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Crescent Point Energy

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FY2020 Annual Report · Crescent Point Energy
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ANNUAL REPORT  2020

 
 
 
 
 
STRATEGIC REPORT

Chairman’s statement
Key performance indicators
Chief Executive’s review

2 
4 
6 
10  Our market position
11  Our sectors
12  Our strategy and business model
14  Our business at a glance
16  Regional review

16  North America
18  Europe
20  Rest of World

22  Executive Committee
26  How we create value
28  Our stakeholders

28  Section 172 (1) statement

31  Our performance
32  Business review
41  Risk management

44  Principal risks

51  Our people
52  People report
59  Our purpose
60  Corporate Responsibility report

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

70  Governance and Directors’ report

70  Board of Directors
74  Chairman’s letter
77  UK Corporate Governance Code
78  Corporate Governance
92  Audit Committee report
104  Corporate Responsibility 
Committee report

110  Nomination Committee report
122  Directors’ Remuneration report
154  Other statutory disclosures

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

162  Directors’ responsibilities
163  Independent auditor’s report
174  Consolidated financial statements
182  Group accounting policies
194  Notes to the consolidated financial 

statements

268  Parent Company financial statements
270  Parent Company accounting policies
272  Notes to the Parent Company financial 

statements

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

275  Shareholder information

GLOSSARY

278  Glossary of terms

Visit our website for related information
www.compass-group.com
Our 2020 Sustainability Report will be
available online in January 2021

 
In 2020, we demonstrated that Compass is a strong 
and resilient organisation as we continued to manage 
the business through the lens of People, Performance 
and Purpose to protect the interests of all our 
stakeholders. At all times, our priority has remained 
the health and safety of our people and our 
consumers. We have worked hard to strengthen the 
long term prospects of the business and are well 
positioned to continue to support our people, clients, 
consumers and the communities in which we operate 
to emerge stronger from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Read more about how we have responded to the 
challenges of 2020 while evolving our business to 
ensure continued long term success: 

People 
page 51

Performance 
page 31

Purpose 
page 59

Throughout the Strategic Report, and consistent with prior years, underlying and other alternative performance measures are used to describe the Group’s 
performance. These are not recognised under IFRS or other generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The Executive Committee of the Group manages and 
assesses the performance of the business on these measures and believes they are representative of ongoing trading, facilitate meaningful year on year comparisons 
and hence provide useful information to shareholders. Underlying and other alternative performance measures are defined in the glossary of terms on pages 278 and 
279. A summary of the adjustments from statutory to underlying results is shown in note 34 on pages 251 and 252 and further detailed in the consolidated income 
statement (page 174), reconciliation of free cash flow (page 181), note 2 segmental reporting (pages 196 to 199) and note 35 organic revenue and organic profit 
(page 253).

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  1 

Strategic Report 
 
ST RA TEG IC R EPORT

Chairman’s statement 

will keep future dividends under review and will restart payments 
when it is appropriate to do so. 

In order to build a solid foundation for the recovery, in May, we 
raised approximately £2 billion in equity to strengthen our balance 
sheet. The additional capital allowed us to lower our leverage which 
will help us weather the crisis whilst we continue to invest in the 
business to support our long term growth prospects and enhance 
our competitive advantages. I am particularly pleased that we gave 
our valued retail investors an opportunity to participate in the 
fundraising through a separate retail offer.

STRATEGY

Although the disruption brought about by COVID-19 created short 
term challenges, it has also created medium term opportunities. We 
remain focused on food services – our core competence – and are 
adapting our strategy and operations to meet the changing needs of 
our clients and consumers so that we can continue to create long 
term value. We are innovating more than ever and investing in our 
people, technology and operations to develop solutions that take 
advantage of emerging trends in the industry. Details about how we 
are evolving our strategy can be found on pages 12 and 13. 

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY

We have a strong commitment to corporate responsibility and have 
continued to build on this strength during the pandemic. We 
increased our employee support in the areas of mental health, 
stress management and resilience in many of our markets to better 
equip our people in these times of uncertainty and change. In the 
UK, Compass has become a Living Wage Recognised Service 
Provider, a scheme endorsed by the Living Wage Foundation.

Our people are critical to our ability to achieve our goals in a 
responsible and sustainable manner. We have exceptional leaders 
and are proud of what we have achieved to date in improving our 
gender diversity. Although there is more to do, as at the year end, 
we had 33% female representation on the Compass Group Board 
and 42% on the Executive Committee. 

Looking ahead, we are focusing more closely on three priorities: 
food waste, our environmental impact – including climate change 
– and sourcing responsibly from more resilient and sustainable 
supply chains. See pages 51 to 69 and www.compass-group.com 
for more about our people and corporate responsibility activities.

GOVERNANCE AND THE BOARD

Companies today are judged as much by their integrity and 
trustworthiness as by their financial performance. One of my key 
responsibilities as Chairman is to ensure good governance for 
Compass (see pages 74 to 161). In this regard, I have been 
extremely well supported by the members of the Board. With their 
diverse backgrounds, they bring balance and a wealth of skills and 
experience to our organisation that complements the talents of our 
executive team. I would like to thank all of our Board colleagues for 
their support and valuable contributions as we continue to maintain 
oversight of the strategic, operational and compliance risks across 
the Group, define our path to success and uphold the high 
standards expected of us.

Paul Walsh
Chairman

2020 was a challenging year for Compass. The COVID-19 
pandemic has had a significant impact on our businesses around 
the world, and I’d like to thank our people for their hard work and 
dedication during this difficult period.

PEOPLE AND CULTURE

Our response to the crisis was a testament to the strength of our 
culture and the resilience of our people. We acted swiftly and 
responsibly to ensure that we protected the interests of all our 
stakeholders. Our priority remained the health and safety of our 
employees and consumers, as we supported those working on the 
front line in the fight against COVID-19. Sadly, we lost a number of 
valued colleagues in different parts of the world, and I extend the 
deepest sympathies of the Board and everyone at Compass Group 
to the families of those affected. We are committed to doing all we 
can to support them. 

FINANCIAL RESULTS 

Our performance in the first five months of the financial year was 
very strong, with underlying organic revenue growth of 
approximately 6% and operating margin improvement of 20 bps 
(10 bps excluding the impact of IFRS 16). However, the 
containment measures introduced by governments and 
businesses in March and April to limit the spread of COVID-19 
resulted in the closure of 50% of our business. We acted quickly to 
mitigate our costs and increase our liquidity and our performance 
improved slowly through the year. Despite the encouraging news 
about a potential vaccine, the pace and the shape of the recovery 
remains uncertain. As a result of the dramatic change in the 
trading environment due to COVID-19, our organic revenue for the 
year declined by 18.8% and the underlying operating margin was 
2.9% (2.8% excluding the impact of IFRS 16). On a statutory basis, 
operating profit for the year decreased by 81.9% to £294 million. 
Details of our operational and financial performance can be found 
on pages 1 to 40.

DIVIDENDS AND EQUITY RAISE

We recognise the importance of a dividend to our shareholders. 
However, the Board had to balance this with the impact the 
pandemic has had on our business. As a result, we decided not to 
pay dividends for the financial year ended 30 September 2020. We 

2  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

In January 2020, after almost seven years as Chairman, with a 
strong and well established Chief Executive in place, I announced 
that I would be stepping down as Chairman and a director of the 
Company. John Bason, Senior Independent Director, together 
with the Nomination Committee, led a thorough selection process, 
and in August 2020, we announced the appointment of Ian 
Meakins as non-executive Chairman and a director of the 
Company. Ian has an outstanding record of value creation and 
brings a wealth of experience to the Group. He joined the Board 
on 1 September 2020 and will take over as Chairman on  
1 December 2020, when I step down from the Board. 

As part of our ongoing review of Board membership, we continue 
to ensure that an appropriate number of independent non-
executive directors is maintained through an orderly succession, 
without compromising the effectiveness of the Board and its 
committees. Further to Ian’s appointment as Chairman,  
John Bason has agreed to extend his terms of appointment to 
provide continuity and support the transition. Subject to 
shareholder approval at the 2021 AGM, John will remain a 
member of the Board and as a member of the Nomination and 
Corporate Responsibility Committees. He will step down as Senior 
Independent Director, Chair of the Audit Committee and a 
member of the Audit and Remuneration Committees at the 
conclusion of the meeting. He will not seek re-election at the 2022 
AGM. John Bryant and Anne-Francoise Nesmes, both directors of 
the Company, will succeed John as Senior Independent Director 
and Chair of the Audit Committee respectively.

I would like to thank the Board, Dominic and the rest of the team 
for their support during my tenure as Chairman. Compass is a 
world class business and it has been a privilege to serve as its 
Chairman. I wish the Group every success in the future. 

SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK

The Group has responded admirably to unprecedented 
circumstances. We supported the front line without compromising 
on the health and safety of our people, clients and consumers. We 
acted quickly to mitigate costs, increase our liquidity and 
strengthen our balance sheet. We have renegotiated contracts to 
reflect the difficult trading environment while continuing to remain 
disciplined in terms of costs. These actions, combined with some 
improvement in volumes, allowed us to return to profitability in the 
fourth quarter and we are now cash neutral. We continue to 
execute at pace and expect the underlying operating margin in the 
first quarter of 2021 to be around 2.5%.

We are taking proactive actions to adapt our operations and 
control the controllable to ensure the business can thrive despite 
the pandemic and is well placed for the recovery. We are 
innovating and evolving our operating model to be more flexible 
and to provide our clients and consumers with an exciting offer 
that is delivered safely and provides great value. This, combined 
with our existing scale, ability to flex costs and focus on 
operational execution, will allow us to return to a Group underlying 
margin of above 7% before we return to pre COVID-19 volumes.

Although much has changed, the Compass model of value 
creation remains the same. We leverage our scale and focus on 
best in class operational execution to drive organic revenue 

POSITION IN FTSE 100 INDEX  
AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

21

(2019:16)

COMPASS SHARE PRICE PERFORMANCE  
VS FTSE 100 OVER LAST 3 YEARS (%)

Last 12 months

-23.3%

Last 24 months

-9.6%

Last 36 months

-5.8%

-44.1%

-20.8%

-31.5%

-21.9%

-26.2%

-20.4%

Compass

FTSE 100

COMPASS SHARE PRICE PERFORMANCE  
VS FTSE 100 INDEX (£)

2019
2019

2020
2020

22
22

18
18

15
15

11
11

8
8

Sep
Sep

Oct
Oct

Nov
Nov

Dec
Dec

Jan
Jan

Feb
Feb

Mar
Mar

Apr
Apr

May
May

Jun
Jun

Jul
Jul

Aug

Aug

Sep

Sep

Compass

FTSE 100 (rebased)

growth and margins. This is combined with a disciplined approach 
to capital allocation that rewards shareholders while supporting 
reinvestment in the business. 

Whilst this crisis has placed significant pressure on the Group in 
the short term, we are very confident in our medium and long term 
growth prospects. We remain excited about the significant 
structural growth opportunities globally, the potential for further 
revenue and profit growth, and returns to shareholders over time.

Paul Walsh
Chairman

24 November 2020

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  3 

Strategic ReportK EY  P ER FOR MANCE INDIC ATORS

Measuring progress

We track our performance against a mix of financial and non-financial measures, which we believe best reflect our strategic 
priorities of growth, efficiency and shareholder returns underpinned by safe and responsible working practices.

