increase of £659m 
since February 2020, with £736m of TCV won. 
The order book at the year end was £534.4m, 
an increase of £37.2m since 31 December 
2019. In 2020, client value retention and 
client renewals increased to 78% and 84% 
respectively. Our renewals rate across all 
opportunities was 80%, and 81% on those 
that we bid for.

Strategic  reportAdjusted1 revenue by type (%)

Revenue by market (%)

3

2

1  60% Long-term 
  contractual 
2  16% Short-term 
  contractual 
3  24% Transactional   

1

1  50% Public sector  
2  50% Private sector 

2

1

Financial performance

Divisional financial summary

Adjusted revenue (£m)
Adjusted operating profit (£m)
Adjusted operating margin (%)
Adjusted cash from trading operations (£m)
Order book (£m)

1.  Refer to alternative performance measures on pages 204 to 206.

Better 
outcomes

We signed a contract extension 
with a major high street bank 
worth £35m over 18 months. This 
contract delivers an end-to-end 
managed learning service which 
includes supporting our client 
in learning advisory and 
consulting, procurement 
services, data analytics, design 
and delivery services.

2020

472.0
52.5
11.1
64.0
534.4

2019

Change %

535.0 
68.9 
12.9 
70.2
497.2 

(11.8)
(23.8)

(8.8)
7.5

Business units

•  Pensions

•  Resourcing

•  HR Solutions

•  Learning

•  Recruiting Partnering Project 

Employees

•  4,900

Client distribution

•  UK, US and Europe

Competitors

•  Alexander Mann Solutions

•  AON

•  Equiniti

•  GP Strategies

•  Mercer

•  Paychex

•  Randstad

•  Willis Towers Watson

Major contract wins  
and renewals

•  Covid-related wins of £3m

•  Renewal worth around £8m over 
two years with a major financial 
services organisation

•  Extensions to learning contracts in the 
health and defence sector worth over 
£29m under a Crown Commercial 
Services Framework

•  Renewal worth £35m over 18 months 

with a major high street bank

•  Expansion and renewal worth £60m 
over four years with the Teachers’ 
Pension Scheme

•  Renewal worth £24m over seven years 

for a pensions scheme

•  Renewal worth £11m over 10 years in 

the utilities sector

•  RPP extension worth £140m over 

two years

Divisional strategy and performance | People Solutions

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

29

Strategic  report 
Divisional strategy  
and performance 
continued

Customer Management

Capita is a leading provider of multi-channel customer engagement services, 
serving clients in financial services, retail and consumer goods, energy and 
utilities, telecommunications and media, and government and transport sectors 
from a mix of locations in Europe, India and South Africa. The division also 
provides remediation, complaints management and collections services, and 
serves both regulated and non-regulated customer needs.

Adjusted revenue

Our strategy

£1,139.7m

(2019: £1,150.6m) -0.9%

Adjusted operating profit

£105.9m

(2019: £119.8m) -11.6%

Our approach is to build partnerships based 
on shared outcomes and value, while 
continuing to deliver transactional supply 
where this helps our clients to meet customer 
demands. The value we bring to our clients is 
increasingly built around transforming the 
customer experience through the application 
of digital services underpinned by data insight 
and analytics.

Our markets and growth drivers

According to NelsonHall, the UK market is 
estimated to be worth £4bn a year and is 
expected to grow at approximately 3% a year 
through to 2024. We are expecting several 
key segments to grow above this rate, with 
financial services, telecommunications and 
retail expected to grow at 4%, 4% and 6% 
respectively. 

We are the largest provider of customer 
management services in the UK and Ireland. 

Customer experience and digitisation are at 
the forefront of our clients’ strategies, with the 
Covid-19 pandemic further accelerating these. 
We expect the biggest impacts in markets 
such as, telecommunications, online retail and 
digital entertainment, and increasingly see 
these setting the standard for both consumer 
and business-to-business expectations.

30

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

We have a differentiated strategy and 
core-value proposition in our markets; our 
approach is customer experience-led, 
tech-enabled and underpinned by contracted 
commitment to business outcomes. We are 
building capability to ‘make great customer 
experience happen’. Our commercial model 
increasingly includes a commitment to client 
outcomes, such as improvements in the net 
promoter score, revenue generation, customer 
acquisition and cost-to-serve.

Financial performance

Adjusted revenue decreased in 2020 by 0.9% 
to £1,139.7m. Prior year one-offs and contract 
losses, as well as reduced volumes on 
telecommunications clients, were broadly 
offset by contract wins. While Covid adversely 
impacted scope and volume on contracts 
with challenged end-markets, we secured 
a number of Covid-related projects and the 
majority of revenue was resilient. 

Adjusted operating profit fell by (11.6)% to 
£105.9m, due to the change in revenue mix. 
Salary inflation, including the impact of the 
adoption of the real living wage in the UK, and 
the impairment of contract assets on our 
mobilcom-debitel contract, adversely impacted 
profit. The reversal of 2019 one offs also led to 
the reduction in profit. This was partly offset by 
Covid-related savings and the ongoing 
cost-efficiency programme. 

Adjusted cash from trading operations 
improved by 77.6% to £73.0m, with the decline 
in profit being partially offset by contractual 
working capital improvements, driven by 
a reduction in net accrued and deferred 
income outflows, predominantly due to 
agreed changes to the timing of invoicing 
on a telecoms contract and impact of asset 
impairments on CFA inflows.

Cost and operational excellence

Operational delivery was challenging for both 
clients and providers, due to the significant 
change in operating model working practices 
and the effect of local lockdowns on the global 
economy throughout 2020. We maintained a 
high service level to clients throughout, 
remaining agile and focused on adjusting to 
the local requirements through our pandemic 

planning approach. We accelerated 
investment in computer equipment, customer 
experience and digital platforms, such as 
collaboration tools, chatbots and cloud 
technologies, which allowed more than 75% 
of the division to work from home at any one 
time, including 95% of our employees in India. 

We maintained a number of critical services, 
operating with key workers for banks, 
telecommunications companies and utilities in 
a Covid-safe environment throughout 2020. In 
addition, we set up new services for retailers, 
governments and charities, including setting up 
a 1,000+ seat virtual contact centre in 10 days. 

Improvements in the sales process, and 
adoption of the project management tool 
Evolve, allowed us to mobilise both large 
and targeted pieces of work, such as in our 
Covid-related Department for Work and 
Pensions (DWP) and NHS support work, 
in short timescales, and we have had no 
significant issues on recent wins.

We delivered cost improvements in 2020, 
particularly from efficiency gains and 
operating model initiatives, technology 
updates and procurement. 

The transformation phase of our mobilcom–
debitel contract is now complete, and therefore 
reached the inflection point during the year. 
There are still a number of opportunities yet 
to be delivered which remain key to the future 
lifetime profitability.

Our closed-book life insurance administration 
business is in structural decline, as books run 
off. Some customers, such as the recent 
partial Phoenix exit, are switching to suppliers 
who can provide a single digital platform for 
all their life books, and we are working with 
them to ensure a smooth transition. We 
continue to focus on our regulated businesses 
and growth areas in insurance, finance, 
pensions and mortgages.

Investing in growth

We continue to upgrade our infrastructure and 
tools, including in our analytics capability which 
increasingly allows real-time monitoring of our 
business and provides insights to our clients on 
their customers’ behaviours and preferences. 

At 31 December 2020, the total unweighted 
pipeline was £4,206m, a decrease of £1,511m 
since February 2020, with £586m of TCV won. 
The decrease was driven by pipeline 
opportunity refinement and, when a consistent 
definition is applied throughout the period, the 
pipeline has increased. The order book at the 
year end was £2,134.7m, a decrease of 
£625.8m since 31 December 2019. Our 
renewals rate across all opportunities was 
82%, and 83% on those that we bid for.

Strategic  reportAdjusted1 revenue by type (%)

Revenue by market (%)

2

1  79% Long-term 
  contractual  
2  21% Short-term 
  contractual 

1

1  15% Public sector  
2  85% Private sector  

1

2

Financial performance

Divisional financial summary

Adjusted revenue (£m)
Adjusted operating profit (£m)
Adjusted operating margin (%)
Adjusted cash from trading operations (£m)
Order book (£m)

1.  Refer to alternative performance measures on pages 204 to 206.

2020

2019

Change %

1,139.7
105.9
9.3
73.0
2,134.7

1,150.6 
119.8 
10.4 
41.1
2,760.5 

(0.9)
(11.6)

77.6
(22.7)

Better 
outcomes

We signed a contract with Irish 
Water, worth €10m a year, over 
five years, to deliver the 
transformation and operation 
of its customer contact centre 
services. Under the contract, 
we will transform customer 
management support services 
for Irish Water’s customers with 
a range of new software and 
digital capabilities.

Business units 

•  Regulated Services

•  Customer Management UK

•  Customer Services Ireland (CCS)

•  Europe

•  Global delivery centres

Employees

•  31,300

Client distribution

•  UK, Ireland, Germany and Switzerland

Competitors

•  Atento

•  Teleperformance

•  Webhelp

•  Accenture

•  Convergys

•  TTech

•  Sykes

•  First Source

•  In-sourcing trend

Major contract wins  
and renewals

•  Covid-related wins of £37m

•  £33m over three years with 

a UK retail bank

•  €50m over five years with Irish Water 
with an option to extend for two years 
worth €17m

•  Renewal worth £114m over two years 

with a major European telecoms provider

•  Expansion of an existing contract 

worth £24m over one year

Divisional strategy and performance | Customer Management

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

31

Strategic  reportDivisional strategy  
and performance 
continued

Government Services

Capita is the UK Government’s largest partner in the application of digital 
transformation to improve the productivity of government operations and the 
citizen experience of public services. We do this in a socially responsible way 
to make public services better for citizens and government employees, and to 
help our clients to release resources so that they can be deployed back into 
frontline service priorities.

Adjusted revenue

Our strategy

£723.8m

(2019: £793.4m) -8.8%

Adjusted operating profit

£17.1m

(2019: £51.8m) -67.0%

We believe that quality public services, 
innovatively designed and powered by 
technology, are critical to delivering safer, 
greener and healthier communities that 
support everyone, including society’s 
most vulnerable.

Our markets and growth drivers

According to NelsonHall, the UK Government 
market is expected to grow at approximately 3% 
a year to 2024. We expect a significant increase 
in central government spending over the next 
few years, particularly in infrastructure and 
digital delivery, while local government is likely 
to need more cost-effective service delivery, 
due to shortfalls in their sources of income.

Capita is the fifth largest strategic supplier 
to central and local government in the UK, 
according to Tussell, and the largest provider 
in the business process and technology-
enabled services segments, which leverage 
both skilled people and technology. Within 
this, we have leading positions in several 
focused sectors where we have deep, proven 
experience and expertise, including education, 
health, transport, defence, justice, central and 
local government. 

The UK Government has also introduced its 
outsourcing playbook, to provide a greater 
degree of collaboration with its suppliers and 
fairer returns, reshaping contracts at renewal, 
and is awarding new work under this 
framework. Local government markets 
have seen significant reshaping of the 
landscape, away from general outsourcing 
to targeted capabilities.

32

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Our strategy is to: focus our business around 
core market sectors where we have strong 
positions; offer a refined set of value 
propositions developed by enabling our people 
with a defined stack of underlying, replicable 
digital products and capabilities; invest in a 
full-lifecycle digital transformation capability; 
and focus on excellence in our consulting, 
transformation and operational service 
delivery performance.

Financial performance

Adjusted revenue decreased in 2020 by 8.8% 
to £723.8m, mainly as a result of prior-year 
contract losses in local government and defence 
infrastructure organisation, partly offset by new 
business such as the Ministry of Defence’s fire 
and rescue project (DFRP) contract. Covid-19 
impacted transactional and volume revenue; 
however, this was partly offset by Covid-
related projects in health and welfare.

Adjusted operating profit fell by 78.6% to £11.1m 
due to the impact of contract losses, and DFRP 
adversely impacted profit due to the one-off 
initial loss. Transformation delays on contracts 
and bid costs relating to contract wins further 
reduced profit. The impact of Covid-19 was 
offset by cash preservation actions.

Adjusted cash from trading operations 
significantly improved to £5.3m as the decline 
in profit relates predominantly to the 2019 
contract handbacks that were non cash-backed.

Operational excellence

We continued to execute on client delivery 
across government, and received positive 
feedback from clients in all verticals, despite 
the external, Covid-driven challenges including 
70% of the division servicing the contracts 
from home. Throughout the year, we 
successfully reduced the number of legacy 
problem major programmes to two. The GP 
payment and pensions element of the Primary 
Care Support England PCSE and Electronic 
Monitoring Service (EMS) contracts 
transformation have incurred additional cost 
due to poor quality and delays exacerbated by 
Covid but significant progress was made on 
both and we expect them to be substantially 
complete in early 2021. We expect the 
contracts to reach the inflection point in 2021 

and 2022 respectively. Inability to achieve key 
milestones could lead to reduced contract 
profitability and a risk of impairment of the 
associated contract assets. Since 2018, the 
major contracts within the division have moved 
to an overall cash inflow from an overall cash 
loss, demonstrating the progress made to date. 

Operational excellence continues to be the 
driving force for savings in the division, 
generating cost savings of £15m by taking out 
overhead costs and improving the operating 
model. We continue to work towards a more 
agile service structure based on leveraging 
best practice between our chosen verticals.

While the legacy contract base caused some 
challenges, which were exacerbated by 
Covid-19, recent contracts progressed well 
and in line with expectations. DFRP’s strong 
start to service and programme delivery along 
with the establishment of a truly collaborative 
relationship led to the transfer to Capita of 
additional service delivery responsibilities. 
The ultra-low emission zone contract (ULEZ) 
with Transport for London (TfL) is also 
progressing well towards the scheme go-live 
in October 2021.

Investing in growth

We continue to innovate and launched two 
new digital business process as a service 
(BPaaS) platforms, Grantis and Resolvis, 
which are successfully delivering for their first 
customers in central and local government.

At 31 December 2020, the total unweighted 
pipeline was £8,516m (including the £0.9bn 
Royal Navy training contract won in early 
2021), an increase of £1,743m since February 
2020, with £838m of TCV won. The order book 
at the year end was £2,057.0m, a decrease of 
£119.7m since 31 December 2019. Pipeline 
growth has been generated by TCV increases 
on existing opportunities, such as from 
changes in contractual arrangements, and a 
number of large FY21 onwards opportunities. 
Our renewals rate across all opportunities was 
100%, and 100% on those that we bid for.

Strategic  reportAdjusted1 revenue by type (%)

Revenue by market (%)

3

2

1  79% Long-term 
  contractual 
2  1% Short-term 
  contractual 
3  20% Transactional   

1

6

5

1

4

3

2

1  31% Central 
  Government
2  26% Local 
  Government
3  21% Health
4  10% Education
5  7% Justice and 
  emergency services
6  5% Defence

Financial performance

Divisional financial summary

Adjusted revenue (£m)
Adjusted operating profit (£m)
Adjusted operating margin (%)
Adjusted cash from trading ops (£m)
Order book (£m)

1.  Refer to alternative performance measures on pages 204 to 206.

2020

2019

Change %

723.8
11.1
1.5
5.3
2,057.0

793.4 
51.8 
6.5 
(19.7)
2,176.7

(8.8)
(78.6)

126.9

(5.5) 

Better 
outcomes

We delivered the first 54 new 
firefighting vehicles as part of 
the company’s 12-year DFRP 
contract. This includes 19 high 
reach extendable turret strikers 
and 28 multi-purpose response 
vehicles – both providing state 
of the art firefighting technology. 
The arrival of these appliances is 
a key milestone in Capita’s work 
to manage and modernise the 
Ministry of Defence’s fire and 
rescue capability.

Business units

•  Defence and security

•  Local government

•  Justice and central government

•  Education

•  Transport

•  Health and welfare

Employees

•  8,600

Client distribution

•  UK

Competitors

•  BT

•  Atos

•  CapGemini

•  DXC

•  Sopra Steria

•  IBM

•  TCS

•  Serco

•  Agilisys

•  Mitie

•  G4S

Major contract wins  
and renewals

•  Covid-related work of £56m (with 

service delivery often being provided 
across Capita)

•  Renewal of electronic monitoring worth 

£114m over three years

•  Extension of a local authority contract 

worth £13m over four years

•  Extension and expansion with TfL 
ending October 2026 worth £355m

•  Expansion of DFRP contract worth 

£67m over ten years

Divisional strategy and performance | Government Services

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

33

Strategic  report 
Divisional strategy  
and performance 
continued

Technology Solutions

Capita is a top-10 service provider of digital IT and connectivity solutions in 
the UK, focused on the mid-sized enterprise market. We consult, transform 
and deliver digital solutions to help businesses improve, realise their digital 
strategies and provide better business outcomes.

Adjusted revenue

£385.0m

(2019: £449.9m) -14.4%

Adjusted operating profit

£34.9m

(2019: £58.0m) -39.8%

We have strategic partnerships with leading 
global IT vendors, have invested in our portfolio 
of hosted platforms and operate our own 
UK-wide network and data centres. Technology 
Solutions is also responsible for the delivery of 
IT services and support within the Capita Group.

Our markets and growth drivers

Technology Solutions operates in a broad and 
fast-changing market. The division is targeting 
growth in its digital business solutions, 
platform and cyber segments. These are the 
fastest growing verticals of the market at an 
annual rate of approximately 15% from 2019 
to 2023 (TechMarketView). Cloud, cyber and 
automation demand have been further 
accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Capita is the UK’s largest software and IT 
services supplier by revenue. Clients depend 
on our technology to provide high-value, 
mission-critical services to their customers 
and users. We are a trusted partner to 
deliver critical national infrastructure and 
IT transformation projects, with clients 
increasingly relying on our technology to 
extract valuable insights from their data and 
deliver outstanding customer experience.

Our strategy

Our strategy is to create innovative technology 
solutions, underpinned by a comprehensive 
range of services which address the needs of 
our enterprise clients. Our areas of expertise 
include: technology consultancy; digital business 
solutions; platform management; cyber security; 
digital workplace; and digital connectivity. 

34

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

We are developing repeatable propositions 
to meet our clients’ needs, with a focus on 
creating improved customer experience and 
expanding our client base. We have already 
started to increase the standardisation, 
robustness and security of the platforms and 
processes that underpin our products. 

We are also continuing to simplify technology 
operations, platforms, products and suppliers 
to generate efficiency savings, strengthen our 
capabilities, and ultimately deliver greater 
value to our clients.

Financial performance

Adjusted revenue decreased by 14.4% to 
£385.0m, due to known contract losses, 
including BAE Systems, and reduced volumes 
across a range of contracts. The negative 
impact of Covid-19 on our transactional and 
volume-based businesses was partly offset by 
Covid wins across IT services and intelligent 
communications. 

Adjusted operating profit decreased by 39.8% 
to £34.9m, due to the above contract losses 
and reduced volumes, which were only 
partially offset by cost savings. Cost increases 
and additional depreciation from completed 
infrastructure projects also adversely impacted 
profit. The effect of Covid-19 was almost offset 
by cash preservation actions. 

Adjusted cash from trading operations 
improved by 40.4% to £72.0m with the 
reduction in profit more than offset by 
improvements in contractual working capital, 
driven by accrued and deferred income inflows 
from the phasing variations and billing 
improvements, partially offset by an outflow 
from increased CFAs largely on networks.

Cost and operational excellence

Technology Solutions was at the forefront of 
Capita’s response to Covid-19. It was 
responsible for the Group’s successful move to 
remote working with provision of equipment 
and connectivity for 85% of colleagues, which 
was only possible due to the investment to 
date as part of the transformation.

Covid-19 has accelerated the transformation of 
our working practices, with more than 69% of 
the division working remotely with no detriment 
to our operational KPIs. We provided an agile 

response to client demands and enabled them 
to continue operating successfully, with very 
positive feedback from both the private and 
public sector. 

Cost savings were driven mainly by 
technology, although organisational structure 
and operational improvement initiatives also 
generated benefits. 

Our main strategic programme has the key 
purpose of improving the business resilience 
of hosting, security posture, service quality 
and ultimately customer experience. During 
2020, the programme continued to build 
capability and successfully migrate our clients 
from legacy systems to secure Azure or Nuvem 
hybrid hosting. This helped remove complexity 
and the limitations of legacy infrastructure, 
while generating growth opportunities by 
providing Capita’s secure and accredited 
hosting solution for new digital growth, and 
helping mitigate the risk of cyber attacks.

In recent Whitelane research, we received the 
highest percentage improvement for customer 
satisfaction against UK end-user computing 
competitors. This rewards a continuous, 
multiple-year improvement programme to 
deliver high-quality and resilient solutions 
to our clients and customers.

Investing in growth

We invested in our ongoing data centre 
consolidation and cloud migration programme. 
We are investing in the development of our 
fast, digital IT propositions – in cloud, cyber 
security and automation. These core digital 
offerings are increasingly in demand as the 
market adapts to new ways of working. 

We will continue to strengthen our partnerships 
with key technology providers, combining our 
consulting and delivery expertise with their 
technologies. Our partnerships with UiPath 
and Microsoft are working well, gaining 
a strong reputation for delivering UiPath 
implementations, and we achieved the 
Azure advanced specialisation accreditation 
in windows and SQL migration.

At 31 December 2020, the total unweighted 
pipeline was £2,027m, an increase of £64m 
since February 2020, with £332m of TCV won. 
The order book at the year end was £370.2m, 
a decrease of £19.5m since 31 December 
2019. Our renewals rate across all opportunities 
was 66%, and 75% on those that we bid for. 

Strategic  reportAdjusted1 revenue by type (%)

Revenue by market (%)

3

2

1  69% Long-term 
  contractual 
2   6% Short-term 
  contractual 
3   25% Transactional   

2

1  67% Public sector  
2  33% Private sector  

1

1

Financial performance

Divisional financial summary

Adjusted revenue (£m)
Adjusted operating profit (£m)
Adjusted operating margin (%)
Adjusted cash from trading ops (£m)
Order book (£m)

1.  Refer to alternative performance measures on pages 204 to 206.

Better 
outcomes

We secured a three-year 
contract with major port group, 
PD Ports Ltd (PD Ports), to 
implement a managed security 
operations centre (SOC) and 
security information and event 
management cyber security 
solution. The Capita-managed 
SOC will support PD Ports’ 
entire IT infrastructure, including 
two data centres, at 13 ports as 
well as warehousing and 
container facilities along the 
east coast of the UK.

2020

385.0
34.9
9.1
72.0
370.2

2019

Change %

449.9 
58.0 
12.9 
51.3
389.7 

(14.4)
(39.8)

40.4
(5.0) 

Business units 

•  IT Services

•  Network Services

•  Trustmarque

•  Intelligent communications

Employees

•  3,500

Client distribution

•  UK and Ireland

Competitors

•  Adept

•  BT

•  Atos

•  KCOM

•  CapGemini

•  Computa centre

•  Fujitsu

•  DXC

•  Sopra Steria

•  IBM

•  Accenture

•  Wipro Limited

•  Softcat plc

Major contract wins  
and renewals

•  17 renewals of SWAN contract valued 

at £11m

•  £8m over five years with Cheshire 

East Council

•  One-year extension worth £3m with the 

Department of Justice and Equality

•  £3m three-year contract with UK 

government’s Border Force

Divisional strategy and performance | Technology Solutions

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

35

Strategic  reportDivisional strategy  
and performance 
continued

Specialist Services

Specialist Services is a portfolio of businesses delivering a range of service 
offerings including travel, enforcement, insurance, real estate and infrastructure. 

Adjusted revenue

Financial performance

£196.5m

(2019: £295.6m) -33.5%

Adjusted operating profit

£(4.4)m

(2019: £44.3m) -109.9%

The division is comprised of businesses 
which are not within Capita’s growth markets. 
These businesses are actively managed on 
a portfolio basis in order to maximise value.

Our markets and growth drivers

Specialist Services includes a range of 
businesses serving public and private clients 
across multiple vertical sectors, which are 
generally mature. 

We enjoy strong market positions in many of 
the verticals sectors, with strong brands and 
positive client perception of our services.

Our strategy

Due to the varied nature of the activities in the 
division, each Specialist Services business 
has its own strategy, uniquely tailored to their 
service offerings and the needs of their clients. 
The focus across the portfolio is on adding 
new name business, operational excellence 
and cost optimisation. 

The strategy remains to prepare earmarked 
businesses for disposal, although the originally 
envisaged timetable has been impacted by 
Covid-19.

In 2020, adjusted revenue fell by 33.5% to 
£196.5m, due to contract losses, as a result of 
a combination of conscious exits and projects 
coming to an end, which were only partially 
offset by contract wins and new transactional 
revenue streams. Covid severely affected 
end-markets such as travel and enforcement. 
Due to the transactional nature of the divisions, 
with the exception of insurance, Page One, 
and translation and interpretation, most 
businesses saw a downturn in revenue. 

Adjusted operating profit became a loss of 
£4.4m as the contract losses adversely 
impacted profit; these were partially offset by 
cost savings across all work streams. The fall 
in transactional revenue caused by Covid was 
only partially offset by furlough support and 
discretionary spend savings. 

Adjusted cash from trading operations 
decreased by 78.6% to £9.3m. This was due to 
a significant contractual working capital inflow, 
as a result of lower operational volumes, this 
benefit will unwind when business recovers.

Cost and operational excellence

We rapidly responded to Covid-19 and 
maintained service levels where possible 
throughout the pandemic, with around 77% of 
staff working from home. In those businesses 
whose end-markets were most affected by 
Covid-19, we reduced service levels and, 
took decisive action to cut costs; however, 
we were unable to cut too deeply in order to 
ensure a timely recovery. Where possible, we 
restructured and rationalised to achieve a long-
term reduction in our fixed cost-base, including 
reducing our physical property footprint by 
almost half.

We expect Covid-19 to have a prolonged 
impact on several of the division’s businesses 
and we reviewed their long-term operating 
models to ensure they are fit for the future. 
Additional savings were generated through 
automation, procurement and technology. 

We strengthened the existing partnership 
between our insurance business and Artificial, 
which we established through the Capita 
Scaling Partner relationship. By bringing 
together our extensive insurance industry 
knowledge, compliance expertise and 
resource, with best-in-class technology we are 
able to offer clients in the Lloyd’s of London 
Market an end-to-end solution that provides 
expertise and consultancy across the full 
insurance lifecycle. The relationship was 
started in response to a market need for digital 
solutions to augment existing processing 
capability for insurers. Covid has exacerbated 
this need and, through our partnership, we are 
proactively addressing the changing needs of 
our clients

Investing in growth

During the year, investment was targeted 
to preserve cash during the pandemic, 
with the focus of investment remaining on 
strengthening security and compliance, as 
well as developing cloud capabilities. 

Our translation and interpreting business 
applied innovation to strengthen their 
technology platforms adding new features that 
enabled them to increase their support to the 
NHS and police throughout the pandemic, for 
example interpretation services via Zoom or 
MS Teams using their SmartMate and 
LiveLINK platforms.

At 31 December 2020, the total unweighted 
pipeline was £389m, a decrease of £255m 
since February 2020, with £182m of TCV won. 
The order book at the year end was £234.2m, 
a decrease of £72.4m since 31 December 
2019. Due to the transactional nature of the 
division, the order book is not considered 
a suitable metric for growth. 

Despite the pandemic we have added a 
number of new names across the division 
throughout the year including London Fire, 
NHS24 (Scotland), London Borough of 
Hackney, M&S and Sopra Steria.

36

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Strategic  reportAdjusted1 revenue by type (%)

Revenue by market (%)

3

1

1  22% Long-term 
  contractual 
2  56% Short-term 
  contractual
3  22% Transactional    

2

1

1  49% Public sector  
2  51% Private sector 

2020

196.5
(4.4)
(2.2)
9.3
234.2

2019

Change %

295.6 
44.3 
15.0 
43.5
306.6 

(33.5)
(109.9)

(78.6)
(23.6) 

Business units

•  Travel & Events

•  Evolvi

•  Insurance Services

•  Real Estate and Infrastructure

•  GL Hearn

•  Page One

•  Tascor

•  Optima

•  Translation and Interpreting

Employees

•  2,900

Client distribution

•  UK

2

Financial performance

Divisional financial summary

Adjusted revenue (£m)
Adjusted operating profit (£m)
Adjusted operating margin (%)
Adjusted cash from trading ops (£m)
Order book (£m)

1.  Refer to alternative performance measures on pages 204 to 206.

Better 
outcomes

It has been a challenging year for 
the travel and hospitality industry. 
However, the need for organisations 
to consider managed corporate 
travel, meetings and events 
programmes has never been more 
important, with the health and safety 
of employee’s top of the agenda. 
Capita’s Travel and Events business 
has seen the highest number of new 
business wins in the last four years 
as organisations seek more 
comprehensive solutions, 
onboarding 25 new customers 
with a win rate of 87%.

Major contract wins  
and renewals

•  Multiple contracts with Highways 

England in Real Estate and 
Infrastructure with a TCV of £12m

•  Local authority renewal in Enforcement 

with a £3m TCV

•  FloodRE extension worth £2m
•  London Borough of Hackney win 

with Enforcement worth a potential 
£5m+ TCV

Divisional strategy and performance | Specialist Services

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

37

Strategic  report 
Stakeholder 
engagement

Engaging with  
our stakeholders

Section 172 statement
The following disclosures describe how the 
directors have had regard to the matters set out 
in section 172(1Xa) to (f) and forms the directors’ 
statement required under section 414CZA of the 
Companies Act 2006.

Stakeholder What matters to them

How we engaged

Topics of engagement

Outcomes and actions

Key metrics

Further details

Our people

Flexible working

Learning and development 
opportunities leading to 
career progression

Fair pay and benefits as a reward 
for performance

Two-way communication 
and feedback

People surveys

Regular all-employee 
communications

Employee director participation 
in Board discussions

Employee focus groups and 
network groups

Protection of employees 

Issue of Capita-specific Covid-19 

Employee net promoter score

People section on pages 40 to 43 

during Covid-19

guidance and regular updates

People survey completion level

of the strategic report 

HR policies during Covid-19

New and temporary HR policies 

Responsible business section 

on page 44

Future ways of working as a result 

of Covid-19

Creating an inclusive workplace

Society

Our people

Create better  
outcomes

Investors

Our clients 
and customers

Clients and 
customers

Our suppliers 
and partners

High-quality service delivery

Client meetings and surveys

Remote working on client services 

Feedback provided to business 

Customer net promoter score

Chief Executive Officer’s review 

Delivery of transformation projects 
within agreed timeframes

Rapid response to support 
pandemic planning

Regular meetings with 
government and annual review 
with Cabinet Office

Created a senior client partner 
programme giving an experienced, 
single point of contact for key 
clients and customers

Suppliers and 
partners

Payments made within agreed 
payment terms

Supplier meetings throughout 
source to procure process

Clear and fair procurement process

Regular reviews with suppliers

Building lasting commercial 
relationships

Working inclusively with all types 
of business

Supplier questionnaires

Investors

Financial reporting

Access to the Board and 
senior management

Regular communication

Society

Social mobility, youth skills and jobs

Digital inclusion

Diversity and inclusion

Climate change

Business ethics

Financial and other reports and 
trading updates

Regular investor programme and 
feedback throughout the year

Governance roundtable 
for shareholders

Remuneration consultation

Memberships of non-governmental 
organisations

Charitable and community 
partnerships

38

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

(eg furlough scheme and voluntary 

salary sacrifice for high earners)

Increased provision and support 

for employee wellbeing and 

flexible working

Simplification of property 

portfolio and office space

units to address any issues raised

Client value propositions team 

supporting divisions with 

co-creation ideas

Senior Client Partner Programme 

undertaking client-focused growth 

sprints to build understanding of 

client issues and ideas to help 

address them

to procurement process

Improvement plans and 

innovation opportunities

Improved adherence to 

Supplier Charter

More frequent market 

communication

Increased level of engagement 

with largest shareholders

as a result of Covid-19

Current service delivery

Possible future services

Co-creation of client value 

propositions

Supplier payments

Sourcing requirements

Supplier performance

Supplier Charter

Transformation progress

Balance sheet and liquidity

Covid-19 response and impact

Remuneration

Brand loyalty index

Specific feedback on 

client engagements

on page 13

Client relations section on page 48

Alignment of payments with 

% of supplier payments within 

Supplier engagement section 

agreed terms

agreed terms

on page 48

Supplier feedback on improvements 

Supplier Relationship Management 

feedback score

SME spend allocation

Supplier diversity profile

Adjusted profit before tax

Shareholder engagement section 

Adjusted free cashflow

Net debt and gearing

on page 68

Principal decisions table on page 69

Youth employment

Implementation of real living wage

% reduction in carbon footprint

People section on pages 40 to 43

Tackling digital exclusion

Youth and employability 

Amount of community investment

Responsible business section 

Workplace inequalities

Carbon reduction targets

programme

Responsible business report 2020: 

on pages 44 to 49

Commitments to tackle racism and 

capita.com/responsiblebusiness

enhance ethnic diversity

Strategic  reportOur people

Flexible working

People surveys

Learning and development 

Regular all-employee 

opportunities leading to 

career progression

communications

Employee director participation 

Fair pay and benefits as a reward 

in Board discussions

Two-way communication 

network groups

Employee focus groups and 

for performance

and feedback

Clients and 

customers

High-quality service delivery

Client meetings and surveys

Delivery of transformation projects 

Regular meetings with 

within agreed timeframes

government and annual review 

Rapid response to support 

pandemic planning

with Cabinet Office

Created a senior client partner 

programme giving an experienced, 

single point of contact for key 

clients and customers

Suppliers and 

partners

Payments made within agreed 

Supplier meetings throughout 

payment terms

source to procure process

Clear and fair procurement process

Regular reviews with suppliers

Building lasting commercial 

Supplier questionnaires

Investors

Financial reporting

Financial and other reports and 

relationships

of business

Working inclusively with all types 

Access to the Board and 

senior management

Regular communication

Digital inclusion

Diversity and inclusion

Climate change

Business ethics

trading updates

Regular investor programme and 

feedback throughout the year

Governance roundtable 

for shareholders

Remuneration consultation

organisations

Charitable and community 

partnerships

Stakeholder What matters to them

How we engaged

Topics of engagement

Outcomes and actions

Key metrics

Further details

Protection of employees 
during Covid-19

HR policies during Covid-19

Future ways of working as a result 
of Covid-19

Creating an inclusive workplace

Issue of Capita-specific Covid-19 
guidance and regular updates

Employee net promoter score

People survey completion level

People section on pages 40 to 43 
of the strategic report 

New and temporary HR policies 
(eg furlough scheme and voluntary 
salary sacrifice for high earners)

Increased provision and support 
for employee wellbeing and 
flexible working

Simplification of property 
portfolio and office space

Responsible business section 
on page 44

Remote working on client services 
as a result of Covid-19

Feedback provided to business 
units to address any issues raised

Customer net promoter score

Brand loyalty index

Specific feedback on 
client engagements

Chief Executive Officer’s review 
on page 13

Client relations section on page 48

Client value propositions team 
supporting divisions with 
co-creation ideas

Senior Client Partner Programme 
undertaking client-focused growth 
sprints to build understanding of 
client issues and ideas to help 
address them

Alignment of payments with 
agreed terms

% of supplier payments within 
agreed terms

Supplier engagement section 
on page 48

Supplier feedback on improvements 
to procurement process

Supplier Relationship Management 
feedback score

Improvement plans and 
innovation opportunities

Improved adherence to 
Supplier Charter

More frequent market 
communication

Increased level of engagement 
with largest shareholders

SME spend allocation

Supplier diversity profile

Adjusted profit before tax

Adjusted free cashflow

Net debt and gearing

Shareholder engagement section 
on page 68

Principal decisions table on page 69

Current service delivery

Possible future services

Co-creation of client value 
propositions

Supplier payments

Sourcing requirements

Supplier performance

Supplier Charter

Transformation progress

Balance sheet and liquidity

Covid-19 response and impact

Remuneration

Society

Social mobility, youth skills and jobs

Memberships of non-governmental 

Youth employment

Implementation of real living wage

% reduction in carbon footprint

People section on pages 40 to 43

Tackling digital exclusion

Workplace inequalities

Carbon reduction targets

Youth and employability 
programme

Commitments to tackle racism and 
enhance ethnic diversity

Amount of community investment

Responsible business report 2020: 
capita.com/responsiblebusiness

Responsible business section 
on pages 44 to 49

Stakeholder engagement

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

39

Strategic  reportOur 
people

Putting our people first

During a year like no other, we put our people first in 2020, 
prioritising their health, safety and wellbeing, and mobilising 
85% of our workforce to work from home. 

While some of our priorities had to change, we 
continued to deliver on our HR2020 strategy, 
ensuring we provided the right support and 
guidance to all our colleagues. 

In 2020, we implemented Covid-19 guidance, 
policies and procedures to help our colleagues 
keep themselves and others safe. We 
continued to develop our people, using the 
apprenticeship levy, and now have more than 
1,000 apprenticeships on the programme. Our 
global people management system, Workday, 
was rolled out across Capita; all employees 
can now manage their data at any time, 
and from any location or device. We also 
implemented the People Hub, centralising 
administrative activities to help ensure our 
people’s queries are answered more quickly. 
During such a challenging year, some difficult 
decisions had to be made in terms of pay and 
reward; but, guided by our purpose, we met 
our commitment to pay all our UK colleagues 
the real living wage as a minimum. Our 
workforce has reduced by around 5,500 
colleagues, predominantly due to: the sale of 
some businesses; redundancies as a result of 
the pandemic and ongoing transformation; and 
a cautious approach on recruitment. Our 
voluntary turnover has remained stable at 
20% (23% in 2019).

Prioritising our colleagues’ health, 
safety and wellbeing

Our number one priority throughout 2020 
was the health, safety and wellbeing of our 
colleagues – protecting them and keeping 
them informed of the procedures implemented 
to ensure we could all continue to work in 
a safe manner.

Driven by our Safety, Health and Environment 
Team, and guided by government guidelines 
and best practice, we implemented Covid-19 
guidance, policies and procedures that 
informed managers and employees of what 
they needed to do to protect themselves and 
others. These have been continually reviewed 
and updated to align with the latest guidance. 
In work sites that have remained open, social 
distancing measures and an enhanced 

cleaning and hygiene routine were introduced. 
Alongside this, we rolled out health, safety 
and social distancing training for all our 
colleagues, explaining the actions being taken 
and their role in keeping themselves and their 
colleagues safe. We also improved our data 
reporting and management information for 
health and safety, to better understand trends 
and take appropriate action when required. 
This data is shared monthly with the Executive 
Committee and the Board. 

Across the world, people have struggled 
to maintain mental wellbeing during the 
coronavirus pandemic, with many of our 
colleagues concerned about getting sick, 
government restrictions, and changes in 
working patterns, or worrying about when 
the crisis might potentially end. Recognising 
this, we refreshed our Wellbeing Hub, which 
provides online support and guidance about 
mental, physical, social and financial wellbeing 
issues, as well as promoting our employee 
assistance programme. Since its launch in 
April, the Hub has averaged 21,500 visits per 
month. We published our Working Apart but 
Together pledge, providing support for the 
increased number of people working from 
home, and encouraging ongoing connection 
and engagement. In May and October, we 
marked Mental Health Awareness Week 
and World Mental Health Day, raising 
awareness of the support we provide and 
encouraging our colleagues to start the 
conversation that ‘it’s ok not to be ok’. 

Our new Wellbeing Framework guides the 
business on the actions we must take to 
support our managers and employees to live 
a well-balanced life. We have developed and 
implemented e-learning content and virtual 
labs, such as our R U OK? module, to help 
managers foster psychological safety, 
trust, emotional intelligence, resilience 
and a positive mindset within their teams. 
In October 2020, we also launched a financial 
wellbeing application, Level, which provides 
digital budgeting tools, financial education 
and guidance.

40

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Workforce

55,000 

people employed in 10 different countries

Performance and development

Capita Academy
In 2020, we strengthened our performance, 
learning and development tool, Capita Academy, 
providing colleagues with more consistent, 
streamlined, accessible opportunities to 
learning, and encouraging development.

We introduced a blend of online development 
tools, virtual workshops, toolkits and 
accredited opportunities focusing on both 
management and programme management 
modules, and resources for remote working, 
wellbeing, and diversity and inclusion to 
support our people as we adapt to new ways 
of working. In total, 25 modules are available, 
and almost 12,000 colleagues (around a fifth of 
the of the total workforce) enrolled on courses.

We also continued to invest in apprenticeships 
at all levels, building the skills required for the 
future success of the organisation to better 
serve our customer needs. In 2020, we were 
awarded a position in the National Apprenticeship 
Service’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 
and had approximately 1,000 apprentices 
on our programmes, with an aim to reach 
1,400 in 2021.

Looking forward, as part of our focus on 
supporting young people into work, we 
will continue to develop technical level 
qualifications for school leavers, providing 
a mixture of classroom and job experience. 

Strategic  reportWe continue to 
strengthen our approach 
to performance 
development, ensuring 
managers can have 
meaningful and effective 
development, career  
and wellbeing discussions 
with colleagues.

Developing people’s potential
We continue to strengthen our approach 
to performance development, ensuring 
managers can have meaningful and 
effective development, career and wellbeing 
discussions with colleagues to build their 
skills for the future. In 2020, we provided 
managers with online learning and coaching 
to help them have positive conversations.

We continued to use Workday, supported 
by our Learning Services Team in Mumbai, 
to better understand the structure of our 
workforce, enabling us to streamline and 
enhance our approach to performance 
development, learning, talent and succession.

Supporting future leaders
Our online capability tool, My Compass, helps 
our managers improve their skills and identify 
any support they need to fulfil our managers’ 
commitments – a key element of how we 
operate as a business. The tool, which 
includes online support materials and learning 
to assist in a wide range of development 
areas, enables managers to map their career 
pathways through focused learning and 
professional development interventions. 
The tool is available to all managers across 
our business and 296 accessed it in 2020.

We designed and launched an Executive 
MBA programme, with funding from the 
apprenticeship levy, helping high potential 
colleagues to develop their leadership 
skills, while supporting their progression 
at Capita with 46 colleagues taking part in 
the programme.

To improve gender diversity in senior 
management, we continue to support 
high-potential women through our Executive 
Committee advocacy programme and cross- 
company mentoring opportunities. In 2020, 
40 women were enrolled in these programmes. 

Our people

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

41

Strategic  reportOur  
people 
continued

Reward 

Despite the significant challenges presented 
by Covid-19, we continued to develop our 
approach to pay and reward. We met our 
commitment of bringing any lower-paid UK 
employees up to the real living wage and 
implemented a number of new tools to help 
colleagues to improve their financial wellbeing 
and knowledge. 

The unprecedented effect of Covid-19 meant, 
however, that we had to implement some 
short-term measures to conserve our cash 
and protect our people including:

•  Senior and high earners taking a voluntary 
reduction in salary or fees for six months, 
with additional annual leave being provided 
for those on the scheme (excluding the 
Board of Directors).

•  Offering a range of voluntary flexible 

working options, including reduced hours 
and sabbaticals to support our colleagues 
as they adapted to changing lifestyles as 
a result of the pandemic.

•  Reducing long-term incentive awards and 
cancelling bonuses for both the 2019 and 
2020 performance years.

These were difficult decisions to make, but 
the right ones considering the challenges 
that we were facing.

Resourcing

During 2020, we continued to focus on 
simplifying the way we recruit, creating a 
strong resourcing team to partner with the 
business – retaining and attracting the most 
diverse people who have the skills, values, 
mindset and potential we need. 

We have built upon our employee value 
proposition (EVP) pillars following employee 
feedback – ‘be yourself’, ‘shape our future’, 
‘make an impact’ and ‘broaden your horizons’. 
We are embedding these pillars into our 
employee engagement and recruitment 
campaigns, bringing them to life with 
role-model stories from across the business. 

42

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Employee network groups

10,000+

colleagues have joined the networks

Demand for customer service roles has grown, 
driven primarily by our work to help our clients 
respond to the Covid-19 pandemic. Working in 
collaboration with our customer management 
teams to provide home-working solutions has 
revolutionised our ability to deliver client 
solutions remotely, and we have supported 
large-scale demand for these remote 
customer service roles. At the same time, 
we redeployed 1,253 colleagues across the 
business and provided outplacement support 
to those colleagues facing the prospect of 
exiting the business.

Our ‘internal first’ approach helped the 
business by using existing skillsets to fill 
roles that traditionally may have been filled 
externally. This was not only the right thing 
to do but also supported colleague retention.

Technology and digital solutions played 
a major part in 2020. The advancements 
made in moving to a technology-based hiring 
approach paid dividends, with Arctic Shores 
(behaviours-based assessment) changing the 
way we recruit and allowing different methods 
of candidate assessment. This was particularly 
appropriate in dealing with the challenges 
of the Covid-19 crisis.

Social change also affected the way we 
approached resourcing in 2020. We reviewed 
our approaches to diversity and reviewed all 
our practices through an inclusion lens. We 
are already doing many things the right way, 
but we were conscious that complacency 
should never be allowed to creep in, and work 
has been ongoing to ensure parity for all in 
our end-to-end hiring processes. We also 
made a corporate commitment to the UK 
Government’s Disability Confident Scheme, 
attaining Level 1 status – ‘Committed’.

We launched our Capita Youth Employability 
Programme in November 2020, in response 
to the UK Government’s Plan for Jobs. It is 
designed to support young people into work 
through the Kickstart Programme and through 
the creation of a Youth Council. We are proud 
at Capita to be helping to create better 
outcomes for the young people of the UK.

85%approximate percentage of our workforce 

mobilised to work from home during Covid-19

Systems and transformation

All employees at Capita now have access to 
Workday, our global people management 
system enabling managers and employees to 
manage their data at any time and from 
anywhere or device. Having all employee data 
on a single system has significantly improved 
reporting capabilities. 

In December 2019, our People Hub team in 
Mumbai was established. They have continued 
to provide administrative support across HR 
including, resourcing, employment relations 
and payroll. A key focus has been on 
improving service levels and tracking, which 
has resulted in 99% of calls to the People Hub 
now being answered within 30 seconds. The 
team have also been critical in administering 
and implementing the UK’s Coronavirus Job 
Retention Scheme for any affected Capita 
colleagues, and additionally supporting the 
redeployment process. 

The People Hub team will continue to support 
the growth of our shared service centre for 
employment relations activities, as well as 
helping to provide existing services to other 
countries, standardising our processes across 
the business.

Strategic  reportWhile we will continue to 
consolidate our property 
portfolio, we remain committed 
to maintaining a strong 
presence across the UK.

Strategic  
report

Read more about 
remuneration 
at Capita starting 
on page 90.

Read more about 
our responsible  
business work on 
pages 44 to 49.

Property portfolio

While simplifying our complex and costly 
property portfolio has always been a part 
of our ongoing transformation at Capita, it 
was accelerated in 2020, as a result of the 
impact of Covid-19 and our transition to 
new ways of working. 

The pandemic crisis made us rethink the 
location, design and use of our office spaces. 
As a result, we know we will need in the future 
to invest to create more flexible and suitably 
equipped environments which we can use to 
collaborate, come together and meet with 
clients and stakeholders. 

While we will continue to consolidate our 
property portfolio, we remain committed to 
maintaining a strong presence across the UK. 
We will offer both more flexible working 
practices and an office footprint. 

Reimagining our workplace
Having successfully mobilised approximately 
85% of our workforce to work from home 
during Covid-19, we are now preparing for 
what may come next – and using what we 
have achieved to challenge our established 
ways of working. By empowering our 
colleagues to work in the most flexible and 
dynamic ways their roles will allow, we are 
reframing our vision of work, so that it is 
about the outcomes we create at Capita, 
not the physical place we go. 

We have listened to our colleagues through 
our Shaping Tomorrow Together initiative 
where we’ve engaged with thousands of our 
colleagues across the world via surveys and 
focus groups. Many want to continue to work 
more flexibly and balance their time between 
home and the office. It won’t be possible for all 
of us to change how we work but, by engaging 
with colleagues across Capita, we are working 
to determine the level of flexibility that will be 
possible in the future.

Better 
outcomes

Giving young people a voice: the 
Youth Council. In response to the 
UK Government’s Plan for Jobs, 
and to tackle the growing youth 
unemployment crisis, we have 
developed an end-to-end youth 
programme with our partners, 
The Youth Group and Teach First. 
A key element of the programme 
is the creation of our first ever 
Youth Council. The council, 
which we launched in December 
2020, aims to provide a platform 
for the voice of the future 
workforce to be heard within our 
organisation, ensuring that we 
create an inclusive organisation 
to attract young people as well 
as develop products and 
services which meet the needs 
of our future service users 
and consumers. The council 
comprises 10 voluntary members 
aged 18–26, representative of a 
diverse demographic including 
culture, ethnicity, gender and 
socio-economic background. 

Seven members of the council 
are external to Capita and 
three have been selected from 
the internal Capita colleague 
community. Being a youth 
councillor will offer unique 
opportunities and experiences. 
Each youth councillor is assigned 
a youth group coach, and an 
external C-suite level mentor to 
help them maximise the benefits 
of their time on the council, and 
to develop their own skills and 
potential. They will have the 
opportunity to engage with 
directors and senior leaders 
on real business challenges, 
including quarterly team 
challenges and individual 
challenges aligned to their 
personal learning objectives.

Our people

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

43

Strategic  reportResponsible 
business

Focusing  
on what matters

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought significant 
challenges to the way we all live and work at Capita, 
from a highly variable demand for our services to a rapid 
move to home working for the majority of our people.

But our response has been guided throughout 
by our purpose – we create better outcomes 
– ensuring we put the health, safety and 
wellbeing of our colleagues first while 
maintaining our services to clients and 
responding to their additional needs as 
quickly as possible.

Underpinned by our purpose, our responsible 
business strategy – which was developed 
following considerable stakeholder 
engagement and launched in 2019 – defines 
how we are addressing the global challenges 
of importance to our business and society, 
and has been at the heart of our response to 
the pandemic. During 2020, our actions 
focused on the challenges thrown into sharp 
relief because of the pandemic: the wellbeing 
of our colleagues; inequalities in society, and 
specifically how young people have been 
disproportionately impacted; and continuing 
to ensure we operate responsibly with our 
clients, our suppliers and throughout our 
business. Alongside this, events such as the 
killing of George Floyd and climate change 
demonstrations have highlighted the need 
to remain focused on workplace inequalities 
and fighting climate change.

In 2020, we followed through on our 
commitment to pay all UK employees the real 
living wage as a minimum, asking our 
high-earners to take salary reductions. We 
refreshed our Wellbeing Hub with relevant 
resources and tools to support our colleagues 
adapt to the new way of working. The Hub saw 
a 600% increase in visits between March and 
April. In response to the resurgence of the 
Black Lives Matter movement, we convened 
an advisory group to recommend a series 
of commitments and actions to tackle racism 
and anti-Black behaviour, as well as enhance 
ethnic diversity, and we continue to carry 
out these actions. Our commitment to prompt 
payment has also remained undiminished 
and we paid 95% of our suppliers within 
60 days or less.

As with any crisis, communication has been 
crucial, and our regular internal communications 
have ensured colleagues stay informed and 
have access to the tools and support they need.

44

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Our responsible business committee met 
regularly throughout the year with a focus 
on modern slavery, inclusion and diversity, 
wellbeing and climate change.

Refocusing in response to Covid-19

Our five-year responsible business strategy, 
which we launched in 2019, has helped to 
ensure we remain focused on addressing the 
issues where we can have the biggest impact 
through our own operations and through the 
products and services we provide to our clients. 

In 2020, we refocused our priorities on the 
issues that mattered most – our colleagues’ 
wellbeing and engaging with our colleagues, 
creating an inclusive workplace, tackling 
economic inequalities, fighting climate change, 
and ensuring we continue to operate 
responsibly throughout our business.

Prioritising our colleagues’ wellbeing

Across the world, people have struggled 
to maintain mental wellbeing during the 
coronavirus pandemic. Recognising this, 
we prioritised the wellbeing of our people 
providing online support and guidance, as 
well as promoting our employee assistance 
programme. To find out more, please see 
‘prioritising our colleagues’ health, safety 
and wellbeing’ in the People section.

Engaging with our colleagues
Crucial in any crisis is clear, concise 
communications. We appointed a dedicated 
communications lead to work closely with 
our pandemic planning team to ensure our 
colleagues received accurate and easily 
accessible guidance and information relating 
to Covid-19 – focusing on their welfare as 
a priority and reassuring them of the steps 
that we were taking. We also launched a 
dedicated colleague website which can be 
accessed by all employees including anyone 
who was furloughed.

Given the high levels of uncertainty that 
emerged in 2020, it has never been more 
important to motivate and engage our 
colleagues – whether through campaigns such 
as #justsaythanks and our Working Apart But 

Together pledge, through visible leadership, or 
by involving our people in shaping our future 
ways of working. More than 24,000 colleagues 
responded to our Shaping Tomorrow Together 
survey to tell us how they’d like to work after 
Covid-19, and over 3,700 colleagues regularly 
join these conversations on our internal 
Yammer community.

Our people survey
Annually we ask our people how they like 
working at Capita and how they think we are 
progressing as a progressive, purpose-led and 
responsible business. We use the data to 
understand long-term cultural and behavioural 
trends and to prioritise what we need to focus 
on in the next year to meet the needs of our 
people. We have made progress against what 
we heard in 2019: we pay all UK employees 
the real living wage as a minimum; we 
launched the Capita Academy Hub providing 
accessible online learning modules to all 
colleagues to develop them in their careers; 
and we launched seven employee network 
groups to value the diversity of our workforce 
and enable colleagues to share their voice.

72% of colleagues responded to Our People 
Survey 2020, matching our 2019 participation 
rate and demonstrating our ability to maintain 
our overall employee engagement in 
unprecedented times. Our employee net 
promoter score (eNPS) maintained its upward 
trend, rising by seven points this year 
(following a positive 14 point swing from 2018 
to 2019). With results varying between our 
divisions, however, we will continue to work 
hard to create an inclusive workplace where 
everyone feels their voice can be heard.

2020 was the second year in which employees 
were able to rate their line manager’s 
performance against our eight managers’ 
commitments. These commitments set out 
the additional behaviours we expect from all 
our leaders and managers. Across all eight 
commitments, over 80% of respondents agreed 
that their manager was living by our values and 
demonstrating our behaviours. The feedback is 
fed into annual development discussions and 
can help inform managers’ objectives.

Strategic  reportWe are addressing 
the global challenges 
of importance to our 
business and society.

People

Community

Planet

Operating responsibly

Delivering our strategy themes

Building a more  
inclusive organisation

Driving greater  
social mobility

Reducing our 
environmental impact

Operating 
responsibly for our 
stakeholders

Goals

•  Ensuring our workforce reflects  
the diversity of the communities 
we serve and is inclusive.

Enabling better  
digital access

•  Empowering 100,000 young 

people in the communities we 
serve to progress into the world 
of work by 2023.

•  Equipping 10,000 people in 

our communities with the digital 
skills required for today’s world 
by 2023.

•  Seeking to reduce our carbon  
footprint and supporting our 
clients to do the same.

•  Seeking to integrate 

environmental, social, 
ethical and governance 
considerations across our 
business operations.

Areas of focus

•  Prioritising our colleagues’ 

•  Tackling youth unemployment

wellbeing

•  Engaging with our colleagues

•  Reimagining our workplaces

•  Building an inclusive organisation

•  Promoting digital skills for all

Supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals

•  Tackling environmental 
challenges with clients

•  Improving our environmental 

performance

•  Adapting to climate change

•  Client relations

•  Supplier engagement

•  Ethical business

Responsible business

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

45

Strategic  report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Responsible  
business 
continued

Employee gender diversity
Board

1  67% Male 
2  33% Female

2

1

Executive Committee

2

1  71% Male 
2  29% Female 

1

Senior management*

2

1  83% Male 
2  17% Female 

1

All employees

2

1

1  52% Male 
2  48% Female 

*   Senior management includes directors of 

subsidiary legal entities as per requirements 
of the Companies Act section 414C(8)(c)(ii) 
and 414C(10)(b).

46

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Building an inclusive workplace

Community investment

During 2020, we recognised that we needed to 
accelerate the actions we were taking to create 
an inclusive organisation and deliver on our 
purpose to many of our Black, Asian and 
minority ethnic colleagues. As a result, we 
instigated a series of actions to tackle racism 
and enhance ethnic diversity. We refreshed 
our approach to diversity and inclusion, 
ensuring we remain committed to creating 
a workforce that reflects the diversity of the 
communities we serve, and a working 
environment in which no one feels excluded. 
We are focusing on: improving our data 
intelligence and reporting; creating a more 
inclusive culture by embedding inclusion 
throughout our employee lifecycle; and valuing 
difference through awareness and education.

In March 2020, we launched our Be Counted 
campaign to encourage our colleagues to 
update their diversity data in Workday. 
We have applied an inclusive lens to our 
recruitment, performance management, 
training and mentoring and advocacy 
schemes. As a result inclusive recruitment 
is a key pillar of our refreshed resourcing 
strategy and in 2020 we: expanded our 
cross-company mentoring schemes to 
support 80 participants (25% gender/75% 
ethnicity); launched a mutual mentoring 
scheme to support minority ethnic colleagues; 
and refreshed our diversity and inclusion 
training to include an anti-racist module. 

We launched seven employee network groups 
in March. The networks, which are sponsored 
and championed by Executive Committee 
members, give more voice to our people 
through a two-way feedback loop between 
the groups and our sponsors. They encourage 
colleagues to share experiences and ideas 
on how we can create a more inclusive 
organisation. More than 10,000 colleagues 
have joined the networks. 

In 2020, we celebrated and promoted inclusion 
and diversity through several successful, 
company-wide campaigns, including: Mental 
Health Awareness Week; Armed Forces 
Week; Pride; International Women’s Day; 
Black History Month; and International Day 
of Persons with Disabilities. Additionally, we 
shared guidance with our communications 
team on marking religious festivals.

More information about our approach to 
diversity and inclusion, as well as our data 
on ethnicity, disability and sexual orientation 
can be found in our Responsible 
Business Report 2020 – www.capita.com/
responsible-business.

£2.1m(2019: £2.8m)

Tackling economic inequalities

The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted 
the importance of supporting our local 
communities. Research has shown that it 
is young people who have borne the brunt 
of the initial consequences of the crisis, from 
significant educational disruption through to 
the highest levels of job insecurity, furlough 
and unemployment; it is estimated that up to 
40% of young people who leave education 
during the crisis will experience long-term 
employment and pay ‘scarring’1. Throughout 
this crisis, we have maintained our focus 
on equipping young people with the skills 
they need for the workplace and enhancing 
social mobility. In 2020, we invested £2.1m in 
our local communities through charitable 
donations, volunteering, gifts-in-kind and 
employee fund-raising.

We continued to support our corporate charity 
partners, Teach First and Young Enterprise, 
as they adapted their programmes to provide 
online support to young people improving 
their employability skills. In 2020, through 
our financial and in-kind contributions, we 
supported 6,779 young people. As part of our 
Young Enterprise partnership, we sponsored 
the Young Money Challenge which challenged 
young people, aged 4–19, to think about 
responsible consumerism and how their 
spending choices can impact the planet. 
1,000 young people took part and our 
volunteer judges were hard pressed to award 
a winner. This was the final year of Capita 
being headline sponsor for the UK Social 
Mobility Awards and we were delighted that 
the team at Making the Leap made sure the 
awards went ahead. Enhancing our response 
to the issue of youth skills and employment, 
we also established a wider Youth 
Employability Programme, working with The 
Youth Group charity to support young people 
in education and as they enter the workplace. 

Strategic  report 
The programme will build on the success of 
our charitable partnerships and fully embraces 
the UK Government’s Kickstart programme 
providing 16 to 24-year-olds with a six-month 
work placement which could lead to 
permanent positions. 

Fighting climate change

Covid-19 has also underlined the importance 
of business resilience in its broadest sense 
and served as a reminder of the ongoing 
challenge of climate change.

With many of our colleagues working from 
home, people not being able to travel because 
of Covid-19 restrictions and the ongoing 
optimisation of our property portfolio, we have 
achieved a 40% reduction in our carbon 
footprint (based on absolute location-based 
emissions). Emissions emanating from 
business travel have reduced by 60%. 
Through our Smart Data Communications 
Company (DCC) contract, we are supporting 
a lower-carbon economy by building and 
implementing a new secure data network to 
connect smart meters to the systems of 
energy suppliers and network operators, 
which is projected to save 45 million tonnes of 
carbon by 2034 in Britain alone. By November 
2020, we had installed more than seven million 
smart meters onto our network, paving the 
way for better use of energy. By delivering 
Transport for London’s ultra-low emission 
zone (ULEZ), we have helped reduce NO2 
levels in London by 44% (compared with 
February 2017) and 79% of vehicles entering 
the capital are now complying with the 
minimum emission standards.

In January 2021, we were proud to be 
accredited by the Science-Based Target 
Initiative (SBTi) for our company-wide carbon 
reduction targets, which are to reduce absolute 
scope 1, 2 and 3 (business travel) greenhouse 
gas (GHG) emissions 46% by 2030 from 
a 2019 baseline, and to ensure that 50% of 
our suppliers by spend covering purchased 
goods and services and capital goods will 
have science-based targets by 2025. Progress 
against our targets will be monitored annually. 
We also published our first disclosure 
statement against the recommendations 
of the Financial Stability Board’s task force 
on climate-related financial disclosure in 
our responsible business report 2020 
www.capita.com/responsible-business. 

 1.  https://www.resolutionfoundation.org/publications/

young-workers-in-the-coronavirus-crisis/

Responsible business report 2020: 
capita.com/responsible-business

We remain committed 
to creating a 
workforce that reflects 
the diversity of the 
communities we 
serve, and a working 
environment in which 
no one feels excluded.

Black Lives Matter 

During 2020, we recognised that the actions 
we were taking to create an inclusive 
workplace at Capita were not happening fast 
enough and that we had to act. The first step 
in our three-stage plan was to take a stand 
publicly in May, following the killing of George 
Floyd in Minneapolis, and the issues raised 
by the Black Lives Matter movement; we 
announced on our website – and via an open 
letter to all UK businesses – our commitment 
to fight inequalities, wherever they may be. 
Stage 2 was to sit down and listen to our 
Capita colleagues’ concerns and get feedback 
on what they felt about racist behaviours and 
what could be done about them. We listened 
to more than 2,500 colleagues and, using 
their insight, our advisory group, which we 
convened with our Embrace network for race 
and ethnicity, recommended a series of 
commitments and actions that we should take 
as a business to tackle racism and enhance 
ethnic diversity. Our Executive Committee 
unanimously approved our commitments. 
Stage 3 is for us to now take action and 
deliver on them.

Our commitments are to:

•  Ensure an inclusive culture with zero 

tolerance to racism.

•  Have a sustainable representation of ethnic 
diversity, which reflects the communities we 
operate in, at all levels of the workplace.

•  Educate about and raise awareness of 

racism in the workplace, through the power 
of our networks. 

Responsible business

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

47

Strategic  reportResponsible 
business 
continued

Annual greenhouse gas emissions
We measure our environmental performance 
by reporting our carbon footprint annually in 
terms of tonnes CO2 equivalent (tCO2e) and 
tonnes CO2 equivalent per person. The data 
relates to Capita’s owned and leased facilities 
under its operational control across all 
geographies. We report separately on our 
direct emissions from Capita-controlled and 
owned sources (Scope 1), indirect emissions 
from consumption of electricity, heat or steam 
(Scope 2), and emissions from third parties 
(Scope 3). This ensures our compliance to 
Part 7 of The Companies Act 2006 (Strategic 
Report and Director’s Report) Regulations 
2013 which requires certain disclosures in 
respect of greenhouse gas emissions (the 
Strategic Report GHG Emission disclosures). 
Corporate Citizenship was engaged to provide 
independent limited assurance over the 
selected greenhouse gas emissions data 
(highlighted in the table below with a *) using 
the assurance standards ISAE 3000 and 
3410. Corporate Citizenship has issued an 
unqualified opinion over the selected data; 
their full assurance statement is available at 
www.capita.com/responsible-business.

Methodology
Our disclosures cover sources of our 
greenhouse gas emissions from our 
operations in UK, Ireland, Europe (Poland, 
Germany, Switzerland, Austria), India and 
South Africa. Capita converts the consumption 
data into a carbon footprint with consideration 
for the World Business Council for Sustainable 
Development and World Resources Institute’s 
(WBCSD/WRI) Greenhouse Gas Protocol, 
together with the latest emissions factors from 
the UK Department for Environment, Food and 
Rural Affairs (Defra) or, where available, the 
latest industry factors, such as hotel stays from 
the Green Tourism Board Scheme.

Operating responsibly

As we have flexibly and efficiently met the 
needs of our clients to help them respond to 
the Covid-19 pandemic, we have maintained 
our focus on operating responsibly throughout 
our business.

48

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Annual greenhouse gas emissions

Scope 1 (tCO2e)
Scope 2 (tCO2e) (location-based)
Scope 2 (tCO2e) (market-based)
Scope 3 (tCO2e)
Total gross tonnes of CO2e (location-based)
Total gross tonnes of CO2e (market-based)
Total gross tonnes of CO2e/£1m revenue 
(location-based)
Total gross tonnes of CO2e/headcount 
(market-based)

2020

2019

2018

18,979.79*
28,359.28*
23,526.27*
7,881.37*
55,219.44
50,386.43

18,960.67*
41,894.14*
27,651.00*
30822.46*
91,677.27
77,434.13

18,819.24
45,174.51

36,401.06
100,394.81

16.61

24.92

25.62

0.99

1.50

1.59

Notes: 
Total gross tonnes of CO2e/£1m revenue (location-based) in 2020 has been calculated using unadjusted revenue. In 2019 and 
2018, adjusted revenue has been used.
Scope 1: Emissions from Capita sources that are controlled by us, including the combustion of fuel, company-owned vehicles 
and the operation of our facilities.
Scope 2: Emissions from the consumption of purchased electricity, heat or steam.
Scope 3: Emissions from non-owned sources related to Capita’s activities, including business travel and waste.

Client relations 
We actively seek the views of our clients 
through a customer net promoter score 
(cNPS) survey. Since 2019, the actions we 
have taken to address areas identified by our 
clients include: implementing and rolling out 
Salesforce as our single customer relationship 
management (CRM) platform; assigning 
a dedicated client partner to each of our key 
clients; and rolling out training and coaching 
support to our growth and account 
management teams. 

In 2020, we received feedback from more 
than 1,020 individuals across 638 clients, 
some spanning multiple business divisions, 
representing a 53% response rate (up from 
38% in 2019). The results gave Capita a 
cNPS score of +32 for 2020, a 17-point 
increase on 2019.

In the survey, we ask clients for feedback on 
our current performance and advice on areas 
that they would like us to focus on in future. 
For 2020, we also asked for insights on how 
we could support clients during and post the 
Covid-19 pandemic. This information was fed 
back to our teams who worked to understand 
any root causes of issues raised and set 

actions, which will be monitored 
via Salesforce. 

With 70% of those we surveyed in 2019 
responding again, and a response from all 
of our elite accounts, we see this as a key 
indicator of the success of the steps we 
took during our transformation programme.

Supplier engagement 
In 2020, we spent £2bn with more than 24,540 
direct suppliers in 87 countries. We value, and 
seek to build lasting, business relationships 
with our suppliers, treating them and partners 
fairly and paying promptly. We want to work 
with suppliers who share our values and 
support us in delivering our purpose. 

Our aim is to encourage and work with 
suppliers to achieve the highest standards 
within our supply chain. We are committed 
to working with our supply-base to ensure 
that together we can achieve wider social, 
economic and environmental benefits. 

In December, we published our revised 
supplier charter, strengthening our 
commitment to: support more small and 
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); increase 
the diversity of our supply chain; promote 

Strategic  report 
 
Non-financial information statement
This section of the report constitutes Capita’s non-financial information statement, produced to comply with sections 414CA and 414CB 
of the Companies Act 2006. The table below, and information it refers to, is intended to help stakeholders understand our position on key 
non-financial matters. This builds on reporting that we do under the following frameworks: CDP, Dow Jones Sustainability Index and the 
EcoVadis CSR Assessment.

Reporting requirement

Policies and standards which govern our approach Where is this referenced in this report?

Environmental matters
Employees

Human rights

Social matters

Anti-corruption  
and anti-bribery
Due diligence  
and outcome

Business model
Non-financial key 
performance indicators

•  Health, safety and environmental policy

•  Responsible business: sustainable innovation page 

•  Code of conduct (E)
•  Health, safety and environmental policy (E)
•  Diversity and inclusion policy (E)
•  Employee handbook (I)

•  Human rights policy (E)
•  Supplier charter (E)
•  Modern slavery statement (E)
• 
•  Privacy policy (E)
•  Employment screening policy (I)

Information and cyber security policy (E)

•  Community and charity policy (E)
•  Community and charity standard (I)
•  Volunteering FAQ (I)
•  Matched funding FAQ (I)
•  Fundraising FAQ (I)

•  Anti-bribery and corruption policy (E)
•  Financial crime policy (E)

•  Risk management framework
•  Annual internal audit plan 
•  Risk register 
•  Audit and Risk Committee report

•  Our people section pages 40 to 43
•  Responsible business: building an inclusive workplace page 46
•  Diversity data (in people section)

•  Responsible business: operating responsibly – supplier 

engagement page 48

•  Responsible business: operating responsibly – upholding human 

rights page 49

•  Responsible business: digital inclusion page 45
•  Responsible business: youth skills and jobs page 46

•  Responsible business: operating responsibly – bribery page 49

•  Risk management framework pages 50 to 53
•  Audit and Risk Committee report pages 80 to 89

•  Business model page 6

•  Non-financial KPIs page 17
•  Responsible business 

I – Group policies, guidance and standards published internally; E – Group policies, statement and reports published externally

supply chain resilience; and encourage 
ambitious carbon reduction targets to tackle 
climate change. All new and renewing suppliers 
are expected to comply with this charter.

We are signatories to the UK government’s 
Prompt Payment Code, reporting our payment 
practices and performance to the government 
every six months. In 2020, we paid 72% of 
micro-organisations and 85% of our SME 
suppliers within payment terms. In all cases, 
95% of our suppliers were paid within 60 days 
or less.

In accordance with the UK Modern Slavery 
Act, we published our Modern Slavery 
Statement online www.capita.com/modern-
slavery-statement.

Employees on the Board
Our two employee directors, Lyndsay Browne 
and Joseph Murphy, are nearing the end of 
their first term on our Board, having provided 
an invaluable employee perspective and voice 
for our employees at the most senior level. In 
2020, their focus was on: providing an 
employee perspective on the annual people 
survey results; engaging with colleagues in 
India and South Africa at the start of the 
pandemic regarding governmental wage 

support programmes; and providing oversight 
and challenge to our decisions as a result of 
the pandemic to the working environment, 
such as working from home guidance, leave 
arrangements and the decision to proceed 
with the real living wage.

Targeting bribery and corruption
We do not tolerate bribery or corruption. 
Our anti-bribery and corruption policy applies 
to all Capita businesses, employees and 
suppliers. The Risk & Compliance team 
monitors compliance, ensuring all parts of 
the business are aware of their responsibilities 
in terms of charity donations, sponsorships, 
facilitation payments, gifts and hospitality. 
All employees must complete financial crime 
training annually.

Upholding human rights
We aspire to conduct business in a way that 
values and respects the human rights of all our 
stakeholders. Our human rights policy details 
our commitments to upholding the principles of 
human rights, as set out in the UN declaration 
of human rights and the International Labour 
Organisation core labour principles. We 
comply with all relevant legislation, including 
the UK Modern Slavery Act which is detailed 
further online.

Protecting privacy 
Our clients and our colleagues expect us to 
keep their data safe and secure, and to respect 
their privacy. We take this responsibility very 
seriously, ensuring we only process personal 
data in line with all applicable laws, including 
how we collect, store, use, retain, transfer and 
delete personal data.

Our privacy policy details how we expect 
everyone to take responsibility for privacy, 
including the protection of data, applying our 
privacy standards, procedures and guidance 
in their areas of the business. These 
requirements include maintaining information 
asset registers, following a comprehensive 
incident management process, completing 
privacy by design and default and data 
protection impact assessments. We continue 
to raise awareness of the importance of 
privacy through our mandatory training 
and ongoing communication programmes.

Responsible business

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

49

Strategic  reportRisk  
management 

Internal control and 
risk management

We proactively manage risks

Our response to Covid-19

At Capita, we recognise that 
effective internal control and risk 
management is fundamental to 
helping us achieve our strategic 
objectives. Our ability to identify, 
assess and successfully manage 
current and emerging risks is critical 
in securing the success of our 
business and protecting long-term 
shareholder value. The global 
Covid-19 pandemic presented us 
with several challenges throughout 
the year which we successfully 
navigated, and we will continue to 
do so as the risk and government 
responses evolve.

50

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

The Board, supported by the Group Audit and 
Risk Committee (ARC), reacted immediately 
to address the unplanned and unprecedented 
impacts of Covid-19, and has continued to 
monitor the situation. Our priorities were: 

•  To continue to deliver the essential services 
that our clients and the general public rely 
on us for. 

•  Maintain the financial stability of the Group. 

•  Protect the wellbeing of all our colleagues. 

Capita continued to protect and safeguard the 
wellbeing of all colleagues in the long term as 
the rollout of vaccines paves a way to recovery 
from this unparalleled pandemic. The Board 
has introduced measures to protect employees 
and clients, and to act within Government 
guidelines. The Group has also been active in 
assisting all clients to confront the pandemic, 
including specific support provided to the 
UK Government.

In response to Covid-19, the Board, ARC and 
Executive Committee considered a number of 
key areas requiring focus and immediate 
attention. They ranged from people, liquidity 
and cash preservation to continued operational 
excellence and regulations. Additional 
meetings were scheduled to approve the 
policies required and monitor performance 
against the objectives set. This was a critical 
response to the new risks presented by the 
pandemic and required the Board and 
committees to be agile in response, as the 
scenario presented could not have been 
pre-planned. 

The Board welcomed the full engagement 
from all employees in addressing the risks 
thrown up, which touched many areas of the 
Group and directly impacted the ways of 
working and interacting with our stakeholders.

Some of the measures taken included:

•  Immediate actions to safeguard the Group’s 
cash requirements, such as putting on hold 
capex-intensive projects, utilising the 
Government schemes to defer payments 
including VAT, and accessing the furlough 
grant scheme where necessary. The Group 
acknowledged the impact on our supply 

chain and continued to honour our 
commitment to prompt payments 
while engaging with clients on payment 
deferral plans.

•  All senior employees within the Group 

consented to a pay reduction at the height 
of the pandemic.

•  The Group developed its cash flow models 

to project the liquidity requirements, ensuring 
the Board had visibility and the most 
accurate view possible of future cash flows.

•  We accelerated the transformation plan 
activities, including the closure of the 
Company’s head office property in London 
and accelerating other property exits, as 
employees adapted to remote working. This 
will continue as a longer-term objective as 
we adopt new ways of working.

•  Technology Solutions took decisive action to 
equip a large number of employees with the 
laptops and equipment required to work 
effectively from home. Additional measures 
were also introduced to protect data given 
the remote working conditions.

•  The Board and committees scheduled 

additional meetings to review progress made 
against the objectives introduced and 
considered a range of scenarios, including 
continuity and contingency plans, to address 
various models related to the pandemic and 
the global recovery.

•  Capita has reviewed its principal risks 

considering the pandemic and adjusted 
where necessary. For example, the 
health, safety and longer-term wellbeing 
of all of our employees was identified as 
an emerging risk. 

Our internal control and risk 
management journey

Capita launched a transformation programme 
in 2018, that touches all parts of the Group and 
with a direct impact on driving the strategic 
objectives. The successful delivery of the 
programme requires a risk management and 
internal control framework to support an 
annual evaluation by the Board of the 
emerging and principal risks facing the Group. 
The Board conducted a robust assessment of 
the principal risks, including those that would 

Strategic  reportthreaten Capita’s business model, future 
performance, resilience and liquidity.

The Board asked the ARC to support the 
assessment by overseeing an effective risk 
management and internal control system, 
providing regular oversight over the 
principal risks and the strategies in place 
to mitigate them.

As part of the transformation programme, the 
ARC considered the risk management and 
control frameworks in place, and over recent 
years embarked on improvement plans to 
introduce greater rigour and standardisation 
of processes and controls, enabled by IT 
to underpin the effectiveness of such 
frameworks. Progress has been made on 
many aspects, and more was planned for 
2020 before the impact of Covid-19.

As a result of the pandemic, the ARC had to 
pause certain aspects of the improvement 
plans in early 2020, to address the immediate 
pandemic risks. As the economic climate 
stabilised toward the end of 2020, the ARC 
reset the priority areas. The ARC continues to 
drive the improvements required to enhance 
the internal control and risk management 
processes, for these to be effective and fit 
for purpose for a group of Capita’s size and 
end-market.

Improvement initiatives

The ARC has previously reported on the 
multiple initiatives launched to develop the 
risk management approach which is based 
on a three lines of defence model.

As the transformation of Capita has 
progressed, it has become evident that 
continued focus on our people, culture, 
systems, processes and controls is required – 
to drive greater awareness and consistency in 
how we identify, manage and mitigate risks. 
The key features are set out below:

The risk management process was redefined 
in 2019 with an enhanced focus on:

•  Risk environment.

•  Risk assessment, response, and 

mitigation actions.

•  Monitoring and reporting.

 – the Group executive risk committee 

(ERC) was established to oversee and 
challenge the key business risks and 
compliance activities.

 – a specific financial services risk committee 

was reconstituted in 2019 to provide 
oversight of the regulated and financial 
services businesses within Capita.

 – the Group embarked on an update to the 
enterprise risk management framework 
(ERMF), and a comprehensive control 
risk self-assessment (CRSA) tool was 
developed and piloted in 2019.

 – the Group embarked on a finance 
transformation programme to drive 
improved data quality and standardisation 
of activities performed by the finance 
community. This has included an evaluation 
of financial controls by the senior finance 
team to review the material financial 
controls in place for effectiveness. The 
finance transformation will be supported in 
the future by the introduction of a new 
accounting system.

The above initiatives were further advanced in 
2020, supported by the following key activities:

•  A key control questionnaire (KCQ) process 

was developed and completed which 
identified key entity level controls across 14 
Group wide areas. Every business leader 
was required to attest compliance with key 
controls within their functional, divisional, 
and business areas. 

•  Across the finance teams, the annual control 
questionnaire process was enhanced and 
completed where every business leader 
attested to compliance with a set of key 
financial controls.

•  Senior management provided an 

assessment of the control environment 
following a stabilising of the initial pandemic 
crisis; specific attention was given to the 
plans to improve cyber and IT resilience.

The next stage of the improvement plan will 
be ensuring that the responses to the KCQ 
are developed and evidenced, such that 
the responses can then be subject to 
independent assurance.

Throughout 2020, the principal risks continued 
to be periodically reviewed by the ERC, ARC, 
and the Board. Focus and attention were 
placed on the new emerging risks, and the 
lessons learnt from adapting to the risks and 
uncertainties introduced by the pandemic. 
Robust assessment of the principal risks 
facing the Group was regularly undertaken, 
including emerging risks such as the impact of 
Brexit and the impact of Covid-19 on our 
business and on the health, safety and 
wellbeing of our people.

The Board believes that Capita remains too 
dependent on managers intervening and 
there is too much inconsistency in process 
across the Group. The Board and ARC do 
not underestimate the journey that needs 
to be completed, in alignment with the 
transformation plan, to ensure robust internal 
control and risk assessment frameworks are 
embedded fully. Establishing and embedding 
frameworks that are effective, with clear 
accountabilities between line management 
and support functions which can be subject 
to independent assurance, is the key focus 
for 2021.

Risk governance

The tone for risk management is set by the 
Board, which is ultimately accountable for 
providing strategic governance and 
stewardship of the Company. The ARC, which 
has delegated responsibility from the Board for 
maintaining an effective risk management and 
internal control system, provides regular 
oversight over the principal risks and the 
strategies in place to mitigate them.

In 2020, the ARC reviewed, discussed and 
briefed the Board on risks, controls and 
assurance, including the annual assessment 
of the system of risk management and internal 
control, to monitor the effectiveness of the 
procedures for internal control over financial 
reporting, compliance and operational matters.

The role of the Group ERC is to assess, 
oversee and challenge key risks across all 
Capita’s unregulated businesses and provide 
regular updates to the ARC. The role of the 
financial services risk committee (FSRC) is to 
provide oversight of the regulated financial 
services businesses. Capita recognises the 
importance to clients and customers of the 
financial services businesses it operates, and 
the need for specific oversight to manage and 
mitigate risks associated with those 
businesses. The FSRC is chaired by an 
independent non-executive and provides 
regular updates to the ARC.

On a day-to-day basis, senior management, 
divisional heads, and business unit teams 
manage and monitor risks that fall under their 
remit. The risk governance structure provides 
a clear distinction between Group functions, 
which define policies, standards and 
procedures, and the divisions and business 
unit teams, which are responsible for effective 
implementation of those requirements. 
Ongoing regular discussions take place 
between all levels of the organisation to agree 
the most effective ways to mitigate risks, and 
to ensure there is a clear understanding of any 
compound risks. Discussions also identify 
independent risks that require cross-functional 
or cross-divisional collaboration.

Further work is planned in 2021 to refresh and 
apply a consistent three lines of defence 
approach across all business activities with the 
aim of ensuring that assurance accountabilities 
are understood fully and that effective control 
measures are in place for the risks that have 
the highest potential impact. The Board gains 
assurance about the management of risk from 
the model on page 52.

Risk management

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

51

Strategic  reportRisk managementRisk  
management 
continued

Risk governance structure and assurance lines

Independent 
assurance

Risk  
oversight

Ownership and 
management  
of risk

Bottom  
up

Board

Audit and Risk  
Committee

Executive and risk  
committees

Risk, compliance  
and governance

Divisional and business  
unit management

Local risk committees

Top  
down

3

2

1

Third line of defence
•  Report directly to the Board and ARC on the 
effectiveness of governance, internal control 
and risk management, through an independent 
risk-based assurance programme 
•  Help safeguard the first two lines and 
recommend improvements as the risk 
profile adapts and changes

Second line of defence
•  Provide the policies, framework, tools, techniques 
and support to empower risk and internal control 
to be managed by the first line

•  Establish monitoring controls, provide oversight 
and regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the 
first line

•  Promote consistency of the key objectives and 

management of risk across the Group

First line of defence
•  Includes senior leadership and employees who 
as part of their core role, identify and manage 
key risks

•  Equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge 
and tools to operate effectively and have the 
relevant authority levels to embed the policies and 
procedures across the internal controls and risk 
management frameworks

Internal controls

A KCQ process was developed and completed 
during 2020. The results serve as a baseline 
for improvement and while there have been 
notable improvements in the control 
environment in recent years, eg bid reviews, 
there is still improvement to be made. 
The process helped verify known control 
weaknesses in IT resilience and cyber 
security. These weaknesses are, and will 
continue to be, addressed at a Group and 
division/function level by implementing 
effective corrective measures.

During 2020, a Group accounting policy 
manual and, for some areas, newly developed 
standard ways of working have been issued. A 
financial control tool was developed during the 
year to document existing key control detail at 
a business unit level and link to standard ways 
of working as they continue to be developed. 
Actions to improve compliance with key 
financial controls are logged and tracked 
through the tool. The process of identifying 
and documenting the key controls is further 
supported by necessary assurances from 
divisional management.

During 2021, further work will be taken to 
improve elements of our control framework. 
Action plans supported with investment to 
address some of the IT resilience and cyber 

52

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

security weaknesses are in place. Work will 
also continue to further enhance certain 
elements of the financial control framework. 
As we restructure our business, we will 
clarify the accountability, responsibility and 
strengthen our three lines of defence model, 
including maturing our internal control 
framework. The executive risk committee 
will provide oversight of these activities. 

Risk management process

The Group works in collaboration with the 
divisions, Group functions and business unit 
teams to undertake a bottom-up identification 
and assessment of the key risks faced by 
Capita. These risks are referred to as principal 
risks and can be a single risk or a set of 
aggregated risks which, when taken together, 
are significant for the Group. Risk registers, 
which are maintained at each layer of the 
organisation, continue to be a core component 
within our risk management process. Each of 
the key risks identified has an assigned risk 
owner who reviews them, on at least a 
quarterly basis, as part of the risk reporting 
process. Principal risks are managed by a 
dedicated member of the executive team who 
has ownership and accountability for ensuring 
that the risk is managed within the risk appetite 
levels set by the Board. Divisional, functional, 
and business unit risks are assigned risk 
owners who hold senior positions within the 

Group and are either members of the 
executive team, divisional heads or business 
unit team leaders. This ensures the 
appropriate level of attention and focus is 
applied in addressing the principal risks 
applicable to the Group.

Risks in the risk registers are assessed at 
both an inherent (pre-controls) and residual 
(post-controls) level, against two scales: 
(a) their likelihood; and (b) their potential 
consequences to the Group. The assessment 
of consequences includes financial, 
reputational, legal, and regulatory impacts. 
These risk assessments are designed to 
ensure a thorough assessment of the risks, as 
well as the associated controls and mitigations. 
They also help to identify what additional risk 
reduction actions may be needed to reduce 
the residual risk level to the risk appetite level 
set by the Board. 

As part of the risk management process, an 
evaluation of financial controls is undertaken 
by the senior finance team to review the 
material financial controls currently in place 
and to identify areas where these might only 
be partially effective or be inefficient in 
achievement of their purpose. Any material 
issues are dealt with through mitigating 
activities to ensure the effectiveness of the 
existing controls over financial reporting

Strategic  reportCapita recognises that risk cannot be 
completely eliminated and that there are certain 
risks the Board will decide are acceptable to 
enable the pursuit of particular business 
opportunities. These decisions are informed 
by robust risk assessment and with decisions 
taken at an appropriate authority level and 
reflect the Group’s defined risk appetite.

Risk appetite

The Board is responsible for setting and 
monitoring the risk appetite, and articulates 
which risks Capita should not tolerate, which 
should be managed to an acceptable level and 
which should be accepted to deliver our 
business strategy. As part of the ERMF 
enhancement, the risk appetite is being 
updated to refine them into a more granular 
tool to develop key risk indicators (KRIs) which 
ultimately support the Board in its 
management of risk. The development of KRIs 
was delayed due to management’s focus on 
addressing the evolving impact of Covid-19.

Principal risks

During 2020, our focus was managing our way 
through the pandemic crisis. This unparalleled 
scenario could not have been predicted or 
planned for and the Group acted swiftly, with 
effective oversight, to respond to it. The ERC, 
ARC and Board focused on the impact of 
Covid-19 on the principal risks; the control 
environment surrounding them; how the risks 
were managed during the pandemic; and on 
a view of the long-term potential impact of the 
principal risks. Several pandemic-specific risks 
were identified and mitigations put in place. 
These risks were either closed or subsumed 
within other existing risks. 

Our risk management process highlighted an 
emerging risk around employee health and 
wellbeing. The mental wellbeing of our people 
was prioritised as the pandemic continued and 
as government measures were put in place.

In general, our principal risk levels remained 
unchanged from 2019, despite spending the 
first half of 2020 in Covid-19 crisis 
management mode. As the pandemic 
stabilised, we spent the second half of 2020 
understanding the longer-term impact of the 
pandemic on our principal risks; and the 
severity of two of our principal risks changed 
as shown in the table on page 54.

The Board remains confident in our existing 
governance mechanisms and risk 
management processes, to ensure that risks 
(including emerging ones) continue to be 
identified and dealt with effectively and in 
a timely manner. 

The Board recognises the improvements made 
over the past three years with our transformation 
at Capita, making it a simpler business with a 
stronger operational platform to underpin its 
future development, as described in the CEO’s 
review on pages 10 to 16.

Capita is now moving onto the next phase of 
its transformation, as outlined on page 16. 
We have identified the principal risks that 
have been judged to be directly linked to this 
reorganisation; these are denoted by 
principal risks outlined on pages 55 to 57.

 in the 

At Capita, the principal risks are considered 
over the same three-year period as the  
viability statement. They are listed and 
described, along with their potential impact 
if left unmanaged. For each risk, we disclose 
key mitigations and future actions to further 
manage the risk and improve internal controls. 

Emerging risks

The identification of emerging risks is carried out by both the business, using a bottom-up approach, and the executive, from a top-down perspective. 
Regular reviews of risks, including emerging risks, are included at risk committees throughout the business.

Emerging risk

Description

Health, safety and 
wellbeing of our 
people

In 2020 we witnessed the rapid spread of the Covid-19 virus with devastating consequences across the world. 
We responded by assessing the impact of Covid-19 on our principal risks and by establishing a dedicated team 
to ensure Capita was as prepared as possible for the global health emergency. However, as the initial phase of 
the pandemic stabilised, we began to appreciate the longer-term impacts of Covid-19 on the health, safety and 
wellbeing of our people, some of whom have now been working from home for almost a year, and will continue to 
do so for a number of months to come. In 2021, we must continue to support our managers and colleagues across 
the business in recognising that they are empowered to change how they and their teams work. We will achieve this 
through briefings, workshops, focus groups, pulse surveys, targeted communications and new training collateral. 
This not only covers the day-to-day work people have to do but will also have a large emphasis on wellbeing and 
supporting each other through these challenging times.

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

53

Risk managementStrategic  reportRisk  
management 
continued

Principal risks at 31 December 2020

6

4

5

8

9

10

11

3

2

l

a
c
i
t
i
r

C

1

7

t
c
a
p
m

I

l

e
b
a
r
e
o
T

l

Rare

Imminent

Likelihood

Key: Level of risk

Critical
The maximum level of risk Capita can bear and remain effective 
at delivering its strategy. Of immediate critical concern.

Uncomfortable
Risk level likely to cause problems that would put uncomfortable 
pressure on delivery.

At tolerance
A business-as-usual risk, manageable with the right people 
and processes in place to respond to the threat. Recognised as 
an early warning indicator. A tolerable level of risk.

Risk movement

No.

Risk title

Risk description

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

Living our 
purpose

Strategy

Innovation

People attraction 
& retention

Culture

Failure to live our purpose and failure to change 
stakeholder perception so we are seen to live 
our purpose 
Failure to define and resource the right 
medium-term strategy
Failure to innovate and develop new value propositions 
for clients and customers to drive sustainable growth
Failure to attract, develop, engage and retain the right 
people for current and future client propositions
Failure to change the culture and practices of Capita 
in line with our responsible business agenda 

Data protection

Failure to protect data, information and IT systems

Contracts 

Delighting clients

 Inability to secure contracts with an acceptable risk and 
reward balance and that are aligned to Capita’s agreed 
purpose, values and responsible business strategy
Failure to delight clients and customers with software 
performance or project and service delivery

Internal control

An inadequate risk-based system of internal control 

Political climate

Financial stability

Failure to plan for, influence and respond to potential 
changes in the political climate
Failure to maintain financial stability, viability and achieve 
financial targets/results

Risk 

Rationale for significant risk movement

9–Failure to develop and maintain a 
risk-based system of internal control

11–Failure to maintain financial stability 
and achieve financial targets

In prior years, this risk primarily focused on financial control framework. The executive agreed that 
a system of internal controls should not be limited to financial controls but be expanded to 
pan-Capita internal control frameworks. The findings from the KCQ process and themes identified 
by Group internal audit highlighted that the system of internal controls requires improvement. The 
impact from Covid-19 resulted in a delay to improving elements of our risk management and of our 
internal control framework.

The risk level increased from at tolerance to uncomfortable.
As a result of Covid-19, the impact of government policy, client willingness to spend less, our 
inability to continue to innovate and have the resources available to fulfil contractual obligations 
impacted our financial stability and the strength of our balance sheet.

The risk level increased from uncomfortable to critical.

54

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Strategic  reportPrincipal risk

Potential impact

How we manage the risk

1

2

3

4

Failure to live our 
purpose and to 
change stakeholder 
perception so that 
we are seen to live 
our purpose

Accountable officer: 
CEO

•  misalignment between the 
strategic objectives and the 
purpose of the business
•  transformation does not 

change stakeholder perception

•  brand and reputation 
adversely impacted

•  clients, suppliers, and people 

don’t want to work with, 
or for, Capita

The pandemic put our clients, customers and our service delivery under huge pressure. While 
that presented challenges to our stakeholders and for our people, it did provide us with the 
opportunity to demonstrate how we live our values and our purpose by creating better 
outcomes and continuing to deliver for our clients.

Mitigation actions in 2020

•  implemented the real living wage as a minimum for colleagues in the UK
•  regular proactive open and honest engagement with our clients, customers, and 

stakeholders to better understand how we can continue to effectively support them 
during the pandemic

•  investors lose confidence 

•  employee survey completed to seek feedback on how ‘we live our purpose’ and to identify 

in the transformation

improvement opportunities

Failure to define and 
resource the right 
medium-term 
strategy

Accountable officer: 
CEO

Failure to innovate 
and develop new 
value propositions 
for clients and 
customers to drive 
sustainable growth

Accountable officer: 
Chief Growth Officer

•  lack of clear direction driving 

customer propositions
•  investment decisions with 

sub-optimal returns
•  difficult to prioritise 

investment decisions

•  customers, partners, and 
employees are not clear 
on priorities

•  difficult to articulate investment 

case for investors

•  inability to grow and 

develop into new markets

•  failure to compete with 

others who are innovative
•  unable to maximise new 

technology

•  loss of new and existing 
business to competitors
•  eroded corporate position 

in the market

Failure to attract, 
develop, engage and 
retain the right 
people for current 
and future client 
propositions

Accountable officer: 
Chief People Officer

•  inability to deliver 
Capita strategy

•  loss of key personnel/lack 

of succession

•  increased staff turnover and 

increase in costs from buying 
in short-term contractors
•  lack of in-house skills and 
inability to attract the right 
people with the right skills

•  reputational damage

Future actions

•  review our strategic objectives and purpose of the business and ensure alignment with the 

new Capita operating model 

•  engage and interact with our stakeholders and rebuild our brand, reputation, and investor 

confidence by fulfilling our promises

The financial pressures from Covid-19 had a significant impact on our transformation 
programme, our strategic priorities, and our ability to demonstrate that anticipated benefits 
from the transformation programme were on target to be achieved. Instead of focusing on the 
delivery of our objectives, we had to focus our attention on the pandemic.

Mitigation actions in 2020

As set out in the CEO review, Capita is undertaking a further reorganisation that will 
address this risk. The future actions all focus on the successful implementation of this 
organisational change

The pandemic has thrown up myriad challenges, as well as opportunities for new propositions 
for clients. Some clients are under financial pressure and will want to spend less. In addition, 
we have had to scale back the resource and investment in this area, which has resulted in 
reduced innovation initiatives. 

Mitigation actions in 2020

•  improved agility in delivering to clients, maintaining market confidence
•  growth and consulting teams worked hard to accelerate the development of new 
propositions and explored more than 100 potential Covid-19 related opportunities

Future actions

•  the reorganisation of Capita is specifically designed to enable sufficient investment to be 

made to capture the growth opportunities in the areas we are focusing on. See CEO report

The financial position and drop in our share price have had an impact on our brand and 
reputation. As a result of internal cost-reduction measures, ie the freeze in bonus payout and 
pay rise freezes, we have had some staff attrition. However, we have continued to attract and 
recruit staff in our operational areas and recruit senior roles including replacing senior staff 
who have left. Our employee survey results have shown three consecutive annual 
improvements in our employee net performance score (eNPS). The successful 
implementation of the reorganisation should attract and retain staff.

Mitigation actions in 2020

•  leadership development moved to digital delivery
•  performance review process launched 
•  resourcing capability and systems improved to attract new staff virtually
•  employee value proposition launched
•  retained staff and expertise by redeployment, eg from consulting business into other parts 

of the business 

Future actions

•  change to more flexible future ways of working 
•  use of levy funding to develop over 1,000 people through modern apprenticeships
•  introduction of bespoke MBA and diploma programme 
•  changes to 2021 short-term incentive plan design
•  continue to invest in staff development

Risk identified by the Group 
as particularly relevant to the 
reorganisation

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

55

Strategic  reportRisk managementRisk  
management 
continued

Principal risk

Potential impact

How we manage the risk

5

Failure to change the 
culture and practices 
of Capita in line with 
our responsible 
business agenda

Accountable officer: 
CEO

•  potential for new clients not to 
want to contract with Capita

•  unable to attract and 

retain talent

•  negative corporate reputation 
hampers ability to deliver 
sustainable growth

•  climate change impact not 
considered in operations

Collaboration and teamwork improved during pandemic period. With a continued need to take 
tough decisions to bridge to the future and the change in work styles, with reduced focus, 
engagement, and direct interaction with our people, likely to impact our culture, value, and 
behaviours around openness and collaborative working. We have described earlier in this 
section, how Capita responded to the Covid-19 crisis which allowed us to demonstrate how 
we prioritised living our values in line with our responsible business agenda.

Mitigation actions in 2020

•  initiated review of our operating model to identify opportunities that will enable us to further 

improve our culture and develop better working practices in line with our responsible 
business agenda and focus on our client commitments to deliver better outcomes

Future actions

•  continue to embed the reorganisation of Capita to accelerate our journey on culture, values 

and behaviours 

The global pandemic involving the spread of Covid-19 presented our IT business with 
several different challenges, primarily around how we manage our IT infrastructure to 
accommodate our people who were asked to work from home and to maintain our IT 
systems and security controls.

Mitigation actions in 2020

6

Failure to protect 
data, information 
and IT systems

Accountable officer: 
Executive Officer, 
Technology Solutions

•  loss or theft of confidential 
client or customer data due 
to cyber attack

•  disruption to business 

operations to Capita and/or its 
customers due to cyber attack

•  loss of one of Capita’s 

•  created the office of the Chief Information Security Officer to identify opportunities to 

data centres

strengthen IT security controls

•  reputational damage leading 
to loss of existing contracts 
and bidding for new business

•  within weeks of the lockdown in March 2020, we made a provision for around 85% of staff 

to be able to continue to work from home

•  IT system, cyber and end user security controls improved to ensure colleagues had the 

capability to work from home during the pandemic, while minimising security, unauthorised 
access, and data leakage risks 

Future actions

•  improve IT security structure, process and procedures
•  monitor and improve information security controls to reduce the risk of data leakage 

or unauthorised access to Capita systems

•  implement new tooling to help increase data security and reduce the possibility of 

data leakage

•  implement additional security controls for the end user computing devices to reduce the 

possibility of ransomware or virus attacks

•  enhance security over corporate domains and cloud governance, to reduce risk of 

unauthorised access and data loss

•  explore opportunities for further funding to upgrade IT estate and enhance Group IT 

infrastructure, platforms and systems

The pandemic has financially impacted potential clients and customers leading to a reduced 
appetite to spend money and wish to pay less for services. There is a risk that Capita enters 
contractual arrangements with new clients that result in unacceptable commercial, regulatory, 
financial, or reputational exposure, or which are not aligned to Capita’s agreed purpose, 
values, and responsible business strategy.

Mitigation actions in 2020

•  the contract review committee (CRC) controls streamlined including a fast-commercial 

governance process

•  contract remediation committee in place to review delivery on existing contracts
•  transactions committee established to review acquisitions and mergers to ensure alignment 

with growth strategy

Future actions

•  refresh the CRC policy and deal review template, including incorporation of new H&S/

safeguarding risk assessment

•  further refresh and roll out CRC post-deal review process
•  develop fraud risk assessment
•  develop and roll out standard form contracts and playbooks

7

Inability to secure 
contracts with an 
acceptable risk and 
reward balance and 
that are aligned to 
Capita’s agreed 
purpose, values 
and responsible 
business strategy

Accountable officer: 
CFO

•  loss of contracts
•  lack of ability to acquire 

new business

•  contract terms and service 
commitments are not met 
or understood

•  exposure to unexpected costs/
cost overruns or onerous terms
•  brand and reputational damage 

if not managed effectively

•  risk of financial claims/

penalties and other disputes 
with clients

•  adverse impact on contract 

profitability

56

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Strategic  reportPrincipal risk

Potential impact

How we manage the risk

8

Failure to delight 
clients and 
customers with 
software 
performance or 
project and service 
delivery

Accountable officer: 
Chief Transformation 
Officer

9

Failure to develop 
and maintain a 
risk-based system of 
internal control

Accountable officer: 
CFO

10

Failure to plan for, 
influence and 
respond to potential 
changes in the 
political climate

Accountable officer: 
Director of Corporate 
Affairs

11

Failure to maintain 
financial stability and 
achieve financial 
targets

Accountable officer: 
CFO

•  loss of existing contracts
•  brand and reputation damage
•  limited or no new business

As a result of Covid-19, most projects are either continuing or have been change controlled, 
but this did not affect our ability to deliver our client commitments. The reorganisation of 
Capita’s operating model should enhance our ability to fulfil customer requirements. 