KPI METRICS

STRATEGIC FINANCIAL

Our strategic priorities are driven by our 
goal to deliver shareholder value and we 
use a number of financial key 
performance indicators (KPIs) to measure 
our progress. Growing the business and 
driving ongoing efficiencies are integral to 
our strategy. The importance of safety in 
everything we do is demonstrated by three 
non-financial performance indicators that 
we use across our business.

The Group KPIs should be read in 
conjunction with the Strategy and 
Risk sections.

See pages 12 and 13 and 41 to 49 
respectively.

Organic revenue change

Underlying operating margin

Underlying operating margin divides 
the underlying operating profit before 
share of profit after tax of associates 
by the underlying revenue. 

Why we measure
The operating profit margin is an 
important measure of the efficiency of 
our operations in delivering great food 
and support services to our clients 
and consumers. 

Organic revenue growth compares 
the underlying revenue delivered  
from continuing operations in the 
current year with that from the  
prior year, adjusting for the impact  
of acquisitions, sale and closure  
of businesses and exchange  
rate movements.

Why we measure
Our organic revenue performance 
embodies our success in growing and 
retaining our customer base, as well 
as our ability to drive volumes in our 
existing business and maintain 
appropriate pricing levels in light of 
input cost inflation.

(18.8)%

2.9%

0
5

.

5
0 5
4

.

.

4
6

.

16

17

18

19

20

.
.

)
)
8
8
8
8
1
1
(
(

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

2
7

.

4
7

.

4
7

.

4
7

.

9
9
2
2

.
.

16

17

18

19

20

10

5

0

-5

-10

-15

-20

4  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
FINANCIAL

Return on capital employed 
(ROCE)

ROCE divides the net operating profit 
after tax (NOPAT) by the 12 month 
average capital employed. NOPAT is 
calculated as underlying operating 
profit from continuing operations less 
operating profit of non-controlling 
interests before tax, net of income tax 
at the underlying rate of the year. 

Why we measure
ROCE demonstrates how we have 
delivered against the various 
investments we make in the business, 
be it operational expenditure, capital 
expenditure or bolt-on acquisitions.

4.7%

25

20

15

10

5

0

.

4
9
1

.

3
0
2

.

2
0
2

.

5
9
1

7
7
4
4

.
.

16

17

18

19

20

NON-FINANCIAL

Underlying basic earnings per 
share

Underlying basic earnings per share 
divides the underlying attributable 
profit by the weighted average 
number of shares in issue during the 
year.

Why we measure
Earnings per share measures the 
performance of the Group in 
delivering value to shareholders.

18.6p

100

80

60

40

20

0

.

2
5
8

.

9
7
7

.

3
2
7

.

1
1
6

.
.

6
6
8
8
1
1

16

17

18

19

20

Underlying free cash flow

Underlying free cash flow measures 
cash generated by continuing 
operations, after working capital, 
capital expenditure, interest and tax 
but before acquisitions, disposals, 
dividends and share buybacks.

Why we measure
Measures the success of the Group 
in turning profit into cash through the 
careful management of working 
capital and capital expenditure. 
Maintaining a high level of cash 
generation supports our progressive 
dividend policy. 

£213m 

1500

1200

900

600

300

0

7
4
2
1

,

1
4
1
1

,

4
7
9

8
0
9

3
3
1
1
2
2

16

17

18

19

20

Health and safety

Food safety

Environment

Global Lost Time Incident  
Frequency Rate
Cases where one of our colleagues is 
away from work for one or more shifts 
as a result of a work related injury or 
illness.

Why we measure
A reduction in lost time incidents is an 
important measure of the 
effectiveness of our safety culture. It 
also lowers rates of absenteeism and 
costs associated with work related 
injuries and illnesses.

-42%

(since 2016)

5

4

3

2

1

0

7
3
4

.

.

7
6
43
0
3

.

1
9
2

.

5
5
5
5
2
2

.
.

16

17

18

19

20

Global Food Safety Incident Rate
Cases of substantiated food safety 
incidents, including food borne 
illnesses.

Why we measure
The Food Safety Incident Rate is a 
helpful measure of our ability to 
provide food that is safe and of the 
right quality to our consumers 
globally. 

GHG intensity ratio
GHG intensity ratio relating to 27 
countries, which represent 97% of 
Group revenues.1 See page 66 for 
more information.

Why we measure
Since 2008, we have been measuring 
our carbon emissions to reduce our 
impact on the environment and 
increase operational efficiency.

-43%

(since 2016)
0.40

0.35

0.30

0.25

0.20

0.15

0.10

0.05

0.00

7
3
0

.

2
3
0

.

4
2
0

.

2
2
0

.

1
1
2
2
0
0

.
.

16

17

18

19

20

7.5tCO2e/£m

10

8

6

4

2

0

1
9

.

5
5
7
7

.
.

7
6

.

0
6

.

3
6

.

16

17

18

19

20

1.  The scope and methodology of our reporting changed in 2019, therefore previous years’ data is not comparable on a like for like basis. This year, we expanded our 

reporting boundaries to include two additional countries, representing in total 97% of Group revenues, compared to 96% in 2019.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  5 

Strategic ReportChief Executive’s review

Organic revenue

After an excellent first five months, the business received a shock 
when all our Sports & Leisure business and most of our Education 
and Business & Industry sectors were closed in March. In June, 
July and August we saw a gradual reopening of parts of the 
business. By September, all sectors except Sports & Leisure were 
partially or fully open representing about 65% of the business.  
At that time, we also began to see the reintroduction of local 
lockdowns as many markets started to experience a second  
wave of infections.

New business (MAP 1) was up 5.7% reflecting the strong 
momentum pre-pandemic. After a slowdown in the third quarter, 
in the fourth quarter we saw an increase in new wins in Healthcare 
& Seniors and Education in North America. This reflects a ‘flight to 
trust’ as clients sought food service providers with best in class 
health and safety protocols, robust supply chains and strong 
balance sheets. 

Dominic Blakemore
Group Chief Executive Officer

FY 2020 OVERVIEW

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on Compass. 
We can only exist with the commitment of our colleagues around 
the world, many of whom have been on the front line of the battle 
against the pandemic. I am extremely proud of how the 
organisation has responded, and I’m humbled by the commitment 
and dedication our people are showing, day in day out. 

Retention was 95.1% as clients maintained their trusted food 
service provider during the pandemic. Like for like revenue 
declined by 19.6% due to the impact of site closures as well as 
lower populations on site due to social distancing requirements. 
On a statutory basis, revenue decreased by 19.8%, including the 
negative impact of foreign currency translation. 

I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the families of those 
colleagues that have lost their lives to COVID-19. We continue to 
be committed to doing all we can to support them.

2020 was a year of two halves. We began the year on track to 
deliver our strongest performance ever when, in March, over  
the course of a fortnight we saw the containment measures to 
control the spread of COVID-19 close half of the business.  
The health and safety of our employees and consumers has been, 
and remains, our absolute priority. As the pandemic unfolded, 
sites that remained open were operating with enhanced health 
and safety protocols and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).  
As restrictions were lifted and clients returned to schools and 
offices, we have helped them reopen and ensure they bring 
consumers back safely. Nevertheless, throughout the year,  
in the face of unprecedented volatility, we have continued to 
manage the business through the lens of People, Performance 
and Purpose to ensure that we continue to protect the interests  
of all our stakeholders.

PERFORMANCE

Our 2020 results reflect the dramatic impact COVID-19 has had 
on our business. Our revenue in FY2020 declined by 18.8% on an 
organic basis as a result of the pandemic.

Costs

We have taken a series of measures to reduce our food (MAP 3) 
costs, in unit labour and in unit overheads (MAP 4) and our 
above-unit (MAP 5) costs to offset the impact of lower volumes.  
In markets where little or no government support was available, 
we acted quickly to adjust our cost base and are already seeing 
the savings come through.

In markets where government support was available, we used it to 
limit job losses. This year we received £437 million of government 
support. However, whenever government support has ended, we 
have evaluated our staffing needs and taken the necessary steps 
to ensure that we avoid carrying excess costs.

Although resizing will be an ongoing task, actions taken thus far 
will avoid annual in unit labour (MAP 4) costs of around £280 
million and annual savings of above unit (MAP 5) costs of £70 
million, both of which will be essential for us to rebuild our margins 
back to above 7%.

Resizing action in the year totalled £122 million. In addition,  
the cost action programme announced in November 2019 has 
incurred £75 million of costs in the year and is delivering the 
savings initially anticipated. Together, these initiatives will allow us 
to rebuild our margins in 2021 and beyond. The costs associated 
with both programmes have been excluded from the Group’s 
underlying results.

6  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

Operating profit and operating margin

Although margins were up 20 bps (10 bps excluding the impact of 
IFRS 16) for the five months to March, the significant volume 
impact of the lockdowns resulted in a negative third quarter 
margin. Significant cost actions and contract renegotiations to 
reflect the changes in the trading environment, combined with a 
slight improvement in volumes, allowed us to return to profitability 
in the fourth quarter (before any contract related non-current 
asset impairment and onerous contract charges).

In light of the disruption to the business, we have reviewed our 
contract portfolio and impaired £88 million of contract related 
non-current assets and recognised £31 million of onerous 
contract losses – together these represent around 3% of our  
£4 billion contract related non-current assets (contract fulfilment 
assets and contract costs, right of use assets, property, plant and 
equipment and intangible assets). 

Underlying operating profit decreased by 69.7% to £561 million 
on a constant currency basis (or by 71.2% to £533 million 
excluding the impact of IFRS 16). Our underlying operating profit 
margin was 2.9% or 3.5% after excluding contract related 
non-current asset impairment and onerous contract charges 
(2.8% or 3.4% excluding the impact of IFRS 16) with a return to 
profitability in the fourth quarter. 

STRATEGY

The food services market remains very attractive. We estimate  
it is around £220 billion, with about two thirds currently operated 
by small regional players or operated in house. This means there 
is a significant structural growth opportunity from first time 
outsourcing as well as share gains. We are particularly attracted  
to the more defensive sectors of Healthcare & Seniors, Education 
and Defence, Offshore & Remote where there are meaningful first 
time outsourcing opportunities. 

We have reviewed our strategy and remain confident about our 
focus on food, and our pragmatic approach to providing support 
services in the markets where we have the right capabilities.  
As the industry leader, we have the greatest scale, which gives  
us an advantage in terms of food procurement and our ability  
to leverage our overheads. In addition, we go to market with a 
sector and sub sector approach that allows us to get close to  
our clients and create a bespoke food service solution that truly 
meets their needs.

In response to the pandemic, we are innovating and evolving  
our operating model. By innovating and adapting our offer and 
operations to the ‘new normal’, this will allow us to reduce costs 
and increase our flexibility, so that we can provide our clients and 
consumers an exciting offer that is delivered safely and provides 
great value. The three main areas of strategic focus are:

•  digital: consumer facing use of apps and kiosks to pre-order, 
pre-pay, click and collect as well as back of house apps for 
labour management and food procurement

•  labour: increase labour flexibility, leverage our scale and pool 
our workforce across sectors to better accommodate volume 
volatility on site

•  central production units: hubs for development, training and 
production to rationalise labour costs and reduce food waste

These three areas of focus combined with our existing scale and 
competitive strengths, will allow us to return to industry leading 
levels of performance.

EARNINGS PER SHARE AND THE DIVIDEND

Underlying earnings per share was 18.6 pence, down 77.8% 
(19.1 pence down 77.2% excluding the impact of IFRS 16) on a 
constant currency basis due to the impact of the pandemic. 
Although we recognise the importance of the dividend to our 
shareholders, we need to balance this with the impact that 
COVID-19 has had on our business. As a result, as previously 
reported on 23 April, the Board has decided not to pay a final 
dividend in respect of the financial year ended 30 September 
2020. The Board will keep future dividends under review and will 
restart payments when it is considered appropriate to do so.

On a statutory basis, operating profit for the year decreased by 
81.9% to £294 million due to our lower underlying operating 
profit, resizing costs, the cost action programme and £24 million 
negative impact of foreign currency translation, partially offset by 
a £28 million benefit from the adoption of IFRS 16. Statutory 
earnings per share was 8.0p, down 88.8%.

CASH

Underlying free cash flow was £213 million. This is significantly 
lower than last year mainly due to the impact of COVID-19 on 
profits. Gross capital expenditure for the year was £749 million, 
3.7% of revenues. This was spent primarily on contractually 
committed investment including £70 million on new wins and 
retention in North America in the fourth quarter. Working capital 
was a £143 million outflow. This is slightly higher than in previous 
years as sales and payroll tax deferrals and excellent collections 
were offset by the impact of having most of our cash business in 
Sports & Leisure, and Business & Industry closed. Net M&A 
totalled £450 million. The largest acquisition was Fazer Food 
Services in the Nordics for £363 million net of cash acquired, 
offset by £29 million of disposals net of exit costs, with the largest 
disposal being our highways service business in Japan.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  7 

Strategic ReportC HIEF  E XECUT IVE’S REVIEW (CONTINUED)

BALANCE SHEET 

At 30 September 2020 net debt was £3,006 million, including  
an additional £939 million due to the implementation of IFRS 16 
‘Leases’. Net debt to EBITDA was 2.1x (excluding the impact of 
IFRS 16, net debt to EBITDA would have been 0.4x lower).  
During the year, we took a series of steps to increase the resilience  
of our balance sheet. We increased the Group’s liquidity from 
£2,381 million to £4,787 million through a £1,972 million equity 
raise and £800 million of additional committed and undrawn 
credit facilities.

We obtained waivers of the leverage covenant test in our US 
Private Placement agreements for the September 2020 and 
March 2021 test dates. The interest cover covenant test was also 
waived for September 2020 and reset at more than or equal to  
3x on a six months proforma basis for March 2021.

These measures have increased our resilience and will allow us  
to weather the crisis, whilst continuing to invest in the business  
to support our long term growth prospects and enhance our 
competitive advantages so we can continue to create long term 
value for all our stakeholders.

In March, we qualified for and drew down £600 million from the 
Bank of England’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF). 
This was repaid in June with proceeds from the equity raise.  
The £600 million limit remains available whilst the CCFF remains 
in place.

We are targeting strong investment grade credit ratings and net 
debt to EBITDA in the range of 1x-1.5x. Beyond this, our priorities 
for cash are: (i) invest capital expenditure to support organic 
growth, (ii) bolt-on M&A opportunities that improve our sector 
exposure or strengthen our capabilities. At the appropriate time, 
we will resume the dividend and other returns to shareholders.

PEOPLE

People are the foundation of our business. The global impact of 
COVID-19 has tested the strength, resilience and adaptability of 
our teams more than ever. Our overriding focus has been the 
safety and wellbeing of our colleagues during these difficult times. 

There have been a range of initiatives developed locally to support 
our People through the crisis. Markets as varied as the UK, 
Canada, India and Argentina are providing colleagues with 
support and assistance programmes to help them cope with 
uncertainty, fear and anxiety.

The pandemic has impacted some of our sectors more than 
others. We have tried to protect as many jobs as possible. 
Employees working in units that have been closed have, where 
possible, been redeployed to other sites where critical work is still 
required such as Healthcare & Seniors, Education and Defence. 
Where redeployment has not been possible, support has been 
provided locally through mechanisms such as employee 
assistance programmes and hardship funds. 

We are committed to hiring, developing and retaining our diverse 
talent to ensure we have a truly engaged, high performing and 
fulfilled workforce so we can drive our business forward. This year, 
we have signed the Race at Work Charter, which has been 
designed to foster a commitment to improving outcomes for 
ethnic minority employees in the workplace. Although we 
continue to progress the levels of representation of women in our 
senior ranks, there is more we need to do to fully reflect the rich 
diversity of the communities in which we operate. 

PURPOSE

Our purpose is mainly a social purpose: to keep our people and 
our consumers safe and healthy, provide healthy food and 
nutrition, while making the world a better place by protecting the 
environment and supporting local communities.

We have introduced new protocols to help protect our people  
and consumers from COVID-19. Working in partnership with  
our clients, we have transformed thousands of sites around the 
world to be COVID-19 secure, facilitating social distancing and 
introducing enhanced hygiene measures. We continue to take 
measures to protect our employees. Our global Lost Time Incident 
Frequency Rate has dropped by 42% since 2016.

While the pandemic has resulted in some delays in climate 
change action in some of our markets, we remain committed to 
reducing our CO2 footprint and preparing to set Science Based 
Targets to play our part in limiting global warming to 1.5°C.

During the pandemic our teams around the world have mobilised 
resources at scale and with pace to allow us to support 
governments and Healthcare clients. We have also prepared and 
delivered food to critical and essential workers, the elderly, 
vulnerable and those in financial distress, often working in 
partnership with grassroots support organisations. 

As we look ahead, we will focus our efforts further on three 
priorities: food waste, environmental impact – including climate 
change – and responsible and resilient sourcing. 

8  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK

The Group has responded admirably to unprecedented 
circumstances. We supported the front line without compromising 
on the health and safety of our people, clients and consumers.  
We acted quickly to mitigate costs, increase our liquidity and 
strengthen our balance sheet. We have renegotiated contracts to 
reflect the difficult trading environment while continuing to remain 
disciplined in terms of costs. These actions, combined with some 
improvement in volumes, allowed us to return to profitability in the 
fourth quarter and we are now cash neutral. We continue to 
execute at pace and expect the underlying operating margin in 
the first quarter of 2021 to be around 2.5%.

We are taking proactive actions to adapt our operations and 
control the controllable to ensure the business can thrive despite 
the pandemic and is well placed for the recovery. We are 
innovating and evolving our operating model to be more flexible 
and to provide our clients and consumers with an exciting offer 
that is delivered safely and provides great value. This, combined 
with our existing scale, ability to flex costs and focus on 
operational execution, will allow us to return to a Group underlying 
margin of above 7% before we return to pre-COVID volumes.

Although much has changed, the Compass model of value 
creation remains the same. We leverage our scale and focus on 
best in class operational execution to drive organic revenue 
growth and margins. This is combined with a disciplined approach 
to capital allocation that rewards shareholders while supporting 
reinvestment in the business. 

Whilst this crisis has placed significant pressure on the Group  
in the short term, we are very confident in our medium and long 
term growth prospects. We remain excited about the significant 
structural growth opportunities globally, the potential for further 
revenue and profit growth, and returns to shareholders over time.

Dominic Blakemore
Group Chief Executive Officer

24 November 2020

2020 Performance at a glance

UNDERLYING  
REVENUE

STATUTORY 
REVENUE

£20,198m

£19,940m

(2019: £25,152m)

(2019: £24,878m)

UNDERLYING  
OPERATING  
PROFIT

£561m

(2019: £1,882m)

STATUTORY 
OPERATING  
PROFIT

£294m

(20191: £1,626m)

UNDERLYING BASIC 
EARNINGS PER SHARE

STATUTORY BASIC 
EARNINGS PER SHARE

18.6p

(2019: 85.2p)

8.0p

(20191: 71.6p)

UNDERLYING  
OPERATING MARGIN

2.9%

(2019: 7.4%)

GREENHOUSE GAS 
INTENSITY RATIO2

7.5tCO2e/£m

(2019: 9.1)

GLOBAL LOST TIME 
INCIDENT FREQUENCY 
RATE

GLOBAL FOOD  
SAFETY INCIDENT 
RATE

-42%

(2019: -38%)

-43%

(2019: -35%)

1.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as required by IFRS 5 ‘Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations’ to account for joint ventures and 

associates using the equity method retrospectively when they cease to be classified as held for sale. Additional information is included in note 14.

2.  The scope and methodology of our reporting changed in 2019, therefore previous years’ data is not comparable on a like for like basis. This year, we expanded our 

reporting boundaries to include two additional countries, representing in total 97% of Group revenues, compared to 96% in 2019.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  9 

Strategic ReportOU R  MARKE T POSITION

Significant structural  
growth opportunity 

GLOBAL FOOD SERVICES MARKET PRE COVID-19 C. £220BN

Numbers relating to market size and penetration rates are based on 
management estimates and a range of external data.

Self 
operated

T

h

e

s

t

r

u

c

t

u

r

a

l 

g

r

o

w

Large 
players

Compass
Group 

Regional
players 

t
h o

p

p

ortunity

Sports & Leisure is a highly outsourced sector in which we benefit 
from our strong reputation across key markets. The recovery 
within this sector is likely to be slower than in others, but we have 
strong partnerships with our clients and are planning for a 
recovery in due course.

The Defence, Offshore & Remote sector offers opportunities to 
build lasting strategic relationships with large local and 
international operators. In addition to nutrition and physical 
wellbeing, our solutions focus on the social, emotional and 
environmental needs of people working away from home.

We supplement our core food offer with targeted support services 
in certain markets and sectors, such as Healthcare & Seniors and 
Defence, Offshore & Remote. In these sectors, we have the 
capability to meet the needs of clients who require cleaning and 
hygiene services with uncompromising quality, something 
particularly recognised throughout the pandemic.

Although there is a possibility the pandemic may have an impact 
on the total market size, we estimate that the addressable global 
food services market is worth around £220 billion. We are the 
leading global food service provider with around a 10% market 
share. Approximately 75% of the market is serviced by regional 
players or in house providers.

Despite the ongoing pandemic, the market for food services 
continues to offer significant structural growth opportunities. 
Given the increased focus on food safety and cost pressures 
experienced by clients, we are starting to see an acceleration in 
first time outsourcing across sectors and regions.

Food service remains at the core of the Compass offer. Business & 
Industry is an important sector that remains attractive. In more 
developed markets, our combination of scale, efficiencies and 
best in class service delivery supports retention and new business 
wins. COVID-19 accelerated the trend for a more digital and 
contactless service offering, as well as alternative service models.

The Healthcare & Seniors and Education sectors have significant 
potential for first time outsourcing. In Healthcare, we work directly 
with healthcare providers to provide food services that improve 
patient experiences and therefore outcomes. Throughout the 
pandemic, despite having seen unprecedented demand, we 
consistently delivered high quality food and services to our clients. 
In Education, our expertise in nutrition means we are able to 
provide delicious food that supports learning at every stage of the 
education journey. 

10  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
OU R S ECTOR S

Specialist sector knowledge
is key to meeting clients’ needs

The global food services market is large and disparate. That is why we structure our business to match the sectors in which our clients 
operate so that we get a deep understanding of their challenges. In this way, we can create innovative, bespoke offers that meet their 
specific requirements and, in doing so, truly differentiate ourselves.