Mitigation actions in 2020

•  programme and investment committee reviewed significant projects using project 

governance methodology

•  implemented the weekly SLA/KPI CEO reporting
•  implemented a new software support service on ServiceNow that enabled us to improve 

our service standards

Future actions 

•  reorganisation of our current structure into a more focused, client-centric Group to deliver 

better outcomes for our clients and their customers

•  have the right technological capability available to the divisions to deliver for customer 

needs, which is a fundamental part of the reorganisation to continue to build and develop 
client confidence in Capita and our ability to meet customer needs

In prior years, this risk primarily focused on financial controls. The executive agreed that a 
system of internal controls should not be limited to financial controls but should be expanded 
to pan-Capita internal control frameworks. The impact of Covid-19 has resulted in a delay to 
the improvement of elements of our risk management and internal control framework.

Mitigation actions in 2020

•  KCQ self-assessment process was developed and completed against key controls 
•  a control questionnaire process was completed where every business leader attested to 

compliance with a minimum set of financial controls

•  senior management provided an assessment of the control environment following a 

stabilising of the initial pandemic crisis; specific attention was given to the plans to improve 
cyber and IT resilience 

Future actions

•  embed accountability, responsibility and understanding of governance, risk and controls 

environment with the new operating model

•  implement a more efficient internal control framework
•  refresh and enhance the enterprise risk management framework including updating the risk 

appetite into a more granular tool to develop key risk indicators for monitoring key risks

•  establish risk and assurance committees at Group function and business unit level 

UK Government’s absolute priority has been Covid-19 and going forward will be recovery. 
There may be increased volatility in government spending because of an improved opposition.

Mitigation actions in 2020

•  engaged with government and other parties (eg regulators) to promote and 

•  fraud, misstatement and 

inaccurate financial reporting

•  greater regulatory or 

client scrutiny

•  increased costs associated 

with risk remediation activities

•  breaches of law, statutory 
and legal reporting leading 
to regulatory fines in financial 
services sector and loss of 
key contracts

•  reputational damage and 
adverse media interest 
leading to inability to secure 
new contracts

•  the Government’s response 
to Covid-19 has generated 
significant new policy at speed 
affecting the operational 
environment for the business

•  the new approach by 

protect reputation

Government to innovation 
and public service delivery 
is a potential risk to Capita

•  possibility of additional 
regulatory changes by 
new government

•  continued cash outflow 

reduces liquidity available 
to invest in transformation
•  loss of shareholder value
•  weakens investor confidence

•  worked to understand business requirements and prepared for Brexit

Future actions

•  engage with government in response to Covid-19, new policies, and impact on Capita
•  monitor and horizon scan for political, regulatory, and economic developments impacting 

political climate

Covid-19 significantly impacted our ability to maintain financial stability and achieve our 
financial targets, due to the lockdown travel and workplace restrictions. As a result, for a short 
time, we were not able to fully deliver on some of our contractual obligations. We incurred loss 
of revenue in our transactional business and from clients in financial distress.

Mitigation actions in 2020

•  early decision to reduce costs and conserve cash, supported by enhanced finance controls
•  daily cash forecasting to understand overall Group liquidity and revolving credit facility 

requirements

•  focus on ensuring minimal disruption to cash collection cycle through remote working
•  monthly reforecasting evolved as our understanding of the financial situation developed, 
moving from a V-shaped recovery to business by business recovery curves. Projections 
extended to 2021 and the business planning process accelerated

•  took action to address balance sheet concerns through additional asset disposals

Future actions

•  further strengthen the balance sheet, by addressing our debt maturities and targeting more 

non-core disposals

•  implement the new finance target operating model to improve financial forecasting reliability

Risk management

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

57

Strategic  reportRisk  
management 
continued

Viability  
statement 

As previously reported, the multi-year 
transformation plan described in the strategic 
report underpins the viability of the Group and 
Parent Company. The successful delivery of 
the plan will transform Capita, driving 
significant revenue growth from a more 
competitive cost base, and with client solutions 
that are differentiated in the markets in which 
the Group operates. This underpins the 
Board’s consideration of going concern and 
longer-term viability. 

The global pandemic in 2020 introduced 
unprecedented threats for all businesses. 
It highlighted the need for businesses to be 
agile in order to prove resilience in responding 
immediately to the challenges presented, 
including the national lockdowns that were 
imposed. Of paramount importance was 
safeguarding the wellbeing of our employees 
and all our colleagues across our clients and 
supply base. Details of how Capita responded 
to the various challenges are set out in the 
Chairman’s introduction and Chief Executive 
Officer’s review on pages 4 and 5 and 10 to 16.

The base-case projections prepared for the 
going concern (noted on page 129) and 
viability assessments are derived from the 
2021–2023 business plans as approved by the 
Board. These capture the key benefits that the 
transformation plan is expected to deliver, and 
the costs to achieve them. In assessing the 
resilience and viability of the Group, the Board 
has considered not only the execution risk 
associated with the transformation plan, 
but also risks that may crystallise with 
a continuation of the pandemic and 
associated lockdowns.

In assessing viability, the Board has 
considered a three-year period as there is 
sufficient clarity to consider the business 
prospects and provide a foundation to stress 
test against severe but plausible downside 
scenarios. The high level of uncertainty as 
to how Covid-19 might evolve over 2021 
and 2022 and the continuing impact on the 
economies and end markets makes precise 
forecasting challenging. There is a higher 

58

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

degree of uncertainty than would usually be 
the case in assessing viability. Accordingly, 
the Board has applied a higher level of caution 
than in prior years in evaluating the severe but 
plausible downsides in order to gauge the 
resilience of the Group and Parent Company 
to unexpected risks arising. 

The risks applied have not been probability 
weighted but rather consider the impact should 
each risk materialise by applying a ‘more likely 
than not’ test (eg more than a one-in-10 chance 
of occurring). These include trading downside 
risks, which assume the transformation plan is 
not successful in delivering the anticipated 
revenue growth and assume a downside that 
also incorporates revenue attrition and further 
impact of Covid-19. The severe downside also 
incorporates potential adverse financial 
impacts that could arise from incidents such as 
data breaches, cyber attacks, controls failures 
and an assessment of the potential fines and 
penalties for any non-compliance with laws 
and regulations.

There are mitigations under the direct control 
of the Group that the Board can action to 
address some of the risks that may crystallise 
under a severe but plausible downside.

While these are available as possible 
short-term mitigations, the Board is mindful 
that some of these mitigations may be 
detrimental to the success of the 
transformation plan.

Therefore, to support the medium- and 
longer-term resilience of the Group, the Board 
is continuing to explore refinancing options, 
together with a continuation of the previously 
announced disposal programme. 

The Board has been exploring a refinancing 
of the debt maturities to reprofile the debt 
repayments to align with the delivery of 
the transformation plan while also providing 
the financial support necessary to complete 
the required investments. While refinancing 
was not completed in 2020, the Board 
successfully arranged backstop facilities in 
February and August 2020, is in discussion 
with lenders, and is targeting completion of 
a refinancing in 2021. 

In addition to the refinancing options, the 
Board has approved a continuation of the 
previously announced disposal programme, 
which covers businesses that do not align 
with the longer-term strategy of the Group.

The Group has a strong track record of 
executing major planned disposals and the 
Board is confident the approved disposal 
programme can be delivered, given the 
strength of the businesses and the value 
they deliver. The planned disposals will 
introduce considerable net cash proceeds 
to the Group, albeit with a corresponding 
removal of consolidated profits associated 
with these businesses.

The Board recognises that any refinancing 
would require third-party agreements from 
lenders. Furthermore, the disposal programme 
requires agreement from third parties, and 
major disposals may be subject to shareholder 
and lender approval. Such agreements and 
approvals are outside the direct control of the 
Company. Accordingly, these events give rise 
to material uncertainties, as defined in auditing 
and accounting standards, relating to events 
and circumstances which may cast significant 
doubt on the Group and Parent Company’s 
ability to continue as a viable concern.

Based on this assessment, and reflecting the 
Board’s confidence in the transformation plan, 
ability to refinance, and execution of the 
approved disposal programme, the Board has 
a reasonable expectation that the Group and 
Parent Company will be able to continue in 
operation and meet its liabilities as they fall 
due over the period of the viability assessment. 

The strategic report was approved by the 
Board and signed on behalf of the Board:

Francesca Todd
Group Company Secretary 
16 March 2021
Capita plc 
Registered in England and Wales 
No. 2081330

Strategic  reportCorporate 
governance

Better 
outcomes

Capita is committed to helping 
tackle climate change and 
recently set science-based 
carbon emissions reduction 
targets for the business to be 
achieved by 2030, in line with 
internationally agreed ambitions 
to limit global warming by 1.5°C. 
As a purpose-led responsible 
business, we are well underway 
in defining our pathway towards 
becoming net zero, and we 
support the UK Government’s 
initiative on mandatory climate-
related disclosures. For more 
detail see page 44.

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

59

Corporate governanceChairman’s  
report

Chairman’s report

“ From the onset of the pandemic, 
all Board and committee meetings 
were successfully held remotely using 
video‑conferencing technology.”

  Sir Ian Powell
  Chairman

Transparency of listed company governance has become 
increasingly significant, especially given the need to operate 
through the pandemic in 2020. I am therefore pleased to 
introduce the corporate governance section of this Annual 
Report and present my introductory statement on Board 
governance during 2020. 

Board leadership

The directors of the Company in office at the date of this report are 
listed on pages 60 and 61. The only change to the Board during 2020 
was the resignation of Patrick Butcher with effect from 16 November 
2020 and the appointment on the same date of Gordon Boyd in 
his place as interim Chief Financial Officer while we recruit a 
permanent replacement. 

Baroness Lucy Neville-Rolfe was appointed director and chair of Crown 
Agents Limited, a not-for-profit international development company, with 
effect from 1 December 2020 and also stepped down as chairman of 
Assured Food Standards.

We remain committed to workforce engagement and highly value the 
engagement of our employee non-executive directors, Lyndsay Browne 
and Joseph Murphy, in Board discussions. We believe it is important to 
bring their contributions also into Board committee meetings hence the 
formal appointment during the year of Lyndsay to the Remuneration 
Committee and Joseph to the Audit and Risk Committee. We have also 
extended Joseph’s two-year term as employee non-executive director by 
12 months. We had intended to stagger the replacement of each employee 
non-executive director but, as a result of Covid-19, the Board felt it was 
more appropriate to postpone the selection process for 12 months. 

Board diversity

A diverse board broadens perspectives, enriches debate and ultimately 
improves the quality of decision making, and we actively seek to improve 
the diversity of the Board. I am pleased that we continue to exceed the 
33% target for female representation and that our ethnic diversity has 
improved with the recent appointment of Neelam Dhawan. Further 
information on diversity in the Group is on page 46.

Female representation

36%

33%

36%

31 Dec 2020

1 March 2021

11 May 2021

Reappointment of directors

Except for Andrew Williams, all members of the Board will stand for 
re-election (Gordon Boyd, David Lowden and Neelam Dhawan for 
election) at the annual general meeting (AGM) in May. Andrew has 
been a valued member of the Board for over six years, but has decided 
not to seek re-election at the AGM due to the ongoing significant time 
commitment required of him as CEO of Halma plc. All continuing 
Board members have received a formal performance evaluation which 
demonstrates that each director continues to be effective and committed 
to the role.

Meeting schedule

The Board has a standing schedule to meet six times a year but holds 
further meetings as required. Board and committee meetings are 
structured around the Company’s financial calendar. Agenda planning 
is undertaken in advance of every meeting to ensure an appropriate 
allocation of time to important topics. From the onset of the pandemic in 
March 2020, all Board and committee meetings were successfully held 
remotely using video-conferencing technology. 

Senior management

We review regularly the structure of our businesses and management to 
ensure they remain appropriate. The Executive Committee comprises 
the divisional executive officers and functional heads under the Chief 
Executive Officer’s leadership. Further detail about the Executive 
Committee can be found on pages 61 and 62.

Board effectiveness

Gillian Sheldon retired from the Board on 28 February 2021 after eight 
and a half years and was replaced as Senior Independent Director on 
1 March 2021 by David Lowden who was appointed a non-executive 
director on 1 January 2021. We also appointed Neelam Dhawan, an 
experienced leader in the technology industry, to the Board as non-
executive director, on 1 March 2021.

Corporate governance principles
We continue to pursue high standards of corporate governance and 
business practice, including the principles embodied in the 2018 UK 
Corporate Governance Code, which permeate all aspects of the Board’s 
activity and are reflected throughout this Annual Report. Further details 
on the application of these principles are signposted below: 

We are careful to ensure an appropriate balance of time commitments 
for each Board member. Directorships are reviewed twice a year and 
any proposed external appointment is considered carefully. With effect 
from 1 April 2021, Matthew Lester was appointed non-executive director 
of Intermediate Capital Group plc but, taking into account his non-
executive portfolio, it was not considered by the Board to be excessive. 

Leadership and purpose: articulation of Capita’s purpose on the inside 
front cover and pages 1-3.

Division of responsibilities: governance framework on page 67.

Composition, succession and evaluation: Nomination Committee 
report on page 78 and Board evaluation section below.

60

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Corporate governanceAudit, risk and internal control: Audit and Risk Committee report 
on page 80, and internal control and risk management statement on 
pages 50-57.

Remuneration: Remuneration Committee report on page 90.

Culture
Company culture is a very important element of any business 
transformation. The Board receives regular reports on HR activities that 
enable it to monitor developments in the Group’s culture and provide 
supportive challenge to management. The dashboard below is an 
aggregation of key measures informing the Board’s assessment of culture, 
and further information on each of these, and the Group’s approach to 
investing in and rewarding its workforce, is set out in the people and 
responsible business sections of the strategic report on pages 40 to 49.

Metric

Movement in employee net promoter score 
(a measure of employee satisfaction)

People survey response rate (a measure 
of employee engagement)

Employee rating of manager commitments 
(a measure of how managers live our values 
and demonstrate our behaviours) 

Voluntary turnover (a measure of employee 
commitment)

2020

2019

+7 points

+14 points

72%

82%

72%

81%

20%

23%

Board evaluation
Board evaluation is undertaken annually, with external evaluation 
every three years. The last external evaluation was undertaken in 2018 
by Independent Board Evaluation. Key findings from the 2019 internal 
evaluation, together with actions taken in 2020 are set out below:

Finding from 2019 evaluation

Action in 2020

Remuneration framework – 
in conjunction with the 
Remuneration Committee 
allocate more time for ongoing 
consideration and review of 
framework for executive director 
and workforce remuneration.

During 2020 a review of the Long 
Term Incentive Plan for executive 
management was undertaken. A proposal 
was prepared and a consultation with 
shareholders commenced in December 
2020. A new policy is being presented to 
shareholders at the forthcoming AGM. 
Appropriate time allocation was made to 
consider workforce remuneration in 2020.

Risk management framework 
– in conjunction with the Audit 
and Risk Committee have greater 
oversight of the developing 
framework for risk management.

The enterprise risk management 
framework was presented to the Audit 
and Risk Committee during 2020 and 
detailed presentations made to ensure 
even greater oversight.

During 2020 an internal evaluation of the Board and its committees was 
undertaken by questionnaire and completed by each Board member. The 
results were collated by the Company Secretary for review by the Chairman 
and the findings were presented to the Board. Reports on committees 
were presented to the committee chairs and circulated to the Board.

The evaluation concluded that the Board had performed well during 
the pandemic. Continued delivery of the multi-year transformation 
programme, giving appropriate focus to key strategic issues to ensure 
milestones are met, is a principal Board objective in 2021. 

At a meeting of the Board, the Directors discussed the evaluation and 
its findings, focusing on the following themes and objectives for 2021:

Finding from 2020 evaluation

Proposed actions in 2021

Transformation – ongoing 
development and delivery of the 
transformation strategy including 
balance sheet strength, reduction 
of operational complexity and 
reward incentives to reflect 
the objectives.

Continuation of the operational 
simplification and introduction of a reward 
structure (with the Remuneration 
Committee) for 2021 to support change 
and deliver transformation requirements. 
Proposals to address future balance sheet 
requirements would be a focus during 2021.

Risk management framework – 
with the Audit and Risk Committee 
review changing risk profiles with 
the transformation strategy.

Specific Board time would be allocated to 
further discuss risk profiles and 
frameworks, and ensure that these 
developed in line with the transformation. 

Board time allocation (%)

5

4

3

2

1

1  43% Executive reports (incl. Covid-19) 
2  38% Strategy, transformation and growth 
3  8% Governance (incl. board evaluation) 
4  6% IR / brand / reputation 
5  5% Full and half-year results 

Board directors: length of tenure

Sir Ian Powell (Chairman)

Jon Lewis (CEO)
Gordon Boyd (interim CFO)1
David Lowden2
Matthew Lester

Georgina Harvey

Andrew Williams

John Cresswell

Baroness Lucy Neville-Rolfe
Neelam Dhawan3
Lyndsay Browne

Joseph Murphy

4 years

3 years

4 years

4 months

2 months

1 year

3 years

1 year

1 year

6 years

5 years

2013

2016

2020

1.  Joined the Board on 16 November 2020
2.  Joined the Board on 1 January 2021
3.  Joined the Board on 1 March 2021

Remuneration

We consulted major shareholders to understand their views on a 
proposed new restricted share plan for executive directors. Having 
received shareholder feedback, a revised remuneration policy will be 
put to shareholders for approval at the 2021 AGM. Further details can 
be found in the directors’ remuneration report on page 90. 

Corporate governance and committee reports

The following pages in this section consist of our corporate governance 
and committee reports. I hope that you will find these and the entire 
Annual Report informative. The Board will be happy to receive any 
feedback you may have.

Sir Ian Powell
Chairman
16 March 2021

Chairman’s report

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

61

Corporate  governance Board 
members

Chairman

Executive Directors

Sir Ian Powell

Chairman

N

Jon Lewis 

Gordon Boyd

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Financial Officer (interim)

Appointed: September 2016

Appointed: December 2017

Appointed: November 2020

Independent at appointment: Yes

Key skills and experience: Sir Ian was appointed 
as Non-Executive Director on 1 September 2016 
and as Chairman on 1 January 2017. He is a 
Chartered Accountant and, before his retirement in 
June 2016, was Chairman and Senior Partner of 
PwC UK between 2008 and 2016. 

Other current appointments: Chairman, Police 
Now; trustee of The Old Vic, and of Wellbeing of 
Women; member of the Development Committee, 
The National Gallery; and board member of 
London First.

Key skills and experience: before joining Capita, 
Jon was Chief Executive Officer of Amec Foster 
Wheeler. Prior to that, he had a 20-year career at 
Halliburton Company Inc, where he held a number 
of senior roles, including Senior Vice President and 
member of the Halliburton Executive Committee.

Board responsibilities: managing and developing 
Capita’s business to achieve the Company’s 
strategic objectives.

External appointments: board member of 
Equinor ASA. 

Key skills and experience: a graduate of 
Edinburgh University, Gordon holds accountancy 
and treasury qualifications and an MBA. He has 
completed the advanced management programme 
at Harvard Business School and has more than 30 
years’ experience at major businesses, including as 
CFO of several FTSE 250 companies. He has 
significant experience of leading transformations at 
businesses including SSE, Infinis EDF, Drax Group 
and British Energy. 

Board responsibilities: overall control and 
responsibility for all financial aspects of the 
business’s strategy. 

External appointments: none. 

Independent Non-Executive Directors

David Lowden 

ANR

Matthew Lester 

A

NR

Georgina Harvey 

AN

R

Senior Independent Director

Appointed: March 2017

Appointed: October 2019

Appointed: January 2021

Key skills and experience: David is a highly 
experienced non-executive director, senior 
independent director and chair of UK listed 
companies. He was formerly Chair of Huntsworth 
plc, Senior Independent Director at Berendsen, 
Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee at William 
Hill, Chair of the Audit Committee at Cable & 
Wireless Worldwide plc and Chief Executive 
of Taylor Nelson Sofres plc. 

Other current appointments: Chair of PageGroup 
plc; Non-Executive Director and Senior Independent 
Director of Morgan Sindall Group plc. 

Key skills and experience: Matthew is a Chartered 
Accountant with over 20 years’ experience in senior 
finance roles. He was Group Chief Financial Officer 
of Royal Mail plc from November 2010 to July 2017. 
Matthew served as Group Chief Financial Officer 
for ICAP plc from May 2006 to November 2010. 
Matthew was formerly a Non-Executive Director at 
Barclays plc and he has also held the position of 
Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit and 
Risk Committee at Man Group plc. 

Other current appointments: Chairman of Kier 
Group plc. 

Key skills and experience: Georgina has 
significant experience across highly competitive 
consumer-facing markets and of delivering 
successful transformational change. Prior to her 
current roles, Georgina was Managing Director 
of Regionals and a member of the Executive 
Committee of Trinity Mirror plc from 2005 to 2012.

Other current appointments: Non-Executive and 
Senior Independent Director of McColl’s Retail 
Group plc; and Non-Executive Director of 
Superdry plc.

62

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Key to committees

A – Audit and Risk 
N – Nomination 
R – Remuneration 

 – Committee chair

Corporate governanceIndependent Non-Executive Directors

John Cresswell 

ANR

Neelam Dhawan 

ANR

Baroness Lucy Neville-Rolfe DBE CMG  ANR

Appointed: November 2015

Appointed: March 2021

Appointed: December 2017

Key skills and experience: John has substantial 
experience in leading and growing organisations 
as CEO and executive director. He qualified as a 
Chartered Accountant, has a BSc in Economics and 
Politics, and attended the advanced management 
programme at Harvard Business School. Previously, 
he was CEO of Bibby Line Group and Arqiva and 
held a number of executive director roles on the 
board of ITV plc. 

Other current appointments: member of 
University of Liverpool Management School 
Advisory Board.

Key skills and experience: Neelam has 35 years’ 
leadership experience in the IT industry, where she 
held senior positions in Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft , 
Compaq and IBM with responsibility for a wide range 
of areas including strategy, corporate development, 
software engineering and offshoring. She now 
advises multinationals on business and technology 
transformation and, until recently, was an advisor to 
IBM, helping them navigate through a business and 
talent transformation in India. 

Other current appointments: Non-Executive 
Board Member of ICICI Bank Limited, Yatra Online 
Inc and Skylo Technologies Inc; member of 
Koninklijke Philips NV Supervisory Board. 

Key skills and experience: Baroness Neville-Rolfe 
has been a member of the House of Lords since 
2013, and served between 2014 and 2017 as a 
government minister in the business and culture 
departments, and as Commercial Secretary to the 
Treasury. She worked at Tesco plc from 1997 to 
2013, serving on the board from 2006. She has 
a senior background in international retail, 
governance, legal and regulatory issues, and 
communications. 

Other current appointments: Non-Executive 
Director of Secure Trust Bank plc, Thomson Reuters 
Founders Share Company, and Health Data 
Research UK; Chair of Crown Agents Limited and 
UK-ASEAN Business Council; and member of the 
House of Lords EU Select Committee.

Employee Non-Executive Directors

Andrew Williams  

ANR

Lyndsay Browne 

R

Joseph Murphy 

A

Appointed: January 2015

Appointed: July 2019

Appointed: July 2019

Key skills and experience: Andrew is Chief 
Executive of FTSE 100 company Halma plc, a 
leading specialist in safety, health and environmental 
technologies. He is also a Chartered Engineer and 
a production engineering graduate of Birmingham 
University. He attended the advanced management 
programme at Wharton Business School, University 
of Pennsylvania, in 2004.

Other current appointments: Chief Executive of 
Halma plc; and Non-Executive Director of Cardiff 
Blues Ltd.

Key skills and experience: Lyndsay is a member of 
the Institute of Chartered Accountants (Scotland) 
and has undertaken various finance roles in 
insurance and financial services since joining Capita 
in 2003. She currently works as a finance manager 
in the Specialist Services division and is involved in 
commercial contract management, the finance 
transformation programme and financial reporting. 
Before joining Capita, Lyndsay worked for KPMG 
Audit and Advisory in Glasgow and Bermuda.

Other current appointments: none.

Key skills and experience: Joseph works in the 
technical advisory team in the Real Estate and 
Infrastructure business within Specialist Services. 
He joined Capita in 2015 and is a Chartered Civil 
Engineer with a masters degree in ground 
engineering. His role involves monitoring and 
advising on large infrastructure projects in the 
UK and Europe. His previous experience includes 
engineering design and construction management.

Other current appointments: none.

Further information can be found on: 
capita.com/our-company/about-capita

Directors who served during the year 2020 

Patrick Butcher stepped down from his position as CFO and Executive Director on 16 November 2020.

Gillian Sheldon retired from the Board on 28 February 2021, after eight and a half years.

Board members

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

63

Corporate governanceExecutive 
Committee

Capita’s Executive Committee is chaired by 
Jon Lewis, CEO, and comprises 14 executive 
officers and functional heads, who are entirely 
accountable for their division or function.

The divisions are aligned around five key 
growth markets: Software, People Solutions, 
Customer Management, Government Services 
and Technology Solutions. Alongside them sits 
the sixth division, Specialist Services. 

Jon Lewis

Gordon Boyd

Chief Executive Officer 

Chief Financial Officer (interim)

Jon is responsible for the overall management and 
development of Capita, to achieve its strategic 
objectives – and return the business to organic 
growth and sustainable free cash flow.

Gordon is responsible for setting financial strategy 
and policy, and for implementing a framework of 
business controls to support Capita’s transformation 
and sustainable growth. He is also responsible for 
the internal audit and commercial functions.

Ismail Amla

Chief Growth Officer

Chris Baker

Executive Officer, Software

Ismail is responsible for supporting Capita’s 
transformation and organic growth plans, and driving 
change in the sales model. He is also responsible 
for Capita’s consulting business , the sales and 
marketing function and Capita’s market strategy.

Chris leads one of the UK’s largest software 
companies with market-leading positions in sectors 
such as education, emergency services and local 
government. Its specialist enterprise products also 
serve cross-sector markets, in the UK and overseas.

Claire Chapman

Chief General Counsel

Claire provides expert and strategic legal advice, 
with a focus on legal and regulatory risk 
management, mergers and acquisitions, corporate 
projects, governance and contracts. She is also 
responsible for compliance, privacy, clinical 
governance and company secretarial functions.

Aimie Chapple

Executive Officer, Customer Management

Aimie leads the division which delivers multi-channel 
customer experience services across the UK and 
internationally, for many leading brands in sectors 
ranging from telecommunications and utilities, to 
financial services and technology innovation.

64

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Corporate governanceMark Cook

Garry Dryburgh

Chantal Free

Executive Officer, Technology Solutions

Chief Transformation Officer

Executive Officer, People Solutions

Mark leads the division which provides digital 
technology solutions for enterprise workspace and 
connectivity to external public and private sector 
clients. He is also responsible for Capita’s central 
Group IT function.

Garry is responsible for developing, orchestrating 
and communicating the company’s multi-year 
transformation programme, aiming to achieve the 
right balance between short-term improvement and 
delivery of Capita’s long-term vision. 

Chantal leads the division which solves large public 
and private clients’ most complex people issues 
across the entire employment lifecycle from 
resourcing, learning and employee experience, 
to pensions consulting and administration.

Rupert Green

Katja Hall

Will Serle

Chief Corporate Development Officer

Director of Corporate Affairs

Chief People Officer

Rupert is responsible for Capita’s corporate strategy 
development; investor relations; and for mergers, 
acquisitions and divestments.

Katja is responsible for internal and external 
communications, including employee engagement, 
public affairs, media relations and responsible 
business, while providing strategic and reputational 
guidance to the leadership team.

Will is responsible for delivery of the company’s HR 
and people strategy, supporting and advising the 
organisation to evolve Capita’s culture and ways of 
working for all its employees.

Andy Start

Jim Vincent

Executive Officer, Government Services

Executive Officer, Specialist Services

Andy leads the division which is a strategic partner 
to government in the application of digital 
transformation to improve the productivity of 
operations and to help deliver essential services 
to millions of customers.

Jim leads the division which comprises a portfolio 
of standalone businesses and commercial ventures, 
providing a diverse range of services to private and 
public sector clients.

Executive Committee

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

65

Corporate governanceCorporate  
governance statement

Committed to 
high standards 
of governance

Corporate Governance Code

Capita plc and its subsidiaries (the Group) are committed to maintaining 
high standards of corporate governance. The UK Corporate Governance 
Code 2018 (the Code) applies to accounting periods beginning on or 
after 1 January 2019 and is available from the Financial Reporting 
Council’s website, www.frc.org.uk. Throughout the accounting period 
to which this report relates, the Company complied with all relevant 
provisions set out in sections 1 to 5 of the Code except for provisions 
24 and 32 (audit and remuneration committees respectively to comprise 
independent non-executive directors) as Joseph Murphy (member of the 
Audit and Risk Committee) and Lyndsay Browne (member of the 
Remuneration Committee) are both non-executive employee directors 
and therefore not considered independent. However, the Board felt that 
the value of the employee perspective brought by Lyndsay and Joseph 
to Board meetings should be replicated on those two committees. 
The formal appointment of each of them to the respective committee 
demonstrates the Group’s commitment to employee engagement and 
the value of diversity of perspective being more important than a purely 
compliance-driven approach to the Code.

Board changes during the year

On 16 November 2020, Gordon Boyd was appointed interim CFO in 
place of Patrick Butcher, who resigned with effect from the same date. 
Further information on Board changes is set out in the Nomination 
Committee report on page 78.

Board changes after year-end

On 1 January 2021, David Lowden was appointed a Non-Executive 
Director and Senior Independent Director (SID) designate. David 
succeeded Gillian Sheldon as SID on 1 March 2021 following Gillian’s 
planned retirement from the Board on 28 February 2021 after eight and 
a half years. In addition, Neelam Dhawan was appointed an additional 
non-executive director with effect from 1 March 2021.

Board composition

At 31 December 2020, the Board comprised 11 directors, made up of the 
Chairman, CEO, CFO, six independent non-executive directors and two 
employee non-executive directors. Details of each director’s experience 
are set out in the directors’ biographies on pages 62 and 63. 

Non-executive employee 
directors

Lyndsay Browne
Joseph Murphy

Non-executive employee 
directors

Lyndsay Browne
Joseph Murphy

Board composition at 31 December 2020:

Executive 
directors

Jon Lewis
Gordon Boyd

Independent non-
executive directors
Sir Ian Powell1
Gillian Sheldon
Matthew Lester
Georgina Harvey
John Cresswell
Andrew Williams
Baroness Lucy
Neville-Rolfe

1.  Independent on appointment in accordance with the Code.

Board composition at the date of this report:

Executive 
directors

Jon Lewis
Gordon Boyd

Independent non-
executive directors
Sir Ian Powell1
David Lowden
Matthew Lester
Georgina Harvey

John Cresswell
Andrew Williams
Baroness Lucy 
Neville-Rolfe
Neelam Dhawan

1.  Independent on appointment in accordance with the Code.

Board meetings and attendance

During 2020, the Board held six scheduled meetings. Additional ad hoc 
meetings are held as required. Attendance of the directors at Board and 
committee meetings is shown below; the maximum number of meetings 
a director could attend is in brackets. 

Sir Ian Powell1
Jon Lewis
Gordon Boyd2
Gillian Sheldon
Matthew Lester
John Cresswell
Georgina Harvey3
Andrew Williams
Baroness Lucy 
Neville-Rolfe4
Lyndsay Browne
Joseph Murphy
Patrick Butcher2

Board
meetings

Audit and
Risk
Committee

Remuneration
Committee

Nomination
Committee

6(6)
6(6)
1(1)
6(6)
6(6)
6(6)
6(6)
6(6)

5(6)
6(6)
6(6)
5(5)

n/a
n/a
n/a
6(6)
6(6)
6(6) 
5(6)
6(6)

6(6)
n/a
5(5)
n/a

n/a
n/a
n/a
5(5)
5(5)
5(5)
5(5)
5(5)

4(5)
3(3)
n/a
n/a

3(3)
n/a
n/a
3(3)
3(3)
3(3)
3(3)
3(3)

3(3)
n/a
n/a
n/a

Composition of the Board at 31 December 2020 and at the date of this 
report is shown in the tables opposite.

1.   Sir Ian Powell is not a member of the Audit and Risk or Remuneration committees, but was 

invited to, and attended, all meetings.

2.   Gordon Boyd was appointed to and Patrick Butcher resigned from the Board on 

16 November 2020.

3.   Georgina Harvey was unable to attend a meeting of the Audit and Risk Committee due to 

a pre-existing commitment to attend a meeting of another company. 

4.   Baroness Lucy Neville-Rolfe was unable to attend a meeting of the Board and a meeting of 

the Remuneration Committee due to pre-existing commitments with the House of Lords and 
another company of which she is a director.

Meetings held outside the normal schedule need to be flexible 
and are often held by telephone or video-conference.

66

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Corporate governanceAny director’s absence from Board or committee meetings was 
previously agreed with the Chairman of the Board or relevant 
committee and the CEO.

The Board

During 2020, the following formal director meetings took place:

Role of the Board

•  The Chairman held one-to-one individual review sessions 

with each executive director and each non-executive director.

•  The non-executive directors met without executive directors.

•  The non-executive directors met with just the CEO.

•  The non-executive directors met without the Chairman, 

led by the senior independent director.

Board leadership

There is a clear division of responsibility between the running 
of the Board by Sir Ian Powell as Chairman and responsibility 
for the running of the Group’s business by Jon Lewis as CEO.

Sir Ian as Chairman and Gillian Sheldon as Senior Independent Director 
have held meetings comprising solely the non-executive directors. 
Gillian also met with the non-executive directors without Sir Ian. Both 
Sir Ian and David Lowden (SID with effect from 1 March 2021) are 
available to meet with significant shareholders when requested.

Governance and strategy

The Group recognises the contribution made by good governance 
to the Company’s success and changes made at both Board and 
Executive Committee level demonstrate the importance of embedding 
the right structures with the right people to deliver the Group’s 
strategy. The connection between governance and delivery of 
strategy is reflected throughout this Annual Report.

In addition to their statutory duties, the directors must ensure that 
the Board focuses effectively on all its accountabilities.

Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 requires directors to act in 
a way they consider, in good faith, would be most likely to promote the 
success of the Company for the benefit of shareholders as a whole. 
In doing so, the directors must have regard (among other matters) to:

•  the likely consequences of any decision in the long term

•  the interests of the Company’s employees

•  the need to foster business relationships with suppliers, clients 

and others

•  the impact of the Company’s operations on the community and 

the environment

•  the desirability of the Company maintaining a reputation for high 

standards of business conduct

•  the need to act fairly towards all shareholders of the Company. 

The Board determines the strategic objectives and policies of the 
Group to best support the delivery of long-term value, providing 
overall strategic direction within an appropriate framework of rewards, 
incentives and controls. The Board is collectively responsible for 
the success of the Company directors’ roles are set out opposite. 
Following presentations by executive and divisional management, 
and a disciplined process of review and challenge by the Board, 
clear decisions on policy or strategy are adopted, and the executive 
management are fully empowered to implement those decisions.

Stakeholder interests and the matters listed above are factored into 
all Board discussions and decisions. For more information, please 
refer to the section 172 statement on page 38.

To promote Capita’s long-term sustainable success, generating value  
for shareholders and contributing to wider society.

Matters reserved for the Board

•  Strategy and management

•  Major contracts

•  Structure and capital

•  Shareholder communication

•  Financial reporting

•  Internal controls

•  Board membership

Nomination 
Committee

•  Board and 
committee 
composition

•  Succession  
planning

•  Diversity

•  People strategy

Read more on  
page 78

Audit and Risk 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

•  External audit

•  Remuneration policy

•  Financial reporting

•  Remuneration 

•  Risk management 

principles

and internal controls

•  Incentive design and 

•  Internal audit

Read more on  
page 80

setting of targets

•  Executive and 

senior management 
remuneration

Read more on  
page 90

Role of the directors

Chairman

Non-executive directors

The Chairman is responsible  
for leadership of the Board and 
ensuring its effectiveness on all 
aspects of its role. This includes 
setting the Board’s agenda and 
ensuring that adequate time is 
available for discussion of all  
agenda items, in particular strategic  
issues. The Chairman should also 
promote a culture of openness and 
debate, by facilitating the effective 
contribution of non-executive 
directors in particular and ensuring 
constructive relations between 
executive and non-executive 
directors. The Chairman is 
responsible for ensuring that  
the directors receive accurate, 
timely and clear information, and 
should ensure there is effective 
communication with shareholders.

Senior independent director

The senior independent director 
acts as a sounding board for  
the Chairman on Board-related 
matters, chairs meetings in the 
absence of the Chairman, acts  
as an intermediary for other 
directors when necessary, leads 
the evaluation of the Chair’s 
performance, leads the search for  
a new Chair, when necessary, and 
is available to shareholders who 
wish to discuss matters which 
cannot be resolved otherwise.

The non-executive directors should 
constructively challenge and help 
develop proposals on strategy. They 
should scrutinise the performance 
of management in meeting agreed 
goals and objectives, and monitor 
the reporting of performance. They 
should satisfy themselves on the 
integrity of financial information and 
that financial controls and systems 
of risk management are robust and 
defensible. They are responsible for 
determining appropriate levels of 
remuneration of executive directors and 
have a prime role in appointing and, 
where necessary, removing executive 
directors, and in succession planning.

Executive directors

The executive directors are responsible 
for the day-to-day running of all aspects of 
the Group’s business. This responsibility 
is different from the Chairman’s role 
in running the Board. The role of CEO 
is separate from that of Chairman to 
ensure that no one individual has 
unfettered powers of decision making.

Non-executive  
employee directors

The non-executive employee 
directors are appointed from  
the workforce to contribute  
an employee perspective  
to Board discussions. This is a key 
element of the Board’s approach to 
employee engagement.

Corporate governance statement

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

67

Corporate  governance Corporate  
governance statement 
continued

Board independence

Board of directors’ induction and training

Non-executive directors are required to be independent in character 
and judgement. All relationships that may interfere materially with this 
judgement are disclosed as required under the conflicts of interest 
policy (see page 70). The Board has determined that, except for the 
employee non-executive directors, all the non-executive directors 
who served during the year were independent and that, before and 
upon appointment as Chairman, Sir Ian Powell met the criteria of 
independence as outlined in the Code.

Board composition is a deliberate balance of newer and longer 
standing members, and reflects the ongoing review and refreshment 
of Board membership to ensure a balance of skills and experience 
appropriate for the broad nature of Capita’s businesses. The breadth 
of tenure and experience of the non-executive directors means the 
Board is well positioned to advise, challenge and support executive 
management during this period of transformation.

The Board believes that each of the non-executives has retained 
independence of character and judgement and has not formed 
associations with management or others that may compromise 
their ability to exercise independent judgement or act in the best 
interests of the Group. The Board is satisfied that no conflict of interest 
exists for any director. This matter is a standing agenda item at Board 
meetings (see page 70).

Matters reserved for the Board

A formal schedule of matters reserved for the Board has been 
adopted and these include, but are not limited to:

•  Strategy and management, including responsibility for the overall 
leadership of the Group, setting the Group’s purpose, values and 
strategy, and monitoring alignment with culture.

•  Structure and capital, including changes relating to the Group’s 
capital structure and major changes to the Group’s corporate 
structure, including acquisitions and disposals, and changes 
to the Group’s management and control structure.

•  Financial reporting, including the approval of the Annual Report, 
half-yearly report, trading statements, preliminary announcement 
for the final results and dividend, treasury and accounting policies.

•  Internal controls, ensuring that the Group manages risk effectively 

by approving its risk appetite and monitoring aggregate risk exposures.

•  Contracts, including approval of all major capital projects and major 

investments, including the acquisition or disposal of interests of 
more than 3% in the voting shares of any company or the making 
of any takeover offer.

Following appointment to the Board, all new directors receive an 
induction tailored to their individual requirements. They are encouraged 
to meet and be briefed on the roles of key people across the Group 
and have open access to all business areas and employees to build 
up an appropriate level of knowledge of the business that extends 
beyond formal papers and presentations to the Board. All directors 
have received an appropriate induction for their roles within Capita, 
including some or all of the following:

•  The nature of the Group, its business, markets and relationships.

•  Meetings with the external auditor, lawyers, brokers and relevant 

operational and functional senior management.

•  Board procedures, including meeting protocols, committee activities 

and terms of reference, and matters reserved for the Board.

•  Overviews of the business via monthly performance review reports.

•  The Group approach to risk management.

Ongoing training and briefings are also given to all directors, including 
external courses as required.

A tailored induction programme was prepared for the interim CFO to 
ensure he was properly equipped to fulfil his role.

Group Company Secretary

All Board members have access to independent advice on any 
matters relating to their responsibilities as directors and as members 
of the various committees of the Board at the Group’s expense.

Francesca Todd, as Group Company Secretary, is available to all 
directors and is responsible for ensuring that all Board procedures 
are complied with.

The Group Company Secretary has direct access and responsibility 
to the chairs of the standing committees and open access to all the 
directors. The Group Company Secretary has been appointed as 
Secretary to the Audit and Risk, Remuneration, and Nomination 
committees to ensure that there are no conflicts of interest. The Group 
Company Secretary meets regularly with the Chairman of the Board, 
the Chairs of the Audit and Risk, and Remuneration committees, 
and briefs them on areas of governance and committee requirements.

The Chief General Counsel oversees the Group’s legal and regulatory 
capability, as a separate function from the role of Group Company 
Secretary. The two roles collaborate closely but, in order to avoid a 
conflict of interest, the Group Company Secretary is solely responsible 
for Board and Group governance.

•  Ensuring satisfactory communication with shareholders.

Shareholder engagement

•  Board membership and other appointments, including changes 
to the structure, size and composition of the Board, and succession 
planning for the Board and senior management.

There is an active engagement programme with the Company’s 
investors. The executive directors meet regularly with institutional 
investors to discuss and obtain feedback on the business, performance, 
strategy and corporate governance, and address any issues of 
concern. This is undertaken through a combination of roadshows, 
group or one-to-one meetings and attendance at investor conferences. 
The Chairman also met regularly with existing institutional shareholders 
throughout the year.

The investor relations team has day-to-day responsibility for 
managing investor communications and always acts in close 
consultation with the Board. All members of the Board, including 
the non-executive directors, receive a report on any significant 
discussions with shareholders and anonymous feedback that 
follows the annual and half-yearly presentations to investment 
analysts and institutional investors. Analyst reports concerning 
Capita are circulated to the directors and the Board is kept 
informed of changes in the share register.

68

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Corporate governancePrincipal decisions

Principal decision* 

Impact on long-term sustainable success

Stakeholder considerations

Staff furlough, 
voluntary pay 
reductions and 
flexible working: At the 
onset of Covid-19 and 
introduction of initial 
lockdown restrictions, 
6% of staff were placed 
on furlough, higher paid 
staff, including the 
Board, took voluntary 
pay reductions for six 
months and c. 85% of 
the workforce moved 
rapidly into remote 
working.

Disposal of Education 
Software Solutions 
(ESS) business

Culture: Working culture has changed dramatically 
now that teams collaborate remotely using 
video-conferencing technology. The rapid move 
to remote working was welcomed by many staff 
but a challenge to others. Staff have reacted 
positively overall.

Our people: Decision would have high impact on 
workforce – wellbeing and mental health would 
need supporting. A digital wellbeing hub was 
established and, as the pandemic continued, views 
from the workforce were obtained via a future ways 
of working survey.

Principal risks: Furlough and temporary voluntary 
pay reductions were necessary to support the 
short-term financial position. Additional guidance 
and support were needed to address the increased 
risk to data, information and IT systems from remote 
working and the impact on employee wellbeing.

Clients and customers: Clients recognised the 
need for Capita staff delivering their services to 
move to remote working and they supported our 
business continuity actions. Additional measures 
to support remote working were required to assure 
service delivery.

Further details

People section on 
page 42.

Society: Staff delivering certain essential public 
sector client services were classified as key 
workers – office arrangements were tailored 
accordingly to ensure their safety and to support 
continuity of service delivery.

Investors: Financial stability is a key shareholder 
concern and the disposal both strengthens Capita’s 
financial position and forms part of the ongoing 
simplification of the Group.

CFO review on page 19

Strategy: ESS is a standalone provider of 
management information system software and 
the disposal fitted strategically with the focus on 
a portfolio of software capabilities better aligned 
to Capita’s core services and markets.

Principal risks: The disposal addressed principal 
financial stability risk – sale proceeds will be used to 
strengthen the balance sheet by reducing net debt 
and pension liabilities.

*   Principal decisions are those that are material to the Group and/or significant to any of our key stakeholder groups.

The investor relations team, Chairman and Chair of the 
Remuneration Committee engaged with shareholders ahead 
of the 2020 AGM to discuss governance and remuneration issues.

In December 2020, the Chair of the Remuneration Committee began 
a consultation with Capita’s top investors on proposed changes to the 
remuneration policy, including a discussion on support to a move to 
Restricted Share Awards. Further details are set out in the directors’ 
remuneration report.

Shareholder meetings
Shareholders are normally encouraged to attend the AGM but, due to 
Covid-19 restrictions, shareholder meetings in 2020 were held as closed 
meetings and a question and answer facility was made available to 
shareholders on the Company’s website. Information for shareholders is 
available on the Company’s website www.capita.com. The non-
executive directors are normally available to meet with shareholders 
to understand their views more fully. The Chairman is normally available 
to meet with Capita’s significant shareholders. Directors, including chairs 
of the various committees, are normally present at the AGM, subject to 
Covid-19 restrictions, to answer any questions. 

Shareholder communications
In addition to the AGM, shareholders can access up-to-date information 
through the Group’s website at www.capita.com. Shareholders can 
also view their holdings by using the Signal shares shareholder portal, 
a service offered by Link Asset Services, the Group’s registrar, at 
www.capitashares.co.uk. The Signal shares portal is an online service 
enabling shareholders to quickly and easily access and maintain their 
shareholding online. Shareholders can also contact Link by email at 
enquiries@linkgroup.co.uk. Link also provides a telephone helpline, 

0371 664 0300, calls are charged at the standard geographic rate and 
will vary by provider. Calls outside the United Kingdom will be charged 
at the applicable international rate. Lines are open between 9.00am 
and 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays in England 
and Wales. 

Business relationships

Details regarding relationships with suppliers, clients and others, 
together with further cross-references, are provided in the section 
172 statement on page 38.

Remuneration Committee

Details of the Remuneration Committee and its activities are given 
in the directors’ remuneration report on pages 90.

Risk management and internal control

The Board monitors the Company’s risk management and internal 
control systems and carries out an annual review of their effectiveness. 
The Audit and Risk Committee report contains further details. 
The monitoring and review includes all material controls, including 
financial, operational and compliance controls. This process is 
regularly reviewed by the Board. The Group’s key internal control 
procedures are fully documented within the strategic report on pages 
50 to 53.

Corporate governance statement

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

69

Corporate  governance Corporate  
governance statement 
continued

Furthermore, through the operation of the risk governance process, 
the directors confirm, for the purposes of provision 28 of the Code, 
that they have carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks 
facing the Group, including those that would threaten its business 
model, future performance, solvency or liquidity. A description of 
those risks, together with how they are being managed or mitigated, 
is set out on pages 54 to 57.

Election to apply FRS 101 – reduced disclosure framework
The parent company continues to apply UK GAAP in the preparation 
of its individual financial statements in accordance with FRS 101 
and these are contained in section 7 of the financial statements on 
pages 191 to 202. FRS 101 applies IFRS as adopted by the European 
Union with certain disclosure exemptions. No objections have been 
received from shareholders.

Other statutory and regulatory information

Strategic report
The Company is required to prepare a fair review of the business of 
the Group during the financial year ended 31 December 2020 and of the 
position of the Group at the end of the financial year, and a description 
of the principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group (known as 
a ‘strategic report’). The purpose of the strategic report is to enable 
shareholders to assess how the directors have performed their duty 
under section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 (duty to promote the 
success of the Company). The information that fulfils the requirements 
of the strategic report can be found on pages 1–58. Details of the 
Group’s business goals, strategy and model are on pages 2, 3, 6 and 7.

Corporate governance report
The corporate governance statement as required by Rule 7.2.1 of the 
Financial Conduct Authority’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency 
Rules (DTRs) is set out on pages 66 to 76.

Management report
For the purposes of Rule 4.1.5R(2) and Rule 4.1.8R of the DTRs, this 
directors’ report and the strategic report on pages 1 to 58 comprise the 
management report.

Post-balance sheet events 
The following events occurred after 31 December 2020 and before the 
approval of the consolidated financial statements but have not resulted 
in adjustments to the 2020 financial results:

Disposal of Education Software Solutions (ESS): the disposal of the 
ESS business to Tiger UK Bidco Limited, a newly formed company 
established by funds advised by Montagu Private Equity (Montagu) 
completed on 1 February 2021. Cash proceeds of £298.5m were 
received, with net assets disposed of £51.8m and estimated disposal 
costs of £28.9m (of which £20.6m were accrued for at 31 December 
2020). As a result, we expect to record a total gain on disposal of 
approximately £217.8m. Montagu has also agreed to invest in ParentPay 
(Holdings) Limited (ParentPay), a provider of education technology. 
Following successful completion of both investments, ESS will become 
part of ParentPay Group. An additional sum of £45m will subsequently 
be payable to Capita once Montagu’s agreed investment in ParentPay 
has achieved regulatory approval.

Royal Navy training contract: Capita signed a contract to provide training 
services to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines in January 2021. Capita 
will transform and modernise the Royal Navy’s shore-based training 
across 16 sites in the UK as the lead partner in a consortium which 
includes Raytheon UK, Elbit Systems UK, Fujitsu and several smaller 
British suppliers. The contract will be worth an estimated £1.0bn for 
Capita over 12 years, with opportunities to deliver further training 
according to the Royal Navy’s requirements. This is an addition of 
£0.9bn to the Group’s order book in 2021.

Put option expiry: The Group has a 51% controlling interest in AXELOS 
Limited. There was a put option in place where by the Group could 
be required to acquire the non-controlling interest. This option 
expired without being exercised on 28 February 2021, and the relating 
liability derecognised.

Appointment, reappointment and removal of directors
Directors are appointed and may be removed in accordance with 
the Articles of Association of the Company and the provisions of 
the Companies Act 2006. All directors are subject to election at the first 
AGM after their appointment and, in accordance with Provision 18 of the 
Code, to annual re-election thereafter. A resolution to re-elect each 
director will therefore be proposed at the AGM on 11 May 2021.

No person, other than a director retiring at the meeting, shall be 
appointed or reappointed a director of the Company at any general 
meeting unless they are recommended by the directors.

No person, other than a director retiring at a general meeting as set 
out above, shall be appointed or reappointed unless between seven 
and 35 days’ notice, executed by a member qualified to vote on the 
appointment or reappointment, has been given to the Company of 
the intention to propose that person for appointment or reappointment, 
together with notice executed by that person of his/her willingness 
to be appointed or reappointed.

Group activities
Capita is a purpose-led and responsible business which exists to create 
better outcomes for all its stakeholders. Our strategy is to simplify and 
strengthen in order to succeed. Capita’s business model is based upon 
being a consulting, transformation and digital services organisation. 
We deliver innovative solutions to simplify the connections between 
businesses and customers, and between government and citizens. We 
partner with clients to transform their businesses and services. A review 
of the development of the Group and its business activities during the 
year is contained in the strategic report on pages 1 to 58. The 
operational and financial performance of its divisions are detailed on 
pages 26 to 37.

Results and dividends
The Group’s reported loss before tax amounted to £(49.4)m 
from continued operations (2019: £(62.6)m loss). As previously 
announced, the directors do not recommend the payment of a final 
dividend (2019: nil). The total dividend for the year was nil (2019: nil). 
The employee benefit trust, which holds shares for the purpose 
of satisfying employee share scheme awards, has waived its right 
to receive future dividends on shares held within the trust.

Conflicts of interest
Under the Companies Act 2006, directors are under an obligation 
to avoid situations in which their interests can or do conflict, or may 
possibly conflict, with those of the Company. A policy and procedures 
are in place for identifying, disclosing, evaluating and managing conflicts 
so that Board decisions are not compromised by a conflicted director. 
The Company’s Articles of Association give the Board power to authorise 
matters that give rise to actual or potential conflicts. Procedures are 
reviewed annually to ensure they are operating effectively.

All conflicts of interest are reviewed annually by the Board and included 
in year-end attestations by the directors. None of the directors of the 
Company has a material interest in any contract with the Company or 
its subsidiary undertakings, other than their contracts of employment.

70

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Corporate governanceMajor shareholders

At 31 December 2020, the Company had received notifications in accordance with the DTRs that the following were interested in the Company’s shares: 

Shareholder

RWC Asset Management LLP
Schroders plc
Marathon Asset Management LLP
River and Mercantile Asset Management LLP 
Veritas Asset Management LLP1
Ninety One UK Limited 
BlackRock Inc.
Invesco Ltd 
Veritas Funds PLC
Vanguard Group Inc.
Jupiter Asset Management Limited

1.   Includes the holding of Veritas Funds PLC.

Number of
shares

300,200,371
249,517,951
86,576,890
85,996,707
83,131,892
76,779,117
74,230,358
70,883,236
55,009,900
54,711,874
53,573,060

% of 
voting rights at
31 December 
2020

17.99
14.95
5.19
5.15
4.98
4.60
4.45
4.24
3.30
3.28
3.21

Number of
shares direct

Number of
shares indirect

–
–
–
85,996,707
–
–
–
–
–
54,711,874
–

300,200,371
249,517,951
86,576,890
–
83,131,892
76,779,117
74,230,358
70,883,236
55,009,900
–
53,573,060

On 11 March 2021, notification in accordance with the DTRs was received from Schroders plc that it held indirectly 252,790,465 shares, being 15.146% of voting rights. At 12 March 2021, no further 
notifications had been received under the DTRs in relation to interests in the Company’s shares. 

Directors’ interests
Details of directors’ interests in the share capital of the Company  
are listed on page 104.

Share capital
At 12 March 2021, the number of ordinary shares of 2 1/15p each in 
issue, fully paid up and quoted on the London Stock Exchange is 
detailed in the table below:

Number of
shares

% of issued 
share capital

Issued shares
Treasury shares
Total voting rights
Employee Benefit Trust (EBT) shares1

1,671,273,523
2,299,955
1,668,973,568
12,630,742

0.14%

0.76%

1.  Shares held in the Employee Benefit Trust are used for satisfying employee share options.

During the year ended 31 December 2020, no new ordinary shares were 
issued and options exercised pursuant to the Company’s share 
schemes were satisfied by the transfer of shares from treasury (276,614 
shares). No shares were transferred out of the EBT during the year and 
no shares have been allotted under the Company’s share option 
schemes since the end of the financial year to the date of this report.

The share price at 31 December 2020 was 39.21p. The highest 
share price in the year was 176.55p and the lowest was 19.84p.

The Company renewed its authority to repurchase up to 10% of its 
own issued share capital at the AGM in June 2020. During the year, 
the Company did not purchase any shares (2019: nil).

Viability statement
This statement is detailed in full on page 58. The directors have 
assessed the viability of the Group over the three-year period to 
31 December 2023, taking into account the Group’s current position and 
the potential impact of the principal risks set out in the strategic report. 

Based on this assessment, the directors have a reasonable expectation 
that the Group is and will continue to be viable.

Going concern
The Group’s business activities, together with the factors likely to 
affect its future development, performance and position are set out 
in the strategic report on pages 1 to 58. The financial position of the 
Group, its cash flows, liquidity position and borrowing facilities are 
described on pages 125 to 128. In addition, section 4 in the financial 
statements on pages 166 to 179 includes the Group’s objectives, 
policies and processes for managing its capital, its financial risk 
management objectives, details of its financial instruments and 
hedging activities, and its exposures to credit risk and liquidity risk.

In determining the appropriate basis of preparation of the financial 
statements for the year ending 31 December 2020, the directors are 
required to consider whether the Group can continue in operational 
existence for the foreseeable future, being a period of at least 12 months 
from the date of approval of the financial statements. 

The Board monitors closely the Group’s funding position throughout the 
year, including monitoring compliance with covenants and available 
facilities to ensure it has sufficient headroom to fund operations. In 
addition, to support the going concern assumption and viability 
statement, the Board conducts a robust assessment of the projections, 
considering also the committed facilities available to the Group. The 
Board has considered risks to the projections under a severe but 
plausible downside. This includes adverse impacts arising from the 
execution risk associated with the transformation plan and the 
unprecedented economic uncertainties introduced by Covid-19.

Corporate governance statement

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

71

Corporate  governance Employee development and engagement
Actions taken during the year regarding the consultation of and provision 
of information to UK employees are described in the people section on 
pages 40 to 43. Communication with employees in relation to Capita’s 
financial performance is detailed in the remuneration report on page 93.

Capita has an established UK employee share purchase plan designed 
to promote employee share ownership and to give employees the 
opportunity to participate in the future success of the Company. An 
international share incentive plan is available to employees in Ireland 
and Poland.

Further information on employee development, consultation and 
engagement is included in the people and responsible business 
sections on pages 40 to 49 and the section 172 statement on page 38.

Political donations
The Group did not make any political donations or incur any political 
expenditure during the year (2020: £nil).

Greenhouse gas emissions
Details of the Group’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, including 
metrics and methodology, are set out in the table opposite and on 
page 48 of the strategic report.

Corporate  
governance statement 
continued

To mitigate these the Board is focused on introducing significant new 
funds to the Group via a continuation of the approved disposal 
programme and refinancing of the debt maturities. The Group is already 
engaged in discussions with its RCF lenders regarding an extension to 
the existing facility which matures in August 2022, targeting completion 
of the refinancing agenda during 2021, which it expects will include an 
RCF with a maturity at least a year later. Any refinancing and future 
disposals will require third party agreements and approvals which 
represent events that are outside the direct control of the Company. 
Accordingly, at the time of signing these financial statements there 
remain material uncertainties, as defined in auditing and accounting 
standards, related to events or conditions that may cast significant 
doubt on the Group’s and Parent Company’s ability to continue as 
a going concern.

The Group has a strong track record of executing major planned 
disposals and a successful history of securing effective refinancing. 
Therefore, after careful consideration and reflecting also the Board’s 
confidence in the transformation plan, the Board has concluded that 
the Group and Parent Company will continue to have adequate financial 
resources to realise their assets and discharge their liabilities as they fall 
due over the going concern period to 31 August 2022. 

Accordingly, the directors have formed the judgement that it is 
appropriate to prepare the consolidated financial statements on the 
going concern basis. The Board’s assessment is set out in more detail 
in Section 1 of the consolidated financial statements.

Auditor review
The auditor has reviewed:

•  the statements regarding going concern (see page 71)

•  the longer-term viability statement (see page 58)

•  those parts of the statement of compliance with the Code relating to:

 – directors’ and auditor’s responsibilities

 – the ‘fair, balanced and understandable’ statement

 – confirmation of robust risk assessment, and monitoring and review 
of effectiveness of risk management and internal control systems

 – Audit and Risk Committee composition, role and responsibilities. 

Further details are in the auditor’s report (on pages 110 to 123).

Disabled persons 
As part of the Group’s commitment to create a workplace that reflects 
the diversity of the communities we serve, and a working environment 
in which no one feels excluded, full consideration is given to all suitable 
applications for employment regardless of a candidate’s disability, age, 
gender reassignment, religion or belief, sexual orientation or race. 
Colleagues who declare a disability are supported with reasonable 
adjustments made either to the workplace or job content so no 
opportunity, including career development, is inaccessible. Opportunities 
also exist for employees of the Group who become disabled to continue 
in their employment with any reasonable adjustments being made or 
to be retrained for other positions in the Group. Demonstrating our 
commitment to ensure that disabled people and those with long-term 
health conditions have the opportunity to fulfil their potential and realise 
their aspirations, the Group achieved Level 1 of the UK’s Disability 
Confident Scheme in November 2020.

72

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Corporate governanceGHG emissions (tCO2e) and energy use (kWh) for period 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020

Period

Region

Current reporting year 2020

Comparison reporting year 2019

UK and offshore

Global (excluding 
UK and offshore)

Total

UK and  

offshore

Global  
(excluding UK 
and offshore)

Total

Energy used to calculate emissions (kWh)

Gas and fuel 

Electricity and district heat

Business travel, cars 

Total energy used (kWh)

% of total energy used

Emissions from combustion of gas and fuel 
for heating tCO2e (Scope 1)

Emissions from combustion of fuel in company 
vehicles tCO2e (Scope 1) 

Emissions from fugitive refrigerant gas tCO2e 
(Scope 1) 

Emissions from purchased district heat tCO2e 
(Scope 2)

Emissions from purchased electricity (location-
based) tCO2e (Scope 2)

Emissions from purchased electricity (market-based) 
tCO2e (Scope 2)

Emissions from travel; business mileage, air, rail, 
tube, tram and light rail, taxi, bus, coach, ferry tCO2e 
(Scope 3)

Total gross tCO2e Scope 1 & 2 (location-based)

Total gross tCO2e emissions (location-based) 

Total gross tCO2e emissions (market-based)

Intensity ratio: gross scope 1 and 2 tCO2e (location-
based) per £1M turnover

Intensity ratio: tCO2e gross scope 1 and 2 (location-
based) per headcount

60,306,017
80,612,848
23,507,913
164,426,778
89%

1,999,392
14,583,265
3,351,543
19,934,200
11%

62,305,409
95,196,112
26,859,456
184,360,978
100%

62741740
99,486,487
51,485,275
213,713,501
86%

1914237
22,475,597
11,622,565
36,012,399
14%

64,655,977
121,962,084
63,107,840
249,725,900
100%

15,475

592

16,067

15,718

1,814

1,011

45

86

0

137

1,900

1,011

181

2,306

456

45

364

116

0

239

16,082

2,422

456

284

18,939

9,239

28,178

25,318

16,293

41,611

12,513

11,013

23,526

9,291

18,360

27,651

6,771
37,283
44,055
37,584

12.4
1.01

1,052
10,055
11,107
12,744

32.0
0.54

7,823
47,338
55,161
50,328

14.2
0.85

26,513
43,843
70,356
9,291

13.1
1.07

4,230
17,012
21,242
18,360

53.1
0.85

30,743
60,855
91,598
27,651

16.5
1.00

Methodology: Carbon emissions have been calculated following the GHG protocol using the operational control approach. Estimated energy figures have been used for 
buildings where direct meter data is not available, using Cibse guide F benchmarks (or previous years’ consumption outside the UK if available). Any fuel figures provided 
in litres have been converted into kWh or tCO2e using Gov.UK and Defra conversion tables. Mileage provided has been converted into tCO2e using Defra conversions for 
the relevant engine size and fuel type. kWh figures for air, rail, taxi and other public transport have been omitted as not practical to convert from passenger km or 
passenger fares but CO2e emissions have been calculated using Defra conversion factors. 

Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 business travel are 
verified to ISAE 3000 by Corporate Citizenship

ISAE 3000

ISAE 3000

ISAE 3000

ISAE 3000

ISAE 3000

ISAE 3000

Energy efficiency action 
We invested in energy-efficiency measures across our estate and achieved significant emissions reductions in 2020. 

Building plant upgrades and initiatives

Replacement LED lighting saving 

Replacement chillers and air conditioning units

Replacement of pumps, ventilation fans and controls with high efficiency units

Upgraded building management controls saving 

Replacement heating plant 

Sub metering of mechanical plant

Replacement Reverse Osmosis water treatment plant.

Total tCO2e reduction

TCO2e reduction per annum

184
481.6
195
19
17
853
140
1890

Our virtual meetings initiative resulted in business travel CO2 equivalent emissions reductions of 32% (2,460 TCO2e) in Q1 2020 against Q1 2019, before the onset 
of Covid restrictions which largely contributed to a 77% drop in travel emissions for the full year against 2019. We have set science based targets for greenhouse gas 
reduction in line with 1.5C ambition with a target date of 2030, certified by Science Based Targets initiative and will continue to drive emissions reductions through to 
2030 and beyond. 

Corporate governance statement

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

73

Corporate  governance  
Corporate  
governance statement 
continued

The Group monitors 
the risk of a liquidity 
shortage through its 
business plan and 
liquidity cycle forecasts 
and analysis

Financial instruments
The main financial risks the Group is exposed to are: insufficient liquidity; 
significant increases in interest rates; adverse movements in foreign 
exchange rates; and the insolvency of debtors (credit risk). The management 
of each, and the related financial instruments, are described below.

Liquidity remains a key area of focus. The Group’s policy is to hold cash 
and undrawn committed facilities at a level sufficient to fund the Group’s 
operations and its medium-term plans. The Group monitors the risk of a 
liquidity shortage through its business plan and liquidity cycle forecasts 
and analysis. The process considers the maturity of both the Group’s 
financial instruments and the forecast cash flows from operations. The 
Group maintains a balance between continuity of funding and flexibility 
through the use or availability of multiple sources of funding. To mitigate 
the risk of needing to refinance in challenging conditions, these have 
been arranged with a spread of maturities to November 2027. 

The financial instruments providing core funding include US private 
placement loan notes, euro fixed-rate bearer notes, and a euro 
Schuldschein loan (private placement loan notes). 

The Group’s committed bank facilities provide liquidity for the cash 
fluctuations of the business cycle and an allowance for contingencies. 
The RCF expires on 31 August 2022 and is extendable for a further year 
to 31 August 2023 with the consent of the lenders by 31 August 2021. 
The facility size was increased from £414m to £452m in February 2020 
with the addition of a further bank to the facility. 

Also, in February 2020, the Group executed a £150m committed bank 
backstop bridge facility. This reduced to £93.5m on 30 June 2020 with 
the disposal of the Eclipse business. It was then supplemented by a 
second committed bank backstop bridge facility, so that the total value 
returned to £150m. Both bridge facilities terminated on 1 February 2021 
with the receipt of proceeds from the disposal of the ESS business. 

All committed facilities were undrawn at 31 December 2020 (combined 
total £602m), and also at 31 December 2019 (£414m). No reliance is 
placed on sources of funding that are not contractually committed. The 
bank facilities and private placement loan notes all include provisions 
that would require repayment in the event of a change of control, which 
are typical of these arrangements.

Finally, certain property and assets used in the Group’s operations are 
funded by lease arrangements. From time to time, the Group may act as 
lessor to third parties.

Various other financial instruments, such as trade debtors and trade 
creditors, arise directly from the Group’s operations. In respect of trade 
creditors, the Group’s standard supplier payment terms are to pay 
micro-businesses (less than 50 employees) within 14 days, SMEs (less 
than 250 employees) within 30 days, and larger organisations within 60 
days. Suppliers are paid in line with agreed contractual terms.

The Group’s customers are offered credit terms that are consistent with 
market practice. As part of the Group’s mitigation of the impact of 
Covid-19, a non-recourse invoice discounting facility was put in place. 
The value of invoices sold under the arrangement at 31 December 2020 
was £13.6m (2019: £nil). In addition, the Group’s German business has 
established an invoice discounting arrangement relating to a customer 
contract, and the value of invoices sold under that arrangement at 
31 December was £8.5m (2019: £nil). The Group aims to pay its 
suppliers on time in accordance with agreed terms and does not seek to 
accelerate payments from customers beyond terms previously agreed. 

As set out in note 6.2 (contingent liabilities), the Group has provided, 
through the normal course of its business, £55.8m letters of credit, 
performance bonds and guarantees – £22.3m of these were issued by 
our banks and, within this group, some are subject to security terms 
where the bank can demand cash collateral in the event the guarantee 
facility is cancelled.

Exposure movements in interest rates and foreign exchange rates arise 
through the Group’s operations and where financial instruments are 
transacted at floating rates of interest or in non-operational currencies. 
These exposures are managed through derivative transactions, primarily 
interest rate swaps, cross-currency interest rate swaps and forward 
foreign exchange contracts. A proportion of exposures to EUR is 
mitigated through borrowings in that currency.

The Group is not generally exposed to significant foreign currency 
transaction risk. The principal exceptions relate to service delivery 
based in India, and committed costs relating to the purchase of cloud 
software services in USD. These exposures are managed through 
forward foreign exchange contracts, including non-deliverable forward 
contracts, which fix the GBP cost of highly probable forecast 
transactions denominated in INR and USD. Further details of the 
Group’s financial instruments can be found in note 4.2 to the 
consolidated financial statements on pages 168 to 170.

In respect of credit risk, the Group trades only with parties that are 
expected to be creditworthy. It is the Group’s policy that all clients who 
wish to trade on credit terms are subject to credit verification procedures. 
In addition, receivable balances are monitored on an ongoing basis with 
the result that the Group’s exposure to bad debt is not significant.

Credit risk also arises from financial assets such as cash, deposits, and 
the mark-to-market value of derivative instruments where positive. The 
risk of default is managed by avoiding any excessive exposure to any 
counterparty, and with reference to the public ratings of each.

Directors’ indemnities
As permitted by its Articles of Association, the Company has 
indemnified each director in respect of certain liabilities and 
costs they might incur in the execution of their duties as a director. 
Qualifying third-party indemnity provisions (as defined in section 234 
of the Companies Act 2006) were in force during the year and 

74

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Corporate governancecontinue to remain in force. The directors’ indemnities will be available 
for inspection at the annual general meeting together with directors’ 
service contracts.

Powers of directors
The business of the Company is managed by the directors who 
are subject to the provisions of the Companies Act 2006, the Articles 
of Association of the Company and any directions given by special 
resolution, including the Company’s power to repurchase its own shares.

The Company’s Articles of Association may only be amended by 
a special resolution of the Company’s shareholders.

Change of control
All the Company’s share schemes contain provisions in relation to 
a change of control. Outstanding options and awards would normally 
vest and become exercisable on a change of control, subject to the 
satisfaction of any performance conditions at that time.

Capita has borrowing facilities provided by banks and has issued loan 
notes to financial investors. The borrowing facilities contain change of 
control provisions under which the banks may require immediate 
repayment in full on a change of control of Capita plc. The loan notes 
issued by Capita contain similar change of control provisions which are 
likely to require the Group to offer to prepay the notes in full if there is a 
change in control of Capita plc. 

There are a number of significant client agreements which contain 
provisions relating to change of control, which in some cases could 
present a right of termination of the contract.

Rights and restrictions attaching to shares
Under the Company’s Articles of Association (Articles), holders of 
ordinary shares are entitled to participate in the receipt of dividends pro 
rata to their holding. The Board may propose and pay an interim 
dividend and recommend a final dividend in respect of any accounting 
period out of the profits available for distribution under English law. A 
final dividend may be declared by the shareholders in general meeting 
by ordinary resolution, but no dividend may be declared in excess 
of the amount recommended by the Board.

At any general meeting, a resolution put to vote shall be decided on 
a poll, and every member who is present in person or by proxy shall 
have one vote for every share of which they are the holder.

No person holds securities in the Company carrying special rights 
with regard to control of the Company. The Company is not aware 
of any agreements between holders of securities that may result 
in restrictions on the transfer of securities or on voting rights.

Restrictions on transfer of shares
The Company’s Articles allow directors to, in their absolute discretion, 
refuse to register the transfer of a share in certificated form unless the 
instrument of transfer is lodged, duly stamped, at the registered office 
of the Company, or at such other place as the directors may appoint 
and (except in the case of a transfer by a recognised person where a 
certificate has not been issued in respect of the share) is accompanied 
by the certificate for the share to which it relates and such other 
evidence as the directors may reasonably require to show the right 
of the transferor to make the transfer. They may also refuse to register 
any such transfer where it is in favour of more than four transferees or 
in respect of more than one class of shares.

The directors may refuse to register a transfer of a share in 
uncertificated form in any case where the Company is entitled 
to refuse (or is exempted from the requirement) under the 
Uncertificated Securities Regulations to register the transfer.

Annual general meeting
The 2021 AGM of the Company will be held at Linklaters LLP, 
One Silk Street, London EC2Y 8HQ on 11 May 2021. Details of the 
meeting format and the resolutions to be proposed are set out in the 
Notice of Meeting, which is sent to shareholders with the 2020 Annual 
Report and includes notes explaining the business to be transacted. 
The Notice of Meeting is also available on the Company’s website at 
www.capita.com.

In June 2020, shareholders granted authority for the Company to 
purchase up to 166,888,334 ordinary shares. This authority will expire 
at the conclusion of the 2021 AGM. No shares were purchased during 
2020. A resolution to renew this authority will be put to shareholders 
at the 2021 AGM.

The directors consider that each of the resolutions is in the best 
interests of the Company and the shareholders as a whole, and 
recommend that shareholders vote in favour of all of the resolutions. 

For other general meetings the notice given would be 14 clear 
working days.

Corporate governance statement

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

75

Corporate  governance Under applicable law and regulations, the directors are also responsible 
for preparing a strategic report, directors’ report, directors’ remuneration 
report and corporate governance statement that comply with that law 
and those regulations.

The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of 
the corporate and financial information included on the Company’s 
website. Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and 
dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in 
other jurisdictions.

Directors’ responsibility statement

We, the directors of the Company, confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

•  The financial statements, prepared in accordance with the applicable 
set of accounting standards, give a true and fair view of the assets, 
liabilities, financial position, and profit or loss of the Company and 
the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole.

•  The strategic report includes a fair review of the development and 

performance of the business and the position of the Company and the 
undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together 
with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face.

•  The Annual Report and Accounts, taken as whole, are fair, balanced 

and understandable, and provide the information necessary for 
shareholders to assess the Company’s position and performance, 
business model and strategy.

The directors’ report (pages 1-108) has been approved by the Board.

On behalf of the Board.

Francesca Todd
Group Company Secretary
16 March 2021
Capita plc
Registered in England and Wales No. 2081330

Corporate  
governance statement 
continued

Cross-references
For the purposes of LR 9.8.4R, the following information is located 
as set out below:

Listing Rule

Subject

9.8.4 (1)
9.8.4 (12–13)

Capitalisation of interest
Shareholder waiver of dividends

Page no.

174
70

Directors’ responsibilities in respect of the Annual Report 
and the financial statements

The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and 
the Group and parent company financial statements, in accordance 
with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the directors to prepare Group and parent 
company financial statements for each financial year. Under that 
law they are required to prepare the Group financial statements 
in accordance with international accounting standards in conformity 
with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and in accordance 
with international financial reporting standards adopted pursuant to 
Regulation (EC) No. 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union, 
and have elected to prepare the parent company financial statements 
in accordance with UK Accounting Standards and applicable law 
(UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) including FRS 101 
Reduced Disclosure Framework.

Under company law the directors must not approve the financial 
statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of 
the state of affairs of the Group and parent company and of their profit or 
loss for that period. In preparing each of the Group and parent company 
financial statements, the directors are required to:

•  Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.

•  Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.

•  State, for the Group financial statements, whether they have been 

prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU.

•  State, for the parent company financial statements, whether 

applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject 
to any material departures disclosed and explained in the parent 
company financial statements.

•  Assess the Group and parent company’s ability to continue as a going 
concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern.

•  Use the going concern basis of accounting unless they intend either 
to liquidate the Group or the parent company or to cease operations, 
or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the parent company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of the parent company and enable them to ensure 
that its financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. 
They are responsible for such internal control as they determine is 
necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are 
free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and 
have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably 
open to them to safeguard the assets of the Group and to prevent 
and detect fraud and other irregularities.

76

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Corporate governanceCommittees

Terms of reference

Membership

Membership of the Company’s standing committees at the end of the 
year is shown below:

Nomination

Audit and Risk

Remuneration

Sir Ian Powell
Gillian Sheldon
Matthew Lester
Georgina Harvey
John Cresswell
Andrew Williams
Baroness Lucy
Neville-Rolfe
Lyndsay Browne
Joseph Murphy

(C) Chair 

C
X
X
X
X
X

X

X
C
X
X
X

X

X

X
X
C
X
X

X
X

Frequency of meetings and attendance

During 2020, the Nomination Committee met three times, the 
Remuneration Committee met five times and the Audit and Risk 
Committee met six times. Some directors were unable to attend certain 
committee meetings due to prior commitments. Attendance of directors 
at committee meetings is shown in the table on page 66.

The terms of reference for the Nomination, Remuneration, Audit and 
Risk, and Disclosure committees were reviewed during the year and 
updated, where required, to reflect updates in good governance 
practices. They are summarised below and the Nomination, 
Remuneration and Audit and Risk committee terms of reference are 
displayed in full in the investor centre at www.capita.com/investors/
corporate-governance, together with a summary of matters reserved 
for the Board.

Terms of reference

Brief description of responsibilities

Nomination  
Committee

•  Reviews composition of the Board.

•  Recommends appointment of new directors.

•  Considers succession plans for Board and 

senior management positions.

•  Oversees development of diverse pipeline 

for succession.

Audit and Risk 
Committee

•  Reviews accounting policies and contents 

of financial reports.

•  Monitors internal control environment.

•  Considers adequacy, effectiveness and scope 

of external and internal audit programme.

•  Oversees relationship with external auditor.

• 

 Monitors risk profile and obtains assurance that 
principal risks have been properly identified and 
appropriately managed.

•  Sets policy for Board and senior management 

remuneration.

•  Approves individual remuneration awards.

•  Agrees changes to senior executive 

incentive plans.

•  Responsible for the appropriate 

identification and management of inside 
information, including any decision to delay 
public disclosure.

Remuneration 
Committee

Disclosure  
Committee

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

77

Corporate  governance Nomination 
Committee

Balancing the 
composition 
of the Board

“ The committee has focused 
on achieving an appropriate 
balance and continuity of 
skills on the Board.”

  Sir Ian Powell
  Chair  
  Nomination Committee

78

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

The committee met three times in 2020 and the members’ attendance 
record is shown on page 66. The Group Company Secretary acts as 
Secretary to the committee and is available to assist committee 
members as required, also ensuring the distribution of timely and 
accurate information. The committee reports and makes 
recommendations to the Board in relation to its activities. It is authorised 
under its terms of reference to obtain the advice of independent search 
consultants. The committee’s terms of reference were reviewed and 
updated during the year and can be found on Capita’s website at 
www.capita.com/investors/corporate-governance.

Diversity and inclusion

Capita’s diversity and inclusion policy, which includes the Board, is 
based on a commitment to creating an environment where diversity is 
valued and respected. We believe that business success is a direct 
result of the experience and quality of its people. Inherent within this 
approach is an acceptance and embracing of diversity in all its forms 
and an endorsement that the entire workforce, including the Board, be 
representative of the communities in which Capita operates. Key aims of 
the policy are to ensure equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace 
and to promote a culture where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. 

As with many organisations, the events surrounding the killing of George 
Floyd in the United States made a profound impact on Capita, and the 
Board will ensure that the momentum for change in this organisation 
is maintained. A programme of work relating to the issues raised by 
the Black Lives Matter movement was initiated during the year and is 
continuing. The following measures have been put in place: (i) training 
on inclusive hiring; (ii) zero tolerance for racist behaviour; and 
(iii) mentoring and reverse-mentoring schemes. The continued focus 
on the culture of the organisation and its promotion of diversity and 
inclusion will be a core element of Capita’s ongoing transformation.

The coronavirus pandemic impacted both inclusion and wellbeing as 
the rapid move to remote working for most of Capita’s workforce led to 
a step change in working culture and the need to be both resilient and 
flexible. Further information on actions taken to address diversity, 
inclusion and wellbeing across the workforce is on pages 40 to 49 of 
the strategic report.

Gender and ethnicity balance

Government-backed diversity reviews have recommended aspirational 
FTSE350 board diversity targets on gender (33% female representation 
by the end of 2020) and ethnicity (at least one director of colour by the 
end of 2024). We have made progress as regards the Board but there is 
still much to do at Board level and throughout the organisation. At 31 
December 2020, female representation on the Board and Executive 
Committee was 36% and 29% respectively. At 31 December 2020, 
female representation among senior management1 and direct reports 
was 33%.

Appointment process

Board appointments are made on merit, taking account of the specific 
skills, experience, knowledge and independence needed to ensure a 
rounded board, and the government-backed recommendation for 33% 
female representation on boards. We ensure 40% female representation 
on recruitment shortlists and, where appropriate, seek to include 

Corporate governanceResponsibilities and activities

Nomination Committee time allocation (%)

Key responsibilities

Activity in 2020

•  Identify and nominate 

•  Succession planning for 

appropriate candidates for 
appointment to the Board, 
having due regard to the 
provisions of the 2018 Code 
and, in particular, the balance 
of skills, knowledge and 
experience on the Board and 
the diversity of its composition. 

•  Keep the structure and size of 
the Board and the leadership 
needs of the organisation under 
review and ensure that plans 
are in place for orderly 
succession and appointment 
to the Board. 

•  Review the time commitment 
required from non-executive 
directors, the performance of 
directors and all declarations 
of interest made by Board 
members. 

•  Consider, evaluate and drive 
Capita’s diversity policies.

the Board generally and for 
other senior positions below 
Board level. 

•  Recruitment and appointment 
of an interim CFO and a new 
non-executive director and 
SID designate. 

•  Consideration of directors’ 

performance, length of service, 
interests and potential conflicts 
to ensure independence of 
non-executive directors and 
that all directors could stand 
for re-election or election at 
the AGM.

•  Discussed and approved the 
renewal of Matthew Lester’s 
appointment as Audit and Risk 
Committee chair for a further 
three years and the extension by 
12 months of Joseph Murphy’s 
two-year term as employee 
non-executive director.

4

1

3

2

1  40% Board appointments 
2  40% Succession planning 
3  18% Performance, conflicts and diversity 
4  2% Governance 

candidates who may not have listed company experience but who 
possess suitable skills and qualities. We only engage executive search 
firms that have signed up to the voluntary code of conduct on gender 
diversity and best practice.

Skills and experience

The skills and experience represented across the Board (not including 
employee directors) are summarised below:

Finance

Transformation

Media

Consumer

Government

Technology / IT

Succession planning and Board composition

A formal succession framework is in place for the CEO, CFO, Executive 
Committee and the two management layers beneath. The purpose of 
the framework is to apply a fair, objective and consistent methodology to 
identify future potential career paths for individuals within the Group. 
Structured development plans are implemented to support individuals 
improve their skills and experience. The depth of the framework means 
talent can be identified and nurtured at an early stage and, combined 
with the approach to Board appointments, means the pool of possible 
future candidates for Board roles is sufficiently wide and diverse.

The committee has focused on achieving an appropriate balance and 
continuity of skills on the Board. Patrick Butcher’s resignation on 16 
November 2020 meant that a person with significant finance and 
transformation experience was needed to cover Patrick’s role on an interim 
basis, while a permanent replacement is recruited. We considered the 
skillset required for the role and concluded there was no one internal with 
those skills at that level and, given the length of time needed to recruit a 
permanent replacement, we appointed Gordon Boyd as interim CFO 

with effect from the date of Patrick Butcher’s resignation so there would 
be a seamless transition. Patrick remains employed by Capita until the end 
of March 2021 to support Gordon and provide an orderly handover.

Gillian Sheldon had planned to retire from the Board at the end of 
February 2021 so, during 2020, the search for a new Senior 
Independent Director (SID) was undertaken, culminating in the 
appointment of David Lowden as Non-Executive Director on 1 January 
2021 and SID on 1 March 2021. 

Due to the significant time commitment required of him in his role as 
CEO of Halma plc, Andrew Williams has decided not to seek re-election 
at the AGM and, following six years of valuable insight and contribution, 
Andrew will step down from the Board on 11 May 2021.

The committee was keen to improve the Board’s overall technology skills 
and wider experience of the IT industry, and the appointment of Neelam 
Dhawan, who has significant experience of business and technology 
transformation, will benefit Capita’s ongoing transformation. Neelam’s 
appointment is also reflective of our large community of Capita 
employees in the Indian global delivery centre.

The external search agencies, Odgers Berndtson, Lygon Group and 
Spencer Stuart were used respectively for the appointments of Gordon, 
David and Neelam, and those firms have no other connection with the 
Group or individual directors.

Board evaluation

Details of the annual board evaluation process are provided in my 
introduction to this corporate governance section of the Annual Report 
on page 61.

1.   The 2018 Code defines senior management as the Executive Committee and the Group 

Company Secretary.

Nomination Committee

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

79

Corporate  governance Audit and  
Risk Committee

Managing the 
impact of 
Covid-19

Audit and Risk Committee time allocation (%)

5

4

3

1

2

1  40% Financial reporting (incl. external audit) 
2  40% Risk management 
3  8% Internal audit 
4  7% Private meetings with auditors 
5  5% Governance

The committee continues to fulfil its role of supporting the 
Board in its review of the integrity of the Group’s financial 
reporting, monitoring the effectiveness of the Group’s 
systems of risk management and internal controls, and 
overseeing the activities of the Group’s internal audit 
function and its external auditor. 

Risk and control framework

The primary focus of the committee during 2020 was on Covid-19 and, in 
particular, on management’s response to the pandemic and its impact 
on Capita’s principal risks. This included overseeing the measures taken 
by management; changes to the control environment and risk profile; 
how the risks were managed in the changing environment; and the 
long-term potential impact on our principal risks. As the pandemic 
“stabilised”, management provided an assessment of the control 
environment and identified improvement opportunities in cyber and IT 
resilience. An assessment was also undertaken of the longer-term 
impact of the pandemic on Capita’s principal risks, as a result of which 
the ratings of three principal risks were changed as outlined in the 
internal control and risk management section on pages 50 to 53. Given 
the challenges arising from the pandemic, limited progress was made to 
enhance the Group’s risk management and internal control framework.

Progress was made on standardising some existing financial processes 
to drive efficiency and control improvements and further enhancements 
are planned for 2021. A key control questionnaire process was 
completed across the Group where every business leader attested to 
compliance with key controls. This will enable management to focus 
attention on control areas that need improvement. Work is ongoing to 
implement elements of the risk and control framework. 

Further detail on the risk management and internal control environment 
is set out later in this report on page 87.

“ The primary focus of the 
committee during 2020 
was on Covid-19 and, in 
particular, on management’s 
response to the pandemic 
and its impact on Capita’s 
principal risks.”

  Matthew Lester
  Chair  
  Audit and Risk Committee

80

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Corporate governanceThe Audit and Risk 
Committee’s terms 
of reference set out 
in full the role, 
responsibilities 
and authority of the 
committee and can 
be found on the 
Company’s website 
at www.capita.com/
investors/corporate-
governance.

These were 
reviewed and 
updated during 
the year.

Role and 
responsibilities
The committee is responsible for 
carrying out the audit functions as 
required by DTR 7.1.3R and assists 
the Board in fulfilling its oversight 
responsibilities in respect of the 
Company and the Group. The 
committee’s key responsibilities are:

Financial reporting 
To review the reporting of financial and 
other information to the shareholders 
of the Company and monitor the 
integrity of the financial statements, 
including the application of key 
judgements in determining reported 
outcomes to ensure that they are fair, 
balanced and understandable.

Risk management, internal control 
and compliance
To review and assess the adequacy of 
the systems of internal control and risk 
management, and monitor the risk 
profile of the business.

Internal audit
To approve the annual internal audit 
plan, review the effectiveness of the 
internal audit function and review all 
significant recommendations, and 
ensure they are addressed in a 
timely manner.

External audit
To review the effectiveness and 
objectivity of the external audit 
process, assess the independence 
of the external auditor and ensure 
appropriate policies and procedures 
are in place to protect such 
independence.

Effectiveness
To report to the Board on how it has 
discharged its responsibilities.

Transformation journey

As set out in Sir Ian’s introduction to this Annual Report, certain 
elements of the multi-year transformation, which includes the finance 
transformation and development of the Group risk and control 
framework, were disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic. However, 
as set out above, and later in this report, the committee continued to 
assess the framework and its implementation regularly throughout 2020.

Committee membership and attendance

The committee comprises all the independent non-executive directors 
plus one of the employee non-executive directors, Joseph Murphy. 
Although not considered independent under the UK Corporate 
Governance Code 2018 (Code), Joseph brings valuable insights from 
the employee perspective into committee discussions and the Board 
felt that it was important from an employee engagement perspective 
for him formally to be a member of the committee despite his lack of 
independence. I am considered to have recent and relevant financial 
experience for the purposes of the Code. 

To encourage effective communication, in addition to the above 
members, the Board Chairman, CEO, CFO, Chief General Counsel and 
Director of Group Finance are invited to attend committee meetings 
along with certain members of the senior management team, the 
Group Risk & Internal Audit Director and representatives from KPMG, 
the Group’s external auditor. Opportunity exists at the end of each 
committee meeting for the representatives of the internal and external 
audit teams to meet with the committee in the absence of management 
and both have access to the committee should they wish to voice any 
concerns outside formal meetings.

Committee performance was assessed as part of the internally 
facilitated Board evaluation (see page 61 for more information). The 
Board is satisfied that the combined knowledge and experience of its 
members is such that the committee discharges its responsibilities in an 
effective, informed and challenging manner and that, as a whole, the 
committee has competence relevant to the sector in which the Company 
operates. The Group Company Secretary, or their nominee, acts as 
Secretary to the committee and is available to assist the members of the 
committee as required, ensuring that timely and accurate information is 
distributed accordingly.

How the committee operates

The committee has an annual forward agenda to cover the key events 
in the financial reporting cycle, specific risk matters identified by 
the committee and standing items that the committee is required to 
consider in accordance with its terms of reference. The annual agenda 
is supported by agenda setting meetings held in advance of each 
committee meeting, led by me and attended by the CFO, members of 
the Group Finance team, the Chief General Counsel and the Director 
of Risk and Group Internal Audit. Their purpose is to identify key issues 
impacting the business that may require consideration by the committee.

Reports are received from Group functions, including risk and internal 
audit, as appropriate. New sales wins and their contract terms are 
reviewed from a risk and accounting perspective as appropriate. 
Additional reports are provided as may be required. I report to the Board 
the key matters of discussion and make any significant 
recommendations as necessary.

Audit and Risk Committee

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

81

Corporate  governance Audit and  
Risk Committee 
continued

How the committee discharged its roles and 
responsibilities in 2020

The committee held six scheduled meetings during the year and 
attendance at each meeting is shown on page 66. Meetings are planned 
around the Company’s financial calendar.

Impact of Covid-19

During 2020 a specific Covid-19 agenda item was introduced to 
committee meeting agendas. This focused on how the pandemic was 
affecting the Group’s business and its ability to manage risk across key 
areas such as health and safety, compliance and internal controls. 

Financial reporting

Accounting judgements and significant accounting matters
As part of the process of monitoring the integrity of the financial 
information presented in the half-year results and the Annual Report and 
Accounts, the committee reviewed the key accounting policies and 
judgements adopted by management to ensure that they were 
appropriate. The significant areas of judgement identified by the 
committee, in conjunction with management and the external auditor, 
together with a number of areas that the committee deemed significant 
in the context of the financial statements, are set out in the tables on 
pages 83 to 85.

As disclosed in the strategic report, Covid-19 affected the planned 
refinancing of the Group’s debt. The committee has paid particular 
attention to the going concern policies and disclosures.

Fair, balanced and understandable
At the Board’s request, the committee considered whether the half-year 
results and the Annual Report and Accounts were fair, balanced and 
understandable and whether the information provided was sufficient for 
a reader of the statements to understand the Group’s position and 
performance, business model and strategy. The committee reviewed 
both the narrative and financial sections of the reports to ensure they 
were consistent and gave a balanced view of the performance of the 
business in the year and that appropriate weight was given to both 
positive and negative aspects. The committee also considered whether 
full-year and half-year results announcements were presented clearly.

The committee considered whether the Annual Report and 
Accounts enables readers to understand the Company’s financial 
position and prospects, as well as assess its going concern status 
and longer-term viability.

Communications with the Financial Reporting Council
In November 2020, the Company received a letter from the Financial 
Reporting Council (FRC) following its thematic review of companies’ 
disclosures following the first full year of adoption of IFRS 16 Leases. 
The FRC requested further information in relation to a property lease 
liability that was extinguished in January 2020 and disclosed as a 
post-balance sheet event in the 2019 Annual Report and Accounts. 

Following provision of the information requested, the FRC closed its 
enquiry in December 2020. Further disclosure observations made by 
the FRC were given full consideration and additional disclosures were 
included in the 2020 Annual Report and Accounts where material or 
relevant to do so. 

The FRC’s review was based on the Annual Report and Accounts 
and did not benefit from detailed knowledge of the business or an 
understanding of the underlying transactions entered into. It was, however, 
conducted by FRC staff with an understanding of the relevant legal and 
accounting framework. The review carried out by the FRC provides no 
assurance that the Annual Report and Accounts were correct in all 
material respects; the FRC’s role is not to verify the information provided 
but to consider compliance with reporting requirements.

82

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Corporate governanceSignificant issues in relation to the financial statements considered by the Audit and Risk Committee

Going concern and viability assessment

Matter considered
Consideration of the going concern assumption and viability of the 
Group and Parent Company is the responsibility of the Board. The 
committee conducted an assessment as part of its support role, given 
the inherent judgements required to assist the Board evaluate the 
resilience of the Group. This was a critical area of focus for the 
committee given the ongoing transformation plan and the unparalleled 
economic uncertainties introduced in 2020 by the global pandemic.

Action
The committee considered the projections within the business plan, 
agreed by the Board in February 2021, and the key assumptions 
underpinning the future cash flow and profit forecasts. The committee 
received reports from executive management and KPMG concerning 
the going concern and viability assessments, including the key risks 
identified. These included details on the key assumptions, the 
forecasting process including historical forecasting accuracy, the 
committed facilities available, and the mitigations within direct control of 
the Group. The committee also considered the risks identified and 
appraised the severity and plausibility of these in setting the downside 
scenario (see section 1 to the consolidated financial statements for 
details). The committee reflected on the mitigations available and under 
the Group’s control, including reductions to variable pay and severely 
limiting discretionary spend. An important consideration for the 
committee was the impact these could have on the timely completion of 
the transformation plan.

Revenue and profit recognition

Matter considered
There is significant risk on long-term contracts related to revenue 
recognised from variations or scope changes, where significant 
judgement is required to be exercised by management. There is a risk 
that revenue may be recognised even though it is not probable that 
consideration will be collected, which could be due to uncertainties over 
contractual terms and ongoing negotiations with clients. 

Judgement is also required when customers request scope changes to 
determine if there is a contract modification or a contract termination 
followed by a new contract. Contract terminations can lead to the 
immediate recognition of any deferred income being held for recognition 
in future periods.

Action
The committee received regular updates on all major contracts during 
the year and specifically reviewed the material judgements as part of the 
half-year and year-end close process. The committee has also 
considered the recognition of onerous provisions, where appropriate, 
and the lifetime profitability of contracts. 

As alternatives to these operational mitigations, and to support the 
medium-term resilience of the Group, the Board had assessed the 
disposal programme and refinancing agenda. The committee concurred 
with the Board that the refinancing and disposal mitigations were 
preferable to the operational mitigations. The committee judged the 
likelihood of these mitigation actions succeeding by considering the 
Group’s successful track record of executing disposals in recent years 
and the Group’s history of securing effective refinancing. The committee 
concurred with the Board’s assessment and confidence of the Group’s 
ability to complete the planned disposals and refinancing agenda. 
The committee considered these mitigations as applicable both for 
the going concern period to 31 August 2022 and the viability period to 
31 December 2023.

The committee recognised that any refinancing and future disposals 
would require third party agreements and approvals. As these events 
are outside the direct control of the Company, they may give rise to 
material uncertainties as defined in auditing and accounting standards. 
The committee reviewed the disclosures presented in section 1 of the 
consolidated financial statements together with the viability statement 
on page 58 to ensure there was sufficient detail provided to explain the 
basis of preparation and the Board’s conclusion.

Outcome
The committee is satisfied that the analysis presented by executive 
management and KPMG provides enough detail to allow a robust 
assessment of relevant risks and mitigations to be undertaken. This 
supported full discussion of the severe but plausible downsides and 
allowed the committee to recommend to the Board that the going 
concern assumption be applied and the viability statement be approved. 

The committee is satisfied that section 1 to the consolidated financial 
statements and the viability statement on page 58 include proportionate 
disclosures to inform users of the assessments undertaken by the Board.

To aid the reader, the company has included a detailed explanation 
of the Group’s accounting for long-term contracts (see note 2.1 to the 
consolidated financial statements). 

Outcome
The revenue recognition policy includes disclosure of the significant 
judgements and estimates in relation to its application and the 
committee is satisfied that these have been properly disclosed. 
The committee is satisfied that the disclosures given within the accounts 
are sufficient to gain a proper understanding of the methodology of 
accounting for revenue across the Group, including the recognition of 
deferred income at the balance sheet date. The committee reviewed 
the disclosure and concluded that these provide information that is 
helpful to allow a fuller understanding of the application of IFRS 15 to 
the Group’s contracts.

Audit and Risk Committee

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

83

Corporate  governance Audit and  
Risk Committee 
continued

Contract fulfilment assets

Matter considered
The adoption of IFRS 15 led to the recognition of contract fulfilment 
assets (CFAs). Judgements are involved in assessing whether the costs 
incurred on a contract, or an anticipated contract meet the capitalisation 
criteria as set out under the standard.

In addition, the amortisation of these assets involves estimation of the 
expected life of the contract, and when a contract is in the early years 
post-inception and undergoing major transformation activities, the CFAs 
are at heightened risk of impairment.

Action
The committee has considered and challenged the significant 
judgements and estimates involved in determining the carrying 
value of CFAs.

As part of the review of all major contracts, the committee has also 
considered the recoverability of CFAs. During the year, the committee 
discussed certain CFAs where their recoverability was in doubt. 

Outcome
The committee is satisfied that appropriate judgements and estimates 
have been made in determining the carrying value of CFAs and the 
extent of impairment of CFAs recognised in these statements is 
appropriate. The committee is satisfied that the accounting policy note 
provides sufficient clarity as to the policy adopted and that the 
disclosures provide information to allow a reader to understand the risks 
associated with different stages of a typical long-term Capita contract.

Impairment of intangible assets, goodwill and parent company’s investment in subsidiaries

Matter considered
The Group carries significant asset balances in respect of goodwill and 
intangible assets related to its acquisition activity. In addition, the parent 
company carries a material balance of investment in subsidiaries on its 
financial statements. The impairment assessment requires the 
application of judgement concerning future prospects and forecasts.

Action
The committee has reviewed the robustness of the impairment model 
and challenged the appropriateness of assumptions used to calculate 
and determine the existence of impairment. 

Outcome
The committee is satisfied that no impairment of goodwill and intangibles 
was recognised in these statements which is in line with expectations 
given the assessment was based on board-approved future projections.

The committee is also satisfied that the assumptions, methodology and 
disclosure in notes 3.3 and 3.4 to the consolidated financial statements 
are sufficient to give the reader an understanding of the action taken and 
the sensitivities within the goodwill and intangible assets balance to any 
further impairment risk.

The committee also considered the level of detail included in the 
sensitivity analysis to ensure that this reflected the current stage of the 
transformation and associated execution risks.

The committee also considered that any impairment of investment in 
subsidiaries at the parent company level were appropriate and properly 
accounted for.

84

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Corporate governanceItems excluded from adjusted results

Matter considered
As stated in its accounting policies, Capita separates its results 
between adjusted and reported to provide useful disclosure to aid the 
understanding of the performance of the Group. The committee needs 
to ensure a fair and balanced treatment of what is and is not included 
as an adjusting item.

In agreeing this presentation, the committee was mindful of the guidance 
issued by the FRC in November 2017 in terms of multi-year major 
‘restructuring’ programmes. This directs boards to define the costs to be 
presented separately, set borders to capture only relevant costs, and 
emphasises that disclosures to explain the costs must be transparent 
and of high quality.