% OF GROUP UNDERLYING REVENUE

BUSINESS 
& INDUSTRY

37%

We help our clients drive productivity and 
engagement in the workplace by providing 
nutritious, well balanced food during the 
working day. We work with clients to build 
their employee propositions to attract and 
retain the best people.

HEALTHCARE 
& SENIORS

29%

We are specialists in helping hospitals in 
the public and private sectors on their 
journey of managing efficiency and 
enhancing quality across a range of food 
and some support services. We have an 
increasing presence in the growing senior 
living sector.

EDUCATION

17%

From kindergarten to college, we provide 
fun, nutritious dining solutions that help 
support academic achievement at  
the highest levels. We educate young 
people on how to have a happy, safe and 
healthy lifestyle whilst contributing to a 
sustainable world.

SPORTS  
& LEISURE

9%

Operating at some of the world’s most 
prestigious sporting and leisure venues, 
exhibition centres, visitor attractions and 
major events, we have an enviable 
reputation for providing outstanding 
hospitality and true service excellence.

DEFENCE, 
OFFSHORE  
& REMOTE

8%

Through our established health and safety 
culture, we are a market leader in 
providing food and some support services 
to major companies in the oil, gas, mining 
and construction industries. For our 
defence sector clients we support their 
operations outside areas of conflict.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  11 

Strategic ReportOU R  S TR ATEGY AND BUSINESS MODEL

A business model for growth

BUSINESS MODEL

Food is our focus and our core competence. We take a pragmatic 
and targeted approach to support services, focusing mainly on 
Healthcare and Defence, Offshore & Remote. COVID-19 has 
increased demand for hygiene and disinfection services and we 
are responding to this opportunity on a country by country basis 
depending on our local capabilities. 

Organic revenue growth

Our business model begins with organic growth, which we drive by 
sectorising and sub sectorising our business. This approach 
allows us to differentiate ourselves and get close to our customers 
to create bespoke and innovative solutions. Organic growth is 
supplemented by small and medium sized acquisitions that add 
capability or scale in our existing markets. 

Cost/operating efficiencies

We focus on operational execution and generate efficiencies by 
optimising our supply chain and diligently managing our food and 
labour costs. These efficiencies enable us to reinvest in the 
significant growth opportunities around the Group and to improve 
margins.

Competitive advantage

Our growth, the scale it creates and our focus on cost and 
efficiencies give us a competitive advantage. This allows us to 
provide our clients and consumers the best value in terms of 
quality and cost which, combined with our sectorised approach, 
helps drive long term sustainable organic revenue growth.

Our people and culture

Our people and culture lie at the heart of our business. Our aim is to 
nurture an engaged and highly capable workforce to win new 
business, manage our units efficiently and effectively, and deliver 
the healthiest, most innovative food solutions in a way that provides 
a safe and exciting experience to our clients and consumers.

STRATEGY

Although COVID-19 has not changed our business model, we are 
evolving our strategy to increase our resilience and strengthen our 
competitive advantages. The three main areas of focus are:

•  digital: consumer facing use of apps and kiosks to pre-order, 
pre-pay, click and collect as well as back of house apps for 
labour management and food procurement 

•  labour: increase labour flexibility, leverage our scale and pool 
the workforce across sectors to better accommodate volume 
volatility on site

•  central production units: hubs for development, training  
and production to rationalise labour costs and reduce  
food waste

12  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

A N I C   R EVENUE GRO

W

T

H

G

R

O

Our people  
& culture

T

A

G

E

S

O

C

S

E

I

C
N
E
I
C
I
F
F

G E

T/O PERATIN

C
O
M
P
E

T

I

T

I

V

E

A

D

V

A

N

By innovating and adapting our operations and our offering, we 
will ensure we continue to lead the industry and remain relevant to 
our clients and consumers. This will allow us to continue to win 
new business and have strong retention rates so we can continue 
to grow and further leverage our scale.

From an operational perspective, we are renegotiating our 
contracts and mitigating higher operating costs as efficiently as 
possible so that we can rebuild our operating margin and continue 
to strengthen our competitive advantage. In this way, we will 
continue to create long term value for all our stakeholders. 

 
ORGANIC REVENUE GROWTH

1 & 2

MARGINS

modest margin improvement

3, 4 & 5

FREE CASH FLOW

net debt/EBITDA

SHAREHOLDER 
RETURNS

ORDINARY 
DIVIDENDS

HOW WE CREATE VALUE

Food is our focus and our core competence. We take a 
pragmatic and targeted approach to other support services. We 
prioritise organic growth and invest in the business to drive new 
business and retention (MAP 1) and consumer sales (MAP 2). 

c
a
p
e
x
/
b
o
l
t
-
o
n
M
&
A

I

N
V
E
S
T
M
E
N
T

We focus relentlessly on costs: this includes managing the cost 
of food (MAP 3), in unit labour costs and overheads (MAP 4) 
and what we term above unit overheads (MAP 5). In large 
markets, our scale enables us to have lower food costs and to 
better leverage our overhead costs. Operational efficiency and 
effectiveness are key to improving margins. 

This focus on organic revenue growth and margins helps grow 
our earnings and cash flow. Our priorities for cash are clear and 
simple. We invest to support organic revenue growth and to 
generate further efficiencies to deliver continued margin 
improvement. We invest in bolt-on acquisitions that add 
capability or scale in an existing market and whose returns 
exceed the cost of capital by year two. Our aim is to target a net 
debt to EBITDA leverage range of 1x-1.5x and we are keeping 
future dividends and other shareholder returns under review 
and will restart them when it is appropriate to do so.

We use the Management and Performance (MAP) framework to 
drive performance across the business. MAP is a simple 
framework which is embedded in our culture and allows us to 
harness the power of the organisation by ensuring all employees 
are focused on the same set of performance drivers, which are: 

MAP 1: CLIENT SALES AND MARKETING

MAP 1 is about winning new business and retaining our existing 
clients. We invest in sales and retention and are increasingly 
sectorising and sub sectorising the business around the world to 
allow us to get closer to our customers.

MAP 2: CONSUMER SALES AND MARKETING

Like for like revenue consists of both volume and price. We are 
focused on attracting and satisfying our customer base with 
strong consumer propositions.

MAP 3: COST OF FOOD

Food makes up around one third of our costs. In addition to the 
benefits of our scale in food procurement, we are able to manage 
food costs through careful menu planning and by rationalising the 
number of products we buy and the suppliers we buy them from.

MAP 4: IN UNIT COSTS

In unit costs are made up predominantly of labour. We focus on 
getting the right people in the right place at the right time. By 
using labour scheduling techniques and improving productivity, 
we are able to deliver the optimum level of service in the most 
efficient way.

MAP 5: ABOVE UNIT OVERHEADS

We have a simple organisational model with few layers of 
management and little bureaucracy, which enables us to keep 
overheads low whilst we continue to grow revenue.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  13 

Strategic Report 
 
OU R  BU SI NE SS  AT A GLANCE

Our global reach 

Every day we provide food to millions of people around the world. Food is not only our core competence, it is our passion. 

We create value for our clients and consumers by providing a bespoke food offer through our extensive portfolio of B2B brands. 

As an industry leader, we keep pace with changing consumer trends and focus on culinary choices that are innovative, nutritious and 
sustainable. We pride ourselves on our best in class health and safety protocols and our scale allows us to provide the best value in terms 
of quality and cost. 

We operate in around 45 countries and manage the business across three geographic regions and five main sectors. See pages 16 to 21 
and pages 10 and 11 for more information.

14  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

NORTH AMERICA

Underlying revenue

£12,746m

(2019: £15,694m)

EUROPE

Underlying revenue

£5,048m

(20191: £6,391m)

REST OF WORLD

Underlying revenue

£2,404m

(20191: £3,067m)

63.1%
of Group total

25.0%
of Group total

11.9%
of Group total

1.  Prior year comparatives have reclassified Turkey and Middle East from our Rest of World region into our Europe region.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  15 

Strategic Report 
R EGIONAL REVI EW

North America

UNDERLYING  
REVENUE

£12,746m

(2019: £15,694m)

ORGANIC  
REVENUE CHANGE

(18.5)%

(2019: +7.7%)

UNDERLYING  
OPERATING PROFIT

£606m

(2019:£1,290m)

UNDERLYING  
OPERATING MARGIN

4.8%

(2019: 8.2%)

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

CONTRIBUTION  
TO GROUP REVENUE

63.1%

(2019: 62.4%)

Underlying

Change

2020

20191

Reported rates

Constant currency

Organic

Revenue

£12,746m

£15,694m  

Operating profit (as reported)

Operating profit (proforma IAS 17)1 

Operating margin (as reported)

Operating margin (proforma IAS 17)1 

£606m

£588m 

4.8%

4.6% 

£1,290m  

£1,290m 

8.2%  

8.2% 

(18.8)%

(53.0)%

(54.4)% 

(340)bps 

(360)bps  

(18.4)%

(52.8)%

(54.2)% 

(18.5)%

(53.1)%

(54.5)% 

UNDERLYING REVENUE BY SECTOR

  Business & Industry – 31%

Healthcare & Seniors – 35%

Education – 22%

Sports & Leisure – 10%

Defence, Offshore & Remote – 2%

1.  The Group has adopted IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ with effect from 1 October 2019 without restating prior year comparatives. As a result, the Group results for the year ended 
30 September 2020 are not directly comparable with those reported in the prior year under IAS 17 ‘Leases’. To provide meaningful comparatives, the results for the 
year ended 30 September 2020 have therefore also been presented on a proforma IAS 17 basis. 

16  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Organic revenues in our North American business declined by 
18.5%, reflecting the volume impact of COVID-19 in the second 
half of the year, which saw revenues decline by over 40%. 
Encouragingly, new business for the full year was 6.9%, with 
significant levels of growth from first time outsourcing and wins 
from smaller regional players. Retention rates were high at 96.4%.

Our Sports & Leisure business – mainly stadia and entertainment 
venues – remained closed throughout the second half of the year. 
Our Education sector was significantly impacted by the lockdown 
in March. As the new academic year began in August and 
September we saw a mixed approach to reopening, especially 
within our Higher Education sub sector where many clients are 
offering a hybrid curriculum with online as well as live classes. Our 
Business & Industry portfolio is more weighted towards ‘Business’ 
and serving office based consumers where the return to work has 
been slow. Our Healthcare & Seniors business grew by 4.5%, 
driven by double digit new business wins. Most Defence, 
Offshore & Remote locations have remained open during the year, 
however, changes to working patterns have driven modest  
volume declines.

We have taken significant actions to mitigate the impact of volume 
declines on our operating margin. We have renegotiated 
contracts, furloughed employees and rightsized both in unit (MAP 
4) and above unit (MAP 5) costs. Underlying operating profit of 
£606 million, including £64 million of contract related non-current 
asset impairment and onerous contract charges, decreased by 
52.8% on a constant currency basis. The full year underlying 
operating margin was 4.8% (4.6% excluding the impact of IFRS 
16), or 5.3% before the impact of contract related non-current 
asset impairment and onerous contract charges. The Q4 
underlying margin, before the impact of contract related non-
current asset impairment and onerous contract charges, was 
around 3%. With uncertainty around volume recovery, the cost 
base remains under constant review to ensure margin 
improvement in 2021.