Action
The committee reviewed the individual items excluded from adjusted 
results. The committee has requested further information concerning 
the origination of the items where it felt it was necessary to enable a 
conclusion to be drawn as to whether the chosen presentation achieved 
the stated principle.

The committee considered the accounting policy by reference to 
guidance issued by the FRC and the need to ensure any alternative 
performance measures are presented with equal prominence to 
reported figures and on a consistent basis year-on-year.

The committee considered the appropriate presentation to apply for 
costs associated with the transformation plan which are presented as 
an ‘adjustment’ to the reported results. The plan is extensive and covers 
several Capita-wide initiatives to address the cost competitiveness of the 
businesses and to simplify and strengthen the Group.

Categories of expenditure include costs typically associated with major 
restructuring such as severance payments, but also include costs 
related to the offshoring of activities and the introduction of automation 
and digital solutions, a Group-wide property rationalisation and 
functional transformation projects. To support these activities, external 
professional fees are being incurred in addition to dedicated internal 
costs. Where such costs are incremental and directly related to the 
transformation plan, the committee has concluded that such costs 
should be included in the overall transformation costs that are 
separately presented.

Provisions and contingent liabilities

The committee considers that this guidance has been applied and note 
2.4 to the consolidated financial statements provides details of the costs 
incurred in 2020. The committee will continue to review this policy in 
2021 and beyond, as the transformation programme continues.

Outcome
The committee concurs with management’s view that the presentation 
of items excluded from adjusted results provides useful disclosure to aid 
the understanding of the performance of the Group and agrees that the 
items excluded meet with the stated policy for recognition.

Note 2.4 to the consolidated financial statements sets out the items 
that are separately presented, and the committee is satisfied that this 
provides sufficient information to inform a reader on each category 
presented. The committee also notes that the approach is consistent 
with that used for the rights issue in 2018. 

The committee continues to encourage management to provide 
transparency over items that impact the results, both reported and 
adjusted. The CFO’s review within the strategic report provides details 
of each significant item and those that are considered one-off in nature. 
The committee is satisfied that this provides useful information to allow 
a reader to assess the performance for the year.

Matter considered
There is judgement applied in the level of provisioning across the Group. 
This involves assessing the size, timing and probability of economic 
outflows due to the occurrence of a past event. It is therefore important 
to understand the judgement being made as well as the estimate of any 
accompanying outflow of funds.

The committee reviewed the final outcome of matters and compared this 
to the provision recognised by management. 

Outcome
The committee is satisfied with the fact patterns underlying the provisions, 
with both the treatment and levels of provision being properly justified. 

Action
The committee has reviewed the disclosure in the financial statements 
and, in particular, has challenged management to justify provisioning 
levels where a range of outcomes has been identified. 

The committee received regular updates from the Chief General 
Counsel on open claims and ongoing litigation. This was used to inform 
the committee on any provisions required for possible future outflows.

Pensions

Matter considered
The measurement of the defined benefit liability in respect of defined 
benefit pension schemes operated within the Group is a complex area, 
relying on assumptions on inflation, mortality, corporate bond yields, 
expectations of returns on assets and several other key inputs. There is 
a risk that any one of these could lead to misstatement of the Group’s 
liability in respect of pension obligations and the pension charge or 
movement recognised in the income statement or statement of 
comprehensive income.

The committee is satisfied that the historical level of accuracy in 
management’s provisioning supports the current level of provisions.

The committee reviewed the disclosures associated with the provisions 
recorded and also the contingent liability note. It was satisfied that the 
disclosures provided proportionate details to inform a reader.

Action
The committee reviewed the disclosure as presented in the accounts. 
The committee also challenged the key assumptions and reviewed the 
sensitivity to changes in some of the key assumptions on a standalone 
basis as well as in the context of defined benefit schemes across other 
external benchmarks.

Outcome
The committee is satisfied that the estimation of the Group’s pension 
liabilities and the narrative that accompanies them gives the required 
level of information for a reader of the accounts to determine the impact 
on the Group of its pension obligations.

Audit and Risk Committee

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

85

Corporate  governance Audit and  
Risk Committee 
continued

Other issues considered in relation to the 
financial statements

Materiality
Materiality is important in determining the risk attached to any 
judgement. The committee considers the audit materiality set by the 
external auditor to ensure that the committee is informed of individual 
items above a certain threshold that are most likely to have an impact on 
the financial statements. The committee reviews the external auditor’s 
report and the individual items that breach the materiality thresholds and 
assesses their relative impact on the reported statements. These are: 
statement of comprehensive income; balance sheet; statement of 
changes in equity and cash flow; as well as the notes to the accounts.

The committee requests further clarification from the external auditor, 
the CFO and Director of Group Finance as to the nature of these items 
and also their relative importance in the financial statements.

After having made such enquiries, the committee is satisfied that 
materiality has been applied correctly in the accounts and that 
material items brought to its attention remain unadjusted where its 
inclusion would not cause detriment to the overall reading of the 
financial statements.

Disclosure of information to the auditor
The directors who held office at the date of the approval of this directors’ 
report confirm that, so far as they are each aware, there is no relevant 
audit information of which the Company’s auditor is unaware; and each 
director has taken all steps that they ought to have taken as a director 
to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information required 
for the audit and to establish that the Company’s auditor is aware of 
that information.

Statutory auditor
The committee provides a forum for reporting by the Group’s auditor 
(KPMG) and it advises the Board on the appointment, independence 
and objectivity of the auditor and on fees earned for both statutory 
audit and audit-related work. The committee discusses the nature, 
scope and timing of the statutory audit with the auditor and, in making 
a recommendation to the Board on auditor reappointment, performs 
an annual, independent assessment of the auditor’s suitability 
and performance.

The external auditor attends meetings of the committee and provides 
updates on statutory reporting, audit-related services and fees, and 
ongoing audit items.

The auditor has the opportunity to raise concerns in private session 
with the committee and separately with the chair. Specifically, the 
committee asks the auditor if discussion of business performance in 
the strategic report is consistent with the auditor’s overall impression 
of Capita. Any material discrepancies are discussed (refer to the 
independent auditor’s report).

Auditor independence
The committee has a responsibility to put in place safeguards to auditor 
objectivity and independence and the key measures are:

•  The CFO monitors the independence of the auditor as part of the 
Group’s assessment of auditor effectiveness and reports to the 
committee accordingly. 

•  The CFO must approve all audit-related engagements – further details 

are set out in the section below on audit-related services. The 
committee reviews audit-related fees twice a year and considers the 
implications for auditor objectivity and independence.

•  The auditor must confirm its independence to the committee every 

six months. 

Ensuring conflicts of interest are avoided is a fundamental criterion in 
the selection of any third-party auditor. Such conflicts may arise across 
public and private sector clients, and in key supplier relationships. They 
are a key factor in the award process for an external audit assignment.

Audit-related services and fees
The company’s policy on auditor independence describes the services 
that may be procured from the auditor, namely audit and audit-related 
services only. To avoid the perception of a conflict of interest, the 
provision of non-audit services is not permitted. Audit-related services 
include those required by laws and regulations, or where it is more 
practical for the external auditor to perform the service (eg reporting 
accountant role related to certain public company transactions). KPMG 
continues to perform the review of interim results which, although 
technically classified as a non-audit service, relates closely to the audit.

Under the policy, which is reviewed annually, executive management 
has discretion to engage the auditor for audit-related services but the 
nature of such assignments and associated fees must be reported 
regularly to the committee. All assignments require approval from the 
CFO. Where executive management has any concern that a proposed 
assignment might threaten the auditor’s independence, this is discussed 
with the committee chair.

Total non-audit fees during the year were £1.4m, and related to the 
review of interim results, services as reporting accountant for the 
disposal of the Education Software Solutions business, and a refinancing 
which did not complete due to market appetite. Further details are 
provided in note 2.3.2 to the consolidated financial statements.

86

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Corporate governanceExternal auditor performance
The committee discussed regularly the performance of KPMG during 
the year and was satisfied that the level of communication and 
reporting was appropriate. These discussions included a review of 
the effectiveness and quality of the audit process, audit planning and 
a formal post-audit evaluation.

External auditor reappointment
Following a robust and rigorous audit tender process in 2018, the 
committee and Board recommended the reappointment of KPMG LLP 
as the Group’s auditor and this was approved by shareholders at 
the 2019 AGM. KPMG was first appointed in 2010, initially as KPMG 
Audit plc.

The formal evaluation comprises separate assessments by both 
management and the committee of the auditor’s role, activity and 
performance including:

•  calibre and risk profile of the audit firm

•  audit governance, independence and objectivity

•  audit scope and strategy

•  audit team and relations with management and business

•  audit communications and resolution of audit issues.

Financial Reporting Council: audit quality inspections
Each year, the Audit Quality Review team (AQR) of the FRC issues a 
report that sets out the principal findings arising from the audit quality 
inspections conducted in the previous calendar year across a sample of 
audits for all major audit firms. The AQR’s objective is to monitor and 
promote improvements in the quality of auditing. The reports highlight 
improvements required to promote audit quality, and areas of good 
practice. The FRC publishes separate reports on the individual firms, 
including KPMG.

The committee received a presentation from the KPMG lead audit 
partner on the findings from the FRC Audit Quality Inspection Report for 
KPMG and the proposed improvement plans put forward by KPMG in 
response, including details of the Audit Quality Transformation 
Programme initiated by KPMG. The committee will closely monitor 
progress against these plans.

FRC’s AQR of the Capita 2019 audit by KPMG 
During the year, the 2019 audit of Capita plc by KPMG was reviewed by 
the AQR team. The FRC routinely monitors the quality of the audit work 
of certain UK audit firms through inspections of sample audits and 
related procedures at individual audit firms. Certain matters for limited 
improvement were identified relating to how KPMG evidenced its 
conclusions over the work performed in one specific area of the audit. 
The AQR also highlighted good practice observations in relation to 
KPMG’s challenge over going concern and the approach adopted to 
auditing Capita’s forecasts. 

The committee and KPMG have discussed the review findings and the 
agreed actions and are satisfied with responses to be implemented by 
KPMG in the 2020 audit. Overall, the results of the review raised no 
issues which cast doubt on the fundamental quality of Capita’s external 
audit and the committee remains satisfied with the efficiency and 
effectiveness of the external audit. 

The lead audit partner is rotated on a five-yearly basis. The current lead 
audit partner rotated onto the audit at the conclusion of the 2016 audit. 
There are no contractual obligations which restrict the committee’s 
choice of auditor.

Under the requirements of the Statutory Audit Services Order and the 
EU Audit Directive and Audit Regulation, the provision of audit services 
should be retendered every 10 years. The complex nature of the Group 
requires that a knowledge base is built up year on year by the incumbent 
to ensure that the external audit is conducted with a proper 
understanding of the Group’s operations and the nature of the risks that 
it faces. This is an important factor in ensuring audit quality. The Group 
has complied with the provisions of the Statutory Audit Services Order.

A resolution to reappoint KPMG as the external auditor of the 
Company will be put forward at the forthcoming annual general meeting. 
If approved, KPMG will hold office from the conclusion of this meeting 
until the conclusion of the next general meeting at which accounts 
are laid before the Company, and its remuneration will be fixed by 
the committee.

Review of risk management and internal control
Responsibility for reviewing the effectiveness of the Group’s risk 
management and internal control systems is delegated to the committee 
by the Board. The principal risks and risk management processes are 
set out on pages 50 to 57.

Effectiveness and efficiency of risk management
During the year, the committee completed a robust assessment of the 
principal risks, including those that would threaten its business model, 
future performance, solvency or liquidity. The assessment included the 
impact of Covid-19 on the principal risks and identified emerging risks 
such as the impact of Brexit and the potential long-term impact of 
Covid-19 on our business and people. In Q4 the committee recognised 
that the health, safety and wellbeing of our people should be recognised 
as a principal risk. Work is ongoing to understand this risk in greater 
detail, including the mitigation strategies proposed by management. 

The committee received reports on the following themes during the year:

•  cyber and information security 

•  IT resilience

•  attracting, developing and retaining our people

•  anti-bribery and corruption

•  financial services regulated businesses.

The enterprise risk management framework and the control environment 
is currently being enhanced but implementation of more advanced 
processes has yet to be embedded. Nevertheless, the committee 
concluded that risk management processes were materially adequate 
and there were no material weaknesses requiring specific disclosure. 
The committee reported the conclusions to the Board to support the 
annual confirmation that a robust assessment of the principal risks had 
been carried out. 

Effectiveness and efficiency of financial controls 
Detail on the status of internal financial controls is in the internal control 
and risk management section of this report and can be found on page 
52. The committee concluded that, whilst these were not appropriately 
efficient for a Group of the scale and complexity of Capita, overall they 
could be relied upon to be materially effective.

Audit and Risk Committee

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

87

Corporate  governance Privacy
Privacy, which includes compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018 
and General Data Protection Regulation, continues to be a focus area 
for the Group. While there can be an overlap with information security, 
we maintain separate information security and privacy teams to ensure 
that there is appropriate focus on each area.

We continued to embed a first-line and second-line approach to privacy 
compliance, with the business units remaining primarily responsible for 
day-to-day privacy-related activities and, led by a Data Protection 
Officer, a central privacy team providing appropriate support and 
challenge. These assurance activities included automating a privacy 
checklist as part of the contract review committee’s processes to ensure 
that all relevant steps have been implemented at contract win or renewal 
stage and streamlining our approach to Data Protection Impact 
Assessments and Privacy by Design and Default to ensure privacy is 
considered at every stage of the solutions process. We have continued 
the communication of privacy policies, monitoring all data incidents to 
identify trends and to provide remediating actions, and provided 
appropriate privacy training and support to the data protection leads and 
other key colleagues embedded within the business units. The results 
and outputs of the privacy self-assessment questionnaire in 2019 were 
used to ensure that there is continuous improvement across the 
business. Responding to the challenges of the pandemic, emphasis has 
been placed on the privacy challenges of a new way of working from 
remote locations. Appropriate guidance and governance structures have 
been implemented to facilitate this.

Matthew Lester
Chair
Audit and Risk Committee
16 March 2021

Audit and  
Risk Committee 
continued

Internal audit
The Group internal audit function has an administrative reporting line 
to the CFO and an independent reporting line to me as Chair of the 
committee. The function has in place a co-sourcing arrangement which 
adds expertise and breadth to the work of the in-house audit team. 
The function is led by the Director of Group Internal Audit who also 
took responsibility for the Group’s unregulated risk function in March 
2020. Regulated business risk remains the responsibility of the Chief 
General Counsel.

During 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the internal audit 
programme was revised to focus on key risk areas and part of the audit 
programme was deferred. The Group internal audit function also worked 
with the business on several control and assurance activities to support 
the response to Covid-19. The scope of audit work generally focuses on 
assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of controls, including 
management oversight and the degree of management risk awareness 
within the businesses that are subject to audit.

Throughout the year, the Group internal audit function provides written 
reports to the Group Audit and Risk Committee on the work carried out 
to date and the in-flight work to be completed. A verbal update accompanies 
each report submitted to the committee. An annual report is provided 
each year summarising the key matters arising. Representations set out 
strengths and weaknesses identified during the work, together with any 
recommendations for remedial action or further review.

The Group Internal Audit team reports themes aligned to the committee 
of Sponsoring Organisations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) 
internal control framework including: lack of defined policy and 
procedures over key processes; risks being managed through the 
experience of our people and existing knowledge; roles, responsibilities 
and accountabilities not always clear; and lack of evidence to 
demonstrate monitoring and reporting of control activity. In all cases 
management has responded with appropriate action to mitigate the 
associated risks, and divisional executive management has increased 
its visibility of significant issues. In addition, there has been focus by 
senior management to improve the control environment through the 
closure of previously overdue audit actions.

The committee reviews management’s response to the matters raised 
and ensures that any action is commensurate with the level of risk 
identified, whether real or perceived.

Through regular interaction between the committee and the Director of 
Group Internal Audit, as well as reports received from the function, the 
committee can assess and satisfy itself that the Group’s provision of 
internal audit is effective.

Anti-bribery and corruption
Capita has a Group-wide anti-bribery and corruption policy, which 
complies with the Bribery Act 2010. Procedures are reviewed 
periodically to ensure continued effective compliance in Group 
businesses around the world.

Speak Up
Capita’s Speak Up policy provides a framework for any worker to raise 
serious concerns at work in a responsible and effective manner. To 
ensure that concerns are addressed in a manner independent of a 
worker’s business area, concerns can be raised through a facility 
provided by an independent third-party provider. Where concerns are 
raised, they are escalated, following a triage process performed by that 
provider, to named contact points within Capita for further assessment 
and investigation. Oversight of these arrangements is a matter reserved 
to the Board and it receives updates on the operation of the policy.

88

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Corporate governanceDuring 2020, the ERC met three times and the FSRC met four times. 
Membership and meeting attendance are set out in the tables below. 
The maximum number of meetings that could be attended is shown 
in brackets. Further details on how risk was managed during 2020 
are set out in the internal control and risk management section on 
pages 50 to 53.

Group executive risk committee:

Name of member

Title

Gordon Boyd (Chair)  Chief Financial Officer (interim)
Jon Lewis 
Aimie Chapple 

Chief Executive Officer 
Executive Officer, 
Customer Management 
Executive Officer, 
Technology Solutions
Executive Officer, 
Government Services
Executive Officer, People Solutions
Executive Officer, 
Specialist Services
Executive Officer, Software 
Chief General Counsel 
Group Commercial Director
Chief Growth Officer
Former Chief Financial Officer

Number of 
meetings
 attended

1 (1)
1 (3)
3 (3)

1 (3)

1 (3)

3 (3)
2 (3)

3 (3)
3 (3)
3 (3)
0 (3)
2 (2)

Mark Cook

Andy Start

Chantal Free
Jim Vincent

Chris Baker
Claire Chapman
Rob Tolfts
Ismail Amla
Patrick Butcher1

1.   Patrick Butcher chaired two ERC meetings prior to his resignation as Chief Financial Officer 

on 16 November 2020.

Group financial services risk committee:

Name of member
Simon Burke (Chair)1
Babloo Ramamurthy2
Gordon Boyd 
Claire Chapman
Patrick Butcher 3 

Title

Independent Non-Executive 
Independent Non-Executive 
Chief Financial Officer (interim)
Chief General Counsel
Former Chief Financial Officer

1.  Simon Burke was appointed Chair with effect from 1 October 2020.
2.  Babloo Ramamurthy chaired three FSRC meetings prior to 1 October 2020.
3.  Patrick Butcher resigned as Chief Financial Officer on 16 November 2020.

Number of 
meetings
 attended

1 (1)
4 (4)
1 (1)
4 (4)
3 (3)

Group executive risk committee

The Group executive risk committee (ERC) assesses risk across all 
Capita’s unregulated businesses and reports to the Audit and Risk 
Committee. It normally holds scheduled meetings on a quarterly basis 
but, as a result of the developing Covid-19 situation, the scheduled 
March 2020 meeting was cancelled. However, meeting papers were 
circulated and matters requiring approval were approved by email and 
subsequently ratified at the following scheduled meeting. Membership 
comprises the CEO, CFO, Chief General Counsel, Group Commercial 
Director, Chief Growth Officer and the divisional executive officers. The 
Group Risk & Internal Audit Director has a standing invitation, and the 
non-executive directors have an open invitation, to attend all meetings. 
Meetings are chaired by either the CEO or CFO. The ERC’s role is to 
oversee and challenge the key unregulated business risk and 
compliance activities and issues in Capita’s unregulated businesses by:

•  Reviewing the risk profile of the Group’s entities, along with ensuring 
appropriate remedial actions are taken in line with Group objectives 
and risk appetites.

•  Advising the Group Audit and Risk Committee on the management 

of risks.

•  Reviewing and commenting on Group control function activity and 

oversight plans.

•  Overseeing the effective operation of internal control systems.

•  Tracking key regulatory changes impacting the Group’s regulated 

businesses.

•  Considering matters escalated to it by any divisional risk and 

assurance committee.

•  Identifying items for the attention of the Board, Group Audit and 

Risk Committee or Group financial services risk committee (FSRC).

The scope of the committee covers all unregulated businesses in all 
jurisdictions in which the Group operates. 

Group financial services risk committee

The FSRC complements the ERC by assessing risk across Capita’s 
regulated businesses and also reports to the Audit and Risk Committee. 
The FSRC holds scheduled meetings on a quarterly basis. Membership 
comprises a new independent chair, appointed on 1 October 2020, an 
independent non-executive (who is also independent chair of the board 
of Capita Employee Benefits Limited), the CFO and the Chief General 
Counsel. Relevant senior management function post-holders, together 
with functional heads and other appropriate representatives from Group 
Internal Audit and Group Risk & Compliance, have a standing invitation 
to attend all meetings.

The FSRC’s role is similar to that of the ERC but with a specific focus on 
regulated business risk and compliance activities and issues, particularly:

•  Reviewing the risk profile of Capita’s financial services and regulated 
businesses, along with ensuring appropriate remedial actions are 
taken in line with Group objectives and risk appetites.

•  Advising the Audit and Risk Committee on the management of risks.

•  Receiving reports on significant issues arising from regulatory 
monitoring and internal audit activity, and reporting on key 
communications with the FCA and developments in the relationship.

•  Receiving updates on conduct issues and regulatory capital issues – 

eg internal capital adequacy assessment process (ICAAP).

•  Overseeing the effective operation of internal control systems.

•  Identifying items for the attention of the Board, Group Audit and Risk 

Committee or ERC.

Audit and Risk Committee

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

89

Corporate  governance Directors’ 
remuneration report

Directors’ 
remuneration 
report

“ Our new remuneration 
policy is better aligned to 
the delivery of our 
transformation plan and 
Capita’s responsible 
business strategy.”

  Georgina Harvey
  Chair  
  Remuneration Committee

90

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

This report is split into three sections:

•  The annual statement details how the committee discharged its roles 
and responsibilities including: a review of the current remuneration 
policy; the operation of the current policy in 2020 (including the 
committee’s response to Covid-19); and pay decisions for 2021.

•  The directors’ remuneration policy presents a proposed new policy 
(the policy) which will be subject to a binding shareholder vote at the 
2021 annual general meeting (AGM).

•  The annual report on remuneration sets out the remuneration 
arrangements and incentive outcomes for the year under review. 
The directors’ remuneration report will be subject to an advisory 
shareholder vote at the 2021 AGM.

In addition to seeking shareholder approval for the new remuneration 
policy and the directors’ remuneration report, excluding the policy, 
approval will also be sought for a new share plan (the 2021 Capita 
Executive Plan) to enable executive directors to receive restricted share 
awards (RSAs) on the terms permitted within the proposed new policy.

Annual statement
Dear shareholder,

I am pleased to present the directors’ remuneration report for the year 
ended 31 December 2020, my second as Chair of the committee and 
my first at the end of a full financial year. 

The committee has been focused on taking a fair and balanced 
approach to remuneration across Capita, in light of the challenges that 
our employees and our clients have faced as a result of the Covid-19 
crisis, and against the backdrop of Capita’s responsible business strategy.

Temporary salary reductions were applied in 2020 to the directors, 
executive committee members and higher earning colleagues across 
the Group and we decided early in the year not to operate the annual 
bonus plan for 2020. However, reflecting our focus on colleague 
wellbeing, we have continued with our commitment to pay the real living 
wage as a minimum to all those directly employed by Capita in the UK. 

Details of the committee’s approach to remuneration in 2020, the 
proposed new policy (including a detailed rationale) and its proposed 
implementation for 2021 are set out below.

How the committee operates

The committee has an annual agenda to cover the key planning and 
decision events in the annual remuneration cycle. Each meeting is 
supported by an agenda-setting discussion held in advance with the 
committee Chair, Chief People Officer and Group Reward Director to 
identify issues impacting remuneration which may require consideration 
by the committee. Regular reports, including updates on corporate 
governance and regulatory developments, are received from the 
committee’s adviser. At each committee meeting the members may 
receive other reports and presentations covering wider workforce 
arrangements which include the annual pay review, incentive scheme 
arrangements, gender pay reporting, salary proposals for members of 
the senior team and approval of remuneration packages for new 
members of the executive committee.

Corporate governanceRemuneration Committee 
membership and attendance
All members of the committee are independent non-executive 
directors, with the exception of the non-executive employee director. 
The number of formal meetings held and the attendance by each 
member is shown in the table on page 66. The committee also held 
informal discussions as required. The Group Company Secretary acts 
as secretary to the committee and is available to assist the members 
of the committee as required, ensuring that timely and accurate 
information is distributed accordingly.

Remuneration Committee time allocation (%)

7

1

6

5

2

4

3

1  10% Governance
2  25% Executive Directors’ and Executive Committee 
  members’ remuneration
3  15% STIP
4  13% LTIP
5  10% Wider workforce
6  10% Shareholder consultation/feedback
7  17% Remuneration policy review

The committee’s terms of reference set out the role, responsibilities and 
authority of the committee and can be found on the Company website at 
www.capita.com/investors. These were reviewed and updated during 
the year.

Committee activities

The key workstreams of the committee during the year included:

Risk – Our policy has been designed to ensure that inappropriate 
risk-taking is discouraged and will not be rewarded via: (i) the balanced 
use of both short-term incentives and long-term share awards; (ii) the 
significant role played by equity in our incentive plans (together with 
in-employment and post-cessation shareholding guidelines); and 
(iii) malus/clawback provisions and the committee’s ability to use 
discretion to adjust vesting downwards.

•  Assessing the impact of Covid-19 on executive director and executive 

committee remuneration.

Predictability – Our incentive plans are subject to annual individual 
limits, with our share plans also subject to a share dilution limit.

•  Agreeing the directors’ remuneration policy taken to the 2020 AGM.

•  A review of the directors’ remuneration policy for 2021, which included 

extensive shareholder consultation.

•  Remuneration arrangements for leavers/joiners.

•  Consideration of executive pay arrangements and alignment with 

those for the wider workforce.

In addition, the committee has ensured that the remuneration policy and 
practices are consistent with the six factors set out in Provision 40 of the 
2018 UK Corporate Governance Code (the Code):

Clarity – Our policy and the proposed changes are well understood by 
our senior management team and have been clearly articulated to our 
major shareholders and representative bodies (both on an ongoing 
basis and during the recent consultation exercise).

Simplicity – The committee is mindful of the need to avoid overly 
complex remuneration structures, which can be misunderstood and 
deliver unintended outcomes. A key objective of the committee is to 
ensure our executive remuneration policies and practices are 
straightforward to communicate and operate. The 2021 policy and its 
implementation has been simplified significantly in respect of long-term 
incentive pay.

Proportionality – There is a clear link between individual awards, 
delivery of strategy and our long-term performance through performance 
conditions or underpins applied to short- and long-term variable pay. In 
addition, the significant role played by incentive/at-risk pay, together with 
the structure of the executive directors’ service contracts, ensures that 
poor performance is not rewarded.

Alignment to culture – Our executive pay policies are fully aligned 
to Capita’s culture, including elements of fixed pay (executive director 
pension provision is aligned with the workforce) and through the use 
of performance metrics that measure how we perform against our 
financial and non-financial KPIs. RSAs further increase alignment to 
Capita’s responsible business strategy by offering a narrower range 
of value outcomes.

Directors’ remuneration report

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

91

Corporate  governance Directors’ 
remuneration report 
continued

Remuneration for 2020 and the committee’s response 
to Covid-19

Following an investor consultation exercise carried out by the committee 
at the end of 2019, the intended approach to 2020 remuneration was 
as follows:

•  Salary levels would be maintained at 2019 levels.

•  Annual bonus potential would be set at 200% of salary for the Chief 
Executive Officer (CEO) and 175% of salary for the Chief Financial 
Officer (CFO) with the bonus based on adjusted profit before tax, 
adjusted free cash flow, organic revenue growth and strategic 
KPIs (with each metric weighted equally), and subject to a free 
cash flow underpin.

•  Long-term incentive plan (LTIP) award levels would be set at 300% of 
salary for the CEO and 200% of salary for the CFO and performance 
metrics and targets were to be simplified with 50% of awards based 
on relative total shareholder return (TSR), 25% based on earnings 
per share (EPS) and 25% based on responsible business scorecard 
measures. Awards would be subject to a performance underpin 
(based on an assessment of the underlying financial and operational 
performance of Capita).

However, in response to the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic:

•  Executive director salaries were voluntarily reduced by 25% for six 
months from 1 April 2020. Temporary reductions also applied to 
non-executive director fee levels, and executive committee and other 
higher earning colleagues’ salaries across the Group.

•  The annual bonus plan was withdrawn for 2020 for the executive 
directors (and for the executive committee and selected senior 
managers) before the targets were agreed.

•  2020 LTIP awards were significantly reduced from normal levels. 

Rather than awards of 300% of salary for the CEO and 200% for the 
CFO, the awards were reduced by c.70%. While the committee had 
intended to set adjusted EPS growth targets for 25% of the 2020 LTIP 
award, it concluded that, given the continued uncertainty surrounding 
the full impact of Covid-19, the EPS performance metric should be 
removed from the 2020 LTIP award and TSR should be upweighted to 
75% of the award and measured over the three years from the date of 
grant. The remaining 25% of the 2020 LTIP award is based on 
responsible business scorecard measures as planned. The awards 
are also subject to a performance underpin as planned.

The 2018 LTIP awards held by Jon Lewis which are due to vest in 2021 
(Patrick Butcher did not hold 2018 LTIP awards, given that he joined 
Capita after the grant date) will vest at 60% of the maximum opportunity 
as a result of the annualised cost savings, customer satisfaction and 
employee satisfaction targets being met in full. The EBIT margin target 
was not met and the committee exercised its discretion and decided the 
adjusted free cash flow element should not vest. The committee 
considers that this vesting level reflects Capita’s progress to date in 
delivering the transformation plan. Further details in respect of this 
performance assessment and the value of the awards (which are 
materially reduced from the value as at the original grant date following 
the fall in share price) are set out on page 103.

The committee is satisfied that total remuneration paid to each of the 
executive directors in respect of 2020 was appropriate when the progress 
against the transformation plan, the approach to mitigating the impact of 
Covid-19, and the stakeholder experience more generally, are considered.

Use of discretion

The committee retains the right to exercise discretion to override 
formulaic outcomes and ensure that the level of bonus or share award 
payable is appropriate. It may use its judgement to adjust outcomes 
downwards to ensure that any payments made reflect overall Company 
performance and stakeholder experiences more generally. Where 
exercised, the rationale for this discretion will be fully disclosed to 

92

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

shareholders in the annual report. A summary of the discretion 
exercised by the committee in 2020 (and in respect of the prior year) 
is set out below:

2019

2020

Annual 
bonus

Following an assessment of the 
performance against the adjusted 
PBT, adjusted free cash flow, organic 
revenue growth and strategic/
personal annual bonus targets, the 
formulaic outturn produced an annual 
bonus award of 37.1% of the maximum 
for the CEO and 32% of the maximum 
for the CFO. However, following a 
quality of earnings review and 
consideration of the shareholder 
experience during 2019, the 
committee exercised its discretion 
and determined that no bonus would 
be paid to the executive directors in 
respect of 2019.

LTIPs

No discretion applied.

In light of the impact of Covid-19, 
the annual bonus plan was 
withdrawn for 2020 for the 
executive directors (plus the 
executive committee and selected 
senior managers) before the 
targets were agreed.

2020 LTIP award levels were 
reduced by c.70% compared with 
normal grant levels. In addition, 
and to reflect underlying financial 
and operational performance, the 
committee applied downward 
discretion when assessing the 
vesting of the 2018 LTIP.

Board changes in 2020

On 16 November 2020, Patrick Butcher resigned from his position as 
CFO and Executive Director, and Gordon Boyd was appointed as interim 
CFO and Executive Director on the same date. Patrick has assisted 
Gordon in an orderly handover and will remain employed to support 
Gordon and the Company until the end of March 2021. Details of the 
remuneration arrangements in respect of Patrick’s resignation and 
Gordon’s appointment are set out in the annual report on remuneration 
on page 106.

Reviewing the policy for 2021

Capita rolled forward its remuneration policy (the policy) at the 2020 
AGM, with the focus on reflecting developments in corporate governance. 
However, since then it has become clear that the existing policy, based 
on the annual grant of LTIPs, is no longer working effectively and a 
new policy is required. While the committee is aware that seeking 
shareholder approval for a new remuneration policy a year after the last 
policy was approved is not common, these are clearly exceptional times 
for Capita, our stakeholders and society more generally.

As such, the committee decided that, subject to shareholder approval, 
a switch from LTIPs to restricted share awards (RSAs) should be made 
from the 2021 AGM, because RSAs will: 

•  Better reflect the challenges of our corporate transformation plan of 
delivering improving returns to shareholders. While we continue to 
make progress with the transformation, it is taking longer and proving 
more complex than originally envisaged. As such, divestments and 
restructuring continue to form a major part of the strategy, and this has 
highlighted the challenges and issues in respect of setting rolling 
three-year targets; this has been exacerbated by Covid-19.

•  Increase alignment with Capita’s responsible business strategy which 
is integral to our Company purpose, operating model and strategy, 
demonstrating how we should act as a force for good to create better 
outcomes for all our stakeholders. While this was intended to be 
addressed, at least in part, by the introduction of responsible business 
scorecard targets in the 2020 LTIP awards, shareholder feedback in 
respect of the 2020 AGM suggested that views were mixed on 
whether suitable performance metrics and targets could be identified 
to reflect Capita’s strategic and broader societal aims. RSAs will 
remove the issue of identifying appropriate performance metrics and 
offer a narrower and more predictable range of value outcomes, which 

Corporate governanceis considered to be more appropriate than the current, highly geared, 
LTIP structure, particularly considering Capita’s ‘critical service’ 
government contracts and that the portfolio includes a number of 
lower-margin businesses. In addition to the above, the committee is 
conscious of political and societal pressures to reduce executive pay 
levels (as demonstrated by the committee’s response to Covid-19, 
which is outlined above).

•  Aid retention of senior management, given the challenges set out 
above, and noting that there was no annual bonus for 2020 (the 
second year in a row with no bonus awards) and previous LTIP awards 
are unlikely to vest to a material value.

•  Increase internal alignment within Capita given that RSAs are awarded 

below Board level. 

•  Simplify remuneration arrangements significantly, which will in turn 

increase transparency.

The ability to grant LTIP awards, up to 300% of salary, will therefore be 
removed from the policy. Following the 2021 AGM, and then annually 
thereafter, executive directors may receive RSAs:

•  Of up to 150% of salary for the CEO and up to 100% of salary for the 

CFO (when appointed); this represents a 50% reduction to the normal 
LTIP award levels.

•  Which will normally vest after three years from grant subject to: (i) 

continued employment; (ii) satisfactory personal performance during 
the relevant vesting periods; and (iii) a positive assessment of 
performance against one or more underpins. Details of the underpins 
which will apply to the proposed 2021 RSAs are set out below and in 
the annual report on remuneration on page 101.

•  Which, once vested, may not normally be sold until at least six years 

from the grant date (other than to pay relevant taxes).

In addition to the switch to RSAs, the post-cessation shareholding 
guidelines will be enhanced. Rather than 100% of the shareholding 
guideline applying up to the first anniversary of the date of cessation 
and then reducing to 50% of the guideline between the first and second 
anniversary of cessation, 100% of the shareholding guideline (300% of 
salary for Jon Lewis and 200% for other executive directors) or the actual 
shareholding if lower will need to be held for two years, post cessation.

In addition to seeking shareholder approval for the new remuneration 
policy, approval will also be sought for a new share plan, the 2021 Capita 
Executive Plan, to enable executive directors to receive RSAs on the 
terms permitted within the proposed remuneration policy. Full details of 
the proposed new share plan are set out in the Notice of AGM.

Implementing the policy for 2021
A summary of the proposed approach to the implementation of the 
proposed remuneration policy for 2021 (assuming it is approved by 
shareholders) is as follows:

•  No base salary increases were awarded to the executive directors at 

the normal 1 January 2021 review date.

•  Executive directors (excluding the interim CFO) will continue to receive 
a workforce-aligned pension allowance (5% of salary, in line with other 
employees).

•  The annual bonus plan will be reintroduced for 2021 with the 

policy-aligned maximum opportunities of 200% (CEO) and 175% 
(CFO role, when a permanent replacement for Patrick Butcher has 
been appointed) of salary. However, rather than the four performance 
metrics being equally weighted, as per the intended 2020 annual 
bonus plan, the committee will give free cash flow more prominence 
for 2021 as follows:

1  25% Free cash flow
2  25% Adjusted PBT  
3  25% Organic revenue 
4  25% Strategic objectives    

* withdrawn in light of Covid-19

1  40% Free cash flow
2  20% Adjusted PBT  
3  20% Organic revenue 
4  20% Strategic objectives

1

2020 Bonus*

4

3

1

2

2021 Bonus

4

3

2

•  RSAs to be granted post the AGM in 2021 will, subject to 

shareholder approval: 

 – be set at a maximum grant value of 150% of salary for the CEO and 
100% of salary for the CFO (when appointed) albeit the committee 
will consider the prevailing share price at the time of grant, which is 
expected to be immediately after the 2021 AGM, which may cause 
the committee to set the level of grant for 2021 at a reduced level. 

 – normally vest after three years from grant subject to: (i) continued 
employment; (ii) satisfactory personal performance during the 
relevant vesting periods; and (iii) a positive assessment of 
performance against two underpins (see below).

 – once vested, shares received may not normally be sold until at least 

six years from the grant date (other than to pay relevant taxes). 

In respect of the underpins for the 2021 awards: 

 – underpin 1: Capita’s TSR over the three years ending 31 December 2023 
must be positive for any RSAs granted to executive directors to vest.

 – underpin 2: The committee must be satisfied with the underlying 

performance of Capita and that there have been no environmental, 
social or governance issues resulting in material reputational damage 
over the vesting period. If this underpin is not deemed to be met, the 
committee will consider a reduction to the final vesting level of the 
RSAs (including to nil). 

•  No changes will be made to the outstanding LTIP awards.

Shareholder views

In finalising the proposed changes to the remuneration policy, the committee 
considered the feedback it received in respect of: (i) the new policy 
introduced at the 2020 AGM (noting the resolution received 97% votes 
for); and (ii) a shareholder consultation exercise carried out at the end of 
2020 and start of 2021. Consistent with good practice, the consultation 
exercise was concluded with a wrap-up letter that set out the committee’s 
final proposals, which included extending the post-vesting holding period 
from two years to three years (a change from our original proposals) and 
summarised the main areas of feedback Capita received. The committee is 
grateful for the contribution and level of support received from shareholders.

Employee engagement
In 2020, Jon Lewis regularly communicated with all employees, including 
on our 2019 financial results. Employees are able to submit any 
questions on the Company – including in relation to the directors’ 
remuneration policy and report, pay and benefits – both online and 
during live employee briefings. Lyndsay Browne, one of the employee 
non-executive directors, was appointed to the Remuneration Committee 
in 2020 with the intention of ensuring a workforce perspective on 
remuneration at the very top of the organisation. 

Directors’ remuneration report

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

93

Corporate  governance Directors’ 
remuneration report 
continued

Concluding thoughts
As Capita continues to deliver its transformation the committee is 
satisfied that the proposed changes to the remuneration policy will help 
to ensure that the senior management team is appropriately retained 
and incentivised. The committee will continue to consult widely with 
shareholders to respond to their expectations of remuneration policy 
and reporting and welcomes all input.

I hope you find this report to be clear and helpful in understanding our 
remuneration practices and that you will be supportive of this year’s 
remuneration-related resolutions.

Finally, I would like to thank our shareholders for their ongoing support.

Georgina Harvey
Chair 
Remuneration Committee 
16 March 2021

Directors’ remuneration policy
This part of the remuneration report sets out our revised remuneration 
policy and has been prepared in accordance with The Large and 
Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) 
Regulations 2008 (as amended). The policy has been developed taking 
into account the principles of the Code and the views of our major 
shareholders. The policy will be put to a binding shareholder vote at the 
2021 AGM and, subject to shareholder approval, will take formal effect 
from the conclusion of the AGM. The information provided in this section 
of the remuneration report is not subject to audit.

Changes to the current policy

This revised policy is broadly consistent with the existing policy that was 
approved by shareholders at the 2020 AGM albeit, as detailed in the 
annual statement, it has been amended for the following changes:

•  LTIP awards will (subject to approval by shareholders of the 2021 

Capita Executive Plan) be replaced by RSAs. The ability to grant LTIP 
awards, up to 300% of salary, has therefore been removed from the 
policy. Subject to shareholder approval, following the 2021 AGM and 
then annually thereafter, executive directors may be granted RSAs: 

 – of up to 150% of salary for the CEO and up to 100% of salary for 

the CFO role. This represents a 50% reduction to the normal LTIP 
award levels.

 – which will normally vest after three years from grant subject to: (i) 

continued employment; (ii) satisfactory personal performance during 
the relevant vesting periods; and (iii) a positive assessment of 
performance against one or more underpins.

 – which, once vested, shares received may not normally be sold until at 
least six years from the grant date (other than to pay relevant taxes).

•  The policy in respect of non-executive director fees has been updated 
to permit the payment of an allowance for intercontinental travel for 
business purposes where an individual is required to travel overseas. 

•  The policy in respect of leavers has been amended slightly to make it 
clear that only good leavers will be entitled to receive an annual bonus 
award, payable at the normal payment date and pro-rated as 
appropriate.

•  The post-cessation shareholding guidelines have been enhanced. 

100% of the shareholding guideline (currently 300% of salary for Jon 
Lewis and 200% of salary for other executive directors) or the actual 
shareholding if lower will need to be held for two years post cessation.

Responsibilities and activities of the Remuneration 
Committee

The committee is responsible for determining and agreeing with the 
Board the remuneration policy for the executive directors, executive 
committee members and the Group Company Secretary, including 
setting the overarching principles, parameters and governance 
framework and determining each remuneration package. In addition, 
the committee reviews remuneration for the wide workforce and related 
policies and the alignment of incentives and rewards with culture. The 
committee also sets the Chairman’s fee.

As part of the policy review process, the committee sought the views of 
the executive directors on changes to the existing policy. However, the 
executive directors participated in an advisory role and were not involved 
in the decision-making process.

In setting the remuneration policy for the executive directors, executive 
committee members and the Group Company Secretary, the committee 
ensures that the arrangements are in the best interest of both the 
Group and its shareholders, by taking into account the following 
general principles:

•  To ensure total remuneration packages are simple and fair in design 

so that they are valued by participants.

•  To ensure that total remuneration strongly reflects performance.

•  To balance performance-related pay between the achievement of 

financial performance objectives and delivering sustainable 
performance; creating a clear connection between performance and 
reward; and providing a focus on sustained improvements in 
profitability and returns.

•  To provide a significant proportion of remuneration in shares, allowing 
senior management to build a significant shareholding in the business 
and, therefore, aligning management with shareholders’ interests and 
the Group’s performance, without encouraging excessive risk taking.

Consideration of shareholder views

The Company is committed to maintaining good communications with 
shareholders. It considers the AGM to be an opportunity to 
communicate with investors, giving shareholders the opportunity to raise 
any issues or concerns they may have. In addition, the committee seeks 
to engage directly with major shareholders and the main representative 
bodies, should any material changes be proposed to the policy.

As detailed in the annual statement, the committee consulted with major 
shareholders and shareholder representatives on the proposed changes 
to the remuneration policy. Feedback received from this was considered 
when drafting the new policy and is also reflected in the implementation 
of the policy for 2021.

Consideration of our people

When determining executive director remuneration policy and practices, 
the committee reviews workforce remuneration and related policies and 
the alignment of incentives and rewards with culture to ensure that 
workforce pay and conditions are taken into account when setting the 
pay of executive directors and senior management.

Share awards are granted to senior management in order to encourage 
a high level of employee share ownership, albeit remuneration is more 
heavily weighted towards long-term variable pay for executive directors 
than other employees. This ensures that there is a clear link between the 
value created for shareholders and the remuneration received by the 
executive directors. Two employee non-executive directors attend 
committee meetings (one as a committee member, one by invitation) to 
ensure that a workforce perspective is heard at the very top of the 
organisation with respect to remuneration.

94

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Corporate governanceRemuneration policy table

The following table sets out the key aspects of the policy.

Base salary

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance framework

To attract and retain talent by 
ensuring base salaries are 
sufficiently competitive.

Normally reviewed annually in 
December, with any changes 
usually effective in January. The 
committee may award salary 
increases at other times of the year 
if it considers it to be appropriate.

The review takes into account:

There is no prescribed maximum 
monetary annual increase to base 
salaries. Any annual increase in 
salaries is at the discretion of the 
committee, taking into account the 
factors stated in this table and the 
following principles:

Individual and business 
performance are considerations 
in setting base salaries.

•  Salaries in similar companies 

and comparably-sized 
companies

•  Remuneration policy

•  Economic climate

•  Market conditions

•  Group performance

•  The role and responsibility 
of the individual director

•  Employee remuneration across 

the broader workforce.

•  Salaries would typically be 

increased at a rate consistent 
with the average salary increase 
(in percentage of salary terms) 
for the broader workforce.

•  Larger increases may be 

considered appropriate in certain 
circumstances (including, but 
not limited to, a change in an 
individual’s responsibilities or 
in the scale of their role or in 
the size and complexity of 
the Group).

•  Larger increases may also be 
considered appropriate if a 
director has been initially 
appointed to the Board at a lower 
than typical salary.

Benefits

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance framework

Designed to be consistent with 
benefits available to employees 
in the Group.

Not performance-related.

Benefits include car allowance, 
private medical insurance, travel 
and property hire. Executive 
directors can also participate in 
all-employee share plans. 

The committee has discretion to 
add additional benefits which are 
not currently provided, such as 
relocation expenses.

Benefit provision varies between 
different executive directors. While 
there is no maximum level set by 
the committee, benefits provision 
will be set at a level the committee 
considers appropriate and be 
based on individual circumstances. 

Participation in the Company’s 
HMRC-approved all-employee 
share plan will be limited by 
the maximum level prescribed 
by HMRC.

Pension

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Consistent with benefits available 
to employees in the Group.

Pension contributions are 
paid into the Group’s defined 
contribution scheme and/or 
as a cash allowance.

Maximum opportunity

5% of salary.

Performance framework

Not performance-related.

Directors’ remuneration report

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

95

Corporate  governance Directors’ 
remuneration report 
continued

Annual bonus

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance framework

Performance measures are 
selected to focus executives on 
delivery of the Group business plan 
for the financial year.

200% of salary.

Performance is normally measured over a 
one-year period relative to challenging targets for 
selected measures of Group financial, strategic 
and/or individual performance. 

The majority of the bonus will be determined by 
measure(s) of Group financial performance.

A sliding scale is set for each Group financial 
measure: 50% of the bonus will be paid at target 
performance, increasing to 100% for maximum 
performance.

Any bonus payout is ultimately at the discretion of 
the committee, and the amount of any bonus that 
would be determined based on performance may 
be reduced if the committee believes this better 
reflects the underlying performance of Capita 
over the relevant period.

The bonus measures and targets 
are reviewed annually to ensure 
that bonus opportunity and 
performance measures continue 
to support the business plan. 
Stretching targets are set at the 
start of each financial year.

Performance against targets is 
reviewed following completion of 
the final accounts for the period 
under review.

50% of any bonus earned (net of 
tax) is normally delivered in shares 
deferred for three years, with the 
remainder delivered in cash or 
deferred shares at the executive 
director’s discretion.

An additional payment may be 
made at the time of vesting in 
respect of dividends that would 
have accrued on deferred shares 
during the deferral period.

Malus and clawback provisions 
apply to all annual bonus and 
deferred bonus share awards for a 
period of up to three years after the 
determination of the annual bonus.

Restricted share awards

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance framework

Designed to reward and retain 
executives over the longer term 
while aligning their interests with 
those of shareholders.

To link reward to longer-term 
performance.

To encourage share ownership.

150% of salary.

Awards will normally vest after 
three years from grant and, once 
vested, shares may not normally be 
sold until at least six years from the 
grant date (other than to pay 
relevant taxes).

Dividends or dividend equivalents 
may accrue over the vesting period 
and any holding period but only to 
the extent awards vest.

Malus and clawback provisions 
apply to awards for a period up to 
the fifth anniversary of grant.

Vesting will be subject to: (i) continued 
employment; (ii) satisfactory personal 
performance during the relevant vesting periods; 
and (iii) a positive assessment of performance 
against one or more underpins.

In addition, the committee may reduce the extent 
to which an award vests if it believes this better 
reflects the underlying performance of Capita 
over the relevant period.

96

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Corporate governanceShareholding guidelines

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance framework

To align interests of management 
and shareholders and promote a 
long-term approach to performance 
and risk management.

Not performance-related.

In employment: 
300% of salary (CEO)
200% of salary 
(CFO role).

Post cessation:
100% of the relevant 
guideline between 
cessation and the 
second anniversary 
of cessation (or the 
actual shareholding 
if the guideline has 
not been met at 
cessation).

Shareholding guidelines require 
executive directors to reach a 
specified shareholding.

Executive directors are required to 
retain 100% of any shares from 
deferred bonus awards, RSAs 
(or LTIPs as granted under the 
previous policy) on vesting 
(net of tax) until the guideline 
level is achieved. 

Post-cessation guidelines apply 
to share awards granted following 
the 2020 AGM. In determining the 
relevant number of shares to be 
retained post cessation, shares 
acquired from own purchases, any 
buyout awards and share awards 
granted prior to the 2020 AGM will 
not be counted.

Non-executive director (NED) fees

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance framework

Market competitive fees are set so 
as to attract and retain non-
executive directors with required 
skills, experience and knowledge 
so that the Board can effectively 
carry out its responsibilities.

Not performance-related.

As per the executive 
directors, there is no 
prescribed maximum 
monetary annual 
increase.

Fees are limited to an 
aggregate annual sum 
of £1m increased only 
to take account of the 
effect of inflation as 
measured by the retail 
price index or such 
index as the directors 
consider appropriate 
or such other amount 
as the Company 
may by ordinary 
resolution decide.

Reviewed periodically by the 
Board. Fee levels set by 
reference to market rates, taking 
into account the individual’s 
experience, responsibilities, time 
commitment and pay decisions 
for the broader workforce.

NED fees comprise payment 
of an annual basic fee and 
additional fees for further 
Board responsibilities such as:

•  Senior independent director

•  Audit and Risk Committee chair

•  Remuneration Committee Chair

•  The Chairman of the Board 
receives an all-inclusive fee.

Additional fees/allowances may 
also be paid for intercontinental 
travel for business purposes 
where appropriate. 

No NED participates in the Group’s 
incentive arrangements or pension 
plan or receives any other benefits 
other than where travel to the 
Company’s registered office is 
recognised as a taxable benefit 
in which case a NED may receive 
grossed-up costs of travel as 
a benefit.

Directors’ remuneration report

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

97

Corporate  governance Directors’ 
remuneration report 
continued

The annual bonus performance measures are Group financial, strategic or individual measures which are selected annually to be consistent with key priorities for the Group.

Targets are normally set on sliding scales that take account of internal strategic planning and external market expectations for the Company. 

Only modest rewards are available for achieving threshold performance with maximum rewards requiring substantial outperformance of challenging strategic plans approved at the start of each year.

The committee operates share-based arrangements for the executive directors in accordance with their respective scheme rules, the Listing Rules and the HMRC rules where relevant. The 
committee, consistent with market practice and the scheme rules, retains discretion over a number of areas relating to the operation and administration of the plans. These include (but are not 
limited to) the following:

•  Who participates
•  The form in which the award is granted and settled (eg shares, nil cost options, cash)
•  The timing of the grant of award and/or payment
•  The size of an award (up to individual and plan limits) and/or a payment
•  Discretion relating to the measurement of any performance target/underpin and pro-rating of awards in the event of a ‘good leaver’ scenario or a change of control or reconstruction of the 

Company

•  Determination of whether or not a person is characterised as a good leaver (in addition to any specified categories) for incentive plan purposes
•  Adjustments required in certain circumstances (eg share capital variation, rights issues, demerger, corporate restructuring, special dividends)
•  The ability to vary or substitute any performance condition(s)/underpins if circumstances occur which cause it to determine that the original condition(s) have ceased to be appropriate, provided 
that any such variation or waiver is fair, reasonable and not materially less difficult to satisfy than the original condition (in its opinion). In the event that the committee were to make an adjustment 
of this sort, a full explanation would be provided in the next remuneration report

•  The ability to reduce the vesting level of awards (including to nil) where the Committee determines it is appropriate to do so.

The committee reserves the right to make any remuneration payments and/or payments for loss of office (including exercising any discretions available to it in connection with such payments) 
notwithstanding that they are not in line with the policy set out above where the terms of the payment were agreed: (i) before the policy set out above came into effect, provided that the terms of the 
payment were consistent with the shareholder-approved directors’ remuneration policy in force at the time they were agreed; or (ii) at a time when the relevant individual was not a director of the 
Company and, in the opinion of the committee, the payment was not in consideration for the individual becoming a director of the Company. For these purposes payments includes the committee 
satisfying awards of variable remuneration and, in relation to an award over shares, the terms of the payment are ‘agreed’ at the time the award is granted. The committee retains discretion to make 
minor amendments to the policy set out in this policy report (for regulatory, exchange control, tax or administrative purposes or to take account of a change in legislation) without obtaining 
shareholder approval for that amendment.

Illustrations of the application of our remuneration policy

)
0
0
0
’
£
(
n
o
i
t
a
r
e
n
u
m
e
R

£4,000

£3,500

£3,000

£2,500

£2,000

£1,500

£1,000

£500

£0

15%

32%

28%

44%

37%

42%

28%

58%

42%

30%

24%

20%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Minimum
£1,879k

Target
£2,604k

Maximum
£3,329k

Maximum with
share price growth
£3,873k

Minimum
£1,200k

Target
£1,200k

Maximum
£1,200k

Maximum with
share price growth
£1,200k

CEO

CFO (interim)

Fixed pay

Annual bonus

RSA

Share price growth

The scenarios in the above graphs for the CEO are based on the following:

Fixed pay
Annual bonus

CEO max: 200% of salary
RSA

Minimum

On-target

Maximum

Maximum with share price

•  Base salary as at 1 January 2021 (unchanged from 2020)
•  Estimated value of benefits
•  5% of salary pension

0%

50% of max

100% of max

100% of max

CEO max: 150% of salary*

100% of max

100% of max

100% of max

100% of max with a 50% share price 
growth assumption on RSAs

*   This is the maximum award level permitted. The Committee will consider the prevailing share price in setting the grant level of the 2021 RSA awards. Except as stated above in relation to RSA, 

figures for share based awards do not include any share price movements or any dividends or dividend equivalents.

In his capacity as interim CFO, Gordon Boyd is on a short-term contract and receives a fixed monthly payment of £100,000 (which is broadly 
equivalent to Patrick Butcher’s on-target total remuneration). He is not entitled to any further remuneration in respect of pension, bonus or 
share awards.

98

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Corporate governance 
Malus and clawback

Malus and clawback provisions apply to all incentive awards granted to 
executive directors. These provisions permit the committee to reduce or 
recover bonus awards (including deferred shares) for up to three years 
after the determination of the annual bonus and to reduce or recover 
RSA awards (and LTIP awards granted under the previous policy) up 
to the fifth anniversary of grant. The potential circumstances in which 
malus or clawback provisions can be applied include:

•  material misstatement of a Group company’s financial results

•  a participant deliberately misleads relevant parties regarding 

financial performance

•  serious misconduct or conduct which causes significant financial loss

•  overpayments due to material abnormal write-offs of an 

exceptional basis

•  an error was made, or inaccurate or misleading information was used 

to determine the value of an award

•  reputational damage

•  material failure of risk management

•  corporate failure or the occurrence of an insolvency event.

Application of our remuneration policy

When determining executive director remuneration policy and practices, 
the committee reviews workforce remuneration and related policies and 
the alignment of incentives and rewards with culture.

Share awards are granted to senior management in order to encourage 
a high level of employee share ownership albeit remuneration is more 
heavily weighted towards long-term variable pay for executive directors 
than other employees to ensure that there is a clear link between the 
value created for shareholders and the remuneration received by the 
executive directors. The committee did not consult with employees 
formally in respect of the design of the new policy, although the two 
employee directors (one as a committee member and one by invitation 
to the committee) were involved in the committee’s discussions.

Directors’ recruitment and promotions

The committee takes into account the need to attract, retain and 
motivate the best person for each position, while at the same time 
ensuring a close alignment between the interests of shareholders 
and management.

If a new executive director were to be appointed on a permanent basis, 
the committee would seek to align their remuneration package with other 
executive directors in line with the policy table. However, flexibility would 
be retained to make ‘buyout’ awards or payments in respect of 
remuneration arrangements and contractual terms forfeited on leaving a 
previous employer. In such circumstances, the committee would look to 
replicate the arrangements being forfeited as closely as possible and, in 
doing so, would take account of relevant factors including the nature of 
the remuneration and contractual terms, performance conditions and the 
time over which they would have vested or been paid.

If appropriate, a new appointee’s incentives in their year of joining may 
be subject to different targets than for other executive directors. The 
committee may also agree that the Company will meet certain relocation 
and incidental expenses, as it considers appropriate.

The maximum level of variable remuneration which may be granted 
(excluding awards to compensate for remuneration arrangements and 
contractual terms forfeited on leaving the previous employer) to new 
executive directors in the year of recruitment shall be limited to 350% 
of salary (the maximum limit permitted within the policy table).

The initial notice period for a service contract may be up to 24 months, 
which is longer than that stated in the policy of a 12-month notice period, 
provided it reduces to 12 months within a short space of time.

For an internal appointment or an appointment following the Company’s 
acquisition of or merger with another company, any incentive amount 
awarded in respect of a prior role may be allowed to vest on its original 
terms, or adjusted as relevant to take into account the appointment. Any 
other ongoing remuneration obligations or terms and conditions existing 
prior to appointment may continue.

The committee retains discretion to make appropriate remuneration 
decisions outside the standard policy to meet the individual 
circumstances of recruitment when:

•  An interim appointment is made to fill an executive director role on 

a short-term basis.

•  Exceptional circumstances require that the Chairman or 

a non-executive director takes on an executive function on 
a short-term basis.

In the event of the appointment of a new non-executive director, 
remuneration arrangements will normally be in line with the structure 
set out in the policy table for non-executive directors. However, the 
committee (or the Board as appropriate) may include any element listed 
in the policy table or any other element which the committee considers is 
appropriate given the particular circumstances excluding any variable 
elements, with due regard to the best interests of shareholders.

Directors’ service agreements and payments for loss 
of office

The committee regularly reviews the contractual terms of the service 
agreement to ensure these reflect best practice.

The service contracts for executive directors are for an indefinite period 
and provide for a 12-month notice period. They do not include provisions 
for predetermined compensation on termination that exceed 12-months’ 
salary, pension and benefits. There are no arrangements in place 
between the Company and its directors that provide for compensation 
for loss of office following a takeover bid. All directors are appointed for 
an indefinite period but are subject to annual re-election at the annual 
general meeting.

In circumstances of termination on notice, the committee will determine 
an equitable compensation package, having regard to the particular 
circumstances of the case. The committee reserves the right to make 
payments in connection with a director’s cessation of office or 
employment where the payments are made in good faith in discharge of 
an existing legal obligation (or by way of damages for breach of such an 
obligation) or by way of a compromise or settlement of any claim arising 
in connection with the cessation of a director’s office or employment. 
Any such payments may include, but are not limited to, paying any fees 
for outplacement assistance and/or the director’s legal and/or 
professional advice fees in connection with his cessation of office or 
employment. The committee has discretion to require notice to be 
worked or to make payment in lieu of notice or to place the director on 
garden leave for some or all of the notice period. Any payment in lieu of 
notice will be reduced for any period of time worked post notice being 
given or received.

The annual bonus may be payable for a good leaver (as defined in the 
plan rules) in respect of the period of the bonus plan year worked by the 
director; there is no provision for an amount in lieu of bonus to be 
payable for any part of the notice period not worked. Bonus payments 
would normally be paid at the normal payment date. 

On cessation, an executive director’s share plan entitlements will be 
determined in accordance with the rules of the relevant plan.

Directors’ remuneration report

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

99

Corporate  governance Directors’ 
remuneration report 
continued

Unvested deferred share awards will normally lapse on the earlier of 
notice being given/received and cessation. However, the committee has 
discretion to allow awards to instead continue to vest in full on the normal 
vesting date (or earlier at the discretion of the committee) for a good 
leaver (as defined in the relevant plan rules).

In respect of RSAs/LTIPs, unvested awards will normally lapse on the 
earlier of notice being given/received and cessation. However, the 
committee has discretion to allow awards to instead continue to vest on 
the normal vesting date (or earlier at the discretion of the committee) to 
the extent any performance conditions/underpins attached to the 
relevant award are satisfied at vesting. In such cases awards will, other 
than in exceptional circumstances, be scaled back on a time pro-rated 
basis and post-vesting holding periods would normally apply.

In the event of a change of control, all unvested LTIP awards/RSAs 
would (unless rolled over) vest, to the extent that any performance 
conditions/underpins attached to the relevant awards have been 
achieved. Awards would normally be subject to time pro-rating (unless 
the committee determines otherwise).

Unvested deferred share awards would vest in the event of a change of 
control (unless rolled over). Shares held within the share ownership plan 
will be removed from the plan or exchanged for replacement shares in 
accordance with the scheme rules and HMRC guidelines.

Non-executive directors’ terms of engagement

Non-executive directors are appointed by letter of appointment for an 
initial period of three years. Each appointment is terminable by three 
months’ notice on either side. At the end of the initial period, the 
appointment may be renewed by mutual consent, subject to annual 
re-election at the AGM.

Non-executive employee directors’ terms of engagement

Non-executive employee directors are appointed by letter of 
appointment for an initial period of two to three years. Each appointment 
is terminable by one month’s written notice on either side. At the end of 
the initial period, the appointment may be renewed by mutual consent, 
subject to annual re-election at the AGM.

Inspection of service agreements/letters of appointment

The service agreements and non-executive directors’ letters of 
appointment are available for inspection during normal business 
hours at the Company’s registered office, and available for inspection 
at the AGM.

Annual report on remuneration
This part of the remuneration report has been prepared in accordance 
with The Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts 
and Reports) Regulations 2008 (as amended) and paragraphs 9.8.6R 
and 9.8.8 of the Listing Rules. The annual report on remuneration will be 
put to an advisory shareholder vote at the 2021 AGM. The information 
on pages 102 to 105 has been audited as indicated.

FIT Remuneration LLP was appointed by the committee during 2020 
(replacing Deloitte LLP) to provide independent advice on executive 
remuneration matters. During the year, the committee received 
independent and objective advice from FIT primarily on market practice, 
the operation of and redesign of the remuneration policy, disclosure 
within the accounts and stakeholder liaison. FIT was paid £77,463 
(excluding VAT) in fees during 2020 for these services (charged on 
a time plus expenses basis). No other services were provided to the 
Group by FIT.

Deloitte was paid £4,450 (excluding VAT) in fees during 2020 for advice 
services, charged on a time plus expenses basis, provided in respect of 
the 2019 directors’ remuneration report.

Both FIT and Deloitte are founding members of the Remuneration 
Consultants Group and, as such, both operate voluntarily under the 
code of conduct in relation to executive remuneration consulting in the 
UK. The fees were considered appropriate for the work undertaken. 
The committee considers FIT’s and Deloitte’s advice on remuneration 
to be independent and objective, and neither have any connection with 
the Company or individual directors.

The committee also consulted with the CEO, CFO, the Chief People 
Officer and the Group Reward Director to provide further information 
to the committee on the performance and proposed remuneration for 
the executive directors and other senior management, but not in 
relation to their own remuneration.

The work of the Remuneration Committee is detailed in the 
annual statement.

100

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Corporate governanceShareholder voting at the AGM

The 2020 directors’ remuneration report will be presented to shareholders at the 2021 AGM. At the 2020 AGM, the actual voting in respect of the 
ordinary resolution to approve the remuneration report for the year ended 31 December 2019 and the vote on the 2020 policy is set out below.

Directors’ remuneration report, other than the part containing the  
Directors’ remuneration policy, for the year ended 31 December 2019

Directors’ remuneration policy (2020 AGM)

Votes 
cast for

Votes cast 
against

1,339,467,637
99.2%
1,315,406,714
97.4%

10,983,340
0.8%
35,036,898
2.6%

Abstentions1

2,228,742
–
2,236,107
–

1.  A vote abstained is not a vote in law and is not counted in the calculation of the proportion of votes ‘for’ and ‘against’ a resolution.

Policy implementation for 2021

A summary of how the committee intends to operate the remuneration policy for 2021 is detailed below. The operation of the policy will be dependent 
on shareholder approval of the proposed remuneration policy and associated new share plan at the 2021 AGM in respect of the proposed RSAs.

•  Fixed pay will remain unchanged.

•  The annual bonus plan will be reintroduced for 2021 in line with the normal policy limits (200% of salary for the CEO and 175% of salary for the CFO 
role, when a permanent replacement for Patrick Butcher has been appointed). However, rather than the four performance metrics being equally 
weighted, as per the intended operation of the annual bonus plan for 2020 (prior to the decision not to operate it due to Covid-19), free cash flow will 
be given greater prominence for 2021. As such, 40% of the 2021 annual bonus will be based on free cash flow targets while adjusted PBT, organic 
revenue and strategic objectives will each have a 20% weighting.

•  RSAs to be granted to executive directors post the AGM in 2021 will: 

 – be set at a maximum of 150% of salary for the CEO and 100% of salary for the CFO (when appointed) although the committee will consider the 
prevailing share price at the time of grant (which is expected to be immediately after the 2021 AGM), and may set the level of grant for 2021 at a 
reduced level. 

 – normally vest after three years from grant subject to: (i) continued employment; (ii) satisfactory personal performance during the relevant vesting 

periods; and (iii) a positive assessment of performance against two underpins (see below).

 – once vested, shares received may not normally be sold until at least six years from the grant date (other than to pay relevant taxes). 

In respect of the underpins for the 2021 awards: 

 – underpin 1: Capita’s TSR over the three years ending 31 December 2023 must be positive for any RSAs granted to executive directors to vest; and

 – underpin 2: the committee must be satisfied with the underlying performance of Capita and that there have been no environmental, social or 

governance issues resulting in material reputational damage. If this is not deemed to be met, the committee will consider a reduction to the final 
vesting level of the RSAs (including to nil).

Fees for the Chairman, senior independent director, non-executive directors and employee non-executive directors

A summary of the fees for 2021, which are unchanged from 2020 levels, are as follows:

Sir Ian Powell, Chairman
David Lowden, Senior Independent Director
Matthew Lester, Audit and Risk Committee Chair
Georgina Harvey, Remuneration Committee Chair
John Cresswell
Andrew Williams
Baroness Lucy Neville-Rolfe
Neelam Dhawan
Lyndsay Browne
Joseph Murphy

1. Or upon joining if after 1 January 2021.

Annual fee from 1 January 20211

£325,000
£75,000
£75,000
£75,000
£64,500
£64,500
£64,500
£64,500
£64,500
£64,500

Directors’ remuneration report

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

101

Corporate  governance Directors’ 
remuneration report 
continued

Directors’ remuneration earned in 2020 – single-figure table (audited)

The table below summarises directors’ remuneration received in 2020 (with prior year comparators).

Sir Ian Powell

Jon Lewis4

Patrick Butcher3, 4

Gordon Boyd5

Gillian Sheldon

Matthew Lester

Georgina Harvey6

John Cresswell7

Andrew Williams

Baroness Lucy Neville-Rolfe

Lyndsay Browne8

Joseph Murphy8

Base salary

and fees1 

£

Benefits2
£

2020
2019
2020
2019
2020
2019
2020
2019
2020
2019
2020
2019
2020
2019
2020
2019
2020
2019
2020
2019
2020
2019
2020
2019

284,375
325,000
634,375
725,000
322,058
430,000
152,381
–
65,625
75,000
65,829
75,000
65,625
18,750
56,438
72,375
56,438
64,500
56,438
64,500
56,438
32,250
56,438
32,250

–
28
17,928
28,428
15,252
19,556
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
251
–
–
–
–

Pension
£

–
–
36,250
36,250
18,790
21,500
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Annual
 bonus
£

Total 
remuneration
£

Total fixed 
remuneration
£

Total variable 
remuneration
£

LTIP
£

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
423,772
–
–
305,363
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

284,375
325,028
1,112,325
789,678
356,101
776,419
152,381
–
65,625 
75,000
65,829
75,000
65,625
18,750
56,438
72,375
56,438
64,500
56,438
64,751
56,438
32,250
56,438
32,250

284,375
325,028
688,553
789,678
362,875
471,056
152,381
–
65,625
75,000
65,829
75,000
65,625
18,750
56,438
72,375
56,438
64,500
56,438
64,751
56,438
32,250
56,438
32,250

0
0
423,772
0
0
305,363
0
–
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

1.   As part of Capita’s response to Covid-19, the executive and non-executive directors agreed to take a 25% reduction in salary/fees for six months, effective from 1 April 2020. The salary/fees 

shown above reflect this voluntary reduction.

2.   Benefits include all taxable benefits as defined by paragraph 11(1) of the regulations. This includes private medical insurance, company car allowance, work travel and the value of matching 

share awards under the UK all-employee share scheme.

3.   Patrick Butcher’s base salary, benefits and pension are shown for the period 1 January 2020 to the date he stepped down from the Board on 16 November 2020.
4.   The LTIP value for Patrick Butcher for 2019 relates to a buyout award. Further details can be found in the 2019 Annual Report. Details of the performance assessment and vesting of the 2018 
LTIP award held by Jon Lewis are set out on page 103. The impact of share price movements on his awards, based on the average three-month share price to 31 December 2020 (35.8p), is 
as follows:

Face value of awards expected to vest, based on the share price at grant (1,972,776 shares x 60% x 122p)

Expected value of awards at vesting (1,972,776 shares x 60% vesting x 35.8p)

Impact of share price movements on vesting values

£1,444,072

£423,772

-£1,020,300

5.   Gordon Boyd was appointed interim CFO on 16 November 2020 following Patrick Butcher’s resignation on the same date. Reflecting the interim nature of Gordon’s role, he receives a base salary 

(£100,000 per month). He is not eligible for any variable remuneration, and does not receive benefits or pension contributions.

6.   Georgina Harvey was appointed Remuneration Committee Chair on 1 October 2019.
7.   John Cresswell stepped down as Remuneration Committee Chair on 30 September 2019 but remained a non-executive director of the Board.
8.  Lyndsay Browne and Joseph Murphy were appointed to the Board as employee directors on 1 July 2019. In addition to their fee as a non-executive employee director, both received earnings 
from the Group as an employee amounting to £100,309 for Lyndsay Browne (including a prior period adjustment for pension) and £69,200 for Joseph Murphy for the period 1 January 2020 – 
31 December 2020. As part of their participation in the Capita Share Ownership Scheme Lyndsay Browne received 648 matching shares (£270) and Joseph Murphy received 564 matching 
shares (£223). The value of the matching shares is the sum of the cost of purchase over the period 1 January 2020 – 31 December 2020.

102

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Corporate governanceAnnual bonus for 2020 (audited)

As disclosed in last year’s directors’ remuneration report, the committee had intended to operate the annual bonus for 2020 at normal levels (200% 
maximum for the CEO and 175% of salary for the CFO) based on adjusted PBT, free cash flow, organic revenue and strategic targets. However, in 
response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the committee made the decision not to operate an annual bonus for 2020 for the executive directors. This 
decision also extended to the executive committee members and a significant number of senior managers. As such, no financial or strategic targets 
were set or are therefore disclosable.

Long-term incentive awards due to vest in 2021 based on performance to 31 December 2020 (audited)

The performance assessment in respect of the 2018 LTIP awards held by Jon Lewis is as follows:

Performance metric

Weighting

Threshold 
(25% vests)

Target
(50% vests)

Stretch
(100% vests)

Result

Vesting – % of max

Annualised cost savings
Adjusted free cash flow1
Adjusted EBIT margin

Customer satisfaction

Employee engagement
Total vesting

20%
20%
20%

20%

20%

£160m
£180m
9%
6 point positive 
swing in NPS
6 point positive 
swing in NPS

£175m
£200m
10%
8 point positive 
swing in NPS
8 point positive 
swing in NPS

£205m
£240m
12%
12 point positive 
swing in NPS
12 point positive 
swing in NPS

£389m
–
4.7%
16 point positive 
swing in NPS 
21 point positive 
swing in NPS

100%
0%
0%

100%

100%
60%

1.   The committee exercised downward discretion and decided the adjusted free cash flow element should not vest.

For the year to 31 December 2020, the adjusted free cash flow result for 2020 (after applying conditions in existence at the time of the 2018 award) 
was £217.3m. This meant that 72% of this element (14% of the total award for Jon Lewis) would vest, bringing the total vesting for Jon Lewis to 74% 
of maximum. In consideration of the Company’s underlying financial and operational performance over the three years to 31 December 2020, the 
committee exercised its discretion and decided that the adjusted free cash flow element should not vest. The committee thereby determined that 60% 
vesting was appropriate due to:

•  The progress made to date in respect of Capita’s transformation plan.

•  The very strong performance in respect of annualised cost savings against what were considered to be a challenging target range.

•  The very strong performance in respect of customer satisfaction and employee engagement, both of which are key parts of Capita’s 

transformation plan. 

However, this performance was not reflected in the share price at 31 December 2020. In addition to the use of downward discretion, share price 
performance is also clearly reflected in the expected value of the award levels at vesting.

In addition to the use of downward discretion, share price performance is also reflected in the expected value of the award levels at vesting.

Based on the above outcomes, the estimated vesting of the long-term incentive for Jon Lewis in 2021 is:

Jon Lewis

Awards granted

1,972,776

Shares vesting based 
on performance 
(60% of maximum)

1,183,666

Dividend equivalent 
 shares1

–

Total shares  

expected to vest

1,183,666

Estimated value 
at vesting2

£423,772

1.  No dividend equivalent shares are payable on the 2018 LTIP award.
2.  Based on the average three-month share price to 31 December 2020 of 35.8p.

Long-term incentive awards granted in 2020 (audited)

The 2020 LTIP award levels granted to Jon Lewis and Patrick Butcher on 16 April 2020 were reduced significantly compared with normal grant levels. 
Based on the share price on the date of grant (32.72 pence), the awards to Jon Lewis and Patrick Butcher (made as nil-cost options) represented a 
reduction of 70% in the number of shares that would otherwise be awarded as part of their normal annual grant. LTIP awards for senior management 
were also reduced significantly.

Name of director

Jon Lewis

Patrick Butcher1

1.  Awards lapsed upon resignation

Number of shares  

awarded

Face value of  
LTIP awards

1,770,000

£579,144

700,0001

£229,0401

Percentage  
of salary 
(prior award level)

80%
(300%)
53%1
(200%)

Directors’ remuneration report

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

103

Corporate  governance Directors’ 
remuneration report 
continued

2020 LTIP awards will normally vest three years from grant, subject to the performance conditions set out below and a performance underpin. Any 
shares that vest are subject to both a post-vest holding period of two further years and a shareholding guideline which prevents any net-of-tax shares 
from being sold until the guideline is reached. The performance targets attached to the awards are as follows:

•  75% relative TSR – 25% of this part of an award will vest for median TSR increasing pro-rata to 100% of this part of an award vesting for upper 
quartile performance as measured against the constituents of the FTSE 250 (excluding investment trusts) over the three years from grant. In 
addition to the median to upper quartile target range, no part of this award may vest unless the Remuneration Committee is satisfied that the level of 
vesting is consistent with the Company’s underlying financial performance.

•  25% responsible business scorecard measures centred around delivering a better-quality business, based on client (10%), employee engagement 

(10%) and supplier (5%) targets and measured over the three financial years ending 31 December 2022.

No part of the award of the award may vest unless the committee is satisfied that the level of vesting is consistent with the Company’s underlying 
financial and operational performance. Additionally, if warranted by the circumstances at the time, the committee may consider exercising its 
discretion to override formulaic outcomes in relation to the vesting of the award. 

As disclosed in last year’s directors’ remuneration report and as explained in the annual statement (see page 92), the committee intended to set EPS 
growth targets for 25% of the 2020 LTIP awards but concluded that, given the continued uncertainty surrounding the full impact of Covid-19, the EPS 
performance metric should be removed from the 2020 LTIP awards and TSR should be upweighted].

Directors’ interests and shareholding guidelines (audited)

In line with the remuneration policy approved, executive directors (excluding interim roles) are expected to hold 200% (300% for the CEO) of salary 
in shares in the Company. The guidelines include shares held beneficially and also shares within the deferred annual bonus (DAB) plan that have 
been deferred over the three-year period. Any shares in the DAB used for this are calculated net of tax. Share awards that are subject to performance 
conditions are not included. 

Post cessation shareholding guidelines proposed in the new remuneration policy for 2021 will require executive directors to retain 100% of the 
relevant guideline (or the actual shareholding if lower at cessation) until the second anniversary of the date of cessation.

Beneficially 
held 
interests at 
31 December 
2020

Beneficially 
held 
interests at 
31 December 
2019

30,000
458,624
121,243 
–
12,500
49,168
6,000
20,500
100,000

30,000
403,655
121,243
–
12,500
21,745
–
20,500
100,000

13,842
6,416
6,555

13,842
1,447
2,218

Sir Ian Powell
Jonathan Lewis
Patrick Butcher1
Gordon Boyd
Gillian Sheldon
Matthew Lester
Georgina Harvey
John Cresswell
Andrew Williams
Baroness Lucy  
Neville-Rolfe
Lyndsay Browne
Joseph Murphy

Interests in 
share 
incentive 
schemes, 
awarded 
without 
performance 
conditions at 
31 December 
2020

Interests in 
share 
incentive 
schemes, 
awarded 
without 
performance 
conditions at 
31 December 
2019

Interests in 
share 
incentive 
schemes, 
awarded 
subject to 
performance 
conditions at 
31 December 
2020

Interests in 
share 
incentive 
schemes, 
awarded 
subject to 
performance 
conditions at 
31 December 
2019

Interests in 
share option 
schemes 
where 
performance/ 
vesting 
conditions 
have been met 
but not 
exercised at  
31 December 
2020

Interests in 
share option 
schemes 
where 
performance/ 
vesting 
conditions 
have been met 
but not 
exercised at  
31 December 
2019

Percentage of 
shareholding 
target 
requirement at 
31 December 
2020

–
516,029
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–

–

–
516,029 5,525,562 3,755,562
704,918
187,167
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
1,183,666
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
100,911
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–
12%
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

1.  Patrick Butcher’s beneficially held interests are shown at the date of his resignation on 16 November 2020. All unvested share awards lapsed upon resignation.

Between the end of the 2020 financial year and end of March 2021, Jon Lewis, Lyndsay Browne and Joseph Murphy acquired 1,178 shares under 
the Capita share ownership plan, increasing their beneficial interest in ordinary shares of the Company to 459,802, 7,594 and 7,733 respectively. 
Although Capita does not have a formal policy on hedging shares, executive and non-executive directors attest annually they have not pledged 
any shares held in the Company.

Share plans (audited)

DAB plan 
A deferred award is the deferred element of an individual’s annual bonus. Any deferral is made on a gross basis into deferred shares or as a 
(net of tax) restricted share award. The deferred shares are held for a period of three years from the date of award. This part is not subject to 
performance conditions. 

104

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Corporate governanceUnvested DAB deferred/restricted awards at 31 December 2020

Name of director
Jon Lewis1
Patrick Butcher1

2019 award2

516,029
n/a

Total

516,029
n/a

1.   Jon Lewis and Patrick Butcher joined Capita on 1 December 2017 and 10 December 2018 respectively, therefore, were not eligible for bonuses in 2017 and 2018 (in respect of 2016 and 2017 

performance). Patrick Butcher also was not eligible for a bonus in 2019 (in respect of 2018 performance). 

2.   The value of the 2019 deferred award awarded on 21 March 2019 was included in the annual bonus value in the 2018 single-figure table. As a result of no bonus award for 2019 and no bonus 

operated for 2020, there have been no further deferred bonus awards.

Unvested LTIP awards

Name of director

Jon Lewis
Patrick Butcher1

1.  Awards lapsed upon resignation

2018 award

2019 award

2020 award

1,972,776
n/a

1,782,786
704,9181

1,770,000
700,0001

Details of the performance targets and expected vesting in respect of the 2018 awards are set out on page 103.

The performance targets and underpin for the 2019 and 2020 LTIP awards are as follows:

2019 awards:

Performance underpin

Performance metric

Weighting

Assessment of the 
underlying financial and 
operational performance 
of Capita over the 
performance period

25%
Free cash flow
EBIT margin
25%
Organic revenue growth 25%
Customer satisfaction

12.5%

Employee engagement 12.5%

2020 awards:

Performance underpin

Performance measure

Weighting

Relative TSR

75%

Assessment of the 
underlying financial and 
operational performance 
of Capita over the 
performance period

Responsible business scorecard:
Client

10%

Employee

10%

Suppliers adherence to 
prompt payment code

5%

Threshold 
(25% vests)

£190m
9%
£3,900m
6 point positive  
swing in NPS
6 point positive  
swing in NPS

Target 
(50% vests)

£210m
10%
£3,950m
8 point positive  
swing in NPS
8 point positive  
swing in NPS

Stretch 
(100% vests)

£250m
12%
£4,050m
12 point positive  
swing in NPS
12 point positive  
swing in NPS

Threshold 
(25% vests)

Target 
(50% vests)

Stretch 
(100% vests)

Median TSR 
performance vs the 
constituents of the 
FTSE 250 (excluding 
investment trusts)

Pro-rating vesting 
between median and 
upper quartile 
performance on a 
straight line basis 
between 25% and 100%

Upper quartile TSR 
performance vs the 
constituents of the 
FTSE 250 (excluding 
investment trusts)

3 point positive  
swing in NPS
3 point positive  
swing in NPS
–

6 point positive  
swing in NPS
6 point positive  
swing in NPS
Maintain current

9 point positive  
swing in NPS
9 point positive  
swing in NPS
Exceed current

Satisfaction of options
When satisfying awards made under its share plans, the Company uses newly issued, treasury or purchased shares as appropriate.

Dilution
All awards are made under plans that incorporate the overall dilution limit of 10% in 10 years. The estimated dilution from existing awards,  
including executive and all-employee share awards, was approximately 2.71% of the Company’s share capital at 31 December 2020.

Executive directors’ service agreements

Executive directors

Jon Lewis
Gordon Boyd1

Date of joining the Company

1 December 2017
16 November 2020

Notice period

12 months
n/a

1 Gordon Boyd was appointed to the Board on an interim basis and does not have a notice period.

Directors’ remuneration report

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

105

Corporate  governance Directors’ 
remuneration report 
continued

Non-executive directors’ terms of engagement

Non-executive directors

Sir Ian Powell
David Lowden
Matthew Lester
Georgina Harvey
John Cresswell
Andrew Williams
Baroness Lucy Neville-Rolfe
Neelam Dhawan

Board changes

As per the announcement on 16 November 2020:

Date of joining the Board

Expiry date of current appointment

1 September 2016
1 January 2021
1 March 2017
1 October 2019
17 November 2015
1 January 2015
6 December 2017
1 March 2021

31 December 2022
31 December 2023
28 February 2023
30 September 2022
16 November 2021
11 May 2021
5 December 2023
29 February 2024

•  Patrick Butcher stepped down from his position as CFO and Executive Director with immediate effect. Details of his exit arrangement are as follows:

 – Patrick will receive base salary, cash in lieu of pension contribution and benefits up to the date he leaves (31 March 2021). No further payments in 

lieu of his remaining 12-month notice period will be made

 – there will be no payment under any variable pay arrangement – the annual bonus was withdrawn for 2020 and he is not eligible to participate in the 
2021 annual bonus plan. All unvested long-term incentive/buyout awards have lapsed. There will be no further payments in respect of his exit and 
no payment for loss of office.

•  Gordon Boyd was appointed to the Board on a short-term contract of £100,000 per month and is not entitled to any further remuneration in respect of 
pension, bonus or share awards. While the committee notes that the fee payable is significant, when compared to Patrick Butcher’s fixed package:

 – given the Company was partway through a Class 1 transaction under the Listing Rules (ie the sale of ESS) and furthermore the very sensitive 

nature of many of Capita’s contracts (including a number with the UK Government), the Board considered it essential to identify and appoint a very 
senior interim CFO to the Board, and one who would be known to/recognised by our major shareholders to bridge the gap until a permanent 
appointment can be made

 – the arrangement was benchmarked against a number of external interim candidates and found to be in line with the market rate for senior interim 

chief financial officer roles (albeit clearly very few of these are Board level appointments meaning that published data is limited) 

 – the annualised fee broadly equates to Patrick Butcher’s on-target total remuneration of £1.28m.

Payments to former directors (audited)

No payments were made to former directors.

External appointments for executive directors

During the year Jon Lewis served as a non-executive director for Equinor ASA. He received and retained fees of NOK 592,080 for the period 
1 December 2019 – 30 November 2020. The committee acknowledges this role can benefit Capita through broadening Jon’s knowledge 
and experience.

Percentage change in remuneration levels

The table below shows change in base compensation, benefits and annual bonus for the Board directors in the 2020 financial year, compared with 
the average for all employees of the Company (Capita plc):

Base salary/fees

Taxable benefits

Annual bonus

Executive directors1

Jon Lewis
Patrick Butcher2
Gordon Boyd 

Non-executive directors1

Sir Ian Powell
Gillian Sheldon
Matthew Lester
Georgina Harvey3
John Cresswell4
Andrew Williams
Baroness Lucy Neville-Rolfe
Lyndsay Browne3, 5
Joseph Murphy3, 5

Employee population6

106

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

-12.5%
-12.5%
–

-12.5%
-12.5%
-12.5%
-12.5%
-12.5% 
-12.5%
-12.5%
-12.5%
-12.5%

5.5%

-36.9% 
-10.8% 
–

-100.0% 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

20.6%

-35.2%

Corporate governance1.  The percentage change shown for the directors is based on the single figure information disclosed on page 102.
2.  Patrick Butcher stepped down from the Board on 16 November 2020. For comparative purposes, his 2020 salary and benefits have been annualised to show the percentage change since 2019. 
3.  Georgina Harvey, Lyndsay Browne and Joseph Murphy were appointed to the Board during 2019. The percentage change numbers shown are based on annualised fees for 2019.
4.   John Cresswell stepped down as Remuneration Committee Chair on 30 September 2019. The percentage change numbers are reflective of his role as a non-executive director of the Board and 

not his prior role as Remuneration Committee Chair.

5.  Percentage change numbers shown relate to fees as a non-executive employee director.
6.  The employee population information shown is for UK employees employed in the Capita plc entity.

CEO pay ratio

The table below compares the 2020 single total figure of remuneration for the CEO with the Group’s employees paid at the 25th percentile (lower 
quartile), 50th percentile (median) and 75th percentile (upper quartile) of its UK employee population. The equivalent 2019 numbers are also 
presented.

Year

2020
2019

Method

25th percentile pay ratio

50th percentile pay ratio

75th percentile pay ratio

Option B
Option B

56: 1
41:1

41: 1
25:1

27: 1
14:1

The remuneration figures for the employee at each quartile were determined with reference to the financial year ending 31 December 2020. Due 
to the complexity of Capita’s corporate and workforce structure, Option B was used to calculate these figures. The committee believes that this 
approach provides a fair representation of the CEO to employee pay ratios and is appropriate in comparison to alternative methods, balancing the 
need for statistical accuracy with internal operational constraints.

Each employee’s total pay and benefits were calculated on a full-time and full-year equivalent basis using the single figure methodology. 
No adjustments were made to the total pay and benefits figures (other than the approximate up-rating of pay elements where appropriate to 
achieve full-time and full-year equivalent values) and no components of pay have been omitted.

Year

2020
2019

Salary (total pay and benefits)
Salary (total pay and benefits)

£19,310 (£19,753)
£18,887 (£19,147)

£26,800 (£27,431)
£29,493 (£31,708)

£40,371 (£41,039)
£53,846 (£57,049)

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

The committee recognises that the 2020 ratios are higher than last year. This is driven by two key factors:

•  The primary driver of the change is the increase in the CEO’s single figure of remuneration for 2020. The 2019 single figure included no bonus 

or LTIP vesting (as the CEO’s first LTIP award was granted in 2018). In contrast, the 2020 single figure includes 60% vesting under the 2018 LTIP 
award. Despite the 25% reduction in fees for six months, the 2020 single figure therefore represents a 41% increase on last year’s single figure, 
leading to an increase in the pay ratios.

•  A reduction in the calculated total pay and benefits of the median and upper quartile employees. This is driven by a change in the employee 

population used for the calculation (as agency workers are now excluded from our gender pay gap calculations), and does not represent a real 
reduction in pay for employees. Furthermore, consistent with the CEO, no annual bonuses were payable to employees in respect of 2020.

The committee considers that the median CEO pay ratio is representative of the UK employee base. Capita is committed to offering its employees a 
competitive remuneration package. Base salaries for employees, including our executive directors, are determined with reference to a range of factors 
including market practice, experience and performance in role. Due to the nature of his role, the CEO’s remuneration package has higher weighting 
on performance-related pay (including the annual bonus and historic LTIP) compared to the majority of the workforce. This means the pay ratios are 
likely to fluctuate depending on the outcomes of incentive plans in each year. The committee also recognises that, due to the nature of the Company’s 
business and the flexibility permitted within the regulations for identifying and calculating the total pay and benefits for employees, the ratios reported 
above may not be comparable to those reported by other companies.

Gender pay gap reporting

Information on the Company’s gender pay gap reporting is detailed on page 46 of the strategic report.

Relative importance of the spend on pay

The table below shows the spend on employee costs in the 2020 and 2019 financial years, compared with dividends:

Employee costs
Dividends

2020
£m

1,795.6
–

2019 
£m

1,919.9
–

%
change

-6.5
–

Directors’ remuneration report

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

107

Corporate  governance Directors’ 
remuneration report 
continued

Performance graph and CEO pay

The following chart compares the value of an investment of £100 in the Company’s shares with an investment of the same amount in the FTSE 
All-Share Index and the FTSE 350 Support Services Index over the last 10 years, assuming that all dividend income is reinvested. The FTSE 350 
Support Services has been chosen as the appropriate comparator as Capita is a constituent of this index.

1
1
0
2
y
r
a
u
n
a
J
1
n
o
d
e
t
s
e
v
n

i
0
0
1
£
f
o
e
u
l
a
V

£300

£250

£200

£150

£100

£50

£0

01 Jan 11

31 Dec 11

31 Dec 12

31 Dec 13

31 Dec 14

31 Dec 15

31 Dec 16

31 Dec 17

31 Dec 18

31 Dec 19

31 Dec 20

Capita Group

FTSE All Share Index

FTSE 350 Support Services Index

The total remuneration figures for the CEO during the 2020 financial year are shown in the table below. Consistent with the calculation methodology 
for the single figure for total remuneration, the total remuneration figure includes the total annual bonus award based on that year’s performance and 
the LTIP award based on the three-year performance period ending in the relevant year. The annual bonus payout and LTIP award vesting level as a 
percentage of the maximum opportunity are also shown for this year.

Year

2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011

CEO – single 
figure of total 
remuneration

Annual bonus 
(vs max 
opportunity)

Long-term 
incentive (vs max 
opportunity)

£1,112,325
£789,678
£2,014,209
£741,376
£682,958
£2,520,428
£2,558,998
£2,326,250
£2,038,233
£1,833,308

0%
0%
85%
0%
0%
50%
100%
75%
100%
0%

60%
0%
0%
0%
0%
71.4%
67.2%
54.5%
47.8%
56.0%

Note: the vesting rates for the long-term incentives are averaged between the LTIP and the DAB vesting rates for 2010–2013 and 2015. For 2014, this is the actual vesting for the LTIP as there 
is no DAB maturity in 2014. Note: figures for 2010–2013 are based on remuneration for Paul Pindar. Figures for 2014–2016 are based on remuneration for Andy Parker. Figures for 2017 are 
based on remuneration paid to Andy Parker as CEO until 15 September 2017, to Nick Greatorex as interim CEO from 16 September 2017 to 30 November 2017, and to Jon Lewis as CEO from 
1 December 2017.

Approval of the directors’ remuneration report 
The directors’ remuneration report was approved by the Board on 16 March 2021. 

Georgina Harvey
Chair
Remuneration Committee
16 March 2021

108

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Corporate governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial 
statements

Our overall strategy

Simplify

Strengthen

Succeed

We present our financial statements in line with our overall 
strategy and commitment to provide clarity and transparency 
of our financial performance. The presentation is geared 
towards making our financial statements: clear; understandable; 
and integrated. 

Clear 
We recognise that our stakeholders have different needs. We have 
therefore grouped the notes to the consolidated accounts into the 
following six sections designed to meet these different objectives: 
Basis of preparation, Results for the year, Operating assets and 
liabilities, Capital structure and financing costs, Employee benefits 
and Other supporting notes. We believe that this presentation style 
allows for greater clarity of our financial performance.

Understandable
We supply analysis at the start of each section in the consolidated 
accounts. This provides a commentary on key changes in our financial 
performance compared with key metrics and/or prior-year results. We 
believe that this analysis will make it easier for users to understand the 
key drivers of the financial performance of the Group, and should be 
read in conjunction with the Chief Financial Officer’s review in the 
strategic report.

Integrated 
Each note to the accounts commences with a summary of the 
accounting policies and key judgements related to that note. These 
policies and judgements are clearly identified using appropriate 
signage allowing readers to refer to them with ease. We believe that 
this integration will help readers understand the financial performance 
in the context of the accounting policies and judgements made. 

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

109

Financial  statementsIndependent 
auditor’s report 

to the members of Capita plc 

1  Our opinion is unmodified 

We have audited the financial statements of Capita plc (the 
Company”) for the year ended 31 December 2020 which comprise 
the consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income, consolidated balance sheet, consolidated 
statement of changes in equity, consolidated cash flow statement, 
company balance sheet, company statement of changes in equity, 
and the related notes, including the accounting policies in sections 1 
to 6 to the Group financial statements and section 7 to the Parent 
Company Financial statements. 

In our opinion 

—  The financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of 
the Group’s and of the Parent Company’s affairs as at 31 
December 2020 and of the Group’s loss for the year then 
ended; 

—  The Group financial statements have been properly prepared in 

accordance with international accounting standards in 
conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 
and International Financial Reporting Standards adopted 
pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the 
European Union; 

—  The Parent Company financial statements have been properly 
prepared in accordance with UK accounting standards, 
including FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework; and 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the 
requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the Group 
financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation to the extent 
applicable 

Basis for opinion 

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards 
on Auditing (UK) (“ISAs (UK)”) and applicable law. Our 
responsibilities are described below. We believe that the audit 
evidence we have obtained is a sufficient and appropriate basis for 
our opinion. Our audit opinion is consistent with our report to the 
Audit and Risk Committee. 

We were first appointed as auditor by the Directors on 18 August 
2010. The period of total uninterrupted engagement is for the 11 
financial years ended 31 December 2020. We have fulfilled our 
ethical responsibilities under, and we remain independent of the 
Group in accordance with, UK ethical requirements including the 
FRC Ethical Standard as applied to listed public interest entities. No 
non-audit services prohibited by that standard were provided. 

Overview 

Materiality: Group financial 
statements as a whole 

£7m (2019: £8m) 

4.4% (2019: 3.8%) of normalised 
Group profit before tax 

Coverage 

86% (2019: 84%) of total Group 
revenue 

74% (2019: 83%) of total profits and 
losses before tax 

88% (2019: 86%) of total Group 
assets 

110

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsIndependent  auditor’s report 
 
 
Risks of material misstatement 

vs 2019 

Recurring risks for the Group 

Going concern 

Revenue and profit recognition 

Impairment of goodwill 

Items excluded from adjusted profit 

Capitalisation and recoverability of contract fulfilment assets 

Provisions and contingent liabilities 

Pensions obligations 

Recurring risks for the Parent 
Company 

Recoverability of the Parent Company’s investment in, and amounts 
due from, its subsidiaries 

▲ 

◄► 

▲ 

◄► 

◄► 

◄► 

◄► 

▲ 

In the prior year we reported a material risk in respect of the capitalisation and recoverability of intangible assets.  This was 
primarily in relation to the intangible asset that was developed to support the finance transformation programme, and the 
associated estimates regarding the costs to be capitalised which were subjective in nature.  As reported in 2019, the go-live 
programme for the new finance system was paused.  The level of our audit focus has reduced and accordingly the risk has 
been removed from our audit report for 2020. 

2  Material uncertainty related to going concern 

The risk 

Going concern 
Refer to section 1 and the viability statement on 
page 58 and the Audit and Risk Committee report 
(pages 80-88). 

Disclosure quality 
The financial statements explain how the Board has formed a judgement 
that it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of preparation for 
the Group and Parent Company. 

We draw attention to note 1 to the financial 
statements which indicates that the Board 
requires the completion of a planned refinancing 
programme or planned business disposals to 
support the going concern assumption.   

That judgement is based on an evaluation of the inherent risks to the 
Group’s and Parent Company’s business model and how those risks 
might affect the Group’s and Parent Company’s financial resources or 
ability to continue operations over a period to 31 August 2022 from the 
date of approval of these financial statements (the ‘going concern period’). 

There is little judgement involved in the Directors’ conclusion that the 
mitigations required to address the risks and circumstances, described in 
note 1 to the financial statements, represent material uncertainties over 
the ability of the Group and Parent Company to continue as a going 
concern.  This is because the mitigations are not within the direct control 
of the Group. 

Clear and full disclosure of the facts and the Directors’ rationale for the 
use of the going concern basis of preparation, including that there are 
related material uncertainties, is a key financial statement disclosure and 
so was the focus of our audit in this area.  Auditing standards require that 
to be reported as a key audit matter. 

Both require agreements and consents from third 
parties which are not within the direct control of 
the Company and accordingly these events and 
conditions constitute material uncertainties that 
may cast significant doubt on the Group’s and the 
Parent Company’s ability to continue as a going 
concern and, therefore, that the Group and parent 
Company  may be unable to realise their assets 
and discharge their liabilities in the normal course 
of business. 

We draw attention to the viability statement on 
page 58, which highlights the Board’s plans to 
refinance and complete the business disposals 
programme, to support the medium-term 
resilience.  As noted above these transactions are 
outside the direct control of the Company and 
represent material uncertainties that may cast 
significant doubt over the future viability of the 
Group and Parent Company should these events 
not complete as planned.  

Our opinion is not modified in this respect of 
these matters. 

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

111

Independent auditor’s reportFinancial  statements 
 
 
Our response 

Assessing transparency: We assessed the completeness and accuracy of the matters covered in the going concern 
disclosure, to confirm whether they sufficiently explain the judgements made by the Directors in assessing whether the basis of 
preparation is appropriate. In addition, we assessed the overall balance presented in the basis of preparation and viability 
statements, and the clarity provided by the Board in relation to the mitigations required to support the going concern assumption 
and viability of the Group and Parent Company. 

We responded to the going concern and viability risks by critically evaluating the Board’s assessment of both the base case and 
severe but plausible downside scenario.  The focus of our audit covered the following key areas: 

Our sector experience: We assessed the projections and assumptions by reference to our knowledge of the business and 
general market conditions including the potential risk of management bias. In addition to execution risk associated with the 
transformation plan, we critically assessed the potential impact of COVID-19 including the most recent lockdown measures in 
2021, along with the risks and uncertainties associated with the Group’s customers, suppliers and workforce. We formed our 
views based on our understanding of the business and the end markets the Group serves and how these have been impacted 
by the global pandemic. 

We considered the risk factors as set out by the Board in the Principal Risks section of the annual report and accounts, and 
where relevant ensured that these featured in the projections prepared to support the base case and the risks applied. 

Test of detail: We used our modelling specialists to test the integrity of the financial model used by the Board to assess the 
base case projections and the various scenarios, including the severe but plausible downside forecasts. 

We critically assessed the cash flow forecasts by considering the appropriateness of key assumptions used in preparing those 
projections, with a specific focus on the revenue growth assumptions and cost reduction plans. We evaluated these via 
enquiries with each of the divisional Executive Officers and Finance Directors, the Chief Executive Officer and interim Chief 
Financial Officer, and inspected the Board plans and associated papers. 

Historical forecasting: We assessed the ability of the Group to accurately forecast by comparing historical results to forecasts 
for key metrics. We assessed the most recent years’ performance against budget, including sales growth and cost reductions, 
recognising the impacts the COVID-19 introduced, and challenged the assumptions over the going concern period based on 
historical performances. 

Funding assessment: We reviewed the lender agreements, including the Revolving Credit facility (RCF), to understand the 
terms including covenant requirements and any restrictions in the use of funds. We re-performed calculations, for 30 June 2021 
and 2022 and 31 December 2021, prepared to assess compliance with the key financial covenant and tested for 
mathematical accuracy. 

We considered the adjustments made in the adjusted EBITDA for the covenant calculations, considering the appropriateness 
compared to the loan agreements and historical accepted practice with the current lenders. In addition, we inspected the 
correspondence between the Company and the private placement lenders that set out the proposed items to be excluded in the 
adjusted EBITDA definition and compared these against the items included in the covenant calculations. 

Sensitivity analysis: We assessed the downside sensitivities to ensure that these represented severe but plausible scenarios 
based on our knowledge of the business, the associated risk exposure and we considered the most recent trading results to 
form a holistic view of the Group. We assessed those risks and challenged whether the risks applied reflected progress to date 
in delivering the transformation programme and the ongoing effects from COVID-19 based on the impacts experienced by the 
Group during 2020.  We assessed all risk assumptions to ensure that they reflected a more likely than not chance of occurring 
under the downside scenarios. We also assessed the mitigating actions, to identify whether these were reasonable and within 
the direct control of the Group. 

We considered management’s assessment of the potential impacts of COVID-19 and Brexit and UK Government policy more 
generally on the Group, and the Government Services division, along with plans to mitigate those risks. 

Our findings: We found the going concern disclosure including the related material uncertainties to be proportionate (2019: 
disclosure finding with no material uncertainty: proportionate). 

3  Other key audit matters: our assessment of 

risks of material misstatement 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in the audit of the financial 
statements and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) identified by 
us, including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; and 
directing the efforts of the engagement team.  Going concern is a significant key audit matter and is described in section 2 of our 
report.  We summarise below the other key audit matters (unchanged from 2019 with the exception of the risk associated with 
the capitalisation and recoverability of intangible assets which has been removed from our audit report as described in section 
1), in decreasing order of audit significance, in arriving at our audit opinion above, together with our key audit procedures to  
address those matters and our findings from those procedures in order that the Company's members as a body, may better 
understand the process by which we arrived at our audit opinion. These matters were addressed, and our findings are based on 
procedures undertaken, in the context of, and solely for the purpose of, our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in 
forming our opinion thereon, and consequently are incidental to that opinion, and we do not provide a separate opinion on 
these matters. 

112

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsIndependent  auditor’s report 
The risk 

Revenue and profit recognition 
The Group has reported revenues from 
continued operations of £3,324.8 million 
(2019: £3,678.6 million) and a loss before 
tax of £49.4 million (2019: loss 
£62.6 million) 

Refer to sections 2.1 and 2.2 and to the 
Audit and Risk Committee report 
(pages 80 - 88). 

Accounting treatment 
Professional standards require us to make a rebuttable presumption that the fraud 
risk associated with revenue recognition is a significant risk. 

The incentive/pressures on management to achieve bonus targets and/or market 
consensus increase the risk of fraudulent revenue and profit recognition. 

Subjective estimate 
There is a risk that revenue may be recognised even though it is not probable (i.e., 
not more likely than not) that consideration will be collected, which could be due to 
uncertainties over contractual terms and ongoing negotiations with customers. 

For long-term contracts, the contractual arrangements can be complex regarding 
variable consideration and service performance measures. This can involve 
significant judgments that may impact the recognition of revenue and contract 
profits including, among others, those over: 
—  The interpretation of contract terms concerning future obligations; 
—  The allocation of revenue to performance obligations; 
—  The assessment of whether the contract performance obligations satisfy the 

requirements to apply the series guidance; 

—  The consideration of onerous contract conditions and associated loss 

provisions; and 

—  Where changes in the scope of work are agreed, the assessment of whether 

the new services are distinct or not. 

The execution risk associated with the successful transformation on an 
outsourcing contract requires judgment to be applied concerning costs to complete 
and the overall estimation of profit over the lifetime of the contract. There is a risk 
that potential difficulties are not identified fully resulting in excessive profits being 
recognised or the lack of consideration of contract loss provisions.  This risk has 
been heightened due to the impact of COVID-19 on the delivery of performance 
obligations, and the economic uncertainties the pandemic has introduced that may 
impact assumptions concerning future performance metrics. 
In situations where customers terminate, or partially terminate a contract, the 
cessation may trigger the recognition of deferred income associated with 
outstanding performance obligations which will no longer be recognised in future 
periods. Judgment is required to determine the effective date of the termination, 
and particularly where services are being handed back or across to 
another provider. 
The effect of these matters is that, as part of our risk assessment, we determined 
that revenue and profit recognised from long-term contracts has a high degree of 
estimation uncertainty, with a potential range of reasonable outcomes greater than 
our materiality for the financial statements as a whole, and possibly many times 
that amount. 
Disclosure quality 
There is a risk that the disclosures presented are not sufficient to explain the 
revenue and profit recognition accounting policies and the key judgments applied. 

Our response 

Tests of detail: We obtained and inspected a sample of the contractual agreements to understand the contract terms and 
conditions that underpin the revenue and the profit recognition assumptions and to identify conditions under which variable 
revenue can arise. For the major contracts within our scope, where relevant, we also assessed the accounting papers prepared 
by the Company that set out the key judgments to apply. 

Where contract negotiations are ongoing in relation to variable consideration, we made enquiries on the current status with 
those involved in the discussions and by reference to the associated signed contract or any variation amendments.  Where 
significant variable consideration had been recognised, we obtained and inspected the contractual agreements to understand 
the contract terms and conditions that underpin the revenue recognition assumptions.  Where relevant we inspected 
correspondence with customers or other supporting documentation in relation to the variations or scope change. 

We considered the assumptions within the business plans and lifetime assessments, checking that onerous conditions had 
been recognised appropriately, particularly on contracts that have had a poor performance in the current year and those 
contracts that are in a pre-inflection phase of transformation.   We assessed the impact of COVID-19 on the key assumptions, 
together with any contract modifications agreed with the customer in response to the pandemic. 

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

113

Independent auditor’s reportFinancial  statements 
 
 
In determining whether onerous contract provisions should be recorded, we assessed contract profitability forecasts by 
analysing historic performance relative to contractual commitments over its full term. This included assessing critically the 
assumptions over future costs including projected savings and the actions required to achieve these by comparison to historical 
cost savings achieved on similar projects. Our assessment considered the levels of uncertainty contained in the forecasts, the 
extent to which Company actions alone could mitigate risks and any dependencies on the customer or other third parties. This 
assessment covered a sample of contracts including those identified by the Board as being high risk and comprising the major 
contracts in a pre-inflection phase. 

In situations where there has been a termination or partial termination, we assessed the contract terms including any 
correspondence from the customer, to challenge the effective date of the termination. We also challenged the judgments 
applied as to whether, in the case of a partial termination, any deferred income should be recognised immediately or spread 
forward by assessing the inter dependencies of the performance obligations, and the initial contractual terms. 

We challenged whether the key contract judgments made by the Board are appropriate based on the underlying contractual 
terms an evidence obtained. 

Assessing transparency: We considered the disclosures in the financial statements to check that these were comprehensive 
and provided proportionate detail of the revenue and profit recognition policies and of the key judgments applied. This included 
an assessment of whether sections 2.1 and 2.2 clearly set out the impacts arising from the accounting policies applied in 
relation to the long-term contracts provided by the Group. 

Our findings: In determining the treatment of revenue and profit recognition, the Group has applied accounting policies based 
on the requirements of IFRS15. In applying these policies there is room for judgement and we found that within that the Group's 
judgement was balanced (2019 finding: balanced). 

We found the disclosures associated with the IFRS15 policies to be ample (2019 finding: ample). 

The risk 

Impairment of Goodwill and acquired 
intangibles 
The Group records goodwill of £1,120.5 
million as at 31 December 2020 (2019: 

£1,177.8 million) and intangible assets 
acquired in business combination of 
£38.9 million as at 31 December 2020 
(2019: £74.1 million) – see sections 3.4 
and 3.3. 

Refer to the Audit and Risk Committee 
report on pages 80 - 88 

Forecast based valuation 
As part of our risk assessment we considered the carrying value of goodwill and 
intangibles assets acquired in business combination and the risk over potential 
impairment to be a significant audit risk because of the inherent uncertainty 
involved in forecasting and discounting future cash flows. 

We determined that the recoverable amount of goodwill and intangibles assets 
acquired in business combination has a high degree of estimation uncertainty, with 
a potential range of reasonable outcomes greater than our materiality for the 
financial statements as a whole, and possibly many times that amount. The 
financial statements (section 3.4) disclose the sensitivity estimated by the Board. 

COVID-19 has introduced unprecedented economic uncertainties and this has led 
to increased judgement in forecasting future financial performance. The high level 
of uncertainty as to how the pandemic might evolve over the remainder of 2021 
and potentially into 2022 (including whether or not there will be future waves of 
infection and future lockdowns) and the impact this may have on the Group’s 
activities and performance, renders precise forecasting challenging. There is a 
higher degree of uncertainty than would usually be the case in making the key 
judgements and assumptions that underpin the Group’s financial forecasts. 

There is a risk that the Board have not adequately assessed the factors that could 
impact the future forecasts and performance of the business, including the 
execution risk associated with the transformation plan and the economic 
uncertainties presented by COVID-19. This could impact the assessment over the 
carrying value of goodwill, and the quantum of any impairment charges that may 
need to be recorded. 

Disclosure quality 
There is a risk that the disclosures presented are not sufficient to explain the key 
assumptions that drive the valuations, and the key sensitivities that the Board has 
considered. This is particularly important given the ongoing transformation 
programme, the impacts that COVID-19 has introduced, and the relevance of the 
assumed growth assumptions to the sensitivities that are relevant when 
considering the carrying value of goodwill. 

Our response 

Comparing valuations: We compared the total amount of discounted cash flows to support the fair value less cost to sell 
(FVLCS) to the Group’s market capitalisation and assessed the rationale for the differences. We also compared the implied 
share price derived from the FVLCS valuation at the year end to the Company’s share price throughout 2020 and assessed the 
reasonableness of the factors identified by the Board to explain the differences.  Our assessment considered the impact of 
COVID-19 on the share prices of many listed entities during 2020, and the sectors and end markets that the Group is 
involved with. 

114

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsIndependent  auditor’s report 
 
 
Control operation: We tested the principles and integrity of the Group’s discounted cash flow model. 

Tests of detail: We compared the cash flows used in the impairment model to the output of the Group’s budgeting process and 
against the understanding we obtained about the business areas through our audit and assessed if these cash flows 
were reasonable. 

We assessed the assumptions applied to determine the FVLCS by comparison with external market data regarding multiples 
and selling costs. 

Historical comparison: We assessed the historical accuracy of the forecasts used in the Group’s impairment model by 
considering actual performance against prior year budgets, recognising the impacts that the COVID-19 introduced. We also 
assessed the forecast revenue growth with reference to the most recent results for 2019 and 2020. 

Benchmarking assumptions: We used external data and our own internal valuation specialists to evaluate the key inputs and 
assumptions for growth and discount rates. 

Sensitivity analysis: We performed sensitivity and break-even analyses for the key inputs and assumptions and identified 
those cash-generating units we considered most sensitive to impairment. 

Assessing transparency: We evaluated the adequacy of the disclosures related to the estimation uncertainty, judgments 
made and assumptions over the recoverability of goodwill, checking that the sensitivity disclosures provided enough detail and 
proportionate information to inform a reader of the accounts. 

Our findings: We found that the Group's cash flow forecasts and discount rates, when considered together, were mildly 
optimistic (2019 finding: mildly optimistic), reflecting the dependency on the success of the transformation program. 

We found the Group's disclosures to be proportionate (2019 finding: proportionate) in their description of the assumptions and 
estimates made by the Group and the sensitivity of the valuation of goodwill to changes in those assumptions and estimates. 

The risk 

Items excluded from adjusted profit 
The Group has reported a loss before tax 
of £49.4 million for the year ended 31 
December 2020 (2019: loss £62.6 
million) and corresponding adjusted profit 
before tax of £65.2 million 
(2019: £197.7 million) 

Presentation appropriateness 
The Group presents separately adjusted measures including operating profit and 
profit before tax as a note to the consolidated income statement and in section 2.4. 
In addition, adjusted free cash flow measures are presented in section 2.10. The 
Company’s financial highlights and commentary refers to ‘adjusted’ measures as 
well as those derived on an adopted IFRS basis. The reasoning behind this 
presentation is set out in notes to the financial statements. 

Section 2.4 details items excluded from 
adjusted profit. Refer to the Audit and 
Risk Committee report on pages 80 - 88. 

Items excluded from adjusted profit are not defined by IFRSs and therefore a 
policy decision is required by the Directors to identify such items and to maintain 
the comparability of results with previous years in accordance with the Group’s 
accounting policy, and there is a risk of management bias. Failure to disclose 
clearly the nature and impact of items excluded from adjusted profit may distort the 
reader’s view of the financial result in the year. 

COVID-19 has introduced unparalleled economic uncertainties with corresponding 
impacts on the Group’s performance in 2020. The Board has identified the key 
effects from COVID-19, and in response has accelerated certain aspects of the 
planned restructuring activities including the costs associated with the 
rationalisation of the Group’s property portfolio, including lease exit costs. 

There is a risk that items excluded from the reported GAAP measures are 
inappropriate and not in accordance with the accounting policy approved by the 
Board, including items that have arisen as a result of the pandemic. 

The key covenants that are relevant for the Company’s compliance with the terms 
of the debt and loans are based on EBITDA that is adjusted for items excluded 
from reported profits. This introduces a risk of management override and bias to 
ensure compliance is achieved. 

Disclosure quality 
The disclosures need to include relevant and appropriate explanation of the items 
adjusted to ensure these are transparent and understandable and can be 
reconciled easily back to equivalent reported GAAP measures. There is a risk that 
the information provided is unclear and does not provide enough detail on the 
accounting policy approved by the Board, and in the case of restructuring does not 
set out the boundaries applied to determine which costs should be excluded from 
the reported measures. 

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

115

Independent auditor’s reportFinancial  statements 
 
Our response 

Assessing principles: We communicated our consideration on the classification of items excluded from adjusted profit to the 
Audit and Risk Committee to inform the debate on the Board’s assessment of the policy decision to present adjusted measures 
in addition to the reported metrics. 

We examined the presentation of adjusted measures in the front half of the Annual Report and Accounts (‘ARA’) and considered 
this against applicable guidelines including the FRC publications on the presentation of alternative performance measures. This 
included the publications issued by the FRC during 2020 in response to COVID-19 with guidance provided on how listed entities 
should use the narrative to explain the effects of the pandemic on the Group’s activities and performance in 2020. 

Assessing balance: We considered whether there are any items included in the adjusted measures that it would be more 
appropriate to exclude from these measures and vice versa.  

We tested on a sample basis items recorded as adjustments to source documentation to assess the appropriateness 
of classification. 

As part of this consideration, we assessed the consistency of application of the Group’s accounting policy for the classification 
of items excluded from adjusted profit year-on-year. 

We reviewed the terms of the debt and loan agreements to understand the items that can be adjusted for the purpose of 
preparing the covenant calculations.  

We evaluated the items adjusted with a consideration to the factors above to assess management override and bias. 

Assessing transparency: We assessed whether the basis of the adjusted financial information is clearly and accurately 
described and consistently applied and that all alternative performance measures, together with reconciliations to the adopted 
IFRS position, are shown with sufficient prominence in the ARA.  We assessed the narrative and commentary within the ARA 
with reference to the FRC guidance on how entities should explain the effects of COVID-19, and the entity’s response to this 
guidance. 

Our findings: The Board identified several items that individually had affected profit for the year (or prior year) and that required 
appropriate disclosure in the ARA to enable stakeholders to assess the Group’s performance. This included items presented 
within the reported measures, and those excluded to arrive at the adjusted measures.  

We found that proportionate disclosure of these items had been provided in the ARA taken as a whole (2019 
finding: proportionate). 

The risk 

Capitalisation and recoverability of 
contract fulfilment assets (‘CFA’) 
The group reported CFAs that as at 31 
December 2020 totalled £294.8 million 
(2019: £275.8 million) 

Refer to sections 2.1, 2.3 and 3.1.3, and 
to the Audit and Risk Committee report 
on pages 80 - 88. 

Accounting application 
IFRS15 requires that certain costs incurred on a contract, or an anticipated 
contract, that generate or enhance the resources of an entity to deliver the 
performance obligations, and meet the relevant criteria set out in the standard, 
should be capitalised and amortised over the expected contract life. 
Subjective estimate 
Section 2.1 sets out the outsourcing model operated by the Group and explains how 
typically the early stages of a contract (‘pre-inflection’) will reflect a period when the 
contract fulfilment assets are created as the contract delivery is established. 
Judgment is required in applying the Group’s accounting policy to assess whether 
the costs incurred will enhance the future economic benefits from the contract.  
Where contracts are at the pre-inflection stage, there is greater risk of recoverability 
as during this phase the CFA is being developed. This compares to contracts post 
inflection and in a ‘business as usual’ stage where the risk is reduced as the CFA has 
been proven and is being used to deliver the performance obligations, with 
amortisation over the expected contract life. 
Where a contract is not performing as expected, the costs capitalised may not be 
recoverable and an impairment of the CFA may need to be recorded. 
CFAs are required to be amortised over the expected life of the contract and this 
requires an estimate of any likely contract extensions. 
The effect of these matters is that, as part of our risk assessment, we determined 
that the recoverable amount of contract assets has a high degree of estimation 
uncertainty, with a potential range of reasonable outcomes greater than our 
materiality for the financial statements as a whole. 
Disclosure quality 
There is a risk that the disclosures presented are not adequate to explain the 
capitalisation criteria that are used to assess whether items of expense should be 
recorded as a contract asset. 

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Our response 

Tests of detail: We tested on a sample basis the costs capitalised as CFAs by reference to the criteria set out in the Group’s 
accounting policy. For the costs sampled we obtained third party support, or for internally generated time we obtained the 
relevant costing rates and records, to support the basis of capitalisation. 

We assessed on a sample basis the useful economic lives applied to the CFAs and evaluated the expected contract life by 
reference to the contract terms or where appropriate any agreed extensions to the original contract. 

Sensitivity analysis: Where a contract has performed below budget and expectations, we assessed whether there was 
uncertainty regarding the recoverability of the CFA through future contract profitability. 

Assessing transparency: We considered the disclosures in the financial statements to assess whether these provided 
sufficient detail of the criteria used to evaluate whether expense items should be recorded as a CFA. 

Our findings: We found the assumptions and estimates used to assess the CFAs to be recognised, and to determine the 
estimated useful lives, to be balanced (2019 finding: balanced). 

We found that the Group’s disclosures in section 3.1.3 to be proportionate (2019 finding: proportionate). Section 2.1 highlights 
the CFAs that are at higher risk due to the pre-inflection stage of the contract. 

The risk 

Provisions and Contingent Liabilities 
See section 3.6 for details of the 
provisions totalling £41.7 million as at 31 
December 2020 (2019: £41.2 million) and 
section 6.2 for a discussion on the 
contingent liabilities identified. 

Also refer to the Audit and Risk 
Committee report on pages 80 - 88. 

Subjective estimates 
Significant judgment is required to assess whether actual or potential claims, 
litigation or fines arising from regulatory oversight, or from ongoing disputes, 
should be recognised as provisions within the financial statements or warrant 
disclosing as contingent liabilities. 

In the normal course of business, potential exposures may arise from the group’s 
activities in prior years, for example in relation to design authority roles related to 
property constructions and acting as administrator for pension schemes 
and arrangements. 

Dispute outcome 
The amounts involved are potentially significant, and the application of accounting 
standards to determine the amount, if any, to be provided as a liability, is inherently 
subjective due to the nature of the claims, litigation, fines and disputes. There is a 
risk that the estimate is incorrect, and any provision is materially misstated. 

The effect of these matters is that, as part of our risk assessment, we determined 
that the litigation liability has a high degree of estimation uncertainty, with a 
potential range of reasonable outcomes greater than our materiality for the 
financial statements as a whole, and possibly many times that amount.  The 
financial statements (note 6.2) disclose the contingent liabilities that the Board has 
assessed.  

Disclosure quality 
Where the impact of any present obligations is not probable or not reliably 
measurable, and thus no provision is recorded, failure to adequately disclose the 
nature of these circumstances within the financial statements may distort the 
reader’s view as to the potential risks faced by the Group. 

Our response 

Personnel interviews: We enquired of the Executives and the Chief General Counsel and inspected Board minutes for actual 
and potential claims arising in the year based on any external communications with the Group and assessed whether provisions 
are required for these claims. Our enquiries were included as standard questions in all our meetings with those responsible for 
preparing the financial statements including the divisional Finance Directors, heads of functions at Group and corporate level, 
the Executive Directors and the Audit and Risk Committee. 

Tests of detail: We obtained an understanding and status of existing claims and litigations via enquiries, examining any 
relevant correspondence and assessing the matters reported to the ARC for discussion and consideration.  This included 
assessing critically managements’ assessment regarding the likelihood of the existence of obligations, and the basis used to 
measure any provisions. 

We compared the estimate of the risk and impact of these claims and litigations to third party evidence, where available. 

We reviewed the legal expenses incurred in the year to identify any material spend with external legal advisors that may indicate 
an ongoing claim and made enquiries to ensure the completeness of all claims and litigation assessed by the Board. 

Enquiry of lawyers: On the significant legal cases, we requested and obtained formal confirmations from external counsel and 
inspected any relevant correspondence with external counsel and the claimant to assess the reasonableness of the 
estimated liability. 

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Assessing transparency: We evaluated the adequacy of the Group’s provisions and contingent liability disclosures in the 
financial statements in accordance with accounting standards, and the disclosure of the estimation uncertainty and 
quantification of that uncertainty where appropriate. 

Our findings: We found that the assumptions and estimates were mildly cautious (2019 finding: mildly cautious) given the 
historic nature of many of the open claims. 

We found that section 6.2 provides proportionate (2019 finding: proportionate) disclosure of the contingent liabilities in respect of 
potential litigation or claims. 

The risk 

Pensions obligations 
The Group reported a net pension deficit 
liability of £252.1 million as at 31 
December 2020 
(2019: £252.5 million) 

See section 5.2 for details of the Group 
pension schemes and their obligations 
as at 31 December 2020. 

Also refer to the Audit and Risk 
Committee report on pages 80 - 88. 

Significant estimates are made in estimating the Group’s defined benefit pension 
obligations and small changes in assumptions and estimates used may have a 
significant effect on the amounts recorded. There is a risk that the assumptions 
applied are not appropriate in the context of the pension scheme arrangements. 

The effect of these matters is that, as part of our risk assessment, we determined 
that the valuation of pension obligations has a high degree of estimation 
uncertainty, as a small change in key assumptions can lead to material changes in 
the obligations. This can result with a potential range of reasonable outcomes 
greater than our materiality for the financial statements as a whole, and possibly 
many times that amount. The financial statements (note 5.2) disclose the sensitivity 
estimated by the Group. 

Disclosure quality 
There is a risk that the disclosures presented are not sufficient to explain the key 
assumptions that the Board has adopted for the purpose of valuing the 
pension obligations. 

Our response 

Methodology choice: We used our internal actuarial specialists to consider and assess critically the methodologies applied. 

Assessing the valuer’s credentials: We evaluated the competence and independence of the external actuaries who are 
engaged by the Company to estimate the pension scheme obligations for the purpose of the financial statements. 

Comparing valuations: We benchmarked the key assumptions applied in determining the Group’s defined benefit obligations, 
being the discount rate, inflation rate and mortality/life expectancy. This included a comparison of these key assumptions 
against externally derived data. 

Assessing transparency: We evaluated the adequacy of the disclosures in respect of the sensitivity of the obligations to 
these assumptions. 

Our findings: We found that the assumptions and estimates were balanced (2019 finding: balanced) and the Group’s 
disclosures in section 5.2 to be proportionate (2019 finding: proportionate) in their description of the assumptions and estimates 
made and the sensitivities of the valuation of the pension obligations to changes in those assumptions and estimates. 

The risk 

Recoverability of the Parent 
Company’s investment in, and 
amounts due from, its subsidiaries 
Investment carrying value £683.3 million 
(2019: £568.9 million) and amounts due 
from subsidiaries £2,946.9 million (2019: 
£2,598.8 million). Refer to section 7.3.1 
(accounting policies) and section 7.3.4 
(Investments) and Parent Company 
Balance Sheet 

Low risk, high value 
The carrying amount of the Parent Company’s investment in, and amounts due 
from, its subsidiaries represents 17.6% and 75.9% (2019: 16.3% and 74.7%) of its 
total assets respectively. The Group is undergoing a major transformation, and one 
that the Board expect will deliver significant revenue growth. The ability of the 
Group to deliver successfully against the transformation objectives set is a key 
factor is determining the recoverability and risk of significant misstatement. Due to 
its materiality in the context of the Parent Company financial statements, the 
recoverability of the Parent Company’s investments in, and amounts due from, its 
subsidiaries is considered to be the area that had the greatest effect overall on our  
Parent Company audit. 

Our response 

Tests of detail: We compared the carrying amount of the investment, and the amounts due from subsidiaries, with the relevant 
subsidiary’s draft statutory balance sheet to identify whether its net assets, being an approximation of its minimum recoverable 
amount, was in excess of its carrying amount and assessed whether the subsidiary has historically been profit-making. 

Our findings: We found the Parent Company’s assessment of the recoverability of the investment in, and amounts due from, 
subsidiaries to be balanced (2019 finding: balanced).  We found the Company’s disclosures of the recoverability of investment 
held by the Parent Company in, and amounts due from, subsidiaries to be proportionate (2019 finding: proportionate). 

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4  Our application of materiality and an overview 

of the scope of our audit 

The materiality for the Group financial statements as a whole was set at £7.0 million (2019: £8.0 million), determined with 
reference to a benchmark of normalised Group profit before tax from continuing operations (PBTCO) of £157.4 million (2019: 
£211.1 million), of which it represents 4.4% (2019: 3.8%). 

We normalised PBTCO by adding back adjustments that do not represent the normal, continuing operations of the Group and 
additionally in 2020 by averaging over 3 years. The items we adjusted for were impairment charges against goodwill and 
acquired  intangibles of £1.6 million (2019: £41.4 million) (sections 3.3 and 3.4); impairment charges against loans and 
investment of £0.4 million (2019: nil) (section 2.4); claims and litigation provisions net movements of £0.7 million (2019: £0.8 
million) (section 2.4); finance costs of £1.1 million (2019: £6.3 million) (section 4.3); contingent consideration movements of £nil 
million (2019: £1.4 million) (section 4.5); business exit disposal gain of £33.8 million (2019: nil) (section 2.8); trading business 
exit expense of £0.3 million (2019: £16.7 million) (section 2.8); non-trading business exit disposal expense of £23.7 million 
(2019: £52.1 million) (section 2.8); business exit on-hold disposal costs of £7.5 million (2019: nil); and significant restructuring 
expense of £109.6 million (2019: £159.4 million) (section 2.4). We have not adjusted for the trading profit of the Education 
Software Solutions (“ESS”) business, which is included with business exits and was disposed of in February 2021, as this 
business was part of the Group for the entirety of the year ended 31 December 2020. 

Materiality for the Parent Company financial statements as a whole was set at £6.5 million (2019: £5.2 million), by reference to 
component materiality. This is lower than the materiality we would otherwise have determined by reference to total Company 
assets and represents 0.4% of the Company's total assets (2019: 0.15%). 

In line with our audit methodology, our procedures on individual account balances and disclosures were performed to a lower 
threshold, performance materiality, so as to reduce to an acceptable level the risk that individually immaterial misstatements in 
individual account balances add up to a material amount across the financial statements taken as a whole. 

Performance materiality for the Group and the Parent Company was set at 65% (2019: 65%) of materiality for the financial 
statements as a whole, which equates to £4.2 million  (2019: £5.2 million) for the Group and £4.5 million (2019: £3.4 million) for 
the Parent Company. We applied this percentage in our determination of performance materiality based on the number and 
level of identified misstatements and control deficiencies during the prior period. 

We reported to the Audit and Risk Committee any corrected or uncorrected identified misstatements over £0.35 million (2019: 
£0.4 million) with the exception of reclassification misstatements greater than £1.0 million (2019: £1.0 million), in addition to 
other identified misstatements that warranted reporting on qualitative grounds. 

Audits for Group reporting purposes were performed by component auditors at 23 key reporting components in the United 
Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, and by the Group audit team over 2 key components in the United Kingdom, including the 
Parent Company (2019: 27 in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, and by the Group audit team over 2 key components 
in the United Kingdom, including the Parent Company).  For the remaining components, we performed analysis at an 
aggregated Group level to re-examine our assessment that there were no significant risks of material misstatement within these. 
These procedures covered approximately 86% of total Group revenue (2019: 84%); 74% of the total profits and losses that 
made up Group profit before tax (2019: 83%); and 88% of total Group assets (2019: 84.0%). 

The Group audit team, with the assistance of the component auditors where appropriate, performed procedures on the items 
excluded from normalised Group PBTCO. 

The Group audit team approved the component materiality levels, which ranged from £0.4 million to £5.6 million (2019: £0.4 
million to £6.4 million), having regard to the mix of size and risk profile of the Group across the components. 

Detailed audit instructions were sent to the component auditors. These instructions covered the significant audit areas that 
should be covered by these audits (which included the relevant risks of material misstatement detailed above) and set out the 
information required to be reported back to the Group audit team. In the prior year audit, a senior member of the group audit 
team visited Germany, covering one of the overseas components in scope. Following the outbreak of COVID-19 and the related 
travel restrictions, we were unable to perform physical site visit to overseas components for the current year audit. To replace 
these, senior members of the Group audit team held regular virtual meetings with component auditors throughout the audit and 
in the United Kingdom, Germany and Switzerland. At these virtual meetings, the findings reported to the Group audit team were 
discussed in more detail, and any further work required by the Group audit team was then performed by the component auditor. 
The Group audit team routinely reviewed the audit documentation of all component audits through various stages of their audits. 

5  Going concern basis of preparation 

The Directors have prepared the financial statements on the going concern basis as they do not intend to liquidate the Group or 
the Parent Company, or to cease their operations, and as they have concluded that the Group and the Parent Company’s 
financial position means that this is realistic for at least 18 months from the date of approval of the financial statements (“the 
going concern period”).  As stated in section 2 of our report, they have also concluded that there are material uncertainties 
related to going concern.  

An explanation of how we evaluated management’s assessment of going concern is set out in section 2 of our report. 

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Our conclusions based on this work: 

—  We consider that the Directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements 

is appropriate; 

—  We have nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to the Directors’ statement in Note 1 to the financial 

statements on the use of the going concern basis of accounting, and their identification therein of material uncertainties 
over the Group and Parent Company’s ability to continue to use that basis for the going concern period; and 

—  The related statement under the Listing Rules set out on page 71 is materially consistent with the financial statements and 

our audit knowledge. 

6 

Fraud and breaches of laws and regulations – 
ability to detect 

Identifying and responding to risks of material misstatement due to fraud 

To identify risks of material misstatement due to fraud (“fraud risks”) we assessed events or conditions that could indicate an 
incentive or pressure to commit fraud or provide an opportunity to commit fraud. Our risk assessment procedures included: 

—  Enquiring of Directors, the Audit and Risk Committee, internal audit and inspection of policy documentation as to the 
Group’s high-level policies and procedures to prevent and detect fraud, including the internal audit function, and the 
Group’s channel for “whistleblowing”, as well as whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud; 

—  Reading Board and Audit and Risk Committee meeting minutes; 
—  Considering remuneration incentive schemes and performance targets for management and Directors including the short-

term incentive plan and long-term incentive plan for management remuneration; 

—  Using analytical procedures to identify any usual or unexpected relationships; and 
—  Using our own forensic specialists to assist us in identifying fraud risks based on discussions of the circumstances of the 

Group and Parent Company. 

We communicated identified fraud risks throughout the audit team and remained alert to any indications of fraud throughout the 
audit. This included communication from the group to full scope component audit teams of relevant fraud risks identified at the 
Group level and request to full scope component audit teams to report to the Group audit team any instances of fraud that could 
give rise to a material misstatement at group. 

As required by auditing standards, and taking into account possible pressures to meet profit targets and market consensus and 
using our overall knowledge of the control environment, we perform procedures to address the risk of management override of 
controls and the risk of fraudulent revenue and profit recognition.  In particular the risk that Group and component management 
may be in a position to make inappropriate accounting entries for long-term contracts, and the risk of bias in accounting 
estimates and judgements such as contract modifications and terminations. 

We also identified fraud risks related to inappropriate capitalisation and recoverability of contract fulfilment assets and 
inappropriate classification of items excluded from adjusted profit in response to possible pressures to meet profit targets. 

Further detail in respect of revenue and profit recognition, capitalisation and recoverability of contract fulfilment assets, and 
items excluded from adjusted profit is set out in the key audit matter disclosures in section 3 of this report. 

In determining the audit procedures, we took into account the results of our evaluation of some of the Group-wide fraud risk 
management controls which are set out in the Audit and Risk Committee report within the Corporate Governance section of the 
Group’s annual report. 

We also performed procedures including:  

—  Identifying journal entries and other adjustments to test for all full scope components based on risk criteria and comparing 
the identified entries to supporting documentation. These included those posted by senior finance management, those 
posted and approved by the same user, and those posted to unusual accounts.  

—  Assessing significant accounting estimates for bias. 

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Identifying and responding to risks of material misstatement due to non-compliance with laws and regulations 

We identified areas of laws and regulations that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the financial 
statements from our general commercial and sector experience, and through discussion with the Directors and other 
management (as required by auditing standards), and from inspection of the Group’s regulatory and legal correspondence and 
discussed with the Directors and other management the policies and procedures regarding compliance with laws and 
regulations.  

As some of the Group’s subsidiaries are regulated, our assessment of risks involved gaining an understanding of the control 
environment including these entities’ procedures for complying with regulatory requirements.  

We communicated identified laws and regulations throughout our team and remained alert to any indications of non-compliance 
throughout the audit. This included communication from the Group audit team to full-scope component audit teams of relevant 
laws and regulations identified at the Group level, and a request for full scope component auditors to report to the Group audit 
team any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations that could give rise to a material misstatement at Group.  

The potential effect of these laws and regulations on the financial statements varies considerably. 

Firstly, the Group is subject to laws and regulations that directly affect the financial statements including financial reporting 
legislation (including related companies legislation), distributable profits legislation, and taxation legislation and we assessed the 
extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial statement items.  

Secondly, the Group is subject to many other laws and regulations where the consequences of non-compliance could have a 
material effect on amounts or disclosures in the financial statements, for instance through the imposition of fines or litigation or 
the loss of some of the Group’s subsidiaries’ license to operate. We identified the following areas as those most likely to have 
such an effect: health and safety, anti-bribery, data protection, employment law, regulatory capital and liquidity and certain 
aspects of company legislation recognising the financial and regulated nature of the Group’s activities in the Life & Pensions 
and Employee Benefits sectors. Auditing standards limit the required audit procedures to identify non-compliance with these 
laws and regulations to enquiry of the Directors and other management and inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, 
if any. Therefore, if a breach of operational regulations is not disclosed to us or evident from relevant correspondence, an audit 
will not detect that breach. 

Further detail in respect of provisions and contingent liabilities is set out in the key audit matter disclosures in section 3 of 
this report. 

Context of the ability of the audit to detect fraud or breaches of law or regulation 

Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material 
misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with 
auditing standards. For example, the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and 
transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely the inherently limited procedures required by auditing standards 
would identify it.  

In addition, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of fraud, as these may involve collusion, forgery, 
intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. Our audit procedures are designed to detect 
material misstatement. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance or fraud and cannot be expected to detect non-
compliance with all laws and regulations. 

7  We have nothing to report on the other 

information in the Annual Report and Accounts 

The Directors are responsible for the other information presented in the Annual Report and Accounts together with the financial 
statements. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, accordingly, we do not express 
an audit opinion or, except as explicitly stated below, any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether, based on our financial statements audit 
work, the information therein is materially misstated or inconsistent with the financial statements or our audit knowledge. Based 
solely on that work we have not identified material misstatements in the other information. 

Strategic Report and Directors’ Report 

Based solely on our work on the other information: 

—  We have not identified material misstatements in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report; 
—  In our opinion the information given in those reports for the financial year is consistent with the financial statements; and 
—  In our opinion those reports have been prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006. 

Directors’ Remuneration Report 

In our opinion the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the 
Companies Act 2006.  

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Disclosures of emerging and principal risks and longer-term viability 

We are required to perform procedures to identify whether there is a material inconsistency between the Directors’ disclosures 
in respect of emerging and principal risks and the viability statement, and the financial statements and our audit knowledge.  

Based on those procedures, other than the material uncertainties related to going concern and viability referred to in section 2 of 
this report, we have nothing further material to add or draw attention to in relation to: 

—  The Directors’ confirmation within the Viability Statement on page 58 that they have carried out a robust assessment of the 
emerging and principal risks facing the Group, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, 
solvency and liquidity;  

—  The emerging and principal risks disclosures describing these risks and how emerging risks are identified, and explaining 

how they are being managed and mitigated; and  

—  The Directors’ explanation in the Viability Statement of how they have assessed the prospects of the Group, over what 

period they have done so and why they considered that period to be appropriate, and their statement as to whether they 
have a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due 
over the period of their assessment, including any related disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications or 
assumptions.  

We are also required to review the Viability Statement set out on page 58 under the Listing Rules. Based on the above 
procedures, we have concluded that the above disclosures are materially consistent with the financial statements and our 
audit knowledge.  

Our work is limited to assessing these matters in the context of only the knowledge acquired during our financial statements 
audit. As we cannot predict all future events or conditions and as subsequent events may result in outcomes that are 
inconsistent with judgements that were reasonable at the time they were made, the absence of anything to report on these 
statements is not a guarantee as to the Group’s and Parent Company’s longer-term viability. 

Corporate governance disclosures 

We are required to perform procedures to identify whether there is a material inconsistency between the Directors’ corporate 
governance disclosures and the financial statements and our audit knowledge. 

Based on those procedures, we have concluded that each of the following is materially consistent with the financial statements 
and our audit knowledge:  

—  The Directors’ statement that they consider that the Annual Report and Accounts, and financial statements, taken as a 

whole is fair, balanced and understandable, and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s 
position and performance, business model and strategy; 

—  The section of the Annual Report and Accounts describing the work of the Audit and Risk Committee, including the 
significant issues that the Committee considered in relation to the financial statements, and how these issues were 
addressed; and 

—  The section of the Annual Report and Accounts that describes the review of the effectiveness of the Group’s risk 

management and internal control systems. 

We are required to review the part of the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the Group’s compliance with the 
provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code specified by the Listing Rules for our review. We have nothing to report in 
this respect. 

8  We have nothing to report on the other matters 
on which we are required to report by exception 

Under the Companies Act 2006, we are required to report to you if, in our opinion: 

—  Adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Parent Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been 

received from branches not visited by us; or 

—  The Parent Company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not in 

agreement with the accounting records and returns; or 

—  Certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or 
—  We have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. We have nothing to report in 

these respects. 

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9 

Respective responsibilities 

Directors’ responsibilities 

As explained more fully in their statement set out on page 76, the Directors are responsible for: the preparation of the financial 
statements including being satisfied that they give a true and fair view; such internal control as they determine is necessary to 
enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; assessing 
the Group and Parent Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going 
concern; and using the going concern basis of accounting unless they either intend to liquidate the Group or the Parent 
Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Auditor’s responsibilities 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or other irregularities (see below), or error, and to issue our opinion in an auditor’s report. 
Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but does not guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs 
(UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud, other irregularities or error 
and are considered material if, individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic 
decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial statements. 

A fuller description of our responsibilities is provided on the FRC’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. 

10  The purpose of our audit work and to whom we 

owe our responsibilities  

This report is made solely to the Company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies 
Act 2006 and the terms of our engagement by the Company. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the 
Company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report, and the further matters we are 
required to state to them in accordance with the terms agreed with the Company, and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent 
permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the Company's members, 
as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. 

Robert Brent (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Statutory Auditor 
Chartered Accountants 

15 Canada Square, London, E14 5GL  
16 March 2021 

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Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

100

Section 5

Employee benefits 

5.1

5.2

5.3

Share-based payment plans

Pensions

Employee benefit expense

Section 6

Other supporting notes

6.1

6.2

6.3

Related-party transactions

Contingent liabilities

Post balance sheet events

Company financial statements 

Section 7

7.1

7.2

7.3

Company balance sheet

Company statement of changes in equity

Notes to the Company financial statements

Additional information
Section 8

8.1

8.2

Shareholder information

Alternative performance measures

Structure of the financial 
statements

Consolidated income statement

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

Consolidated balance sheet

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

Consolidated cash flow statement 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 
Section 1

Basis of preparation

Section 2
Results for the year

2.1

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.5

2.6

2.7

2.8

2.9

Contract accounting

Revenue including segmental revenue

Operating profit

Adjusted operating profit and adjusted profit before tax

Segmental information

Taxation

Earnings/(loss) per share

Business exits and assets held-for-sale

Discontinued operations

2.10

Cash flow information

Section 3

Operating assets and liabilities

3.1

3.1.1

3.1.2

Working capital

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other payables

3.1.3 Contract fulfilment assets

3.2

3.3

3.4

3.5

3.6

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Goodwill

Right-of-use assets

Provisions

Section 4

Capital structure and finance costs

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.6

4.7

Net debt, capital and capital management

Financial risk

Net finance costs

Leases

Financial instruments and the fair value hierarchy

Issued share capital

Group composition and non-controlling interests

124

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsConsolidated  financial statementsStrategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

100

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

101

Section 5

Employee benefits 

Share-based payment plans

Pensions

Employee benefit expense

Section 6

Other supporting notes

Related-party transactions

Contingent liabilities

Post balance sheet events

Company financial statements 

Section 7

Company balance sheet

Company statement of changes in equity

Notes to the Company financial statements

Additional information

Section 8

Shareholder information

Alternative performance measures

5.1

5.2

5.3

6.1

6.2

6.3

7.1

7.2

7.3

8.1

8.2

Structure of the financial 

statements

Consolidated income statement

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

Consolidated balance sheet

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

Consolidated cash flow statement 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

Section 1

Basis of preparation

Section 2

Results for the year

Contract accounting

Revenue including segmental revenue

Operating profit

Adjusted operating profit and adjusted profit before tax

Segmental information

Taxation

Earnings/(loss) per share

Business exits and assets held-for-sale

Discontinued operations

2.10

Cash flow information

Section 3

Operating assets and liabilities

3.1

3.1.1

3.1.2

Working capital

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other payables

3.1.3 Contract fulfilment assets

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Goodwill

Right-of-use assets

Provisions

Section 4

Capital structure and finance costs

Net debt, capital and capital management

Financial risk

Net finance costs

Leases

Issued share capital

Financial instruments and the fair value hierarchy

Group composition and non-controlling interests

2.1

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.5

2.6

2.7

2.8

2.9

3.2

3.3

3.4

3.5

3.6

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.6

4.7

Consolidated income statement
For the year ended 31 December 2020

Continuing operations:
Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Administrative expenses
Operating (loss)/profit
Share of results in associates and investment gains
Net finance expense
Gain on business disposal
Loss before tax
Income tax credit

Loss for the year from continuing operations
Discontinued operations:
Profit for the year
Total profit/(loss) for the year
Attributable to:
Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interests

Earnings/(loss) per share
Continuing: 

Total operations:

– basic
– diluted
– basic
– diluted

Adjusted operating profit
Adjusted profit before tax
Adjusted earnings per share
Adjusted and diluted earnings per share

Notes

2.2  

2.3, 2.4, 2.8  
2.3, 2.4, 2.8  

4.3   
2.8   
2.4   
2.6   

2.9   

4.7   

2.7 

2.4   
2.4   
2.7   
2.7   

2020
£m

2019 1
£m

3,324.8 
(2,640.6) 
684.2 
(716.2) 
(32.0) 
0.8 
(49.6) 
31.4 
(49.4) 
47.6 

(1.8) 

20.8 
19.0 

14.0 
5.0 
19.0 

(0.41) p  
(0.41) p  
0.85 p  
0.85 p  

111.0 
65.2 
4.19p   
4.19p   

3,678.6 
(2,756.4) 
922.2 
(921.8) 
0.4 
(0.6) 
(62.4) 
— 
(62.6) 
3.5 

(59.1) 

5.0 
(54.1) 

(64.2) 
10.1 
(54.1) 

(4.18) p
(4.18) p
(3.89) p
(3.89) p

254.5 
197.7 

9.30p 
9.30p 

1.  The 2019 comparatives have been re-presented to align with the current year allocation of costs between cost of sales and administrative expenses. This has resulted in an increase to cost 

of sales of £73.4m and an equivalent reduction to administrative expenses.

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

For the year ended 31 December 2020

Total profit/(loss) for the year

Other comprehensive expense

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to the income statement

Actuarial loss on defined benefit pension schemes

Deferred tax effect on defined benefit pension schemes

Loss on fair value of investments

Items that will or may be reclassified subsequently to the income statement

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

(Loss)/gain on cash flow hedges

Cash flow hedges recycled to the income statement

Income tax effect on cash flow hedges

Other comprehensive expense for the year net of tax

Total comprehensive expense for the year net of tax

Attributable to:

Owners of the Company

   Non-controlling interests

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

Notes

5.2  

2.6  

4.2.4  

4.2.4  

2.6  

4.7  

2020
£m

2019 
£m

19.0   

(54.1) 

(32.1)   

(106.7) 

10.9   

(0.7)   

(9.0)   

(1.6)   

(4.5)   

1.1   

(35.9)   

(16.9)   

(21.9)   
5.0   
(16.9)   

18.1 

— 

(1.2) 

1.0 

(2.6) 

0.3 

(91.1) 

(145.2) 

(155.3) 
10.1 
(145.2) 

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

125

Consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Corporate 
governance

Financial statements

#

Consolidated balance sheet
At 31 December 2020

Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Goodwill
Right-of-use assets 
Investments in associates and joint ventures
Contract fulfilment assets
Financial assets
Deferred tax assets
Trade and other receivables

Current assets
Financial assets
Disposal group assets held-for-sale
Trade and other receivables
Cash
Income tax receivable

Total assets

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Deferred income
Overdrafts
Lease liabilities
Disposal group liabilities held-for-sale
Finance liabilities
Provisions

Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Deferred income
Lease liabilities
Financial liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Provisions
Employee benefits

Total liabilities

Net liabilities

Capital and reserves
Share capital
Share premium
Employee benefit trust and treasury shares
Capital redemption reserve
Other reserves
Retained deficit

Deficit attributable to owners of the Company
Non-controlling interests

Total deficit

Notes

3.2   
3.3   
3.4   
3.5   

3.1.3  
4.5   
2.6   
3.1.1  

4.5   
2.8   
3.1.1  
4.5.4  

3.1.2  

4.5.4  
4.4,4.5  
2.8   
4.5   
3.6   

3.1.2  

4.4,4.5  
4.5   
2.6   
3.6   
5.2   

4.6   
4.6   
4.6   

4.7   

2020
£m

2019 
£m

157.2   
265.0   
1,120.5   
342.1   
5.1   
294.8   
117.0   
242.8   
22.1   
2,566.6   

32.1   
114.6   
551.0   
460.9   
2.9   
1,161.5   
3,728.1   

635.0   
822.2   
332.7   
77.5   
53.9   
347.8   
107.0   
2,376.1   

23.6   
153.0   
426.0   
554.3   
6.7   
17.4   
252.1   
1,433.1   
3,809.2   
(81.1)   

34.5   
1,143.3   
(11.2)   
1.8   
(13.4)   
(1,289.5)   
(134.5)   
53.4   
(81.1)   

194.3 
354.2 
1,177.8 
480.9 
3.8 
275.8 
82.2 
181.6 
26.4 

2,777.0 

25.1 
12.4 
748.4 
409.1 
4.5 

1,199.5 

3,976.5 

619.8 
884.5 
286.3 
81.9 
7.9 
351.8 
71.3 

2,303.5 

6.0 
176.5 
480.7 
795.7 
16.3 
9.3 
252.5 

1,737.0 

4,040.5 

(64.0) 

34.5 
1,143.3 
(11.2) 
1.8 
0.6 
(1,295.8) 

(126.8) 
62.8 

(64.0) 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

These consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of directors on 16 March 2021 and signed on its behalf by: 

Jon Lewis 
Chief Executive Officer 

Gordon Boyd 
Chief Financial Officer (interim) 

Company registered number: 02081330 

126

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsConsolidated  financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated balance sheet

At 31 December 2020

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Goodwill

Right-of-use assets 

Contract fulfilment assets

Financial assets

Deferred tax assets

Trade and other receivables

Investments in associates and joint ventures

Current assets

Financial assets

Disposal group assets held-for-sale

Trade and other receivables

Cash

Income tax receivable

Disposal group liabilities held-for-sale

Total assets

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Deferred income

Overdrafts

Lease liabilities

Finance liabilities

Provisions

Non-current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Deferred income

Lease liabilities

Financial liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities

Provisions

Employee benefits

Total liabilities

Net liabilities

Capital and reserves

Share capital

Share premium

Other reserves

Retained deficit

Non-controlling interests

Total deficit

Employee benefit trust and treasury shares

Capital redemption reserve

Deficit attributable to owners of the Company

Notes

3.2   

3.3   

3.4   

3.5   

3.1.3  

4.5   

2.6   

3.1.1  

4.5   

2.8   

3.1.1  

4.5.4  

3.1.2  

4.5.4  

4.4,4.5  

2.8   

4.5   

3.6   

3.1.2  

4.4,4.5  

4.5   

2.6   

3.6   

5.2   

4.6   

4.6   

4.6   

4.7   

2020

£m

2019 

£m

157.2   

265.0   

1,120.5   

342.1   

5.1   

294.8   

117.0   

242.8   

22.1   

194.3 

354.2 

1,177.8 

480.9 

3.8 

275.8 

82.2 

181.6 

26.4 

2,566.6   

2,777.0 

1,161.5   

3,728.1   

1,199.5 

3,976.5 

2,376.1   

2,303.5 

32.1   

114.6   

551.0   

460.9   

2.9   

635.0   

822.2   

332.7   

77.5   

53.9   

347.8   

107.0   

23.6   

153.0   

426.0   

554.3   

6.7   

17.4   

252.1   

1,433.1   

3,809.2   

(81.1)   

34.5   

1,143.3   

(11.2)   

1.8   

(13.4)   

(134.5)   

53.4   

(81.1)   

25.1 

12.4 

748.4 

409.1 

4.5 

619.8 

884.5 

286.3 

81.9 

7.9 

351.8 

71.3 

6.0 

176.5 

480.7 

795.7 

16.3 

9.3 

252.5 

1,737.0 

4,040.5 

(64.0) 

34.5 

1,143.3 

(11.2) 

1.8 

0.6 

(126.8) 

62.8 

(64.0) 

Strategic report

Financial statements

#

Corporate 

governance

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

103

Consolidated statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 31 December 2020

At 1 January 2019

Impact of change in accounting standards – IFRS 
161
Impact of change in accounting standards – IFRIC 
232
At 1 January 2019, after adoption of IFRS 161 and 
IFRC 232
(Loss)/profit for the year

Other comprehensive expense

Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the year

Share based payment net of deferred tax effect 
(note 2.6; note 5.1)

Shares purchased (note 4.6)
Dividends paid3
Movement in put-options held by non-controlling 
interests

At 1 January 2020

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive expense

Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the year

Share based payment net of deferred tax effect 
(note 2.6; note 5.1)
Dividends paid3
Movement in put-options held by non-controlling 
interests

Share 
capital 
£m

Share 
premium 
£m

34.5    1,143.3   

Employee 
benefit 
trust and 
treasury 
shares 
£m
(11.2)   

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£m
1.8    (1,135.3)   

Retained 
deficit
£m

Total 
attributable 
to the 
owners of 
the parent 
£m
36.2   

Other 
reserves
£m
3.1   

Non-
controlling 
interests 
£m

Total 
(deficit)/
equity
£m
67.1    103.3 

—   

—   

—   

—   

(26.8)   

—   

(26.8)   

—   

(26.8) 

—   

—   

—   

—   

6.2   

—   

6.2   

—   

6.2 

34.5    1,143.3   

(11.2)   

1.8    (1,155.9)   

3.1   

15.6   

67.1   

82.7 

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

(64.2)   

—   

(64.2)   

10.1   

(54.1) 

(88.6)   

(2.5)   

(91.1)   

—   

(91.1) 

—   

(152.8)   

(2.5)   

(155.3)   

10.1    (145.2) 

—   

—   

—   

3.8   

(0.7)   

—   

—   

—   

—   

3.8   

(0.7)   

—   

—   

3.8 

(0.7) 

—   

(14.4)   

(14.4) 

—   

—   

—   

—   

9.8   

—   

9.8   

—   

9.8 

34.5    1,143.3   

(11.2)   

1.8    (1,295.8)   

0.6   

(126.8)   

62.8   

(64.0) 

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

14.0   

—   

14.0   

5.0   

19.0 

(21.9)   

(14.0)   

(35.9)   

—   

(35.9) 

(7.9)   

(14.0)   

(21.9)   

5.0   

(16.9) 

5.2   

—   

—   

—   

5.2   

—   

5.2 

—   

(14.4)   

(14.4) 

—   

—   

—   

—   

9.0   

—   

9.0   

—   

9.0 

At 31 December 2020

34.5    1,143.3   

(11.2)   

1.8    (1,289.5)   

(13.4)   

(134.5)   

53.4   

(81.1) 

1. The Group initially applied IFRS 16 at 1 January 2019, using the modified retrospective approach. Under this approach, comparative information is not restated and the cumulative effect of 

initially applying IFRS 16 is recognised in retained earnings at the date of initial application.

2. The Group initially applied IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments at 1 January 2019. The cumulative effect of initially applying IFRIC 23 has been recognised in retained earnings 

at the date of initial application.

3. Dividends paid and proposed: £14.4m (2019: £14.4m) relate to dividends paid to non-controlling interests. No dividends were declared, paid or proposed in 2020 or 2019 on the Parent 

Company’s ordinary shares.

Share capital – The balance classified as share capital is the nominal proceeds on issue of the Parent Company’s equity share capital, 
comprising 2 1/15p ordinary shares.

Share premium – The amount paid to the Parent Company by shareholders, in cash or other consideration, over and above the nominal value 
of shares issued to them less issuance costs.

Employee benefit trust and treasury shares – Shares that have been bought back by the Parent Company which are available for retirement 
or resale; shares held in the employee benefit trust have no voting rights and no entitlement to a dividend.

Capital redemption reserve – The Parent Company can redeem shares by repaying the market value to the shareholder, whereupon the 
shares are cancelled. Redemption must be from distributable profits. The Capital redemption reserve represents the nominal value of the shares 
redeemed.

(1,289.5)   

(1,295.8) 

Retained deficit – Net (losses)/profits accumulated in the Group after dividends are paid.

Other reserves – This consists of foreign currency translation reserve deficit of £8.6m (2019: £0.4m surplus) and cash flow hedging reserve 
deficit of £4.8m (2019: £0.2m surplus).

Non-controlling interests (NCI) – This represents the equity in subsidiaries that is not attributable directly or indirectly to the Parent Company.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

These consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of directors on 16 March 2021 and signed on its behalf by: 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Jon Lewis 

Chief Executive Officer 

Gordon Boyd 

Chief Financial Officer (interim) 

Company registered number: 02081330 

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

127

Consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
104

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Consolidated cash flow statement
For the year ended 31 December 2020

Cash generated from operations
Cash generated from discontinued operations
Income tax paid
Net interest paid

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Purchase of intangible assets

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment/intangible assets

Additions to investments in associates

Additions to investments held at fair value

Disposals of investments held at fair value

Deferred consideration paid

Contingent consideration paid

Subsidiary partnership payment

Capital element of lease rental receipts 

Net proceeds/(loss) on disposal of subsidiary undertakings

Cash disposed of with subsidiary undertakings

Net cash outflow from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
Purchase of shares
Capital element of lease rental payments
Repayment of private placement loan notes
Proceeds from cross-currency interest rate swaps
Repayment of term loan
Financing arrangement costs

Net cash outflow from financing activities

Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December
Cash and cash equivalents comprise:
Cash
Overdrafts
Cash, net of overdrafts, included in disposal group assets and liabilities held-for-sale

Total

Adjusted cash generated from operations
Adjusted free cash flows

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

128

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Notes
2.10   

3.2  

3.3  

2.3, 3.2, 3.3  

2.8  

2.8  

4.6  
2.10.3  
2.10.3  
2.10.3  
2.10.3  
2.10.3  

4.5.4  
4.5.4  
2.8  

2020
£m
434.2   
18.6   
(8.8)   
(47.7)   
396.3   

(40.8)   

(46.6)   

13.5   

(0.6)   

(0.3)   

3.9   

—   

(4.9)   

(9.4)   

2.8   

51.3   

(3.2)   
(34.3)   

(14.4)   
—   
(98.0)   
(242.9)   
24.5   
—   
(0.5)   
(331.3)   
30.7   
119.3   
(8.9)   
141.1   

460.9   
(332.7)   
12.9   
141.1   

2.10   
2.10   

367.5   
238.6   

2019 
£m
32.8 
4.7 
(5.4) 
(58.4) 

(26.3) 

(57.7) 

(124.7) 

0.4 

(0.6) 

— 

— 

(1.3) 

(2.4) 

(9.4) 

— 

(8.9) 

— 

(204.6) 

(14.4) 
(0.7) 
(93.7) 
(96.8) 
10.9 
(100.0) 
(1.1) 

(295.8) 

(526.7) 
642.7 
3.3 

119.3 

409.1 
(286.3) 
(3.5) 

119.3 

213.6 
(23.2) 

Financial statementsConsolidated  financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
104

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

105

Consolidated cash flow statement

For the year ended 31 December 2020

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment/intangible assets

Cash generated from operations

Cash generated from discontinued operations

Income tax paid

Net interest paid

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Purchase of intangible assets

Additions to investments in associates

Additions to investments held at fair value

Disposals of investments held at fair value

Deferred consideration paid

Contingent consideration paid

Subsidiary partnership payment

Capital element of lease rental receipts 

Net proceeds/(loss) on disposal of subsidiary undertakings

Cash disposed of with subsidiary undertakings

Net cash outflow from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

Purchase of shares

Capital element of lease rental payments

Repayment of private placement loan notes

Proceeds from cross-currency interest rate swaps

Repayment of term loan

Financing arrangement costs

Net cash outflow from financing activities

Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December

Cash and cash equivalents comprise:

Cash

Overdrafts

Total

Notes

2.10   

3.2  

3.3  

2.3, 3.2, 3.3  

2.8  

2.8  

4.6  

2.10.3  

2.10.3  

2.10.3  

2.10.3  

2.10.3  

4.5.4  

4.5.4  

2.8  

2020

£m

434.2   

18.6   

(8.8)   

(47.7)   

396.3   

(40.8)   

(46.6)   

13.5   

(0.6)   

(0.3)   

3.9   

—   

(4.9)   

(9.4)   

2.8   

51.3   

(3.2)   

(34.3)   

(14.4)   

—   

(98.0)   

(242.9)   

24.5   

—   

(0.5)   

(331.3)   

30.7   

119.3   

(8.9)   

141.1   

460.9   

(332.7)   

12.9   

141.1   

2019 

£m

32.8 

4.7 

(5.4) 

(58.4) 

(26.3) 

(57.7) 

(124.7) 

0.4 

(0.6) 

— 

— 

(1.3) 

(2.4) 

(9.4) 

— 

(8.9) 

— 

(204.6) 

(14.4) 

(0.7) 

(93.7) 

(96.8) 

10.9 

(100.0) 

(1.1) 

(295.8) 

(526.7) 

642.7 

3.3 

119.3 

409.1 

(286.3) 

(3.5) 

119.3 

213.6 

(23.2) 

Cash, net of overdrafts, included in disposal group assets and liabilities held-for-sale

Adjusted cash generated from operations

Adjusted free cash flows

2.10   

2.10   

367.5   

238.6   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Section 1: Basis of preparation

This section sets out the Group’s accounting policies relating to these consolidated financial statements as a whole. Where an accounting 
policy is specific to one note, the policy is described in the note to which it relates.

In this section you will also find details of new accounting standards, amendments and interpretations including their effective dates and 
explanation on the expected impact to the financial position and performance of the Group.

For ease of reference, this symbol has been used to denote any accounting policies included within the notes:

AP

Denotes accounting policies

These financial statements consolidate those of Capita plc (the Company or the Parent Company) and all of its subsidiaries (the Group). Capita 
plc is a public limited company incorporated in England and Wales whose shares are publicly traded. The principal activities of the Group are 
given in the strategic report on pages 26 to 37.

These consolidated financial statements of Capita plc for the year ended 31 December 2020 were authorised for issue in accordance with a 
resolution of the directors on 16 March 2021.

These consolidated financial statements are presented in British pounds sterling and all values are rounded to the nearest tenth of a million (£m) 
except where otherwise indicated. 

Statement of compliance
These consolidated financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with international accounting standards in conformity with 
the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 
1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union.

Basis of consolidation
These consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Group at 31 December each year. Subsidiaries are 
consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group until control is transferred out of the Group. Where there is a loss of 
control of a subsidiary, these consolidated financial statements include the results for that part of the reporting year during which Capita plc had 
control and the profit or loss on disposal is calculated as the difference between the fair value of the consideration received and the carrying 
amount of the assets (including goodwill) disposed of. Losses applicable to the non-controlling interests in subsidiaries are attributed to the non-
controlling interests even if that results in the non-controlling interests having a deficit balance.

Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method. Under the equity method, the investment in the entity is stated as a one 
line item at cost plus the investor’s share of retained post-acquisition profits or losses and other changes in net assets less any impairment.

Going concern
In determining the appropriate basis of preparation of the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020, the directors are required 
to consider whether the Group and Parent Company can continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The Board has concluded 
that it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis, having undertaken a rigorous assessment of the financial forecasts, key uncertainties and 
sensitivities, as set out below, and that align with the viability statement as set out on page 58.

Accounting standards require that the foreseeable future covers a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial 
statements, although they do not specify how far beyond 12 months a Board should consider. In the prior year, the Board considered an 
extended period out to 31 August 2022 (30 months) which aligned with the expiry of the revolving credit facility (RCF). The Board continue to 
consider the period out to 31 August 2022 for the purpose of the going concern assessment, which reflects a period of at least 18 months from 
the date of approval of these financial statements (the going concern period). While this is a shorter period, it does align with the expiry of the 
RCF which is a key consideration. The Board have also considered any committed outflows beyond this period in forming their assessment.

The base case projections prepared for the going concern assessment are derived from the 2021–2023 business plans (BP) as approved by the 
Board in February 2021. The BP captures the benefits that the transformation plan is anticipated to deliver, and the costs to achieve these.

Covid-19 has introduced unprecedented economic uncertainties and has led to increased judgement particularly in forecasting future financial 
performance. Many parts of the Group have demonstrated resilience throughout 2020, adapting to address the impact of Covid-19, but as 
discussed at the half year, the pandemic has slowed the progress of the transformation plan. The impact has been incorporated within the base 
case projections.

The going concern assessment considers the Group’s existing debt facilities, committed funding and liquidity positions, and covenant compliance 
throughout the period under review. The Group’s committed RCF (£452.0m at 31 December 2020) matures in August 2022 but the Group is 
targeting completion of its refinancing agenda during 2021, which it expects will include a RCF with a maturity at least a year later. There are 
scheduled debt repayments totalling £277m over the period to August 2022, with a further repayment of c.£163m in November 2022 on the 
private placement loan notes. Details of the covenant requirements and definitions are set out in section 8.2.

Financial position at 31 December 2020
The Group had net debt of £1,077.1m at 31 December 2020 (2019: £1,353.2m) and adjusted net debt of £616.4m (2019: £832.7m). Adjusted 
EBITDA was £293.0m at 31 December 2020 (2019: £439.4m). The Group was in compliance with all debt covenants at 31 December 2020 (see 
section 8.2).

Board assessment 

Base case scenario
Under the base case projections, the transformation plan will simplify and strengthen the business and drive a reduced cost base to generate 
sustainable revenue growth and cash flows. Details of the plan are set out in the strategic report on pages 10 to 16.

This realises positive free cash flows, and when combined with available committed facilities allows the Group to manage the scheduled debt 
repayments. Under the base case there is liquidity headroom throughout the forecast period to 31 August 2022, and compliance with all 
covenant measures.

The base case assumes the extension of the RCF as set out above, given the improved financial position of the Group which benefits from the 
successful delivery of the transformation plan. The key sensitivity to the base case is the execution risk associated with delivering the revenue 
growth, exacerbated should the pandemic continue to impact the Group’s activities.

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

129

Notes to the consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
106

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Section 1: Basis of preparation continued
Severe but plausible downside
In considering the severe but plausible downside scenarios the Board has considered trading downside risks, which assumes the transformation 
plan is not successful in delivering the anticipated revenue growth, together with increased attrition, and further impacts of Covid-19. In addition, 
the downside scenario includes potential adverse financial impacts that could arise from unforeseen operational issues leading to contract losses 
and cash outflows, and unexpected potential fines and losses linked to incidents such as data breaches and/or cyber attacks.

There are mitigations, under the direct control of the Group, that the Board can introduce to address these shortfalls. These include continued 
reductions to variable pay rises, setting aside any bonus payments and limiting discretionary spend. While these are available as possible short-
term mitigations and would be actioned if required to ensure compliance with debt covenants, the Board is mindful that such restrictions may be 
detrimental to the success of the transformation plan. In addition, such actions would not address the liquidity requirements beyond the going 
concern period. Absent these mitigating actions, on a downside scenario there is insufficient headroom to ensure compliance with the debt 
covenants throughout the measurement period to 31 August 2022, and insufficient liquidity taking into account the facilities currently available, 
due to a combination of the downside risks crystallising and scheduled debt repayments.

To address the resilience of the Group to such downside scenarios, the Board has been exploring a refinancing of the debt maturities to reprofile 
the debt repayments to align with the completion of the transformation programme while also providing the financial support necessary to 
complete the required investments. While refinancing was not completed in 2020, the Board did successfully arrange backstop facilities in 
February and August 2020, is already in discussion with lenders, and is targeting completion of a refinancing in 2021.

In addition to refinancing, the Board has approved a continuation of the previously announced disposal programme which covers businesses that 
do not align with the longer-term strategy for the Group.

The Group has a strong track record of executing major planned disposals. Examples include net cash proceeds from the disposal of the Asset 
Services business in 2017 (c.£865m) and ParkingEye and Constructionline in 2018 (c.£390m). More recently the Group generated net cash 
proceeds of c.£50m from the disposal of Eclipse Legal Services in June 2020 and c.£300m from the disposal of the Education Software 
Solutions business in February 2021. The Board is confident that the disposal programme can be delivered given the strength of the underlying 
businesses and the value they deliver. The planned disposals will introduce considerable net cash proceeds to the Group, albeit with a 
corresponding removal of consolidated profits associated with these businesses.

The net proceeds received during 2020 have been effective in reducing the Group’s indebtedness from £1,353.2m at 31 December 2019 to 
£1,077.1m at 31 December 2020. The deferral of £118.8m of VAT under the Government’s Covid-19 measures has also contributed to this 
reduction in net debt.

Material uncertainties
The Board recognises that any refinancing, should the severe downside play out, would require third party agreements from lenders. 
Furthermore, the disposal programme requires agreement from third parties, and major disposals may be subject to shareholder and lender 
approval. Such agreements and approvals are outside the direct control of the Company. Accordingly, these events give rise to material 
uncertainties, as defined in auditing and accounting standards, relating to events and circumstances which may cast significant doubt about the 
Group’s and Parent’s ability to continue as a going concern and, therefore, that the Group and Company may be unable to realise their assets 
and discharge their liabilities in the normal course of business.

Reflecting the Board’s confidence in the transformation programme, ability to refinance, and execution of the approved disposal programme, the 
Company continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. The Board has concluded that the Group and Parent 
Company will continue to have adequate financial resources to realise their assets and discharge their liabilities as they fall due over the period 
to 31 August 2022. Consequently, these financial statements do not include any adjustments which would be required if the going concern basis 
of preparation is inappropriate.

Foreign currency translation
The functional and presentation currency of Capita plc and its United Kingdom (UK) subsidiaries is the British pound sterling (£). Transactions 
in foreign currencies are initially recorded at the functional currency exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and 
liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the functional currency exchange rate ruling at the balance sheet date. All 
differences are taken to the consolidated income statement with the exception of differences on foreign currency borrowings that provide a 
hedge against a net investment in a foreign operation. These are taken directly to equity until the disposal of the net investment, at which time 
they are recognised in the consolidated income statement.

Tax charges and credits attributable to exchange differences on those borrowings are also taken directly to equity. Non-monetary items that are 
measured at historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date of initial transaction. Non-monetary items 
measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the date when the fair value was determined.

The functional currencies of overseas operations include the euro, Indian rupee, South African rand, and the US dollar. At the reporting date, the 
assets and liabilities of the overseas operations are retranslated into the presentation currency of Capita plc at the exchange rate ruling at the 
balance sheet date and their income statements are translated at the weighted average exchange rate for the year.

The exchange differences arising on the retranslation are taken directly to a separate component of equity. On disposal of a foreign operation, 
the deferred cumulative foreign currency translation difference recognised in equity relating to that particular foreign operation is recognised in 
the consolidated income statement.

Recoverable amount of non-current assets
At each reporting date, the Group assesses whether there is any indication that a non-current asset may be impaired. Where an indicator of 
impairment exists, the Group makes a formal estimate of the asset’s recoverable amount. Where the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its 
recoverable amount, the asset is considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of 
an asset’s, or cash-generating unit’s, fair value less costs to sell and its value in use, and is determined for an individual asset, unless the asset 
does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those from other assets or groups of assets.

130

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsNotes to the  consolidated  financial statements106

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

107

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Section 1: Basis of preparation continued

Severe but plausible downside

In considering the severe but plausible downside scenarios the Board has considered trading downside risks, which assumes the transformation 

plan is not successful in delivering the anticipated revenue growth, together with increased attrition, and further impacts of Covid-19. In addition, 

the downside scenario includes potential adverse financial impacts that could arise from unforeseen operational issues leading to contract losses 

and cash outflows, and unexpected potential fines and losses linked to incidents such as data breaches and/or cyber attacks.

There are mitigations, under the direct control of the Group, that the Board can introduce to address these shortfalls. These include continued 

reductions to variable pay rises, setting aside any bonus payments and limiting discretionary spend. While these are available as possible short-

term mitigations and would be actioned if required to ensure compliance with debt covenants, the Board is mindful that such restrictions may be 

detrimental to the success of the transformation plan. In addition, such actions would not address the liquidity requirements beyond the going 

concern period. Absent these mitigating actions, on a downside scenario there is insufficient headroom to ensure compliance with the debt 

covenants throughout the measurement period to 31 August 2022, and insufficient liquidity taking into account the facilities currently available, 

due to a combination of the downside risks crystallising and scheduled debt repayments.

To address the resilience of the Group to such downside scenarios, the Board has been exploring a refinancing of the debt maturities to reprofile 

the debt repayments to align with the completion of the transformation programme while also providing the financial support necessary to 

complete the required investments. While refinancing was not completed in 2020, the Board did successfully arrange backstop facilities in 

February and August 2020, is already in discussion with lenders, and is targeting completion of a refinancing in 2021.

In addition to refinancing, the Board has approved a continuation of the previously announced disposal programme which covers businesses that 

do not align with the longer-term strategy for the Group.

The Group has a strong track record of executing major planned disposals. Examples include net cash proceeds from the disposal of the Asset 

Services business in 2017 (c.£865m) and ParkingEye and Constructionline in 2018 (c.£390m). More recently the Group generated net cash 

proceeds of c.£50m from the disposal of Eclipse Legal Services in June 2020 and c.£300m from the disposal of the Education Software 

Solutions business in February 2021. The Board is confident that the disposal programme can be delivered given the strength of the underlying 

businesses and the value they deliver. The planned disposals will introduce considerable net cash proceeds to the Group, albeit with a 

corresponding removal of consolidated profits associated with these businesses.

The net proceeds received during 2020 have been effective in reducing the Group’s indebtedness from £1,353.2m at 31 December 2019 to 

£1,077.1m at 31 December 2020. The deferral of £118.8m of VAT under the Government’s Covid-19 measures has also contributed to this 

reduction in net debt.

Material uncertainties

The Board recognises that any refinancing, should the severe downside play out, would require third party agreements from lenders. 

Furthermore, the disposal programme requires agreement from third parties, and major disposals may be subject to shareholder and lender 

approval. Such agreements and approvals are outside the direct control of the Company. Accordingly, these events give rise to material 

uncertainties, as defined in auditing and accounting standards, relating to events and circumstances which may cast significant doubt about the 

Group’s and Parent’s ability to continue as a going concern and, therefore, that the Group and Company may be unable to realise their assets 

and discharge their liabilities in the normal course of business.

Reflecting the Board’s confidence in the transformation programme, ability to refinance, and execution of the approved disposal programme, the 

Company continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. The Board has concluded that the Group and Parent 

Company will continue to have adequate financial resources to realise their assets and discharge their liabilities as they fall due over the period 

to 31 August 2022. Consequently, these financial statements do not include any adjustments which would be required if the going concern basis 

of preparation is inappropriate.

Foreign currency translation

The functional and presentation currency of Capita plc and its United Kingdom (UK) subsidiaries is the British pound sterling (£). Transactions 

in foreign currencies are initially recorded at the functional currency exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and 

liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the functional currency exchange rate ruling at the balance sheet date. All 

differences are taken to the consolidated income statement with the exception of differences on foreign currency borrowings that provide a 

hedge against a net investment in a foreign operation. These are taken directly to equity until the disposal of the net investment, at which time 

they are recognised in the consolidated income statement.

Tax charges and credits attributable to exchange differences on those borrowings are also taken directly to equity. Non-monetary items that are 

measured at historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date of initial transaction. Non-monetary items 

measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the date when the fair value was determined.

The functional currencies of overseas operations include the euro, Indian rupee, South African rand, and the US dollar. At the reporting date, the 

assets and liabilities of the overseas operations are retranslated into the presentation currency of Capita plc at the exchange rate ruling at the 

balance sheet date and their income statements are translated at the weighted average exchange rate for the year.

The exchange differences arising on the retranslation are taken directly to a separate component of equity. On disposal of a foreign operation, 

the deferred cumulative foreign currency translation difference recognised in equity relating to that particular foreign operation is recognised in 

the consolidated income statement.

Recoverable amount of non-current assets

At each reporting date, the Group assesses whether there is any indication that a non-current asset may be impaired. Where an indicator of 

impairment exists, the Group makes a formal estimate of the asset’s recoverable amount. Where the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its 

recoverable amount, the asset is considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of 

an asset’s, or cash-generating unit’s, fair value less costs to sell and its value in use, and is determined for an individual asset, unless the asset 

does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those from other assets or groups of assets.

Section 1: Basis of preparation continued
Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires the directors to make judgements 
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingencies at the date of the financial statements 
and the reported income and expense during the presented periods. Although these judgements and assumptions are based on the directors’ 
best knowledge of the amount, events or actions, actual results may differ.

The potential impact of Covid-19 on the Group has been considered in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements, including 
management’s evaluation of critical accounting estimates and judgements. The impact on the Group has varied by business.

Covid-19 has introduced unprecedented economic uncertainties and has led to increased judgement particularly in forecasting future financial 
performance. There have also been direct impacts on revenue and costs arising from: new contracts helping customers respond to the 
pandemic; costs of setting up colleagues to work remotely; the release of the 2019 bonus accruals; and utilisation of the Government’s furlough 
scheme. The Board has not reported these items separately, but where there is an impact this is captured in the divisional performance reviews.

The Board has continued with a policy to separately identify items such as restructuring, where the plans have been advanced and adapted in 
response to Covid-19 and these are set out in note 2.4. The Board has also considered the impact on the provisions recorded at 31 December 
2020, with no significant adjustments recorded, and the valuation of the defined benefit pension scheme.

As described in note 2.1, given the level of judgement and estimation involved in assessing the future profitability of contracts, it is reasonably 
possible that outcomes within the next financial year may be different from management’s assumptions and could require a material adjustment 
to the carrying amounts of contract assets and onerous contract provisions. This risk is increased further by the uncertainly Covid-19 brings to 
forecasting.

The key sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant risk of causing material adjustments to the carrying amounts of assets and 
liabilities within the next financial year are summarised below and set out in more detail in the related note:

• Contract accounting (note 2.1)

– Impairment of contract fulfilment assets
– Onerous contract provisions

• The impairment of goodwill (note 3.4)
• The measurement of defined benefit obligations (note 5.2)
The key areas where significant accounting judgements have been made are summarise below and set out in more detail in the related note:

• The capitalisation of contract fulfilment assets (note 3.1)
• The measurement of goodwill (note 3.4)
• The measurement of provisions (note 3.6) and contingent liabilities (note 6.2)

For ease of reference, this symbol has been used to denote significant accounting judgements and estimates where they occur within the note:

J

Denotes significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions

New standards and interpretations adopted
The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the previous financial year. In addition, the Group has adopted the new 
amendments to standards detailed below but they do not have a material effect on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

New amendments or interpretation

Definition of Material (Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8)

Definition of a Business (Amendments to IFRS 3)

Interest Rate Benchmark Reform (Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7)

Amendments to References to Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards 

Covid-19-Related Rent Concessions – amendments to IFRS 16

Effective date

1 January 2020

1 January 2020

1 January 2020

1 January 2020

1 June 2020

New standards and interpretations not yet adopted
The IASB has issued the following standards, amendments and interpretations with an effective date after the date of these consolidated 
financial statements. These are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after the date indicated:

International Accounting Standards (IAS/IFRS)

Not endorsed at 31 December 2020:
Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – Phase 2 (Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16)

Onerous Contracts – Cost of Fulfilling a Contract (Amendments to IAS 37)

Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2018–2020

Property, Plant and Equipment: Proceeds before Intended Use (Amendments to IAS 16)

Reference to the Conceptual Framework (Amendments to IFRS 3)

Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current (Amendments to IAS 1)

IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts and amendments to IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts 

Effective date

1 January 2021

1 January 2022

1 January 2022

1 January 2022

1 January 2022

1 January 2023

1 January 2023

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

131

Notes to the consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statementsNotes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Corporate governance

Strategic report

Financial statements

108

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

108

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Section 2: Results for the year

Section 2: Results for the year

This section contains notes related to the financial performance of the Group. These include:

Adjusted operating profit and adjusted profit before tax

2.1 Contract accounting
This section contains notes related to the financial performance of the Group. These include:
2.2 Revenue including segmental revenue
2.1 Contract accounting
2.3 Operating profit
2.2 Revenue including segmental revenue
2.4
2.3 Operating profit
2.5
Segmental information
Adjusted operating profit and adjusted profit before tax
2.4
Taxation
2.6
Segmental information
2.5
Earnings/(loss) per share
2.7
Taxation
2.6
Business exits and assets held-for-sale
2.8
Earnings/(loss) per share
2.7
2.9 Discontinued operations
2.8
2.10 Cash flow information
2.9 Discontinued operations
AP
2.10 Cash flow information

Business exits and assets held-for-sale

Denotes accounting policies

J

Denotes significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions
Denotes accounting policies

Denotes significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions

Key highlights 

Key highlights 
Adjusted revenue1 

Adjusted free cash flow1
Aim: Achieve sustainable, long-term 
free cash flow growth
Adjusted free cash flow1
Aim: Achieve sustainable, long-term 
free cash flow growth

Adjusted revenue1 

£3,181.2m £238.6m
£3,181.2m £238.6m

(2019: £3,501.0m)

(2019: £(23.2)m)

(2019: £3,501.0m)
Adjusted profit before tax1 
Aim: achieve long-term growth in profit

(2019: £(23.2)m)
Adjusted earnings per share (EPS)1 
Aim: achieve long-term growth in EPS

Adjusted profit before tax1 
Aim: achieve long-term growth in profit

£65.2m
£65.2m

(2019: £197.7m)

Adjusted earnings per share (EPS)1 
Aim: achieve long-term growth in EPS

4.19p
4.19p

(2019: 9.30p)

(2019: £197.7m)
Reported revenue

(2019: 9.30p)
Reported free cash flow

Reported revenue

£3,324.8m £303.8m
£3,324.8m £303.8m

Reported free cash flow

(2019: £3,678.6m)

(2019: £(213.0)m)

(2019: £3,678.6m)

Reported loss before tax

(2019: £(213.0)m)
Reported loss per share 
(EPS) – continuing operations

Reported loss before tax

£(49.4)m (0.41)p
£(49.4)m (0.41)p

Reported loss per share 
(EPS) – continuing operations

(2019: £(62.6)m)

(2019: (4.18)p)

(2019: £(62.6)m)

(2019: (4.18)p)

1. Definitions of the alternative performance measures and related KPIs can be found in section 8.2.

1. Definitions of the alternative performance measures and related KPIs can be found in section 8.2.

132

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsNotes to the  consolidated  financial statements 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Corporate governance

Strategic report

Financial statements

108

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

108

109
109

Capita plc Annual Report 2020
Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Section 2: Results for the year

Section 2: Results for the year

This section contains notes related to the financial performance of the Group. These include:

2.1 Contract accounting

This section contains notes related to the financial performance of the Group. These include:

2.2 Revenue including segmental revenue

2.1 Contract accounting

2.3 Operating profit

2.2 Revenue including segmental revenue

Adjusted operating profit and adjusted profit before tax

2.4

Adjusted operating profit and adjusted profit before tax

Taxation

2.3 Operating profit

Segmental information

2.5

2.4

2.6

2.5

2.7

2.6

2.8

Segmental information

Earnings/(loss) per share

Taxation

Business exits and assets held-for-sale

2.7

2.9 Discontinued operations

Earnings/(loss) per share

2.8

2.10 Cash flow information

Business exits and assets held-for-sale

2.9 Discontinued operations

Denotes accounting policies

2.10 Cash flow information

Denotes significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions

Denotes accounting policies

Denotes significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions

Key highlights 

Key highlights 

Adjusted revenue1 

Adjusted free cash flow1

Aim: Achieve sustainable, long-term 

free cash flow growth

Adjusted free cash flow1

Adjusted revenue1 

£3,181.2m £238.6m

£3,181.2m £238.6m

free cash flow growth

(2019: £3,501.0m)

(2019: £(23.2)m)

Aim: Achieve sustainable, long-term 

(2019: £3,501.0m)

Adjusted profit before tax1 

Aim: achieve long-term growth in profit

(2019: £(23.2)m)

Adjusted earnings per share (EPS)1 

Aim: achieve long-term growth in EPS

Aim: achieve long-term growth in profit

Adjusted profit before tax1 

£65.2m

£65.2m

(2019: £197.7m)

Adjusted earnings per share (EPS)1 

Aim: achieve long-term growth in EPS

4.19p

4.19p

(2019: 9.30p)

(2019: £197.7m)

Reported revenue

(2019: 9.30p)

Reported free cash flow

Reported revenue

£3,324.8m £303.8m

£3,324.8m £303.8m

Reported free cash flow

(2019: £3,678.6m)

(2019: £(213.0)m)

(2019: £3,678.6m)

Reported loss before tax

(2019: £(213.0)m)

Reported loss per share 

(EPS) – continuing operations

Reported loss before tax

£(49.4)m (0.41)p

£(49.4)m (0.41)p

Reported loss per share 

(2019: £(62.6)m)

(2019: (4.18)p)

(EPS) – continuing operations

(2019: £(62.6)m)

(2019: (4.18)p)

1. Definitions of the alternative performance measures and related KPIs can be found in section 8.2.

Section 2: Results for the year continued
Section 2: Results for the year continued
In 2020 the Group’s adjusted revenue1 declined as a result of 2019 contract losses and the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on 
In 2020 the Group’s adjusted revenue1 declined as a result of 2019 contract losses and the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on 
transactional revenue and volume-based framework contracts which were not offset by contract wins. The negative impact on adjusted profit 
transactional revenue and volume-based framework contracts which were not offset by contract wins. The negative impact on adjusted profit 
before tax1 of the revenue reduction, other cost increases and unplanned contractual one-offs could not be off-set by cost savings, both 
before tax1 of the revenue reduction, other cost increases and unplanned contractual one-offs could not be off-set by cost savings, both 
transformational and in response to the pandemic. The lower level of profit was more than offset by improvements in working capital and 
transformational and in response to the pandemic. The lower level of profit was more than offset by improvements in working capital and 
a reduction in capital expenditure, resulting in adjusted free cash inflow1 of £238.6m (2019: £23.2m outflow).
a reduction in capital expenditure, resulting in adjusted free cash inflow1 of £238.6m (2019: £23.2m outflow).
The Group had additional cash inflows of £65.2m, which included inflows arising from non-recourse receivables financing (£13.6m), VAT 
The Group had additional cash inflows of £65.2m, which included inflows arising from non-recourse receivables financing (£13.6m), VAT 
deferral (£118.8m) and business exit gains (£33.9m), which were partially offset by outflows relating to restructuring (£64.1m) and pension 
deferral (£118.8m) and business exit gains (£33.9m), which were partially offset by outflows relating to restructuring (£64.1m) and pension 
deficit payments (£29.5m). This resulted in headline net debt decreasing to £1,077.1m (2019: £1,353.2m).
deficit payments (£29.5m). This resulted in headline net debt decreasing to £1,077.1m (2019: £1,353.2m).
Revenue
Revenue
Adjusted revenue1 declined by 9.1% year-on-year. For additional information, which does not form part of these consolidated financial 
Adjusted revenue1 declined by 9.1% year-on-year. For additional information, which does not form part of these consolidated financial 
statements, the interim Chief Financial Officer’s review in the strategic report includes a bridge of drivers of the movement.
statements, the interim Chief Financial Officer’s review in the strategic report includes a bridge of drivers of the movement.
There were one-offs in 2019 of £39.3m related to contract termination payments and releases of deferred income from contract modifications.
There were one-offs in 2019 of £39.3m related to contract termination payments and releases of deferred income from contract modifications.
The reduction in revenue was due to contract losses in 2019, mainly in Local Government and a number of losses in Specialist Services which 
The reduction in revenue was due to contract losses in 2019, mainly in Local Government and a number of losses in Specialist Services which 
were not offset by contract wins including the DFRP contract, a project in Customer Management and a number of smaller wins across all 
were not offset by contract wins including the DFRP contract, a project in Customer Management and a number of smaller wins across all 
divisions. 
divisions. 
There was a net reduction of £152.6m attributed to Covid-19, largely due to lower transactional revenue, including a number of our framework 
There was a net reduction of £152.6m attributed to Covid-19, largely due to lower transactional revenue, including a number of our framework 
agreements which are driven by volumes. This reduction was offset by additional revenue won, predominantly within Government Services to 
agreements which are driven by volumes. This reduction was offset by additional revenue won, predominantly within Government Services to 
assist with the UK’s response to the pandemic.
assist with the UK’s response to the pandemic.
In 2020, one-off benefits similar to 2019, of £14.7m, related to the release of deferred income from a contract modification.
In 2020, one-off benefits similar to 2019, of £14.7m, related to the release of deferred income from a contract modification.
The difference of £143.6m between adjusted revenue of £3,181.2m and reported revenue of £3,324.8m is related to business exits in the year 
The difference of £143.6m between adjusted revenue of £3,181.2m and reported revenue of £3,324.8m is related to business exits in the year 
(refer to note 2.8).
(refer to note 2.8).
Profit before tax
Profit before tax
Adjusted profit before tax1 declined by 67.0% year-on-year. For additional information, which does not form part of these consolidated financial 
Adjusted profit before tax1 declined by 67.0% year-on-year. For additional information, which does not form part of these consolidated financial 
statements, the interim Chief Financial Officer’s review in the strategic report includes a bridge of drivers of the movement.
statements, the interim Chief Financial Officer’s review in the strategic report includes a bridge of drivers of the movement.
The adjusted profit before tax1 decreased as a result of the following the profit impact of the following:
The adjusted profit before tax1 decreased as a result of the following the profit impact of the following:
•
•

The reversal of one-off contract related items in 2019 relating to the release of deferred income and write-off of contract assets arising from 
The reversal of one-off contract related items in 2019 relating to the release of deferred income and write-off of contract assets arising from 
contract terminations, settlements and modifications.
contract terminations, settlements and modifications.
The benefit from contract wins (which includes the initial loss on the DFRP contract of £15m (refer to note 2.1)) not yet replacing profits from 
The benefit from contract wins (which includes the initial loss on the DFRP contract of £15m (refer to note 2.1)) not yet replacing profits from 
lost contracts.
lost contracts.
Scope and volume reductions, and other cost increases, partly mitigated by cost savings from the transformation cost competitiveness 
Scope and volume reductions, and other cost increases, partly mitigated by cost savings from the transformation cost competitiveness 
programme.
programme.
Other cost increases, such as, inflation (including the commitment in the UK to the real living wage), additional depreciation, amortisation 
Other cost increases, such as, inflation (including the commitment in the UK to the real living wage), additional depreciation, amortisation 
and running costs on completed transformation programmes, and an increase in bad debt provision.
and running costs on completed transformation programmes, and an increase in bad debt provision.
Reduction in transactional revenue (mostly attributable to Covid-19) which has a high initial margin impact due to fixed and semi-fixed cost 
Reduction in transactional revenue (mostly attributable to Covid-19) which has a high initial margin impact due to fixed and semi-fixed cost 
base. This could not be fully mitigated by cash preservation actions, for example the impact of furloughing employees.
base. This could not be fully mitigated by cash preservation actions, for example the impact of furloughing employees.
Unplanned contractual one-offs of £23.9m, including the release of deferred income and write-off of contract assets arising from contract 
Unplanned contractual one-offs of £23.9m, including the release of deferred income and write-off of contract assets arising from contract 
terminations, settlements and modifications, provisions recognised on onerous contracts and contract related asset impairments.
terminations, settlements and modifications, provisions recognised on onerous contracts and contract related asset impairments.

•
•

•
•

•
•

•
•

•
•

Adjusted profit before tax1 excludes a number of specific items so users of these consolidated financial statements can more clearly understand 
Adjusted profit before tax1 excludes a number of specific items so users of these consolidated financial statements can more clearly understand 
the financial performance of the Group. Reported loss before tax was £49.4m (2019: loss £62.6m). A reconciliation of the adjusted profit before 
the financial performance of the Group. Reported loss before tax was £49.4m (2019: loss £62.6m). A reconciliation of the adjusted profit before 
tax1 to reported loss before tax is detailed in note 2.4.
tax1 to reported loss before tax is detailed in note 2.4.
Reported operating loss for the year was £32.0m (2019: profit £0.4m). Details of items charged/credited in arriving at operating profit can be 
Reported operating loss for the year was £32.0m (2019: profit £0.4m). Details of items charged/credited in arriving at operating profit can be 
found in note 2.3. 
found in note 2.3. 
Taxation
Taxation
The income tax credit of £13.6m on adjusted profit before tax1 resulted in an adjusted tax rate of (20.9)% (2019: income tax charge of £29.0m 
The income tax credit of £13.6m on adjusted profit before tax1 resulted in an adjusted tax rate of (20.9)% (2019: income tax charge of £29.0m 
and adjusted tax rate 14.7%). This is different from the UK statutory rate of tax of 19% predominantly due to the UK corporation tax rate change 
and adjusted tax rate 14.7%). This is different from the UK statutory rate of tax of 19% predominantly due to the UK corporation tax rate change 
impact on deferred tax, and a partial release of the unremitted earnings provision due to tax rate reduction on overseas dividend distributions.
impact on deferred tax, and a partial release of the unremitted earnings provision due to tax rate reduction on overseas dividend distributions.
Earnings per share (EPS) 
Earnings per share (EPS) 
The movement in adjusted basic earnings per share1 for continuing operations and reported basic earnings per share was as a result of the 
The movement in adjusted basic earnings per share1 for continuing operations and reported basic earnings per share was as a result of the 
performance explained above.
performance explained above.
Dividend
Dividend
The Board is not recommending the payment of a final dividend (2019: £nil). However, the Board recognises the importance of regular dividend 
The Board is not recommending the payment of a final dividend (2019: £nil). However, the Board recognises the importance of regular dividend 
payments to investors in forming part of their total shareholder return and will consider the payment of dividends when the Group is generating 
payments to investors in forming part of their total shareholder return and will consider the payment of dividends when the Group is generating 
sufficient sustainable free cash flow.
sufficient sustainable free cash flow.

1. Definitions of the alternative performance measures and related KPIs can be found in section 8.2.

1. Definitions of the alternative performance measures and related KPIs can be found in section 8.2.
1. Definitions of the alternative performance measures and related KPIs can be found in section 8.2.

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

133

Notes to the consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statements 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

110

Section 2: Results for the year continued
Adjusted free cash flow1
Adjusted free cash flow1 in 2020 was an inflow, as improved contractual working capital movements and inflows from other working capital more 
than off-set the decline in adjusted operating profit.

We have analysed working capital between ‘contractual’ – being those balances which relate to long-term contract movements of deferred 
income, accrued income and contract fulfilment assets to derive cash from trading operations – and ‘other working capital’, which represents 
routine normal working capital items such as trade receivables, trade payables and prepayments.  

Adjusted operating profit to adjusted free cash flow1

Adjusted operating profit1

Add: depreciation/amortisation and impairment property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

Adjusted EBITDA

Contractual working capital movement (deferred income, contract fulfilment assets and accrued income)

Cash from trading operations*

Net capital expenditure

   Other working capital
Adjusted free cash flow1
*  Cash from trading operations defined as adjusted EBITDA less contractual working capital movements.

Strategic report

2020
£m

111.0   
182.0   

293.0   
(42.5)   
250.5   
(72.4)   
60.5   
238.6   

2019
£m

254.5 
184.9 

439.4 
(215.7) 
223.7 
(172.9) 
(74.0) 
(23.2) 

Corporate governance

Financial statements

110

Cash from trading operations increased to £250.5m (2019: £223.7m) due to reduction in contractual working capital outflows.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
Contractual working capital improved with an outflow of £42.5m (2019: outflow £215.7m) due to:
•

An accrued income inflow of £27m, driven by invoice phasing in Technology Solutions and the impact of lower revenues across People 
Solutions and Software.

•

A reduced deferred income outflow of £154m, largely from advanced receipts and higher activity levels on the DFRP contract where cash 
has been received in 2020 in respect of transformation, and invoice timing on a contract with a telecom customer, compared to an outflow in 
2019 which included the £78m one-off impact of ending local government contracts, offset by  

A contract fulfilment asset outflow of £8m, mostly from an increase in additions on Government Services contracts, the most significant 
being on the DFRP contract, offset by contract asset write off’s in Customer Management and Government Services.

Section 2: Results for the year continued
•
Adjusted free cash flow1
Net capital expenditure decreased in 2020 in line with previously planned reductions as we drove focused investment and Group cash 
Adjusted free cash flow1 in 2020 was an inflow, as improved contractual working capital movements and inflows from other working capital more 
preservation methods in response to the pandemic.
than off-set the decline in adjusted operating profit.
Other working capital related cash inflows reflected shorter public sector payment cycles as part of the Covid-19 response, the impact of lower 
We have analysed working capital between ‘contractual’ – being those balances which relate to long-term contract movements of deferred 
revenue, and actions taken to improve working capital.
income, accrued income and contract fulfilment assets to derive cash from trading operations – and ‘other working capital’, which represents 
routine normal working capital items such as trade receivables, trade payables and prepayments.  

1. Definitions of the alternative performance measures and related KPIs can be found in section 8.2.
Adjusted operating profit to adjusted free cash flow1

Adjusted operating profit1

Add: depreciation/amortisation and impairment property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

Adjusted EBITDA

Contractual working capital movement (deferred income, contract fulfilment assets and accrued income)

Cash from trading operations*

Net capital expenditure

   Other working capital
Adjusted free cash flow1
*  Cash from trading operations defined as adjusted EBITDA less contractual working capital movements.

2020
£m

111.0   
182.0   

293.0   
(42.5)   
250.5   
(72.4)   
60.5   
238.6   

2019
£m

254.5 
184.9 

439.4 
(215.7) 
223.7 
(172.9) 
(74.0) 
(23.2) 

Cash from trading operations increased to £250.5m (2019: £223.7m) due to reduction in contractual working capital outflows.

Contractual working capital improved with an outflow of £42.5m (2019: outflow £215.7m) due to:

•

•

•

An accrued income inflow of £27m, driven by invoice phasing in Technology Solutions and the impact of lower revenues across People 
Solutions and Software.

A reduced deferred income outflow of £154m, largely from advanced receipts and higher activity levels on the DFRP contract where cash 
has been received in 2020 in respect of transformation, and invoice timing on a contract with a telecom customer, compared to an outflow in 
2019 which included the £78m one-off impact of ending local government contracts, offset by  

A contract fulfilment asset outflow of £8m, mostly from an increase in additions on Government Services contracts, the most significant 
being on the DFRP contract, offset by contract asset write off’s in Customer Management and Government Services.

Net capital expenditure decreased in 2020 in line with previously planned reductions as we drove focused investment and Group cash 
preservation methods in response to the pandemic.

Other working capital related cash inflows reflected shorter public sector payment cycles as part of the Covid-19 response, the impact of lower 
revenue, and actions taken to improve working capital.

1. Definitions of the alternative performance measures and related KPIs can be found in section 8.2.

134

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsNotes to the  consolidated  financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

110

111

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Section 2: Results for the year continued

Adjusted free cash flow1

than off-set the decline in adjusted operating profit.

Adjusted free cash flow1 in 2020 was an inflow, as improved contractual working capital movements and inflows from other working capital more 

We have analysed working capital between ‘contractual’ – being those balances which relate to long-term contract movements of deferred 

income, accrued income and contract fulfilment assets to derive cash from trading operations – and ‘other working capital’, which represents 

routine normal working capital items such as trade receivables, trade payables and prepayments.  

Adjusted operating profit to adjusted free cash flow1

Add: depreciation/amortisation and impairment property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

Contractual working capital movement (deferred income, contract fulfilment assets and accrued income)

Adjusted operating profit1

Adjusted EBITDA

Cash from trading operations*

Net capital expenditure

   Other working capital

Adjusted free cash flow1

2020

£m

111.0   

182.0   

293.0   

(42.5)   

250.5   

(72.4)   

60.5   

238.6   

2019

£m

254.5 

184.9 

439.4 

(215.7) 

223.7 

(172.9) 

(74.0) 

(23.2) 

*  Cash from trading operations defined as adjusted EBITDA less contractual working capital movements.

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

110

Cash from trading operations increased to £250.5m (2019: £223.7m) due to reduction in contractual working capital outflows.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Contractual working capital improved with an outflow of £42.5m (2019: outflow £215.7m) due to:

An accrued income inflow of £27m, driven by invoice phasing in Technology Solutions and the impact of lower revenues across People 

Solutions and Software.

A reduced deferred income outflow of £154m, largely from advanced receipts and higher activity levels on the DFRP contract where cash 

has been received in 2020 in respect of transformation, and invoice timing on a contract with a telecom customer, compared to an outflow in 

2019 which included the £78m one-off impact of ending local government contracts, offset by  

•

Section 2: Results for the year continued

A contract fulfilment asset outflow of £8m, mostly from an increase in additions on Government Services contracts, the most significant 

being on the DFRP contract, offset by contract asset write off’s in Customer Management and Government Services.