Gary Green
Group Chief  
Operating Officer,  
North America

We had a great start to the year and were on track to 
deliver the most successful six months in Compass North 
America’s history. However, in March we faced an 
unprecedented crisis, which shut down half of our 
business over a fortnight. None of our sectors were able 
to operate under normal conditions and our Healthcare 
sector faced immense operational pressures from the 
surge in COVID-19 patients. I am proud of how our 
people rose to the challenge and I am incredibly grateful 
to everyone for their focus, dedication and support.

Despite the continued pandemic, we are seeing 
encouraging signs from our clients who are thinking about 
reopening their operations. They are increasingly turning to 
us for advice on how to operate under COVID-19 
restrictions with appropriate social distancing measures, 
contactless solutions and best in class health and safety 
protocols. We continue to adapt our operating model and 
challenge ourselves to look for smarter, more innovative 
and efficient ways to operate.

Looking ahead, we are excited by opportunities to grow our 
business from first time outsourcing or from winning market 
share from regional players in the healthcare and senior 
living and education sectors. Our leading expertise in food 
services, culinary and digital innovation, scale and robust 
supply chain mean that we are well placed for recovery. 
More importantly, we have the most incredible people and 
culture and we have always thrived through the imagination 
of our people. We will take this unprecedented time in our 
Company’s history to effectively shape what our ‘new 
normal’ will be and will continue to be a market leader.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  17 

Strategic ReportR EGIONAL REVI EW (CONTINUED)

Europe

UNDERLYING  
REVENUE

£5,048m

(20191: £6,391m)

ORGANIC  
REVENUE CHANGE

(24.0)%

(20191: +5.2%)

UNDERLYING  
OPERATING PROFIT

£(29)m

(20191: £421m)

UNDERLYING  
OPERATING MARGIN

(0.6)%

(20191: 6.6%)

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

CONTRIBUTION  
TO GROUP REVENUE

25.0%

(20191: 25.4%)

Underlying

Change

2020

20191,2

Reported rates

Constant currency

Revenue

£5,048m

£6,391m  

(21.0)%

(19.9)%

(107.0)%

£421m  

(106.9)%

£421m 

(108.3)% 

(108.4)% 

6.6%  

6.6% 

(720)bps

(730)bps  

Organic

(24.0)%

(104.8)% 

(106.2)% 

Operating (loss)/profit (as reported)

Operating (loss)/profit (proforma IAS 17)2

Operating margin (as reported)

Operating margin (proforma IAS 17)2 

£(29)m

£(35)m 

(0.6)% 

(0.7)% 

UNDERLYING REVENUE BY SECTOR

  Business & Industry – 51%

Healthcare & Seniors – 18%

Education – 12%

Sports & Leisure – 8%

Defence, Offshore & Remote – 11%

1.  Prior year comparatives have reclassified Turkey and Middle East from our Rest of World region into our Europe region.
2.  The Group has adopted IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ with effect from 1 October 2019 without restating prior year comparatives. As a result, the Group results for the year ended 
30 September 2020 are not directly comparable with those reported in the prior year under IAS 17 ‘Leases’. To provide meaningful comparatives, the results for the 
year ended 30 September 2020 have therefore also been presented on a proforma IAS 17 basis. 

18  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Organic revenue declined by 24% for the full year. Revenues 
declined by 44% in the second half given that 71% of Europe’s 
revenues are in Business & Industry (51%), Education (12%) and 
Sports & Leisure (8%), the three sectors that have been most 
impacted by the pandemic. Through the summer we saw a 
recovery in Business & Industry as consumers returned to the 
office, especially in continental Europe. In Education, the 
beginning of the academic year in September has been positive 
especially in the K-12 sub sector. Reopening of our clients in 
Higher Education has been more mixed. Our Sports & Leisure 
business, which is largely in the UK, remains closed.

Although new business wins were 2.8% and have been subdued 
especially in the UK, France and Germany, we saw a higher 
proportion of new business from small and regional players. 
Retention has been broadly in line with previous years at 92.6%.

Across Europe, government schemes are supporting employees 
during the pandemic. As these schemes end, we are having to 
take resizing actions to adjust our cost base to reflect the current 
trading environment. 

The integration of Fazer, acquired in February, has proceeded at a 
slightly slower pace than anticipated due to the pandemic. 
Nevertheless, Fazer returned to profitability in September and is on 
track to deliver the expected synergies. 

As a result of the significant volume decline, the underlying 
operating loss was £29 million. This includes £48 million of contract 
related non-current asset impairment and onerous contract 
charges. The underlying operating margin was 0.4% before the 
contract related non-current asset impairment and onerous contract 
charges, and negative 0.6% (negative 0.7% excluding the impact of 
IFRS 16) including these impairments and charges. Encouragingly, 
since the initial impact of lockdowns in March, the underlying 
operating margin improved from negative 13% in Q3 to negative 4% 
in Q4. We have taken the necessary actions to rebuild our margin in 
the UK to offset the impact of lower reopening rates in Business & 
Industry and the sustained closure of our Sports & Leisure business 
with the benefits expected to come through in 2021.

Venkie Shantaram
Regional Managing 
Director, Europe 
& Middle East

Robin Mills
Managing Director,  
UK & Ireland

We were very pleased with our strong start to the year, which 
was subsequently impacted by COVID-19 in the second half. 
I have been hugely impressed by how our teams have rallied 
to engage with our clients on closing sites in March, and 
reopening progressively since July with robust safety 
protocols in place.

We made the most of the lockdown by driving strong cost 
and cash management; improving procurement processes; 
strengthening sales and retention processes; and making 
focused changes and increasing diversity in our leadership 
team, drawing on our significant internal talent as well as 
external expertise. 

Emerging from the crisis, we see medium term opportunities 
in sharpening our culinary offers for the post-pandemic 
world, including more digital solutions. We are also focusing 
on more first time opportunities that may emerge from 
organisational cost pressures.

At the beginning of the year, the UK business was performing 
in line with our expectations. However, the outbreak of 
COVID-19 led to the closure of a large proportion of our 
business over a fortnight. From the outset, our front line 
Healthcare teams, along with colleagues redeployed from our 
Sports & Leisure business, supported the NHS. In addition, we 
redistributed food to foodbanks with charity partners such as 
FareShare. I am incredibly proud of how our people reacted at 
pace to such significant change, supporting our clients, 
consumers and communities during this crisis.

Operating through the pandemic has been challenging, but 
there have been great opportunities too. Innovation has always 
played a key role in our organisation. The crisis accelerated 
the use of digital apps for food ordering or table booking and 
we have trialled new delivery partnerships using our existing 
under utilised kitchens and central production units. Our 
innovation has focused on high quality food using impeccable 
local ingredients. These are exciting developments that should 
add value and open up new markets over time as we scale up 
the operations and more organisations reopen.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  19 

Strategic ReportR EGIONAL REVI EW (CONTINUED)

Rest of World

UNDERLYING  
REVENUE

£2,404m

(20191: £3,067m)

ORGANIC  
REVENUE CHANGE

(7.9)%

(20191: +2.0%)

UNDERLYING  
OPERATING PROFIT

£94m

(20191: £232m)

UNDERLYING  
OPERATING MARGIN

3.9%

(20191: 7.6%)

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

CONTRIBUTION  
TO GROUP REVENUE

11.9%

(20191: 12.2%)

Underlying

Change

2020

20191,2

Reported rates

Constant currency

Revenue

£2,404m

£3,067m  

Operating profit (as reported)

Operating profit (proforma IAS 17)2

Operating margin (as reported)

Operating margin (proforma IAS 17)2 

£94m

£90m 

3.9% 

3.7% 

£232m  

£232m 

7.6%  

7.6% 

(15.5)% 

(56.1)% 

(57.9)% 

(21.6)% 

(59.5)% 

(61.2)% 

(370)bps

(390)bps 

Organic

(7.9)% 

(51.1)% 

(53.3)% 

UNDERLYING REVENUE BY SECTOR

  Business & Industry – 38%

Healthcare & Seniors – 16%

Education – 5%

Sports & Leisure – 3%

Defence, Offshore & Remote – 38%

1.  Prior year comparatives have reclassified Turkey and Middle East from our Rest of World region into our Europe region.
2.  The Group has adopted IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ with effect from 1 October 2019 without restating prior year comparatives. As a result, the Group results for the year ended 
30 September 2020 are not directly comparable with those reported in the prior year under IAS 17 ‘Leases’. To provide meaningful comparatives, the results for the 
year ended 30 September 2020 have therefore also been presented on a proforma IAS 17 basis.

20  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Organic revenue declined by 7.9% as the volume impact of the 
pandemic offset modest growth in Australia and in some countries 
with Offshore and Remote businesses. The region was not as 
impacted by the pandemic given that 54% of its revenues are in 
the Defence, Offshore & Remote and Healthcare & Senior sectors. 

New business wins in the year were 5.8%, with strong growth rates 
in Brazil, Chile and India. Retention for the year was 93.4%, 
however, we saw a significant improvement in the second half 
with retention at around 95%. 

We took swift actions to adjust our cost base to the new trading 
environment, especially in Latin America. 

Underlying operating profit was £94 million, including £7 million 
in contract related non-current asset impairment and onerous 
contract charges. The impact of disposals, mainly the Highway 
business in Japan, accounted for around £30 million of the 
underlying operating profit decline. The full year underlying 
operating margin was 3.9% (3.7% excluding the impact of IFRS 
16), or 4.2% before the impact of contract related non-current 
asset impairment and onerous contract charges. The underlying 
operating margin in the fourth quarter before the impact of 
contract related non-current asset impairment and onerous 
contract charges was 2.8%.

James Meaney
Regional Managing 
Director,  
Latin America

Mark van Dyck
Regional Managing 
Director, 
Asia Pacific

Before the COVID-19 outbreak, we continued to make good 
progress on our strategic priorities across our five markets in 
Latin America. Our focus on People, Performance and 
Purpose started to pay off with an improved culinary and 
consumer offer, higher organic revenue growth, stronger 
retention, higher employee engagement and a more 
balanced and diverse leadership team.

Our business in the region is concentrated in Industry, 
Offshore & Remote and Healthcare. These sectors have 
proven to be more resilient to the effects of the pandemic 
and are showing positive signs of recovery. We have also 
adjusted our cost structure in order to take advantage of 
new growth and margin opportunities. Our business model 
in Latin America continues to be attractive and our sector 
expertise and focus on quality will help us unlock the 
potential in the long term. 

Our Asia Pacific region is one of the most dynamic regions in 
the world. It consists of 11 diverse countries from the mature 
markets of Australia, New Zealand and Japan to high growth 
economies such as India and China. We have been operating 
in many of the countries for over 20 years and serving more 
than 400 million meals each year.

At the start of the pandemic, China was the first country to go 
into lockdown and was the first country to come out. Most of 
our corporate sites have reopened and roughly 80% of people 
are back on site. We adapted quickly to the new environment 
and, having learnt how to reopen safely under COVID-19 
restrictions, we were able to share our learnings with the rest 
of the Group. 

In the long term, we see a great opportunity for first time 
outsourcing across the region as industries seek more 
efficient ways to deliver safe, quality food services. Asia’s 
large and growing middle class is also driving demand for 
premium goods and services that aligns to our core capability 
in the region. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  21 

Strategic Report 
E XE C UTI VE COMMITTEE

Delivering the Group’s strategy

The Board has delegated day to day operational decisions to the Executive Committee which is the key management committee  
for the Group. The Executive Committee develops the Group’s strategy, and reviews capital expenditure and investment budgets.