Adjusted free cash flow1

Net capital expenditure decreased in 2020 in line with previously planned reductions as we drove focused investment and Group cash 

Adjusted free cash flow1 in 2020 was an inflow, as improved contractual working capital movements and inflows from other working capital more 

preservation methods in response to the pandemic.

than off-set the decline in adjusted operating profit.

Other working capital related cash inflows reflected shorter public sector payment cycles as part of the Covid-19 response, the impact of lower 

We have analysed working capital between ‘contractual’ – being those balances which relate to long-term contract movements of deferred 

revenue, and actions taken to improve working capital.

income, accrued income and contract fulfilment assets to derive cash from trading operations – and ‘other working capital’, which represents 

routine normal working capital items such as trade receivables, trade payables and prepayments.  

1. Definitions of the alternative performance measures and related KPIs can be found in section 8.2.

Adjusted operating profit to adjusted free cash flow1

Add: depreciation/amortisation and impairment property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

Contractual working capital movement (deferred income, contract fulfilment assets and accrued income)

Adjusted operating profit1

Adjusted EBITDA

Cash from trading operations*

Net capital expenditure

   Other working capital

Adjusted free cash flow1

2020

£m

111.0   

182.0   

293.0   

(42.5)   

250.5   

(72.4)   

60.5   

238.6   

2019

£m

254.5 

184.9 

439.4 

(215.7) 

223.7 

(172.9) 

(74.0) 

(23.2) 

*  Cash from trading operations defined as adjusted EBITDA less contractual working capital movements.

Cash from trading operations increased to £250.5m (2019: £223.7m) due to reduction in contractual working capital outflows.

Contractual working capital improved with an outflow of £42.5m (2019: outflow £215.7m) due to:

An accrued income inflow of £27m, driven by invoice phasing in Technology Solutions and the impact of lower revenues across People 

Solutions and Software.

A reduced deferred income outflow of £154m, largely from advanced receipts and higher activity levels on the DFRP contract where cash 

has been received in 2020 in respect of transformation, and invoice timing on a contract with a telecom customer, compared to an outflow in 

2019 which included the £78m one-off impact of ending local government contracts, offset by  

A contract fulfilment asset outflow of £8m, mostly from an increase in additions on Government Services contracts, the most significant 

being on the DFRP contract, offset by contract asset write off’s in Customer Management and Government Services.

Net capital expenditure decreased in 2020 in line with previously planned reductions as we drove focused investment and Group cash 

preservation methods in response to the pandemic.

Other working capital related cash inflows reflected shorter public sector payment cycles as part of the Covid-19 response, the impact of lower 

revenue, and actions taken to improve working capital.

1. Definitions of the alternative performance measures and related KPIs can be found in section 8.2.

•

•

•

•

•

Section 2: Results for the year continued
2.1 Contract accounting

At 31 December 2020, the Group had the following results and balance sheet items related to long-term contracts: 

Long-term contractual adjusted revenue
Non-current and current deferred income
Non-current contract fulfilment assets
Non-current and current onerous contract provision

2019 
2020 
Notes
£m
£m
2.2    2,317.0    2,491.5 
975.2    1,061.0 
275.8 
294.8   
6.1 
16.5   

3.1.3  

Background
The Group operates a number of diverse businesses. The majority of the Group’s revenue is from contracts greater than two years in duration 
(long-term contractual), being 73% of Group adjusted revenue in 2020 (2019: 71%).

These long-term contracts can be complex in nature given the breadth of solutions the Group offers and the transformational activities involved. 
Typically, Capita takes a customer’s process and transforms it into a more efficient and effective solution which is then operated for the 
customer. The outcome is a high quality solution that addresses a customer’s needs and is delivered consistently over the life of the contract.

The Group recognises revenue on long-term contracts as the value is delivered to the customer, which is generally evenly over the contract 
term, regardless of any restructuring and transformation activity. Capita will often incur greater costs during the transformation phase with costs 
diminishing overtime as the target operating model is implemented and efficiencies realised. This results in lower profits or losses in the early 
years of contracts and potentially higher profits in later years as the transformation activities are successfully completed and the target operating 
model fully implemented (the business as usual (BAU) phase). The inflection point is when the contract becomes profitable.

Contract fulfilment assets are recognised for those costs qualifying for capitalisation and the utilisation of these assets is recognised over the 
contract term. The cash received from our customers reflects when the costs are incurred to transform, restructure and run the service. This 
results in income being deferred and released as the Group continues to deliver against its obligation to provide services and solutions to its 
customers.

An example, showing the revenue, cost, profit and cash profit of a typical long-term contract lifecycle is as follows:

J

Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions

Due to the size and complexity of some of the Group’s contracts, there are significant judgements to be applied, specifically in assessing: (1) the 
recoverability of contract fulfilment assets; and (2) the completeness of onerous contract provisions. These judgements are dependent on 
assessing the contract’s future profitability. It is reasonably possible that outcomes within the next financial year may be different from 
management’s assumptions and could require a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of contract assets and onerous contract provisions. 
This risk is increased further by the uncertainty Covid-19 brings to forecasting.

It should be noted that while management must make judgements in relation to applying the revenue recognition policy and recognition of related 
balance sheet items (trade receivables; deferred income; and accrued income) these are not considered significant judgements (refer to note 2.2 
for the Group’s policies).

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

135

Contract lifetime profitIFRS 15 revenueCash receivedValueOperating model at service commencement paTarget operating modelDeferred incomeRestructuringTransformation phaseBAU phaseInflection pointInitial lossTimeHigher level of uncertainty in lifetime profitability Reduced level of uncertainty in lifetime profitability Operating costsFixed asset depreciation and contract fulfilment asset utilisationNotes to the consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

112

Section 2: Results for the year continued
2.1 Contract accounting continued

Assessing contract profitability
In assessing a contract’s future lifetime profitability, management must estimate forecast revenue and costs to both transform and run the 
service over the remaining contract term. The ability to accurately forecast the outcomes involves estimates in respect of: costs to be incurred; 
cost savings to be achieved; future performance against any contract-specific key performance indicators (KPIs) that could trigger variable 
consideration or service credits; and the outcome of any commercial negotiations.

The level of uncertainty in the estimated future profitability of a contract is directly related to the stage of the life-cycle of the contract and the 
complexity of the performance obligations. Contracts in the transformation stage and pre-inflection stages are considered to have a higher level 
of uncertainty because of:

• the ability to accurately estimate the costs to deliver the transformed process;
• the dependency on the customer to agree to the specifics of the transformation: for example, where they are involved in signing off that the 

new process or the new technical solution designed by Capita meets their specific requirements; and

• the assumptions made to forecast expected savings in the target operating model.
Those contracts which are post-inflection and in BAU stage tend to have a much lower level of uncertainty in estimating the contract’s future 
profitability.

Recoverability of contract fulfilment assets and completeness of onerous contract provisions
Management first assesses whether the contract assets are impaired and then further considers whether an onerous contract exists. The Audit 
and Risk Committee specifically reviews the material judgements and estimates and the overall approach in respect of the Group’s major 
contracts for each reporting period, including comparison against previous forecasts. Major contracts include those that are material in size or 
risk to the Group’s results. Other contracts are reported to the Audit and Risk Committee as deemed appropriate. These contracts are 
collectively referred to as ‘major contracts’ in the remainder of this note.

The major contracts contributed £1.5billion (2019: £1.4billion) or 47% (2019: 40%) of Group adjusted revenue. Non-current contract fulfilment 
assets at 31 December 2020 were £294.8m, of which £152.7m (2019: £80.7m) relates to major contracts with on-going transformational 
activities. The remainder relates to contracts post transformation and includes non-major contracts.

The major contracts, both pre- and post-transformation, are rated according to their financial risk profile, which is linked to the level of uncertainty 
over future assumptions. For those that are in the high and medium rated risk categories the associated non-current contract fulfilment assets 
were, in aggregate, £44.5m at 31 December 2020 (2019: £52.4m). The recoverability of these assets is dependent on no significant adverse 
change in the key contract assumptions arising in the next financial year. The deferred income associated with these contracts was £232.3m at 
31 December 2020 (2019: £243.6m) and is forecast to be recognised as performance obligations continue to be delivered over the life of the 
respective contracts.

Following these reviews, as outlined in note 3.1.3, contract fulfilment asset provisions of £17.5m (2019: £9.6m) were identified and recognised 
within adjusted cost of sales, of which £2.0m (2019: £2.2m) relates to contract fulfilment assets added during the period, and net onerous 
contract provisions of £10.4m (2019: £(1.3)m) were identified and recognised within adjusted cost of sales.

Given the quantum of the relevant contract assets and liabilities, and the nature of the estimates noted above, management has concluded that it 
is reasonably possible, that outcomes within the next financial year may be different from management’s current assumptions and could require 
a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of contract assets and onerous contract provisions. However, as noted above, £152.7m of non-
current contract fulfilment assets relates to major contracts with on-going transformational activities and £44.5m of non-contract fulfilment assets 
relates to the highest and medium rated risk category. Due to the level of uncertainty, combination of variables and timing across numerous 
contracts, it is not practical to provide a quantitative analysis of the aggregated judgements that are applied, and management do not believe 
that disclosing a potential range of outcomes on a consolidated basis would provide meaningful information to a user of the financial statements. 
Due to commercial sensitivities, the Group does not specifically disclose the amounts involved in any individual contract.

Certain of the major contracts in transformation have key milestones during the next 12 months and inability to meet these key milestones could 
lead to reduced profitability and a risk of impairment of the associated contract assets. These contracts include Primary Care Support England 
(PCSE) and Electronic Monitoring Services (EMS).

Additional information, which does not form part of these consolidated financial statements, on the results and performance of the underlying 
divisions including the outlook on certain contracts is set out in the divisional performance review.

2.2 Revenue including segmental revenue 

AP

Accounting policies 

Revenue
The Group generates revenue largely in the UK and Europe. The Group operates a number of diverse businesses and accordingly applies a 
variety of methods for revenue recognition, based on the principles set out in IFRS 15.

The revenue and profits recognised in any period are based on the delivery of performance obligations and an assessment of when control is 
transferred to the customer.

Revenue is recognised either when the performance obligation in the contract has been performed (so ‘point-in-time’ recognition) or ‘overtime’ as 
control of the performance obligation is transferred to the customer.

For all contracts, the Group determines if the arrangement with a customer creates enforceable rights and obligations. This assessment results 
in certain Master Service Agreements (MSA) or Frameworks not meeting the definition of a contract under IFRS 15 and as such the individual 
call-off agreements, linked to the MSA, are treated as individual contracts.

The Group enters into contracts which contain extension periods, where either the customer or both parties can choose to extend the contract or 
there is an automatic annual renewal, and/or termination clauses that could impact the actual duration of the contract. Judgement is applied to 
assess the impact that these clauses have when determining the appropriate contract term. The term of the contract impacts both the period 
over which revenue from performance obligations may be recognised and the period over which contract fulfilment assets and capitalised costs 
to obtain a contract are expensed.

136

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsNotes to the  consolidated  financial statementsNotes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

112

113

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Section 2: Results for the year continued

2.1 Contract accounting continued

Assessing contract profitability

In assessing a contract’s future lifetime profitability, management must estimate forecast revenue and costs to both transform and run the 

service over the remaining contract term. The ability to accurately forecast the outcomes involves estimates in respect of: costs to be incurred; 

cost savings to be achieved; future performance against any contract-specific key performance indicators (KPIs) that could trigger variable 

consideration or service credits; and the outcome of any commercial negotiations.

The level of uncertainty in the estimated future profitability of a contract is directly related to the stage of the life-cycle of the contract and the 

complexity of the performance obligations. Contracts in the transformation stage and pre-inflection stages are considered to have a higher level 

of uncertainty because of:

• the ability to accurately estimate the costs to deliver the transformed process;

• the dependency on the customer to agree to the specifics of the transformation: for example, where they are involved in signing off that the 

new process or the new technical solution designed by Capita meets their specific requirements; and

• the assumptions made to forecast expected savings in the target operating model.

Those contracts which are post-inflection and in BAU stage tend to have a much lower level of uncertainty in estimating the contract’s future 

profitability.

Recoverability of contract fulfilment assets and completeness of onerous contract provisions

Management first assesses whether the contract assets are impaired and then further considers whether an onerous contract exists. The Audit 

and Risk Committee specifically reviews the material judgements and estimates and the overall approach in respect of the Group’s major 

contracts for each reporting period, including comparison against previous forecasts. Major contracts include those that are material in size or 

risk to the Group’s results. Other contracts are reported to the Audit and Risk Committee as deemed appropriate. These contracts are 

collectively referred to as ‘major contracts’ in the remainder of this note.

The major contracts contributed £1.5billion (2019: £1.4billion) or 47% (2019: 40%) of Group adjusted revenue. Non-current contract fulfilment 

assets at 31 December 2020 were £294.8m, of which £152.7m (2019: £80.7m) relates to major contracts with on-going transformational 

activities. The remainder relates to contracts post transformation and includes non-major contracts.

The major contracts, both pre- and post-transformation, are rated according to their financial risk profile, which is linked to the level of uncertainty 

over future assumptions. For those that are in the high and medium rated risk categories the associated non-current contract fulfilment assets 

were, in aggregate, £44.5m at 31 December 2020 (2019: £52.4m). The recoverability of these assets is dependent on no significant adverse 

change in the key contract assumptions arising in the next financial year. The deferred income associated with these contracts was £232.3m at 

31 December 2020 (2019: £243.6m) and is forecast to be recognised as performance obligations continue to be delivered over the life of the 

respective contracts.

Following these reviews, as outlined in note 3.1.3, contract fulfilment asset provisions of £17.5m (2019: £9.6m) were identified and recognised 

within adjusted cost of sales, of which £2.0m (2019: £2.2m) relates to contract fulfilment assets added during the period, and net onerous 

contract provisions of £10.4m (2019: £(1.3)m) were identified and recognised within adjusted cost of sales.

Given the quantum of the relevant contract assets and liabilities, and the nature of the estimates noted above, management has concluded that it 

is reasonably possible, that outcomes within the next financial year may be different from management’s current assumptions and could require 

a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of contract assets and onerous contract provisions. However, as noted above, £152.7m of non-

current contract fulfilment assets relates to major contracts with on-going transformational activities and £44.5m of non-contract fulfilment assets 

relates to the highest and medium rated risk category. Due to the level of uncertainty, combination of variables and timing across numerous 

contracts, it is not practical to provide a quantitative analysis of the aggregated judgements that are applied, and management do not believe 

that disclosing a potential range of outcomes on a consolidated basis would provide meaningful information to a user of the financial statements. 

Due to commercial sensitivities, the Group does not specifically disclose the amounts involved in any individual contract.

Certain of the major contracts in transformation have key milestones during the next 12 months and inability to meet these key milestones could 

lead to reduced profitability and a risk of impairment of the associated contract assets. These contracts include Primary Care Support England 

(PCSE) and Electronic Monitoring Services (EMS).

Additional information, which does not form part of these consolidated financial statements, on the results and performance of the underlying 

divisions including the outlook on certain contracts is set out in the divisional performance review.

2.2 Revenue including segmental revenue 

Accounting policies 

Revenue

transferred to the customer.

The Group generates revenue largely in the UK and Europe. The Group operates a number of diverse businesses and accordingly applies a 

variety of methods for revenue recognition, based on the principles set out in IFRS 15.

The revenue and profits recognised in any period are based on the delivery of performance obligations and an assessment of when control is 

Revenue is recognised either when the performance obligation in the contract has been performed (so ‘point-in-time’ recognition) or ‘overtime’ as 

control of the performance obligation is transferred to the customer.

For all contracts, the Group determines if the arrangement with a customer creates enforceable rights and obligations. This assessment results 

in certain Master Service Agreements (MSA) or Frameworks not meeting the definition of a contract under IFRS 15 and as such the individual 

call-off agreements, linked to the MSA, are treated as individual contracts.

The Group enters into contracts which contain extension periods, where either the customer or both parties can choose to extend the contract or 

there is an automatic annual renewal, and/or termination clauses that could impact the actual duration of the contract. Judgement is applied to 

assess the impact that these clauses have when determining the appropriate contract term. The term of the contract impacts both the period 

over which revenue from performance obligations may be recognised and the period over which contract fulfilment assets and capitalised costs 

to obtain a contract are expensed.

Section 2: Results for the year continued
2.2 Revenue including segmental revenue continued

For contracts with multiple components to be delivered such as transformation, transitions and the delivery of outsourced services, management 
applies judgement to consider whether those promised goods and services are:

(i)  distinct – to be accounted for as separate performance obligations;
(ii)  not distinct – to be combined with other promised goods or services until a bundle is identified that is distinct; or,
(iii)  part of a series of distinct goods and services that are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer to the customer.

At contract inception the total transaction price is estimated, being the amount to which the Group expects to be entitled and has rights to under 
the present contract. This includes an assessment of any variable consideration where the Group’s performance may result in additional 
revenues based on the achievement of agreed KPIs. Such amounts are only included based on the expected value, or the most likely outcome 
method, and only to the extent that it is highly probable that no revenue reversal will occur.

The transaction price does not include estimates of consideration resulting from change orders for additional goods and services unless these 
are agreed.

Once the total transaction price is determined, the Group allocates this to the identified performance obligations in proportion to their relative 
standalone selling prices and recognises revenue when (or as) those performance obligations are satisfied.

The Group infrequently sells standard products with observable standalone prices due to the specialised services required by clients and 
therefore the Group applies judgement to determine an appropriate standalone selling price. More frequently, the Group sells the customer a 
bespoke solution, and in these cases the Group typically uses the expected cost-plus margin or a contractually stated price approach to estimate 
the standalone selling price of each performance obligation.

The Group may offer price step downs during the life of a contract, but with no change to the underlying scope of services to be delivered. In 
general, any such variable consideration, price step down or discount is included in the total transaction price to be allocated across all 
performance obligations unless it relates to only one performance obligation in the contract.

For each performance obligation to be recognised overtime, the Group applies a revenue recognition method that faithfully depicts the Group’s 
performance in transferring control of the goods or services to the customer. This decision requires assessment of the real nature of the goods or 
services that the Group has promised to transfer to the customer. The Group applies the relevant output or input method consistently to similar 
performance obligations in other contracts.

When using the output method, the Group recognises revenue on the basis of direct measurements of the value to the customer of the goods 
and services transferred to date relative to the remaining goods and services under the contract. Where the output method is used, in particular 
for long-term service contracts where the series guidance is applied, the Group often uses a method of time elapsed which requires minimal 
estimation. Certain long-term contracts use output methods based upon estimations of: user numbers; service activity levels; or fees collected.

If performance obligations in a contract do not meet the overtime criteria, the Group recognises revenue at a point-in-time when the service or 
good is delivered.

Contract modifications
The Group’s contracts are often amended for changes in contract specifications and requirements. Contract modifications exist when the 
amendment either creates new, or changes existing, enforceable rights and obligations. The effect of a contract modification on the transaction 
price and the Group’s measure of progress for the performance obligation to which it relates, is recognised as an adjustment to revenue in one of 
the following ways:

a) prospectively as an additional separate contract;
b) prospectively as a termination of the existing contract and creation of a new contract;
c) as part of the original contract using a cumulative catch up; or,
d) as a combination of (b) and (c).

For contracts for which the Group has decided there is a series of distinct goods and services that are substantially the same and have the same 
pattern of transfer where revenue is recognised overtime, the modification will always be treated under either (a) or (b); (d) may arise when a 
contract has a part-termination and a modification of the remaining performance obligations.

The facts and circumstances of any contract modification are considered individually as the types of modifications will vary contract by contract 
and may result in different accounting outcomes.

Judgement is applied in relation to the accounting for such modifications where the final terms or legal contracts have not been agreed prior to 
the period end because management need to determine if a modification has been approved and if it either creates new, or changes existing, 
enforceable rights and obligations of the parties. Depending upon the outcome of such negotiations, the timing and amount of revenue 
recognised may be different in the relevant accounting periods. Modification and amendments to contracts are undertaken through an 
agreed formal process. For example, if a change in scope has been approved but the corresponding change in price is still being negotiated, 
management uses judgement to estimate the change in total transaction price. Importantly, any variable consideration is only recognised to 
the extent that it is highly probable that no revenue reversal will occur.

Principal versus agent
The Group has arrangements with some of its clients whereby it needs to determine if it acts as a principal or an agent because more than one 
party is involved in providing the goods and services to the customer. The Group is a principal if it controls a promised good or service before 
transferring that good or service to the customer. The Group is an agent if its role is to arrange for another entity to provide the goods or 
services. Factors considered in making this assessment are most notably: the discretion the Group has in establishing the price for the specified 
good or service; whether the Group has inventory risk; and whether the Group is primarily responsible for fulfilling the promise to deliver the 
service or good.

This assessment of control requires judgement particularly in relation to certain service contracts. An example is the provision of certain 
recruitment and learning services where the Group may be assessed to be agent or principal dependent upon the facts and circumstances of the 
arrangement and the nature of the services being delivered.

Where the Group is acting as a principal, revenue is recorded on a gross basis. Where the Group is acting as an agent, revenue is recorded on 
a net basis reflecting the margin earned.

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

137

Notes to the consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statementsNotes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

114

Section 2: Results for the year continued
2.2 Revenue including segmental revenue continued

Licences
Software licences delivered by the Group can either be right to access (active) or right to use (passive) licences, which determines the timing of 
revenue recognition. The assessment of whether a licence is active or passive involves judgement.

The key determinant of whether a licence is active is whether the Group is required to undertake continuing activities that significantly affect the 
licensed intellectual property (or the customer has a reasonable expectation that it will do so) and the customer is, therefore, exposed to positive 
(or negative) impacts resulting from those changes. The Group is in a majority of cases responsible for any maintenance, continuing support, 
updates and upgrades, and accordingly the sale of the initial software is not distinct. All other licences which have significant standalone 
functionality are treated as passive licences.

When software upgrades are sold as part of the software licence agreement (ie software upgrades are promised to the customer), the Group 
applies judgement to assess whether the software upgrades are distinct from the licence (ie a separate performance obligation). If the upgrades 
are considered fundamental to the ongoing use of the software by the customer, the upgrades are not considered distinct and not accounted for 
as a separate performance obligation.

The Group considers for each contract that includes a separate licence performance obligation all the facts and circumstances in determining 
whether the licence revenue is recognised overtime (active) or at a point-in-time (passive) from the go live date of the licence.

Deferred and accrued income
The Group’s customer contracts include a diverse range of payment schedules dependent upon the nature and type of goods and/or services 
being provided. This can include performance-based payments or progress payments as well as regular monthly or quarterly payments for 
ongoing service delivery. Payments for transactional goods and services may be at delivery date, in arrears or part payment in advance. 
The long-term service contracts tend to have higher cash flows early on in the contract to cover transformational activities.

Where payments made to date are greater than the revenue recognised up to the reporting date, the Group recognises a deferred income 
contract liability for this difference. Where payments made are less than the revenue recognised up to the reporting date, the Group recognises 
an accrued income contract asset for this difference.

At each reporting date, the Group assesses whether there is any indication that accrued income assets may be impaired by considering whether 
the revenue remains highly probable that no revenue reversal will occur. Where an indicator of impairment exists, the Group makes a formal 
estimate of the asset’s recoverable amount. Where the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is considered 
impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount.

Contract types
The Group disaggregates revenue from contracts with customers by contract type, because management believe this best depicts how the 
nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of the Group’s revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors. Categories are: long-term 
contractual – greater than two years; short-term contractual – less than two years; and transactional. The years being measured from the service 
commencement date.

Long-term contractual – greater than two years
The Group provides a range of services in the majority of its reportable segments under customer contracts with a duration of more than two 
years. The nature of contracts or performance obligations categorised within this revenue type is diverse and includes:

(i)

long-term outsourced service arrangements in the public and private sectors; and

(ii) active software licence arrangements.

The majority of long-term contractual agreements form part of a series of distinct goods and services because they are substantially the same 
service; and have the same pattern of transfer, since the series constitutes services provided in distinct time increments (eg daily, monthly, 
quarterly or annually), and therefore treats the series as one performance obligation.

Short-term contractual – less than two years
The nature of contracts or performance obligations categorised within this revenue type is diverse and includes:

(i) short-term outsourced service arrangements in the public and private sectors; and

(ii) software maintenance contracts.

The Group has assessed that maintenance and support (ie on-call support, remote support) for software licences is a performance obligation 
that can be considered capable of being distinct and separately identifiable in a contract if the customer has a passive licence. These recurring 
services are substantially the same because the nature of the promise is for the Group to ‘stand ready’ to perform maintenance and support 
when required by the customer. Each day of ‘standing ready’ is distinct from each following day and is transferred in the same pattern to 
the customer.

Transactional (point-in-time) contracts
The Group delivers a range of goods or services in all reportable segments that are transactional services for which revenue is recognised at 
the point-in-time when control of the goods or services has transferred to the customer. This may be at the point of physical delivery of goods 
or services and acceptance by the customer or when the customer obtains control of an asset or service in a contract with customer-specified 
acceptance criteria.

The nature of contracts or performance obligations categorised within this revenue type is diverse and includes:

(i) provision of IT hardware goods;
(ii) passive software licence agreements; 
(iii) commission received as agent from the sale of third-party software; and
(iv) fees received in relation to the delivery of professional services.

138

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsNotes to the  consolidated  financial statementsNotes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

114

115

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Section 2: Results for the year continued

2.2 Revenue including segmental revenue continued

Licences

Software licences delivered by the Group can either be right to access (active) or right to use (passive) licences, which determines the timing of 

revenue recognition. The assessment of whether a licence is active or passive involves judgement.

The key determinant of whether a licence is active is whether the Group is required to undertake continuing activities that significantly affect the 

licensed intellectual property (or the customer has a reasonable expectation that it will do so) and the customer is, therefore, exposed to positive 

(or negative) impacts resulting from those changes. The Group is in a majority of cases responsible for any maintenance, continuing support, 

updates and upgrades, and accordingly the sale of the initial software is not distinct. All other licences which have significant standalone 

functionality are treated as passive licences.

When software upgrades are sold as part of the software licence agreement (ie software upgrades are promised to the customer), the Group 

applies judgement to assess whether the software upgrades are distinct from the licence (ie a separate performance obligation). If the upgrades 

are considered fundamental to the ongoing use of the software by the customer, the upgrades are not considered distinct and not accounted for 

as a separate performance obligation.

The Group considers for each contract that includes a separate licence performance obligation all the facts and circumstances in determining 

whether the licence revenue is recognised overtime (active) or at a point-in-time (passive) from the go live date of the licence.

Deferred and accrued income

The Group’s customer contracts include a diverse range of payment schedules dependent upon the nature and type of goods and/or services 

being provided. This can include performance-based payments or progress payments as well as regular monthly or quarterly payments for 

ongoing service delivery. Payments for transactional goods and services may be at delivery date, in arrears or part payment in advance. 

The long-term service contracts tend to have higher cash flows early on in the contract to cover transformational activities.

Where payments made to date are greater than the revenue recognised up to the reporting date, the Group recognises a deferred income 

contract liability for this difference. Where payments made are less than the revenue recognised up to the reporting date, the Group recognises 

an accrued income contract asset for this difference.

At each reporting date, the Group assesses whether there is any indication that accrued income assets may be impaired by considering whether 

the revenue remains highly probable that no revenue reversal will occur. Where an indicator of impairment exists, the Group makes a formal 

estimate of the asset’s recoverable amount. Where the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is considered 

The Group disaggregates revenue from contracts with customers by contract type, because management believe this best depicts how the 

nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of the Group’s revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors. Categories are: long-term 

contractual – greater than two years; short-term contractual – less than two years; and transactional. The years being measured from the service 

impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount.

Contract types

commencement date.

Long-term contractual – greater than two years

The Group provides a range of services in the majority of its reportable segments under customer contracts with a duration of more than two 

years. The nature of contracts or performance obligations categorised within this revenue type is diverse and includes:

(i)

long-term outsourced service arrangements in the public and private sectors; and

(ii) active software licence arrangements.

The majority of long-term contractual agreements form part of a series of distinct goods and services because they are substantially the same 

service; and have the same pattern of transfer, since the series constitutes services provided in distinct time increments (eg daily, monthly, 

quarterly or annually), and therefore treats the series as one performance obligation.

Short-term contractual – less than two years

The nature of contracts or performance obligations categorised within this revenue type is diverse and includes:

(i) short-term outsourced service arrangements in the public and private sectors; and

(ii) software maintenance contracts.

The Group has assessed that maintenance and support (ie on-call support, remote support) for software licences is a performance obligation 

that can be considered capable of being distinct and separately identifiable in a contract if the customer has a passive licence. These recurring 

services are substantially the same because the nature of the promise is for the Group to ‘stand ready’ to perform maintenance and support 

when required by the customer. Each day of ‘standing ready’ is distinct from each following day and is transferred in the same pattern to 

Section 2: Results for the year continued

2.2 Revenue including segmental revenue continued

2.2.1 Segmental revenue
The Group’s operations are managed separately according to the nature of the services provided, with each segment representing a strategic 
business division offering a different package of client outcomes across the markets the Group serves. A description of the service provision for 
each segment can be found in the strategic report on pages 26 to 37.

The tables below present revenue for the Group’s business segments for the years 2020 and 2019. During 2020, there were a number of 
transfers of businesses between the segments due to changes in the structure and how the business performance is measured and monitored, 
relevant to the KPIs for the segment. Comparative information has been re-presented accordingly. For segmental reporting, Consulting is 
aggregated within the ‘Group trading and central services’ segment. 

Adjusted revenue, excluding results from businesses exited in both years (adjusting items), was £3,181.2m (2019: £3,501.0m), an organic 
decline of 9.1% (2019: 4.4%).

Year ended 
31 December 2020

Continuing operations

Long-term contractual

Short-term contractual

Notes

Software 
£m

People 
Solutions 
£m

Customer 
Management 
£m

Government 
Services 
£m

Technology 
Solutions
£m

Specialist 
Services 
£m

Group 
trading 
and 
central 
services 
£m

Total 
adjusted 
£m

Adjusting 
items 
£m

Total 
reported
£m

  232.2    284.5   

902.1   

574.0   

266.9   

43.3   

14.0   2,317.0    126.3    2,443.3 

9.8   

77.8   

235.7   

8.9   

24.7    110.7   

3.4    471.0   

18.5    489.5 

Transactional (point-in-time)

4.0    109.7   

1.9   

140.9   

93.4   

42.5   

0.8    393.2   

(1.2)    392.0 

Total segment revenue

  246.0    472.0   

1,139.7   

723.8   

385.0    196.5   

18.2   3,181.2    143.6    3,324.8 

Trading revenue

  298.6    584.0   

1,294.0   

751.2   

608.5    209.4   

61.3   3,807.0   

—    3,807.0 

Inter-segment revenue

Total adjusted segment 
revenue

(52.6)    (112.0)   

(154.3)   

(27.4)   

(223.5)   

(12.9)   

(43.1)    (625.8)   

—    (625.8) 

  246.0    472.0   

1,139.7   

723.8   

385.0    196.5   

18.2   3,181.2   

—    3,181.2 

Business exits – trading

2.8  

97.8   

10.4   

30.3   

—   

—   

5.1   

—   

—    143.6    143.6 

Total segment revenue

  343.8    482.4   

1,170.0   

723.8   

385.0    201.6   

18.2   

—   

—    3,324.8 

Year ended 
31 December 2019

Continuing operations

Long-term contractual

Short-term contractual

  234.5    310.6   

900.8   

647.8   

317.5   

61.4   

18.9   2,491.5    147.4    2,638.9 

12.7   

82.3   

248.1   

19.0   

41.7    142.0   

2.4    548.2   

15.4    563.6 

Transactional (point-in-time)

4.9    142.1   

1.7   

126.6   

90.7   

92.2   

3.1    461.3   

14.8    476.1 

Total segment revenue

  252.1    535.0   

1,150.6   

793.4   

449.9    295.6   

24.4   3,501.0    177.6    3,678.6 

Trading revenue

Inter-segment revenue

Total adjusted segment 
revenue

  305.7    729.6   

1,283.5   

820.2   

698.4    315.9   

79.0   4,232.3   

—    4,232.3 

(53.6)    (194.6)   

(132.9)   

(26.8)   

(248.5)   

(20.3)   

(54.6)    (731.3)   

—    (731.3) 

  252.1    535.0   

1,150.6   

793.4   

449.9    295.6   

24.4   3,501.0   

—    3,501.0 

Business exits – trading

2.8   107.9   

13.0   

31.0   

—   

—   

25.7   

—   

—    177.6    177.6 

Total segment revenue

  360.0    548.0   

1,181.6   

793.4   

449.9    321.3   

24.4   

—   

—    3,678.6 

Geographical location
The table below presents revenue by geographical location.

the customer.

Transactional (point-in-time) contracts

acceptance criteria.

The Group delivers a range of goods or services in all reportable segments that are transactional services for which revenue is recognised at 

the point-in-time when control of the goods or services has transferred to the customer. This may be at the point of physical delivery of goods 

or services and acceptance by the customer or when the customer obtains control of an asset or service in a contract with customer-specified 

Revenue

The nature of contracts or performance obligations categorised within this revenue type is diverse and includes:

(i) provision of IT hardware goods;

(ii) passive software licence agreements; 

(iii) commission received as agent from the sale of third-party software; and

(iv) fees received in relation to the delivery of professional services.

2020

2019

United 
Kingdom 
£m

  3,011.0   

Other 
£m

Total 
£m
313.8    3,324.8 

United 
Kingdom 
£m

  3,358.4   

Other
£m

Total 
£m
320.2    3,678.6 

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

139

Notes to the consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statements 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

116

Section 2: Results for the year continued
2.2 Revenue including segmental revenue continued

2.2.2 Order book 
The tables below show the order book for each division, categorised into long-term contractual (contracts with length greater than two years) and 
short-term contractual (contracts with length less than two years). The length of the contract is calculated from the start of the service 
commencement date. The figures represent the aggregate amount of currently contracted transaction price allocated to the performance 
obligations that are wholly or partially unsatisfied. The current environment has contributed to the Group’s order book declining with contract wins 
not offsetting revenue recognised in the period, however, in January 2021 the Group signed a contract with the Royal Navy which represents a 
£0.9 billion addition to the order book which is not included below. Revenue expected to be recognised upon satisfaction of these performance 
obligations is as follows: 

Order book
31 December 2020
Long-term contractual
Short-term contractual
Total

Order book
31 December 2019
Long-term contractual
Short-term contractual
Total

Software 
£m
489.6   
21.3   
510.9   

People 
Solutions 
£m
533.4   
1.0   
534.4   

Customer 
Management 
£m

Government 
Services 
£m

2,106.8   
27.9   
2,134.7   

1,980.8   
76.2   
2,057.0   

Technology 
Solutions 
£m
338.4   
31.8   
370.2   

Specialist 
Services 
£m
201.0   
33.2   
234.2   

Group 
trading and 
central 
functions 
£m
4.4   
4.9   
9.3   

Software 
£m
496.7   
81.7   
578.4   

People 
Solutions 
£m
497.2   
—   
497.2   

Customer 
Management 
£m

Government 
Services 
£m

2,734.0   
26.5   
2,760.5   

2,140.6   
36.1   
2,176.7   

Technology 
Solutions 
£m
344.0   
45.7   
389.7   

Specialist 
Services 
£m
259.0   
47.6   
306.6   

Group trading 
and central 
functions 
£m
2.9   
7.6   
10.5   

The table below shows the expected timing of revenue to be recognised on long-term contractual orders at 31 December 2020: 

Time bands expected revenue recognition from 
long-term contractual orders
< 1 year
1–5 years
> 5 years 
Total

Software 
£m
221.0   
243.1   
25.5   
489.6   

People 
Solutions 
£m
199.3   
334.1   
—   
533.4   

Customer 
Management 
£m
691.5   
1,185.0   
230.3   
2,106.8   

Government 
Services 
£m
403.9   
1,179.1   
397.8   
1,980.8   

Technology 
Solutions
£m
117.7   
175.1   
45.6   
338.4   

Specialist 
Services 
£m
29.1   
46.0   
125.9   
201.0   

Group 
trading and 
central 
functions 
£m
1.0   
3.4   
—   
4.4   

Total 
£m
5,654.4 
196.3 
5,850.7 

Total 
£m
6,474.4 
245.2 
6,719.6 

Total 
£m
1,663.5 
3,165.8 
825.1 
5,654.4 

The order book represents the consideration that the Group will be entitled to receive from customers when the Group satisfies its remaining 
performance obligations under the contracts. However, the total revenue that will be earned by the Group will also include non-contracted 
volumetric revenue, new wins, scope changes and anticipated contract extensions. These elements have been excluded from the figures in the 
tables above because they are not contracted. In addition, revenue from contract extensions is also excluded from the order book unless they 
are pre-priced extensions whereby the Group has a legally binding obligation to deliver the performance obligations during the extension period. 
The total revenue related to pre-priced extensions that has been included in the tables above amounted to £800.7m (2019: £605.4m). The 
amounts presented do not include orders for which neither party has performed, and each party has the unilateral right to terminate a wholly 
unperformed contract without compensating the other party.

Of the £5.7 billion (2019: £6.5 billion) revenue to be earned on long-term contractual, £3.8 billion (2019: £4.4 billion) relates to major contracts. 
This amount excludes revenue that will be derived from frameworks (transactional ‘point-in-time’ contracts), non-contracted volumetric revenue, 
non-contracted scope changes and future unforeseen volume changes from these major contracts, which together are anticipated to contribute 
an additional £2.1 billion (2019: £1.8 billion) of revenue to the Group over the life of these contracts.

No single customer makes up more than 10% of the Group’s revenues.

2.2.3 Deferred Income
The Group’s deferred income balances solely relate to revenue from contracts with customers. Revenue recognised in the reporting period that 
was included in the deferred income balance at the beginning of the period was £998.7m (2019: £1,119.3m).

Movements in the deferred income balances were driven by transactions entered into by the Group within the normal course of business in the 
year, other than the accelerated revenue recognised of £17.5m relating to the partial termination of a contract in Customer Management.

140

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsNotes to the  consolidated  financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

116

117

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Section 2: Results for the year continued

2.2 Revenue including segmental revenue continued

2.2.2 Order book 

The tables below show the order book for each division, categorised into long-term contractual (contracts with length greater than two years) and 

short-term contractual (contracts with length less than two years). The length of the contract is calculated from the start of the service 

commencement date. The figures represent the aggregate amount of currently contracted transaction price allocated to the performance 

obligations that are wholly or partially unsatisfied. The current environment has contributed to the Group’s order book declining with contract wins 

not offsetting revenue recognised in the period, however, in January 2021 the Group signed a contract with the Royal Navy which represents a 

£0.9 billion addition to the order book which is not included below. Revenue expected to be recognised upon satisfaction of these performance 

obligations is as follows: 

Order book

31 December 2020

Long-term contractual

Short-term contractual

Total

Order book

31 December 2019

Long-term contractual

Short-term contractual

Total

< 1 year

1–5 years

> 5 years 

Total

People 

Customer 

Government 

Software 

Solutions 

Management 

£m

£m

Services 

£m

Technology 

Solutions 

£m

Specialist 

Services 

£m

533.4   

2,106.8   

1,980.8   

1.0   

27.9   

76.2   

534.4   

2,134.7   

2,057.0   

338.4   

31.8   

370.2   

201.0   

33.2   

234.2   

£m

489.6   

21.3   

510.9   

Software 

£m

496.7   

81.7   

578.4   

People 

Solutions 

Customer 

Management 

Government 

Services 

£m

£m

£m

Technology 

Solutions 

£m

Specialist 

Services 

£m

497.2   

2,734.0   

2,140.6   

—   

26.5   

36.1   

497.2   

2,760.5   

2,176.7   

344.0   

45.7   

389.7   

259.0   

47.6   

306.6   

Group 

trading and 

central 

functions 

£m

4.4   

4.9   

9.3   

Total 

£m

5,654.4 

196.3 

5,850.7 

Group trading 

and central 

functions 

£m

2.9   

7.6   

Total 

£m

6,474.4 

245.2 

10.5   

6,719.6 

Group 

trading and 

central 

functions 

£m

1.0   

3.4   

—   

Total 

£m

1,663.5 

3,165.8 

825.1 

4.4   

5,654.4 

The table below shows the expected timing of revenue to be recognised on long-term contractual orders at 31 December 2020: 

Time bands expected revenue recognition from 

Software 

Solutions 

Management 

long-term contractual orders

£m

221.0   

243.1   

25.5   

489.6   

People 

Customer 

Government 

Services 

£m

Technology 

Solutions

£m

Specialist 

Services 

£m

£m

£m

199.3   

691.5   

403.9   

334.1   

1,185.0   

1,179.1   

—   

230.3   

397.8   

533.4   

2,106.8   

1,980.8   

117.7   

175.1   

45.6   

338.4   

29.1   

46.0   

125.9   

201.0   

The order book represents the consideration that the Group will be entitled to receive from customers when the Group satisfies its remaining 

performance obligations under the contracts. However, the total revenue that will be earned by the Group will also include non-contracted 

volumetric revenue, new wins, scope changes and anticipated contract extensions. These elements have been excluded from the figures in the 

tables above because they are not contracted. In addition, revenue from contract extensions is also excluded from the order book unless they 

are pre-priced extensions whereby the Group has a legally binding obligation to deliver the performance obligations during the extension period. 

The total revenue related to pre-priced extensions that has been included in the tables above amounted to £800.7m (2019: £605.4m). The 

amounts presented do not include orders for which neither party has performed, and each party has the unilateral right to terminate a wholly 

unperformed contract without compensating the other party.

Of the £5.7 billion (2019: £6.5 billion) revenue to be earned on long-term contractual, £3.8 billion (2019: £4.4 billion) relates to major contracts. 

This amount excludes revenue that will be derived from frameworks (transactional ‘point-in-time’ contracts), non-contracted volumetric revenue, 

non-contracted scope changes and future unforeseen volume changes from these major contracts, which together are anticipated to contribute 

an additional £2.1 billion (2019: £1.8 billion) of revenue to the Group over the life of these contracts.

No single customer makes up more than 10% of the Group’s revenues.

2.2.3 Deferred Income

The Group’s deferred income balances solely relate to revenue from contracts with customers. Revenue recognised in the reporting period that 

was included in the deferred income balance at the beginning of the period was £998.7m (2019: £1,119.3m).

Movements in the deferred income balances were driven by transactions entered into by the Group within the normal course of business in the 

year, other than the accelerated revenue recognised of £17.5m relating to the partial termination of a contract in Customer Management.

Section 2: Results for the year continued
2.3 Operating profit

2.3.1 Items charged/(credited) to reported operating profit

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Depreciation of right-of-use assets
Impairment of property, plant and equipment
Amortisation of intangible assets
Impairment of intangible assets
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment and intangibles
Foreign exchange differences
Restructuring costs
Contract fulfilment asset utilisation, impairment and derecognition
Contract termination gains
The net of: accelerated deferred income unwind, and contract fulfilment asset utilisation
Onerous contract provisions

Notes
3.2   
3.5   
3.2   
3.3   
3.3   
2.10.1  

2.4   
3.1.3  

2020 
£m
50.9   
88.2   
10.3   
74.6   
2.6   
17.1   
(1.0)   
109.6   
105.0   
—   
(15.4)   
10.4   

2019 
£m
60.3 
99.2 
14.7 
81.4 
13.8 
1.8 
2.9 
159.4 
102.3 
(13.3) 
(24.9) 
(1.3) 

Contract fulfilment asset utilisation, impairment and derecognition: the Group undertook a comprehensive review of its major contracts to 
identify indicators of impairment of contract fulfilment assets. Following this review, management made provisions against costs capitalised as 
contract fulfilment assets totalling £17.5m (2019: £9.6m) within cost of sales.

Contract termination gains: customer contracts usually contain provisions to compensate the Group for exit costs and future profits in the 
event of early termination. In-year customer contract terminations in Government Services for customer convenience have led to associated exit 
fees earned by Capita of £nil (2019: £9.3m) being recorded as income in-year and £nil (2019: £4.0m) of fees relating to final settlement of the 
Prudential contract termination. 

The net of: accelerated deferred income unwind and contract fulfilment asset utilisation: in 2020 the Group recognised gains of £15.4m 
(2019: £24.9m) related to the net of accelerated deferred income unwinds and contract fulfilment asset utilisation. In 2020 and 2019, this 
primarily related to contracts in the Customer Management division where the scope of our services changed due to the partial termination of the 
contracts. The other gains in 2020 related to hand backs of various services in contracts within the Government Services division and in 2019 
the extension of a contract in the Customer Management division.

Onerous contract provisions: in 2020 the Group recognised net losses of £10.4m (2019: £1.3m gain) related to onerous contract provisions.

2.3.2 Fees payable to auditors
The amounts included in the table below relate to fees payable to KPMG LLP and its associates:

Audit and audit-related services
The audit of the Parent Company and Group’s consolidated financial statements
The audit of the financial statements of subsidiaries of the Group
Total audit and audit-related services
Non-audit services
Other assurance services
Total non-audit services
Total audit and non-audit services

2020 
£m

2019 
£m

4.3
1.9
6.2

1.4
1.4
7.6

3.7
2.2
5.9

0.2
0.2
6.1

The non-audit fees in respect of 2020 related to the review of interim results, services as reporting accountant for the disposal of the Education 
Software Solutions business, and a refinancing which had to be aborted due to the impact Covid-19 had on the debt markets during the year.

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

141

Notes to the consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

118

Section 2: Results for the year continued

2.4 Adjusted operating profit and adjusted profit before tax 

AP

Accounting policies

IAS 1 permits an entity to present additional information for specific items to enable users to better assess the entity’s financial performance.

The Board has adopted a policy to separately disclose those items that it considers are outside the underlying operating results for the particular 
year under review and against which the Group’s performance is assessed. In the Board’s judgement, these need to be disclosed separately by 
virtue of their nature, size and/or incidence, for users of the consolidated financial statements to obtain a proper understanding of the financial 
information and the underlying in-year performance of the Group. Accordingly, these items are also excluded from the discussion of divisional 
performance in the strategic report. This policy is kept under review by the Board and the Audit and Risk Committee, and is discussed in 
the committee’s report on pages 80 to 89. Those items which relate to the ordinary course of the Group’s operating activities remain within 
adjusted profit.

The items below are excluded from the adjusted results:

Reported
Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles
Impairment of goodwill
Impairment of loans and investments
Litigation and claims
Net finance costs
Contingent consideration and acquisition cost movements
Business exit – trading

Business exit – non-trading expenses
Business exit – gain on business disposals
Business exit – on-hold disposal costs
Significant restructuring
Adjusted

Operating 
(loss)/profit

(Loss)/profit 
before tax

Notes

3.3  
3.4  

4.3  

2.8  
2.8  
2.8  

2020 
£m
(32.0)   
33.9   
—   
0.4   
0.7   
—   
—   
(51.0)   
41.9   
—   
7.5   
109.6   
111.0   

2019 
£m
0.4 
49.9 
41.4 
— 
(0.7) 
— 
(1.4) 
(46.6) 

52.1 
— 
— 
159.4 
254.5 

2020 
£m
(49.4)   
33.9   
—   
0.4   
0.7   
3.0   
—   
(51.0)   
41.9   
(31.4)   
7.5   
109.6   
65.2   

2019 
£m
(62.6) 
49.9 
41.4 
— 
(0.8) 
6.3 
(1.4) 
(46.6) 

52.1 
— 
— 
159.4 
197.7 

1. Adjusted operating profit decreased by 56.4% (2019: 8.5%) and adjusted profit before tax decreased by 67.0% (2019: 2.2%). Adjusted operating profit of £111.0m (2019: £254.5m) was 

generated on adjusted revenue of £3,181.2m (2019: £3,501.0m) resulting in an adjusted operating profit margin of 3.5% (2019: 7.3%).

2. The tax credit on adjusted profit before tax is £13.6m (2019: charge of £29.0m) resulting in adjusted profit after tax of £78.8m (2019: £168.7m)

3. The adjusted operating profit and adjusted profit before tax at 31 December 2019 have been restated for the impact of business exits in 2020, and for the impact of IFRS 16. This has 

resulted in adjusted operating profit decreasing from £306.1m to £254.5m and adjusted profit before tax decreasing from £275.0m to £197.7m.

Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets: the Group recognised acquired intangible amortisation of £32.3m (2019: 
£50.3m) of which £nil relates to business exits (2019: £0.4m) and impairment of £1.6m (2019: £nil). 

Impairment of goodwill: goodwill is subject to annual impairment testing and any impairment charges are reported separately. Refer to note 3.4 
for further details.

Litigation and claims: In September 2020 the Group agreed a liability relating to past services received under supplier software licence 
agreements. In June 2020, the Group made a provision of £5.0m for the cash element of the settlement, and in September 2020 booked a 
provision of £0.1m for related professional fees. These are excluded from adjusted results because they relate to services received in prior 
periods and are not reflective of current year trading. Refer to note 6.2 for further details. This is partially offset by a gain of £4.4m (2019: gain of 
£0.7m) from net movements in historical provisions for litigation and claims which were excluded from adjusted profit when originally recognised 
due to their age and size.

Net finance costs: net finance costs excluded from adjusted profits includes movements in the mark-to-market valuation of certain financial 
instruments.

Business exits: the trading result of businesses exited, or in the process of being exited, and the gain or loss on business disposals, are 
excluded from the Group's adjusted results. Refer to note 2.8 for further details.

Business exits - on-hold disposal cost: the costs incurred in respect of business exit activities where the anticipated disposal was primarily 
put on hold due to the impact of Covid-19 pandemic had on the underlying businesses, are excluded from the Group’s adjusted results but 
disclosed separately from other business exits given their materiality. These costs include professional fees in respect of legal and financial due 
diligence, and separation planning costs.

Significant restructuring: in January 2018, the Group announced a multi-year transformation plan. In 2020 a charge of £109.6m (2019: 
£159.4m) was recognised in relation to the cost of the transformation plan. The costs include the following:

• Cost to realise cost savings and efficiencies from the transformation plan £66m (2019: £80m): including significant reductions in 

overheads, the elimination of duplicate roles and management layers, and the Group's operational excellence programme which will improve 
the consistency of the Group’s operations, reduce spans and layers, increasing the use of off-shoring and automation, adopting lean 
methodologies and working smarter. These costs also include rationalisation and increased utilisation of the Group’s property estate in metro 
centres and regionally. As the Group continues to rationalise its property estate, costs associated with onerous property commitments and 
dilapidation liabilities, and impairment of property right of use assets and fixtures and fittings, will be captured and presented as part of the 
transformation adjustments.

142

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsNotes to the  consolidated  financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

118

119

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Section 2: Results for the year continued
2.4 Adjusted operating profit and adjusted profit before tax

• Professional fees £3m (2019: £26m): incurred to support reigniting sales growth, increasing the proportion of centrally controlled spend, and 

refinancing costs which had to be aborted due to the impact Covid-19 had on the debt markets.

• Transformation of central Group functions £15m (2019: £53m): investment in programmes to improve the Group’s central functions, 

including: finance; sales; human resources; and information technology. All costs associated with these programmes are recorded separately, 
and exclude any costs capitalised as part of the investment and the ongoing depreciation and amortisation of such assets.

• Cost of accelerating savings to mitigate the financial impact of Covid-19 £26m (2019: £nil): these are incremental to those planned to be 

incurred as part of the transformation plan and include accelerated property estate rationalisation and severance costs.

2.5 Segmental information 

The Group’s operations are managed separately according to the nature of the services provided, with each segment representing a strategic 
business division offering a different package of client outcomes across the markets the Group serves. A description of the services provided by 
each segment can be found in the strategic report on pages 26 to 37.

The tables below present the trading results of the Group’s business segments for the years 2020 and 2019. During 2020, there were a number 
of transfers between the segments due to changes in structure, and comparative information has been re-presented accordingly. For segmental 
reporting, Consulting is aggregated within the ‘Group trading and central services’ segment.

Information on segmental revenue can be found in note 2.2.

Year ended 
31 December 2020
Adjusted operating profit

Restructuring

Business exits – trading

Total trading result
Non-trading items:

Notes

2.4  
2.4  
2.8  

Business exits – non-trading

Other adjusting items

Operating profit/(loss)

2.8

2.4

Software 
£m
43.4   

People 
Solutions 
£m
52.5   

Customer 
Management 
£m
105.9   

Government 
Services 
£m
11.1   

Technology 
Solutions 
£m
34.9   

Group 
trading 
and 
central 
services 
£m

Total 
adjusted 
£m

(132.4)    111.0   

Specialist 
Services 
£m
(4.4)   

Adjusting 
Total 
items 
reported
£m
£m
—    111.0 

(1.5)   

53.2   

(8.5)   

(1.8)   

(6.2)   

2.1   

95.1   

42.2   

101.8   

(3.2)   

—   

7.9   

(9.2)   

(3.4)   

(77.6)   

—    (109.6)    (109.6) 

—   

(2.5)   

—   

—   

51.0   

25.7   

(10.3)   

(210.0)    111.0   

(58.6)   

51.0 

52.4 

—   

—   

(41.9)   

(41.9) 

(42.5)   

(42.5) 

  111.0    (143.0)   

(32.0) 

Year ended 
31 December 2019

Adjusted operating profit

Restructuring

Business exits – trading

Total trading result

Non-trading items:

Notes

2.4  

2.4  

2.8  

50.7   

68.9   

119.8   

51.8   

58.0   

44.3   

(139.0)    254.5   

—    254.5 

(5.4)   

(34.3)   

(10.8)   

(2.7)   

(15.2)   

57.0   

(9.1)   

3.6   

—   

—   

(3.9)   

(4.9)   

(87.1)   
—   

—    (159.4)   
46.6   
—   

(159.4) 

46.6 

  102.3   

25.5   

112.6   

49.1   

42.8   

35.5   

(226.1)    254.5    (112.8)    141.7 

Business exits – non-trading

Other adjusting items

Operating profit/(loss)

2.8

2.4

—   

(52.1)   

(52.1) 

—   

(89.2)   

(89.2) 

  254.5    (254.1)   

0.4 

Geographical location
The table below presents the carrying amount of non-current assets (excluding deferred tax and financial assets) by the geographical location of 
those assets.

Non-current assets

2020

2019

United 
Kingdom 
£m

  2,168.4   

Other 
£m

Total 
£m
38.4    2,206.8 

United 
Kingdom 
£m

  2,457.3   

Other
£m

Total 
£m
55.9    2,513.2 

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

143

Section 2: Results for the year continued

2.4 Adjusted operating profit and adjusted profit before tax 

Accounting policies

IAS 1 permits an entity to present additional information for specific items to enable users to better assess the entity’s financial performance.

The Board has adopted a policy to separately disclose those items that it considers are outside the underlying operating results for the particular 

year under review and against which the Group’s performance is assessed. In the Board’s judgement, these need to be disclosed separately by 

virtue of their nature, size and/or incidence, for users of the consolidated financial statements to obtain a proper understanding of the financial 

information and the underlying in-year performance of the Group. Accordingly, these items are also excluded from the discussion of divisional 

performance in the strategic report. This policy is kept under review by the Board and the Audit and Risk Committee, and is discussed in 

the committee’s report on pages 80 to 89. Those items which relate to the ordinary course of the Group’s operating activities remain within 

adjusted profit.

The items below are excluded from the adjusted results:

Reported

Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles

Impairment of goodwill

Impairment of loans and investments

Litigation and claims

Net finance costs

Contingent consideration and acquisition cost movements

Business exit – trading

Business exit – non-trading expenses

Business exit – gain on business disposals

Business exit – on-hold disposal costs

Significant restructuring

Adjusted

Operating 

(loss)/profit

(Loss)/profit 

before tax

Notes

3.3  

3.4  

4.3  

2.8  

2.8  

2.8  

2020 

£m

(32.0)   

33.9   

—   

0.4   

0.7   

—   

—   

(51.0)   

41.9   

—   

7.5   

109.6   

111.0   

2019 

£m

0.4 

49.9 

41.4 

— 

(0.7) 

— 

(1.4) 

(46.6) 

52.1 

— 

— 

159.4 

254.5 

2020 

£m

(49.4)   

33.9   

—   

0.4   

0.7   

3.0   

—   

(51.0)   

41.9   

(31.4)   

7.5   

109.6   

65.2   

2019 

£m

(62.6) 

49.9 

41.4 

— 

(0.8) 

6.3 

(1.4) 

(46.6) 

52.1 

— 

— 

159.4 

197.7 

1. Adjusted operating profit decreased by 56.4% (2019: 8.5%) and adjusted profit before tax decreased by 67.0% (2019: 2.2%). Adjusted operating profit of £111.0m (2019: £254.5m) was 

generated on adjusted revenue of £3,181.2m (2019: £3,501.0m) resulting in an adjusted operating profit margin of 3.5% (2019: 7.3%).

2. The tax credit on adjusted profit before tax is £13.6m (2019: charge of £29.0m) resulting in adjusted profit after tax of £78.8m (2019: £168.7m)

3. The adjusted operating profit and adjusted profit before tax at 31 December 2019 have been restated for the impact of business exits in 2020, and for the impact of IFRS 16. This has 

resulted in adjusted operating profit decreasing from £306.1m to £254.5m and adjusted profit before tax decreasing from £275.0m to £197.7m.

Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets: the Group recognised acquired intangible amortisation of £32.3m (2019: 

£50.3m) of which £nil relates to business exits (2019: £0.4m) and impairment of £1.6m (2019: £nil). 

Impairment of goodwill: goodwill is subject to annual impairment testing and any impairment charges are reported separately. Refer to note 3.4 

for further details.

Litigation and claims: In September 2020 the Group agreed a liability relating to past services received under supplier software licence 

agreements. In June 2020, the Group made a provision of £5.0m for the cash element of the settlement, and in September 2020 booked a 

provision of £0.1m for related professional fees. These are excluded from adjusted results because they relate to services received in prior 

periods and are not reflective of current year trading. Refer to note 6.2 for further details. This is partially offset by a gain of £4.4m (2019: gain of 

£0.7m) from net movements in historical provisions for litigation and claims which were excluded from adjusted profit when originally recognised 

due to their age and size.

instruments.

Net finance costs: net finance costs excluded from adjusted profits includes movements in the mark-to-market valuation of certain financial 

Business exits: the trading result of businesses exited, or in the process of being exited, and the gain or loss on business disposals, are 

excluded from the Group's adjusted results. Refer to note 2.8 for further details.

Business exits - on-hold disposal cost: the costs incurred in respect of business exit activities where the anticipated disposal was primarily 

put on hold due to the impact of Covid-19 pandemic had on the underlying businesses, are excluded from the Group’s adjusted results but 

disclosed separately from other business exits given their materiality. These costs include professional fees in respect of legal and financial due 

diligence, and separation planning costs.

Significant restructuring: in January 2018, the Group announced a multi-year transformation plan. In 2020 a charge of £109.6m (2019: 

£159.4m) was recognised in relation to the cost of the transformation plan. The costs include the following:

• Cost to realise cost savings and efficiencies from the transformation plan £66m (2019: £80m): including significant reductions in 

overheads, the elimination of duplicate roles and management layers, and the Group's operational excellence programme which will improve 

the consistency of the Group’s operations, reduce spans and layers, increasing the use of off-shoring and automation, adopting lean 

methodologies and working smarter. These costs also include rationalisation and increased utilisation of the Group’s property estate in metro 

centres and regionally. As the Group continues to rationalise its property estate, costs associated with onerous property commitments and 

dilapidation liabilities, and impairment of property right of use assets and fixtures and fittings, will be captured and presented as part of the 

transformation adjustments.

Notes to the consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

120

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

120

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
Section 2: Results for the year continued
2.6 Taxation

AP

Accounting policies

Tax on the profit or loss for year comprises current tax and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the consolidated income statement except to the 
Section 2: Results for the year continued
extent that it relates to items recognised directly in the consolidated statement of changes in equity or the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income.
2.6 Taxation
Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted 
at the balance sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

Accounting policies

Deferred tax is provided, using the liability method, on all temporary differences at the balance sheet date between the tax basis of assets and 
liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes.
Tax on the profit or loss for year comprises current tax and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the consolidated income statement except to the 
extent that it relates to items recognised directly in the consolidated statement of changes in equity or the consolidated statement of 
Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences except:
comprehensive income.
•  where the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of goodwill;
Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted 
•  where the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and 
at the balance sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit/loss nor taxable profit/loss; and
Deferred tax is provided, using the liability method, on all temporary differences at the balance sheet date between the tax basis of assets and 
• 
in respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates and interests in joint ventures, where the 
liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes.
timing of the reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the 
foreseeable future.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences except:
Deferred tax assets are recognised for all deductible temporary differences, carry-forward of unused tax assets and unused tax losses, to the 
•  where the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of goodwill;
extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences and the carry-forward of unused 
•  where the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and 
tax assets and unused tax losses can be utilised.

at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit/loss nor taxable profit/loss; and
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that 
in respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates and interests in joint ventures, where the 
• 
sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilised.
timing of the reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the 
foreseeable future.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the year when the asset is realised or the liability is 
settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.
Deferred tax assets are recognised for all deductible temporary differences, carry-forward of unused tax assets and unused tax losses, to the 
extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences and the carry-forward of unused 
2.6.1 Income tax charge on adjusted profit before tax
tax assets and unused tax losses can be utilised.
The income tax credit of £13.6m on adjusted profit before tax1 resulted in an adjusted tax rate of (20.9)% (2019: income tax charge of £29.0m 
and adjusted tax rate 14.7%). This is different from the UK statutory rate of tax of 19% predominantly due to the UK corporation tax rate change 
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that 
impact on deferred tax, and a partial release of the unremitted earnings provision due to tax rate reduction on overseas dividend distributions.
sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilised.
2.6.2 Income tax charge
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the year when the asset is realised or the liability is 
The income tax credit of £47.6m on reported loss before tax of £49.4m resulted in an effective tax rate of 96.4% (2019: income tax credit of 
settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.
£3.5m on loss of £62.6m and effective tax rate of 5.6%). This is different from the UK statutory rate of tax of 19% predominantly due to the 
2.6.1 Income tax charge on adjusted profit before tax
above mentioned rate changes, release of uncertain tax positions, the non-taxable profit on disposal, together with non-deductible business exit 
The income tax credit of £13.6m on adjusted profit before tax1 resulted in an adjusted tax rate of (20.9)% (2019: income tax charge of £29.0m 
costs detailed further in the tax reconciliation.
and adjusted tax rate 14.7%). This is different from the UK statutory rate of tax of 19% predominantly due to the UK corporation tax rate change 
The major components of income tax charge/(credit) for the years ended 31 December are set out below:
impact on deferred tax, and a partial release of the unremitted earnings provision due to tax rate reduction on overseas dividend distributions.

2.6.2 Income tax charge
Consolidated income statement
The income tax credit of £47.6m on reported loss before tax of £49.4m resulted in an effective tax rate of 96.4% (2019: income tax credit of 
Current income tax
£3.5m on loss of £62.6m and effective tax rate of 5.6%). This is different from the UK statutory rate of tax of 19% predominantly due to the 
above mentioned rate changes, release of uncertain tax positions, the non-taxable profit on disposal, together with non-deductible business exit 
10.5 
costs detailed further in the tax reconciliation.
(2.1) 

Current income tax charge
Adjustment in respect of prior years

14.1   
0.2   

2019
£m

2020
£m

The major components of income tax charge/(credit) for the years ended 31 December are set out below:
Deferred tax

Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Adjustment in respect of prior years

Consolidated income statement
Current income tax

Current income tax charge
Adjustment in respect of prior years

Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Adjustment in respect of prior years

Deferred tax
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income and consolidated statement of changes in equity
Income tax movement on cash flow hedges
Deferred tax movement in relation to actuarial losses on defined benefit pension schemes
Deferred tax movement in relation to share based payment

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income and consolidated statement of changes in equity
Income tax movement on cash flow hedges
1. Definitions of the alternative performance measures and related KPIs can be found in section 8.2
Deferred tax movement in relation to actuarial losses on defined benefit pension schemes
Deferred tax movement in relation to share based payment

(42.0)   
2020
(19.9)   
£m
(47.6)   
14.1   
0.2   
2020
£m
(42.0)   
(1.1)   
(19.9)   
(10.9)   
(47.6)   
1.2   
(10.8)   

2020
£m
(1.1)   
(10.9)   
1.2   
(10.8)   

(3.5) 
2019
(8.4) 
£m
(3.5) 
10.5 
(2.1) 

2019
£m
(3.5) 
(0.3) 
(8.4) 
(18.1) 
(3.5) 
(0.8) 
(19.2) 

2019
£m
(0.3) 
(18.1) 
(0.8) 
(19.2) 

1. Definitions of the alternative performance measures and related KPIs can be found in section 8.2

144

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsNotes to the  consolidated  financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

120

121

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Section 2: Results for the year continued
2.6 Taxation continued

The reconciliation between both the total tax and the current tax charge/(credit) and the accounting profit multiplied by the UK corporation tax 
rate for the years ended 31 December is as follows:

Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted 

Loss before tax

Notional credit at UK corporation tax rate of 19%

Adjustments in respect of current income tax of prior years

Adjustments in respect of deferred tax of prior years

Non-deductible expense/(non-taxable income) – adjusted

Non-deductible expenses – business exit

Non-deductible expense/(non-taxable income) – specific items

Profit on disposal

Difference in rate recognition of temporary differences

Non-deductible goodwill impairment

Tax provided on unremitted earnings

Attributable to different tax rates in overseas jurisdictions

Movement in deferred tax unrecognised

Current year movement in uncertain tax positions

Accounting depreciation in excess of fixed asset tax deductions

Current tax impact on other timing differences

Utilisation of losses in current period

At the effective total tax rate of 96.4% (2019: 5.6%) and the effective current tax rate of 
(28.9)% (2019: (13.4)%)

Tax (credit)/charge reported in the income statement

Total tax

2019
£m

2020
£m

Current tax

2020
£m

2019
£m

(49.4)   

(62.6) 

(49.4)   

(62.6) 

(9.4)   

(11.9) 

(9.4)   

(11.9) 

a  

b  

0.2   

c  

(19.9)   

d  

e  

f

3.5   

5.6   

2.0   

g  

(6.4)   

(2.1) 

(8.4) 

(0.3) 

0.3 

(0.3) 

(0.1) 

0.2   

(2.1) 

—   

3.5   

5.6   

2.0   

(6.4)   

— 

(0.3) 

0.3 

(0.3) 

(0.1) 

Note 2.6.3  

(17.5)   

— 

—   

— 

h  

0.6   

14.6 

0.6   

14.6 

i

j

(7.6)   

(0.7)   

2.6 

(0.7) 

k  

2.0   

—   

—   

—   

—   

l

m  

2.3 

0.5 

— 

— 

— 

1.9   

— 

(0.1)   

(0.7) 

2.0   

—   

2.3 

0.5 

12.4   

15.9 

7.1   

(5.1)   

(9.2) 

(0.7) 

a  

(47.6)   

(47.6)   

(3.5) 

(3.5) 

14.3   

14.3   

8.3 

8.3 

a.  The 2020 current tax charge of £14.3m (2019: £8.3m) results in an effective current tax rate of (28.9)%, which is different from the UK statutory rate of tax of 19% predominantly due 
to depreciation, amortisation and impairment of fixed assets exceeding the tax deductions on the same assets. The impact of differing overseas tax rates is minimal and covered in 
footnote j. below.

b.  The £0.2m prior year charge adjustment includes: (i) £1.3m credit on release of some of the Group's previously uncertain tax positions which are no longer considered likely to arise, 

due to expiry of statute of limitation; and, (ii) a £1.5m charge with corresponding deferred tax prior year credits.

c. The £19.9m prior year credit adjustment includes: (i) a £1.5m credit with corresponding current income tax prior year charges; (ii) a £4.6m credit following the finalisation of submitted tax 

returns; and, (iii) a £13.8m credit relating to the release of uncertain tax positions due to resolution of tax enquiries.

d. Higher in 2020 mainly due to non-deductible depreciation, accounting losses on non-qualifying assets, and IFRS  2 charge in respect of share based payments.
e. Business exit: relates to non-deductible costs associated with the businesses detailed in note 2.8.
f.  Specific items: relates to non-deductible restructuring costs associated with business exits, detailed in note 2.4.
g. Relates to the application of the UK tax exemption on substantial shareholdings to relevant disposals.
h. Relates to the intangible asset impairments as detailed further in notes 2.4, 2.8 and 3.4.
i.  Movement on the deferred income tax liability recognised on the unremitted earnings of those subsidiaries affected by withholding taxes, due to: (i) 2020 charge of £0.9m; and, (ii) £8.5m 

reduction in the tax rate on overseas dividend distributions.

j.  Relates to the difference between tax payable at higher rates in India and South Africa, and tax payable at lower rates in other trading jurisdictions (Poland, Isle of Man and UAE).
k. Relates to the derecognition of deferred tax on losses and other timing differences.
l.  The current tax reconciliation item is predominantly the capital expense incurred on property rationalisation, detailed in note 2.4.
m. Relates to the (utilisation)/carry forward of tax losses, and the reactivation of deferred interest, in the current period.

2.6.3 Deferred tax
A change to the main UK corporation tax rate was substantively enacted on 17 March 2020. The rate applicable from 1 April 2020 now remains 
at 19.0%, instead of the previously enacted reduction to 17.0%. The UK deferred tax asset/(liability) at 31 December 2020 has been calculated 
based on this rate, resulting in a £17.5m tax credit to the income statement in 2020.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities at 31 December:

Deferred tax asset1
Deferred tax liability1
Net deferred tax

1. Analysed after jurisdictional netting has been applied to offset balances within countries.

2020
£m
242.8   
(6.7)   
236.1   

2019
£m
181.6 

(16.3) 

165.3 

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

145

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Section 2: Results for the year continued

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

120

2.6 Taxation

Accounting policies

comprehensive income.

2.6 Taxation

Tax on the profit or loss for year comprises current tax and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the consolidated income statement except to the 

Section 2: Results for the year continued

extent that it relates to items recognised directly in the consolidated statement of changes in equity or the consolidated statement of 

at the balance sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

Accounting policies

Deferred tax is provided, using the liability method, on all temporary differences at the balance sheet date between the tax basis of assets and 

liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes.

Tax on the profit or loss for year comprises current tax and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the consolidated income statement except to the 

extent that it relates to items recognised directly in the consolidated statement of changes in equity or the consolidated statement of 

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences except:

comprehensive income.

•  where the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of goodwill;

Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted 

•  where the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and 

at the balance sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit/loss nor taxable profit/loss; and

• 

Deferred tax is provided, using the liability method, on all temporary differences at the balance sheet date between the tax basis of assets and 

in respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates and interests in joint ventures, where the 

liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes.

timing of the reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the 

foreseeable future.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences except:

Deferred tax assets are recognised for all deductible temporary differences, carry-forward of unused tax assets and unused tax losses, to the 

•  where the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of goodwill;

extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences and the carry-forward of unused 

•  where the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and 

tax assets and unused tax losses can be utilised.

at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit/loss nor taxable profit/loss; and

• 

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that 

in respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates and interests in joint ventures, where the 

sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilised.

timing of the reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the year when the asset is realised or the liability is 

foreseeable future.

settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

Deferred tax assets are recognised for all deductible temporary differences, carry-forward of unused tax assets and unused tax losses, to the 

extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences and the carry-forward of unused 

2.6.1 Income tax charge on adjusted profit before tax

tax assets and unused tax losses can be utilised.

The income tax credit of £13.6m on adjusted profit before tax1 resulted in an adjusted tax rate of (20.9)% (2019: income tax charge of £29.0m 

and adjusted tax rate 14.7%). This is different from the UK statutory rate of tax of 19% predominantly due to the UK corporation tax rate change 

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that 

impact on deferred tax, and a partial release of the unremitted earnings provision due to tax rate reduction on overseas dividend distributions.

sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilised.

2.6.2 Income tax charge

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the year when the asset is realised or the liability is 

The income tax credit of £47.6m on reported loss before tax of £49.4m resulted in an effective tax rate of 96.4% (2019: income tax credit of 

settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

£3.5m on loss of £62.6m and effective tax rate of 5.6%). This is different from the UK statutory rate of tax of 19% predominantly due to the 

2.6.1 Income tax charge on adjusted profit before tax

above mentioned rate changes, release of uncertain tax positions, the non-taxable profit on disposal, together with non-deductible business exit 

The income tax credit of £13.6m on adjusted profit before tax1 resulted in an adjusted tax rate of (20.9)% (2019: income tax charge of £29.0m 

costs detailed further in the tax reconciliation.

and adjusted tax rate 14.7%). This is different from the UK statutory rate of tax of 19% predominantly due to the UK corporation tax rate change 

The major components of income tax charge/(credit) for the years ended 31 December are set out below:

impact on deferred tax, and a partial release of the unremitted earnings provision due to tax rate reduction on overseas dividend distributions.

2.6.2 Income tax charge

Consolidated income statement

The income tax credit of £47.6m on reported loss before tax of £49.4m resulted in an effective tax rate of 96.4% (2019: income tax credit of 

Current income tax

£3.5m on loss of £62.6m and effective tax rate of 5.6%). This is different from the UK statutory rate of tax of 19% predominantly due to the 

above mentioned rate changes, release of uncertain tax positions, the non-taxable profit on disposal, together with non-deductible business exit 

Current income tax charge

14.1   

10.5 

costs detailed further in the tax reconciliation.

Adjustment in respect of prior years

The major components of income tax charge/(credit) for the years ended 31 December are set out below:

Deferred tax

Origination and reversal of temporary differences

Consolidated income statement

Adjustment in respect of prior years

Current income tax

Current income tax charge

Adjustment in respect of prior years

Deferred tax

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income and consolidated statement of changes in equity

Origination and reversal of temporary differences

Income tax movement on cash flow hedges

Adjustment in respect of prior years

Deferred tax movement in relation to actuarial losses on defined benefit pension schemes

Deferred tax movement in relation to share based payment

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income and consolidated statement of changes in equity

Income tax movement on cash flow hedges

1. Definitions of the alternative performance measures and related KPIs can be found in section 8.2

Deferred tax movement in relation to actuarial losses on defined benefit pension schemes

Deferred tax movement in relation to share based payment

1. Definitions of the alternative performance measures and related KPIs can be found in section 8.2

2020

£m

2019

£m

0.2   

(2.1) 

(42.0)   

2020

(19.9)   

£m

(47.6)   

14.1   

0.2   

2020

£m

(42.0)   

(1.1)   

(19.9)   

(10.9)   

(47.6)   

1.2   

(10.8)   

2020

£m

(1.1)   

(10.9)   

1.2   

(10.8)   

(3.5) 

2019

(8.4) 

£m

(3.5) 

10.5 

(2.1) 

2019

£m

(3.5) 

(0.3) 

(8.4) 

(18.1) 

(3.5) 

(0.8) 

(19.2) 

2019

£m

(0.3) 

(18.1) 

(0.8) 

(19.2) 

Notes to the consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

122

Section 2: Results for the year continued
2.6 Taxation continued

Deferred tax at 31 December relates to the following:

Deferred tax assets

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred income

Provisions

Pension schemes’ liability

Share based payments
Tax losses1

Deferred tax liabilities

Intangibles
Contract fulfilment assets

Unremitted earnings

Charged/(Credited) to

At
1 January
£m

Income
statement
£m

OCI and
changes in
equity
£m

Other
movements2
£m

At
31 December
£m

60.0   
5.6   
10.4   
38.9   
2.7   
86.0   
203.6   

(6.2)   
(16.8)   
(15.3)   
(38.3)   

13.1   

(0.7)   

1.3   

1.8   

0.1   

25.4   

41.0   

4.0   
7.3   

9.6   

20.9   

—   

—   

—   

10.9   

(1.2)   

—   

9.7   

—   
—   

—   

—   

(0.3)   

(0.4)   

—   

—   

—   

(0.2)   

(0.9)   

—   
0.1   

—   

0.1   

72.8 

4.5 

11.7 

51.6 

1.6 

111.2 

253.4 

(2.2) 
(9.4) 

(5.7) 

(17.3) 

Net deferred tax

165.3   

61.9   

9.7   

(0.8)   

236.1 

1. Mainly trading losses available to shelter future profits and deferred interest
2. Other movements includes transfers to disposal group assets/liabilities held-for-sale and business disposals

Deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the assets can 
be utilised. The recoverability of deferred tax assets is supported by the deferred tax liabilities against which the reversal can be offset and the 
expected level of future profits in the countries concerned. The recognition for 2020 was based on the PBTs (excluding forecast restructuring 
costs) contained in the 2021-2023 business plans and 2024-2025 strategic plans, approved by the Board during February 2021. These are 
the same plans used to derive forecast cash flows for the goodwill impairment test (refer to note 3.4). The strategic plan cash flow forecasts 
for 2024-2025 have been further risk adjusted to reflect additional uncertainty in outer year forecasts. In accordance with the impairment test 
model, a long-term growth rate of 1.6% was applied to the years beyond the strategic plan (2026 and onwards) in the deferred tax asset 
recognition model.

These forecasts provide support that it is probable that there will be sufficient future taxable profits to enable the utilisation of the recognised 
deferred tax assets on losses within six to seven years. Other deferred tax assets, which have a longer unwind period by their nature (ie PPE 
and Pension schemes liabilities) are being recognised on the basis that they will unwind within periods when profitability will arise.

The Group has unrecognised tax losses of £208.6m (2019: £209.1m) and other temporary differences of £55.4m (2019: £45.5m) that are 
available for offset against future taxable profits of the companies in which the losses or other temporary differences arose, but have not been 
recognised as their recoverability is uncertain. These are made up as follows:

(i)  UK assets – £184.2m (2019: £185.3m) with no time expiry. The losses will be subject to enacted UK tax loss relief legislation which could 
result in restricted utilisation in the future. £77.2m of the losses were incurred by companies acquired by the Group and therefore not as a 
result of the Group’s trading performance.

(ii)  Overseas assets – £79.9m (2019: £69.3m), some of which are subject to specific loss restriction rules but have no time expiry. £6.7m of the 

losses were incurred by companies acquired by the Group and therefore not as a result of the Group’s trading performance.

Dividends received from subsidiaries are largely exempt from UK tax but may be subject to dividend withholding taxes levied by the overseas tax 
jurisdictions in which the subsidiaries operate. The gross temporary differences of those subsidiaries affected by such potential taxes is £62.6m 
(2019: £80.2m). A deferred income tax liability of £5.7m (2019: £15.3m) has been recognised on the unremitted earnings of those subsidiaries 
affected by such potential taxes as the Group is able to control the timing of reversal and it is anticipating dividends to be distributed. The 
reduction in the Indian distribution tax rate has contributed to the reduction in the closing deferred income tax liability, along with earnings being 
remitted during the year.

146

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsNotes to the  consolidated  financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

122

123

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Section 2: Results for the year continued
2.6 Taxation continued

2.6.4 Uncertain tax positions
The Group files income tax returns in several jurisdictions and some of these returns are open to, or subject to, tax authority audits or 
examinations. Tax returns contain matters that could be subject to differing interpretations of applicable tax laws and regulations; and, the 
resolution of tax positions, through negotiations with relevant tax authorities or through litigation, can take several years. Tax uncertainties 
are assessed throughout the year and specifically at the year-end, with any associated provisions recognised considering the specific 
circumstances of each risk, including the merits of technical aspects, previous experience with tax authorities, recent tax law and, if 
relevant, external specialist advice. The Group applies judgement in quantifying uncertainties over income tax treatments in accordance 
with these criteria.

Income tax receivable of £2.9m at 31 December 2020 includes £5.8m in relation to uncertain tax positions. The Group released £15.1m 
(2019: £7.2m) of uncertain tax positions in 2020 relating to tax risks which are no longer considered likely to arise, due to the expiry of statute 
of limitations and conclusion of enquiries. The release is split within the current income tax prior year adjustment (£1.3m) and deferred tax prior 
year adjustment (£13.8m). Expiry of statute of limitations, or conclusion of tax audits could result in a further release of the provision in the next 
financial year. While it is difficult to predict the ultimate outcome in some cases, and there are a range of different outcomes, currently it is not 
anticipated that there will be a material impact on the Group’s financial position or results of operations in the next financial year.

2.6.5 Capita’s responsible approach to taxation
Capita has an open and positive working relationship with HMRC, has a designated customer compliance manager, and is committed to prompt 
disclosure and transparency in all dealings with HMRC and overseas tax authorities. The Group does not have a complex tax structure, nor does 
it pursue aggressive tax avoidance activities. The Group has a low-risk rating from HMRC and has been awarded the Fair Tax Mark for its 2018 
and 2019 tax disclosures. The Group has operations in a number of countries outside the UK. All Capita operations outside the UK are trading 
operations and pay the appropriate local taxes on these activities. Further detail, regarding Capita's approach to tax can be found on the Policies 
& Principles area of the Capita website (https://www.capita.com/our-company/about-capita/policies-and-principles).

Capita contributed £181.1m (2019: £183.1m) in taxes from its UK operations in the year. This consisted of a net repayment of £2.6m (2019: 
£7.9m) of UK corporation tax; £19.3m (2019: £17.9m) in irrecoverable VAT payments; £128.0m (2019: £136.9m) in employer national insurance 
contributions; and £31.2m (2019: £36.2m) in other levies including business rates, import duties, the apprenticeship levy and environmental 
taxes. Additionally, the Group collected: £336.2m (2019: £319.3m) of VAT, of which £217.4m was remitted to the UK Government in 2020, and 
£118.8m will be remitted in 2021/22 as part of the Government’s VAT payment deferral measures; and £288.0m (2019: £317.0m) of Capita 
employee PAYE and NIC. Capita entities in overseas jurisdictions paid £4.9m (2019: £8.6m) of tax on local profits and dividend repatriations.

2.6.6 Post Balance Sheet Event – Budget 2021
On 3 March 2021, it was announced in the Budget that the UK tax rate will increase from 19% to 25% from 1 April 2023 onwards. This will 
increase the company’s future income tax charge from 2023, and, result in an increase in deferred tax assets and a material one-off deferred 
tax credit in the period that the change is substantively enacted. If this rate change had theoretically been applied to the deferred tax balances 
at 31 December 2020, the deferred tax assets would increase by approximately £75m.

Section 2: Results for the year continued

2.6 Taxation continued

Deferred tax at 31 December relates to the following:

Deferred tax assets

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred income

Provisions

Pension schemes’ liability

Share based payments

Tax losses1

Deferred tax liabilities

Intangibles

Contract fulfilment assets

Unremitted earnings

Charged/(Credited) to

1 January

At

£m

Income

statement

£m

OCI and

changes in

equity

£m

movements2

31 December

Other

£m

60.0   

5.6   

10.4   

38.9   

2.7   

86.0   

203.6   

(6.2)   

(16.8)   

(15.3)   

(38.3)   

13.1   

(0.7)   

1.3   

1.8   

0.1   

25.4   

41.0   

4.0   

7.3   

9.6   

20.9   

—   

—   

—   

10.9   

(1.2)   

—   

9.7   

—   

—   

—   

—   

(0.3)   

(0.4)   

—   

—   

—   

(0.2)   

(0.9)   

—   

0.1   

—   

0.1   

At

£m

72.8 

4.5 

11.7 

51.6 

1.6 

111.2 

253.4 

(2.2) 

(9.4) 

(5.7) 

(17.3) 

Net deferred tax

165.3   

61.9   

9.7   

(0.8)   

236.1 

1. Mainly trading losses available to shelter future profits and deferred interest

2. Other movements includes transfers to disposal group assets/liabilities held-for-sale and business disposals

Deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the assets can 

be utilised. The recoverability of deferred tax assets is supported by the deferred tax liabilities against which the reversal can be offset and the 

expected level of future profits in the countries concerned. The recognition for 2020 was based on the PBTs (excluding forecast restructuring 

costs) contained in the 2021-2023 business plans and 2024-2025 strategic plans, approved by the Board during February 2021. These are 

the same plans used to derive forecast cash flows for the goodwill impairment test (refer to note 3.4). The strategic plan cash flow forecasts 

for 2024-2025 have been further risk adjusted to reflect additional uncertainty in outer year forecasts. In accordance with the impairment test 

model, a long-term growth rate of 1.6% was applied to the years beyond the strategic plan (2026 and onwards) in the deferred tax asset 

recognition model.

These forecasts provide support that it is probable that there will be sufficient future taxable profits to enable the utilisation of the recognised 

deferred tax assets on losses within six to seven years. Other deferred tax assets, which have a longer unwind period by their nature (ie PPE 

and Pension schemes liabilities) are being recognised on the basis that they will unwind within periods when profitability will arise.

The Group has unrecognised tax losses of £208.6m (2019: £209.1m) and other temporary differences of £55.4m (2019: £45.5m) that are 

available for offset against future taxable profits of the companies in which the losses or other temporary differences arose, but have not been 

recognised as their recoverability is uncertain. These are made up as follows:

(i)  UK assets – £184.2m (2019: £185.3m) with no time expiry. The losses will be subject to enacted UK tax loss relief legislation which could 

result in restricted utilisation in the future. £77.2m of the losses were incurred by companies acquired by the Group and therefore not as a 

result of the Group’s trading performance.

(ii)  Overseas assets – £79.9m (2019: £69.3m), some of which are subject to specific loss restriction rules but have no time expiry. £6.7m of the 

losses were incurred by companies acquired by the Group and therefore not as a result of the Group’s trading performance.

Dividends received from subsidiaries are largely exempt from UK tax but may be subject to dividend withholding taxes levied by the overseas tax 

jurisdictions in which the subsidiaries operate. The gross temporary differences of those subsidiaries affected by such potential taxes is £62.6m 

(2019: £80.2m). A deferred income tax liability of £5.7m (2019: £15.3m) has been recognised on the unremitted earnings of those subsidiaries 

affected by such potential taxes as the Group is able to control the timing of reversal and it is anticipating dividends to be distributed. The 

reduction in the Indian distribution tax rate has contributed to the reduction in the closing deferred income tax liability, along with earnings being 

remitted during the year.

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

147

Notes to the consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

124

Section 2: Results for the year continued
2.7 Earnings/(loss) per share

AP

Accounting policies

Basic earnings/(loss) per share amounts are calculated by dividing net profit for the period attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Parent 
Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year.

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share amounts are calculated by dividing the net profit for the period attributable to ordinary equity holders of the 
Parent Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year plus the weighted average number of ordinary 
shares that would be issued on the conversion of all the dilutive potential ordinary shares into ordinary shares.

Basic earnings/(loss) per share

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share

– adjusted
– reported
– adjusted
– reported

2020

Continuing
operations
p
4.19   
(0.41)   
4.19   
(0.41)   

Total
operations
p
4.19   
0.85   
4.19   
0.85   

Continuing
operations
p
9.30   
(4.18)   
9.30   
(4.18)   

The following tables show the earnings and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share calculations:

Adjusted profit before tax for the period
Income tax credit/(charge)
Adjusted profit for the period
Less: Non-controlling interest
Adjusted profit attributable to shareholders

Reported loss before tax for the period
Income tax credit
Reported loss for the period 
Less: Non-controlling interest
Total loss attributable to shareholders

2.4  
2.6.1  

Continuing
operations
£m
65.2   
13.6   
78.8   
(9.4)   
69.4   

2020

Total
operations
£m
65.2   
13.6   
78.8   
(9.4)   
69.4   

Continuing
operations
£m
197.7   
(29.0)   
168.7   
(14.7)   
154.0   

2.6  

(49.4)   
47.6   
(1.8)   
(5.0)   
(6.8)   

(28.6)   
47.6   
19.0   
(5.0)   
14.0   

(62.6)   
3.5   
(59.1)   
(10.1)   
(69.2)   

2019

Total
operations
p
9.30 
(3.89) 
9.30 
(3.89) 

2019

Total
operations
£m
197.7 
(29.0) 
168.7 
(14.7) 
154.0 

(57.6) 
3.5 
(54.1) 
(10.1) 
(64.2) 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (excluding trust and treasury shares) for basic earnings per share
Dilutive potential ordinary shares:
Employee share options
Weighted average number of ordinary shares (excluding trust and treasury shares) adjusted for the effect of dilution

2020
m

2019
m
1,656.1   1,656.1 

—   
— 
  1,656.1    1,656.1 

At 31 December 2020 27,447,210 (2019: 25,313,414) options were excluded from the diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares 
calculation because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. Under IAS 33 Earnings per Share, potential ordinary shares are treated as dilutive 
when, and only when, their conversion to ordinary shares would decrease earnings per share or increase loss per share from continuing 
operations.

The earnings per share figures are calculated based on earnings attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Parent Company, and therefore 
excludes non-controlling interest. The earnings per share is calculated on an adjusted and total reported basis. The earnings per share for 
business exits and specific items are bridging items to adjusted and total reported earnings per share.

There have been no other transactions involving ordinary shares or potential ordinary shares between the reporting date and the date on which 
these consolidated financial statements were authorized for issue.

148

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsNotes to the  consolidated  financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

124

125

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Section 2: Results for the year continued
2.8 Business exits and assets held-for-sale 

AP

Accounting policies

Business exits
Business exits are businesses that have been disposed of, or exited during the year; or, are in the process of being disposed of, or exited. None 
of these business exits meet the definition of ‘discontinued operations’ as stipulated by IFRS 5, which requires comparative financial information 
to be restated where the relative size of a disposal or business closure is significant, which is normally understood to mean a reported segment.

However, the trading result of these businesses exits, non-trading expenses, and any gain/loss on disposal, have been excluded from 
adjusted results. To enable a like-for-like comparison of adjusted results, the 2019 comparatives have been re-presented to exclude the 
2020 business exits. 

Assets held-for-sale
The Group classifies a non-current asset (or disposal group) as held-for-sale if its carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale 
transaction rather than continued use. For this to be the case, the asset (or disposal group) must be available for immediate sale in its present 
condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such assets (or disposal groups) and its sale must be highly probable. 
For the sale to be highly probable, the appropriate level of management must be committed to a plan to sell the asset (or disposal group), and 
an active programme to locate a buyer and complete the plan must have been initiated. Further, the asset (or disposal group) must be actively 
marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value. In addition, the sale should be expected to qualify for 
recognition as a completed sale within one year from the date of classification.

The following tables show the earnings and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share calculations:

2020 business exits
Business exits during the year ended 31 December 2020 comprised:

•

•

•

•

•

the Eclipse Legal Services business whose disposal was completed on 30 June 2020;

the Capita Workplace Technology business whose disposal was competed on 1 August 2020;

the Employee Benefits business whose disposal was completed on 30 November 2020;

two businesses in the process of being exited and which met the held-for-sale criteria. Accordingly, these businesses were treated 
as disposal groups held-for-sale at the reporting date. The sale of both businesses completed subsequently; and

the exit costs relating to further planned disposals, including professional fees and separation planning costs.

Further disposals are planned as part of the simplification agenda. Since these disposals did not met the definition of business exits or assets 
held-for-sale at 31 December 2020, their trading results were included within adjusted results.

Non-trading disposal

2020

Non-trading disposal

2019

Section 2: Results for the year continued

2.7 Earnings/(loss) per share

Accounting policies

Basic earnings/(loss) per share amounts are calculated by dividing net profit for the period attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Parent 

Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year.

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share amounts are calculated by dividing the net profit for the period attributable to ordinary equity holders of the 

Parent Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year plus the weighted average number of ordinary 

shares that would be issued on the conversion of all the dilutive potential ordinary shares into ordinary shares.

Basic earnings/(loss) per share

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share

– adjusted

– reported

– adjusted

– reported

Adjusted profit before tax for the period

Income tax credit/(charge)

Adjusted profit for the period

Less: Non-controlling interest

Adjusted profit attributable to shareholders

Reported loss before tax for the period

Income tax credit

Reported loss for the period 

Less: Non-controlling interest

Total loss attributable to shareholders

Dilutive potential ordinary shares:

Employee share options

2019

Total

p

operations

9.30 

(3.89) 

9.30 

(3.89) 

2019

Total

£m

operations

197.7 

(29.0) 

168.7 

(14.7) 

154.0 

Continuing

operations

p

2020

Total

p

operations

Continuing

operations

p

4.19   

(0.41)   

4.19   

(0.41)   

4.19   

0.85   

4.19   

0.85   

9.30   

(4.18)   

9.30   

(4.18)   

Continuing

operations

£m

197.7   

(29.0)   

168.7   

(14.7)   

154.0   

2.4  

2.6.1  

2.6  

Continuing

operations

£m

2020

Total

£m

operations

65.2   

13.6   

78.8   

(9.4)   

69.4   

47.6   

(1.8)   

(5.0)   

(6.8)   

65.2   

13.6   

78.8   

(9.4)   

69.4   

47.6   

19.0   

(5.0)   

14.0   

(49.4)   

(28.6)   

(62.6)   

(57.6) 

3.5   

(59.1)   

(10.1)   

(69.2)   

2020

m

3.5 

(54.1) 

(10.1) 

(64.2) 

2019

m

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (excluding trust and treasury shares) for basic earnings per share

1,656.1   1,656.1 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (excluding trust and treasury shares) adjusted for the effect of dilution

  1,656.1    1,656.1 

At 31 December 2020 27,447,210 (2019: 25,313,414) options were excluded from the diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares 

calculation because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. Under IAS 33 Earnings per Share, potential ordinary shares are treated as dilutive 

when, and only when, their conversion to ordinary shares would decrease earnings per share or increase loss per share from continuing 

operations.

The earnings per share figures are calculated based on earnings attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Parent Company, and therefore 

excludes non-controlling interest. The earnings per share is calculated on an adjusted and total reported basis. The earnings per share for 

business exits and specific items are bridging items to adjusted and total reported earnings per share.

There have been no other transactions involving ordinary shares or potential ordinary shares between the reporting date and the date on which 

these consolidated financial statements were authorized for issue.

Income statement impact
Revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit

Trading
£m

143.6   

(67.6)   

76.0   

Cash
£m
—   

—   

—   

Non-cash
£m
—   

—   

—   

Total
£m
—   

—   

—   

Total
£m
143.6 

(67.6) 

76.0 

Administrative expenses

(25.0)   

(17.2)   

(24.7)   

(41.9)   

(66.9) 

—   

— 

Operating profit/(loss)

51.0   

(17.2)   

(24.7)   

(41.9)   

Gain on business disposal

Profit/(loss) before tax
Taxation

Profit/(loss) after tax

—   

51.0   

(9.6)   

41.4   

48.1   

30.9   

(16.7)   

(41.4)   

2.2   

13.8   

31.4   

(10.5)   

16.0   

33.1   

(27.6)   

5.5   

9.1 

31.4 

40.5 

6.4 

46.9 

Trading
£m

177.6   

(80.8)   

96.8   

(50.2)   

46.6   

—   

46.6   

(8.8)   

37.8   

(52.1)   

(52.1)   

(102.3) 

(52.1)   

(52.1)   

(5.5) 

—   

—   

(52.1)   

(52.1)   

—   

3.0   

— 

(5.5) 

(5.8) 

(52.1)   

(49.1)   

(11.3) 

Total
£m
—   

—   

—   

Total
£m
177.6 

(80.8) 

96.8 

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

3.0   

3.0   

Cash
£m
—   

Non-cash
£m
—   

—   

—   

Trading revenue and costs represent the current year trading performance of those businesses up to the point of being disposed or exited. 
Trading expenses primarily comprise of payroll costs of £60.3m (2019: £73.9m) and IT costs of £26.3m (2019: £37.8m).

Non-trading administrative expenses primarily comprise closure costs of £17.2m (2019: £nil), goodwill impairment of £2.8m (2019: £35.3m), 
accruals of £8.8m (2019: £nil), held-for-sale asset impairments £8.9m including £0.8m of contract fulfilment assets and £3.2m of property plant 
and equipment, other asset impairments of £6.3m (2019: £14.7m) which is partially offset by releases of provisions of £2.1m (2019: £2.8m).

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

149

Notes to the consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

126

Section 2: Results for the year continued
2.8 Business exits and assets held for sale continued

2020 disposals
During the year, the Group disposed of three businesses: Eclipse Legal Services; the Capita Workplace Technology business; and, the 
Employee Benefits business.

In 2020 the gain arising on the disposal of these businesses of £31.4m comprised the disposal of net assets of £17.3m for £58.1m consideration 
and disposal costs of £9.4m. The net cash proceeds of £54.9m comprised the cash purchase consideration of £58.1m less £3.2m of cash 
disposed of.

Gain on business disposals
Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Goodwill

Trade and other receivables

Disposal group assets held-for-sale

Trade and other payables

Deferred income

Disposal group liabilities held-for-sale

Income tax payable

Cash disposed of

Total net assets disposed of
Cash purchase consideration received

Costs of disposal – paid and accrued

Proceeds, less costs, on disposal

Gain on business disposals

Disposal group assets and liabilities held-for-sale

Property, plant and equipment

Intangibles

Goodwill

Right-of-use assets

Income tax receivable and deferred tax asset

Contract fulfilment assets

Trade and other receivables

Accrued income

Prepayments

Cash and cash equivalents

Disposal group assets held-for-sale

Trade and other payables

Accruals

Lease liabilities

Other taxes and social security

Deferred income

Income tax payable and deferred tax liability

Provisions

Overdraft
Disposal group liabilities held-for-sale

Cash
£m
—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

3.2   

3.2   

58.1 

(6.8)   

51.3   

48.1   

Non-cash
£m
0.6   

3.2   

12.1   

2.3   

4.3   

(6.5)   

(0.4)   

(1.2)   

(0.3)   

—   

14.1   

(2.6)   

(2.6)   

(16.7)   

2020
£m
0.1   
44.4   
45.3   
4.5   
0.1   
3.1   
2.9   
0.6   
0.7   
12.9   
114.6   

1.5   
3.5   
4.6   
0.1   
40.3   
3.5   
0.4   
—   
53.9   

2020

Total
£m
0.6 

3.2 

12.1 

2.3 

4.3 

(6.5) 

(0.4) 

(1.2) 

(0.3) 

3.2 

17.3 

58.1 

(9.4) 

48.7 

31.4 

2019 
£m
0.2 

0.1 

2.8 

— 

1.1 

— 

3.3 

4.8 

0.1 

— 

12.4 

0.9 

1.0 

— 

0.1 

1.0 

1.4 

— 

3.5 
7.9 

 Business exit cash flows 
Businesses exited and being exited generated net operating cash inflows of £56.2m (2019: cash inflows of £39.7m).

Post balance sheet disposal
The disposal of the Education Software Solutions business completed on 1 February 2021. Refer to note 6.3 for further details.

150

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsNotes to the  consolidated  financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

126

127

Capita plc Annual Report 2019

Section 2: Results for the year continued

2.8 Business exits and assets held for sale continued

During the year, the Group disposed of three businesses: Eclipse Legal Services; the Capita Workplace Technology business; and, the 

In 2020 the gain arising on the disposal of these businesses of £31.4m comprised the disposal of net assets of £17.3m for £58.1m consideration 

and disposal costs of £9.4m. The net cash proceeds of £54.9m comprised the cash purchase consideration of £58.1m less £3.2m of cash 

Section 2: Results for the year continued
2.9 Discontinued operations

Capita completed the disposal of its Asset Services businesses, including Capita Financial Managers Limited (CFM), to the Link Group on 
3 November 2017. The disposal met the definition of a discontinued operation as stipulated by IFRS 5.

The credit of £20.8m (2019: £5.0m) relates to additional payments received in connection with the sale of the Asset Services businesses 
arising from the return of redress payments made to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regarding the Connaught Income Series 1 Fund 
(2019: £3.1m).

Cash flows generated from discontinuing operations of £18.6m (2019: £4.7m) relate to the above return of redress payments made to the FCA 
less previously accrued amounts paid in connection with the sale of the Asset Services business.

Cash

£m

Non-cash

£m

The earnings per share impact from discontinued operations is 1.26p (2019: 0.29p) on basic earnings per share and 1.26p (2019: 0.29p) on 
diluted earnings per share.

2020 disposals

Employee Benefits business.

disposed of.