1

4

2

5

3

6

1
2
3
4
5
6

Dominic Blakemore, Group Chief Executive Officer
Karen Witts, Group Chief Financial Officer
Gary Green, Group Chief Operating Officer, North America
Sarah Morris, Group Chief People Officer
Venkie Shantaram, Regional Managing Director, Europe & Middle East
Federico Tonetti, Group Safety & Sustainability Director

22  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

It is responsible for implementing Group policy, monitoring health and safety, financial, operational and quality of service performance, 
purchasing and supply chain issues, succession planning and governance matters.

7

7

8

9

10

11

12

Sandra Moura, Group Investor Relations & Corporate Affairs Director
Robin Mills, Managing Director, UK & Ireland

7 Mark van Dyck, Regional Managing Director, Asia Pacific
8
9
10 Sapna Sood, Group Director, Global Clients and Consumers
11 James Meaney, Regional Managing Director, Latin America
12 Alison Yapp, Group General Counsel and Company Secretary

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  23 

Strategic Report 
 
E XE C UTI VE COMMITTEE (CONTINUED)

DOMINIC BLAKEMORE 
Group Chief Executive Officer

KAREN WITTS
Group Chief Financial Officer

Joined the Board and Executive Committee 
in February 2012. Dominic previously held 
the roles of Group Finance Director, Group 
Chief Operating Officer, Europe and Deputy 
Group CEO. He assumed the role of Group 
CEO in January 2018.
Key skills and competencies
Dominic has extensive financial 
management experience in a number of 
international businesses together with 
general operational management 
experience. Dominic is a chartered 
accountant.
Previous experience
Dominic was formerly non-executive director 
of Shire plc and Chief Financial Officer of Iglo 
Foods Group Limited. Before joining Iglo 
Dominic was European Finance & Strategy 
Director at Cadbury Plc having previously 
held senior finance roles at that company. 
Prior to that Dominic was a director at 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. 

Joined the Board and Executive Committee 
as Group Chief Financial Officer in April 
2019. 
Key skills and competencies
Karen is an experienced Chief Financial 
Officer with a strong background in finance 
and management across a variety of sectors 
in global organisations. Karen is a chartered 
accountant.
Previous experience
Karen was previously Group Chief Financial 
Officer of Kingfisher PLC and a member of 
the board of directors for over six years. Prior 
to that, she held senior finance positions at 
Vodafone Group PLC and BT PLC. Karen is a 
former non-executive director and the Audit 
Committee Chair of Imperial Brands PLC, 
and a former non-executive director of 
Wolseley plc. Karen’s early career included 
finance roles at Mars, Paribas, Grand 
Metropolitan and Ernst & Whinney. 

GARY GREEN
Group Chief Operating Officer,  
North America

Joined the Board and Executive Committee 
in January 2007. Appointed Group Chief 
Operating Officer, North America in April 
2012.
Key skills and competencies
Gary brings strong business and operational 
leadership as well as business development 
and wide ranging sales experience. Gary is a 
chartered accountant and in 2001 received 
an honorary doctorate from Johnson & Wales 
University in the USA.
Previous experience
Gary joined the Group in 1986 in a senior 
finance role in the UK and became a UK 
director in 1992. He relocated to the USA in 
1994 as Chief Finance Officer of the Group’s 
North American business and in 1999 
became Chief Executive Officer, North 
America.

SARAH MORRIS
Group Chief People Officer

VENKIE SHANTARAM
Regional Managing Director,  
Europe & Middle East

FEDERICO TONETTI
Group Safety & Sustainability Director 

Joined the Group and appointed to the 
Executive Committee in May 2020.
Key skills and competencies
Highly experienced in strategic leadership 
and people management gained in 
multinational environments. Sarah is a 
Fellow of The Chartered Institute of 
Personnel and Development.
Previous experience
Sarah most recently held the role of Chief 
People Officer for Aviva plc. Prior to this she 
held various senior leadership roles in HR, 
operations and general management in 
technology, retail and energy, and has 
worked in Asia, the USA, Canada and 
Scandinavia.

Appointed to the Executive Committee in 
January 2018, having joined the Group in 
July 2017. 
Key skills and competencies
A skilled business leader and innovator, 
Venkie has an MBA from INSEAD.
Previous experience
Venkie was a partner with McKinsey & 
Company, focusing on global energy clients, 
later holding Regional Managing Director 
positions for Aggreko plc in Europe and Asia. 
He was previously Regional Managing 
Director for Compass Central Asia, Middle 
East, Africa, Turkey & Southeast Asia 
Offshore & Remote.

Appointed to the Executive Committee in 
December 2018, having joined the Group in 
May 2018.
Key skills and competencies
Leader and innovator in the field of business 
sustainability. Federico holds a Masters 
Degree in Economics from Bocconi 
University (Milan) and a post-graduate 
International MBA from IE Business School 
(Madrid).
Previous experience
Federico has 20 years’ experience in general 
management, global functional roles and 
sales and marketing positions for a variety of 
multinational manufacturing organisations 
across eight different countries. Federico 
also spent four years at Bain & Company in 
Strategy Consulting. 

24  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
MARK VAN DYCK 
Regional Managing Director,  
Asia Pacific

SANDRA MOURA 
Group Investor Relations & Corporate 
Affairs Director

ROBIN MILLS
Managing Director, UK & Ireland 

Appointed to the Executive Committee in 
April 2016, having joined the Group in 
February 2013. 
Key skills and competencies
Mark is highly experienced in international 
business leadership. He holds a Bachelor of 
Arts (Honours) in Business Administration 
and is a graduate of the Australian Institute 
of Company Directors.
Previous experience
Mark held senior leadership roles for over 22 
years in companies including LG Electronics, 
The Coca-Cola Company, Waterford 
Wedgwood, Cinzano, Allied Lyons and 
Gillette. The majority of his career has been 
spent in the service and consumer sectors 
with particular focus on the Asia Pacific 
region.

Appointed to the Executive Committee in 
February 2017, having joined the Group in 
October 2014.
Key skills and competencies
Highly experienced in investor relations and 
business finance. Sandra holds an MBA from 
the University of Chicago Booth School of 
Business and a BA in Economics from Brown 
University.
Previous experience
Prior to joining Compass, Sandra’s career in 
investor relations and financial analysis 
spanned the International Finance 
Corporation in Washington DC, and UK FTSE 
100 companies Rexam plc and Diageo plc.

Appointed to the Executive Committee in 
November 2015, having joined the Group in 
2008. Appointed Managing Director, UK & 
Ireland in November 2019.
Key skills and competencies
Respected innovator with significant 
experience in people management and 
business operations.
Previous experience
Robin joined Compass as HR Director for UK 
& Ireland before becoming Managing 
Director of Chartwells, our education 
business in the UK, and then Group Chief 
People Officer. Prior to joining Compass, 
Robin’s career included senior HR roles at 
Scottish and Newcastle Breweries, Diageo 
plc and Woolworth’s (part of 
Kingfisher PLC).

SAPNA SOOD 
Group Director, Global Clients & 
Consumers

JAMES MEANEY
Regional Managing Director,  
Latin America 

ALISON YAPP
Group General Counsel and  
Company Secretary

Appointed to the Executive Committee in  
October 2018, having joined the Group in 
September 2018.
Key skills and competencies
Sapna has in depth experience of global 
business development, with a focus on 
international clients. She has an MBA from 
IMD Business School and a Bachelor of 
Engineering in Chemical Engineering from 
the University of Sydney.
Previous experience
Sapna held various senior positions in 
operations and supply chain in Australia, the 
USA, Singapore, Germany and China with 
Linde, following which she joined Lafarge SA 
as Senior Vice President of HSE, France. 
Prior to joining Compass, Sapna served as 
Country CEO for LafargeHolcim, Philippines.

Joined the Group and Executive Committee 
in November 2017.
Key skills and competencies
Highly experienced in business development 
and leadership, James holds a Bachelor’s 
Degree in Economics from Notre Dame 
University, an MBA from Harvard and 
completed INSEAD’s advanced 
management course.
Previous experience
James has spent over 20 years in Brazil and 
led a number of communications and service 
based organisations in the region, including 
as Founder and President of Contax SA, 
Chief Operating Officer at Oi SA and CEO at 
Aceco TI. 

Joined the Group in August 2018. Appointed 
Group General Counsel and Company 
Secretary and joined the Executive 
Committee in  
October 2018.
Key skills and competencies
Alison is a solicitor with more than 25 years’ 
international experience in FTSE and NYSE 
listed companies across the services, 
industrial and engineering sectors. She has 
significant experience in strategic M&A, 
crisis and change management.
Previous experience
Alison was formerly Chief General Counsel 
and Company Secretary of Amec Foster 
Wheeler plc, Company Secretary and 
General Legal Counsel of Hays plc and 
Company Secretary and Group Legal Advisor 
of Charter plc. Prior to joining Charter, Alison 
held a number of senior legal roles at 
Johnson Matthey plc.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  25 

Strategic ReportPeople

OUR PEOPLE

Our people are the foundation of our business and our 
values guide our actions and behaviours. This has 
been clearly demonstrated through the dedication and 
hard work of our colleagues around the world, enabling 
us to deliver world class services to our clients and 
consumers every day.

Our overriding focus during the COVID-19 pandemic 
has been on the safety and wellbeing of our 
colleagues, many of whom have been on the front line.

We have remained vigilant to the impacts of the 
pandemic on our colleagues across our regions and 
intensified engagement with our people in the areas of 
health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, and 
training and development. Our Designated Non-
executive director for workforce engagement has held 
a number of discussions with our people around the 
businesses to help us better understand any issues of 
concern during this time.

We are committed to hiring, developing and retaining 
our diverse talent to ensure we have a truly engaged, 
high performing and fulfilled workforce, enabling us to 
deliver results and rebuild our business.

See our People report on pages 51 to 57 for 
more information. 

HOW  WE CRE ATE VALUE 

Long term 
stakeholder value

People

Performance

Purpose

Our strategy is to focus on food, and our model for creating 
value remains unchanged. However, the COVID-19 pandemic 
has heightened the importance of increasing our resilience 
so that we can continue to create long term value for all our 
stakeholders.

WE FOCUS ON THREE KEY STRATEGIC PILLARS

Our People pillar is focused on ensuring we have an engaged 
and motivated workforce. Our colleagues around the world 
are at the heart of our business and we believe the way we 
organise, train and develop them is a critical competitive 
advantage. Supporting them in the challenging 
circumstances brought about by COVID-19 has been a key 
priority this year. See pages 51 to 57 for more detail.

The Performance pillar is focused on ensuring best in class 
execution. We manage the business using our Management 
and Performance (MAP) framework. The discipline it brings 
ensures we are managing the business efficiently while 
continuing to delight our clients and consumers with 
innovative, healthy and exciting food service solutions. See 
pages 12 and 13 for more detail.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further emphasised the 
importance of leading with Purpose to realise the true 
potential of the organisation. As an industry leader, we 
believe we have an important long term role to play in society. 
We support initiatives across the Group that improve the 
health and wellbeing of our people and consumers, and are 
beneficial for the environment and the communities in which 
we live and operate. See pages 59 to 69 for more detail.

WHO WE CREATE VALUE FOR

We have a wide range of stakeholders that includes clients, 
consumers, colleagues, suppliers and shareholders, as well 
as the communities in which we live and operate. We seek to 
create value for all our stakeholders and aim to engage with 
them and take into account their feedback to ensure, as 
much as possible, that we all benefit from Compass’ success.

26  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

Performance

Purpose

CLIENTS & CONSUMERS

CONSUMERS & EMPLOYEES

We have a diverse range of clients and an even wider 
range of consumers in terms of the employees, 
students, patients and sports fans that come to our 
restaurants and cafés at our client sites.

Across this extraordinarily diverse base, we are 
conscious of the need to offer all of our clients and 
consumers ‘value’ in price, quality, hygiene and 
experience. We also work closely with them to 
promote and drive a nutritional health and wellness 
agenda that suits the needs of their specific 
organisation and paves the way for healthier, more 
balanced lifestyles.

INVESTORS

We create long term value for our investors by 
focusing on our core food business and delivering 
sustainable profit growth and strong cash generation. 
Our priorities for cash are clear and simple. We invest 
to support organic revenue growth and to generate 
efficiencies to deliver continued margin improvement. 
We invest in bolt-on acquisitions that add capability or 
scale in an existing market and whose returns exceed 
the cost of capital by year two. Our aim is to target a 
net debt to EBITDA leverage range of 1x-1.5x and we 
are keeping future dividends and other shareholder 
returns under review and will restart them when it is 
appropriate to do so.

See our Business Model and Strategy on pages 12 
and 13 for more information.

We care about the safety, health and wellbeing of our 
consumers and our people. This mindset drives us to 
continually improve our occupational and food safety 
performance. It underpins our internal and external 
initiatives on important issues like good nutrition and 
mental health. Through our healthy menu offerings, 
and using our expertise and reach, we are educating 
people, helping both our consumers and our people to 
lead healthier, more balanced lives. 

SUPPLIERS

We work only with suppliers who share our ethical 
values. Our newly updated and more user friendly 
supply chain integrity requirements help us to maintain 
our high standards and make continual improvements 
to our sustainable sourcing, for both food and non-food 
products. We engage regularly with partners 
throughout our supply chain, helping them to deliver 
safe, scalable and sustainable solutions. 

ENVIRONMENT

We concentrate our efforts on where we believe we can 
have the greatest positive impact on the global food 
system and the environment. In order to reduce any 
negative impacts of our operations, our focus is on 
climate action, reducing food waste and encouraging  
plant-forward meals. Despite the demand for 
disposables having temporarily increased due to the 
pandemic, we also remain committed to reducing our 
use of single-use plastics in the long term. 

COMMUNITIES

We want to give back to our local communities 
wherever we operate around the world. We support 
and actively get involved with community projects and 
initiatives that benefit the local area. We employ and 
provide training opportunities for local people, and 
have many local sourcing programmes. We believe 
that this is fundamental to building trust and to our 
business sustainability. 

See our Corporate Responsibility report on pages 59 to 
69 for more information.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  27 

Strategic ReportOU R  S TA KE HOLDERS

Engaging with our stakeholders

The success of our strategy is reliant on the support and commitment of all 
our stakeholders. Their interests are important to us and we are committed  
to maintaining strong, positive relationships with them, built on a foundation 
of mutual respect, trust and understanding. The table and the section  
172 (1) statement provide a high level overview of how we engage  
with our stakeholders. 

COVID-19 has had a profound impact on all of our stakeholders and 
throughout this Annual Report there are examples of measures that 
were taken by the Board to protect the Company and to manage the 
expectations of stakeholders.

PEOPLE

Description

Colleagues who work in our 
business.

Areas of focus

•  health and wellbeing

•  diversity and inclusion

•  recognition and careers

Why we engage

How we engage

Our people are at the heart of our 

There are many ways we engage, including 

businesses and key to our ongoing 

engagement surveys, town hall meetings, Speak Up 

success. We want our people to thrive in a 

reports, internal social media channels and 

fair and inclusive work environment.

consultative bodies.

COMMUNITIES

The people who live in the local 
communities around our sites 
and operations.

•  fair employment and equal opportunities

To build trust by operating responsibly 

We operate many local employment programmes to 

•  local causes and issues

•  health and wellbeing 

•  food waste

and sustainably, and addressing issues 

recruit and develop local people to work in our sites. 

that are material to our communities. To 

We partner with local charities and organisations to 

provide training opportunities and support 

raise awareness and funds to help local causes.

to local people currently not in education, 

training or employment.

SECTION 172 (1) STATEMENT 
  The Board considers that the Board and its individual members have acted in a way 
that would be most likely to promote the success of the Company, for the benefit of 
its members as a whole, in the decisions made by the Board during the year. The 
directors confirm that the deliberations of the Board, which underpin its decisions, 
incorporate appropriate regard to the matters detailed in section 172 of the 
Companies Act 2006. 

The Board and each director acknowledges that the success of Compass’ strategy is 
reliant on the support and commitment of all of the Company’s stakeholders. Having 
stakeholders who believe in our brand and share our values is therefore very 
important to us. By working together, we believe we are stronger and can achieve our 
common goals. 

As a geographically and culturally diverse business with colleagues in around 45 
countries, Compass has a global and diverse community of stakeholders, each with 
its own interests in and expectations of the Company. Although the Board sometimes 
engages directly with stakeholders, due to the scale and geographic spread of our 
businesses, stakeholder engagement mostly takes place at an operational level and 
the Board is therefore reliant on management to help it fully understand the impact 
of the Company’s operations on its stakeholders.

During the year, the Board considered information from across the Group’s 
businesses and received presentations from management, reviewed papers and 
reports and took part in discussions which considered, where relevant, the impact of 
the Company’s activities on its key stakeholders. These activities, together with 
direct engagement by the Board and individual directors with the Company’s 
stakeholders, helped to inform the Board in its decision making processes. 

As a Board, the collective role of the directors is to act as effective and responsible 
stewards of the Company. In so doing, the Board ensures that the Company is well 
positioned to achieve long term sustainable success and deliver value for its 
stakeholders as a whole. 

The Board recognises that balancing the needs and expectations of stakeholders is 
important, but it often has to make difficult decisions based on competing priorities 
where the outcome is not positive for all of the Company’s stakeholders. Decisions 
are not taken lightly and the decision making process has been structured to enable 
directors to evaluate the merit of proposed business activities and the likely 
consequences of its decisions over the short, medium and long term, with the aim of 
safeguarding the Company so that it can continue in existence, fulfilling its purpose 
and creating value for future generations of stakeholders. 

Details of how the Board and the directors have fulfilled their section 172 duties can 
be found throughout the Strategic and Governance reports. The following sections 
have therefore been incorporated by reference into this statement:

•  Our business model and strategy, pages 12 and 13
•  Long term stakeholder value, pages 26 and 27
•  Engaging with our stakeholders, pages 28 and 29
•  People report, pages 51 to 57
•  Corporate Responsibility report, pages 59 to 69
•  Identifying and managing risk, pages 41 to 49
•  Consideration of stakeholder interests in decision making, page 83 
•  Board oversight of stakeholders, pages 84 and 85
•  Engaging with our employees and monitoring culture, pages 86 and 87
•  Corporate Responsibility Committee report, pages 104 to 109

28  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

CLIENTS

The businesses and organisations 
for which we provide services 
around the world.

•  working within defined sectors, creating 

By understanding what is important to our 

We aim to have open and transparent relationships 

bespoke, innovative solutions to match 

clients, we ensure that our solutions are 

that are based on honesty and respect. We build 

specific market and client requirements

tailored to support their individual 

relationships at all levels of our client organisations, 

CONSUMERS

The people to whom we serve 
food and drink and provide 
support services.

SUPPLIERS

Our trusted partners who source, 
produce and deliver products  
and services.

SHAREHOLDERS

Individuals or institutions  
that own shares in  
Compass Group PLC. 

•  health, wellbeing and focused sustainable 

business objectives

CR initiatives

•  technology and analytical innovation to 

support consumer solutions

sharing market trends and insight, developing 

strategic and operational plans, against which we 

regularly report. We conduct independent client 

surveys which measure satisfaction levels.

•  safe, delicious and healthy food

We exist to serve people with nutritious 

We believe that engagement is a constant 

•  staying ahead of changing consumer 

food and drink, which helps them learn 

conversation with our consumers, listening carefully 

lifestyles and habits which impact how 

better, work better and recover better. 

to how we can improve our service and find new 

people want to eat and drink 

We want our consumers to thrive and we 

ways to delight. We use a variety of methods 

•  making sure that our food and beverage 

create the environments to help them do 

including formal surveys, social listening, comment 

offer is sustainable and good for the planet

that, at all life stages.

•  clean and safe environments

cards, workshops and observation. We combine 

analytical tools and common sense to get to 

actionable insights into our consumers’ preferences.

•  food safety and authenticity

•  workplace health and safety

•  supply chain integrity

•  human rights

To develop mutually beneficial and lasting 

We regularly communicate with our suppliers, and 

partnerships aimed at addressing shared 

conduct formal supplier surveys, reviews and audits; 

challenges in responsible and sustainable 

we host regular multi-stakeholder supplier 

sourcing, and to communicate our supply 

conferences in some of our larger markets (these 

chain standards, expectations and 

have been virtual in 2020).

commitments.

•  financial performance 

•  competitive positioning

•  strategy and outlook

Our philosophy is to engage in regular, 

We engage with our existing investors through 

open and transparent dialogue with our 

one-to-one and group meetings, webcasts, 

existing and prospective shareholders. 

presentations, conference calls and at our AGM. 

•  ethical business practices and sound 

We value their thoughts and opinions 

The Group Investor Relations & Corporate Affairs 

governance 

which are shared with the Compass Group 

Director holds responsibility for the investor 

•  leadership and succession planning 

Board. The Board reviews the feedback 

relations programme, and the Group CEO and Group 

•  debt and liquidity

•  sustainability

any concerns.

and takes appropriate actions to address 

CFO dedicate significant time to engaging with our 

major shareholders. The Chairman, other Board 

members, the Group General Counsel and Company 

Secretary, the Group Chief People Officer and the 

Group Safety & Sustainability Director also engage 

with our shareholders on other matters, such as 

Environmental, Social and Governance topics.

NGOS

GOVERNMENTS  
AND REGULATORS

Non-governmental organisations 
(NGOs) which support us with 
knowledge and expertise on key 
social, environmental and 
economic issues.

Regional and national 
government bodies and agencies 
which implement and enforce 
applicable laws across our 
industry.

•  human rights

•  climate change

•  animal welfare

•  social issues

•  food safety

•  human rights

•  climate change 

•  legal and regulatory compliance

To ensure we stay up to date and develop 

We engage with NGOs through regular 

effective action plans so we can have a 

communications, interactions and meetings,  

positive impact on key social, 

as well as through industry association 

environmental and economic issues.

memberships and at forums and conferences  

(these have been virtual in 2020).

•  consumer health and public health policies

To communicate our views to those who 

Through a series of industry consultations, forums 

have responsibility for implementing 

and conferences.

•  workplace health and safety

policy, laws and regulations relevant to 

our businesses.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PEOPLE

Colleagues who work in our 

Description

business.

COMMUNITIES

The people who live in the local 

communities around our sites 

and operations.