Gain on business disposals

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Goodwill

Trade and other receivables

Disposal group assets held-for-sale

Trade and other payables

Deferred income

Disposal group liabilities held-for-sale

Income tax payable

Cash disposed of

Total net assets disposed of

Cash purchase consideration received

Costs of disposal – paid and accrued

Proceeds, less costs, on disposal

Gain on business disposals

Disposal group assets and liabilities held-for-sale

Income tax receivable and deferred tax asset

Property, plant and equipment

Intangibles

Goodwill

Right-of-use assets

Contract fulfilment assets

Trade and other receivables

Accrued income

Prepayments

Cash and cash equivalents

Disposal group assets held-for-sale

Trade and other payables

Accruals

Lease liabilities

Other taxes and social security

Deferred income

Income tax payable and deferred tax liability

Provisions

Overdraft

Disposal group liabilities held-for-sale

 Business exit cash flows 

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

3.2   

3.2   

58.1 

(6.8)   

51.3   

48.1   

0.6   

3.2   

12.1   

2.3   

4.3   

(6.5)   

(0.4)   

(1.2)   

(0.3)   

—   

14.1   

(2.6)   

(2.6)   

(16.7)   

2020

£m

0.1   

44.4   

45.3   

4.5   

0.1   

3.1   

2.9   

0.6   

0.7   

12.9   

114.6   

1.5   

3.5   

4.6   

0.1   

40.3   

3.5   

0.4   

—   

53.9   

2020

Total

£m

0.6 

3.2 

12.1 

2.3 

4.3 

(6.5) 

(0.4) 

(1.2) 

(0.3) 

3.2 

17.3 

58.1 

(9.4) 

48.7 

31.4 

2019 

£m

0.2 

0.1 

2.8 

— 

1.1 

— 

3.3 

4.8 

0.1 

— 

12.4 

0.9 

1.0 

— 

0.1 

1.0 

1.4 

— 

3.5 

7.9 

Businesses exited and being exited generated net operating cash inflows of £56.2m (2019: cash inflows of £39.7m).

Post balance sheet disposal

The disposal of the Education Software Solutions business completed on 1 February 2021. Refer to note 6.3 for further details.

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

151

Notes to the consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

128

Section 2: Results for the year continued
2.10 Cash flow information

AP

Accounting policies

Cash and short-term deposits in the balance sheet comprise cash at bank and in hand and short-term deposits with an original maturity of three 
months or less. In the consolidated cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and short-term deposits net of outstanding 
bank overdrafts and include cash and overdrafts within assets and liabilities held for sale. Cash at bank earns interest at fixed and floating rates 
based on prevailing bank deposit rates.

2.10.1 Additional cash flow information
Cash flow from operating activities declined year-on-year as a consequence of lost revenue, margin on new business and investment off-set by 
cost out and one-off benefits. Working capital outflow driven by contract terminations and renegotiations, partially offset by additional payments 
on account and reduced spend on contract transformations.

Cash flows from operating activities:
Operating profit/(loss)

Adjustments for non-cash items:
Depreciation
Amortisation of intangible assets
Share based payment expense
Employee benefits
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment / intangible assets
Contingent consideration
Impairment of disposal group assets
Impairment of non-current assets

Other adjustments:
Movement in provisions
Pension deficit contribution
Other contributions into pension schemes

Movements in working capital:
Trade and other receivables
Non-recourse trade receivables financing
Trade and other payables
VAT deferral
Deferred income
Contract fulfilment assets (non-current)
Cash generated by operations

2020

Note

Adjusted
£m

Reported 
£m

Adjusted1
£m

2019

Reported
£m

2.4   

111.0   

(32.0)   

254.5   

0.4 

3.2, 3.5  
3.3   
5.1   
5.2   
2.3  
2.4  

137.5   
41.0   
6.4   
13.1   
2.4   
—   
—   
3.5   

139.1   
74.6   
6.4   
13.1   
17.1   
—   
11.7   
32.2   

154.9   
30.0   
3.0   
11.2   
1.8   
—   
—   
0.9   

159.5 
81.4 
3.0 
11.2 
1.8 
(1.4) 
— 
106.1 

31.5   
—   
(19.5)   

44.0   
(29.5)   
(19.5)   

(3.3)   
—   
(17.0)   

(19.0) 
(71.1) 
(17.0) 

162.9   
—   
(62.0)   
—   
(36.7)   
(23.6)   
367.5   

(8.8)   
(47.7)   
(40.2)   
(42.7)   
10.5   
238.6   

172.7   
13.6   
(58.4)   
118.8   
(46.8)   
(22.9)   
434.2   

(8.8)   
(47.7)   
(40.8)   
(46.6)   
13.5   
303.8   

(7.1)   
—   
(8.6)   
—   
(190.5)   
(16.2)   
213.6   

(5.4)   
(58.5)   
(48.7)   
(124.6)   
0.4   
(23.2)   

2.4 
— 
(14.8) 
— 
(198.1) 
(11.6) 
32.8 

(5.4) 
(58.4) 
(57.7) 
(124.7) 
0.4 
(213.0) 

Adjustments for free cash flows:
Income tax paid
Net interest paid
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of intangible assets 
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment / intangible assets
Free cash flow

3.2   
3.3   

1. The 2019 adjusted cash flow has been restated for business exits in 2020 and also for the inclusion of IFRS 16. This has resulted in adjusted cash generated by operations increasing from 

£158.6m to £213.6m and adjusted free cash outflow decreasing from £(61.3)m to £(23.2)m. 

152

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsNotes to the  consolidated  financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and short-term deposits in the balance sheet comprise cash at bank and in hand and short-term deposits with an original maturity of three 

months or less. In the consolidated cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and short-term deposits net of outstanding 

bank overdrafts and include cash and overdrafts within assets and liabilities held for sale. Cash at bank earns interest at fixed and floating rates 

Cash flow from operating activities declined year-on-year as a consequence of lost revenue, margin on new business and investment off-set by 

cost out and one-off benefits. Working capital outflow driven by contract terminations and renegotiations, partially offset by additional payments 

on account and reduced spend on contract transformations.

Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment / intangible assets

2.10 Cash flow information

Accounting policies

based on prevailing bank deposit rates.

2.10.1 Additional cash flow information

Cash flows from operating activities:

Operating profit/(loss)

Adjustments for non-cash items:

Depreciation

Amortisation of intangible assets

Share based payment expense

Employee benefits

Contingent consideration

Impairment of disposal group assets

Impairment of non-current assets

Other adjustments:

Movement in provisions

Pension deficit contribution

Other contributions into pension schemes

Movements in working capital:

Trade and other receivables

Non-recourse trade receivables financing

Trade and other payables

VAT deferral

Deferred income

Contract fulfilment assets (non-current)

Cash generated by operations

Adjustments for free cash flows:

Income tax paid

Net interest paid

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Purchase of intangible assets 

2020

Note

Adjusted

£m

Reported 

£m

Adjusted1

£m

2019

Reported

£m

2.4   

111.0   

(32.0)   

254.5   

0.4 

3.2, 3.5  

137.5   

139.1   

154.9   

159.5 

3.3   

5.1   

5.2   

2.3  

2.4  

41.0   

6.4   

13.1   

2.4   

—   

—   

3.5   

74.6   

6.4   

13.1   

17.1   

—   

11.7   

32.2   

30.0   

3.0   

11.2   

1.8   

—   

—   

0.9   

81.4 

3.0 

11.2 

1.8 

(1.4) 

— 

106.1 

31.5   

—   

(19.5)   

44.0   

(29.5)   

(19.5)   

(3.3)   

—   

(17.0)   

(19.0) 

(71.1) 

(17.0) 

162.9   

—   

(62.0)   

—   

(36.7)   

(23.6)   

367.5   

(8.8)   

(47.7)   

(40.2)   

(42.7)   

10.5   

172.7   

13.6   

(58.4)   

118.8   

(46.8)   

(22.9)   

434.2   

(7.1)   

—   

(8.6)   

—   

(16.2)   

213.6   

2.4 

— 

(14.8) 

— 

(11.6) 

32.8 

(190.5)   

(198.1) 

(8.8)   

(47.7)   

(40.8)   

(46.6)   

13.5   

(5.4)   

(58.5)   

(48.7)   

(5.4) 

(58.4) 

(57.7) 

(124.6)   

(124.7) 

0.4   

0.4 

3.2   

3.3   

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment / intangible assets

Free cash flow

238.6   

303.8   

(23.2)   

(213.0) 

1. The 2019 adjusted cash flow has been restated for business exits in 2020 and also for the inclusion of IFRS 16. This has resulted in adjusted cash generated by operations increasing from 

£158.6m to £213.6m and adjusted free cash outflow decreasing from £(61.3)m to £(23.2)m. 

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

128

129

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Section 2: Results for the year continued

Section 2: Results for the year continued
2.10 Cash flow information continued

2.10.2 Adjusted free cash flow and cash generated from operations

Reported 

Pension deficit contributions
Significant restructuring
Business exits
Business exits - on hold disposal costs
Non-recourse trade receivables financing
VAT deferral
Other

Adjusted

Free cash flow

Cash generated/(used) by 
operations

2020
£m
303.8   
29.5   
64.1   
(33.9)   
7.5   
(13.6)   
(118.8)   
—   

2019
£m
(213.0)   
71.1   
148.5   
(32.5)   
—   
—   
—   
2.7   

2020
£m
434.2   
29.5   
67.1   
(38.4)   
7.5   
(13.6)   
(118.8)   
—   

2019
£m
32.8 
71.1 
148.5 
(41.5) 
— 
— 
— 
2.7 

238.6   

(23.2)   

367.5   

213.6 

A reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt is included in note 2.10.3.

Pension deficit contributions: in November 2018, the Group agreed a deficit recovery plan with the Trustees of the Capita Pension and Life 
Assurance Scheme (the ‘Scheme’). The payments under the agreed deficit recovery plan total £176.0m, of which £29.5m was paid in 2020 
(2019: £71.1m). These payments have been excluded from adjusted cash flows since the Group treats them as a debt like item. 

Significant restructuring: in April 2018, the Group announced a multi-year transformation plan. In the period to 31 December 2020, a cash 
outflow of £64.1m (2019: £148.5m) was incurred in relation to the cost of the transformation plan, and restructuring costs relating to Capita’s 
previously announced cost reduction plan.

Business exits: the cash flows of businesses exited, or in the process of being exited, and the proceeds from disposals, are disclosed outside 
the adjusted results. The 2019 results have been restated for those businesses exited, or in the process of being exited during 2020 to enable 
comparability of the adjusted results.

Business exits - on hold disposal costs: these are costs incurred in respect of business exit activities where the anticipated disposal was put 
on hold due to the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic had on the underlying businesses. They are excluded from the Group's adjusted results 
but disclosed separately given their materiality.

Non-recourse trade receivables financing: a non-recourse receivables financing facility was put in place to mitigate the risk of customer 
receipts slippage resulting from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

VAT deferral: utilisation of the Government's VAT deferral scheme. Refer to note 2.6.5 for further details.

Other: includes the cash flows related to other items excluded from adjusted profit.

2.10.3 Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt

Year ended 31 December 2020
Cash, cash equivalents and overdrafts

Other loan notes
Private placement loan notes1
Cross-currency interest rate swaps1
Interest rate swaps1
Lease liabilities

Total net liabilities from financing activities
Deferred consideration

Net debt

Net debt at
1 January
£m

122.8   

(0.3)   
(990.7)   
77.3   

1.0   

(562.6)   

(1,475.3)   

(0.7)   

Cash flow
movements
£m
27.2   

Non-cash
movement2
£m
(8.9)   

Net debt at
31 December
£m
141.1 

—   
243.4   
(24.5)   

—   

98.0   

316.9   

—   

(2.0)   
(17.8)   
4.7   

(0.5)   

(2.3) 
(765.1) 
57.5 

0.5 

(43.5)   

(508.1) 

(59.1)   

(1,217.5) 

—   

(0.7) 

(1,353.2)   

344.1   

(68.0)   

(1,077.1) 

Note
4.5.4  
4.5  
4.5  
4.5  
4.5  
4.4  

4.5  
4.1.1  

1. The sum of these items equates to the fair value of the Group’s private placement loan note’s debt of £707.1m (2019: £912.4m). Cash flow movement in private placement loan notes 

includes both repayment of private placement loan notes of £242.9m and finance arrangement costs of £0.5m.

2. Non-cash movement relates to: the effect of changes in foreign exchange on cash; fair value changes on the swaps; amortisation of loan notes issue costs; amortisation of the discount on 

the euro debt; and additions and terminations and foreign exchange rate effects on the Group’s leases.

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

153

Notes to the consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

130

Section 2: Results for the year continued
2.10 Cash flow information continued

2.10.3 Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt continued

Year ended 31 December 2019

Cash, cash equivalents and overdrafts

Other loan notes

Private placement loan notes

Cross-currency interest rate swaps

Interest rate swaps

Term loan
Lease liabilities1
Total net liabilities from financing activities

Deferred consideration

Net debt

Net debt at
1 January
£m
642.7   

Lease liability
adjustment1
£m
—   

Cash flow
movements
£m
(523.2)   

Non-cash
movement
£m
3.3   

Net debt at
31 December
£m
122.8 

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

97.9   

(10.9)   

—   

100.0   

—   

(0.3) 

19.4   

(990.7) 

(11.4)   

(0.9)   

—   

77.3 

1.0 

— 

Note
4.5.4  

4.5  

4.5  

4.5  

4.5  

4.4  

4.5  

(1,108.0)   

(0.3)   

99.6   

1.9   

(100.0)   

—   

(643.9)   

93.7   

(12.4)   

(562.6) 

(1,106.8)   

(643.9)   

280.7   

(5.3)   

(1,475.3) 

4.5  

(2.0)   

—   

1.3   

—   

(0.7) 

4.1.1  

(466.1)   

(643.9)   

(241.2)   

(2.0)   

(1,353.2) 

1. The Group first adopted IFRS 16 at 1 January 2019, using the modified retrospective approach. Under this approach, comparative information is not restated and the cumulative effect of 

initially applying IFRS 16 is recognised in retained earnings at the date of initial application.

154

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsNotes to the  consolidated  financial statements 
Section 2: Results for the year continued

2.10 Cash flow information continued

2.10.3 Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt continued

Year ended 31 December 2019

Cash, cash equivalents and overdrafts

Other loan notes

Private placement loan notes

Cross-currency interest rate swaps

Interest rate swaps

Term loan

Lease liabilities1

Deferred consideration

Net debt

Total net liabilities from financing activities

Net debt at

1 January

£m

Lease liability

adjustment1

Cash flow

movements

£m

Non-cash

movement

£m

Net debt at

31 December

£m

Note

4.5.4  

642.7   

4.5  

(0.3)   

4.5  

(1,108.0)   

99.6   

1.9   

(100.0)   

4.5  

4.5  

4.5  

4.4  

£m

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

(523.2)   

—   

97.9   

(10.9)   

—   

100.0   

3.3   

—   

122.8 

(0.3) 

19.4   

(990.7) 

(11.4)   

(0.9)   

—   

77.3 

1.0 

— 

—   

(643.9)   

93.7   

(12.4)   

(562.6) 

(1,106.8)   

(643.9)   

280.7   

(5.3)   

(1,475.3) 

4.5  

(2.0)   

—   

1.3   

—   

(0.7) 

4.1.1  

(466.1)   

(643.9)   

(241.2)   

(2.0)   

(1,353.2) 

1. The Group first adopted IFRS 16 at 1 January 2019, using the modified retrospective approach. Under this approach, comparative information is not restated and the cumulative effect of 

initially applying IFRS 16 is recognised in retained earnings at the date of initial application.

Strategic report

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Financial statements

130

131

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Section 3: Operating assets and liabilities

This section shows the operating assets and liabilities used to generate the Group’s trading performance. Liabilities relating to 
the Group’s financing activities are contained in Section 4. Current tax and deferred tax assets and liabilities are shown in note 
2.6. Deferred income is shown in note 2.1.

In this section you will find disclosures about:

3.1

Working capital 

3.1.1 Trade and other receivables

3.1.2 Trade and other payables

3.1.3 Contract fulfilment assets

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Goodwill

Right-of-use assets

Provisions

Denotes accounting policies

Denotes significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions

3.2

3.3

3.4

3.5

3.6

AP

J

Key highlights

Return on capital employed (ROCE) 1 
Aim: Deliver ROCE in excess of our cost of capital

3.8%

(2019: 7.8%)

1. Definitions of the alternative performance measures and related KPIs can be found in section 8.2.

Working capital

Trade and other receivables – current
Trade and other receivables – non-current
Trade and other payables – current
Trade and other payables – non-current
Deferred income – current
Deferred income – non-current
Contract fulfilment assets

Property, plant and equipment
Intangibles
Goodwill
Right-of-use-assets
Provisions – current
Provisions – non-current

2020

2019

Year on year 
movement

Note 
3.1  
3.1.1  
3.1.1  
3.1.2  
3.1.2  
2.1  
2.1  
3.1.3  
3.2  
3.3  
3.4  
3.5  
3.6  
3.6  

£m
(765.9)   
551.0   
22.1   
(635.0)   
(23.6)   
(822.2)   
(153.0)   
294.8   
157.2   
265.0   
1,120.5   
342.1   
(107.0)   
(17.4)   

£m
(636.2)   
748.4   
26.4   
(619.8)   
(6.0)   
(884.5)   
(176.5)   
275.8   
194.3   
354.2   
1,177.8   
480.9   
(71.3)   
(9.3)   

£m

(129.7) 
(197.4) 
(4.3) 
(15.2) 
(17.6) 
62.3 
23.5 
19.0 
(37.1) 
(89.2) 
(57.3) 
(138.8) 
(35.7) 
(8.1) 

The decrease in trade and other receivables was as a result of the lower in business volumes and shorter public sector payment cycles as part 
of the Covid-19 response reducing trade receivables (£142.3m), a decrease in accrued income (£24.2m) from lower operational activity and 
prepayments (£24.3m) particularly within Government Services.

During the year a non-recourse receivables facility was put in place to mitigate the risk of customer receipts slippage resulting from the impact of 
the Covid-19 pandemic. The outstanding invoices sold under this facility at 31 December 2020 was £13.6m.

The increase in trade and other payables was as a result of an increase in other taxes and social security (£117.2m) from the 2020 VAT deferral 
which was offset by a decrease in accruals (£20.8m). The impact of lower operational activity in 2020 and some early payments reduced trade 
payables (£69.8m).

The decrease in deferred income was as a result of the normal reduction in deferred income balances as well as one-off releases on contract 
terminations and modifications in 2020, partially off-set by increases from advanced receipts and higher activity levels on contracts such as 
DFRP, where cash has been received in 2020 in respect of transformation activity.

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

155

Notes to the consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statements 
Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

132

Section 3: Operating assets and liabilities continued
Contract fulfilment assets increased as a result of additions of £127.4m predominantly in Government Services (£85.2m) on contracts including 
DFRP and Transport for London - Congestion Charge, Software (£22.8m) and Technology Solutions (£17.3m). This was offset by a utilisation of 
£78.0m mainly within Software (£26.9m), Government Services (£7.3m) and Technology Solutions (£10.2m), as well as an impairment of 
£17.5m across a number of contracts.
Property, plant and equipment decreased as additions of £40.8m including a property purchase at the start of the year and various investments 
across each division were offset by a £10.3m impairment of assets, disposals of £19.3m of leasehold improvements and other plant and 
machinery from property rationalisation and depreciation of £50.9m.
Intangible assets decreased due to amortisation of £74.6m and the impact of £44.4m of assets transferred to assets held for sale in respect of 
businesses being exited, with ESS being the largest contributor. Additionally, there were £9.7m asset disposals including an asset sale under an 
in-year contract extension and impairments of £2.6m which were offset by £46.6m of additions relating primarily to investment in our Customer 
Relationship Management (CRM) tool and payment facilitator tool, and other investments across each division to drive future growth.
Goodwill decreased as a result of transfers to assets held for sale in 2020 comprising £45.3m for ESS and £12.1m for other business disposals 
completed in 2020, being Eclipse Legal Services and Capita Employee Benefits.
The increase in provisions of £43.8m during the year was predominantly due to new provisions totalling £98.4m with the largest increases being 
increased restructuring provisions (£31.1m), legal provisions (£13.1m), additional customer contract provisions (£36.8m) and business exit 
provisions (£11.6m). This was offset by releases and utilisations totalling £54.3m.

 3.1 Working capital

3.1.1 Trade and other receivables

AP

Accounting policies

Trade receivables: Trade receivables are initially recognised at cost (being the same as fair value) and subsequently at amortised cost less any 
provision for impairment, to ensure the amounts recognised represent their recoverable amount.
Impairment: For trade receivables, the Group applies the simplified approach permitted by IFRS 9, resulting in trade receivables recognised and 
carried at original invoice amount less an allowance for any uncollectible amounts based on expected credit losses. Where the carrying amount 
of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount.
Derecognition: A financial asset (or, where applicable, a part of a financial asset or part of a group of similar financial assets) is derecognised 
(ie removed from the Group’s consolidated balance sheet) when (i) the rights to receive the cash flows from the asset have expired; or, (ii) the 
Group has transferred its right to receive cash flows from the asset or has assumed an obligation to pay the received cash flows in full without 
material delay to a third party under a ‘pass-through’ arrangement; and either (a) the Group has transferred substantially all the risk and rewards 
of the asset; or, (b) the Group has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, but has transferred control 
of the asset.
Trade receivables that are sold without recourse are derecognised at the point of sale when the risks and rewards of the receivables have been 
fully transferred.
Accrued income: Accrued income in relation to contract assets is recognised when payments received from customers are less than the 
revenue recognised by the reporting date.

Trade receivables
Other receivables1
Current contract fulfilment assets2
Accrued income
Prepayments

2020 
£m
250.5   
40.9   
9.0   
164.6   
86.0   
551.0   

Current

2019 
£m
392.8   
48.4   
13.8   
191.2   
102.2   
748.4   

Non-current

2019 
£m
— 
4.3 
— 
0.5 
21.6 
26.4 

2020 
£m
—   
5.7   
—   
2.9   
13.5   
22.1   

1. Other receivables includes £4.1m (2019 £nil) of accrued interest on cross-currency interest rate swaps.
2. Refer to note 3.1.3 for non-current contract fulfilment assets.

Trade receivables are non-interest bearing and are generally on 30-day terms.

The Group’s accrued income balances solely relate to revenue from contracts with customers. Movements in the accrued income balances were 
driven by transactions entered into by the Group in the normal course of business during the year.

Movements in the loss allowance made against receivables were as follows:

At 1 January
Utilised
Provided in the year 
Released in the year 
Business disposal
At 31 December

2020 
£m
4.9   
(0.3)   
11.7   
(4.4)   
(0.6)   
11.3   

2019 
£m
11.2 
(0.3) 
3.2 
(9.2) 
— 
4.9 

The Group monitors the level of trade receivables on a monthly basis, continually assessing the risk of default by any counterparty.

Non-recourse trade receivables facilities
The value of the outstanding invoices sold under non-recourse trade receivable facilities was £22.2m at 31 December 2020 (2019: £nil). The 
costs of selling such invoices £0.3m was included in net finance costs in the consolidated income statement.

156

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsNotes to the  consolidated  financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

132

133

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Section 3: Operating assets and liabilities continued

Contract fulfilment assets increased as a result of additions of £127.4m predominantly in Government Services (£85.2m) on contracts including 

DFRP and Transport for London - Congestion Charge, Software (£22.8m) and Technology Solutions (£17.3m). This was offset by a utilisation of 

£78.0m mainly within Software (£26.9m), Government Services (£7.3m) and Technology Solutions (£10.2m), as well as an impairment of 

£17.5m across a number of contracts.

Property, plant and equipment decreased as additions of £40.8m including a property purchase at the start of the year and various investments 

across each division were offset by a £10.3m impairment of assets, disposals of £19.3m of leasehold improvements and other plant and 

machinery from property rationalisation and depreciation of £50.9m.

Intangible assets decreased due to amortisation of £74.6m and the impact of £44.4m of assets transferred to assets held for sale in respect of 

businesses being exited, with ESS being the largest contributor. Additionally, there were £9.7m asset disposals including an asset sale under an 

in-year contract extension and impairments of £2.6m which were offset by £46.6m of additions relating primarily to investment in our Customer 

Relationship Management (CRM) tool and payment facilitator tool, and other investments across each division to drive future growth.

Goodwill decreased as a result of transfers to assets held for sale in 2020 comprising £45.3m for ESS and £12.1m for other business disposals 

completed in 2020, being Eclipse Legal Services and Capita Employee Benefits.

The increase in provisions of £43.8m during the year was predominantly due to new provisions totalling £98.4m with the largest increases being 

increased restructuring provisions (£31.1m), legal provisions (£13.1m), additional customer contract provisions (£36.8m) and business exit 

provisions (£11.6m). This was offset by releases and utilisations totalling £54.3m.

 3.1 Working capital

3.1.1 Trade and other receivables

Accounting policies

Trade receivables: Trade receivables are initially recognised at cost (being the same as fair value) and subsequently at amortised cost less any 

provision for impairment, to ensure the amounts recognised represent their recoverable amount.

Impairment: For trade receivables, the Group applies the simplified approach permitted by IFRS 9, resulting in trade receivables recognised and 

carried at original invoice amount less an allowance for any uncollectible amounts based on expected credit losses. Where the carrying amount 

of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount.

Derecognition: A financial asset (or, where applicable, a part of a financial asset or part of a group of similar financial assets) is derecognised 

(ie removed from the Group’s consolidated balance sheet) when (i) the rights to receive the cash flows from the asset have expired; or, (ii) the 

Group has transferred its right to receive cash flows from the asset or has assumed an obligation to pay the received cash flows in full without 

material delay to a third party under a ‘pass-through’ arrangement; and either (a) the Group has transferred substantially all the risk and rewards 

of the asset; or, (b) the Group has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, but has transferred control 

Trade receivables that are sold without recourse are derecognised at the point of sale when the risks and rewards of the receivables have been 

of the asset.

fully transferred.

Accrued income: Accrued income in relation to contract assets is recognised when payments received from customers are less than the 

revenue recognised by the reporting date.

Current contract fulfilment assets2

Trade receivables

Other receivables1

Accrued income

Prepayments

At 1 January

Utilised

Provided in the year 

Released in the year 

Business disposal

At 31 December

1. Other receivables includes £4.1m (2019 £nil) of accrued interest on cross-currency interest rate swaps.

2. Refer to note 3.1.3 for non-current contract fulfilment assets.

Trade receivables are non-interest bearing and are generally on 30-day terms.

The Group’s accrued income balances solely relate to revenue from contracts with customers. Movements in the accrued income balances were 

driven by transactions entered into by the Group in the normal course of business during the year.

Movements in the loss allowance made against receivables were as follows:

The Group monitors the level of trade receivables on a monthly basis, continually assessing the risk of default by any counterparty.

Non-recourse trade receivables facilities

The value of the outstanding invoices sold under non-recourse trade receivable facilities was £22.2m at 31 December 2020 (2019: £nil). The 

costs of selling such invoices £0.3m was included in net finance costs in the consolidated income statement.

250.5   

392.8   

2020 

£m

40.9   

9.0   

164.6   

86.0   

551.0   

Current

2019 

£m

48.4   

13.8   

191.2   

102.2   

748.4   

Non-current

2019 

£m

— 

4.3 

— 

0.5 

21.6 

26.4 

2020 

£m

—   

5.7   

—   

2.9   

13.5   

22.1   

2020 

£m

4.9   

(0.3)   

11.7   

(4.4)   

(0.6)   

11.3   

2019 

£m

11.2 

(0.3) 

3.2 

(9.2) 

— 

4.9 

Section 3: Operating assets and liabilities continued
3.1 Working capital continued

3.1.2 Trade and other payables

Trade payables
Other payables
Other taxes and social security
Accruals

2020 
£m
131.1   
22.8   
221.5   
259.6   
635.0   

Current

2019 
£m
200.9   
21.5   
115.2   
282.2   
619.8   

Non-current

2019 
£m
— 
3.0 
— 
3.0 
6.0 

2020 
£m
—   
7.9   
10.9   
4.8   
23.6   

Trade payables are non-interest bearing and are settled on terms agreed with the suppliers.

 3.1.3 Contract fulfilment assets 

AP

Accounting policies

The Group regularly incurs costs to deliver its outsourcing services in a more efficient way (often referred to as ‘transformation’ costs). These 
costs may include process mapping and design, system development, project management, hardware (generally in scope of the Group’s 
accounting policy for property, plant and equipment), software licence costs (generally in scope of the Group’s accounting policy for intangible 
assets), recruitment costs and training.

Contract fulfilment costs are divided into: (i) costs that give rise to an asset; and (ii) costs that are expensed as incurred.

When determining the appropriate accounting treatment for such costs, the Group firstly considers any other applicable standards. If those other 
standards preclude capitalisation of a particular cost, then an asset is not recognised under IFRS 15.

If other standards are not applicable to contract fulfilment costs, the Group applies the following criteria which, if met, result in capitalisation of 
costs that: (i) directly relate to a contract or to a specifically identifiable anticipated contract; (ii) generate or enhance resources that will be used 
in satisfying (or in continuing to satisfy) performance obligations in the future; and (iii) are expected to be recovered.

The Group has determined that, where the relevant specific criteria are met, the costs for (i) process mapping and design; (ii) system 
development; and (iii) project management; are likely to qualify to be capitalised as contract fulfilment assets.

The incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer are recognised as a contract fulfilment asset if the Group expects to recover them. 
The Group incurs costs such as bid costs, legal fees to draft a contract and sales commissions when it enters into a new contract.

The Group has determined that the following costs may be capitalised as contract fulfilment assets: (i) legal fees to draft a contract after the 
Group has been selected as preferred supplier; and (ii) sales commissions directly related to winning a specific contract.

Costs incurred prior to selection as preferred supplier are not capitalised but expensed as incurred.

Utilisation: The utilisation charge is included within cost of sales. The Group utilises contract fulfilment assets over the expected contract period 
on a systematic basis that mirrors the pattern in which the Group transfers control of the service to the customer.

Derecognition: A contract fulfilment asset is derecognised either when it is disposed of or when no further economic benefits are expected to 
flow from its use or disposal.

Impairment: At each reporting date, the Group determines whether or not the contract fulfilment assets are impaired by comparing the carrying 
amount of the asset to the remaining amount of consideration that the Group expects to receive less the costs that relate to providing services 
under the relevant contract. In determining the estimated amount of consideration, the Group uses the same principles as it does to determine 
the contract transaction price, except that any constraints used to reduce the transaction price will be removed for the impairment test.

J

Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions

Judgement is applied by the Group when determining what costs qualify to be capitalised in particular when considering whether these costs are 
incremental and when considering if costs generate or enhance resources to be used to satisfy future performance obligations and whether 
costs are expected to be recoverable. For example, the Group considers which type of sales commissions are incremental to the cost of 
obtaining specific contracts and the point in time when the costs will be capitalised. See note 2.1 for further information.

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

157

Notes to the consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

134

Section 3: Operating assets and liabilities continued
3.1 Working capital continued

3.1.3 Contract fulfilment assets continued

Movements in non-current contract fulfilment assets were as follows1:

At 1 January
Additions
Transfer to assets held-for-sale
Impairment - excluded from adjusted profit
Derecognition
Utilised during the year
Exchange movement
At 31 December

1. Refer to note 3.1.1 for current contract fulfilment assets.

2020 
£m
275.8   
127.4   
(3.9)   
(17.5)   
(9.5)   
(78.0)   
0.5   
294.8   

2019 
£m
264.2 
114.3 
— 
(9.6) 
(2.0) 
(90.7) 
(0.4) 
275.8 

Impairment: In 2020, the Group recognised an impairment of £17.5m (2019: £9.6m) in adjusted cost of sales, of which, £2.0m (2019: £2.2m) 
relates to contract fulfilment assets added during the year.

Derecognition: In 2020, £9.5m (2019: £2.0m) was derecognised in relation to business exits and a contract in Customer Management where 
the scope of our services changed due to the partial termination of the contract and the Group had no further use for the assets.  In the prior 
year, derecognition related to business exits. 

3.2 Property, plant and equipment 

AP

Accounting policies

Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment in value.

Depreciation: Depreciation is disclosed as an administrative expense in the consolidated income statement, and is calculated on a straight-line 
basis over the estimated useful life of the asset, as follows:

•
•
•

Freehold buildings and long leasehold property – up to 50 years.
Leasehold improvements – period of the lease.
Plant and machinery – 3 to 10 years.

Impairment: The carrying values of property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances 
indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. If any such indication exists and where the carrying values exceed the estimated recoverable 
amount, the assets are written down to their recoverable amount. The recoverable amount of property, plant and equipment is the greater of net 
selling price and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax 
discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. For an asset that does not 
generate largely independent cash inflows, the recoverable amount is determined for the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. 
Impairment losses are disclosed as administrative expenses in the consolidated income statement.

Derecognition: An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised on disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected to arise 
from the continued use of the asset (retired). Any gain or loss arising on derecognition of the asset, calculated as the difference between the net 
disposal proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, is included in the consolidated income statement when the asset is derecognised.

158

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsNotes to the  consolidated  financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 3: Operating assets and liabilities continued

3.1 Working capital continued

3.1.3 Contract fulfilment assets continued

Movements in non-current contract fulfilment assets were as follows1:

2020 

£m

275.8   

127.4   

(3.9)   

(17.5)   

(9.5)   

(78.0)   

0.5   

2019 

£m

264.2 

114.3 

— 

(9.6) 

(2.0) 

(90.7) 

(0.4) 

294.8   

275.8 

At 1 January

Additions

Transfer to assets held-for-sale

Impairment - excluded from adjusted profit

Derecognition

Utilised during the year

Exchange movement

At 31 December

1. Refer to note 3.1.1 for current contract fulfilment assets.

year, derecognition related to business exits. 

3.2 Property, plant and equipment 

Accounting policies

Impairment: In 2020, the Group recognised an impairment of £17.5m (2019: £9.6m) in adjusted cost of sales, of which, £2.0m (2019: £2.2m) 

relates to contract fulfilment assets added during the year.

Derecognition: In 2020, £9.5m (2019: £2.0m) was derecognised in relation to business exits and a contract in Customer Management where 

the scope of our services changed due to the partial termination of the contract and the Group had no further use for the assets.  In the prior 

Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment in value.

Depreciation: Depreciation is disclosed as an administrative expense in the consolidated income statement, and is calculated on a straight-line 

basis over the estimated useful life of the asset, as follows:

Freehold buildings and long leasehold property – up to 50 years.

•

•

•

Leasehold improvements – period of the lease.

Plant and machinery – 3 to 10 years.

Impairment: The carrying values of property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances 

indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. If any such indication exists and where the carrying values exceed the estimated recoverable 

amount, the assets are written down to their recoverable amount. The recoverable amount of property, plant and equipment is the greater of net 

selling price and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax 

discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. For an asset that does not 

generate largely independent cash inflows, the recoverable amount is determined for the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. 

Impairment losses are disclosed as administrative expenses in the consolidated income statement.

Derecognition: An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised on disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected to arise 

from the continued use of the asset (retired). Any gain or loss arising on derecognition of the asset, calculated as the difference between the net 

disposal proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, is included in the consolidated income statement when the asset is derecognised.

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

134

135

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Section 3: Operating assets and liabilities continued
3.2 Property, plant and equipment

Leasehold 
improvement, 
land and 
buildings 
£m

Plant and 
machinery
£m

2020

Total
£m

Leasehold 
improvements, 
land and 
buildings 
£m

Plant and 
machinery
£m

2019

Total
£m

278.7 

57.7 

— 

(7.0) 

— 

(0.2) 

— 

— 

103.0   

175.7   

18.0   

—   

(2.4)   

—   

(0.2)   

—   

—   

39.7   

—   

(4.6)   

—   

—   

—   

—   

(0.3)   

(4.2)   

(4.5) 

118.1   

206.6   

324.7 

41.8   

9.6   

—   

(2.2)   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

(1.9)   

47.3   

23.3   

50.7   

—   

(3.8)   

—   

—   

65.1 

60.3 

— 

(6.0) 

— 

— 

14.7   

14.7 

—   

—   

(1.8)   

83.1   

— 

— 

(3.7) 

130.4 

118.1   

206.6   

21.0   

(0.7)   

(5.3)   

(19.9)   

(1.0)   

(1.1)   

(6.8)   

(1.0)   

19.8   

(0.1)   

(14.8)   

(14.4)   

(11.8)   

7.8   

(1.4)   

1.5   

103.3   

193.2   

47.3   

9.0   

(0.2)   

(4.6)   

(3.9)   

1.2   

—   

(0.7)   

(6.8)   

0.3   

83.1   

41.9   

(0.1)   

(12.3)   

(14.3)   

2.2   

6.9   

(8.8)   

(1.4)   

0.5   

41.6   

97.7   

324.7   
40.8   
(0.8)   
(20.1)   
(34.3)   
(12.8)   
6.7   
(8.2)   
0.5   
296.5   

130.4   
50.9   
(0.3)   
(16.9)   
(18.2)   
3.4   
6.9   
(9.5)   
(8.2)   
0.8   
139.3   

Cost
At 1 January

Additions

Disposal of business

Disposals – included in adjusted profit

Disposals – excluded from adjusted profit

Transfer to assets held-for-sale

Reclassifications

Asset retirements

Exchange movement

At 31 December

Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January

Depreciation charged during the year

Disposal of business

Disposals – included in adjusted profit

Disposals – excluded from adjusted profit

Impairment – included in adjusted profit

Impairment – excluded from adjusted profit

Transfer to assets held-for-sale

Asset retirements

Exchange movement

At 31 December

Net book value
At 1 January

At 31 December

70.8   

61.7   

123.5   

95.5   

194.3   
157.2   

61.2   

70.8   

152.4   

123.5   

213.6 

194.3 

At 31 December 2020, amounts contracted for but not provided in the financial statements for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment 
amounted to £5.3m (2019: £6.7m), relating to building improvements on leased property.

In January 2020, the Group acquired a property from the lessor for £3.0m which was subsequently sold and leased back in October 2020. Refer 
note 3.5 for details.

During the year, the Group exited a number of properties and their related leasehold improvement assets were disposed of for £nil consideration. 
Since these exits were part of the Group wide transformation, the related charge was excluded from adjusted profit.

3.3 Intangible assets 

AP

Accounting policies

Intangible assets acquired separately are capitalised at cost and those identified in a business acquisition are capitalised at fair value at the date 
of acquisition. In the case of capitalised software development costs, research expenditure is written off to the consolidated income statement in 
the period in which it is incurred. Development expenditure is written off in the same way unless and until the Group is satisfied as to the 
technical, commercial and financial viability of individual projects. Where this condition is satisfied, the development expenditure is capitalised 
and amortised over the period during which the Group is expected to benefit.

Following initial recognition, the carrying amount of an intangible asset is its cost less any accumulated amortisation and any accumulated 
impairment losses. The useful lives of intangible assets are assessed to be either finite or indefinite. There were no indefinite-lived assets in 
2020 or 2019. 

Amortisation: Amortisation is charged on assets with finite lives and is disclosed as an administrative expense in the consolidated income 
statement. Following initial recognition, the carrying amount of an intangible asset is its cost less any accumulated amortisation and any 
accumulated impairment losses. The amortisation method used reflects the expected pattern of consumption of future economic benefits and 
generally amortised on a straight-line basis, the amortisation periods used are as follows:

•

•

Intangible assets acquired in business combinations – 1.5 to 20 years.

Intangible assets purchased or internally capitalised – 3 to 20 years.

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

159

Notes to the consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

136

Section 3: Operating assets and liabilities continued
3.3 Intangible assets continued

Impairment: Intangible assets with finite lives are only tested for impairment, either individually or at the cash-generating unit level, where there 
is an indicator of impairment.

Derecognition: Intangible assets are derecognised upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected to arise from the continued 
use of the asset (retired). Any gain or loss arising on derecognition of the asset, calculated as the difference between the net disposal proceeds 
and the carrying value of the asset, is included in the consolidated income statement when the asset is derecognised.

The measurement of intangible assets other than goodwill in a business combination: on the acquisition of a business, the identifiable intangible 
assets may include licences, customer lists and brands. The fair value of these assets is determined by discounting estimated future net cash 
flows generated by the asset because in most cases no active market for the assets exists and therefore no observable value exists. The use 
of different assumptions for the expectations of future cash flows and the discount rate would change the valuation of the intangible assets. The 
potential impact of Covid-19 which has introduced unprecedented economic uncertainties has been considered, and given the level of judgement 
and estimation involved in assessing future cash flows, it is reasonably possible that outcomes within the next financial year may be different 
from management’s assumptions and require a material adjustment to the carrying value of intangible assets. The relative size of the Group’s 
intangible assets, excluding goodwill, makes the judgements surrounding the estimated useful lives material to the Group’s financial position 
and performance.

The assessment of costs capitalised as intangible assets to generate future economic benefits: judgement is applied in assessing whether costs 
incurred, both internal and external, will generate future economic benefits. Significant judgements and estimates are applied in determining the 
carrying value of the assets, including assumptions made in respect of the status of the programme each asset relates to, and there may be a 
range of possible outcomes when a programme is complex.

Cost
At 1 January
Business disposal
Additions
Disposals – included in adjusted profit
Disposals – excluded from adjusted profit
Transfer to assets held-for-sale
Asset retirement
Exchange movement
At 31 December

Amortisation and impairment
At 1 January
Amortisation charged during the year
Impairment – included in adjusted profit
Impairment – excluded from adjusted profit
Business disposal
Disposals – included in adjusted profit
Disposals – excluded from adjusted profit
Transfer to assets held-for-sale
Asset retirement
Exchange movement
At 31 December

Net book value
At 1 January
At 31 December

Intangible
assets
acquired in
business
combinations
£m

Capitalised/
purchased
intangible
assets
£m

371.0   
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
(202.9)   
6.2   
174.3   

296.9   
32.3   
—   
1.6   
—   
—   
—   
—   
(202.9)   
7.5   
135.4   

363.0   
(3.5)   
46.6   
(31.6)   
(2.0)   
(46.0)   
(13.9)   
1.6   
314.2   

82.9   
42.3   
0.1   
0.9   
(0.3)   
(21.9)   
(0.4)   
(1.6)   
(13.9)   
—   
88.1   

2020

Total
£m

734.0   
(3.5)   
46.6   
(31.6)   
(2.0)   
(46.0)   
(216.8)   
7.8   
488.5   

379.8   
74.6   
0.1   
2.5   
(0.3)   
(21.9)   
(0.4)   
(1.6)   
(216.8)   
7.5   
223.5   

Intangible
assets
acquired in
business
combinations
£m

Capitalised/
purchased
intangible
assets
£m

552.5   
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
(179.2)   
(2.3)   
371.0   

425.8   
50.3   
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
(179.2)   
—   
296.9   

254.0   
—   
124.7   
(2.7)   
—   
(0.1)   
(12.2)   
(0.7)   
363.0   

52.0   
31.1   
—   
13.8   
—   
(1.5)   
—   
—   
(12.2)   
(0.3)   
82.9   

2019

Total
£m

806.5 
— 
124.7 
(2.7) 
— 
(0.1) 
(191.4) 
(3.0) 
734.0 

477.8 
81.4 
— 
13.8 
— 
(1.5) 
— 
— 
(191.4) 
(0.3) 
379.8 

74.1   
38.9   

280.1   
226.1   

354.2   
265.0   

126.7   
74.1   

202.0   
280.1   

328.7 
354.2 

Intangible assets acquired in business combinations include brands (net book value 2020: £2.6m, 2019: £8.8m), Intellectual Property software 
and licences (net book value 2020: £20.9m, 2019: £28.7m), contracts and committed sales (net book value 2020: £7.7m, 2019: £15.9m) and 
clients lists and relationships (net book value 2020: £7.7m, 2019: £20.7m). Intangible assets capitalised or purchased include capitalised 
software development (net book value 2020: £184.0m, 2019: £237.0m) and other intangibles (net book value 2020: £42.1m, 2019: £43.1m).

160

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsNotes to the  consolidated  financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

136

137

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Section 3: Operating assets and liabilities continued

3.3 Intangible assets continued

is an indicator of impairment.

Impairment: Intangible assets with finite lives are only tested for impairment, either individually or at the cash-generating unit level, where there 

Derecognition: Intangible assets are derecognised upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected to arise from the continued 

use of the asset (retired). Any gain or loss arising on derecognition of the asset, calculated as the difference between the net disposal proceeds 

and the carrying value of the asset, is included in the consolidated income statement when the asset is derecognised.

The measurement of intangible assets other than goodwill in a business combination: on the acquisition of a business, the identifiable intangible 

assets may include licences, customer lists and brands. The fair value of these assets is determined by discounting estimated future net cash 

flows generated by the asset because in most cases no active market for the assets exists and therefore no observable value exists. The use 

of different assumptions for the expectations of future cash flows and the discount rate would change the valuation of the intangible assets. The 

potential impact of Covid-19 which has introduced unprecedented economic uncertainties has been considered, and given the level of judgement 

and estimation involved in assessing future cash flows, it is reasonably possible that outcomes within the next financial year may be different 

from management’s assumptions and require a material adjustment to the carrying value of intangible assets. The relative size of the Group’s 

intangible assets, excluding goodwill, makes the judgements surrounding the estimated useful lives material to the Group’s financial position 

and performance.

The assessment of costs capitalised as intangible assets to generate future economic benefits: judgement is applied in assessing whether costs 

incurred, both internal and external, will generate future economic benefits. Significant judgements and estimates are applied in determining the 

carrying value of the assets, including assumptions made in respect of the status of the programme each asset relates to, and there may be a 

range of possible outcomes when a programme is complex.

Cost

At 1 January

Business disposal

Additions

Disposals – included in adjusted profit

Disposals – excluded from adjusted profit

Transfer to assets held-for-sale

Asset retirement

Exchange movement

At 31 December

Amortisation and impairment

At 1 January

Amortisation charged during the year

Impairment – included in adjusted profit

Impairment – excluded from adjusted profit

Business disposal

Disposals – included in adjusted profit

Disposals – excluded from adjusted profit

Transfer to assets held-for-sale

Asset retirement

Exchange movement

At 31 December

Net book value

At 1 January

At 31 December

Intangible

assets

acquired in

business

combinations

£m

Capitalised/

purchased

intangible

assets

£m

Intangible

assets

acquired in

business

combinations

£m

Capitalised/

purchased

intangible

assets

£m

2019

Total

£m

371.0   

363.0   

734.0   

552.5   

254.0   

806.5 

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

— 

124.7   

124.7 

(2.7)   

—   

(0.1)   

(2.7) 

— 

(0.1) 

(216.8)   

(179.2)   

(12.2)   

(191.4) 

7.8   

(2.3)   

(0.7)   

(3.0) 

174.3   

314.2   

488.5   

371.0   

363.0   

734.0 

2020

Total

£m

(3.5)   

46.6   

(31.6)   

(2.0)   

(46.0)   

379.8   

74.6   

0.1   

2.5   

(0.3)   

(21.9)   

(0.4)   

(1.6)   

425.8   

50.3   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

52.0   

31.1   

—   

13.8   

—   

(1.5)   

—   

—   

477.8 

81.4 

— 

13.8 

— 

(1.5) 

— 

— 

(202.9)   

(13.9)   

(216.8)   

(179.2)   

(12.2)   

(191.4) 

7.5   

135.4   

—   

88.1   

7.5   

—   

223.5   

296.9   

(0.3)   

82.9   

(0.3) 

379.8 

74.1   

38.9   

280.1   

226.1   

354.2   

265.0   

126.7   

74.1   

202.0   

280.1   

328.7 

354.2 

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

(202.9)   

6.2   

296.9   

32.3   

—   

1.6   

—   

—   

—   

—   

(3.5)   

46.6   

(31.6)   

(2.0)   

(46.0)   

(13.9)   

1.6   

82.9   

42.3   

0.1   

0.9   

(0.3)   

(21.9)   

(0.4)   

(1.6)   

Intangible assets acquired in business combinations include brands (net book value 2020: £2.6m, 2019: £8.8m), Intellectual Property software 

and licences (net book value 2020: £20.9m, 2019: £28.7m), contracts and committed sales (net book value 2020: £7.7m, 2019: £15.9m) and 

clients lists and relationships (net book value 2020: £7.7m, 2019: £20.7m). Intangible assets capitalised or purchased include capitalised 

software development (net book value 2020: £184.0m, 2019: £237.0m) and other intangibles (net book value 2020: £42.1m, 2019: £43.1m).

Section 3: Operating assets and liabilities continued
3.3 Intangible assets continued

The aim of the finance transformation is to improve the Group’s financial reporting systems, processes and controls, by increasing 
standardisation, automation and the quality of available data. The new financial systems were due to go live in the second half of 2019. While 
progress was made, we took the decision to defer the go-live as more work is required on the core processes and procedures before the system 
can be effectively implemented. As such, we impaired £12.3m at 31 December 2019, representing areas that we expected to redesign before 
going live. Several interim activities were progressed during 2020 and the technical asset including the IT infrastructure, software and codebase 
have been preserved through 2020 and remain ready to deploy. No impairment has been recorded during 2020 because it is believed that the 
solution is fit for purpose. The carrying value of the investment at 31 December 2020 is £58.6m (31 December 2019: £58.6m). Further 
impairment may arise should there be a material change to the Group’s operating model. The Group has continued to invest in shared service 
centres and offshoring, and in making improvements to the Group’s existing reporting systems, processes and controls.

3.4 Goodwill 

AP

Accounting policies

Following initial recognition, goodwill is stated at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually or 
more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired. Goodwill arising on acquisitions prior to 
31 December 1997 remains set-off directly against reserves and does not get recycled through the consolidated income statement.

At the acquisition date, any goodwill acquired is allocated to the cash-generating units (CGU) which are expected to benefit from the 
combination’s synergies. Impairment is determined by assessing the recoverable amount of the CGU to which the goodwill relates. Where the 
recoverable amount of the CGU is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognised. Where goodwill forms part of a CGU and 
part of the operation within that unit is disposed of, the goodwill associated with the operation disposed of is included in the carrying amount of 
the operation when determining the gain or loss on disposal of the operation. Goodwill disposed of in these circumstances is measured on the 
basis of the relative values of the operation disposed of and the portion of the CGU retained.

Acquisitions and disposals of non-controlling interests that do not result in a change of control are accounted for as transactions with owners in 
their capacity as owners and therefore no goodwill is recognised as a result of such transactions. The adjustments to non-controlling interests 
are based on a proportionate amount of the net assets of the subsidiary. Any difference between the price paid or received and the amount by 
which non-controlling interests are adjusted is recognised directly in equity and attributed to the owners of the Parent company.

Prior to the adoption of IAS 27 (Amended), goodwill was recognised on the acquisition of non-controlling interests in a subsidiary, which 
represented the excess of the cost of the additional investment over the carrying amount of the interest in the net assets acquired at the date of 
the transaction.

J

Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions

Measurement and impairment of goodwill: the amount of goodwill initially recognised as a result of a business combination is dependent on the 
allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. The determination of the fair value 
of the assets and liabilities is based, to a considerable extent, on management’s judgement. Allocation of the purchase price affects the results of 
the Group as finite lived intangible assets are amortised. The Group determines whether goodwill is impaired on an annual basis or more 
frequently if required and this requires an estimation of the recoverable amount of the CGUs to which the intangible assets are allocated utilising 
an estimation of future cash flows and choosing a suitable discount rate. The potential impact of Covid-19 which has introduced unprecedented 
economic uncertainties has been considered and given the level of judgement and estimation involved in assessing future cash flows, it is 
reasonably possible that outcomes within the next financial year may be different from management’s assumptions and require a material 
adjustment to the carrying value of goodwill.

Cost
At 1 January
Business disposal
Transfer to disposal group assets held-for-sale
Exchange movement
At 31 December

Accumulated impairment
At 1 January
Business disposal
Impairment – excluded from adjusted profit
Impairment – business exit
At 31 December

Net book value
At 1 January
At 31 December

2020
£m

2019
£m

2,016.1   
(52.4)   
(45.3)   
0.1   
1,918.5   

2,020.6 
— 
(2.8) 
(1.7) 
2,016.1 

838.3   
(40.3)   
—   
—   
798.0   

761.6 
— 
41.4 
35.3 
838.3 

1,177.8   
1,120.5   

1,259.0 
1,177.8 

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

161

Notes to the consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

138

Section 3: Operating assets and liabilities continued
3.4 Goodwill continued

Cash-generating units 
Cash generating units reflect the way management exercises oversight and monitors the Group’s performance. The lowest level at which 
goodwill is monitored is at the divisional level for five divisions (Software, People Solutions, Technology Solutions, Consulting, and Specialist 
Services (see below)), and at a sub-divisional level for the other two divisions (Government Services and Customer Management (see below)). 
Goodwill is allocated to these CGUs or groups of CGUs. At 31 December 2020, the Group has nine CGUs or groups of CGUs for the purpose of 
impairment testing. 

In line with our drive to simplify the Group, we have continued to review the portfolio of businesses in each division. In early 2020 we decided a 
number of businesses in Specialist Services would benefit from closer alignment with core Capita and should be moved into other divisions 
(People Solutions, Government Services, Customer Management and Technology Solutions), and that some other businesses should be moved 
into Specialist Services (from Government Services and Software). The relevant goodwill balances were reallocated to reflect these transfers. 
Transfers made were the entire goodwill balances relating to the underlying businesses moving between groups of CGUs, with no individual 
goodwill balances needing to be apportioned out as part of this process. 

Capita’s Regulated Services business was transferred from Specialist Services to Customer Management. For goodwill testing purposes the 
Regulated Services business will continue to be treated as a separate CGUs, although as there is no goodwill attributable to this group, it has 
been excluded from the disclosures below. The remaining businesses in the Specialist Services division will also continue to be treated as one 
group of CGUs, which now encompasses the whole division.

In accordance with the divisional strategy to further align and consolidate management and oversight of the Technology Solutions division, for 
impairment testing the previously separate IT Services and Network Services groups of CGUs were merged into one combined Technology 
Solutions group of CGUs during the year.

The Board will continue to assess the level at which management exercise oversight and monitors the Group’s performance to ensure the 
allocation of goodwill to CGUs remains appropriate. 

Carrying amount of goodwill allocated to groups of CGUs:

CGU
At 1 January
Restructuring transfers
Business disposal
Transfer to assets held for sale
Exchange movement
At 31 December

Software
£m
254.9   
(19.6)   
(3.8)   
(45.3)   
—   
186.2   

People 
Solutions
£m
199.7   
88.5   
(8.3)   
—   
—   
279.9   

Customer 
Management
£m
137.0   
(12.6)   
—   
—   
0.1   
124.5   

Central 
Government
£m
8.7   
9.1   
—   
—   
—   
17.8   

Technology 
Solutions
£m
276.3   
10.2   
—   
—   
—   
286.5   

Specialist 
Services
£m
280.5   
(75.6)   
—   
—   
—   
204.9   

Consulting
£m
20.7   
—   
—   
—   
—   
20.7   

Total
£m
1,177.8 
— 
(12.1) 
(45.3) 
0.1 
1,120.5 

Capita Regulated Services and Local Government CGUs are not included in the table above because their related goodwill was fully impaired in 
prior years. 

Business exits 
As set out in note 2.8, three businesses (within Software, People Solutions and Specialist Services) were fully disposed of during the year, with 
goodwill relating to them written off as part of business disposals.

Two businesses (within Software and Regulated Services) that the Group has or intends to dispose of in 2021 meet the criteria to be treated as 
held-for-sale at 31 December 2020, with goodwill relating to the Software business reclassified to assets held-for-sale. There was no goodwill 
relating to the businesses in Regulated Services at 31 December 2020.

The impairment test 
The Group’s impairment test compares the carrying value of each CGU with its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount of a CGU is 
the higher of fair value less cost of disposal, and its value in use. As the Group continues to implement the Group-wide transformation plan, 
described earlier in the strategic report, it has been determined that for 2020, fair value less costs of disposal will generate the higher 
recoverable amount. The valuation of CGUs under fair value less costs of disposal also assumes that a third-party acquirer would undertake a 
similar transformation plan to derive similar benefits in the business going forward. Fair value less costs of disposal have been estimated using 
discounted cash flows. The fair value measurement was categorised as a Level-3 fair value based on the inputs in the valuation technique used. 

In undertaking the annual impairment review, the directors considered both external and internal sources of information, and any observable 
indications that may suggest that the carrying value of goodwill may be impaired. This included comparison to the Group’s share price and 
market capitalisation.

The enterprise value of each CGU is dependent on the successful implementation of the transformation plan. If the transformation plan fails 
to drive improved returns and sustainable free cash flow in one or more of the CGUs, then this may give rise to an impairment of goodwill in 
future periods. 

No impairment has arisen from the impairment test performed.

The key inputs to the calculations are described below, including changes in market conditions. 

162

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsNotes to the  consolidated  financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

138

139

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Section 3: Operating assets and liabilities continued

3.4 Goodwill continued

Cash-generating units 

Cash generating units reflect the way management exercises oversight and monitors the Group’s performance. The lowest level at which 

goodwill is monitored is at the divisional level for five divisions (Software, People Solutions, Technology Solutions, Consulting, and Specialist 

Services (see below)), and at a sub-divisional level for the other two divisions (Government Services and Customer Management (see below)). 

Goodwill is allocated to these CGUs or groups of CGUs. At 31 December 2020, the Group has nine CGUs or groups of CGUs for the purpose of 

impairment testing. 

In line with our drive to simplify the Group, we have continued to review the portfolio of businesses in each division. In early 2020 we decided a 

number of businesses in Specialist Services would benefit from closer alignment with core Capita and should be moved into other divisions 

(People Solutions, Government Services, Customer Management and Technology Solutions), and that some other businesses should be moved 

into Specialist Services (from Government Services and Software). The relevant goodwill balances were reallocated to reflect these transfers. 

Transfers made were the entire goodwill balances relating to the underlying businesses moving between groups of CGUs, with no individual 

goodwill balances needing to be apportioned out as part of this process. 

Capita’s Regulated Services business was transferred from Specialist Services to Customer Management. For goodwill testing purposes the 

Regulated Services business will continue to be treated as a separate CGUs, although as there is no goodwill attributable to this group, it has 

been excluded from the disclosures below. The remaining businesses in the Specialist Services division will also continue to be treated as one 

group of CGUs, which now encompasses the whole division.

In accordance with the divisional strategy to further align and consolidate management and oversight of the Technology Solutions division, for 

impairment testing the previously separate IT Services and Network Services groups of CGUs were merged into one combined Technology 

Solutions group of CGUs during the year.

The Board will continue to assess the level at which management exercise oversight and monitors the Group’s performance to ensure the 

allocation of goodwill to CGUs remains appropriate. 

Carrying amount of goodwill allocated to groups of CGUs:

CGU

At 1 January

Restructuring transfers

Business disposal

Transfer to assets held for sale

Exchange movement

At 31 December

prior years. 

Business exits 

People 

Solutions

Customer 

Management

Central 

Government

Technology 

Solutions

Software

£m

254.9   

(19.6)   

(3.8)   

(45.3)   

—   

£m

199.7   

88.5   

(8.3)   

—   

—   

£m

137.0   

(12.6)   

—   

—   

0.1   

£m

8.7   

9.1   

—   

—   

—   

£m

276.3   

10.2   

—   

—   

—   

Specialist 

Services

£m

280.5   

(75.6)   

—   

—   

—   

Consulting

£m

Total

£m

20.7   

1,177.8 

—   

—   

—   

—   

— 

(12.1) 

(45.3) 

0.1 

186.2   

279.9   

124.5   

17.8   

286.5   

204.9   

20.7   

1,120.5 

Capita Regulated Services and Local Government CGUs are not included in the table above because their related goodwill was fully impaired in 

As set out in note 2.8, three businesses (within Software, People Solutions and Specialist Services) were fully disposed of during the year, with 

goodwill relating to them written off as part of business disposals.

Two businesses (within Software and Regulated Services) that the Group has or intends to dispose of in 2021 meet the criteria to be treated as 

held-for-sale at 31 December 2020, with goodwill relating to the Software business reclassified to assets held-for-sale. There was no goodwill 

relating to the businesses in Regulated Services at 31 December 2020.

The impairment test 

The Group’s impairment test compares the carrying value of each CGU with its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount of a CGU is 

the higher of fair value less cost of disposal, and its value in use. As the Group continues to implement the Group-wide transformation plan, 

described earlier in the strategic report, it has been determined that for 2020, fair value less costs of disposal will generate the higher 

recoverable amount. The valuation of CGUs under fair value less costs of disposal also assumes that a third-party acquirer would undertake a 

similar transformation plan to derive similar benefits in the business going forward. Fair value less costs of disposal have been estimated using 

discounted cash flows. The fair value measurement was categorised as a Level-3 fair value based on the inputs in the valuation technique used. 

In undertaking the annual impairment review, the directors considered both external and internal sources of information, and any observable 

indications that may suggest that the carrying value of goodwill may be impaired. This included comparison to the Group’s share price and 

The enterprise value of each CGU is dependent on the successful implementation of the transformation plan. If the transformation plan fails 

to drive improved returns and sustainable free cash flow in one or more of the CGUs, then this may give rise to an impairment of goodwill in 

market capitalisation.

future periods. 

No impairment has arisen from the impairment test performed.

The key inputs to the calculations are described below, including changes in market conditions. 

Section 3: Operating assets and liabilities continued
3.4 Goodwill continued

Forecast cash flows 
The cash flow projections prepared for the impairment test are derived from the 2021-2023 business plans (BP) and 2024-2025 strategic plans, 
approved by the Board in February 2021. The BP captures the benefits that the transformation plan is anticipated to deliver, and the costs to 
achieve these.

Covid-19 has introduced unprecedented economic uncertainties and has led to increased judgement particularly in forecasting future financial 
performance. Many parts of the Group have demonstrated resilience throughout 2020, adapting to address the impact of Covid-19, but the 
pandemic has slowed the progress of the transformation plan. The impact has been incorporated within the BP assumptions approved by the 
Board.

For the purpose of the impairment test, the strategic plan cash flow forecasts for 2024-2025 have been further risk adjusted to reflect additional 
uncertainty in outer year forecasts.

Other than for movements in deferred income and contract fulfilment assets, cash flows are adjusted to exclude working capital movements as 
the corresponding balances are not included in the CGU carrying amount. The cash flows include forecast capital expenditure and restructuring, 
as well as an allocation of the costs of central functions. 

The Board have considered an appropriate methodology to apply when allocating central function costs, which is a key sensitivity. Forecast CGU 
EBITDA measures for 2022 (2019: 2021) were used for this purpose because these are seen to represent a steady state forecast for the Group, 
and an appropriate approximation of the attention and focus of the Group’s central functions. As the transformation plan delivers, and there is 
more certainty over the impact of Covid-19 on the Group and the wider economy as a whole, the Board will assess any changes required to 
ensure the allocation methodology continues to reflect the efforts of the central functions. 

The long-term growth rate is based on economic growth forecasts by recognised bodies and this has been applied to forecast cash flows for the 
terminal period. The 2020 long-term growth rate is 1.6% (2019: 1.6%). 

Discount rates 
Management estimates discount rates using pre-tax rates that reflect the latest market assumptions for the risk-free rate, the equity risk premium 
and the net cost of debt, which are all based on publicly available external sources. 

The table below represents the pre-tax discount rates used on the cash flows. 

2020
2019

Software
 11.8 %
 11.5 %

People Solutions
 11.2 %
 10.9 %

Customer 
Management
 11.0 %
 10.7 %

Central 
Government
 10.5 %
 10.2 %

Technology 
Solutions
 10.2 %
 9.9 %

Specialist 
Services
 10.9 %
 10.6 %

Consulting
 10.9 %
 10.6 %

As set out above, discount rates used in 2020 are 0.3% higher than those for 2019. The key drivers for this increase are changes in market 
assumptions for market risk premiums and the levered beta of peer group comparators, off-set by decreases in UK corporate bond yields and 
risk-free rates.

To further risk-adjust discounted cash flows for the purposes of the impairment test, the discount rate applied to years 2023 and onwards has 
been increased by 3% compared to that used for 2021 and 2022 (2019: no additional adjustment applied to outer year discount rates).

Sensitivity analysis 
The impairment testing as described is reliant on the accuracy of management’s forecasts and the assumptions that underlie them; and on the 
selection of the discount and growth rates to be applied. In order to gauge the sensitivity of the result to a change in any one, or combination of 
the assumptions that underlie the model, a number of scenarios were developed to identify the range of reasonably possible alternatives and 
measure which CGUs are the most susceptible to an impairment should the assumptions used be varied. This sensitivity analysis is only 
applicable to the CGUs that have goodwill. 

The table below shows how the enterprise value would be impacted (with all other variables being equal) by: an increase in discount rate of 1%, 
or a decrease of 1% in the long-term growth rate (for the terminal period) for the Group in total and each of the CGUs; or, by the severe but 
plausible downsides applied to the base-case projections for assessing going concern and viability, without mitigations, for both 2021 and 2022, 
and the long-term growth rate (1.6%) applied to projected cash flows for 2023 to 2025 and the terminal period. This downside scenario includes 
trading risks which assume the transformation plan is not successful in delivering the anticipated revenue growth. We have also considered the 
impact of all of the scenarios together and disclosed the impact on impairment in the final column. 

Software
People Solutions
Customer Management
Central Government
Technology Solutions
Specialist Services 
Consulting

Total

1% increase in 
discount rate
£m
(27.9)   
(38.5)   
(25.7)   
(32.6)   
(48.1)   
(24.3)   
(4.1)   

Long-term growth rate 
decrease by 1%
£m
(19.4)   
(25.6)   
(18.1)   
(24.1)   
(33.3)   
(16.6)   
(2.9)   

Severe but plausible 
downside
£m
(82.1)   
(90.4)   
(21.2)   
(111.5)   
(160.1)   
(124.9)   
(43.7)   

Combination sensitivity
£m
(116.4)   
(143.5)   
(65.4)   
(150.1)   
(219.2)   
(148.0)   
(43.7)   

2020 goodwill 
impairment using 
combination scenario
£m
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
(74.1) 
(20.7) 

(201.2)   

(140.0)   

(633.9)   

(886.3)   

(94.8) 

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

163

Notes to the consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

140

Section 3: Operating assets and liabilities continued
3.4 Goodwill continued

At 31 December 2020, no impairment of goodwill has arisen from the impairment test performed. Under the combination sensitivity scenario, 
impairments have been highlighted in relation to Specialist Services and Consulting, whereas under the base case impairment test the 
recoverable amount exceeded the carrying amount of assets (including goodwill) relating to these CGUs by £74.0m for Specialist Services, and 
by £20.9m for Consulting. Under the severe but plausible downside and combination sensitivity scenarios presented, the enterprise value impact 
for Consulting has been capped at the enterprise value for the CGU under the base case impairment test.

Management continue to monitor closely the performance of all CGUs and consider the impact of any changes to the key assumptions. Given 
the Group is in the middle of a multi-year transformation, in addition to trading being affected by the impact of Covid-19, there is a greater range 
of potential future outcomes. A number of these downsides would give rise to an impairment. 

3.5 Right-of-use assets 

AP

Accounting policies

At the inception of the lease, the Group recognises a right-of-use asset at cost, which comprises the present value of minimum lease payments 
determined at the inception of the lease. Right-of-use assets are depreciated using the straight-line method over the shorter of estimated life or 
the lease term. Depreciation is included within administrative expenses in the consolidated income statement. Amendment to lease terms 
resulting in a change in payments or the length of the lease results in an adjustment to the right-of-use asset and liability. Right-of-use assets are 
reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be fully recoverable.

Right-of-uses assets exclude leases with low values and terms of 12 months or less. These leases are expensed to the consolidated income 
statement as incurred.

Net Book Value
At 1 January
Addition of new leases
Depreciation charged during the year
Impairment - excluded from adjusted profit
Transfer to disposal group assets held-for-sale
Transfer to financial lease receivables
Exchange movement
Other movements
At 31 December

Property
£m
446.0   
11.3   
(69.2)   
(20.1)   
(4.5)   
(68.0)   
0.5   
14.0   
310.0   

Motor vehicles
£m
4.3   
17.9   
(5.1)   
—   
—   
—   
(0.1)   
(0.1)   
16.9   

Equipment
£m
30.6   
0.1   
(13.9)   
(2.1)   
—   
—   
(0.4)   
0.9   
15.2   

Total
£m
480.9 
29.3 
(88.2) 
(22.2) 
(4.5) 
(68.0) 
— 
14.8 
342.1 

During 2020, as part of the property rationalisation, the Group entered into the following transactions, impacting the right-of-use-assets:

•

•

•

in January 2020, the Group acquired the freehold of a property (for £3.0m refer to note 3.2) by extinguishing its lease liability (for £22.9m). 
This resulted in the de-recognition of £7.1m of the right-of-use asset, and a charge to significant restructuring of £9.1m (refer to note 2.4);
in October 2020, the above property was sold and leased back over a two-year lease term at market rent. Cash proceeds of £3.5m were 
received of which £0.5m was recognised as a financing arrangement to be repaid over the two-year lease term; and
in October 2020, the Group sublet a leased property where the sub-lease was assessed as a finance lease. This resulted in the de-
recognition of the right-of-use asset (£66.6m) and the recognition of a finance lease receivable (£69.9m). Refer to note 4.4.

Other movements include amendments to existing leases and terminations.

164

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsNotes to the  consolidated  financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.5 Right-of-use assets 

Accounting policies

statement as incurred.

Net Book Value

At 1 January

Addition of new leases

Depreciation charged during the year

Impairment - excluded from adjusted profit

Transfer to disposal group assets held-for-sale

Transfer to financial lease receivables

Exchange movement

Other movements

At 31 December

Property

Motor vehicles

Equipment

£m

446.0   

11.3   

(69.2)   

(20.1)   

(4.5)   

(68.0)   

0.5   

14.0   

310.0   

£m

4.3   

17.9   

(5.1)   

—   

—   

—   

(0.1)   

(0.1)   

16.9   

£m

30.6   

0.1   

(13.9)   

(2.1)   

—   

—   

(0.4)   

0.9   

15.2   

Total

£m

480.9 

29.3 

(88.2) 

(22.2) 

(4.5) 

(68.0) 

— 

14.8 

342.1 

During 2020, as part of the property rationalisation, the Group entered into the following transactions, impacting the right-of-use-assets:

•

•

•

in January 2020, the Group acquired the freehold of a property (for £3.0m refer to note 3.2) by extinguishing its lease liability (for £22.9m). 

This resulted in the de-recognition of £7.1m of the right-of-use asset, and a charge to significant restructuring of £9.1m (refer to note 2.4);

in October 2020, the above property was sold and leased back over a two-year lease term at market rent. Cash proceeds of £3.5m were 

received of which £0.5m was recognised as a financing arrangement to be repaid over the two-year lease term; and

in October 2020, the Group sublet a leased property where the sub-lease was assessed as a finance lease. This resulted in the de-

recognition of the right-of-use asset (£66.6m) and the recognition of a finance lease receivable (£69.9m). Refer to note 4.4.

Other movements include amendments to existing leases and terminations.

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

140

141

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Section 3: Operating assets and liabilities continued

3.4 Goodwill continued

At 31 December 2020, no impairment of goodwill has arisen from the impairment test performed. Under the combination sensitivity scenario, 

impairments have been highlighted in relation to Specialist Services and Consulting, whereas under the base case impairment test the 

recoverable amount exceeded the carrying amount of assets (including goodwill) relating to these CGUs by £74.0m for Specialist Services, and 

by £20.9m for Consulting. Under the severe but plausible downside and combination sensitivity scenarios presented, the enterprise value impact 

for Consulting has been capped at the enterprise value for the CGU under the base case impairment test.

Management continue to monitor closely the performance of all CGUs and consider the impact of any changes to the key assumptions. Given 

the Group is in the middle of a multi-year transformation, in addition to trading being affected by the impact of Covid-19, there is a greater range 

of potential future outcomes. A number of these downsides would give rise to an impairment. 

At the inception of the lease, the Group recognises a right-of-use asset at cost, which comprises the present value of minimum lease payments 

determined at the inception of the lease. Right-of-use assets are depreciated using the straight-line method over the shorter of estimated life or 

the lease term. Depreciation is included within administrative expenses in the consolidated income statement. Amendment to lease terms 

resulting in a change in payments or the length of the lease results in an adjustment to the right-of-use asset and liability. Right-of-use assets are 

reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be fully recoverable.

Section 3: Operating assets and liabilities continued
3.6 Provisions 

AP

Accounting policies

Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation arising from past events, it is probable that cash will be 
paid to settle it, and the amount can be estimated reliably. If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are determined by 
discounting the expected future cash flows by a rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to 
the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as a financing cost in the consolidated income statement. The value of the provision is 
determined based on assumptions and estimates in relation to the amount, timing and likelihood of actual cash flows, which are dependent on 
future events.

J

Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions

Judgement is required in measuring and recognising provisions related to pending litigation or other outstanding claims subject to negotiated 
settlement, mediation and arbitration, as well as other contingent liabilities. Judgement is necessary in assessing the likelihood that a pending 
claim will succeed, or a liability will arise, and to quantify the possible range of the financial settlement. Because of the inherent uncertainty in this 
evaluation process, actual losses may be different from the originally estimated provision. Where practicable, the range of reasonably possible 
outcomes and sensitivities of the carrying amounts to the methodology, assumptions, and estimates, the reason for the sensitivity, the expected 
resolution of uncertainties and the range of reasonable possible alternatives, are provided. Where no reliable basis of estimation can be made, 
no provision is recorded. However, contingent liabilities disclosures are given when there is a greater than a remote probability of outflow of 
economic benefits. See note 6.2. 

Right-of-uses assets exclude leases with low values and terms of 12 months or less. These leases are expensed to the consolidated income 

On an ongoing basis, management monitor provisions and their accurate estimation when compared to final outcomes.

Onerous contract provisions
See note 2.1 for further information. 

Provisions
The movements in provisions during the year are as follows:

At 1 January

Provisions provided for in the year

Provisions released in the year

Utilisation

Transfer to disposal group liabilities held for sale

Exchange movement

At 31 December

Restructuring
provision
£m

Business exit
provision
£m

Claim and
litigation
provision
£m

Property
provision
£m

Customer
contract
 provision
£m

Other
provisions
£m

6.1   

31.1   

(0.8)   

(22.9)   

—   

—   

10.5   

11.6   

(3.2)   

(3.6)   

—   

—   

41.2   

13.1   

(4.6)   

(8.0)   

—   

—   

13.5   

15.3   

41.7   

8.3   

2.5   

(2.0)   

(0.1)   

—   

—   

8.7   

6.1   

36.8   

(2.9)   

(1.9)   

—   

—   

38.1   

8.4   

3.3   

(1.9)   

(2.4)   

(0.4)   

0.1   

7.1   

Total
£m

80.6 

98.4 

(15.4) 

(38.9) 

(0.4) 

0.1 

124.4 

The provisions made above have been shown as current or non-current on the balance sheet to indicate the Group’s expected timing of the 
matters reaching conclusion.

Restructuring provision: The provision represents the cost of reducing role count where communication to affected employees has crystallised 
a valid expectation that roles are at risk and it is likely to unwind over a period of one to two years. Additionally, it relates to unavoidable running 
costs of leasehold properties, such as insurance and security, and dilapidation provision, where properties are exited as a result of the 
transformation plan. These provisions are likely to unwind over periods of up to 25 years.

Business exit provision: The provision relates to the cost of exiting businesses through disposal or closure including professional fees related 
to business exits and the costs of separating the businesses being disposed. These are likely to unwind over a period of one to five years.

Claims and litigation provision: The Group is exposed to claims and litigation proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. These 
matters are reassessed regularly and where obligations are probable and estimable, provisions are made representing the Group’s best estimate 
of the expenditure to be incurred. £23.7m of claims provided for were settled in early 2021. Due to the nature of the remaining claims, the Group 
cannot give an estimate of the period over which this provision will unwind.

Property provision: The provision relates to unavoidable running costs, such as insurance and security, of leasehold property where the space 
is vacant or currently not planned to be used for ongoing operations, and for dilapidation costs, as part of the ordinary course of business and not 
the group wide transformation plan (where such costs are included in the restructuring provision). The expectation is that this expenditure will be 
incurred over the remaining periods of the leases which vary up to seven years.

Customer contract provision: The provision includes onerous contract provisions in respect of customer contracts where the unavoidable 
costs of meeting the obligations under the contracts exceeds the economic benefits expected to be received under them, claims/obligations 
associated with missed milestones in contractual obligations, and other potential exposures related to contracts with customers. These 
provisions are forecast to unwind over periods up to seven years.

During 2020, an onerous contract provision of £11.2m was recognised on a contract in Customer Management. The contract has a clause 
such that the customer can continue to extend the contract indefinitely. Accordingly, judgement is required in assessing the remaining length 
of the contract to determine the provision. Management considered previous discussions with the customer regarding their intentions and 
experiences on other contracts, and concluded the best estimate of the remaining contract term is the current contractually committed period 
to 2023. However, the contract may end earlier or be extended for longer, resulting in a material release or increase in the provision in future 
reporting periods.

Other provisions: Relates to provisions in respect of other potential exposures arising due to the nature of some of the operations that the 
Group provides. These are likely to unwind over periods of up to five years.

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

165

Notes to the consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

142

Section 4: Capital structure and finance costs 

This section outlines the Group’s capital structure and financing costs. The Group defines its capital structure as its cash and 
cash equivalents, non-current interest bearing loans and borrowings and equity. The Group aims to manage its capital structure to 
safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, so that it can continue to provide returns to shareholders and 
benefits for other stakeholders. The Group manages its capital structure to maintain a sustainable mix of debt and equity that 
ensures that the Group can pursue its strategy. The Group makes adjustments to its capital structure in light of changes in 
economic conditions and strategic operational risk. To maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may return capital to 
shareholders through dividends and share buy backs, sell assets, raise additional equity, or arrange additional debt facilities. In 
this section you will find disclosures about:

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.6

4.7

Net debt, capital and capital management

Financial risk 

Net finance costs

Leases

Financial instruments and the fair value hierarchy

Issued share capital

Group composition and non-controlling interests

AP

Denotes accounting policies

J

Denotes significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions

Key highlights

Headline gearing2: headline net debt to adjusted EBITDA1 (post IFRS 16)
Aim: Maintain the ratio of headline net debt to adjusted EBITDA1 (post IFRS 16) 
in the range of 1.7x and 2.7x over the long term

Available liquidity

3.1x

(2019: 2.7x)

£708.6m

(2019: £494.7m)

1. Details of all alternative performance measures and related KPIs can be found in section 8.2.
2. Headline gearing differs to covenant gearing. Headline gearing is based on net debt of £1,077.1m (2019: £1,353.2m), which includes the Group’s restricted cash of £34.5m (2019: £42.1m). 

Refer to section 8.2 for further details.

Capital strategy
The Group’s capital strategy is to build a strong and flexible balance sheet, supporting the strategy and investment needed to grow the business, 
by reducing debt and pension liabilities. Maturing private placement loan notes will place the Group’s balance sheet under pressure over the next 
two years. The Group plans to address this through the disposal of additional non-core businesses and refinancing.

The Board’s view is that the appropriate leverage ratio for Capita over the medium term should be between 1 and 2 times headline net debt to 
adjusted EBITDA (prior to the adoption of IFRS 16). At 31 December 2020, the Group’s headline gearing ratio was 2.4x (2019: 2.1x) excluding 
the impact of IFRS 16, as a result of the lower adjusted EBITDA due to the impact of Covid-19.

The Board has not formally reviewed the target range, but taking account of the adoption of IFRS 16, the range would increase arithmetically to 
be between 1.7 and 2.7 times headline net debt to adjusted EBITDA1. At 31 December 2020, this ratio exceeded this range at 3.1 times (31 
December 2019: 2.7 times) for the same reasons set out above.

Liquidity
Net debt (excluding leases and restricted cash) fell by £229.2m from £832.7m to £603.5m in 2020. A further reduction resulted on 1 February 
2021 with the receipt of the first tranche of consideration from the disposal of the ESS business. However, liquidity remains a key area of focus. 
The Group’s committed bank facilities provide liquidity for the cash fluctuations of the business cycle and an allowance for contingencies. The 
Group’s revolving credit facility (RCF) expires on 31 August 2022 and is extendable for a further year to 31 August 2023 with the consent of the 
lenders by 31 August 2021. The facility’s size was increased from £414.0m to £452.0m in February 2020 with the addition of a further bank into 
the facility.

Also, in February 2020, the Group executed a £150.0m committed bank backstop bridge facility. This reduced to £93.5m on 30 June 2020 with 
the disposal of the Eclipse business. It was then supplemented by a second committed bank backstop bridge facility, so that the total value 
returned to £150.0m. Both bridge facilities terminated on 1 February 2021 with the receipt of proceeds from the disposal of the ESS business.

All committed facilities were undrawn at 31 December 2020 (combined size £602.0m), and also at 31 December 2019 (£414.0m). No reliance is 
placed on sources of funding that are not contractually committed.

Net finance costs
Net finance costs have decreased by £12.8m to £49.6m (2019: £62.4m). The reduction is primarily due to lower levels of debt which 
consequently led to less debt interest (£7.5m), a reduction in the net interest on leases (£1.8m) and a £1.8m decrease in a provision for 
hedge ineffectiveness.

166

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsNotes to the  consolidated  financial statementsStrategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

142

143

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Section 4: Capital structure and finance costs 

Section 4: Capital structure and financing costs continued

This section outlines the Group’s capital structure and financing costs. The Group defines its capital structure as its cash and 

cash equivalents, non-current interest bearing loans and borrowings and equity. The Group aims to manage its capital structure to 

safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, so that it can continue to provide returns to shareholders and 

benefits for other stakeholders. The Group manages its capital structure to maintain a sustainable mix of debt and equity that 

ensures that the Group can pursue its strategy. The Group makes adjustments to its capital structure in light of changes in 

economic conditions and strategic operational risk. To maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may return capital to 

shareholders through dividends and share buy backs, sell assets, raise additional equity, or arrange additional debt facilities. In 

4.1 Net debt, capital and capital management

4.1.1 Net debt and capital
The components of the Group’s net debt and undrawn available liquidity are summarised below.

Cash and cash equivalents
Overdraft
Lease liabilities
Private placement loan notes1
Other loan notes
Currency and interest rate swaps
Deferred consideration
Net debt
Undrawn available financing facilities
Capital

Notes
4.5.4
4.5.4
4.4.1
4.5.2
4.5.2
4.5.2
4.5.2

4.5.2b

2020
£m
(473.8)   
332.7   
508.1   
765.1   
2.3   
(58.0)   
0.7   

2019 
£m
(409.1)   
286.3   
562.6   
990.7   
0.3   
(78.3)   
0.7   
  1,077.1    1,353.2   
414.0   
  1,679.1    1,767.2   

602.0   

Year on 
year 
movement

(64.7) 
46.4 
(54.5) 
(225.6) 
2.0 
20.3 
— 
(276.1) 
188.0 
(88.1) 

1. Private placement loan notes include US dollar and British pound sterling private placement loan notes, euro fixed rate bearer notes and a Schuldschein loan.

A reconciliation of net debt shown above to cash flow can be found in note 2.10.3.

The overdrafts are part of a cash pooling arrangement, and the underlying balances are fully offset by cash balances in the same arrangement.

Private placement loan notes decreased following the repayment at maturity of £187.2m on 30 June and £55.7m on 30 September. The 
associated currency and interest rate swaps also expired on these dates, such that the combined net cash outflow was £218.4m. The fair value 
of the remaining currency and interest rate swaps changed over the year with the passage of time to maturity and changes in market rates.

There are two separate sets of covenant tests underlying the Group’s financial instruments. A key difference is the treatment of IFRS 16. The 
bank facilities and euro instruments fully exclude the impact of IFRS 16 whereas the US private placement loan notes test includes the income 
statement impact of IFRS 16 but not the balance sheet impact. 

Under the test for the bank and euro instruments, at 31 December 2020, adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio was 2.5x (2019: 2.2x) 
compared to a maximum permitted value of 3.5x and annualised interest cover was 7.8x (2019: 10.8x) compared to a minimum permitted level 
of 4.0x.

Under the test for the US private placement loan notes, at 31 December 2020, adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio was 1.8x (2019: 1.7x) 
compared to a maximum permitted value of 3.0x and annualised interest cover was 8.5x (2019: 11.2x) compared to a minimum permitted level 
of 4.0x.

In calculating adjusted EBITDA for covenant purposes consideration is given to consistency of treatment of adjusted items with the prior 
measurement dates, including the exclusion of restructuring.

4.1.2 Capital Management
Focus on capital management forms an important component of Board meetings, including review of forecast headline gearing and key covenant 
tests, and the mix of funding sources, thereby ensuring sustainability and flexibility. Shareholder returns will be reviewed over time in accordance 
with the Group’s generation of sustainable free cash flow.

The Group’s capital management process ensures that it meets the financial covenants of its borrowing arrangements. There have been no 
breaches in the financial covenants of any loans or borrowings during the reporting period.

Capita plc supports the obligations of its various regulated financial services businesses. The board of each regulated firm is responsible for 
ensuring it has embedded capital management frameworks that ensure the availability of adequate financial resources at all times. During the 
year, each complied with all externally imposed financial services regulatory capital requirements applicable to them.

The committed RCF provides the liquidity needed to cover the cash fluctuations of the business cycle, allowing a buffer for contingencies.

As part of the Group’s mitigation of the impact of Covid-19, a non-recourse invoice discounting facility was put in place. The value of invoices 
sold under the arrangement at 31 December 2020 was £13.6m (2019: £nil). In addition, the Group's German business has established an 
invoice discounting arrangement relating to a customer contract, and the value of invoices sold under that arrangement at 31 December was 
£8.5m (2019: £nil).

The Group aims to pay its suppliers on time in accordance with agreed terms and does not seek to accelerate payments from customers beyond 
terms previously agreed.

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

167

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.6

4.7

this section you will find disclosures about:

Net debt, capital and capital management

Financial risk 

Net finance costs

Leases

Issued share capital

Financial instruments and the fair value hierarchy

Group composition and non-controlling interests

Denotes accounting policies

Denotes significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions

Headline gearing2: headline net debt to adjusted EBITDA1 (post IFRS 16)

Available liquidity

Aim: Maintain the ratio of headline net debt to adjusted EBITDA1 (post IFRS 16) 

in the range of 1.7x and 2.7x over the long term

Key highlights

3.1x

(2019: 2.7x)

Refer to section 8.2 for further details.

Capital strategy

£708.6m

(2019: £494.7m)

1. Details of all alternative performance measures and related KPIs can be found in section 8.2.

2. Headline gearing differs to covenant gearing. Headline gearing is based on net debt of £1,077.1m (2019: £1,353.2m), which includes the Group’s restricted cash of £34.5m (2019: £42.1m). 

The Group’s capital strategy is to build a strong and flexible balance sheet, supporting the strategy and investment needed to grow the business, 

by reducing debt and pension liabilities. Maturing private placement loan notes will place the Group’s balance sheet under pressure over the next 

two years. The Group plans to address this through the disposal of additional non-core businesses and refinancing.

The Board’s view is that the appropriate leverage ratio for Capita over the medium term should be between 1 and 2 times headline net debt to 

adjusted EBITDA (prior to the adoption of IFRS 16). At 31 December 2020, the Group’s headline gearing ratio was 2.4x (2019: 2.1x) excluding 

the impact of IFRS 16, as a result of the lower adjusted EBITDA due to the impact of Covid-19.

The Board has not formally reviewed the target range, but taking account of the adoption of IFRS 16, the range would increase arithmetically to 

be between 1.7 and 2.7 times headline net debt to adjusted EBITDA1. At 31 December 2020, this ratio exceeded this range at 3.1 times (31 

December 2019: 2.7 times) for the same reasons set out above.

Net debt (excluding leases and restricted cash) fell by £229.2m from £832.7m to £603.5m in 2020. A further reduction resulted on 1 February 

2021 with the receipt of the first tranche of consideration from the disposal of the ESS business. However, liquidity remains a key area of focus. 

The Group’s committed bank facilities provide liquidity for the cash fluctuations of the business cycle and an allowance for contingencies. The 

Group’s revolving credit facility (RCF) expires on 31 August 2022 and is extendable for a further year to 31 August 2023 with the consent of the 

lenders by 31 August 2021. The facility’s size was increased from £414.0m to £452.0m in February 2020 with the addition of a further bank into 

Liquidity

the facility.

Also, in February 2020, the Group executed a £150.0m committed bank backstop bridge facility. This reduced to £93.5m on 30 June 2020 with 

the disposal of the Eclipse business. It was then supplemented by a second committed bank backstop bridge facility, so that the total value 

returned to £150.0m. Both bridge facilities terminated on 1 February 2021 with the receipt of proceeds from the disposal of the ESS business.

All committed facilities were undrawn at 31 December 2020 (combined size £602.0m), and also at 31 December 2019 (£414.0m). No reliance is 

placed on sources of funding that are not contractually committed.

Net finance costs have decreased by £12.8m to £49.6m (2019: £62.4m). The reduction is primarily due to lower levels of debt which 

consequently led to less debt interest (£7.5m), a reduction in the net interest on leases (£1.8m) and a £1.8m decrease in a provision for 

Net finance costs

hedge ineffectiveness.

Notes to the consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

144

Section 4: Capital structure and financing costs continued
4.2 Financial risk 

Financial risk management objectives and policies
The Group’s Board of directors has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Group’s risk management framework, 
which is outlined on pages 50 to 57 of the strategic report. The Group’s principal financial instruments comprise cash, bank loans, private 
placement loan notes, lease assets and liabilities, and derivatives. The purpose of these is to fund and provide liquidity for the Group’s 
operations and to manage its financial risks. The Group has various other financial instruments including trade receivables and trade 
payables arising from its operations.

Derivatives comprise interest rate swaps, cross-currency interest rate swaps, and forward foreign currency contracts held with its relationship 
banks, all of which have investment grade credit ratings. The derivatives’ purpose is to manage interest rate and currency risks arising from 
the Group’s operations and its sources of finance. It is the Group’s policy that no speculative trading in financial instruments is undertaken.

The main risks arising from the Group’s financial instruments are liquidity risk, foreign currency risk, interest rate risk, and credit risk. The Board 
periodically reviews and agrees policies for managing these risks, each of which are summarised below.

4.2.1 Liquidity risk
The Group’s policy is to hold cash and undrawn committed facilities at a level sufficient to fund the Group's operations and its medium-term 
plans.

The Group monitors the risk of a liquidity shortage through its business plan and liquidity cycle forecasts and analysis. The process considers the 
maturity of both the Group’s financial instruments and projected cash flows from operations. The Group maintains a balance between continuity 
of funding and flexibility through the use or availability of multiple sources of funding. Maturing private placement loan notes will place the 
Group’s liquidity under pressure over the next two years. The Group plans to address this through the disposal of additional non-core businesses 
and refinancing.

The Group’s committed bank facilities are available for operational funding and as a buffer for contingencies.

The RCF expires on 31 August 2022 and is extendable for a further year to 31 August 2023 with the consent of the lenders by 31 August 2021. 
The facility size was increased from £414.0m to £452.0m in February 2020 with the addition of a further bank into the facility.

Also, in February 2020, the Group executed a £150.0m committed bank backstop bridge facility. This reduced to £93.5m on 30 June 2020 with 
the disposal of the Eclipse business. It was then supplemented by a second committed bank backstop bridge facility, so that the total value 
returned to £150m. Both bridge facilities terminated on 1 February 2021 with the receipt of proceeds from the disposal of the ESS business.

All committed facilities were undrawn at 31 December 2020 (combined size £602.0m), and also at 31 December 2019 (£414.0m). No reliance is 
placed on sources of funding that are not contractually committed.

The financial instruments providing core funding (private placement loan notes) include US private placement loan notes, euro fixed rate bearer 
notes, and a euro Schuldschein loan. To mitigate the risk of needing to refinance in challenging conditions, these have been arranged with a 
spread of maturities to November 2027.

The table below summarises the maturity profile of the Group’s financial liabilities at 31 December 2020 based on contractual undiscounted 
payments. All balances are stated based on the prevailing foreign exchange rates and the contractual interest rates at the end of the reporting 
period. In accordance with IFRS 7, payments but not receipts are stated for cross-currency interest rate swaps.

At 31 December 2020
Overdraft

Private placement loan notes
Interest on loan notes
Lease liabilities
Deferred consideration
Public sector subsidiary partnership payment
Put options of non-controlling interests
Cross-currency interest rate swaps
Other financial instruments

At 31 December 2019
Overdraft
Private placement loan notes
Interest on loan notes
Lease liabilities
Contingent consideration
Public sector subsidiary partnership payment
Put options of non-controlling interests
Cross-currency interest rate swaps
Other financial instruments

168

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Within 
1 year 
£m
332.7   

231.4   
24.9   
102.3   
—   
9.4   
99.7   
0.8   
1.1   
802.3   

Within 
1 year 
£m
286.3   
232.7   
31.3   
101.6   
5.0   
9.4   
103.1   
1.2   
0.8   
771.4   

Between 
1–2 years 
£m
—   

Between 
2–3 years 
£m
—   

Between 
3–4 years 
£m
—   

Between 
4–5 years 
£m
—   

More than 
5 years 
£m
—   

Total 
£m
332.7 

238.8   
14.1   
78.0   
—   
9.4   
—   
0.6   
0.8   
341.7   

Between 
1–2 years 
£m
—   
236.0   
25.0   
86.6   
—   
9.4   
5.8   
1.2   
—   
364.0   

69.4   
8.9   
69.1   
—   
9.4   
—   
0.6   
0.7   
158.1   

Between 
2–3 years 
£m
—   
231.3   
14.0   
68.1   
—   
9.4   
—   
0.9   
—   
323.7   

—   
7.3   
55.8   
—   
—   
—   
0.3   
0.1   
63.5   

Between 
3–4 years 
£m
—   
70.6   
8.9   
60.4   
—   
9.4   
—   
0.8   
—   
150.1   

84.2   
5.7   
44.2   
—   
—   
—   
0.3   
—   
134.4   

Between 
4–5 years 
£m
—   
—   
7.3   
50.6   
—   
—   
—   
0.4   
—   
58.3   

130.5   
6.5   
350.4   
0.7   
—   
—   
0.3   
—   

754.3 
67.4 
699.8 
0.7 
28.2 
99.7 
2.9 
2.7 
488.4    1,988.4 

More than 
5 years 
£m
—   
214.0   
12.1   
384.6   
—   
—   
—   
0.9   
—   

Total 
£m
286.3 
984.6 
98.6 
751.9 
5.0 
37.6 
108.9 
5.4 
0.8 
611.6    2,279.1 

Financial statementsNotes to the  consolidated  financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

144

145

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

4.2.1 Liquidity risk

plans.

and refinancing.

Section 4: Capital structure and financing costs continued

4.2 Financial risk 

Financial risk management objectives and policies

The Group’s Board of directors has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Group’s risk management framework, 

which is outlined on pages 50 to 57 of the strategic report. The Group’s principal financial instruments comprise cash, bank loans, private 

placement loan notes, lease assets and liabilities, and derivatives. The purpose of these is to fund and provide liquidity for the Group’s 

operations and to manage its financial risks. The Group has various other financial instruments including trade receivables and trade 

payables arising from its operations.

Derivatives comprise interest rate swaps, cross-currency interest rate swaps, and forward foreign currency contracts held with its relationship 

banks, all of which have investment grade credit ratings. The derivatives’ purpose is to manage interest rate and currency risks arising from 

the Group’s operations and its sources of finance. It is the Group’s policy that no speculative trading in financial instruments is undertaken.

The main risks arising from the Group’s financial instruments are liquidity risk, foreign currency risk, interest rate risk, and credit risk. The Board 

periodically reviews and agrees policies for managing these risks, each of which are summarised below.

The Group’s policy is to hold cash and undrawn committed facilities at a level sufficient to fund the Group's operations and its medium-term 

The Group monitors the risk of a liquidity shortage through its business plan and liquidity cycle forecasts and analysis. The process considers the 

maturity of both the Group’s financial instruments and projected cash flows from operations. The Group maintains a balance between continuity 

of funding and flexibility through the use or availability of multiple sources of funding. Maturing private placement loan notes will place the 

Group’s liquidity under pressure over the next two years. The Group plans to address this through the disposal of additional non-core businesses 

The Group’s committed bank facilities are available for operational funding and as a buffer for contingencies.

The RCF expires on 31 August 2022 and is extendable for a further year to 31 August 2023 with the consent of the lenders by 31 August 2021. 

The facility size was increased from £414.0m to £452.0m in February 2020 with the addition of a further bank into the facility.

Also, in February 2020, the Group executed a £150.0m committed bank backstop bridge facility. This reduced to £93.5m on 30 June 2020 with 

the disposal of the Eclipse business. It was then supplemented by a second committed bank backstop bridge facility, so that the total value 

returned to £150m. Both bridge facilities terminated on 1 February 2021 with the receipt of proceeds from the disposal of the ESS business.

All committed facilities were undrawn at 31 December 2020 (combined size £602.0m), and also at 31 December 2019 (£414.0m). No reliance is 

placed on sources of funding that are not contractually committed.

The financial instruments providing core funding (private placement loan notes) include US private placement loan notes, euro fixed rate bearer 

notes, and a euro Schuldschein loan. To mitigate the risk of needing to refinance in challenging conditions, these have been arranged with a 

spread of maturities to November 2027.

The table below summarises the maturity profile of the Group’s financial liabilities at 31 December 2020 based on contractual undiscounted 

payments. All balances are stated based on the prevailing foreign exchange rates and the contractual interest rates at the end of the reporting 

period. In accordance with IFRS 7, payments but not receipts are stated for cross-currency interest rate swaps.

At 31 December 2020

Overdraft

Private placement loan notes

Interest on loan notes

Lease liabilities

Deferred consideration

Public sector subsidiary partnership payment

Put options of non-controlling interests

Cross-currency interest rate swaps

Other financial instruments

At 31 December 2019

Overdraft

Private placement loan notes

Interest on loan notes

Lease liabilities

Contingent consideration

Public sector subsidiary partnership payment

Put options of non-controlling interests

Cross-currency interest rate swaps

Other financial instruments

Between 

1–2 years 

Between 

2–3 years 

Between 

3–4 years 

Between 

4–5 years 

More than 

5 years 

231.4   

238.8   

Within 

1 year 

£m

332.7   

24.9   

102.3   

—   

9.4   

99.7   

0.8   

1.1   

Within 

1 year 

£m

286.3   

232.7   

31.3   

101.6   

5.0   

9.4   

103.1   

1.2   

0.8   

£m

—   

14.1   

78.0   

—   

9.4   

—   

0.6   

0.8   

£m

—   

69.4   

8.9   

69.1   

—   

9.4   

—   

0.6   

0.7   

£m

—   

£m

—   

236.0   

231.3   

25.0   

86.6   

—   

9.4   

5.8   

1.2   

—   

14.0   

68.1   

—   

9.4   

—   

0.9   

—   

£m

—   

—   

7.3   

55.8   

—   

—   

—   

0.3   

0.1   

£m

—   

70.6   

8.9   

60.4   

—   

9.4   

—   

0.8   

—   

£m

—   

£m

—   

84.2   

130.5   

5.7   

6.5   

44.2   

350.4   

—   

—   

—   

0.3   

—   

£m

—   

—   

7.3   

—   

—   

—   

0.4   

—   

0.7   

—   

—   

0.3   

—   

£m

—   

214.0   

12.1   

—   

—   

—   

0.9   

—   

50.6   

384.6   

Total 

£m

332.7 

754.3 

67.4 

699.8 

0.7 

28.2 

99.7 

2.9 

2.7 

Total 

£m

286.3 

984.6 

98.6 

751.9 

5.0 

37.6 

108.9 

5.4 

0.8 

802.3   

341.7   

158.1   

63.5   

134.4   

488.4    1,988.4 

Between 

1–2 years 

Between 

2–3 years 

Between 

3–4 years 

Between 

4–5 years 

More than 

5 years 

771.4   

364.0   

323.7   

150.1   

58.3   

611.6    2,279.1 

Section 4: Capital structure and financing costs continued
4.2 Financial risk continued

4.2.2 Foreign currency risk
The Group is not generally exposed to significant foreign currency transaction risk apart from two exceptions. Firstly, services are provided by 
the Group’s operations in India and incurred in Indian Rupee (INR). The Group seeks to mitigate the short term effect of this exposure by 
entering into forward foreign exchange contracts (Non-deliverable Forward Contracts (NDFs)) to fix the British pounds sterling (GBP) cost of 
highly probable transactions over a rolling 24 month period.

At 31 December 2020, the Group held forward foreign exchange contracts against forecast internal monthly INR costs expected in the years up 
to and including December 2022. These forecast costs have been determined on the basis of the underlying cash flows associated with the 
delivery of services under executed customer contracts.

Secondly, the Group holds foreign exchange forwards against committed costs relating to the purchase of cloud software services in US dollars 
(USD) in the years up to and including January 2024.

To maximise hedge effectiveness, forward foreign exchange contracts are executed with terms matching the underlying cash flows.

The following table demonstrates the sensitivity of the Group’s profit before tax and equity to a 5% strengthening/(weakening) in INR and USD 
exchange rates, assuming all other variables are unchanged, that would arise from the resulting changes in the fair value of the Group’s forward 
exchange contracts.

2020
2019

Effect on profit 
before tax 
£m
—   
—   

USD
Effect on 
equity 
£m
(4.4) 
(1.2) 

Effect on profit 
before tax 
£m
—   
—   

INR
Effect on 
equity 
£m
(5.3) 
(3.9) 

4.2.3 Interest rate risk
The Group manages its interest rate exposure, which arises from the Group’s private placement loan notes, through cash and deposits at 
variable interest rates, and through interest rate and cross-currency interest rate swaps. The swaps are designated fair value hedges against the 
fair value changes of the private placement loan notes.

The replacement of benchmark interest rates such as LIBOR and other interbank offered rates (IBORs) is a priority for global regulators and is 
expected to be largely completed in 2021. The Group’s IFRS 9 designated hedge relationships that are impacted by IBOR reform comprise the 
cross currency interest rate swaps that hedge certain US private placement loan notes. Excluding those that expire in July 2021, these have a 
notional value of £181.1m. These derivatives are subject to the International Swaps and Derivatives Association’s (ISDA) terms and ISDA has 
published a fall back protocol. In 2020 the Group started discussions with its banks with the aim of implementing the provisions in 2021.  

In September 2019, the IASB issued Interest Rate Benchmark Reform (Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7). These amendments modify 
specific hedge accounting requirements to allow hedge accounting to continue for affected hedges during the period of uncertainty before the 
hedged items or hedging instruments affected by the current interest rate benchmarks are amended. The Group early adopted the Phase 1 
amendments to IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ and IFRS 7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’ in 2019. There was no financial impact from the 
early adoption of these amendments. Further amendments (Phase 2) were issued on 27 August 2020 and the Group will apply these in 2021.

The net level of floating rate interest exposure is managed, to arrive at an acceptable overall interest rate risk profile. The interest rate profile of 
the Group’s interest-bearing financial instruments was as follows:

At 31 December 2020
Fixed rate
Private placement loan notes
Floating rate
Cash in hand
Overdraft
Private placement loan notes
Interest rate swaps
Cross-currency interest rate swaps

At 31 December 2019
Fixed rate
Private placement loan notes
Floating rate
Cash in hand
Overdraft
Private placement loan notes
Interest rate swaps

Cross-currency interest rate swaps

Within 
1 year 
£m

Between 
1–2 years 
£m

Between 
2–3 years 
£m

Between 
3–4 years 
£m

Between 
4–5 years 
£m

More than 
5 years 
£m

Total 
£m

35.2   

181.1   

27.3   

—   

29.4   

95.9   

368.9 

(473.8)   
332.7   
197.5   
(0.5)   
(24.1)   

—   
—   
58.4   
—   
(10.1)   

—   
—   
43.5   
—   
(4.9)   

—   
—   
—   
—   
—   

—   
—   
59.2   
—   
(13.2)   

—   
—   
37.6   
—   
(5.2)   

Within 
1 year 
£m

Between 
1–2 years 
£m

Between 
2–3 years 
£m

Between 
3–4 years 
£m

Between 
4–5 years 
£m

More than 
5 years 
£m

(473.8) 
332.7 
396.2 
(0.5) 
(57.5) 

Total 
£m

92.3   

35.7   

171.1   

27.4   

—   

122.3   

448.8 

(409.1)   
286.3   
140.2   
—   

—   
—   
204.8   
(1.0)   

—   
—   
59.4   
—   

(15.5)   

(30.3)   

(11.1)   

—   
—   
43.4   
—   

(4.8)   

—   
—   
—   
—   

—   

—   
—   
94.1   
—   

(409.1) 
286.3 
541.9 
(1.0) 

(15.6)   

(77.3) 

A sensitivity analysis to changes in interest rates shows that a 0.5% increase or decrease in interest rates, assuming all other variables are held 
constant, results in an £1.6m (2019: £2.3m) increase or decrease to profit before tax, and no impact on the Group’s equity.

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

169

Notes to the consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

146

Section 4: Capital structure and financing costs continued
4.2 Financial risk continued

4.2.4 Hedges

Fair value hedges
The Group’s fixed rate USD and GBP private placement loan notes are hedged through a combination of interest rate and cross-currency 
interest rate swaps. The cross-currency interest rate swaps hedge the exposure to changes in the fair value of US dollar denominated loan 
notes. The loan notes and their corresponding swaps have the same critical terms including nominal and maturity.

The total loss in the year on the fair value hedges of £20.3m (2019: £23.1m) was equal to the gain/loss on the hedged items resulting in no net 
gain or loss in the income statement apart from hedge ineffectiveness from credit risk and currency basis risk. This effect of hedge 
ineffectiveness was a £1.0m debit (2019: £2.8m debit) to the consolidated income statement – shown in net finance costs, note 4.3.

The impact of the hedged item and the related financial derivatives on the consolidated balance sheet at 31 December 2020 is as follows:

Interest rate swaps – assets
Cross-currency interest rate swaps – assets

Cross-currency interest rate swaps – liabilities

Private placement loan notes

Notional amount
£m
26.0   
269.3   

(44.7)   

Line item in the statement 
of financial position
Financial assets
Financial assets

Carrying amount
£m
0.5 
60.2 
(2.7)  Financial liabilities
58.0 

Change in FV used for 
measuring ineffectiveness
£m
(0.5) 
(20.7) 

0.9 

(20.3) 

Carrying amount
£m
765.1   

Accumulated FV 
adjustment
£m
58.0 

Line item in the statement 
of financial position
Financial Liabilities

Change in FV used for 
measuring ineffectiveness
£m
20.3 

Cash flow hedges 
The Group holds a series of non-deliverable forward foreign exchange contracts, that are designated as hedges of the highly probable 
transactions in INR of the Group’s Indian operations. The terms of the NDFs match the terms of these commitments.

Secondly, the Group holds foreign exchange forward contracts against committed costs relating to the purchase of cloud software services in 
USD in years up to and including January 2024.

The fair value of cash flow hedging instruments held at 31 December 2020 is shown in note 4.5.2.

The cash flow hedges have been assessed to be highly effective. The cash flow hedging reserve comprises the effective portion of the 
cumulative net change in the fair value of the hedging instruments. The following table provides an analysis of components of equity resulting 
from cash flow hedge accounting:

At 1 January
Change in fair value recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income
Reclassified to the consolidated income statement
Change in deferred tax

At 31 December

2020
£m
0.2  
(1.6) 
(4.5)   
1.1   
(4.8)  

2019
£m
1.5 
1.0
(2.6) 
0.3 

0.2 

4.2.5 Credit risk
The Group trades only with third parties that are expected to be creditworthy. It is the Group’s policy that all clients who wish to trade on credit 
terms are subject to credit verification procedures. The Group manages its operations to avoid any excessive concentration of counterparty risk 
and the Group takes all reasonable steps to seek assurance from the counterparties that they can fulfil their obligations. In addition, receivable 
balances are monitored on an ongoing basis with the result that the Group’s exposure to credit loss remains low.

The carrying values of the Group’s financial assets and contract assets represent its maximum credit exposure.

The mark-to-market movement on derivatives includes the extent to which the fair value of these instruments has been affected by the perceived 
change in the creditworthiness of the counterparties to those instruments and that of the Group itself (own credit risk). The Group is comfortable 
that the risk attached to those counterparties is not significant and believes that the swaps continue to act as an effective hedge against the 
movements in the fair value of the Group’s private placement loan notes.

170

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsNotes to the  consolidated  financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

146

147

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Section 4: Capital structure and financing costs continued
4.3 Net finance costs 

The table below shows the composition of net finance costs, including those excluded from adjusted profit:

Interest income

Interest on cash
Interest on finance lease assets

Total interest income

Interest expense

Private placement loan notes1
Cash flow hedges recycled to the income statement
Bank loans and overdrafts
Interest on finance lease liabilities
Net interest cost on defined benefit pension schemes

Total interest expense
Net finance expense included in adjusted profit

Other financial expenses

Discount unwind on public sector subsidiary partnership payment
Non-designated foreign exchange forward contracts – mark-to-market
Fair value hedge ineffectiveness2

Total other financial expenses not included in adjusted profit

Notes

2020
£m

(1.6)   
(1.2)   
(2.8)   

20.6   
(4.5)   
5.0   
25.1   
3.2   
49.4   
46.6   

1.1   
0.9   
1.0   
3.0   

4.2.4  

5.2   

4.5.2  

4.2.4  

2019
£m

(3.6) 
(0.6) 
(4.2) 

28.1 
(2.6) 
4.2 
26.3 
4.4 
60.4 
56.2 

1.3 
2.1 
2.8 
6.2 

Secondly, the Group holds foreign exchange forward contracts against committed costs relating to the purchase of cloud software services in 

1.  Private placement loan notes comprise US private placement loan notes, euro fixed rate bearer notes, and a Schuldschein loan. 

2.  Fair value hedge ineffectiveness arises from changes in currency basis, and the movement in a provision for counterparty risk associated with the swaps.

Total net finance expense

49.6   

62.4 

Section 4: Capital structure and financing costs continued

4.2 Financial risk continued

4.2.4 Hedges

Fair value hedges

The Group’s fixed rate USD and GBP private placement loan notes are hedged through a combination of interest rate and cross-currency 

interest rate swaps. The cross-currency interest rate swaps hedge the exposure to changes in the fair value of US dollar denominated loan 

notes. The loan notes and their corresponding swaps have the same critical terms including nominal and maturity.

The total loss in the year on the fair value hedges of £20.3m (2019: £23.1m) was equal to the gain/loss on the hedged items resulting in no net 

gain or loss in the income statement apart from hedge ineffectiveness from credit risk and currency basis risk. This effect of hedge 

ineffectiveness was a £1.0m debit (2019: £2.8m debit) to the consolidated income statement – shown in net finance costs, note 4.3.

The impact of the hedged item and the related financial derivatives on the consolidated balance sheet at 31 December 2020 is as follows:

Interest rate swaps – assets

Cross-currency interest rate swaps – assets

Cross-currency interest rate swaps – liabilities

Notional amount

Carrying amount

Line item in the statement 

£m

of financial position

Change in FV used for 

measuring ineffectiveness

£m

26.0   

269.3   

(44.7)   

0.5 

Financial assets

60.2 

Financial assets

(2.7)  Financial liabilities

58.0 

Carrying amount

Accumulated FV 

adjustment

Line item in the statement 

measuring ineffectiveness

Change in FV used for 

£m

765.1   

£m

of financial position

58.0 

Financial Liabilities

£m

(0.5) 

(20.7) 

0.9 

(20.3) 

£m

20.3 

Private placement loan notes

Cash flow hedges 

The Group holds a series of non-deliverable forward foreign exchange contracts, that are designated as hedges of the highly probable 

transactions in INR of the Group’s Indian operations. The terms of the NDFs match the terms of these commitments.

USD in years up to and including January 2024.

The fair value of cash flow hedging instruments held at 31 December 2020 is shown in note 4.5.2.

The cash flow hedges have been assessed to be highly effective. The cash flow hedging reserve comprises the effective portion of the 

cumulative net change in the fair value of the hedging instruments. The following table provides an analysis of components of equity resulting 

from cash flow hedge accounting:

Change in fair value recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income

Reclassified to the consolidated income statement

At 1 January

Change in deferred tax

At 31 December

4.2.5 Credit risk

The Group trades only with third parties that are expected to be creditworthy. It is the Group’s policy that all clients who wish to trade on credit 

terms are subject to credit verification procedures. The Group manages its operations to avoid any excessive concentration of counterparty risk 

and the Group takes all reasonable steps to seek assurance from the counterparties that they can fulfil their obligations. In addition, receivable 

balances are monitored on an ongoing basis with the result that the Group’s exposure to credit loss remains low.

The carrying values of the Group’s financial assets and contract assets represent its maximum credit exposure.

The mark-to-market movement on derivatives includes the extent to which the fair value of these instruments has been affected by the perceived 

change in the creditworthiness of the counterparties to those instruments and that of the Group itself (own credit risk). The Group is comfortable 

that the risk attached to those counterparties is not significant and believes that the swaps continue to act as an effective hedge against the 

movements in the fair value of the Group’s private placement loan notes.

2020

£m

0.2  

(1.6) 

(4.5)   

1.1   

(4.8)  

2019

£m

1.5 

1.0

(2.6) 

0.3 

0.2 

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

171

Notes to the consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

148

Section 4: Capital structure and financing costs continued
4.4 Leases

AP

Accounting policies

The Group leases various assets, comprising land and buildings, equipment and motor vehicles.

The determination whether an arrangement is, or contains, a lease is based on whether the contract conveys a right to control the use of an 
identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration.

The following sets out the Group’s lease accounting policy for all leases with the exception of leases with low value and term of 12 months 
or less which are expensed to the consolidated income statement.

The Group as a lessee – Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities
The accounting policy for right-of-use assets is included in note 3.5.

The Group recognises lease liabilities where a lease contract exists and right-of-use assets representing the right to use the underlying 
leased assets.

At the commencement date of the lease, the Group recognises lease liabilities measured at the present value of the lease payments to be made 
over the lease term.

In calculating the present value of lease payments, the Group uses its incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement date because the 
interest rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable. After the commencement date, the amount of lease liabilities is increased to reflect 
the accretion of interest and reduced for the lease payments made. The incremental borrowing rate is the rate of interest that the Group would 
have to pay to borrow, over a similar term and with a similar security, the funds necessary to obtain an asset of a similar value to the right-of-use 
asset in a similar economic environment. Incremental borrowing rates are determined monthly and depend on the term, country, currency and 
start date of the lease. The incremental borrowing rate is determined based on a series of inputs including: the risk-free rate based on swap 
market data; a country-specific risk adjustment; a credit risk adjustment; and an entity-specific adjustment where the entity risk profile is different 
to that of the Group.

The lease liability is subsequently remeasured (with a corresponding adjustment to the related right-of-use asset) when there is a change in 
future lease payments due to a renegotiation or market rent review, a change of an index or rate or a reassessment of the lease term.

Lease payments are apportioned between a finance charge and a reduction of the lease liability based on the constant interest rate applied to 
the remaining balance of the liability. Interest expense is included within net finance costs in the consolidated income statement.

Lease payments comprise fixed payments, including in-substance fixed payments such as service charges and variable lease payments that 
depend on an index or a rate, initially measured using the minimum index or rate at inception date. The payments also include any lease 
incentives and any penalty payments for terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the lessee exercising that option.

The lease term determined comprises the non-cancellable period of the lease contract. Periods covered by an option to extend the lease are 
included if the Group has reasonable certainty that the option will be exercised, and periods covered by an option to terminate are included if it is 
reasonably certain that this will not be exercised.

The Group has elected to apply the practical expedient in IFRS 16 paragraph 15 not to separate non-lease components such as service charges 
from lease rental charges.

The Group as a lessor 
When the Group acts as a lessor, it determines at lease commencement whether the lease is a finance lease or an operating lease.

To classify each lease, the Group makes an overall assessment of whether the lease transfers to the lessee all of the risks and rewards of 
ownership in relation to the underlying asset. If this is the case, then the lease is a finance lease. If not, then it is an operating lease.

The Group acts as an intermediate lessor of property assets and equipment. When the Group is an intermediate lessor, it accounts for its 
interests in the head lease and the sub-lease separately. It assesses whether the sub-lease is a finance or operating lease in the context of the 
right-of-use asset arising from the head lease, not with reference to the underlying asset.

In instances where the Group is the intermediate lessor and the sub-lease is classified as a finance lease, the Group recognises a net 
investment in sub-leases for amounts recoverable from the sub-lessees while derecognising the respective portion of the gross right-of-use 
asset. The gross lease liability is retained on the balance sheet. The net investment in sub-leases is classified as current or non-current finance 
assets in the consolidated balance sheet according to whether or not the amounts will be recovered within 12 months of the balance sheet date. 
Finance income recognised in respect of net investment in sub-leases is presented within net finance costs in the consolidated income statement 
and the capital element of lease rental received is presented within investing activities in the consolidated cash flow statement.

The Group recognises lease payments received under operating leases as income on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Group 
accounts for finance leases as a finance lease receivables, using incremental borrowing rate where the interest rate implicit in sub-lease is not 
easily determinable.

Sale and leaseback 
A sale and leaseback transaction is one where the Group sells an asset and immediately reacquires the use of the asset by entering into a lease 
with the buyer. For sale and leasebacks, any gain or loss from the sale is recognised in proportion to the gain or loss that relates to the rights 
transferred to the buyer. If the consideration for the sale is not equal to the fair value of the asset, any resulting difference is treated as either a 
prepayment of the lease payments or additional financing.

172

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsNotes to the  consolidated  financial statementsStrategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

148

149

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Section 4: Capital structure and financing costs continued

4.4 Leases

Accounting policies

The Group leases various assets, comprising land and buildings, equipment and motor vehicles.

The determination whether an arrangement is, or contains, a lease is based on whether the contract conveys a right to control the use of an 

identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration.

The following sets out the Group’s lease accounting policy for all leases with the exception of leases with low value and term of 12 months 

or less which are expensed to the consolidated income statement.

The Group as a lessee – Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities

The accounting policy for right-of-use assets is included in note 3.5.

The Group recognises lease liabilities where a lease contract exists and right-of-use assets representing the right to use the underlying 

leased assets.

over the lease term.

At the commencement date of the lease, the Group recognises lease liabilities measured at the present value of the lease payments to be made 

In calculating the present value of lease payments, the Group uses its incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement date because the 

interest rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable. After the commencement date, the amount of lease liabilities is increased to reflect 

the accretion of interest and reduced for the lease payments made. The incremental borrowing rate is the rate of interest that the Group would 

have to pay to borrow, over a similar term and with a similar security, the funds necessary to obtain an asset of a similar value to the right-of-use 

asset in a similar economic environment. Incremental borrowing rates are determined monthly and depend on the term, country, currency and 

start date of the lease. The incremental borrowing rate is determined based on a series of inputs including: the risk-free rate based on swap 

market data; a country-specific risk adjustment; a credit risk adjustment; and an entity-specific adjustment where the entity risk profile is different 

to that of the Group.

The lease liability is subsequently remeasured (with a corresponding adjustment to the related right-of-use asset) when there is a change in 

future lease payments due to a renegotiation or market rent review, a change of an index or rate or a reassessment of the lease term.

Lease payments are apportioned between a finance charge and a reduction of the lease liability based on the constant interest rate applied to 

the remaining balance of the liability. Interest expense is included within net finance costs in the consolidated income statement.

Lease payments comprise fixed payments, including in-substance fixed payments such as service charges and variable lease payments that 

depend on an index or a rate, initially measured using the minimum index or rate at inception date. The payments also include any lease 

incentives and any penalty payments for terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the lessee exercising that option.

The lease term determined comprises the non-cancellable period of the lease contract. Periods covered by an option to extend the lease are 

included if the Group has reasonable certainty that the option will be exercised, and periods covered by an option to terminate are included if it is 

reasonably certain that this will not be exercised.

The Group has elected to apply the practical expedient in IFRS 16 paragraph 15 not to separate non-lease components such as service charges 

from lease rental charges.

The Group as a lessor 

When the Group acts as a lessor, it determines at lease commencement whether the lease is a finance lease or an operating lease.

To classify each lease, the Group makes an overall assessment of whether the lease transfers to the lessee all of the risks and rewards of 

ownership in relation to the underlying asset. If this is the case, then the lease is a finance lease. If not, then it is an operating lease.

The Group acts as an intermediate lessor of property assets and equipment. When the Group is an intermediate lessor, it accounts for its 

interests in the head lease and the sub-lease separately. It assesses whether the sub-lease is a finance or operating lease in the context of the 

right-of-use asset arising from the head lease, not with reference to the underlying asset.

In instances where the Group is the intermediate lessor and the sub-lease is classified as a finance lease, the Group recognises a net 

investment in sub-leases for amounts recoverable from the sub-lessees while derecognising the respective portion of the gross right-of-use 

asset. The gross lease liability is retained on the balance sheet. The net investment in sub-leases is classified as current or non-current finance 

assets in the consolidated balance sheet according to whether or not the amounts will be recovered within 12 months of the balance sheet date. 

Finance income recognised in respect of net investment in sub-leases is presented within net finance costs in the consolidated income statement 

and the capital element of lease rental received is presented within investing activities in the consolidated cash flow statement.

The Group recognises lease payments received under operating leases as income on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Group 

accounts for finance leases as a finance lease receivables, using incremental borrowing rate where the interest rate implicit in sub-lease is not 

easily determinable.

Sale and leaseback 

A sale and leaseback transaction is one where the Group sells an asset and immediately reacquires the use of the asset by entering into a lease 

with the buyer. For sale and leasebacks, any gain or loss from the sale is recognised in proportion to the gain or loss that relates to the rights 

transferred to the buyer. If the consideration for the sale is not equal to the fair value of the asset, any resulting difference is treated as either a 

prepayment of the lease payments or additional financing.

Section 4: Capital structure and financing costs continued
4.4.1 The Group as a lessee

Amounts recognised on the balance sheet
Lease liabilities
Lease liabilities included within disposal group liabilities held-for-sale
Total

Note

2.8

2020
£m
503.5   
4.6   
508.1   

2019

£m Type of financial instrument

562.6  Financial liabilities

— 
562.6 

The lease liability includes £10.7m (2019: £14.3m) of future lease payments (undiscounted) for leases with termination options that could be 
exercised but are recognised at full term. The potential future cash outflows of £37.2m (2019: £44.2m) (undiscounted) have not been included in 
the lease liability because the Group is reasonably certain that the leases will not be extended. The total cash outflow for leases was £123.1m 
(2019: £120.0m) consisting of interest paid of £25.1m (2019: £26.3m) and capital element of £98.0m (2019: £93.7m).

Right-of-use assets are discussed in note 3.5, the maturity analysis of lease liabilities is included in note 4.2 and interest expense in note 4.3.

4.4.2 The Group as a lessor

Amounts recognised on the balance sheet
Lease receivables

2020
£m
82.6   

2019

£m Type of financial instrument

14.9  Financial assets

The maturity analysis of lease receivables, including the undiscounted lease payments to be received, is as follows:

Within 1 year
Between 1-2 years
Between 2-3 years
Between 3-4 years
Between 4-5 years
More than 5 years
Total undiscounted lease payments receivable
Unearned finance income
Net investment in lease receivables

2020
£m
4.6   
10.6   
9.7   
9.7   
8.2   
80.7   
123.5   
(40.9)   
82.6   

2019
£m
3.8 
3.5 
3.0 
2.1 
2.1 
2.1 
16.6 
(1.7) 
14.9 

During the year, the Group sublet a leased property. The sublease includes an option for the lessee to terminate the lease earlier than the 
Group’s lease with its landlord. Management assessed it was reasonably certain that the break clause will not be exercised and ,accordingly, 
determined that the sublease is a finance lease. This has resulted in the recognition of a finance lease receivable (£69.9m). This judgement was 
based on a number of factors as prescribed within IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ such as incentive to lessee, importance of the location to the lessee’s 
operations, shorter non-cancellable period of lease and the lessee’s planned modifications to, and customisation of, the property.

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

173

Notes to the consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

150

Section 4: Capital structure and financing costs continued
4.5 Financial instruments and the fair value hierarchy

AP

Accounting policies

Financial instruments – classification of financial instruments
The Group classifies its financial instruments in the following measurement categories:

• 
• 

those to be measured subsequently at fair value, either through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) or through profit or loss (FVPL); and
those to be measured at amortised cost.

The classification depends on the Group’s business model for managing the financial assets and the contractual terms of the cash flows.

Financial instruments – initial recognition
At initial recognition, the Group measures a financial instrument at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial instrument not at FVPL, 
transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial instrument. Transaction costs of financial instruments carried at 
FVPL are expensed in the income statement.

Financial instruments with embedded derivatives are considered in their entirety when determining whether their cash flows are solely payment 
of principal and interest.

Purchases and sales of financial instruments are recognised on their trade date (ie the date the Group commits to purchase or sell the 
instrument). Financial instruments are derecognised when the rights to receive/pay cash flows from the financial instrument have expired or have 
been transferred such that the Group has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership.

Debt instruments
Debt instruments are initially recognised at fair value less directly attributable transaction costs and are subsequently remeasured depending on 
the Group’s business model for managing the liability and the cash flow characteristics of the liability. There are three measurement categories 
into which the Group classifies its debt instruments:

•  Amortised cost: instruments that are held for collection/payment of contractual cash flows, where those cash flows represent solely 

payments of principal and interest, are measured at amortised cost. Interest income/expense from these financial instruments is included in 
net finance costs using the effective interest rate method.

•  FVOCI: instruments that are held for collection/payment of contractual cash flows and for selling the financial instrument, where the 

instrument’s cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest, are measured at FVOCI. Movements in the carrying amount are 
taken through Other Comprehensive Income (OCI), except for the recognition of impairment gains or losses, interest income and foreign 
exchange gains and losses, which are recognised in the income statement. When the financial instrument is derecognised, the cumulative 
gain or loss previously recognised in OCI is reclassified from equity to the income statement and recognised in other gains/(losses).

•  FVPL: instruments that do not meet the criteria for amortised cost or FVOCI are measured at FVPL. A gain or loss on a debt instrument that 

is measured at FVPL is recognised in the income statement and presented within net finance costs.

The Group reclassifies debt instruments when and only when its business model for managing those instruments changes.

Equity instruments
Investments in equity instruments are initially recognised at fair value and are subsequently remeasured at fair value with the movement 
recognised through the income statement, except where an election has been made for the movement to be recognised through OCI. An 
election can be made on initial recognition of equity instruments that are neither held-for-trading or instruments acquired as part of a business 
combination. Once an election has been made all movements in fair value, with the exception of dividends, are presented through OCI and there 
is no subsequent reclassification of fair value gains and losses to the income statement following the derecognition of the investment. Dividends 
from such investments continue to be recognised in the income statement as other income when the Group’s right to receive payments is 
established.

Impairment
The Group assesses, on a forward looking basis, the expected credit losses associated with its financial instruments carried at amortised cost 
and FVOCI. The impairment methodology applied depends on whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk.

Derivatives
Derivative financial instruments are initially recognised at fair value and are subsequently remeasured at fair value at the end of each reporting 
period with the movement recognised through the income statement, except where derivatives qualify for cash flow hedge accounting. The 
effective proportion of cash flow hedges is recognised in OCI and presented in the hedging reserve within equity. The cumulative gain or loss is 
subsequently reclassified to the income statement in the same period that the relevant hedged transaction is realised.

Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of an asset that necessarily takes a substantial period of time 
to get ready for its intended use or sale are capitalised as part of the cost of the respective assets. All other borrowing costs are expensed in the 
period they occur. Borrowing costs consist of interest and other costs incurred in connection with the borrowing of funds.

4.5.1 Fair value hierarchy
The Group’s financial assets and liabilities are classified based on the following fair value hierarchy:

• 
• 

• 

Level-1: quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level-2: other techniques for which all inputs have a significant effect on the recorded fair value are observable, either directly or indirectly. 
With the exception of current financial instruments (which have a short maturity), the fair value of the Group’s level-2 financial instruments 
were calculated by discounting the expected future cash flows at prevailing interest rates. The valuation models incorporate various 
inputs including foreign exchange spot and forward rates and interest rate curves. In the case of floating rate borrowings nominal value 
approximates to fair value because interest is set at floating rates where payments are reset to market values at intervals of less than 
one year.

Level-3: techniques using inputs that have a significant effect on the recorded fair value which are not based on observable market data. 
Other financial instruments where observable market data is not available have been held at either amortised cost or cost (undiscounted 
cash flows) as a reasonable approximation of fair value.

174

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsNotes to the  consolidated  financial statementsStrategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

150

151

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Section 4: Capital structure and financing costs continued

4.5 Financial instruments and the fair value hierarchy

Accounting policies

Financial instruments – classification of financial instruments

The Group classifies its financial instruments in the following measurement categories:

those to be measured subsequently at fair value, either through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) or through profit or loss (FVPL); and

• 

• 

those to be measured at amortised cost.

The classification depends on the Group’s business model for managing the financial assets and the contractual terms of the cash flows.

At initial recognition, the Group measures a financial instrument at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial instrument not at FVPL, 

transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial instrument. Transaction costs of financial instruments carried at 

Financial instruments with embedded derivatives are considered in their entirety when determining whether their cash flows are solely payment 

Financial instruments – initial recognition

FVPL are expensed in the income statement.

of principal and interest.

Purchases and sales of financial instruments are recognised on their trade date (ie the date the Group commits to purchase or sell the 

instrument). Financial instruments are derecognised when the rights to receive/pay cash flows from the financial instrument have expired or have 

been transferred such that the Group has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership.

Debt instruments

Debt instruments are initially recognised at fair value less directly attributable transaction costs and are subsequently remeasured depending on 

the Group’s business model for managing the liability and the cash flow characteristics of the liability. There are three measurement categories 

into which the Group classifies its debt instruments:

•  Amortised cost: instruments that are held for collection/payment of contractual cash flows, where those cash flows represent solely 

payments of principal and interest, are measured at amortised cost. Interest income/expense from these financial instruments is included in 

net finance costs using the effective interest rate method.

•  FVOCI: instruments that are held for collection/payment of contractual cash flows and for selling the financial instrument, where the 

instrument’s cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest, are measured at FVOCI. Movements in the carrying amount are 

taken through Other Comprehensive Income (OCI), except for the recognition of impairment gains or losses, interest income and foreign 

exchange gains and losses, which are recognised in the income statement. When the financial instrument is derecognised, the cumulative 

gain or loss previously recognised in OCI is reclassified from equity to the income statement and recognised in other gains/(losses).

•  FVPL: instruments that do not meet the criteria for amortised cost or FVOCI are measured at FVPL. A gain or loss on a debt instrument that 

is measured at FVPL is recognised in the income statement and presented within net finance costs.

The Group reclassifies debt instruments when and only when its business model for managing those instruments changes.

Equity instruments

Investments in equity instruments are initially recognised at fair value and are subsequently remeasured at fair value with the movement 

recognised through the income statement, except where an election has been made for the movement to be recognised through OCI. An 

election can be made on initial recognition of equity instruments that are neither held-for-trading or instruments acquired as part of a business 

combination. Once an election has been made all movements in fair value, with the exception of dividends, are presented through OCI and there 

is no subsequent reclassification of fair value gains and losses to the income statement following the derecognition of the investment. Dividends 

from such investments continue to be recognised in the income statement as other income when the Group’s right to receive payments is 

established.

Impairment

Derivatives

• 

• 

one year.

The Group assesses, on a forward looking basis, the expected credit losses associated with its financial instruments carried at amortised cost 

and FVOCI. The impairment methodology applied depends on whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk.

Derivative financial instruments are initially recognised at fair value and are subsequently remeasured at fair value at the end of each reporting 

period with the movement recognised through the income statement, except where derivatives qualify for cash flow hedge accounting. The 

effective proportion of cash flow hedges is recognised in OCI and presented in the hedging reserve within equity. The cumulative gain or loss is 

subsequently reclassified to the income statement in the same period that the relevant hedged transaction is realised.

Borrowing costs

Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of an asset that necessarily takes a substantial period of time 

to get ready for its intended use or sale are capitalised as part of the cost of the respective assets. All other borrowing costs are expensed in the 

period they occur. Borrowing costs consist of interest and other costs incurred in connection with the borrowing of funds.

4.5.1 Fair value hierarchy

The Group’s financial assets and liabilities are classified based on the following fair value hierarchy:

Level-1: quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level-2: other techniques for which all inputs have a significant effect on the recorded fair value are observable, either directly or indirectly. 

With the exception of current financial instruments (which have a short maturity), the fair value of the Group’s level-2 financial instruments 

were calculated by discounting the expected future cash flows at prevailing interest rates. The valuation models incorporate various 

inputs including foreign exchange spot and forward rates and interest rate curves. In the case of floating rate borrowings nominal value 

approximates to fair value because interest is set at floating rates where payments are reset to market values at intervals of less than 

• 

Level-3: techniques using inputs that have a significant effect on the recorded fair value which are not based on observable market data. 

Other financial instruments where observable market data is not available have been held at either amortised cost or cost (undiscounted 

cash flows) as a reasonable approximation of fair value.

Section 4: Capital structure and financing costs continued
4.5 Financial instruments and the fair value hierarchy continued

4.5.1 Fair value hierarchy continued
During the year ended 31 December 2020, there were no transfers between fair value levels.

4.5.2 Financial instruments and their fair value hierarchy classification
The following table analyses, by classification and category, the carrying value of the Group’s financial instruments and identifies the level of the 
fair value hierarchy for the instruments carried at fair value:

At 31 December 2020
Financial assets
Lease receivables
Cash flow hedges

Non-designated foreign exchange forwards and 
swaps
Interest rate swaps 
Cross-currency interest rate swaps
Investments
Other investments 

Other financial assets
Cash
Total financial assets

At 31 December 2020
Financial liabilities
Private placement loan notes

Other loan notes

Cash flow hedges

Non-designated foreign exchange forwards and 
swaps
Cross-currency interest rate swaps
Public sector subsidiary partnership payment

Contingent consideration
Deferred consideration
Put options of non-controlling interests 

Other financial liabilities
Overdrafts
Lease liabilities

Lease liabilities included within disposal group 

liabilities held-for-sale
Total financial liabilities

Note

Fair value
hierarchy

FVPL
£m

FVOCI
£m

Derivatives
used for
hedging
£m

Amortised
cost
£m

Total
£m

Current
£m

Non-
current
£m

4.4.2 Level-2  
4.2.4 Level-2  

a
a

Level-2  
Level-2  
Level-2  
Level-3  
Level-3  

4.5.4 Level-1  

—   
—   

2.9   
—   
—   
1.8   
—   
4.7   

—   
4.7   

—   
—   

—   
—   
—   
—   
1.0   
1.0   

—   
0.1   

82.6   
—   

82.6 
0.1 

3.8   
—   

78.8 
0.1 

—   
0.5   
60.2   
—   
—   
60.8   

—   
—   
—   
—   
—   

2.9 
0.5 
60.2 
1.8 
1.0 
82.6    149.1 

1.3   
0.5   
26.5   
—   
—   

1.6 
— 
33.7 
1.8 
1.0 
32.1    117.0 

—   
1.0   

—   
60.8   

473.8    473.8 
556.4    622.9 

  473.8   
— 
  505.9    117.0 

Note

Fair value
hierarchy

FVPL
£m

FVOCI
£m

Derivatives
used for
hedging
£m

Amortised
cost
£m

Total
£m

Current
£m

Non-
current
£m

a

Level-2  

Level-2  

4.2.4 Level-2  

Level-2  
Level-2  
Level-3  
Level-3  
Level-2  
Level-3  

a
c

d

4.5.4 Level-1  
4.4.1 Level-2  

2.8

Level-2  

—   

—   

—   

1.7   
—   
—   

—   
—   
—   
1.7   

—   
—   

—   

—   

—   

—   
—   
—   

—   
—   
99.7   
99.7   

—   

—   

2.8   

—   
2.7   
—   

—   
—   
—   
5.5   

765.1    765.1 

  233.9    531.2 

2.3   

—   

2.3 

2.8 

—   
—   
27.1   

1.7 
2.7 
27.1 

2.3   

0.6   

1.4   
1.2   
8.7   

— 

2.2 

0.3 
1.5 
18.4 

—   
0.7   
—   

— 
0.7 
99.7 
795.2    902.1 

—   
—   
99.7   

— 
0.7 
— 
  347.8    554.3 

—   
—   

—   
—   

332.7    332.7 
503.5    503.5 

  332.7   

— 
77.5    426.0 

—   
1.7   

—   
99.7   

—   
4.6 
5.5    1,636.0   1,742.9 

4.6   

4.6   

— 
  762.6    980.3 

Financial assets measured at amortised cost consist of cash, insurance assets recoverable, lease receivables and other investments. The 
carrying values of these financial assets are a reasonable approximation of their fair value due to the short-term nature of the instruments. 
Included in other investments are £1.0m (2019: £2.4m) of strategic investments in unlisted equity securities which are not held-for-trading 
and the Group elected to recognise at FVOCI. During the year no dividends were received from, and no disposals were made of, strategic 
investments.

Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost consist of overdrafts, lease liabilities and loan notes. With the exception of the series of private 
placement loan notes which have not been swapped to floating interest, the carrying value of financial liabilities are a reasonable approximation 
of their fair value. This is because either the interest payable is close to market rates or the liability is short-term in nature. The private placement 
loan note series that remain subject to fixed rate interest have an underlying carrying value of £368.8m (2019: £450.0m) and a fair value of 
£309.8m (2019: £462.8m). Lease liabilities are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

The Group’s key financial liabilities are set out below:

a. Private placement loan notes
Private placement loan notes are issued at fixed rates of interest. Some of the series have been swapped into floating rates of interest.

To mitigate exposure to currency fluctuations the Group has entered into currency and interest rate swaps which effectively hedge movements in 
the loan notes’ fair value arising from changes in foreign exchange and interest rates.

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

175

Notes to the consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

152

Section 4: Capital structure and financing costs continued
4.5 Financial instruments and the fair value hierarchy continued

b. Bank Facilities
Details of the Group’s bank facilities are provided in the Liquidity section above. At 31 December 2020, the total value of committed facilities was 
£602.0m, all of which were undrawn (2019: total facilities of £414.0m, fully undrawn).

c. Public sector subsidiary partnership payment
The public sector subsidiary partnership payment liability represents the annual deferred payments to be made by AXELOS Limited. Since the 
payment conditions have been reached and the liability cap met, sensitivity to changes in either the discount rate or projected cash flows have 
no impact.

d. Put options of non-controlling interests
The liability represents the present value of the cost to acquire non-controlling interests in AXELOS Limited and Fera Science Limited (see note 
4.7). The cost to acquire the non-controlling interest in AXELOS Limited is based on a set multiple of earnings before interest and tax specified 
in the put-option agreement. The put-option held by the non-controlling shareholder of AXELOS Limited was exercisable at 31 December 2020, 
and as a consequence the liability was classified as current. The put option expired on 28 February 2021 and was not exercised. The option held 
by the non-controlling shareholder of Fera Science Limited is exercisable from April 2021 and has been classified as current (2019: non-current). 
A sensitivity analysis assuming a 10% increase/decrease in the earnings potential of the business results in a £10.3m increase/decrease in 
the valuation.

Note

Fair value
hierarchy

FVPL
£m

FVOCI
£m

Derivatives
used for
hedging
£m

Amortised
cost
£m

Total
£m

Current
£m

4.4.2
4.2.4

a
a

Level-2  
Level-2  
Level-2  
Level-2  
Level-2  
Level-3  
Level-3  

4.5.4 Level-1  

—   
—   
3.2   
—   
—   
1.5   
—   
4.7   

—   
4.7   

—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
2.4   
2.4   

—   
3.4   
—   
1.0   
80.9   
—   
—   
85.3   

14.9   
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   

14.9 
3.4 
3.2 
1.0 
80.9 
1.5 
2.4 
14.9    107.3 

3.6   
2.9   
3.1   
—   
15.5   
—   
—   
25.1   

—   
2.4   

—    409.1    409.1 
85.3    424.0    516.4 

  409.1   
  434.2   

— 
82.2 

Non-
current
£m

11.3 
0.5 
0.1 
1.0 
65.4 
1.5 
2.4 
82.2 

Note

Fair value
hierarchy

FVPL
£m

FVOCI
£m

Derivatives
used for
hedging
£m

Amortised
cost
£m

Total
£m

Current
£m

Non-
current
£m

a

4.2.4

a
c

d

Level-2  
Level-2  
Level-2  
Level-2  
Level-2  
Level-3  
Level-3  
Level-2  
Level-3  

—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
2.6   
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
5.0   
—   
—   
—    108.7   
7.6    108.7   

—    990.7    990.7 
0.3 
0.3   
—   
0.5 
—   
0.5   
2.6 
—   
—   
—   
3.6   
3.6 
35.4 
35.4   
—   
5.0 
—   
—   
0.7   
—   
0.7 
—   
—    108.7 
4.1   1,027.1   1,147.5 

  232.5    758.2 
— 
0.3   
0.5 
—   
1.0 
1.6   
3.6 
—   
26.0 
9.4   
— 
5.0   
0.7 
—   
  103.0   
5.7 
  351.8    795.7 

4.5.4
4.4.1

Level-1  
Level-2  

—   
—   
—   
—   
7.6    108.7   

—    286.3    286.3 
—    562.6    562.6 
4.1   1,876.0   1,996.4 

  286.3   

— 
81.9    480.7 
  720.0   1,276.4 

At 31 December 2019
Financial assets
Lease receivables
Cash flow hedges
Non-designated foreign exchange forwards and swaps
Interest rate swaps
Cross-currency interest rate swaps
Investments
Other investments

Other financial assets
Cash
Total financial assets

At 31 December 2019
Financial liabilities
Private placement loan note
Other loan notes
Cash flow hedges
Non-designated foreign exchange forwards and swaps
Cross-currency interest rate swaps
Public sector subsidiary partnership payment
Contingent consideration
Deferred consideration
Put options of non-controlling interests

Other financial liabilities
Overdrafts
Lease liabilities
Total financial liabilities

176

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsNotes to the  consolidated  financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

152

153

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Section 4: Capital structure and financing costs continued

4.5 Financial instruments and the fair value hierarchy continued

b. Bank Facilities

Details of the Group’s bank facilities are provided in the Liquidity section above. At 31 December 2020, the total value of committed facilities was 

£602.0m, all of which were undrawn (2019: total facilities of £414.0m, fully undrawn).

c. Public sector subsidiary partnership payment

The public sector subsidiary partnership payment liability represents the annual deferred payments to be made by AXELOS Limited. Since the 

payment conditions have been reached and the liability cap met, sensitivity to changes in either the discount rate or projected cash flows have 

no impact.

d. Put options of non-controlling interests

The liability represents the present value of the cost to acquire non-controlling interests in AXELOS Limited and Fera Science Limited (see note 

4.7). The cost to acquire the non-controlling interest in AXELOS Limited is based on a set multiple of earnings before interest and tax specified 

in the put-option agreement. The put-option held by the non-controlling shareholder of AXELOS Limited was exercisable at 31 December 2020, 

and as a consequence the liability was classified as current. The put option expired on 28 February 2021 and was not exercised. The option held 

by the non-controlling shareholder of Fera Science Limited is exercisable from April 2021 and has been classified as current (2019: non-current). 

A sensitivity analysis assuming a 10% increase/decrease in the earnings potential of the business results in a £10.3m increase/decrease in 

the valuation.

At 31 December 2019

Financial assets

Lease receivables

Cash flow hedges

Non-designated foreign exchange forwards and swaps

Interest rate swaps

Cross-currency interest rate swaps

Investments

Other investments

Other financial assets

Cash

Total financial assets

At 31 December 2019

Financial liabilities

Private placement loan note

Other loan notes

Cash flow hedges

Non-designated foreign exchange forwards and swaps

Cross-currency interest rate swaps

Public sector subsidiary partnership payment

Contingent consideration

Deferred consideration

Put options of non-controlling interests

Other financial liabilities

Overdrafts

Lease liabilities

Total financial liabilities

Note

Fair value

hierarchy

FVPL

£m

FVOCI

£m

Total

£m

Current

£m

Derivatives

used for

hedging

£m

Amortised

cost

£m

—   

3.4   

—   

1.0   

80.9   

—   

—   

14.9   

14.9 

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

3.4 

3.2 

1.0 

80.9 

1.5 

2.4 

Non-

current

£m

11.3 

0.5 

0.1 

1.0 

3.6   

2.9   

3.1   

—   

15.5   

65.4 

—   

—   

1.5 

2.4 

85.3   

14.9    107.3 

25.1   

82.2 

—    409.1    409.1 

  409.1   

— 

85.3    424.0    516.4 

  434.2   

82.2 

4.4.2

4.2.4

a

a

Level-2  

Level-2  

Level-2  

Level-2  

Level-2  

Level-3  

Level-3  

4.5.4 Level-1  

4.2.4

Level-2  

a

a

c

d

Level-2  

Level-2  

Level-2  

Level-2  

Level-3  

Level-3  

Level-2  

Level-3  

—   

—   

3.2   

—   

—   

1.5   

—   

4.7   

—   

4.7   

—   

—   

—   

2.6   

—   

—   

5.0   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

2.4   

2.4   

—   

2.4   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

Note

Fair value

hierarchy

FVPL

£m

FVOCI

£m

Derivatives

used for

hedging

£m

Amortised

cost

£m

Total

£m

Current

£m

Non-

current

£m

—    990.7    990.7 

  232.5    758.2 

0.3   

—   

—   

—   

—   

0.7   

0.3 

0.5 

2.6 

3.6 

5.0 

0.7 

35.4   

35.4 

—   

0.5   

—   

3.6   

—   

—   

—   

—   

0.3   

—   

1.6   

—   

9.4   

5.0   

—   

— 

0.5 

1.0 

3.6 

26.0 

— 

0.7 

5.7 

—    108.7   

—    108.7 

  103.0   

7.6    108.7   

4.1   1,027.1   1,147.5 

  351.8    795.7 

4.5.4

4.4.1

Level-1  

Level-2  

—   

—   

—   

—   

—    286.3    286.3 

  286.3   

— 

—    562.6    562.6 

81.9    480.7 

7.6    108.7   

4.1   1,876.0   1,996.4 

  720.0   1,276.4 

Section 4: Capital structure and financing costs continued
4.5 Financial instruments and the fair value hierarchy continued

The following table shows the reconciliation from the opening balances to the closing balances for Level-3 fair values.

At 1 January
Gain on final settlement recognised in the income statement
Payments made
Change in put-options recognised in other comprehensive income
Additions
Disposals
Impairments
Loss on fair value recognised in other comprehensive income
Discount unwind recognised in the income statement
At 31 December

Contingent
consideration
£m
5.0   
(0.1)   
(4.9)   
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   

Subsidiary
partnership
payment
£m
35.4   
—   
(9.4)   
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
1.1   
27.1   

Put options
of non-
controlling
interests
£m
108.7   
—   
—   
(9.0)   
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
99.7   

Investments
and other
investments
£m
3.9 
1.6 
— 
— 
2.6 
(3.9) 
(0.4) 
(1.0) 
— 
2.8 

4.5.3 Borrowings
Details of the Group’s RCF and backstop bridge facilities are shown in the above liquidity section (see note 4.5.2b).

Borrowing costs of £0.5m were capitalised in the year (2019: £nil). At 31 December 2020, the Group’s private placement loan note series had 
a GBP equivalent underlying carrying value of £707.1m (2019: £912.4m) (see note 4.5.2a) analysed as follows:

Maturity
19 July 20211
27 October 2021
22 January 2022
27 October 2023
22 January 2025
22 April 2025
27 October 2026
22 January 2027
Total GBP denominated
19 July 2021
26 July 2021
27 October 2021
22 January 2022
22 April 2022
22 January 2023
27 October 2023
22 January 2025
27 October 2026
22 January 2027
Total USD denominated2
10 November 2022
10 November 2022
10 November 2027
Total euro denominated3

Denomination

GBP  
GBP  
GBP  
GBP  
GBP  
GBP  
GBP  
GBP  
GBP
USD  
USD  
USD  
USD  
USD  
USD  
USD  
USD  
USD  
USD  
USD
EUR  
EUR  
EUR  
EUR

Interest rate
%
4.760   
2.180   
3.260   
2.520   
3.540   
3.670   
2.770   
3.580   

4.500   
4.750   
3.030   
3.330   
3.430   
3.450   
3.370   
3.650   
3.590   
3.800   

2.125   
2.125   
2.875   

Nominal value
Ccy’m
26.0 
36.0 
18.6 
27.5 
7.4 
22.3 
18.6 
23.8 
180.2 
175.3 
37.1 
18.6 
29.7 
48.3 
39.4 
17.8 
74.3 
19.3 
27.5 
487.3 
166.1 
16.0 
60.0 
242.1 

1. The Group has entered into interest rate swaps to convert the interest cost to floating rates based on 6-month GBP LIBOR.

2. USD denominated loan notes have a GBP equivalent underlying carrying value of £313.0m. The Group has entered into cross-currency interest rate swaps for the USD issues to achieve 

a floating rate of interest based on 6-month GBP LIBOR. Further disclosure on the Group’s use of hedges is included in note 4.2.

3. Euro denominated loan notes have a GBP equivalent underlying carrying value of £215.5m.

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

177

Notes to the consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

154

Section 4: Capital structure and financing costs continued
4.5 Financial instruments and the fair value hierarchy continued

4.5.4 Cash, cash equivalents and overdrafts 
The Group has a notional cash pool under which the bank may net cash balances with overdrafts held by other Group companies in the 
arrangements. The overdraft balances shown below are fully offset by credit balances in the same arrangement. The Group’s gross cash 
position is shown in the table below:

Cash and cash equivalents
Overdrafts
Cash, net of overdrafts, included in disposal group assets and liabilities held for sale
Cash, cash equivalents and overdrafts

Cash includes £9.4m held in a 32-day notice deposit account (2019: £28.5m held in a 32-day notice account).

2020
£m
460.9   
(332.7)   
12.9   
141.1   

2019
£m
409.1 
(286.3) 
— 
122.8 

178

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsNotes to the  consolidated  financial statements 
 
 
 
Section 4: Capital structure and financing costs continued

4.5 Financial instruments and the fair value hierarchy continued

4.5.4 Cash, cash equivalents and overdrafts 

The Group has a notional cash pool under which the bank may net cash balances with overdrafts held by other Group companies in the 

arrangements. The overdraft balances shown below are fully offset by credit balances in the same arrangement. The Group’s gross cash 

position is shown in the table below:

Cash and cash equivalents

Overdrafts

Cash, net of overdrafts, included in disposal group assets and liabilities held for sale

Cash, cash equivalents and overdrafts

Cash includes £9.4m held in a 32-day notice deposit account (2019: £28.5m held in a 32-day notice account).

2020

£m

2019

£m

460.9   

409.1 

(332.7)   

(286.3) 

12.9   

— 

141.1   

122.8 

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

154

155

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Section 4: Capital structure and financing costs continued
4.6 Issued share capital

Allotted, called up and fully paid
Ordinary shares of 2 1/15p each
At 1 January
At 31 December

Share premium
Ordinary shares of 2 1/15p each
At 1 January
At 31 December

Treasury shares
Ordinary shares of 2 1/15p
At 1 January
Shares allotted in the year
At 31 December

2020
m

2019
m

2020
£m

1,671.1
1,671.1

1,671.1  
1,671.1  

34.5   
34.5   

2020
£m

2019
£m

34.5 
34.5 

2019
£m

  1,143.3    1,143.3 
  1,143.3    1,143.3 

2020
m

2019
m

2020
£m

2.6
(0.3)   
2.3  

2.9  
(0.3)   
2.6   

(0.1)   
—   
(0.1)   

2019
£m

(0.1) 
— 
(0.1) 

In 2020, the Group made no purchases of shares into Treasury and allotted 276,614 (2019: 281,762) shares with an aggregate nominal value of 
£5,717 (2019: £5,824). The total consideration received in respect of these shares was £nil (2019: £nil).

Employee benefit trust shares
Ordinary shares of 2 1/15p
At 1 January
Shares acquired during the year
At 31 December

2020
m

12.6
— 
12.6

2019
m

2020
£m

2019
£m

12.0  
0.6  
12.6  

(11.1)   
—   
(11.1)   

(11.1) 
— 
(11.1) 

The Group will use shares held in the employee benefit trust (EBT) to satisfy future requirements for shares under the Group’s share option and 
long-term incentive plans. During the year, the EBT allotted nil (2019: nil) ordinary 2 1/15p shares with an aggregate nominal value of £nil (2019: 
£nil) to satisfy exercises under the Group’s share option and long-term incentive plans. The total consideration received in respect of these 
shares was £nil (2019: £nil). The Group acquired nil (2019: 0.6m) ordinary 2 1/15p shares paying an average market price of £nil per share with 
the total value of £nil (2019: £0.7m).

The Group has an unexpired authority to repurchase up to 10% of its issued share capital.

4.7 Group composition and non-controlling interests

The Group’s subsidiaries are listed in notes 7.3.4 and 7.3.16 of the Parent Company financial statements on pages 195 and 198 to 202. This list 
includes AXELOS Limited and Entrust Support Services Limited which both have 49% non-controlling interests, and Fera Science Limited which 
has a 25% non-controlling interest.

The Group holds a majority of the voting rights in all of its subsidiaries and the directors have determined that, other than the entity commented 
on below, in each case the Group exercises de facto control.

On 23 September 2014, the Secretary of State for the Department for Energy and Climate Change granted Smart DCC Limited (DCC), a wholly-
owned subsidiary of the Group, a licence to establish and manage the smart metering communications infrastructure, governed by the Smart 
Energy Code. Each year the Group reassess whether it has control over DCC as required under IFRS 10. The Group’s ability to control the 
relevant activities of DCC is restricted by DCC’s operating licence. The power that the Group has over DCC’s relevant activities by virtue of 
owning it is limited (given the restrictions in the licence). That power is held by the board of DCC where the Group has minority representation in 
compliance with the licence. Consequently, the Group has not consolidated DCC within its Group financial statements. The disclosure of related 
party transactions with DCC is included in note 6.1.

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

179

Notes to the consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statements 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

156

Section 5: Employee benefits

This section details employee related items that are not explained elsewhere in the financial statements.

In this section you will find disclosures about:

5.1 Share-based payment plans

5.2 Pensions

5.3 Employee benefit expense

AP

Denotes accounting policies

J

Denotes significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions

Key highlights 

Additional funding into 
the defined benefit schemes

Net defined benefit pension liability

£29.5m £252.1m

(2019: £71.1m)

(2019: £252.5m)

Employee benefit expense

£1,794.8m

(2019: £1,919.9m)

The net defined benefit liability decreased slightly year on year. As part of the deficit funding plan £29.5m of additional funding was paid into the 
defined benefit schemes. 

Net defined benefit pension liability

Defined benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets
Net defined pension liability

2020
£m

2019
£m

  1,882.3    1,697.0   
  (1,630.2)    (1,444.5)   
252.5   

252.1   

Movement
£m
185.3 
(185.7) 
(0.4) 

The main reason for the increase in liabilities over the year was due to the material fall in the yields available on good quality, long term 
corporate bonds – which is used to derive the discount rate to value the liabilities. The schemes are highly sensitive to the change in discount 
rates with a 0.1% pa change resulting in a £39.5m impact. The increase in the liability due to change in market conditions was broadly offset 
by favourable membership experience, as well as an increase in the scheme assets due to employer contributions and higher than expected 
returns.

The Capita Pension and Life Assurance Scheme (CPLAS) is the Group’s main defined benefit scheme. The valuation of liabilities for funding 
purposes (the actuarial valuation) differs to the valuation for accounting purposes (which are shown in these financial statements) mainly due to 
different assumptions being used and different market conditions at the different valuation dates (the effective date for the actuarial valuation is 
31 March). The assumptions used for funding purposes allow for an appropriate amount of prudence, with the discount rate being based on the 
actual assets of the CPLAS. While for accounting purposes the assumptions are determined on a best estimate basis in accordance with IAS 19, 
with the discount rate being based on the yields available on high quality corporate bonds of appropriate currency and term. Management 
estimate that at 31 December 2020 the net liability of the CPLAS scheme was significantly less on a funding basis (ie the funding assumption 
principles adopted for the full actuarial valuation at 31 March 2017) than on an accounting basis.

Decrease in employee benefit expense of £125.1m reflects lower average headcount in 2020, impact of Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme 
(£21.3m) and lower discretionary bonus scheme charge in 2020, due to cancellation of 2019 scheme in 2020 and decision taken not to issue a 
2020 scheme. 

180

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsNotes to the  consolidated  financial statements 
Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

156

157

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

This section details employee related items that are not explained elsewhere in the financial statements.

Section 5: Employee benefits

In this section you will find disclosures about:

5.1 Share-based payment plans

5.2 Pensions

5.3 Employee benefit expense

Denotes accounting policies

Denotes significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions

Key highlights 

Additional funding into 

the defined benefit schemes

Net defined benefit pension liability

£29.5m £252.1m

(2019: £71.1m)

(2019: £252.5m)

Employee benefit expense

£1,794.8m

(2019: £1,919.9m)

defined benefit schemes. 

Net defined benefit pension liability

Defined benefit obligation

Fair value of plan assets

Net defined pension liability

The net defined benefit liability decreased slightly year on year. As part of the deficit funding plan £29.5m of additional funding was paid into the 

2020

£m

2019

£m

Movement

£m

  1,882.3    1,697.0   

185.3 

  (1,630.2)    (1,444.5)   

(185.7) 

252.1   

252.5   

(0.4) 

The main reason for the increase in liabilities over the year was due to the material fall in the yields available on good quality, long term 

corporate bonds – which is used to derive the discount rate to value the liabilities. The schemes are highly sensitive to the change in discount 

rates with a 0.1% pa change resulting in a £39.5m impact. The increase in the liability due to change in market conditions was broadly offset 

by favourable membership experience, as well as an increase in the scheme assets due to employer contributions and higher than expected 

returns.

The Capita Pension and Life Assurance Scheme (CPLAS) is the Group’s main defined benefit scheme. The valuation of liabilities for funding 

purposes (the actuarial valuation) differs to the valuation for accounting purposes (which are shown in these financial statements) mainly due to 

different assumptions being used and different market conditions at the different valuation dates (the effective date for the actuarial valuation is 

31 March). The assumptions used for funding purposes allow for an appropriate amount of prudence, with the discount rate being based on the 

actual assets of the CPLAS. While for accounting purposes the assumptions are determined on a best estimate basis in accordance with IAS 19, 

with the discount rate being based on the yields available on high quality corporate bonds of appropriate currency and term. Management 

estimate that at 31 December 2020 the net liability of the CPLAS scheme was significantly less on a funding basis (ie the funding assumption 

principles adopted for the full actuarial valuation at 31 March 2017) than on an accounting basis.

Decrease in employee benefit expense of £125.1m reflects lower average headcount in 2020, impact of Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme 

(£21.3m) and lower discretionary bonus scheme charge in 2020, due to cancellation of 2019 scheme in 2020 and decision taken not to issue a 

2020 scheme. 

Section 5: Employee benefits
5.1 Share-based payment plans

The Group operates a number of executive and employee equity-settled share schemes.

AP

Accounting policies

The fair value of the equity instrument granted is measured at grant date and is recognised as an expense over the vesting period, which ends 
on the date on which the relevant employees become fully entitled to the award. Fair value is determined using an option pricing model, only 
taking into account vesting conditions linked to the price of the shares of the Company (market conditions).

No expense is recognised for awards that do not ultimately vest as a result of not meeting performance or service conditions. Where all service 
and performance vesting conditions have been met, the awards are treated as vesting, irrespective of whether or not the market condition is 
satisfied, as market conditions have been reflected in the fair value of the equity instruments.

At each balance sheet date before vesting, the cumulative expense is calculated, representing the extent to which the vesting period has expired 
and management’s best estimate of the achievement or otherwise of non-market conditions, the number of equity instruments that will ultimately 
vest or, in the case of an instrument subject to a market condition, be treated as vesting as described above. The movement in cumulative 
expense since the previous balance sheet date is recognised in the consolidated income statement, with a corresponding adjustment to equity.

Where the terms of an award are modified or a new award is designated as replacing a cancelled or settled award, the cost based on the original 
award terms continues to be recognised over the original vesting period adjusted for the incremental fair value of any modification ie the 
difference between the fair value of the original award and the fair value of the modified award, both as measured on the date of the modification. 
No reduction is recognised if this difference is negative.

Where an award is cancelled, it is treated as if it had vested on the date of cancellation, and any cost not yet recognised in the consolidated 
income statement for the award is expensed immediately. Any compensation paid up to the fair value of the award at the cancellation or 
settlement date is deducted from equity, with any excess over the fair value being treated as an expense in the income statement.

The expense recognised for share based payments (before deferred tax) in respect of employee services received during the year to 
31 December 2020 was £6.4m (2019: £3.0m), all of which arises from equity-settled share based payment transactions. Details of the schemes 
are as follows:

Deferred annual bonus plan
This scheme is applicable to executive directors. Under this scheme, awards are made annually consisting of only deferred shares, which are 
linked to the payout under the annual bonus scheme (details of which are contained in the directors’ remuneration report on pages 90 to 108).

The value of deferred shares is determined by the pay-out under the annual bonus scheme: half of the annual bonus is paid in cash and the 
remainder is deferred into shares under the deferred annual bonus plan. Directors have the option to defer up to 100% of their annual bonus into 
deferred shares or net bonus into a restricted share award. The deferred/restricted shares are held for a period of three years from the date of 
award, during which they are not forfeitable, except in the case of dismissal for gross misconduct.

The weighted average share price of options at the date of exercise in 2020 was £0.64. The weighted average share price during the year was 
£0.57 (2019: £1.31).

The total cash value of the deferred shares awarded during the year was £nil (2019: £0.7m). 

Long-term incentive plans (LTIPs) – 2017
The 2017 LTIP was approved and adopted at the AGM on 13 June 2017. This scheme is open to executive directors and senior employees and 
shares may vest according to performance criteria. 

For the 2017 award, 75% of the award was based on EPS growth and 25% was based on return on capital employed, measured over a three 
year period. Threshold vesting (25%) for each measure was dependent upon: the EPS growth exceeding 3%; return on capital employed 
exceeding 11%. Maximum vesting (100%) for each measure was dependent upon: the EPS growth exceeding 8%; return on capital employed 
exceeding 15%. These conditions were not met, therefore all shares awarded lapsed.

For the 2018 award, one-third of the award was subject to retention over a three-year vesting period at which point this portion of the award will 
vest in full. The remainder of the award was subject to performance conditions, namely: annualised cost savings, free cash flow and EBIT 
margin, customer satisfaction and employee engagement, all measured over a three-year period. Threshold vesting (25%) for each measure 
was dependent upon: annualised costs savings reaching £160m; free cash flow reaching £180m; EBIT margin exceeding 9%; 6 point positive 
swing in NPS for both customer satisfaction and employee engagement. Target vesting (50%) for each measure was dependent upon: 
annualised cost savings reaching £175m; free cash flow reaching £200m; EBIT margin of 10%; 8 point positive swing in net promoter score 
(NPS) for both customer satisfaction and employee engagement. Maximum vesting (100%) for each measure was dependent upon: annualised 
cost savings reaching £205m; free cash flow reaching £240m; EBIT margin of 12%; 12 point positive swing in net promoter score (NPS) for both 
customer satisfaction and employee engagement. Awards were also subject to an underpin based on an assessment of underlying financial and 
operational performance. 

For the 2019 award, 75% of the award was equally weighted between free cash flow, EBIT margin and organic revenue growth, with the 
remaining 25% split equally between customer satisfaction and employee engagement, measured over a three-year period. Threshold vesting 
(25%) for each measure is dependent upon: free cash flow reaching £190m; EBIT margin exceeding 9%; organic revenue growth to £3,900m; 
6 point positive swing in NPS for both customer satisfaction and employee engagement. Target vesting (50%) for each measure is dependent 
upon: free cash flow reaching £120m; EBIT margin exceeding 10%; organic revenue growth to £3,950m; 8 point positive swing in NPS for 
both customer satisfaction and employee engagement. Maximum vesting (100%) for each measure is dependent upon: free cash flow 
reaching £240m; EBIT margin of 12%; organic revenue growth to £4,050m; 12 point positive swing in net promoter score (NPS) for both 
customer satisfaction and employee engagement. Awards are also subject to an underpin based on an assessment of underlying financial 
and operational performance.

The 2020 award is split into three equal tranches that may vest on the first, second and third anniversary of the grant date. 50% of each tranche 
is subject to a retention element which will vest in full on each annual vesting date, with the remaining 50% subject to a performance condition 
that is set in the first quarter of each year. For the first tranche in 2020, headline net debt was set as the performance condition. Threshold 
vesting (25%) is dependent on headline net debt falling to £872m, target vesting (50%) is dependent on net debt falling to £822m and maximum 
vesting (100%) is dependent on net debt being below £772m.

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

181

Notes to the consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statements 
Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

158

Section 5: Employee benefits continued
5.1 Share-based payment plans continued

Details of the LTIP awards made to executive directors over the same period are set out in the directors’ remuneration report, on page 103.

All of the above awards are subject to a performance underpin – assessment of the underlying financial and operational performance of Capita 
over the performance period.

Outstanding at 1 January
Awarded during the year
Exercised
Forfeited
Outstanding at 31 December
Exercisable at 31 December

2020
m
38.0   
16.2   
(0.3)   
(5.4)   
48.5   
—   

2019
m
29.7 
17.2 
(0.3) 
(8.6) 
38.0 
— 

The weighted average remaining contractual life of the above shares outstanding at 31 December 2020 was 0.8 years (2019: 1.5 years). There 
are no exercise prices for any options issued under the 2008 LTIP scheme.

All schemes
The fair value of the options granted/awarded during the year was £0.33 per share (2019: £1.25 per share). None of the existing option schemes 
have exercise prices.

The fair value for the 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 share scheme issues is effectively the market price of a Capita share at the date of grant. 
Accordingly, no assumptions have been disclosed. The fair value of equity-settled share options granted pre-2017 is estimated at the date 
of grant using a multiple simulation option pricing valuation model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the options 
were granted. 

The expected life of the options is based on historical data and is not necessarily indicative of exercise patterns that may occur. The expected 
volatility reflects the assumption that the historical volatility is indicative of future trends, which may also not necessarily be the actual outcome. 
In addition, within the 2008 LTIP is an average share price floor under which the share award will not vest. This floor is based on the Company’s 
average share price at the date of vesting. No other features of options grant were incorporated into the measurement of fair value.

5.2 Pensions

AP

Accounting policies

Defined contribution pension schemes
The Group maintains a number of defined contribution pension schemes and for these schemes the Group has no further payment obligations 
once the contributions have been paid. The contributions are recognised as an employee benefit expense in the consolidated income statement 
as the related service is provided and as they fall due.

Defined benefit pension schemes
In addition, the Group operates a defined benefit pension scheme and participates in a number of other defined benefit pension schemes, all 
of which require contributions to be made to separate trustee-administered funds. The costs of providing benefits under these schemes are 
determined separately for each scheme using the projected unit credit method, which attributes entitlement to benefits to the current period 
(to determine current service cost) and to the current and prior periods (to determine the present value of the defined benefit obligation) and 
is based on actuarial advice. Past service costs are recognised immediately in the consolidated income statement.

When a settlement (eliminating all obligations for benefits already accrued) or a curtailment (reducing future obligations as a result of a material 
reduction in the scheme membership or a reduction in future entitlement) occurs, the obligation and related plan assets are remeasured using 
current actuarial assumptions and the resultant gain or loss recognised in the consolidated income statement during the period in which the 
settlement or curtailment occurs.

Remeasurements of the net defined benefit asset/liability, which comprise actuarial gains and losses, the return on plan assets (excluding 
interest) and the effect of the asset ceiling (if any, excluding interest), are recognised immediately in other comprehensive income and reflected 
immediately in retained earnings and will not be reclassified to the consolidated income statement. The Group generally determines the net 
interest expense/income on the net defined benefit asset/liability for the year by applying the discount rate used to measure the defined benefit 
obligation at the beginning of the year to the then net defined benefit asset/liability, taking into account any changes in the net defined benefit 
asset/liability during the period as a result of contributions and benefit payments. However, due consideration is made to events which require 
the net interest expense/income on the net defined benefit asset/liability to be re-measured over the course of the year. 

Current and past service costs are charged to operating profit while the net interest cost is included within net finance costs.

In respect of one of the defined benefit pension schemes in which the Group participates, the Group accounts for its legal and constructive 
obligation over the period of its participation which is for a fixed period only.

The liability on the consolidated balance sheet in respect of the defined benefit pension schemes comprises the total for each scheme, or group 
of schemes, of the present value of the defined benefit obligation (using a discount rate based on high quality corporate bonds), less the fair 
value of plan assets out of which the obligations are to be settled directly. The policy to determine fair value of plan assets is covered in the note 
below. The value of a net pension benefit asset is restricted to the present value of any amount the Group expects to recover by way of refunds 
from the plan or reductions in the future contributions.

182

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsNotes to the  consolidated  financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

158

159

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Section 5: Employee benefits continued

5.1 Share-based payment plans continued

Details of the LTIP awards made to executive directors over the same period are set out in the directors’ remuneration report, on page 103.

All of the above awards are subject to a performance underpin – assessment of the underlying financial and operational performance of Capita 

Section 5: Employee benefits continued
5.2 Pensions continued

J

Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions

2020

m

38.0   

16.2   

(0.3)   

(5.4)   

48.5   

—   

2019

m

29.7 

17.2 

(0.3) 

(8.6) 

38.0 

— 

over the performance period.

Outstanding at 1 January

Awarded during the year

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding at 31 December

Exercisable at 31 December

All schemes

have exercise prices.

were granted. 

5.2 Pensions

Accounting policies

The weighted average remaining contractual life of the above shares outstanding at 31 December 2020 was 0.8 years (2019: 1.5 years). There 

are no exercise prices for any options issued under the 2008 LTIP scheme.

The fair value of the options granted/awarded during the year was £0.33 per share (2019: £1.25 per share). None of the existing option schemes 

The fair value for the 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 share scheme issues is effectively the market price of a Capita share at the date of grant. 

Accordingly, no assumptions have been disclosed. The fair value of equity-settled share options granted pre-2017 is estimated at the date 

of grant using a multiple simulation option pricing valuation model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the options 

The expected life of the options is based on historical data and is not necessarily indicative of exercise patterns that may occur. The expected 

volatility reflects the assumption that the historical volatility is indicative of future trends, which may also not necessarily be the actual outcome. 

In addition, within the 2008 LTIP is an average share price floor under which the share award will not vest. This floor is based on the Company’s 

average share price at the date of vesting. No other features of options grant were incorporated into the measurement of fair value.

Defined contribution pension schemes

The Group maintains a number of defined contribution pension schemes and for these schemes the Group has no further payment obligations 

once the contributions have been paid. The contributions are recognised as an employee benefit expense in the consolidated income statement 

as the related service is provided and as they fall due.

Defined benefit pension schemes

In addition, the Group operates a defined benefit pension scheme and participates in a number of other defined benefit pension schemes, all 

of which require contributions to be made to separate trustee-administered funds. The costs of providing benefits under these schemes are 

determined separately for each scheme using the projected unit credit method, which attributes entitlement to benefits to the current period 

(to determine current service cost) and to the current and prior periods (to determine the present value of the defined benefit obligation) and 

is based on actuarial advice. Past service costs are recognised immediately in the consolidated income statement.

When a settlement (eliminating all obligations for benefits already accrued) or a curtailment (reducing future obligations as a result of a material 

reduction in the scheme membership or a reduction in future entitlement) occurs, the obligation and related plan assets are remeasured using 

current actuarial assumptions and the resultant gain or loss recognised in the consolidated income statement during the period in which the 

settlement or curtailment occurs.

Remeasurements of the net defined benefit asset/liability, which comprise actuarial gains and losses, the return on plan assets (excluding 

interest) and the effect of the asset ceiling (if any, excluding interest), are recognised immediately in other comprehensive income and reflected 

immediately in retained earnings and will not be reclassified to the consolidated income statement. The Group generally determines the net 

interest expense/income on the net defined benefit asset/liability for the year by applying the discount rate used to measure the defined benefit 

obligation at the beginning of the year to the then net defined benefit asset/liability, taking into account any changes in the net defined benefit 

asset/liability during the period as a result of contributions and benefit payments. However, due consideration is made to events which require 

the net interest expense/income on the net defined benefit asset/liability to be re-measured over the course of the year. 

Current and past service costs are charged to operating profit while the net interest cost is included within net finance costs.

In respect of one of the defined benefit pension schemes in which the Group participates, the Group accounts for its legal and constructive 

obligation over the period of its participation which is for a fixed period only.

The liability on the consolidated balance sheet in respect of the defined benefit pension schemes comprises the total for each scheme, or group 

of schemes, of the present value of the defined benefit obligation (using a discount rate based on high quality corporate bonds), less the fair 

value of plan assets out of which the obligations are to be settled directly. The policy to determine fair value of plan assets is covered in the note 

below. The value of a net pension benefit asset is restricted to the present value of any amount the Group expects to recover by way of refunds 

from the plan or reductions in the future contributions.

The measurement of defined benefit obligations – the accounting cost of these benefits and the present value of pension liabilities involve 
judgements about uncertain events including such factors as the life expectancy of members, the salary progression of our current employees, 
price inflation and the discount rate used to calculate the net present value of the future pension payments. The Group uses estimates for 
all of these factors in determining the pension costs and liabilities incorporated in our financial statements. The assumptions reflect historical 
experience and our judgement regarding future expectations. The Group operates both defined benefit and defined contribution pension 
schemes.

The Group continued to set RPI inflation in line with the market break-even expectations less an inflation risk premium. The inflation risk 
premium has been increased from 0.20% pa at 31 December 2019 to 0.25% pa at 31 December 2020, reflecting an allowance for developments 
linked to the RPI reform proposals. For CPI, the Group reduced the assumed difference between the RPI and CPI by 0.25% pa to an average of 
0.75% pa. The estimated impact of the change in the methodology is approximately a £10m increase in the defined benefit obligation in respect 
of the CPLAS scheme.

Covid-19 has brought into sharp focus the resource and environmental risks faced by companies running occupation pension schemes. Since 
the start of the pandemic in early 2020, there has been high levels of volatility in investment markets and, as a result, in the funding positions 
of defined benefit pension schemes sponsored by the Group. The investment markets have stabilized to some degree since then, but a direct 
impact of Covid-19 has been the write down in certain investment classes currently invested in, such as property funds and private debt. As long 
as the economic outlook remains uncertain then the volatility in the investment markets is also expected to persist. 

The volatility in investment markets also resulted in credit spreads increasing significantly during March 2020 before falling back down. This has 
led to greater uncertainty around setting an appropriate discount rate to assess the value of the defined benefit pension schemes sponsored by 
the company for these financial statements. The company has not changed its approach in setting the discount rate assumption (which is by 
reference to a corporate bond curve fitted to appropriate corporate bond yield data) but will keep this approach under review in light of 
developments in the marketplace.

The impact on the effects on future life expectancy is also uncertain. The pandemic is likely to have an impact on the setting of appropriate life 
expectancy assumptions and models for future improvements will need to consider whether the experience in 2020 is a one-off, and if the 
pandemic will influence future mortality in other ways. For example, the pressure on health services may mean that progress against other 
causes of death such as cancer is slower than previously expected, meaning an assumption of a lower rate of mortality improvements might be 
appropriate. Alternatively, the surviving population may be in better health than those dying from Covid-19, meaning that that we might expect 
remaining members to live slightly longer. For these disclosures, while the mortality assumption reflects more up-to-date information, the 
principles underlying the setting of the assumptions have remain unchanged.

Pension expense included in the consolidated income statement

Defined contribution scheme
Defined benefit schemes

Current service cost
Administration costs
Past service cost
   Effect of settlements
Total charged to profit before tax

Interest cost

Total in the consolidated income statement

2020
£m
109.0   

6.2   
3.7   
0.1   
3.1   
122.1   
3.2   
125.3   

2019
£m
108.2 

7.0 
3.9 
0.3 
— 
119.4 
4.4 
123.8 

At 31 December 2020, retirement obligations were disclosed in relation to 10 (2019: 11) defined benefit pension schemes. The main defined 
benefit scheme is the Capita Pension and Life Assurance Scheme. 

The Capita Pension and Life Assurance Scheme (CPLAS)
CPLAS is the Group’s main defined benefit scheme, which closed to future accrual for most members in 2017 (with around 300 members 
continuing to accrue benefits). On 31 March 2020, the Group’s segregated section of a multi-employer scheme (the Water Associated Employers 
Pension Scheme (WAEPS)) was merged into the CPLAS. The CPLAS currently represents around 96% of total defined benefit obligations of the 
Group totalling £1,810.6m (2019: £1,623.8m including WAEPS). The CPLAS has plan assets of £1,568.8m (2019: £1,378.1m including WAEPS) 
and a net liability of £241.8m (2019: £245.7m including WAEPS). Events have occurred in the CPLAS that has led to the income statement 
being remeasured during the year.

Responsibility for the operation and governance of the CPLAS lies with a corporate Trustee which is independent of the Group. The Trustee 
Board is required by law to act in the interest of the CPLAS’s beneficiaries in accordance with the rules of the CPLAS and relevant legislation 
(which includes the Pension Schemes Act 1993, the Pensions Act 1995 and the Pensions Act 2004). The nature of the relationship between 
the Group and the Trustee Board is also governed by the rules of the CPLAS and relevant legislation. The Trustee Board is chaired by an 
independent Trustee.

The assets of the CPLAS are held in a separate fund (administered by the Trustee Board) to meet long-term pension liabilities to beneficiaries. 
The Trustee Board invest the assets in line with their Statement of Investment Principles, which is regularly reviewed.

A full actuarial valuation of the scheme is carried out every three years by an independent actuary for the Trustee Board, with the last full 
actuarial valuation carried out at 31 March 2017. The purpose of that valuation is to design a funding plan to ensure that the CPLAS has 
sufficient assets available to meet future benefit payments, based on assumptions agreed between the Trustee Board and the Group. 
The 31 March 2017 actuarial valuation showed a funding deficit of £185.0m (31 March 2014: £1.4m). This equates to a funding level of 86.1% 
(31 March 2014: 99.8%).

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

183

Notes to the consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

160

Section 5: Employee benefits continued
5.2 Pensions continued

As a result of the funding valuation, the Group and the Trustee Board agreed the following plan to eliminate the deficit:

Deficit contribution

2018

2019

2020

£42.0m

£71.0m

£59.0m

2021

£4.0m

During 2020, the Group and the Trustee Board agreed to defer a deficit payment of £31.7m due in 2020 to 2021 (which was subsequently paid in 
February 2021). In addition, following the merger of WAEPS in the CPLAS, deficit contributions due to WAEPS were paid into the CPLAS (£0.7m 
in 2020).

As part of the Funding Agreement put in place between the Trustee Board and the Group, additional monthly contributions of £4.16m were 
triggered from July 2020 until the 31 March 2020 valuation is finalised (expected Q2 2021). The Trustee Board and the Group have agreed 
that these contributions would be paid into an escrow account (instead of the scheme), with the escrow account being released to the scheme 
in 2021.

The next full actuarial valuation is being carried out with an effective date of 31 March 2020 and as part of that valuation the contribution 
requirements will be reviewed, and if necessary, amended. For the purpose of these accounts, an independent qualified actuary projected the 
results of the 31 March 2020 funding assessment, currently in progress, to 31 December 2020 taking account of the relevant accounting 
requirements.

Approximate funding updates are produced at each scheme anniversary when a full actuarial valuation is not being undertaken. The most recent 
of these, at 31 March 2019, showed a funding level of 96% (31 March 2018: 87%). 

In 2012, the Group established the Capita Scotland (Pension) Limited Partnership (the Partnership) with the CPLAS. Under this arrangement, 
intellectual property rights (IPR) in specific Group software was transferred to the partnership and the rights to use, develop and exploit this IPR 
was licensed back to the Group in return for an annual fee. The CPLAS’s interest in the Partnership entitles it to an annual distribution of £8.0m 
for 15 years from inception. 

The Group’s interest in the Partnership is fully consolidated into these Group financial statements. The Group has taken advantage of the 
exemption conferred by Regulation 7 of the Partnerships (Accounts) Regulations 2008 and has, therefore, not appended the accounts of this 
qualifying partnership to these financial statements. Separate accounts for the Partnership are not required to be, and have not been, filed at 
Companies House.

Under IAS 19 (Revised) the interest in the Partnership does not represent a plan asset for Group reporting purposes and therefore the CPLAS’s 
deficit position presented in these accounts does not reflect the CPLAS’s interest in the Partnership. Accordingly, distributions from the 
Partnership to the CPLAS are reflected in these Group accounts as pension contributions to the CPLAS on a cash basis as paid.

At 31 December 2020, the CPLAS’s interest in the Partnership ceased and in return the CPLAS received a special contribution of £50.1m in 
February 2021.

Subject to the outcome of the 31 March 2020 full actuarial valuation, the Group expects to contribute around £145m to the CPLAS over 2021.

Other defined benefit schemes
The total employer contributions to the ‘Other’ schemes for 2021 are estimated to be £7m.

Admitted Body arrangement
For the Admitted Body scheme, under which benefits continued to accrue until the contract ceased on 16 January 2020. The Group was required 
to pay regular contributions as decided by the Scheme Actuary and as detailed in the scheme’s Schedule of Contributions. In addition, the Group 
will be required to pay any deficit (as determined by the Scheme Actuary) that is remaining at the end of the contract. We expect the deficit 
contribution to be quantified in the first half of 2021, with this amount estimated to be up to £0.6m. When payment is made this will settle the 
Group’s liability to the Admitted Body scheme. In respect of this, the Group is carrying a sufficient level of provision in these financial statements.  

Allocated section of a Local Government Pension Scheme
For the allocated section of a Local Government Pension Scheme, under which benefits continued to accrue until the last contributing member 
ceased to be an active member on 25 July 2020. The Group was required to pay regular contributions as decided by the Scheme Actuary and 
as detailed in the scheme’s Schedule of Contributions. The latest full actuarial valuation (at 31 March 2019) showed there was a surplus on an 
ongoing basis and therefore no deficit contributions were required over to the period to 25 July 2020. However, an exit debt was triggered on 
25 July 2020 (when the last contributing member ceased to be an active member), and this was calculated by the Scheme Actuary to be £4.3m. 
When payment is made this will settle the Group’s liability to the allocated section of a Local Government Pension Scheme. In respect of this, 
the Group is carrying a sufficient level of provision in these financial statements. There is no cross subsidy with other employer sections.

Other UK schemes
•  Three segregated sections in an industry-wide scheme where benefits are continuing to accrue for only one of these sections. The latest full 
actuarial valuations (at 31 December 2018) showed that two of these sections were in surplus and therefore no deficit contributions were 
required. The third section showed a small deficit but the Trustees agreed that no deficit contributions would be required. There is no cross 
subsidy with other employer sections.

•  Participation in a non-associated multi-employer scheme under which defined benefits are not continuing to accrue. The latest full actuarial 

valuation (at 30 September 2017) resulted in the Group requiring to pay deficit contributions of £0.4m pa until 2026. If the Group were to cease 
to be a participating employer in this scheme there would be an exit debt payable. At 30 September 2017, this was estimated at £11.9m.

Overseas defined benefit schemes
The Group is responsible for an Irish defined benefit scheme which is classed as a cross-border scheme where the beneficiaries of the scheme 
have their liabilities, and the trustees hold assets, denominated in euro. The scheme is governed under UK regulations and subject to the further 
requirements applying to cross-border schemes. There are two segregated sections in the scheme. The latest full actuarial valuation (at 31 
March 2020) showed a funding surplus for the main section and therefore no deficit contributions required for that section; and a small funding 
deficit for the other section requiring a deficit contribution of £8k to be paid by 31 January 2021. There are no members left accruing benefits.

The Group is also responsible for two Swiss schemes that provide defined contribution benefits but with certain guarantees (and are therefore 
reported as defined benefit schemes under IAS19). They are administered and governed through collective foundations which are separate legal 
entities. Benefits are continuing to accrue in these schemes.

184

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsNotes to the  consolidated  financial statementsStrategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

160

161

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Section 5: Employee benefits continued

5.2 Pensions continued

As a result of the funding valuation, the Group and the Trustee Board agreed the following plan to eliminate the deficit:

2018

2019

2020

£42.0m

£71.0m

£59.0m

2021

£4.0m

Deficit contribution

in 2020).

in 2021.

requirements.

During 2020, the Group and the Trustee Board agreed to defer a deficit payment of £31.7m due in 2020 to 2021 (which was subsequently paid in 

February 2021). In addition, following the merger of WAEPS in the CPLAS, deficit contributions due to WAEPS were paid into the CPLAS (£0.7m 

As part of the Funding Agreement put in place between the Trustee Board and the Group, additional monthly contributions of £4.16m were 

triggered from July 2020 until the 31 March 2020 valuation is finalised (expected Q2 2021). The Trustee Board and the Group have agreed 

that these contributions would be paid into an escrow account (instead of the scheme), with the escrow account being released to the scheme 

The next full actuarial valuation is being carried out with an effective date of 31 March 2020 and as part of that valuation the contribution 

requirements will be reviewed, and if necessary, amended. For the purpose of these accounts, an independent qualified actuary projected the 

results of the 31 March 2020 funding assessment, currently in progress, to 31 December 2020 taking account of the relevant accounting 

Approximate funding updates are produced at each scheme anniversary when a full actuarial valuation is not being undertaken. The most recent 

of these, at 31 March 2019, showed a funding level of 96% (31 March 2018: 87%). 

In 2012, the Group established the Capita Scotland (Pension) Limited Partnership (the Partnership) with the CPLAS. Under this arrangement, 

intellectual property rights (IPR) in specific Group software was transferred to the partnership and the rights to use, develop and exploit this IPR 

was licensed back to the Group in return for an annual fee. The CPLAS’s interest in the Partnership entitles it to an annual distribution of £8.0m 

The Group’s interest in the Partnership is fully consolidated into these Group financial statements. The Group has taken advantage of the 

exemption conferred by Regulation 7 of the Partnerships (Accounts) Regulations 2008 and has, therefore, not appended the accounts of this 

qualifying partnership to these financial statements. Separate accounts for the Partnership are not required to be, and have not been, filed at 

Under IAS 19 (Revised) the interest in the Partnership does not represent a plan asset for Group reporting purposes and therefore the CPLAS’s 

deficit position presented in these accounts does not reflect the CPLAS’s interest in the Partnership. Accordingly, distributions from the 

Partnership to the CPLAS are reflected in these Group accounts as pension contributions to the CPLAS on a cash basis as paid.

At 31 December 2020, the CPLAS’s interest in the Partnership ceased and in return the CPLAS received a special contribution of £50.1m in 

Subject to the outcome of the 31 March 2020 full actuarial valuation, the Group expects to contribute around £145m to the CPLAS over 2021.

for 15 years from inception. 

Companies House.

February 2021.

Other defined benefit schemes

Admitted Body arrangement

The total employer contributions to the ‘Other’ schemes for 2021 are estimated to be £7m.

For the Admitted Body scheme, under which benefits continued to accrue until the contract ceased on 16 January 2020. The Group was required 

to pay regular contributions as decided by the Scheme Actuary and as detailed in the scheme’s Schedule of Contributions. In addition, the Group 

will be required to pay any deficit (as determined by the Scheme Actuary) that is remaining at the end of the contract. We expect the deficit 

contribution to be quantified in the first half of 2021, with this amount estimated to be up to £0.6m. When payment is made this will settle the 

Group’s liability to the Admitted Body scheme. In respect of this, the Group is carrying a sufficient level of provision in these financial statements.  

Allocated section of a Local Government Pension Scheme

For the allocated section of a Local Government Pension Scheme, under which benefits continued to accrue until the last contributing member 

ceased to be an active member on 25 July 2020. The Group was required to pay regular contributions as decided by the Scheme Actuary and 

as detailed in the scheme’s Schedule of Contributions. The latest full actuarial valuation (at 31 March 2019) showed there was a surplus on an 

ongoing basis and therefore no deficit contributions were required over to the period to 25 July 2020. However, an exit debt was triggered on 

25 July 2020 (when the last contributing member ceased to be an active member), and this was calculated by the Scheme Actuary to be £4.3m. 

When payment is made this will settle the Group’s liability to the allocated section of a Local Government Pension Scheme. In respect of this, 

the Group is carrying a sufficient level of provision in these financial statements. There is no cross subsidy with other employer sections.

Other UK schemes

•  Three segregated sections in an industry-wide scheme where benefits are continuing to accrue for only one of these sections. The latest full 

actuarial valuations (at 31 December 2018) showed that two of these sections were in surplus and therefore no deficit contributions were 

required. The third section showed a small deficit but the Trustees agreed that no deficit contributions would be required. There is no cross 

subsidy with other employer sections.

•  Participation in a non-associated multi-employer scheme under which defined benefits are not continuing to accrue. The latest full actuarial 

valuation (at 30 September 2017) resulted in the Group requiring to pay deficit contributions of £0.4m pa until 2026. If the Group were to cease 

to be a participating employer in this scheme there would be an exit debt payable. At 30 September 2017, this was estimated at £11.9m.

Overseas defined benefit schemes

The Group is responsible for an Irish defined benefit scheme which is classed as a cross-border scheme where the beneficiaries of the scheme 

have their liabilities, and the trustees hold assets, denominated in euro. The scheme is governed under UK regulations and subject to the further 

requirements applying to cross-border schemes. There are two segregated sections in the scheme. The latest full actuarial valuation (at 31 

March 2020) showed a funding surplus for the main section and therefore no deficit contributions required for that section; and a small funding 

deficit for the other section requiring a deficit contribution of £8k to be paid by 31 January 2021. There are no members left accruing benefits.

The Group is also responsible for two Swiss schemes that provide defined contribution benefits but with certain guarantees (and are therefore 

reported as defined benefit schemes under IAS19). They are administered and governed through collective foundations which are separate legal 

entities. Benefits are continuing to accrue in these schemes.

Section 5: Employee benefits continued
5.2 Pensions continued

Additional defined benefit schemes
There are a further 47 (2019: 48) defined benefit pension arrangements in which various Capita businesses have participated during 2020. 41 
(2019: 43) of these arrangements relate to participation in funded and unfunded public sector schemes (referred to as Admitted Body 
Arrangements as described above) however contractual protections are in place allowing actuarial and investment risk to be passed on to the 
end customer via recoveries for contributions paid. The nature of these arrangements vary from contract to contract but typically allow for the 
majority of contributions payable to the schemes in excess of an initial rate agreed at the inception to be recovered from the end customer, as 
well as exit payments (for funded schemes) payable to the schemes at the cessation of the contract, such that the Group’s net exposure to 
actuarial and investment risk is immaterial.

It is estimated that around £10.5m of employer contributions were paid to these 47 schemes during 2020.

Judgement is required in determining the appropriate accounting treatment for the participation in all of the above schemes, in particular as to 
whether actuarial and investment risk fall in substance on the Group. It is considered that the net risk to the Group from these defined benefit 
arrangements is immaterial and therefore the costs in relation to all of the above schemes have been included in the defined contribution 
pension charge and no amounts are recognised on the Group’s balance sheet.

Risks associated with the Group’s pension schemes
These defined benefit pension schemes expose the Group to various risks, with the key risks set out below:

Investment risk: the schemes invest in a wide range of assets with a view to provide long-term investment returns at particular levels. There is 
a risk that investment returns are lower than expected which, in isolation, could result in a worsening of the funding position of the schemes.

Interest rate risk: the IAS 19 discount rate is derived based on the yields available on good quality corporate bonds of suitable duration. If these 
yields decrease then, in isolation, this would increase the value placed on the IAS 19 obligation and result in a worsening of the funding position 
of the schemes.

Inflation risk: the liabilities of the schemes are linked to future levels of inflation. If future inflation is higher than expected then this would result 
in the cost of providing the benefits increasing and thereby worsening the funding position of the schemes.

Longevity risk: if members live longer than expected, then pensions will be paid for a longer time which will increase the value placed on the 
liabilities and therefore worsen the funding position of the schemes.

In order to manage these risks, the Group and the trustees carry out regular assessments of these risks. For CPLAS, the main defined benefit 
scheme the following actions have been taken:

•  The CPLAS Trustee Board has entered into two bulk annuity contracts with an insurer in respect of a small number of high individual liability 
pensioner members (one in 2015 and the second in late 2017) with total value included in the assets at 31 December 2020 of £73.6m (2019: 
£70.9m).

•  The CPLAS Trustee Board has entered into a Liability Driven Investment programme. The level of risk that is managed by this is set by various 

market-related and funding trigger points. 

Together, these actions have led to a current level of hedging (interest rate and inflation) of around 90% of CPLAS’s liabilities measured on the 
Trustee Board’s medium-term funding basis. As the funding level improves it is planned to further increase the level of hedging.  

The hedging aims to match the value of the assets to the movement in liabilities arising from changes in market expectations of future inflation 
rates and future gilt yields. This is to help protect and reduce volatility in funding valuations which are used to determine the cash contribution 
requirements to the scheme. As these accounting disclosures use the yields available on corporate bonds to determine the accounting liabilities, 
the hedging may not have the same impact against changes as they do on a funding valuation. Over 2020, the yields available on long dated 
corporate bonds have fallen broadly in line with long dated gilt yields. This means that the hedge has broadly had the same impact on the 
funding position of the scheme and the accounting disclosures.

As part of this strategy and to retain exposure to growth assets, the CPLAS Trustee Board invest in derivatives to gain synthetic equity exposure. 
Therefore, the equity allocation shown below is in economic exposure terms (ie inclusive of the derivative-based position).

To illustrate how sensitive the value of the defined benefit obligations are to different market conditions, the below table shows how much they 
would increase if the assumptions were changed as shown (assuming all other assumptions remain constant):

Change in assumptions compared with 31 December 2020 actuarial assumptions
0.1% pa decrease in discount rate
0.1% pa increase in salary increases
0.1% pa increase in inflation (and related assumption, eg salary and pension increases)
1 year increase in life expectancy

Group Total 
£m
39.5 
0.6 
22.2 
74.4 

Assets and liabilities
Under IAS19, plan assets must be valued at the fair value at the balance sheet date. The plan assets are made up of quoted and unquoted 
investments, and asset valuations have been sourced from the respective scheme’s investment managers and custodians, based on their pricing 
sources and methodologies. Unquoted investments require more judgement as their values are not directly observable. The assumptions used in 
valuing unquoted investments are affected by current market conditions which could result in changes in fair value after the measurement date. 

For the main asset categories:

• Equities listed on recognised stock exchanges are valued at closing bid prices.
• Bonds are measured using a combination of broker quotes and pricing models making assumptions for credit and market risks and market 

yield curves.

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

185

Notes to the consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statements 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

162

Section 5: Employee benefits continued
5.2 Pensions continued

• Properties are valued on the basis of an open market value or are valued using models based on discounted cash flow techniques.
• Assets in investment funds are valued at fair value which is typically the net asset value provided by the investment manager.
• Certain unlisted investments are valued using a model based valuation such as discounted cash flow.
• The value of bulk annuity contracts have been assessed by discounting the projected cash flows payable under the contracts (projected by an 
actuary, consistent with the terms of the contract) and is equal to the corresponding liability calculated by reference to the IAS19 assumptions.

The assets and liabilities of all of the defined benefit pension schemes (excluding additional voluntary contributions) at 31 December are:

Scheme assets at fair value:
Equities:
– UK
– Overseas
– Private

Debt securities:
– UK Government
– UK Corporate
– Overseas Government
– Overseas Corporate
– Emerging Markets
– Private Debt
– Secured Loans

Property
Infrastructure
Credit Funds
Asset Backed Securities
Hedge Funds
Absolute Return Funds
Diversified growth funds
Insurance Contracts
Cash
Other

Total
Present value of scheme liabilities
Net liability

Quoted
£m

Unquoted
£m

1.1   
4.6   
—   
5.7   

760.3   
1.2   
2.4   
68.8   
0.6   
—   
—   
833.3   
4.2   
0.9   
5.3   
—   
16.5   
0.7   
3.9   
—   
(70.8)   
—   
(39.3)   
799.7   

23.2   
189.8   
—   
213.0   

0.2   
7.5   
52.9   
135.4   
31.5   
71.3   
—   
298.8   
89.6   
—   
—   
—   
131.0   
—   
—   
91.9   
5.0   
1.2   
318.7   
830.5   

2020

Total
£m

24.3   
194.4   
—   
218.7   

760.5   
8.7   
55.3   
204.2   
32.1   
71.3   
—   
1,132.1   
93.8   
0.9   
5.3   
—   
147.5   
0.7   
3.9   
91.9   
(65.8)   
1.2   
279.4   
1,630.2   
(1,882.3) 
(252.1) 

Quoted
£m

Unquoted
£m

4.2   
93.9   
—   
98.1   

638.5   
1.6   
43.7   
77.2   
0.7   
—   
1.6   
763.3   
4.6   
1.3   
9.4   
0.9   
49.5   
0.6   
5.4   
—   
(198.5)   
2.4   
(124.4)   

737.0   

26.3   
219.6   
0.6   
246.5   

—   
—   
3.7   
62.8   
31.7   
63.1   
—   
161.3   
89.4   
—   
—   
—   
122.0   
—   
—   
88.5   
(3.7)   
3.5   
299.7   
707.5   

Group total

2019

Total
£m

30.5 
313.5 
0.6 
344.6 

638.5 
1.6 
47.4 
140.0 
32.4 
63.1 
1.6 
924.6 
94.0 
1.3 
9.4 
0.9 
171.5 
0.6 
5.4 
88.5 
(202.2) 
5.9 
175.3 
1,444.5 
(1,697.0) 
(252.5) 

The total net liability that relates to other defined benefits schemes that is included in the table above is £10.3m (2019: £19.6m). Within this net 
liability, some schemes are in surplus which offsets this amount by £3.1m (2019: £4.1m).

These amounts do not include any directly owned financial instruments issued by the Group.

IFRIC 14
The Group has considered the impact of IFRIC 14 on the various schemes (in relation to either recognising a surplus or allowing for the impact of 
any funding commitments made) and has concluded, based on the interpretation of the rules for each of the schemes, that IFRIC 14 would not 
limit the surplus or increase the deficits shown at this balance sheet date.

Reconciliation of retirement benefits
Explanation of constituents of the consolidated income statement. 

The cost of providing the pension scheme over the year is broken down as follows:

• Service cost is the cost to the Group of future benefits earned by contributing members over the current financial period.
• Past service cost represents the change in the present value of scheme liabilities in the current period in relation to prior years’ service.
• Administration costs are those entailed by the pension schemes over the current period.
• Interest cost/(income) is made up of the interest cost on pension liabilities and assets over the current period based on the discount rate 

adopted at the start of the period.

186

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsNotes to the  consolidated  financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

162

163

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Section 5: Employee benefits continued

5.2 Pensions continued

• Properties are valued on the basis of an open market value or are valued using models based on discounted cash flow techniques.

• Assets in investment funds are valued at fair value which is typically the net asset value provided by the investment manager.

• Certain unlisted investments are valued using a model based valuation such as discounted cash flow.

• The value of bulk annuity contracts have been assessed by discounting the projected cash flows payable under the contracts (projected by an 

actuary, consistent with the terms of the contract) and is equal to the corresponding liability calculated by reference to the IAS19 assumptions.

The assets and liabilities of all of the defined benefit pension schemes (excluding additional voluntary contributions) at 31 December are:

Quoted

£m

Unquoted

£m

Quoted

£m

Unquoted

£m

1.1   

4.6   

—   

5.7   

760.3   

833.3   

1.2   

2.4   

68.8   

0.6   

—   

—   

4.2   

0.9   

5.3   

—   

16.5   

0.7   

3.9   

—   

(70.8)   

—   

(39.3)   

799.7   

23.2   

189.8   

—   

213.0   

0.2   

7.5   

52.9   

135.4   

31.5   

71.3   

—   

298.8   

89.6   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

91.9   

5.0   

1.2   

318.7   

830.5   

2020

Total

£m

24.3   

194.4   

—   

218.7   

760.5   

8.7   

55.3   

204.2   

32.1   

71.3   

—   

1,132.1   

93.8   

0.9   

5.3   

—   

0.7   

3.9   

91.9   

(65.8)   

1.2   

279.4   

1,630.2   

(1,882.3) 

(252.1) 

131.0   

147.5   

Group total

2019

Total

£m

30.5 

313.5 

0.6 

344.6 

638.5 

1.6 

47.4 

140.0 

32.4 

63.1 

1.6 

924.6 

94.0 

1.3 

9.4 

0.9 

171.5 

0.6 

5.4 

88.5 

(202.2) 

5.9 

175.3 

1,444.5 

(1,697.0) 

(252.5) 

4.2   

93.9   

—   

98.1   

638.5   

763.3   

1.6   

43.7   

77.2   

0.7   

—   

1.6   

4.6   

1.3   

9.4   

0.9   

49.5   

0.6   

5.4   

—   

(198.5)   

2.4   

(124.4)   

737.0   

26.3   

219.6   

0.6   

246.5   

—   

—   

3.7   

62.8   

31.7   

63.1   

—   

161.3   

89.4   

—   

—   

—   

122.0   

—   

—   

88.5   

(3.7)   

3.5   

299.7   

707.5   

Scheme assets at fair value:

Equities:

– UK

– Overseas

– Private

Debt securities:

– UK Government

– UK Corporate

– Overseas Government

– Overseas Corporate

– Emerging Markets

– Private Debt

– Secured Loans

Property

Infrastructure

Credit Funds

Asset Backed Securities

Hedge Funds

Absolute Return Funds

Diversified growth funds

Insurance Contracts

Present value of scheme liabilities

Net liability

Cash

Other

Total

IFRIC 14

The total net liability that relates to other defined benefits schemes that is included in the table above is £10.3m (2019: £19.6m). Within this net 

liability, some schemes are in surplus which offsets this amount by £3.1m (2019: £4.1m).

These amounts do not include any directly owned financial instruments issued by the Group.

The Group has considered the impact of IFRIC 14 on the various schemes (in relation to either recognising a surplus or allowing for the impact of 

any funding commitments made) and has concluded, based on the interpretation of the rules for each of the schemes, that IFRIC 14 would not 

limit the surplus or increase the deficits shown at this balance sheet date.

Reconciliation of retirement benefits

Explanation of constituents of the consolidated income statement. 

The cost of providing the pension scheme over the year is broken down as follows:

• Service cost is the cost to the Group of future benefits earned by contributing members over the current financial period.

• Past service cost represents the change in the present value of scheme liabilities in the current period in relation to prior years’ service.

• Administration costs are those entailed by the pension schemes over the current period.

• Interest cost/(income) is made up of the interest cost on pension liabilities and assets over the current period based on the discount rate 

adopted at the start of the period.

Section 5: Employee benefits continued
5.2 Pensions continued

The following table shows a reconciliation from the opening balances to the closing balances for the net defined benefit liability and its 
components:

At 1 January
Included in the consolidated income statement:
Current service cost
Administration costs
Past service cost
Effect of settlements
Interest cost/(income)
Sub-total in consolidated income statement
Included in other comprehensive income:
Actuarial loss/(gain) arising from:
– demographic assumptions
– financial assumptions
– experience adjustments
– reclassification of schemes1
Return on plan assets excluding interest
Sub-total in other comprehensive income
Employer contributions
Contributions by employees
Benefits paid
Exchange movement
At 31 December

Defined benefit obligation

Fair value of plan assets

Net defined liability

2020
£m

2019
£m
  1,697.0    1,430.5 

2020
£m

2019 
£m

  (1,444.5)    (1,211.5) 

2020
£m
252.5   

2019
£m
219.0 

Group total

6.2   
3.7   
0.1   
(15.3)   
30.1   
24.8   

7.0 
3.9 
0.3 
— 
40.2 
51.4 

—   
—   
—   
18.4   
(26.9)   
(8.5)   

— 
— 
— 
— 
(35.8) 
(35.8) 

6.2   
3.7   
0.1   
3.1   
3.2   
16.3   

7.0 
3.9 
0.3 
— 
4.4 
15.6 

(12.9)   
256.3   
(40.3)   
—   
—   
203.1   
—   
1.4   
(45.6)   
1.6   

6.3 
212.8 
24.2 
14.1 
— 
257.4 
— 
1.4 
(43.1) 
(0.6) 
  1,882.3    1,697.0 

—   
—   
—   
—   
(171.0)   
(171.0)   
(49.0)   
(1.4)   
45.6   
(1.4)   

— 
— 
— 
(11.6) 
(139.1) 
(150.7) 
(88.8) 
(1.4) 
43.1 
0.6 
  (1,630.2)    (1,444.5) 

(12.9)   
256.3   
(40.3)   
—   
(171.0)   
32.1   
(49.0)   
—   
—   
0.2   
252.1   

6.3 
212.8 
24.2 
2.5 
(139.1) 
106.7 
(88.8) 
— 
— 
— 
252.5 

1. It is now possible to identify, on a consistent and reasonable basis, the share of assets and liabilities belonging to the Group in respect of its participation in the non-associated multi-

employer scheme. The scheme was brought on to the defined benefit balance sheet at 1 January 2019 (net liability at that date of £2.5m). Previously it was accounted for on a defined 
contribution basis.

The defined benefit obligation comprises £1,882.3m (2019: £1,697.0m) arising from schemes that are wholly or partly funded.

Of the total pension cost of £16.3m (2019: £15.6m), £9.4m (2019: £7.3m) was included in cost of sales, £3.7m (2019: £3.9m) was included in 
administrative expenses, and £3.2m in finance costs (2019: £4.4m).

Breakdown of liabilities for the CPLAS
Information about the defined benefit obligation for the CPLAS:

Active members
Deferred members
Pensioners
Total

Proportion 
of overall 
liability
%

2020

5  
64  
31  

100

Proportion 
of overall 
liability
%

Duration 
(years)

2020
22.4 
24.2 
13.7 
20.9

2019
6
62
32
100

Duration 
(years)

2019
23.9
23.3
13.4
20.2

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

187

Notes to the consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

164

Section 5: Employee benefits continued
5.2 Pensions continued

Financial and demographic assumptions

Main assumptions1:
Rate of price inflation – RPI/CPI
Rate of salary increase
Rate of increase of pensions in payment2:
– RPI inflation capped at 5% per annum
– RPI inflation capped at 2.5% per annum
– CPI inflation capped at 5% per annum
Discount rate
Expected take up maximum available tax free cash

2020
%
2.90/2.15

2.90   

All schemes

2019
%
3.00/2.00
3.00 

2.85   
2.10   
2.20   
1.30   
85.00   

2.95 
2.10 
2.05 
2.05 
85.00 

1. Only the discount rate is relevant to the Admitted Body Scheme. Different assumptions apply to non-UK schemes, for example: the discount rate for the Irish Schemes are 0.75% per annum 

and for the Swiss schemes it is 0.15% per annum in 2020.

2. There are other levels of pension increase which apply to particular periods of membership.

The average future life expectancy from age 65 (in years) for mortality tables used to determine scheme liabilities for the various different 
schemes at 31 December 2020 and 31 December 2019 are as follows:

Member currently aged 65 (current life expectancy)

Member currently aged 45 (life expectancy at 65)

Capita Scheme1
Other Schemes2

2020
22.5   

2019
22.7 
21.5 to 22.8 22.7 to 24.2

2020
24.3   

23.3 to 24.9

Male

Female

2019
24.2 
24.2 to 24.8

2020
22.4   

22.4 to 24.6

Male

2019
23.1 
23.1 to 25.9

2020
25.3   

24.5 to 26.6

Female

2019
25.2 
25.2 to 26.2

1. The assumptions used for the Capita scheme are tailored for each member. The assumptions adopted make allowance for an increase in the longevity in the future. The rate for members 

currently aged 65 is derived from the pensioner membership and the rate for members reaching age 65 in 20 years' time is derived from non-pensioner membership.

2. This does not apply to the Admitted Body Scheme or the allocated section of a Local Government Pension Scheme.

5.3 Employee benefit expense

AP

Accounting policies

Government grants
Government grants are not recognised until there is a reasonable assurance that they Group will comply with the conditions attaching to them 
and that the grants will be received. Government grants are recognised in the income statement on a systematic basis over the periods in which 
the Group recognises as expenses the related costs for which the grants are intended to compensate. Government grants that are receivable as 
compensation for expenses or losses already incurred or for the purpose of giving immediate financial support to the Group with no future related 
costs are recognised in the income statement in the period in which they become receivable. 

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs
Share-based payments

Notes

5.2  
5.1  

2020
£m

2019
£m
  1,511.7    1,626.8 
170.7 
119.4 
3.0 
  1,794.8    1,919.9 

154.6   
122.1   
6.4   

During the year, the Group furloughed employees unable to work as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and applied to the Coronavirus Job 
Retention Scheme (CJRS) operated by the UK Government. Amounts received under CJRS are treated as a government grant and deducted 
from the relevant cost in the consolidated income statement. During the year, the Group received £21.3m under CJRS. These amounts are 
included within the relevant cost headings in the table above.

The aggregate amount of directors’ remuneration (salary, bonus and benefits) is shown on page 102 of the directors’ remuneration report. 

• The aggregate amount of gains made by directors on exercise of share options was £49,569 (2019: £nil) (refer to note 6.1).
• The remuneration of the highest paid director was £1,112,325 (2019: £789,678).
• Payments have been made to a defined contribution pension scheme on behalf of four directors (2019: four directors). For the highest paid 

director, pension contributions of £36,250 (2019: £36,250) were made.

The average number of employees during the year was made up as follows:
Sales
Administration
Operations

2020
Number
1,661   
3,962   
52,702   
58,325   

2019
Number
2,162 
5,801 
55,322 
63,285 

The average number of employees above reflects continuing operations and excludes employees relating to discontinued operations.

188

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsNotes to the  consolidated  financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 5: Employee benefits continued

5.2 Pensions continued

Financial and demographic assumptions

Main assumptions1:

Rate of price inflation – RPI/CPI

Rate of salary increase

Rate of increase of pensions in payment2:

– RPI inflation capped at 5% per annum

– RPI inflation capped at 2.5% per annum

– CPI inflation capped at 5% per annum

Discount rate

Expected take up maximum available tax free cash

1. Only the discount rate is relevant to the Admitted Body Scheme. Different assumptions apply to non-UK schemes, for example: the discount rate for the Irish Schemes are 0.75% per annum 

and for the Swiss schemes it is 0.15% per annum in 2020.

2. There are other levels of pension increase which apply to particular periods of membership.

The average future life expectancy from age 65 (in years) for mortality tables used to determine scheme liabilities for the various different 

schemes at 31 December 2020 and 31 December 2019 are as follows:

Member currently aged 65 (current life expectancy)

Member currently aged 45 (life expectancy at 65)

2020

22.5   

Male

2019

22.7 

2020

24.3   

Female

2019

24.2 

2020

22.4   

Male

2019

23.1 

2020

25.3   

Female

2019

25.2 

21.5 to 22.8 22.7 to 24.2

23.3 to 24.9

24.2 to 24.8

22.4 to 24.6

23.1 to 25.9

24.5 to 26.6

25.2 to 26.2

Capita Scheme1

Other Schemes2

1. The assumptions used for the Capita scheme are tailored for each member. The assumptions adopted make allowance for an increase in the longevity in the future. The rate for members 

currently aged 65 is derived from the pensioner membership and the rate for members reaching age 65 in 20 years' time is derived from non-pensioner membership.

2. This does not apply to the Admitted Body Scheme or the allocated section of a Local Government Pension Scheme.

5.3 Employee benefit expense

Accounting policies

Government grants

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Pension costs

Share-based payments

Government grants are not recognised until there is a reasonable assurance that they Group will comply with the conditions attaching to them 

and that the grants will be received. Government grants are recognised in the income statement on a systematic basis over the periods in which 

the Group recognises as expenses the related costs for which the grants are intended to compensate. Government grants that are receivable as 

compensation for expenses or losses already incurred or for the purpose of giving immediate financial support to the Group with no future related 

costs are recognised in the income statement in the period in which they become receivable. 

During the year, the Group furloughed employees unable to work as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and applied to the Coronavirus Job 

Retention Scheme (CJRS) operated by the UK Government. Amounts received under CJRS are treated as a government grant and deducted 

from the relevant cost in the consolidated income statement. During the year, the Group received £21.3m under CJRS. These amounts are 

included within the relevant cost headings in the table above.

The aggregate amount of directors’ remuneration (salary, bonus and benefits) is shown on page 102 of the directors’ remuneration report. 

• The aggregate amount of gains made by directors on exercise of share options was £49,569 (2019: £nil) (refer to note 6.1).

• The remuneration of the highest paid director was £1,112,325 (2019: £789,678).

• Payments have been made to a defined contribution pension scheme on behalf of four directors (2019: four directors). For the highest paid 

director, pension contributions of £36,250 (2019: £36,250) were made.

The average number of employees during the year was made up as follows:

Sales

Administration

Operations

The average number of employees above reflects continuing operations and excludes employees relating to discontinued operations.

Notes

2020

£m

2019

£m

  1,511.7    1,626.8 

154.6   

122.1   

6.4   

170.7 

119.4 

3.0 

5.2  

5.1  

  1,794.8    1,919.9 

2020

Number

1,661   

3,962   

2019

Number

2,162 

5,801 

52,702   

55,322 

58,325   

63,285 

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

164

165

Capita plc Annual Report 2019

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

Section 6: Other supporting notes

This section includes disclosures of those items that are not explained elsewhere in the financial statements.

All schemes

2020

%

2019

%

2.90/2.15

3.00/2.00

2.90   

3.00 

2.85   

2.10   

2.20   

1.30   

2.95 

2.10 

2.05 

2.05 

85.00   

85.00 

In this section you will find disclosures about: 

6.1 Related-party transactions

6.2 Contingent liabilities

6.3 Post balance sheet events

AP

Denotes accounting policies

6.1 Related-party transactions 

Compensation of key management personnel

Short-term employment benefits
Pension
Share-based payments

2020 
£m
6.9   
—   
3.5   
10.4   

2019 
£m
9.3 
0.2 
2.6 
12.1 

Gains on share options exercised in the year by Capita plc executive directors were £49,569 (2019: £nil) and by key management personnel 
£38,050 (2019: £104,960), totalling £87,619 (2019: £104,960). 

During the year, the Group rendered administrative services to Smart DCC Limited (DCC), a wholly-owned subsidiary which is not consolidated 
(refer to note 4.7). The Group received £113.1m (2019: £83.4m) of revenue for these services. The services are procured by DCC on an arm’s 
length basis under the DCC licence. The services are subject to review by Ofgem to ensure that all costs are economically and efficiently 
incurred by DCC.

Capita Pension and Life Assurance Scheme is a related party of the Group. Transactions with the Scheme are disclosed in note 5.2 – Pensions.

6.2 Contingent liabilities 

Contingent liabilities represent potential future cash outflows which are either not probable or cannot be measured reliably.

The Group has provided, through the normal course of its business, performance bonds and bank guarantees of £55.8m (2019: £58.1m).

In September 2020, the Group settled a liability relating to past services received under supplier software licence agreements which had 
previously been disclosed as a contingent liability. The settlement includes a commitment to future purchases of £79m of which £6m is over the 
period to 31 December 2021 and £73m (payable in US dollars), is over the period to 30 June 2024. The Group has forecasts that support the 
requirement for such products and services. These products are important in supporting the delivery of future performance obligations and digital 
solutions for our customers and will benefit the Group.

The Group is in discussions with a number of its life insurance clients, the outcomes and timings of which are uncertain but could result in the 
continuation of contracts with amended terms or the termination of contracts. If an operation is terminated, the Group may incur associated 
costs, accelerate the recognition of deferred income or the impairment of contract assets. As the outcome of these discussions is uncertain, the 
Group has not made any provision for a future outflow of funds that might result from the eventual outcome of the discussions.

As outlined in note 3.6, a provision was recognised for an onerous contract in Customer Management. The contract has a clause such that the 
customer can continue to extend the contract indefinitely. Accordingly, judgement is required in assessing the remaining length of the contract to 
determine the provision. Management considered previous discussions with the client regarding their intentions and experiences on other 
contracts, and concluded the best estimate of the remaining contract term is the current contractually committed period to 2023. However, the 
contract may end earlier or be extended for longer, resulting in a material release or increase in the provision in future accounting periods.

The Group completed the disposal of its Capita Asset Services businesses, including Capita Financial Managers Limited, to the Link Group on 
3 November 2017. Capita plc, as part of the sale of the Capita Asset Services businesses, provided an indemnity against certain legacy claims.

The Group’s entities are parties to legal actions and claims which arise in the normal course of business. The Group needs to apply judgement in 
determining the merit of litigation against it and the chances of a claim successfully being made. It needs to determine the likelihood of an 
outflow of economic benefits occurring and whether there is a need to disclose a contingent liability or whether a provision might be required due 
to the probability assessment.

At any time there are a number of claims or notifications that need to be assessed across the Group. The disparate nature of the Group’s entities 
heightens the risk that not all potential claims are known at any point in time. Under the transformation plan, the central support functions 
including commercial and legal are being strengthened and a Chief General Counsel has been appointed. This enhances the processes to 
assess the likelihood of historical claims arising.

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

189

Notes to the consolidated financial statementsFinancial  statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

166

Section 6: Other supporting notes (continued)

6.3 Post balance sheet events

The following events occurred after 31 December 2020, and before the approval of these consolidated financial statements, but have not 
resulted in adjustment to the 2020 financial results:

Disposal of Education Software Solutions (ESS)
The disposal of the ESS business to Tiger UK Bidco Limited, a newly formed company established by funds advised by Montagu Private Equity 
(Montagu), completed on 1 February 2021.

Cash proceeds of £298.5m were received, with net assets disposed of £51.8m, and estimated disposal costs of £28.9m (of which £20.6m were 
recognised at 31 December 2020). Consequently, we expect to record a total gain on disposal of approximately £217.8m.

Montagu has also agreed to invest in ParentPay (Holdings) Limited (ParentPay), a provider of education technology. Following successful 
completion of both investments, ESS will become part of ParentPay Group. An additional sum of £45m will subsequently be payable to Capita 
once Montagu’s agreed investment in ParentPay has achieved regulatory approval.

Royal Navy training contract
Capita signed a contract to provide training services to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines in January 2021. Capita will transform and modernise 
the Royal Navy’s shore-based training across 16 sites in the UK as the lead partner in a consortium which includes Raytheon UK, Elbit Systems 
UK, Fujitsu and several smaller British suppliers. The contract will be worth an estimated £1.0bn for Capita over 12 years, with opportunities to 
deliver further training according to the Royal Navy’s requirements. This is an addition of £0.9bn to the Group’s order book in 2021.

Put option expiry
The Group has a 51% interest in AXELOS Limited. There was a put option in place whereby the Group could be required to acquire the 49% 
non-controlling interest. This option expired without being exercised on 28 February 2021, and the related liability was derecognised.

190

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsNotes to the  consolidated  financial statements6.3 Post balance sheet events

resulted in adjustment to the 2020 financial results:

Disposal of Education Software Solutions (ESS)

(Montagu), completed on 1 February 2021.

The following events occurred after 31 December 2020, and before the approval of these consolidated financial statements, but have not 

The disposal of the ESS business to Tiger UK Bidco Limited, a newly formed company established by funds advised by Montagu Private Equity 

Cash proceeds of £298.5m were received, with net assets disposed of £51.8m, and estimated disposal costs of £28.9m (of which £20.6m were 

recognised at 31 December 2020). Consequently, we expect to record a total gain on disposal of approximately £217.8m.

Montagu has also agreed to invest in ParentPay (Holdings) Limited (ParentPay), a provider of education technology. Following successful 

completion of both investments, ESS will become part of ParentPay Group. An additional sum of £45m will subsequently be payable to Capita 

once Montagu’s agreed investment in ParentPay has achieved regulatory approval.

Royal Navy training contract

Capita signed a contract to provide training services to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines in January 2021. Capita will transform and modernise 

the Royal Navy’s shore-based training across 16 sites in the UK as the lead partner in a consortium which includes Raytheon UK, Elbit Systems 

UK, Fujitsu and several smaller British suppliers. The contract will be worth an estimated £1.0bn for Capita over 12 years, with opportunities to 

deliver further training according to the Royal Navy’s requirements. This is an addition of £0.9bn to the Group’s order book in 2021.

Put option expiry

The Group has a 51% interest in AXELOS Limited. There was a put option in place whereby the Group could be required to acquire the 49% 

non-controlling interest. This option expired without being exercised on 28 February 2021, and the related liability was derecognised.

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

166

167

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Company financial statements 

Section 6: Other supporting notes (continued)

Section 7: Company financial statements 

This section presents the company only financial statements for Capita plc (the Company). In this section, you will find 
the following: 

7.1

7.2

7.3

Company balance sheet

Company statement of changes in equity

Notes to the Company financial statements

AP

Denotes accounting policies

J

Denotes significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions

7.1 Company balance sheet

Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Tangible assets
Investments
Financial assets
Deferred tax assets
Prepayments and accrued income

Current assets
Financial assets
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings
Trade and other receivables
Prepayment and accrued income
Income tax receivable
Cash

Total assets

Current liabilities
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings
Trade and other payables
Accruals and deferred income
Overdrafts
Financial liabilities
Provisions

Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Financial liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Capital and reserves
Issued share capital
Employee benefit trust and treasury shares
Share premium 
Capital redemption reserve
Merger reserve
Cash flow hedging reserve
Retained earnings

Total equity

Notes

7.3.2  
7.3.3  
7.3.4  
7.3.5  
7.3.6  

2020
£m

2019
£m

89.1   
14.7   
683.3   
35.4   
10.0   
1.8   
834.3   

91.9 
39.0 
568.9 
67.0 
6.8 
2.2 

775.8 

7.3.5  

7.3.7  

28.3   

21.5 
  2,946.9    2,598.8 
10.0 
8.5 
63.6 
2.6 
  3,049.5    2,705.0 
  3,883.8    3,480.8 

2.5   
6.1   
64.1   
1.6   

7.3.8  

7.3.5  
7.3.9  

  2,003.9    1,588.9 
20.7 
26.8 
24.3 
1.7 
15.2 
  2,181.7    1,677.6 

13.6   
11.6   
131.9   
3.4   
17.3   

7.3.8  
7.3.10  
7.3.5  

0.3   
214.8   
4.1   
219.2   

— 
202.9 
5.3 

208.2 
  2,400.9    1,885.8 
  1,482.9    1,595.0 

34.5   
(11.2)   

34.5 
7.3.11  
7.3.11  
(11.2) 
7.3.11   1,143.3    1,143.3 
1.8 
44.6 
— 
382.0 
  1,482.9    1,595.0 

1.8   
44.6   
(4.6)   
274.5   

The Company’s loss after taxation was £113.9m (2019: £211.9m loss).

 The accompanying notes form part of the financial statements.

 The accounts were approved by the Board of directors on 16 March 2021 and signed on its behalf by:

Jon Lewis
Chief Executive Officer 

Gordon Boyd
Chief Financial Officer (interim) 

Company registered number: 02081330

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Section 7: Company financial statements continued
7.2 Company statement of changes in equity

At 1 January 2019
Loss for the year
Other comprehensive expense
Total comprehensive expense for the year
Share based payment
Shares purchased
At 1 January 2020
Loss for the year
Other comprehensive expense
Total comprehensive expense for the year
Share based payment
At 31 December 2020

Employee 
benefit trust 
and treasury 
shares 
£m

Share 
premium 
£m

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£m
1.8   
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
1.8   
—   
—   
—   
—   
1.8   

Merger 
reserve 
£m
44.6   
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
44.6   
—   
—   
—   
—   
44.6   

Cash flow 
hedging 
reserve 
£m
0.8   
—   
(0.8)   
(0.8)   
—   
—   
—   
—   
(4.6)   
(4.6)   
—   
(4.6)   

Retained 
earnings
£m

Total 
£m
591.8    1,805.6 
(211.9) 
(211.9)   
(0.8) 
—   
(212.7) 
(211.9)   
2.8 
2.8   
(0.7) 
(0.7)   
382.0    1,595.0 
(113.9) 
(113.9)   
(4.6) 
—   
(118.5) 
(113.9)   
6.4 
6.4   
274.5    1,482.9 

—   
—   
—   
—   
—   

(11.2)    1,143.3   
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
(11.2)    1,143.3   
—   
—   
—   
—   
(11.2)    1,143.3   

—   
—   
—   
—   

Share 
capital 
£m
34.5   
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
34.5   
—   
—   
—   
—   
34.5   

1. Capita is currently undergoing a multi-year transformation and therefore did not declare a dividend in 2020 or 2019.

Share capital – The balance classified as share capital is the nominal proceeds on issue of the Company’s equity share capital, comprising 
2 1/15p ordinary shares.

Employee benefit trust and treasury shares – Shares that have been bought back by the Company which are available for retirement or 
resale; shares held in the employee benefit trust have no voting rights and no entitlement to a dividend.

Share premium – The amount paid to the Company by shareholders, in cash or other consideration, over and above the nominal value of 
shares issued to them less issuance costs.

Capital redemption reserve – The Company can redeem shares by repaying the market value to the shareholder, whereupon the shares are 
cancelled. Redemption must be from distributable profits. The Capital redemption reserve represents the nominal value of the shares redeemed.

Merger reserve – The merger reserve arose from the adoption of the exemption under section 131 of the Companies Act not to set up a share 
premium account in respect shares issued for the acquisition of entities. The amounts attributed to the shares issued for these acquisitions that 
exceeded their nominal value was transferred to the merger reserve.

Cash flow hedging reserves – This reserve records the portion of the gain or loss on a hedging instrument in a cash flow that is determined to 
be an effective hedge.

Retained deficit – Net (losses)/profits accumulated in the Company after dividends are paid.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

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Capita plc Annual Report 2020

At 1 January 2019

Loss for the year

Other comprehensive expense

Total comprehensive expense for the year

Share based payment

Shares purchased

At 1 January 2020

Loss for the year

Other comprehensive expense

Total comprehensive expense for the year

Share based payment

At 31 December 2020

Employee 

benefit trust 

and treasury 

shares 

£m

Share 

capital 

£m

Share 

premium 

£m

Capital 

redemption 

reserve 

£m

Merger 

reserve 

£m

Cash flow 

hedging 

reserve 

£m

Retained 

earnings

£m

Total 

£m

34.5   

(11.2)    1,143.3   

1.8   

44.6   

0.8   

591.8    1,805.6 

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

(211.9)   

(211.9) 

(0.8)   

—   

(0.8) 

(0.8)   

(211.9)   

(212.7) 

—   

—   

—   

—   

2.8   

(0.7)   

2.8 

(0.7) 

382.0    1,595.0 

(113.9)   

(113.9) 

(4.6)   

—   

(4.6) 

(4.6)   

(113.9)   

(118.5) 

—   

6.4   

6.4 

34.5   

(11.2)    1,143.3   

1.8   

44.6   

34.5   

(11.2)    1,143.3   

1.8   

44.6   

(4.6)   

274.5    1,482.9 

1. Capita is currently undergoing a multi-year transformation and therefore did not declare a dividend in 2020 or 2019.

Share capital – The balance classified as share capital is the nominal proceeds on issue of the Company’s equity share capital, comprising 

2 1/15p ordinary shares.

Employee benefit trust and treasury shares – Shares that have been bought back by the Company which are available for retirement or 

resale; shares held in the employee benefit trust have no voting rights and no entitlement to a dividend.

Share premium – The amount paid to the Company by shareholders, in cash or other consideration, over and above the nominal value of 

shares issued to them less issuance costs.

Capital redemption reserve – The Company can redeem shares by repaying the market value to the shareholder, whereupon the shares are 

cancelled. Redemption must be from distributable profits. The Capital redemption reserve represents the nominal value of the shares redeemed.

Merger reserve – The merger reserve arose from the adoption of the exemption under section 131 of the Companies Act not to set up a share 

premium account in respect shares issued for the acquisition of entities. The amounts attributed to the shares issued for these acquisitions that 

exceeded their nominal value was transferred to the merger reserve.

Cash flow hedging reserves – This reserve records the portion of the gain or loss on a hedging instrument in a cash flow that is determined to 

be an effective hedge.

Retained deficit – Net (losses)/profits accumulated in the Company after dividends are paid.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

Section 7: Company financial statements continued

7.2 Company statement of changes in equity

Section 7: Company financial statements continued
7.3 Notes to the Company financial statements

7.3.1 Accounting policies

AP

Accounting policies 

Basis of preparation
In preparing these financial statements, the Company applies the recognition, measurement and disclosure requirements of international 
accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (Adopted IFRSs), but makes amendments where 
necessary in order to comply with Companies Act 2006 and has set out below where advantage of the FRS 101 disclosure exemptions has 
been taken.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101 – Reduced Disclosure Framework (FRS 101) 
as issued by the Financial Reporting Council. The Company has not presented its own profit and loss account as permitted by Section 408 of the 
Companies Act 2006.

As permitted by FRS 101, the Company has taken advantage of the disclosure exemptions available under that standard in relation to share 
based payments, financial instruments, capital management, presentation of comparative information in respect of certain assets, presentation 
of a cash-flow statement, standards not yet effective, impairment of assets and related party transactions.

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis and on the going concern basis, except for the revaluation of certain 
financial instruments. Historical cost is generally based on the fair value of the consideration given in exchange for the goods and services. 
The principal accounting policies adopted are the same as those set out in Sections 1 to 6 of the consolidated financial statements, except as 
noted below.

(a) Investments
Fixed asset investments are shown at cost, less provisions for impairment. The carrying values of fixed asset investments are reviewed for 
impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying values may not be recoverable.

J

Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions

The Company determines whether investments are impaired based on impairment indicators. This involves estimation of the enterprise value of 
the investee which is determined based on the greater of discounted future cash flows at a suitable discount rate or through the recoverable 
value of investments held by the investee Company. 

(b) Pension schemes
The Company participates in a number of defined contribution schemes and contributions are charged to the profit and loss account in the year 
in which they are due. These schemes are funded and the payment of contributions is made to separately administered trust funds. The assets 
of these schemes are held separately from the Company. The Company remits monthly pension contributions to Capita Business Services 
Limited, a subsidiary undertaking, which pays the Group liability centrally. Any unpaid contributions at the year-end have been accrued in the 
accounts of that company. 

The Company also has employees who are members of a defined benefit scheme operated by the Group – the Capita Pension & Life Assurance 
Scheme (the ‘Capita DB Scheme’). 

As there is no contractual arrangement or stated Group policy for charging the net defined benefit cost of the Capita DB Scheme to participating 
entities, the net defined benefit cost is recognised fully by the principal employer, which is Capita Business Services Limited, a subsidiary 
undertaking. The Company then recognises a cost equal to its contribution payable for the period. The contributions payable by the participating 
entities are determined on the following basis:

The Capita DB Scheme provides benefits on a defined benefit basis funded from assets held in a separate trustee-administered fund. 

• The Capita DB Scheme is a non-segregated scheme but there are around 200 different sections in the Scheme where each section provides 

benefits on a particular basis (some based on final salary, some based on career average earnings) to particular groups of employees. 
• At each funding assessment of the Capita DB Scheme (carried out triennially), the contribution rates for those sections containing active 
members are calculated. These are then rationalised such that sections with similar employer contribution rates (when expressed as a 
percentage of pensionable pay) are grouped together and an average employer contribution rate for each of the rationalised groups calculated.

• The Company’s contribution is consequently calculated by applying the appropriate average employer contribution rates to the pensionable 

pay of its employees participating in the Capita DB Scheme.

A full actuarial valuation of the Capita DB Scheme is carried out every three years by an independent actuary for the Trustee, with the last full 
valuation carried out at 31 March 2017. The purpose of that valuation is to design a funding plan to ensure that the pension scheme has 
sufficient assets available to meet future benefit payments, based on assumptions agreed between the Trustee Board and the Group. The 31 
March 2017 actuarial valuation showed a funding deficit of £185.0m (31 March 2014: £1.4m). This equates to a funding level of 86.1% (31 March 
2014: 99.8%). Following the last full valuation carried out at 31 March 2017, the principal employer agreed to make additional contributions to the 
Capita DB Scheme totalling £176.0m over the period from November 2018 to the start of 2021 to address the deficit. 

During 2020, the principal employer and the Trustee Board agreed to defer a deficit payment of £31.7m due in 2020 to 2021 (which was 
subsequently paid in February 2021). In addition, following the merger of WAEPS in the Capita DB Scheme, deficit contributions due to WAEPS 
were paid into the Capita DB Scheme (£0.7m in 2020).

As part of the Funding Agreement put in place between the Trustee Board and the principal employer, additional monthly contributions of £4.16m 
were triggered from July 2020 until the 31 March 2020 valuation is finalised (expected Q2 2021). The Trustee Board and the principal employer 
have agreed that these contributions would be paid into an escrow account (instead of the scheme), with the escrow account being released to 
the scheme in 2021. The next full actuarial valuation is being carried out with an effective date of 31 March 2020 and as part of that valuation the 
contribution requirements will be reviewed, and if necessary, amended. 

Note 5.2 of the Group’s consolidated financial statements sets out more detail.

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

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Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Section 7: Company financial statements continued
7.3.1 Accounting policies continued

(c) Share-based payments
Subsidiary undertakings of the Company reimburse the Company through the intercompany account for charges attributable to their employees 
participating in the Company’s share schemes.

(d) Amounts owed by/to subsidiary undertakings 
The amounts owed by and to subsidiary undertakings are repayable on demand along with any accrued interest.

7.3.2 Intangible assets

Cost
At 1 January 2020
Additions
Retirement
At 31 December 2020
Amortisation
At 1 January 2020
Charge for year
Retirement
At 31 December 2020
Net book value:
At 1 January 2020
At 31 December 2020

Capitalised 
software 
development 
£m

Other 
intangibles 
£m

82.2   
5.0   
—   
87.2   

13.8   
5.5   
—   
19.3   

68.4   
67.9   

29.3   
—   
(0.1)   
29.2   

5.8   
2.3   
(0.1)   
8.0   

23.5   
21.2   

Total 
£m

111.5 
5.0 
(0.1) 
116.4 

19.6 
7.8 
(0.1) 
27.3 

91.9 
89.1 

Other intangibles relates to software purchased from third parties. Refer to note 3.3 to the Group’s consolidated financial statements for further 
information on the Group’s finance transformation program. 

7.3.3 Tangible assets

Computer 
equipment
£m

Short-term 
leasehold 
improvements 
£m

Equipment 
right-of-use 
asset 
£m

23.1   
1.0   
(1.0)   
(2.4)   
(0.6)   
20.1   

3.9   
4.4   
0.6   
(0.9)   
(0.4)   
(0.6)   
7.0   

21.0   
5.6   
(1.3)   
(23.4)   
(0.2)   
1.7   

1.5   
1.1   
1.0   
(1.2)   
(1.9)   
(0.2)   
0.3   

19.2   
13.1   

19.5   
1.4   

0.4   
—   
—   
—   
—   
0.4   

0.1   
0.1   
—   
—   
—   
—   
0.2   

0.3   
0.2   

Total 
£m

44.5 
6.6 
(2.3) 
(25.8) 
(0.8) 
22.2 

5.5 
5.6 
1.6 
(2.1) 
(2.3) 
(0.8) 
7.5 

39.0 
14.7 

Cost
At 1 January 2020
Additions
Disposals
Intragroup transfer
Asset retirements
At 31 December 2020
Depreciation
At 1 January 2020
Charge for year
Impairment
Disposals
Intragroup transfer
Asset retirements
At 31 December 2020
Net book value:
At 1 January 2020
At 31 December 2020

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Capita plc Annual Report 2020

171

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Section 7: Company financial statements continued

7.3.1 Accounting policies continued

(c) Share-based payments

participating in the Company’s share schemes.

(d) Amounts owed by/to subsidiary undertakings 

7.3.2 Intangible assets

Subsidiary undertakings of the Company reimburse the Company through the intercompany account for charges attributable to their employees 

The amounts owed by and to subsidiary undertakings are repayable on demand along with any accrued interest.

Other intangibles relates to software purchased from third parties. Refer to note 3.3 to the Group’s consolidated financial statements for further 

information on the Group’s finance transformation program. 

7.3.3 Tangible assets

Capitalised 

software 

development 

£m

Other 

intangibles 

£m

82.2   

29.3   

111.5 

5.0   

—   

87.2   

13.8   

5.5   

—   

19.3   

68.4   

67.9   

—   

(0.1)   

29.2   

5.8   

2.3   

(0.1)   

8.0   

23.5   

21.2   

Total 

£m

5.0 

(0.1) 

116.4 

19.6 

7.8 

(0.1) 

27.3 

91.9 

89.1 

Total 

£m

44.5 

6.6 

(2.3) 

(25.8) 

(0.8) 

22.2 

5.5 

5.6 

1.6 

(2.1) 

(2.3) 

(0.8) 

7.5 

39.0 

14.7 

Computer 

equipment

£m

Short-term 

leasehold 

improvements 

£m

Equipment 

right-of-use 

asset 

£m

23.1   

1.0   

(1.0)   

(2.4)   

(0.6)   

20.1   

3.9   

4.4   

0.6   

(0.9)   

(0.4)   

(0.6)   

7.0   

21.0   

5.6   

(1.3)   

(23.4)   

(0.2)   

1.7   

1.5   

1.1   

1.0   

(1.2)   

(1.9)   

(0.2)   

0.3   

19.2   

13.1   

19.5   

1.4   

0.4   

—   

—   

—   

—   

0.4   

0.1   

0.1   

—   

—   

—   

—   

0.2   

0.3   

0.2   

Cost

At 1 January 2020

Additions

Retirement

At 31 December 2020

Amortisation

At 1 January 2020

Charge for year

Retirement

At 31 December 2020

Net book value:

At 1 January 2020

At 31 December 2020

Cost

At 1 January 2020

Additions

Disposals

Intragroup transfer

Asset retirements

At 31 December 2020

Depreciation

At 1 January 2020

Charge for year

Impairment

Disposals

Intragroup transfer

Asset retirements

At 31 December 2020

Net book value:

At 1 January 2020

At 31 December 2020

Section 7: Company financial statements continued
7.3.4 Investments

Net book value
At 1 January 2020
Additions1
Impairment2
At 31 December 2020

1. During the year ended 31 December 2020, Capita plc invested £86.0m in Capita Employee Benefits Limited and £28.9m in Capita Financial Services Holdings Limited.

2. During the year ended 31 December 2020, Capita plc impaired its investment in Capita Gwent Consultancy Limited by £0.5m.

Direct investments
Capita Employee Benefits Limited2
Capita Legal Services Limited2
Capita Financial Services Holdings Limited1
Capita Group Insurance PCC Limited2

Capita Gwent Consultancy Limited2
Capita Holdings Limited1
Capita International Limited2
Capita Life & Pensions Regulated Services 
Limited2
Capita International Retirement Benefit 
Scheme Trustees Limited2
Capita Ireland Limited2

Capita Life & Pensions Services Limited2

1. Investing holding company. 

2. Outsourcing services company. 

Registered office 

65 Gresham Street, London, England, EC2V 7NQ

65 Gresham Street, London, England, EC2V 7NQ

65 Gresham Street, London, England, EC2V 7NQ
Dorey Court, Admiral Park, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 4AT, 
Guernsey
1 More London Place, London, SE1 2AF
65 Gresham Street, London, England, EC2V 7NQ
65 Gresham Street, London, England, EC2V 7NQ
65 Gresham Street, London, England, EC2V 7NQ

65 Gresham Street, London, England, EC2V 7NQ

2nd Floor, Block 5, Irish Life Centre, Abbey Street Lower, Dublin 1, 
D01P767
65 Gresham Street, London, England, EC2V 7NQ

Shares in 
subsidiary 
undertakings 
£m

568.9 
114.9 
(0.5) 
683.3 

Proportion of nominal 
value 
of issued shares held 
by the Company

 100 %

 100 %

 100 %
 100 %

 100 %
 100 %
 100 %
 100 %

 100 %

 100 %

 100 %

Certain subsidiaries of the Group have opted to take advantage of a statutory exemption from having an audit in respect of their individual 
statutory accounts. Strict criteria must be met for this exemption to be taken and has been agreed to by the directors of those subsidiary entities. 
Listed in note 7.3.16 to the Company financial statements are subsidiaries controlled and consolidated by the Group, where the directors have 
taken advantage of the exemption from having an audit of the entities’ individual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 in 
accordance with Section 479A of The Companies Act 2006. 

In order to facilitate the adoption of this exemption, Capita plc, the parent company of the subsidiaries concerned, undertakes to provide 
a guarantee under Section 479C of the Companies Act 2006 in respect of those subsidiaries.

Details of all indirect subsidiaries, as required under Section 409 of the Companies Act 2006, are reported in note 7.3.16 to the Company 
financial statements.

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

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Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Section 7: Company financial statements continued 
7.3.5 Financial instruments

Cash flow hedges

Non-designated foreign exchange forwards and swaps

Lease liabilities

Interest rate swaps

Cross-currency interest rate swaps

Analysed as:
Current

Non-current

7.3.6 Deferred tax 

Deferred tax included in the balance sheet is as follows:
Accelerated capital allowances
Losses
Other short term timing differences

7.3.7 Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables 
Other debtors
Other taxes and social security

7.3.8 Trade and other payables

Trade creditors
Other creditors

7.3.9 Provisions

At 1 January
Provisions provided for in the year
Provisions released in the year
Utilisation
At 31 December

Financial 
assets
2020
£m
0.1   

2.9   

—   

0.5   

60.2   

63.7   

28.3   

35.4   

63.7   

Financial 
liabilities
2020
£m
2.8   
1.7   
0.3   
—   
2.7   
7.5   

3.4   
4.1   
7.5   

Financial 
assets
2019
£m
3.4   

Financial 
liabilities
2019
£m
0.5 

3.2   

—   

1.0   

80.9   

88.5   

21.5   

67.0   

88.5   

2020
£m

4.4   
5.5   
0.1   
10.0   

2020
£m
0.1   
0.4   
2.0   
2.5   

2.6 

0.3 

— 

3.6 

7.0 

1.7 

5.3 

7.0 

2019
£m

2.6 
4.2 
— 
6.8 

2019
£m
0.2 
1.0 
8.8 
10.0 

Current

Non-current

2020
£m
12.8   
0.8   
13.6   

2019
£m
18.4   
2.3   
20.7   

2020
£m
—   
0.3   
0.3   

2020
£m
15.2   
5.9   
(3.4)   
(0.4)   
17.3   

2019
£m
— 
— 
— 

2019
£m
28.4 
0.1 
(11.2) 
(2.1) 
15.2 

The majority of the provisions relate to the claims and litigations provisions of £10.9m and business exit provisions of £5.7m. Further detail on 
these provisions can be found in note 3.6 to the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

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Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Non-designated foreign exchange forwards and swaps

Cross-currency interest rate swaps

Cash flow hedges

Lease liabilities

Interest rate swaps

Analysed as:

Current

Non-current

7.3.6 Deferred tax 

Deferred tax included in the balance sheet is as follows:

Accelerated capital allowances

Losses

Other short term timing differences

7.3.7 Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables 

Other debtors

Other taxes and social security

7.3.8 Trade and other payables

Trade creditors

Other creditors

7.3.9 Provisions

At 1 January

Provisions provided for in the year

Provisions released in the year

Utilisation

At 31 December

The majority of the provisions relate to the claims and litigations provisions of £10.9m and business exit provisions of £5.7m. Further detail on 

these provisions can be found in note 3.6 to the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

Section 7: Company financial statements continued 

7.3.5 Financial instruments

Section 7: Company financial statements continued 
7.3.10 Borrowings

Financial 

assets

2020

£m

Financial 

liabilities

2020

£m

Financial 

assets

2019

£m

Financial 

liabilities

2019

£m

0.1   

2.9   

—   

0.5   

60.2   

63.7   

28.3   

35.4   

63.7   

2.8   

1.7   

0.3   

—   

2.7   

7.5   

3.4   

4.1   

7.5   

3.4   

3.2   

—   

1.0   

80.9   

88.5   

21.5   

67.0   

88.5   

2020

£m

4.4   

5.5   

0.1   

10.0   

2020

£m

0.1   

0.4   

2.0   

2.5   

2020

£m

—   

0.3   

0.3   

2020

£m

15.2   

5.9   

(3.4)   

(0.4)   

17.3   

0.5 

2.6 

0.3 

— 

3.6 

7.0 

1.7 

5.3 

7.0 

2019

£m

2.6 

4.2 

— 

6.8 

2019

£m

0.2 

1.0 

8.8 

10.0 

2019

£m

— 

— 

— 

2019

£m

28.4 

0.1 

(11.2) 

(2.1) 

15.2 

Current

Non-current

2020

£m

12.8   

0.8   

13.6   

2019

£m

18.4   

2.3   

20.7   

Private placement loan notes

Repayments fall due as follows:

In more than 2 years but not more than 5 years
In more than 5 years

Total borrowings

The Company issued guaranteed unsecured private placement loan notes as follows:

Fixed rate bearer notes
Fixed rate bearer notes
Schuldschein loan
Total of euro denominated private placement loan notes

Interest rate 
(%)
2.125
2.875
2.125

Denomination
EUR
EUR
EUR

EUR 
(m)
166.1
60.0
16.0
242.1 

2020
£m
214.8   

2019
£m
202.9 

161.2   
53.6   
214.8   

152.6 
50.3 
202.9 

Maturity
10 November 2022
10 November 2027
10 November 2022

The Company has a committed revolving credit facility (RCF) of £452.0m which expires on 31 August 2022 and is extendable for a further year 
to 31 August 2023 with the consent of the lenders by 31 August 2021. In addition to the RCF, the Company has committed backstop liquidity 
facilities of £150.0m. These facilities terminated on 1 February 2021 with receipt of proceeds from the disposal of the Education Software 
Solutions business. 

All committed facilities were undrawn at 31 December 2020 (combined size £602.0m), and also at 31 December 2019 (£414.0m). 

Further detail on these facilities can be found in note 4.2 to the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

7.3.11 Share capital

Disclosures about the share capital, share premium, employee benefit trust and treasury shares of the Company have been included in note 4.6 
to the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

7.3.12 Contingent liabilities

The Company has provided, through the normal course of its business, performance bonds and bank guarantees of £55.8m (2019: £58.1m).

7.3.13 Related-party transactions

In the following, amounts for purchases and sales are for transactions invoiced during the year inclusive of Value Added Tax where applicable. 
All transactions are undertaken at normal market prices.

During the year, the Company sold goods/services in the normal course of business to Urban Vision Partnership Limited for £nil (2019: £0.1m). 
The Company purchased goods/services in the normal course of business for £nil (2019: £nil). At the balance sheet date, the net amount 
receivable from Urban Vision Partnership Limited was £nil (2019: £nil).

During the year, the Company sold goods/services in the normal course of business to Entrust Support Services Limited for £0.9m (2019: 
£0.3m). The Company purchased goods/services in the normal course of business for £0.1m (2019: £nil). At the balance sheet date, the net 
amount receivable from Entrust Support Services Limited was £nil (2019: £nil).

During the year, the Company sold goods/services in the normal course of business to AXELOS Limited for £0.9m (2019: £0.3m). The Company 
purchased goods/services in the normal course of business for £0.3m (2019: £0.3m). At the balance sheet date, the net amount receivable from 
AXELOS Limited was £nil (2019: £0.1m). 

During the year, the Company sold goods/services in the normal course of business to Capita Glamorgan Consultancy Limited for £0.1m (2019: 
£0.1m). The Company purchased goods/services in the normal course of business for £nil (2019: £nil). At the balance sheet date, the net 
amount receivable from Capita Glamorgan Consultancy Limited was £nil (2019: £nil). 

During the year, the Company sold goods/services in the normal course of business to Fera Science Limited for £0.3m (2019: £0.3m). The 
Company purchased goods/services in the normal course of business for £nil (2019: £nil). At the balance sheet date, the net amount receivable 
from Fera Science Limited was £0.1m (2019: £nil).

7.3.14 Pension costs

The Company operates defined benefit and defined contribution schemes. The pension charge for these schemes for the year was £1.8m 
(2019: £1.4m). 

7.3.15 Share-based payments

The Company operates several share-based payment plans and details of the schemes are disclosed in note 5.1 of the Group’s consolidated 
financial statements.

The Group recognised an expense for share-based payments in respect of employee services received during the year to 31 December 2020 of 
£6.4m (2019: £3.0m), all of which arises from equity-settled share-based payment transactions. The total Company expense, after recharging 
subsidiary undertakings, charged to the income statement in respect of share-based payments was £3.5m (2019: £2.1m).

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

197

Company financial statementsFinancial  statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
174

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Section 7: Company financial statements continued
7.3.16 Related undertakings

The stated address relates to the place of incorporation of the entity, which is the same as its tax residence in all cases other than Capita Group 
Insurance PCC Limited which is incorporated in Guernsey, but which is tax resident in the UK.

Unless otherwise indicated, all shareholdings are owned indirectly by the company and represent 100% of the issued share capital of the 
subsidiary. Dormant companies are marked (D).

Company name
3C DIALOG Saalfeld GmbH 24

Share class

€25,000.00 
Ordinary

Company name
Capita Corporate Director Limited 6 (D)

Acutest Limited 6 (D)

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita CTI (USA) LLC 10

Akinika Debt Recovery Limited 7

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Customer Management Limited 6

Akinika Limited 7

Akinika UK Limited 7

AMT Group Limited 4

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Customer Services (Germany) GmbH 25

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Customer Services AG 26

€1.00 Ordinary

Capita Customer Solutions (UK) Limited 6

AMT-Sybex (I) Limited (in liquidation) 20

€1.00 Ordinary

Capita Customer Solutions Limited 42

AMT-Sybex (Managed Services) Limited (in liquidation) 20

€1.00 Ordinary

Capita Cyprus Holdings Limited 40

AMT-Sybex (Research) Limited (in liquidation) 20

€1.00 Ordinary

Capita Cyprus Limited (Under Strike off) 40

AMT-Sybex (Software) Limited 4

€1.00 Ordinary

Capita Dubai Limited 6

AMT-Sybex Group Limited 4

AMT-Sybex Limited 6

Artificial Labs Ltd 14 ●
Atlas Master Trust Trustee Limited 6

Axelos Limited 6 ▼
Barrachd Limited 3

BCS Design Ltd 6

€0.0012 Ordinary

Capita Employee Benefits (Consulting) Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Employee Benefits Holdings Limited 6 

£0.00 Ordinary A

Capita Employee Benefits Limited 6 *

£1.00 Ordinary

£0.01 Ordinary B

Capita Energie Services GmbH 31 ►
Capita ESS Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita ESS Holdings Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

CAPITA 12935355 LIMITED 6 (D)    

Beovax Computer Services Limited (In liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Financial Services Holdings Limited 6 *

Share class

£1.00 Ordinary

US$1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

€1.00 Ordinary

CHF1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

€1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

€1.00 Euro

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

€1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

Booking Services International Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Gas Registration and Ancillary Services Limited 6 £1.00 Ordinary

Brentside Communications Limited 6 (D)

Brightwave Enterprises Limited 6

Brightwave Holdings Limited 6

Brightwave Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Glamorgan Consultancy Limited 6 ▼
Capita GMPS Trustees Limited 6 (D)   

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Grosvenor Limited 6 (D)

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Group Insurance PCC Limited 19 *

BSI Group Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Group Limited 6 (D)

Call Centre Technology Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Group Secretary Limited 6 (D)

Call Vision Technologies Ltd 6 (D)

Capita (6588350) Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Gwent Consultancy Limited 1 (in liquidation) * ▼
Capita HCH Limited 6

Capita (Banstead 2011) Limited (in liquidation) 1 

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Health and Wellbeing Limited 6

Capita (D1) Limited 6 (D)

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Health Holdings Limited 6

Capita (Dubai FZ) Limited (in liquidtation) 28

US$1,000.00 
Ordinary

Capita Holdings Limited 6 *

£0.01 Ordinary A

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 CG1
£1.00 CIC2 
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£0.01 Preference A

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita (Polska) Spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością 16 PLZ50.00 Ordinary
Capita (Real Estate & Infrastructure) Limited 6 (D)

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita IB Solutions (Ireland) Limited 4

€1.00 Ordinary

Capita IB Solutions (UK) Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita (South Africa) (Pty) Limited 11

ZAR1.00 Ordinary

Capita IB Solutions (HK) Limited 34

Capita (USA) Holdings Inc. 10

US$1.00 Ordinary

Capita India Private Limited 33

Capita Aurora Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Insurance Services Group Limited 6

Capita Birmingham Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Insurance Services Holdings Limited 6

Capita Building Standards Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Insurance Services Limited 6

Capita Business Services Ltd 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita International Limited 6 *

Capita Business Support Services Ireland Limited 4

€1.00 Ordinary

Capita Commercial Insurance Services Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita International Retirement Benefit Scheme 
Trustees Limited 6 * (D)
Capita Ireland Limited 4 * (D)   

HKD1.00 Ordinary 
A
HKD1.00 Ordinary 
B 

INR10.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary 

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

€1.00 Ordinary

198

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsCompany  financial statements174

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

175

Section 7: Company financial statements continued
7.3.16 Related undertakings continued

Company name

Capita IT and Consulting India Private Limited (in 
liquidation) 33
Capita IT Services (BSF) Holdings Limited (in liquidation) 1

Share class

INR10.00 Ordinary

Company name
CAS Services US Inc 18

£1.00 Ordinary

CCSD Services Limited 6

Capita IT Services (BSF) Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

CHKS Limited 6

Capita IT Services Holdings Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Clinical Solutions Acquisition Limited 6 (D)

Capita IT Services Limited 32

£1.00 Ordinary

Clinical Solutions Finance Limited 6

Share class

US$1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Justice & Secure Services Holdings Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Clinical Solutions Group (International) LLC

N/A

Capita Land Limited 6 (D)

£1.00 Ordinary

Clinical Solutions Holdings Limited 6 (D) 

Capita Legal Services Limited 6 * (D)

£1.00 Ordinary

Clinical Solutions International Limited 6

Capita Life & Pensions Regulated Services Limited 6 *

£1.00 Ordinary

Clinical Solutions IP Limited 6 (D)

Capita Life & Pensions Services Limited 6 *

£1.00 Ordinary

CMGL Group Limited 6 (D)

Capita Life and Pensions International Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

CMGL Holdings Limited 6 (D)

Capita Life and Pensions Services (Ireland) Limited 30

€1.27 Ordinary

Complete Imaging Limited (in liquidation) 1

Capita Life and Pensions Services (Isle of Man) Limited 17

£1.00 Ordinary

Computerland UK Limited 6

Capita Managed IT Solutions Limited 23

£1.00 Ordinary

Contact Associates Limited 6

Capita Managing Agency Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

CPLAS Trustees Limited 6 (D)

Capita Mclarens Limited 37

£1.00 Ordinary

Creating Careers Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

Atlas Master Trust Trustee Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Energie Services GmbH 31 ►

Capita Mortgage Administration Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

CS Clinical Solutions India Private Limited 33

INR10.00 Ordinary

Capita Mortgage Software Solutions Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Cymbio Limited 6

Capita Norman + Dawbarn Limited 27 □ (D)   
Capita Offshore Services Private Limited (in liquidation) 33 *

NGN1.00 Ordinary

INR10.00 Ordinary

Daisy Updata Communications Limited 29 ▲
Debt Solutions (Holdings) Limited 7

Capita Property and Infrastructure (Structures) Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Dupree Holdings Limited (in liquidation) 20

Capita Property and Infrastructure Consultants LLC (in 
liquidation) 2 ♦(D)   
Capita Property and Infrastructure Holdings Limited 6

AED1,000.00 
Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

Dragonfly Technology Solutions Ltd ○ 5

DSTBTD LIMITED 43 <

Capita Property and Infrastructure International Holdings 
Limited 6
Capita Property and Infrastructure International Limited 6 
(D)
Capita Property and Infrastructure Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

E.B. Consultants Limited 6 (D)

£1.00 Ordinary

Electra-Net (UK) Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Electra-Net Group Limited 6 (D)

Capita Resourcing Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Electra-Net Holdings Limited 6 (D)

Capita Retail Financial Services Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Emercom Ltd 6 (D)

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary B

£1.00 Ordinary

€1.00 Ordinary

£0.001 Ordinary

£0.001 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Scotland (Pension) Limited Partnership 32

N/A

Entrust Education Services Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Scotland General Partner (Pension) Limited 32

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Secure Information Solutions Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Entrust Support Services Limited 39 ▼
Equita Limited 8

Capita Services (Isle of Man) Limited (in liquidation) 17

£1.00 Ordinary

Equitable Holdings Limited 6 (D)

£1.00 Ordinary X

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita SIMS (India) Private Limited 33

INR10.00 Ordinary

Eureka Assessoria Empresarial Ltda 13 ◊ (D)   

BRL1.00 Ordinary

Capita (SSS) Limited 6 (D)   

Capita Software (US) LLC 10

Capita Southampton Limited 6

Capita Süd GmbH 25

£1.00 Ordinary

Euristix (Holdings) Limited 6 (D)

N/A

Euristix Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Evolvi Rail Systems Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

€1.00 Ordinary

Expotel Hotel Reservations Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Symonds (Asia) Limited 6 (D)

Capita Symonds India Private Limited 33

£1.00 Ordinary

INR10.00 Ordinary

Fera Science Limited 6 ■
Fire Service College Limited 6

Capita Symonds Property and Infrastructure Consultants 
(KSA) (D)   

N/A

FirstAssist Services Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary B

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Translation and Interpreting Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Fish Financial Solutions Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Travel & Events Holdings Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

FPS Group of Companies Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Travel and Events Limited 6

Capita West GmbH 25

£1.00 Ordinary

€25,000.00 
Ordinary

Full Circle Contact Centre Services (Proprietary) 
Limited 11
G L Hearn Limited 6

ZAR0.01 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

199

Section 7: Company financial statements continued

7.3.16 Related undertakings

The stated address relates to the place of incorporation of the entity, which is the same as its tax residence in all cases other than Capita Group 

Insurance PCC Limited which is incorporated in Guernsey, but which is tax resident in the UK.

Unless otherwise indicated, all shareholdings are owned indirectly by the company and represent 100% of the issued share capital of the 

subsidiary. Dormant companies are marked (D).

Company name

3C DIALOG Saalfeld GmbH 24

Share class

€25,000.00 

Ordinary

Company name

Capita Corporate Director Limited 6 (D)

Acutest Limited 6 (D)

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita CTI (USA) LLC 10

Akinika Debt Recovery Limited 7

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Customer Management Limited 6

Akinika Limited 7

Akinika UK Limited 7

AMT Group Limited 4

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Customer Services (Germany) GmbH 25

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Customer Services AG 26

€1.00 Ordinary

Capita Customer Solutions (UK) Limited 6

AMT-Sybex (I) Limited (in liquidation) 20

€1.00 Ordinary

Capita Customer Solutions Limited 42

AMT-Sybex (Managed Services) Limited (in liquidation) 20

€1.00 Ordinary

Capita Cyprus Holdings Limited 40

AMT-Sybex (Research) Limited (in liquidation) 20

€1.00 Ordinary

Capita Cyprus Limited (Under Strike off) 40

AMT-Sybex (Software) Limited 4

AMT-Sybex Group Limited 4

AMT-Sybex Limited 6

Artificial Labs Ltd 14 ●

Axelos Limited 6 ▼

Barrachd Limited 3

BCS Design Ltd 6

€1.00 Ordinary

Capita Dubai Limited 6

€0.0012 Ordinary

Capita Employee Benefits (Consulting) Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Employee Benefits Holdings Limited 6 

£0.00 Ordinary A

Capita Employee Benefits Limited 6 *

£0.01 Ordinary B

Capita ESS Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita ESS Holdings Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

CAPITA 12935355 LIMITED 6 (D)    

Beovax Computer Services Limited (In liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Financial Services Holdings Limited 6 *

Booking Services International Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Gas Registration and Ancillary Services Limited 6 £1.00 Ordinary

Brentside Communications Limited 6 (D)

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Glamorgan Consultancy Limited 6 ▼

£0.01 Ordinary A

Brightwave Enterprises Limited 6

Brightwave Holdings Limited 6

Brightwave Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita GMPS Trustees Limited 6 (D)   

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Grosvenor Limited 6 (D)

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Group Insurance PCC Limited 19 *

BSI Group Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Group Limited 6 (D)

Call Centre Technology Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Group Secretary Limited 6 (D)

Call Vision Technologies Ltd 6 (D)

Capita (6588350) Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Gwent Consultancy Limited 1 (in liquidation) * ▼

£0.01 Preference A

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita HCH Limited 6

Capita (Banstead 2011) Limited (in liquidation) 1 

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Health and Wellbeing Limited 6

Capita (D1) Limited 6 (D)

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Health Holdings Limited 6

Capita (Dubai FZ) Limited (in liquidtation) 28

Capita Holdings Limited 6 *

US$1,000.00 

Ordinary

Capita (Polska) Spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością 16 PLZ50.00 Ordinary

Capita IB Solutions (Ireland) Limited 4

Capita (Real Estate & Infrastructure) Limited 6 (D)

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita IB Solutions (UK) Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita (South Africa) (Pty) Limited 11

ZAR1.00 Ordinary

Capita IB Solutions (HK) Limited 34

Capita (USA) Holdings Inc. 10

US$1.00 Ordinary

Capita India Private Limited 33

Capita Aurora Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Insurance Services Group Limited 6

Capita Birmingham Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Insurance Services Holdings Limited 6

Capita Building Standards Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Insurance Services Limited 6

Capita Business Services Ltd 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita International Limited 6 *

Capita Business Support Services Ireland Limited 4

€1.00 Ordinary

Capita International Retirement Benefit Scheme 

£1.00 Ordinary

Trustees Limited 6 * (D)

Capita Commercial Insurance Services Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Capita Ireland Limited 4 * (D)   

€1.00 Ordinary

Share class

£1.00 Ordinary

US$1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

€1.00 Ordinary

CHF1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

€1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

€1.00 Euro

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

€1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 CG1

£1.00 CIC2 

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

€1.00 Ordinary

HKD1.00 Ordinary 

HKD1.00 Ordinary 

A

B 

INR10.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary 

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

Company financial statementsFinancial  statements176

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Section 7: Company financial statements continued
7.3.16 Related undertakings continued

Company name
G L Hearn Management Limited 6

Gissings Trustees Limited 6 (D)

Share class

£1.00 Ordinary

Company name
Sbj Professional Trustees Limited 6 (D)

£1.00 Ordinary

SDP Regeneration Services 2 Limited 6

Grosvenor Career Services Limited 6 (D)

£1.00 Ordinary

Security Watchdog Limited 6 (D)

Health Analytics Ltd 6

£1.00 Ordinary

SIMS Limited 6

International Travel Group Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

Smart DCC Limited 6

John Crilley Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

Stirling Park LLP 45

Share class

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

N/A

Knowledgepool Group Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Symonds Travers Morgan (Malaysia) SDN. BHD 36

RM1.00 Ordinary

Latemeetings.com Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

STL Technologies Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

Leadcall Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

Symonds Travers Morgan (Hong Kong) Limited 46 (D)    HKD10.00 Ordinary

Level Financial Technology Limited 35 ◙
Liberty Printers (Ar And Rf Reddin) Limited 6

Market Mortgage Limited 6 ◄

Marrakech (Ireland) Limited (in liquidation) 20

Marrakech (U.K.) Limited 6

Marrakech Limited 4

£1.00 Ordinary

Synaptic Software Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Synetrix (Holdings) Limited (in liquidation) 1

£0.001 Ordinary 
Capita Shares
€1.00 Ordinary

Synetrix Limited (in liquidation) 1

Tascor E & D Services Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Tascor Services Limited 6

€1.00 Ordinary

TELAG AG 21

Medicals Direct International Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

Tempus Finance Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

CHF1,000.00 
Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

Metacharge Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

The Fisher Training Group Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

Micro Librarian Systems Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

The G2G3 Group Ltd. 32

£1.00 Ordinary

Munnypot Limited 38 >

NYS Corporate Ltd. 6

£0.01 Ordinary

The Write Research Company Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

Thirty Three Group Limited 6 (D) 

Octal Business Solutions Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Thirty Three LLP 6 

Opin Systems Limited (in liquidation) 12

£1.00 Ordinary

ThirtyThree APAC Limited 9

Optilead Inc.(in liquidation) 10

Optilead Limited 6 (D)

US$0.001 Common 
Stock
£1.00 Ordinary

ThirtyThree USA Inc. 10

Trustmarque Solutions Limited 6

Optima Legal Services Limited 22

£1.00 Ordinary

Updata Infrastructure (UK) Limited 6

PageOne Communications Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Updata Infrastructure 2012 Limited 6 (D) 

Pardus Holdings Limited 15 ~

Pay360 Limited 6

Pervasive Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

Urban Vision Partnership Limited 6 ►
Ventura (India) Private Limited 41

£1.00 Ordinary

Ventura (UK) India Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

N/A

HKD1.00 Ordinary

US$1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary B

INR10.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

Pervasive Networks Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Venues Event Management Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

Rathcush Limited (in liquidation) 4

€1.00 Ordinary

Vilanova Management Limited 4

RE (Regional Enterprise) Limited 6 ▼
Retain International (Holdings) Limited 6 (D)

£1.00 Ordinary A

Voice Marketing Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Wabowden Limited 4

Retain International Limited 6 (D)

£1.00 Ordinary

Western Mortgage Services Limited 6

Ross & Roberts Limited 8

£1.00 Ordinary

Westpoint Limited (in liquidation) 1

Sbj Benefit Consultants Limited 6 (D)

£1.00 Ordinary

Woolf Limited 6

€1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

€1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

200

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsCompany  financial statementsSection 7: Company financial statements continued

7.3.16 Related undertakings continued

Company name

G L Hearn Management Limited 6

Gissings Trustees Limited 6 (D)

Share class

Company name

£1.00 Ordinary

Sbj Professional Trustees Limited 6 (D)

£1.00 Ordinary

SDP Regeneration Services 2 Limited 6

Grosvenor Career Services Limited 6 (D)

£1.00 Ordinary

Security Watchdog Limited 6 (D)

Health Analytics Ltd 6

£1.00 Ordinary

SIMS Limited 6

International Travel Group Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

Smart DCC Limited 6

John Crilley Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

Stirling Park LLP 45

Knowledgepool Group Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Symonds Travers Morgan (Malaysia) SDN. BHD 36

RM1.00 Ordinary

Latemeetings.com Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

STL Technologies Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

Leadcall Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

Symonds Travers Morgan (Hong Kong) Limited 46 (D)    HKD10.00 Ordinary

Level Financial Technology Limited 35 ◙

£1.00 Ordinary

Synaptic Software Limited 6

Liberty Printers (Ar And Rf Reddin) Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Synetrix (Holdings) Limited (in liquidation) 1

Market Mortgage Limited 6 ◄

Synetrix Limited (in liquidation) 1

Marrakech (Ireland) Limited (in liquidation) 20

Tascor E & D Services Limited 6

Marrakech (U.K.) Limited 6

Marrakech Limited 4

£1.00 Ordinary

Tascor Services Limited 6

€1.00 Ordinary

TELAG AG 21

£0.001 Ordinary 

Capita Shares

€1.00 Ordinary

Medicals Direct International Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

Tempus Finance Limited (in liquidation) 1

Metacharge Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

The Fisher Training Group Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

Micro Librarian Systems Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

The G2G3 Group Ltd. 32

£1.00 Ordinary

Munnypot Limited 38 >

NYS Corporate Ltd. 6

£0.01 Ordinary

The Write Research Company Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

Thirty Three Group Limited 6 (D) 

Octal Business Solutions Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Thirty Three LLP 6 

Opin Systems Limited (in liquidation) 12

£1.00 Ordinary

ThirtyThree APAC Limited 9

Optilead Inc.(in liquidation) 10

US$0.001 Common 

ThirtyThree USA Inc. 10

Stock

Optilead Limited 6 (D)

£1.00 Ordinary

Trustmarque Solutions Limited 6

Optima Legal Services Limited 22

£1.00 Ordinary

Updata Infrastructure (UK) Limited 6

PageOne Communications Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Updata Infrastructure 2012 Limited 6 (D) 

Pardus Holdings Limited 15 ~

Pay360 Limited 6

Pervasive Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Urban Vision Partnership Limited 6 ►

£1.00 Ordinary

Ventura (India) Private Limited 41

£1.00 Ordinary

Ventura (UK) India Limited 6

Rathcush Limited (in liquidation) 4

€1.00 Ordinary

Vilanova Management Limited 4

RE (Regional Enterprise) Limited 6 ▼

£1.00 Ordinary A

Voice Marketing Limited 6

Retain International (Holdings) Limited 6 (D)

£1.00 Ordinary

Wabowden Limited 4

Retain International Limited 6 (D)

£1.00 Ordinary

Western Mortgage Services Limited 6

Ross & Roberts Limited 8

£1.00 Ordinary

Westpoint Limited (in liquidation) 1

Sbj Benefit Consultants Limited 6 (D)

£1.00 Ordinary

Woolf Limited 6

Pervasive Networks Limited 6

£1.00 Ordinary

Venues Event Management Limited (in liquidation) 1

£1.00 Ordinary

Share class

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

N/A

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

CHF1,000.00 

Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

N/A

HKD1.00 Ordinary

US$1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary B

INR10.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

€1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

€1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

176

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Strategic report

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Corporate governance

Financial statements

Financial statements

177

177

Section 7: Company financial statements continued
7.3.16 Related undertakings continued

Section 7: Company financial statements continued
7.3.16 Related undertakings continued

Footnotes
* Companies directly held by Capita plc.
~ Shareholdings owned indirectly by the company and represent 11.32 % of the issued share 

Footnotes
Registered office address
* Companies directly held by Capita plc.
1.
2. 
~ Shareholdings owned indirectly by the company and represent 11.32 % of the issued share 

Registered office address
1.
2. 

capital of subsidiary.

capital of subsidiary.

capital of subsidiary.

> Shareholdings owned indirectly by the company and represent 16.16 % of the issued share 

3. 
> Shareholdings owned indirectly by the company and represent 16.16 % of the issued share 
4. 
< Shareholdings owned indirectly by the company and represent 30.20% of the issued share 
5. 

< Shareholdings owned indirectly by the company and represent 30.20% of the issued share 

capital of subsidiary.

capital of subsidiary.

capital of subsidiary.

capital of subsidiary.

● Shareholdings owned indirectly by the company and represent 22.72% of the issued share 

● Shareholdings owned indirectly by the company and represent 22.72% of the issued share 
6. 
7. 
○ Shareholdings owned indirectly by the company and represent 20.01% of the issued share 
8. 

○ Shareholdings owned indirectly by the company and represent 20.01% of the issued share 

capital of subsidiary.

capital of subsidiary 

capital of subsidiary 

♦ Shareholdings owned indirectly by the company and represent 49% of the issued share 

♦ Shareholdings owned indirectly by the company and represent 49% of the issued share 

capital of subsidiary.

capital of subsidiary.

◊ Shareholdings owned indirectly by the company and represent 49.9% of the issued share 

◊ Shareholdings owned indirectly by the company and represent 49.9% of the issued share 

capital of subsidiary.

capital of subsidiary.

▲ Shareholdings owned indirectly by the company and represent 50% of the issued share 

▲ Shareholdings owned indirectly by the company and represent 50% of the issued share 

capital of subsidiary.

capital of subsidiary.

► Shareholdings owned indirectly by the company and represent 50.1% of the issued share 

► Shareholdings owned indirectly by the company and represent 50.1% of the issued share 

capital of subsidiary.

capital of subsidiary.

▼ Shareholdings owned indirectly by the company and represent 51% of the issued share 

▼ Shareholdings owned indirectly by the company and represent 51% of the issued share 

capital of subsidiary.

capital of subsidiary.

◄ Shareholdings owned indirectly by the company and represent 48.29% of the issued share 

◄ Shareholdings owned indirectly by the company and represent 48.29% of the issued share 

capital of subsidiary.

capital of subsidiary.

■ Shareholdings owned indirectly by the company and represent 75% of the issued share 

■ Shareholdings owned indirectly by the company and represent 75% of the issued share 

capital of subsidiary.

capital of subsidiary.

□ Shareholdings owned indirectly by the company and represent 97.3% of the issued share 

□ Shareholdings owned indirectly by the company and represent 97.3% of the issued share 

◙ Shareholdings owned indirectly by the company and represent 35.90% of the issued share 

◙ Shareholdings owned indirectly by the company and represent 35.90% of the issued share 

capital of subsidiary.

capital of subsidiary.

capital of subsidiary.

capital of subsidiary.

9. 
10. 
11. 

12. 
13. 

14. 
15. 

16. 
17. 
18. 

19. 
20. 

21. 
22. 
23. 
24. 
25. 
26. 
27. 

28. 

29. 
30. 
31. 
32. 

33. 

34. 

35. 

36. 

37. 
38. 

39. 
40. 
41. 

42. 
43. 

19. 
20. 

14. 
15. 

12. 
13. 

6. 
7. 
8. 

3. 
4. 
5. 

16. 
17. 
18. 

9. 
10. 
11. 

21. 
22. 
23. 
24. 
25. 
26. 
27. 

More London Place, London, SE1 2AF, United Kingdom
More London Place, London, SE1 2AF, United Kingdom
1004 Bin Hamoodah Building, Khalifa St., PO Box 113 740, Abu Dhabi, 
1004 Bin Hamoodah Building, Khalifa St., PO Box 113 740, Abu Dhabi, 
United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates
145, Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8AG
145, Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8AG
2nd Floor, Block 5, Irish Life Centre, Abbey Street Lower, Dublin 1, D01P767 
2nd Floor, Block 5, Irish Life Centre, Abbey Street Lower, Dublin 1, D01P767 
2 Biddulph Cottages Windmill Road,Kemble, Gloucestershire, GL7 6AQ, 
2 Biddulph Cottages Windmill Road,Kemble, Gloucestershire, GL7 6AQ, 
England
England
65, Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7NQ, England
65, Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7NQ, England
33/34 Winckley Square, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 3EL
33/34 Winckley Square, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 3EL
42/44 Henry Street, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 4BZ, United 
42/44 Henry Street, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 4BZ, United 
Kingdom
Kingdom
803, Manning House, 38 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong
803, Manning House, 38 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong
850 New Burton Road, Suite 201, Dover, DE, 19904, United States
850 New Burton Road, Suite 201, Dover, DE, 19904, United States
8th Floor, Union Castle Building, 55 St Georges Mall, Cape Town, 8001, 
8th Floor, Union Castle Building, 55 St Georges Mall, Cape Town, 8001, 
South Africa
South Africa
Atria One 144 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EX
Atria One 144 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EX
Alameda dos Guaramomis, no 930, 1st Floor, Suite 01, Bairro, Moema, CEP 
Alameda dos Guaramomis, no 930, 1st Floor, Suite 01, Bairro, Moema, CEP 
04076-011, Brazil
04076-011, Brazil
Bourne House, 475 Goodstone Road, Whyteleafe, Surrey, CR3 0BL, England
Bourne House, 475 Goodstone Road, Whyteleafe, Surrey, CR3 0BL, England
C/O Pkf Littlejohn 2nd Floor, 1 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, London, E14 
C/O Pkf Littlejohn 2nd Floor, 1 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, London, E14 
4HD, England
4HD, England
Centrum Biurowe Lubicz I,ul. Lubicz 23, Krakow, 31-503, Poland, Poland
Centrum Biurowe Lubicz I,ul. Lubicz 23, Krakow, 31-503, Poland, Poland
Clinch's House, Lord Street, Douglas, IM99 1RZ, Isle Of Man
Clinch's House, Lord Street, Douglas, IM99 1RZ, Isle Of Man
Corporation Service Company 2711, Centerville Road, Suite 400, Wilmington, 
Corporation Service Company 2711, Centerville Road, Suite 400, Wilmington, 
County of Newcastle, DE, 19808, United States
County of Newcastle, DE, 19808, United States
Dorey Court, Admiral Park, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, Guernsey, GY1 4AT
Dorey Court, Admiral Park, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, Guernsey, GY1 4AT
Ernst & Young, Block I, Harcourt Centre, Harcourt Street, Dublin2, D02 Y 
Ernst & Young, Block I, Harcourt Centre, Harcourt Street, Dublin2, D02 Y 
A40, Ireland
A40, Ireland
Hardturmstrasse 101, Zürich, 8005, Switzerland
Hardturmstrasse 101, Zürich, 8005, Switzerland
Hepworth House, Claypit Lane, Leeds, LS2 8AE, United Kingdom
Hepworth House, Claypit Lane, Leeds, LS2 8AE, United Kingdom
Hillview House, 61 Church Road, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, BT36 7LQ
Hillview House, 61 Church Road, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, BT36 7LQ
Kelzstraße 21, Saalfeld, 07318, Germany
Kelzstraße 21, Saalfeld, 07318, Germany
Kommandantenstraße 22, Berlin, 10969, Germany
Kommandantenstraße 22, Berlin, 10969, Germany
Konstanzerstrasse 17, Tägerwilen, 8274, Switzerland
Konstanzerstrasse 17, Tägerwilen, 8274, Switzerland
Landmark Virtual Offices, Africa Re Building - Plot 1679, Karimu Kotun 
Landmark Virtual Offices, Africa Re Building - Plot 1679, Karimu Kotun 
Street,Lagos, Victoria Island, Nigeria
Street,Lagos, Victoria Island, Nigeria
Level No. 3, Gate Village 7, Dubai International Finance Centre, Dubai, PO 
Level No. 3, Gate Village 7, Dubai International Finance Centre, Dubai, PO 
BOX 49983, United Arab Emirates
BOX 49983, United Arab Emirates
Lindred House, 20 Lindred Road, Brierfield, Nelson, Lancashire, BB9 5SR
Lindred House, 20 Lindred Road, Brierfield, Nelson, Lancashire, BB9 5SR
Montague House, Adelaide Road, Dublin 2, DUBLIN 2, Ireland
Montague House, Adelaide Road, Dublin 2, DUBLIN 2, Ireland
Nassauer Ring 39-41, Krefeld, 47803, Germany
Nassauer Ring 39-41, Krefeld, 47803, Germany
Pavilion Building, Ellismuir Way, Tannochside Park,Uddingston, Glasgow, 
Pavilion Building, Ellismuir Way, Tannochside Park,Uddingston, Glasgow, 
G71 5PW, United Kingdom
G71 5PW, United Kingdom
Plant 06, Gate No. 2, Godrej and Boyce Complex, LBS Marg, Pirojshahnagar, 
Plant 06, Gate No. 2, Godrej and Boyce Complex, LBS Marg, Pirojshahnagar, 
Vikhroli (West), Mumbai, 400 079, India
Vikhroli (West), Mumbai, 400 079, India
Room 1603, 16th Floor C C Wu Building, Nos. 302-308 Hennessy Road, 
Room 1603, 16th Floor C C Wu Building, Nos. 302-308 Hennessy Road, 
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Rift House, 200 Eureka Park Upper Pemberton, Kennington, Ashford, TN25 
Rift House, 200 Eureka Park Upper Pemberton, Kennington, Ashford, TN25 
4AZ, England & Wales
4AZ, England & Wales
Suite 13.03, 13th Floor, Menara Tan & Tan, 207 Jalan Tun Razak, 50409 
Suite 13.03, 13th Floor, Menara Tan & Tan, 207 Jalan Tun Razak, 50409 
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The Beacon, 176 St Vincent Street, Glasgow, G2 5SG, United Kingdom
The Beacon, 176 St Vincent Street, Glasgow, G2 5SG, United Kingdom
The Courtyard Shoreham Road, Upper Beeding, Steyning, West Sussex, 
The Courtyard Shoreham Road, Upper Beeding, Steyning, West Sussex, 
BN44 3TN, England
BN44 3TN, England
The Riverway Centre, Riverway, Stafford, ST16 3TH, United Kingdom
The Riverway Centre, Riverway, Stafford, ST16 3TH, United Kingdom
Themistokli Dervi 3, Julia House, Nicosia, 1066, Cyprus
Themistokli Dervi 3, Julia House, Nicosia, 1066, Cyprus
Upper Ground Level, Level 1, level 2, & level 3, Tower B1, Margapatta City 
Upper Ground Level, Level 1, level 2, & level 3, Tower B1, Margapatta City 
SEZ, Margapatta City, Hadapsar, Pune,4110113 India Maharashtra, 411013, 
SEZ, Margapatta City, Hadapsar, Pune,4110113 India Maharashtra, 411013, 
India
India
Unit B, West Cork Technology Park, Clonakilty, Cork, Ireland
Unit B, West Cork Technology Park, Clonakilty, Cork, Ireland
Wsm, Connect House 133-137 Alexandra Road Wimbledon London SW19 
Wsm, Connect House 133-137 Alexandra Road Wimbledon London SW19 
7JY
7JY
King Abdul Aziz Street, PO Box 7052, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
King Abdul Aziz Street, PO Box 7052, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
44. 
24 Blythswood Square, Glasgow, G2 4BG, Scotland
24 Blythswood Square, Glasgow, G2 4BG, Scotland
45. 
46.                31/F, 148 Electric Road, North Point, Hong Kong

29. 
30. 
31. 
32. 

39. 
40. 
41. 

42. 
43. 

37. 
38. 

33. 

28. 

34. 

35. 

36. 

44. 
45. 
46.                31/F, 148 Electric Road, North Point, Hong Kong

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

201

Company financial statementsFinancial  statements178

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Section 7: Company financial statements continued
7.3.16 Related undertakings continued

Listed below are subsidiaries controlled and consolidated by the Group, where the directors have taken the exemption from having an audit of its 
financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020. This exemption is taken in accordance with Companies Act Section 479A. 

Company name

Company registration Company name

Company registration

Booking Services International Limited

Brightwave Enterprises Limited

Brightwave Holdings Limited

Brightwave Limited

BSI Group Limited

Capita Gas Registration and Ancillary Services Limited

Capita HCH Limited

Capita IT Services (BSF) Limited

Capita Mclarens Limited

1833039

7066783

7462788

4092349

3005596

5078781

2384029

1855936

Clinical Solutions International Limited

Cymbio Limited

Debt Solutions (Holdings) Limited

Euristix Limited

FirstAssist Services Limited

Health Analytics Ltd

Marrakech (U.K.) Limited

NYS Corporate Ltd

SC021024

Octal Business Solutions Limited

Capita Property and Infrastructure (Structures) Limited

2082106

Pervasive Limited

Capita Property and Infrastructure International Holdings 
Limited

Capita Southampton Limited

CCSD Services Limited

CHKS Limited

Clinical Solutions Finance Limited

3860653

Pervasive Networks Limited

10207906

SDP Regeneration Services 2 Limited

5399460

2442956

5337592

The G2G3 Group Ltd

Thirty Three LLP

Woolf Limited

4394761

6462086

3673307

5420948

1404718

6947862

3785263

1324425

5182624

5679204

3429318

4626963

SC199414

OC372712

1564535

202

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsCompany  financial statements178

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Section 7: Company financial statements continued

7.3.16 Related undertakings continued

Listed below are subsidiaries controlled and consolidated by the Group, where the directors have taken the exemption from having an audit of its 

financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020. This exemption is taken in accordance with Companies Act Section 479A. 

Company name

Company registration Company name

Company registration

Capita Gas Registration and Ancillary Services Limited

Booking Services International Limited

Brightwave Enterprises Limited

Brightwave Holdings Limited

Brightwave Limited

BSI Group Limited

Capita HCH Limited

Capita IT Services (BSF) Limited

Capita Mclarens Limited

Limited

Capita Southampton Limited

CCSD Services Limited

CHKS Limited

Clinical Solutions Finance Limited

1833039

7066783

7462788

4092349

3005596

5078781

2384029

1855936

Clinical Solutions International Limited

Cymbio Limited

Debt Solutions (Holdings) Limited

Euristix Limited

FirstAssist Services Limited

Health Analytics Ltd

Marrakech (U.K.) Limited

NYS Corporate Ltd

SC021024

Octal Business Solutions Limited

3860653

Pervasive Networks Limited

10207906

SDP Regeneration Services 2 Limited

5399460

2442956

5337592

The G2G3 Group Ltd

Thirty Three LLP

Woolf Limited

4394761

6462086

3673307

5420948

1404718

6947862

3785263

1324425

5182624

5679204

3429318

4626963

SC199414

OC372712

1564535

Capita Property and Infrastructure (Structures) Limited

2082106

Pervasive Limited

Capita Property and Infrastructure International Holdings 

Section 8: Additional information

In this section
8.1  Shareholder information
8.2  Alternative performance measures

8.1 Shareholder information

In this section we have provided you with some key information 
to manage your shareholding in Capita plc.

Useful websites 
Capita (www.capita.com/investors)
Our corporate site is our main external communication channel where 
we showcase our services, solutions and innovations from across the 
wider Company. It also contains an investor section, where institutional 
and private shareholders can access the latest announcements, 
financial and statutory information and reports.

Shareholder portal (www.capitashares.co.uk)
Capita’s register of shareholders is maintained by Link Group. Our 
shareholder portal is a secure online site where you can manage your 
shareholding quickly and easily. You can manage many aspects, such 
as viewing your holding, updating contact details, managing dividend 
payments, requesting to receive shareholder communications by email 
and registering. To register you will need your investor code, which can 
be found on your share certificate or dividend confirmation.

e-communications
Help us communicate with you in a greener, more efficient and 
cost-effective way by switching from postal to email communications, 
which means that we will notify you by email each time new shareholder 
communications have been placed on the Capita website.

Registering for e-communications is very straightforward. Go to our 
shareholder portal www.capitashares.co.uk. Further information about 
our shareholder portal is below.

Managing your shareholding
We aim to communicate effectively with our shareholders, via our 
website www.capita.com/investors. Shareholders who have questions 
relating to the Group’s business or wish to receive further hard copies 
of annual reports should contact Capita’s investor relations team on 
+44 (0) 798 966 5484 or email: IRTeam@capita.com

If you have any queries about your shareholding or dividend payments 
please contact the Company’s registrar, Link Group:

Link Group 
10th Floor 
Central Square 
29 Wellington Street 
Leeds LS1 4DL

Email: enquiries@linkgroup.co.uk 
Tel: +44 (0) 371 664 0300 (Calls are charged at the standard geographic 
rate and will vary by provider. Calls outside the United Kingdom are 
charged at the applicable international rate.) 

Lines are open 9.00am – 5.30pm, Monday to Friday excluding public 
holidays in England and Wales.

Share dealing
A quick and easy share-dealing service is available for existing 
Capita UK shareholders to either sell or buy Capita plc shares online 
or by telephone.

For further information go to: https://ww2.linkgroup.eu/share-deal or 
telephone +44 (0) 371 664 0445 (UK call charge is: calls are charged 
at the standard geographic rate and will vary by provider. Calls outside 
the United Kingdom will be charged at the applicable international rate). 
Lines are open 8.00am – 4.30pm, Monday to Friday excluding public 
holidays in England and Wales.

If you have only a small number of shares which are uneconomical 
to sell, you may wish to donate them to charity free of charge through 
ShareGift (Registered Charity 1052686). Find out more at 
www.sharegift.org.uk or by telephoning 020 7930 3737.

Company contact details
Registered office
Capita plc 
65 Gresham Street 
London EC2V 7NQ 
Tel: 020 7799 1525 
Registered in England and Wales with registration number: 02081330

Investor Relations
IRTeam@capita.com 
Director of Investor Relations – Stuart Morgan

Company Secretariat
secretariat@capita.com 
Group Company Secretary – Francesca Todd

Company advisers

Independent auditor
KPMG LLP

Corporate brokers
Barclays Bank plc 

Goldman Sachs International Bank 

Bankers
Barclays Bank plc

Citicorp North America, Inc

Deutsche Bank AG Filiale Luxemburg 

Goldman Sachs International Bank

ING Bank NV, London Branch

Lloyds Bank plc

National Westminster Bank plc

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, London Branch 

Corporate communications
Powerscourt

Registrars
Link Group

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

203

Additional informationFinancial  statementsAdditional information

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

180

8.2 Alternative performance measures

The Group presents various alternative performance measures (APMs) as the directors believe that these are useful for users of the financial 
statements in helping to provide a balanced view of, and relevant information on, the Group’s financial performance, position and cash flows. 
This includes key performance indicators (KPIs) such as return on capital employed, interest cover and gearing ratios by which we monitor our 
performance. 

Revenue – continuing operations

Reported revenue

Deduct: business exit

1. Adjusted revenue

Operating profit – continuing operations

Reported operating (loss)/profit

Adjusting items in note 2.4
2. Adjusted operating profit1
Adjusted operating profit margin

2020

2019 Source

 £3,324.8m   £3,678.6m  Line item in income statement
  (£143.6m)    (£177.6m)  Line item in note 2.2.1
 £3,181.2m   £3,501.0m 

(£32.0m)   

£0.4m  Line item in income statement

  £143.0m    £254.1m 
  £111.0m    £254.5m 

 3.5 %

 7.3 % Adjusted operating profit/adjusted revenue

1. Adjusted operating profit excludes items that are separately disclosed and considered to be outside the underlying operating results for the particular period under review and against which 

the Group’s performance is assessed.

ROCE
Adjusted operating profit1
Adjusted tax rate2
Tax

Adjusted operating profit after tax

Share capital

Share premium

Employee benefit trust and treasury shares

Capital redemption reserve

Total net liabilities from financing activities

Total capital employed

Prior year capital employed

2020

2019 Source

a   £111.0m    £254.5m  Adjusted operating profit note 2.4
b

 14.9 %
£16.5m   
£94.5m    £217.1m  Adjusted operating profit less tax

 14.7 %

£37.4m  Adjusted operating profit multiplied by tax rate

c = a x b  
d = a – c  

£34.5m   

£34.5m  Line information in balance sheet
 £1,143.3m   £1,143.3m  Line information in balance sheet
(£11.2m)  Line information in balance sheet

£1.8m  Line information in balance sheet

(£11.2m)   
£1.8m   

e  
f
g  
h  
i

j = 
e+f+g+h+i

 £1,217.5m   £1,475.3m  Line information in note 2.10.3
 £2,385.9m   £2,643.7m  Used as current year capital employed balance in 

average capital employed 'm'

k  £2,643.7m   £2,919.1m  Used as prior period capital employed balance in 
average employed ‘m’

Average capital employed

l = (j+k)/2  £2,514.8m   £2,781.4m 

3. ROCE 

m = d/l

 3.8 %

 7.8 %

1. Adjusted operating profit excludes items that are separately disclosed and considered to be outside the underlying operating results for the particular period under review and against which 

the Group’s performance is assessed. 

2. The effective tax rate for 31 December 2020 has been calculated after excluding the one-off gains described in note 2.6 that resulted in a 20.9% overall effective tax benefit on adjusted 

profits for the period.

204

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsAdditional  information 
Additional information

Additional information continued

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Financial statements

180

8.2 Alternative performance measures

8.2 Alternative performance measures continued

The Group presents various alternative performance measures (APMs) as the directors believe that these are useful for users of the financial 

statements in helping to provide a balanced view of, and relevant information on, the Group’s financial performance, position and cash flows. 

This includes key performance indicators (KPIs) such as return on capital employed, interest cover and gearing ratios by which we monitor our 

performance. 

Revenue – continuing operations

Reported revenue

Deduct: business exit

1. Adjusted revenue

Operating profit – continuing operations

Reported operating (loss)/profit

Adjusting items in note 2.4

2. Adjusted operating profit1

Adjusted operating profit margin

the Group’s performance is assessed.

Adjusted operating profit1

Adjusted tax rate2

ROCE

Tax

Share capital

Share premium

2020

2019 Source

 £3,324.8m   £3,678.6m  Line item in income statement

  (£143.6m)    (£177.6m)  Line item in note 2.2.1

 £3,181.2m   £3,501.0m 

(£32.0m)   

£0.4m  Line item in income statement

  £143.0m    £254.1m 

  £111.0m    £254.5m 

 3.5 %

 7.3 % Adjusted operating profit/adjusted revenue

2020

2019 Source

a   £111.0m    £254.5m  Adjusted operating profit note 2.4

b

 14.9 %

 14.7 %

c = a x b  

£16.5m   

£37.4m  Adjusted operating profit multiplied by tax rate

e  

£34.5m   

£34.5m  Line information in balance sheet

f

 £1,143.3m   £1,143.3m  Line information in balance sheet

1. Adjusted operating profit excludes items that are separately disclosed and considered to be outside the underlying operating results for the particular period under review and against which 

Employee benefit trust and treasury shares

(£11.2m)   

(£11.2m)  Line information in balance sheet

Capital redemption reserve

£1.8m   

£1.8m  Line information in balance sheet

g  

h  

Total net liabilities from financing activities

i

 £1,217.5m   £1,475.3m  Line information in note 2.10.3

Total capital employed

Prior year capital employed

j = 

 £2,385.9m   £2,643.7m  Used as current year capital employed balance in 

e+f+g+h+i

average capital employed 'm'

k  £2,643.7m   £2,919.1m  Used as prior period capital employed balance in 

average employed ‘m’

Average capital employed

l = (j+k)/2  £2,514.8m   £2,781.4m 

3. ROCE 

m = d/l

 3.8 %

 7.8 %

1. Adjusted operating profit excludes items that are separately disclosed and considered to be outside the underlying operating results for the particular period under review and against which 

2. The effective tax rate for 31 December 2020 has been calculated after excluding the one-off gains described in note 2.6 that resulted in a 20.9% overall effective tax benefit on adjusted 

the Group’s performance is assessed. 

profits for the period.

Headline gearing
Adjusted profit before tax1
Add back: adjusted net finance costs

Add back: adjusted depreciation and impairment on 
property, plant and equipment
Add back: depreciation on right of use assets

Add back: adjusted amortisation and impairment on 
intangibles
Remove: Share of results in associates and investment 
gains

Adjusted EBITDA

Impact of ESS business exit on adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA including ESS exit

Headline net debt

Remove: IFRS 16 impact

Net debt

Post IFRS 16
2020

2019

Pre IFRS 16
2020

2019

£65.2m    £197.7m   
£56.2m   
£46.6m   
£55.7m   
£52.7m   

£71.6m    £211.6m  Line information in note 2.4
£30.5m  Line information in note 4.3
£22.7m   
£52.7m   

£55.7m 

£88.2m   

£99.2m   

£—m   

£—m  Line information in note 3.5

£41.1m   

£30.0m   

£41.1m   

£30.0m 

(£0.8m)   

£0.6m   

(£0.8m)   

£0.6m  Line information in income 

statement

a   £293.0m    £439.4m    £187.3m    £328.4m 
£53.2m 
b   £346.0m    £492.8m    £240.1m    £381.6m 

£53.0m   

£52.8m   

£53.4m   

 £1,077.1m    £1,353.2m   £1,077.1m    £1,353.2m  Line information in note 

4.1.1

£—m   

£—m    £508.1m    £562.6m 
c  £1,077.1m    £1,353.2m    £569.0m    £790.6m  Net debt excluding the 

impact of IFRS 16

Adjusted operating profit after tax

d = a – c  

£94.5m    £217.1m  Adjusted operating profit less tax

1. Adjusted operating profit and adjusted profit before tax excludes items that are separately disclosed and considered to be outside the underlying operating results for the particular period 

under review and against which the Group’s performance is assessed. See note 2.4.

4. Headline net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio 
including ESS business exit

c/b  

3.1  x  

2.7x 

2.4  x  

2.1x 

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

205

Additional informationFinancial  statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
182

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Additional information continued

8.2 Alternative performance measures continued

2020

2019 Source

Covenants3
Adjusted operating profit1
Add: business exit – trading

Add: share of earnings in associates

Deduct: non-controlling interest

Add back: share-based payment charge

Add back: non-current service pension charge

Add back: amortisation on purchased intangibles

Adjusted EBITA

Less: IFRS 16 impact

Adjusted EBITA (excluding IFRS 16)

Adjusted EBITA

Deduct: business exit – trading sold

Add back: adjusted depreciation and impairment on 
property, plant & equipment and right of use assets

Covenant calculation – adjusted EBITDA

Less: IFRS 16 impact

Covenant calculation – adjusted EBITDA (excluding IFRS 
16)

  £111.0m    £317.8m  Line information in note 2.4
(£16.7m)  Line information in note 2.8

£51.0m   
(£0.8m)   
(£12.6m)   
£6.4m   
£6.9m   
£42.3m   

(£0.6m) 

(£18.1m)  Adjusted EBIT attributable to NCI

£3.0m  Line information in note 2.10.1

£4.2m  Line information in note 5.2

£31.1m  Line information in note 3.3

a1   £204.2m    £320.7m 
(£11.7m) 
a2   £186.7m    £309.0m 

(£17.5m)   

  £204.2m    £320.7m  Line item above

£2.5m   

£—m  Trading (profit)/loss for businesses sold

  £140.9m    £174.2m  See notes 2.10.1, 3.2, 3.5

b1   £347.6m    £494.9m 
  (£105.7m)    (£110.9m) 
b2   £241.9m    £384.0m 

Adjusted interest charge

Interest cost attributable to pensions

Cash flow hedges recycled to the income statement

Borrowing costs

Less: IFRS 16 impact

Borrowing costs (excluding IFRS 16)

(£46.6m)   
£3.2m   
(£4.5m)   
(£47.9m)   
£23.9m   
(£24.0m)   

c1  

c2  

(£56.2m)  Line information in note 4.3

£4.4m  Line information in note 4.3

(£2.6m)  Line information in note 4.3

(£54.4m) 

£25.7m 

(£28.7m) 

5.1 Interest cover (US PP covenant)

a1/c2  

8.5  x  

5.2 Interest cover (other financing agreements)

a2/c2  

7.8  x  

11.2x  Adjusted EBITA/Borrowing costs with adjusted 

EBITDA including the impact of IFRS 16 and 
the borrowing costs excluding the impact of 
IFRS 16

10.8  x Adjusted EBITA/Borrowing costs with both 

variables excluding IFRS 16

Net debt

Lease liabilities included within disposal group liabilities held 
for sale

Cash, net of overdrafts, included in disposal group assets 
and liabilities held for sale

Restricted cash2

 £1,077.1m    £1,353.2m  Line information in note 2.10.3

(£4.6m)   

£—m  Line information in note 4.4.1

£12.9m   

£—m  Line information in note 4.5.4

£34.5m   

£42.1m  Cash that may not be applied against net debt 

for covenant calculation purposes

Less: IFRS 16 impact

Adjusted net debt (excluding IFRS 16)

  (£503.5m)    (£562.6m) 
d1   £616.4m    £832.7m 

6.1 Adjusted net debt to post IFRS 16 adjusted EBITDA 
ratio (US PP covenant)

d1/b1  

1.8  x  

1.7x  Adjusted net debt/adjusted EBITDA with 

adjusted net debt excluding the impact of IFRS 
16 and adjusted EBITDA including the impact 
of IFRS 16

6.2 Adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio [KPI] 
(other financing agreements)

d1/b2  

2.5  x  

2.2  x Adjusted net debt/adjusted EBITDA with both 

variables excluding IFRS 16

1. Adjusted operating profit excludes items that are separately disclosed and considered to be outside the underlying operating results for the particular period under review and against which 

the Group’s performance is assessed.

2. Restricted cash includes cash required to be held under FCA regulations, cash held in foreign bank accounts and cash represented by non-controlling interests and joint ventures.
3. To enable the user of the financial statements to understand the covenant information submitted to the Group's external lenders, the 31 December 2019 comparatives have not been restated.

206

Capita plc Annual Report 2020

Financial statementsAdditional  information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Designed and produced by

Printed by Capita

This report is printed on Inspira Paper and 
Board which is a PEFC certified paper containing 
material sourced from responsibly managed forest.

Inspira Paper & Board is manufactured under 
a strict environmental management 
system,by an ISO9001 certified paper mill.

CBP00019082504183028

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Capita plc  
65 Gresham Street  
London EC2V 7NQ 
www.capita.com

 
 
 
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