CLIENTS

The businesses and organisations 

for which we provide services 

around the world.

CONSUMERS

The people to whom we serve 

food and drink and provide 

support services.

SUPPLIERS

Our trusted partners who source, 

produce and deliver products  

and services.

SHAREHOLDERS

Individuals or institutions  

that own shares in  

Compass Group PLC. 

NGOS

Non-governmental organisations 

(NGOs) which support us with 

knowledge and expertise on key 

social, environmental and 

economic issues.

GOVERNMENTS  

Regional and national 

AND REGULATORS

government bodies and agencies 

which implement and enforce 

applicable laws across our 

industry.

Areas of focus

•  health and wellbeing
•  diversity and inclusion
•  recognition and careers

Why we engage

How we engage

Our people are at the heart of our 
businesses and key to our ongoing 
success. We want our people to thrive in a 
fair and inclusive work environment.

There are many ways we engage, including 
engagement surveys, town hall meetings, Speak Up 
reports, internal social media channels and 
consultative bodies.

•  fair employment and equal opportunities
•  local causes and issues
•  health and wellbeing 
•  food waste

To build trust by operating responsibly 
and sustainably, and addressing issues 
that are material to our communities. To 
provide training opportunities and support 
to local people currently not in education, 
training or employment.

We operate many local employment programmes to 
recruit and develop local people to work in our sites. 
We partner with local charities and organisations to 
raise awareness and funds to help local causes.

•  working within defined sectors, creating 
bespoke, innovative solutions to match 
specific market and client requirements
•  health, wellbeing and focused sustainable 

By understanding what is important to our 
clients, we ensure that our solutions are 
tailored to support their individual 
business objectives

CR initiatives

•  technology and analytical innovation to 

support consumer solutions

•  safe, delicious and healthy food
•  staying ahead of changing consumer 

lifestyles and habits which impact how 
people want to eat and drink 

•  making sure that our food and beverage 

offer is sustainable and good for the planet

•  clean and safe environments

We exist to serve people with nutritious 
food and drink, which helps them learn 
better, work better and recover better. 
We want our consumers to thrive and we 
create the environments to help them do 
that, at all life stages.

We aim to have open and transparent relationships 
that are based on honesty and respect. We build 
relationships at all levels of our client organisations, 
sharing market trends and insight, developing 
strategic and operational plans, against which we 
regularly report. We conduct independent client 
surveys which measure satisfaction levels.

We believe that engagement is a constant 
conversation with our consumers, listening carefully 
to how we can improve our service and find new 
ways to delight. We use a variety of methods 
including formal surveys, social listening, comment 
cards, workshops and observation. We combine 
analytical tools and common sense to get to 
actionable insights into our consumers’ preferences.

•  food safety and authenticity
•  workplace health and safety
•  supply chain integrity
•  human rights

To develop mutually beneficial and lasting 
partnerships aimed at addressing shared 
challenges in responsible and sustainable 
sourcing, and to communicate our supply 
chain standards, expectations and 
commitments.

We regularly communicate with our suppliers, and 
conduct formal supplier surveys, reviews and audits; 
we host regular multi-stakeholder supplier 
conferences in some of our larger markets (these 
have been virtual in 2020).

•  financial performance 
•  competitive positioning
•  strategy and outlook
•  ethical business practices and sound 

governance 

•  leadership and succession planning 
•  debt and liquidity
•  sustainability

Our philosophy is to engage in regular, 
open and transparent dialogue with our 
existing and prospective shareholders. 
We value their thoughts and opinions 
which are shared with the Compass Group 
Board. The Board reviews the feedback 
and takes appropriate actions to address 
any concerns.

We engage with our existing investors through 
one-to-one and group meetings, webcasts, 
presentations, conference calls and at our AGM. 
The Group Investor Relations & Corporate Affairs 
Director holds responsibility for the investor 
relations programme, and the Group CEO and Group 
CFO dedicate significant time to engaging with our 
major shareholders. The Chairman, other Board 
members, the Group General Counsel and Company 
Secretary, the Group Chief People Officer and the 
Group Safety & Sustainability Director also engage 
with our shareholders on other matters, such as 
Environmental, Social and Governance topics.

•  human rights
•  climate change
•  animal welfare
•  social issues

To ensure we stay up to date and develop 
effective action plans so we can have a 
positive impact on key social, 
environmental and economic issues.

We engage with NGOs through regular 
communications, interactions and meetings,  
as well as through industry association 
memberships and at forums and conferences  
(these have been virtual in 2020).

•  consumer health and public health policies
•  food safety
•  workplace health and safety
•  human rights
•  climate change 
•  legal and regulatory compliance

To communicate our views to those who 
have responsibility for implementing 
policy, laws and regulations relevant to 
our businesses.

Through a series of industry consultations, forums 
and conferences.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  29 

Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LOREM IPSUMOur performance

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our financial results in 
2020, the Compass model of value creation remains strong. Our scale and 
focus on execution, our emphasis on trust and safety, and our financial 
resilience put us in a strong position for the recovery and will allow us to 
generate sustainable long term value for all of our stakeholders.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about many changes to our 
day to day operations. Throughout the crisis, our priority remained 
the health and safety of our employees and our consumers. Where 
our sites remained open, we operated with enhanced health and 
safety protocols. Having geographically diverse operations meant 
that we were quickly able to transfer learnings from our Asia 
Pacific region to our other regions. 

As country lockdowns began to ease, clients looked to us as a 
trusted and resilient partner which had the right expertise to help 
them reopen their operations. Compass started to implement 
appropriate social distancing measures, including significant 
redesign of kitchen operations, refurbishments of restaurants and 
technology upgrades to be in line with social distancing 
requirements. This meant minimising queue times and cash 
handling, and simplifying our food offer by producing more 
pre-packaged and grab and go solutions. 

Digital innovation has been part of our strategy for some time. 
However, as a result of the pandemic, we significantly accelerated 
the rollout of global digital solutions for queue management, 
pre-order/pre-pay, onsite delivery, frictionless retail and 
unattended vending. We are also piloting delivery to home  
workers and other populations using our own central production 
units, joining forces with third parties or using our own  
delivery applications. 

Feedr is an example of an app which was purchased by Compass 
before the crisis. It offers meals from over 150 restaurants, 
servicing over 200 corporate clients and 15,000 users. The app 
focuses on health and nutrition and customises the menu 
experience for users who want to set their own food goals. In 
response to COVID-19, we adapted the use of the app to service 
not only our existing clients in their usual office environments, but 
have also run small pilots delivering to small and medium 
businesses that don’t have a café or restaurant on site, as well as 
to consumers that are working from home. 

Another example of our ability to adapt and innovate in the current 
environment is our own Time2Eat app, which was created and 
launched in six weeks by our in-house development team.The app 
allows users to pre-book their table in the cafeteria and to 
pre-order and pre-pay for their food. The app then alerts the user 
when it is time to leave so that our support services teams can 
disinfect the area for the next consumer. This is just one of the 
many measures we have put in place to support the safe return of 
our clients’ employees to their workplaces, and it also helps us to 
better manage our costs. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  31 

Strategic ReportB U SINE SS  RE VIEW

Well positioned for the future

Karen Witts
Group Chief Financial Officer

Compass is well positioned for the future as it addresses the 
challenges of COVID-19.

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Revenue
Underlying at constant currency
Underlying at reported rates
Statutory
Organic change
Total operating profit
Underlying at constant currency
Underlying at constant currency (IAS 17 proforma)1 
Underlying at reported rates
Statutory
Operating margin
Underlying at reported rates
Underlying at reported rates (IAS 17 proforma)1 
Profit before tax
Underlying at constant currency
Underlying at reported rates
Statutory
Basic earnings per share
Underlying at constant currency
Underlying at constant currency (IAS 17 proforma)1 
Underlying at reported rates
Statutory
Free cash flow
Underlying
Reported 
Full year dividend per ordinary share

2020
£m

20191,2
£m

Decrease

20,198 
20,198 
19,940 
(18.8)%

561 
533 
561 
294 

2.9%
2.8% 

427 
427 
210 

18.6p
19.1p 
18.6p
8.0p

213 
105 
– 

24,769 
25,152
24,878
6.4%

1,852 
1,852 
1,882
1,626

(18.5)%
(19.7)%
(19.8)%

(69.7)%
(71.2)% 
(70.2)%
(81.9)%

7.4%
7.4% 

(450)bps
(460)bps 

1,743 
1,772
1,494

83.8p
83.8p 
85.2p
71.6p

1,247
1,218 
40.0p

(75.5)%
(75.9)%
(85.9)%

(77.8)%
(77.2)% 
(78.2)%
(88.8)%

(82.9)%
(91.4)% 

1.  The Group has adopted IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ with effect from 1 October 2019 without restating prior year comparatives. As a result, the Group results for the year ended 
30 September 2020 are not directly comparable with those reported in the prior year under IAS 17 ‘Leases’. To provide meaningful comparatives, the results for the 
year ended 30 September 2020 have therefore also been presented on a proforma IAS 17 basis, see notes 1 and 35 for additional information. 

2.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as required by IFRS 5 ‘Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations’ to account for joint ventures and 

associates using the equity method retrospectively when they cease to be classified as held for sale. Additional information is included in note 14.

Definitions of underlying measures of performance can be found in the glossary on pages 278 and 279.

32  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SEGMENTAL PERFORMANCE

North America
Europe 
Rest of World
Total

North America
Europe
Rest of World
Unallocated overheads
Total before associates
Associates
Total

STATUTORY AND UNDERLYING RESULTS

Revenue
Operating profit
Net gain/(loss) on sale and closure of businesses
Net finance costs
Profit before tax
Tax
Profit after tax
Non-controlling interest
Attributable profit
Average number of shares (millions)
Basic earnings per share (pence)
EBITDA
Gross capex
Free cash flow

Underlying revenue1

Underlying revenue change2

2020 
£m

12,746 
5,048 
2,404 
20,198 

20193
£m  

Reported 
rates

Constant 
currency

15,694   
6,391   
3,067   
25,152   

(18.8)%
(21.0)%
(21.6)%
(19.7)%

(18.4)%
(19.9)%
(15.5)%
(18.5)%

Organic

(18.5)%
(24.0)%
(7.9)%
(18.8)%

Underlying operating profit1

Underlying operating margin1

2020 
£m

606 
(29) 
94 
(85) 
586 
(25) 
561 

20204
(proforma IAS 17) 
£m

588 
(35) 
90 
(85) 
558 
(25) 
533 

3,4

2019
£m

1,290   
421   
232   
(80) 
1,863   
19   
1,882   

Statutory 
£m
19,940 
294 
59 
(143) 
210 
(75) 
135 
(2) 
133 
1,658 
8.0p

2020

Adjustments  
£m
258 
267 
(59) 
9 
217 
(41) 
176 
– 
176 
–
10.6p

Underlying  
£m  
20,198   
561   
–   
(134)  
427   
(116)  
311  
(2)  
309   
1,658   
18.6p  
1,418    
749   
213    

2020

20204
(proforma IAS 17)

4.8%
(0.6)%
3.9%

4.6%
(0.7)%
3.7%

2019 3,4

8.2%
6.6%
7.6%

2.9%

2.8%

7.4%

Statutory  
£m
24,878 
1,626
(7)
(125)
1,494
(351)
1,143 
(8)
1,135 
1,586 
71.6p

20194,5

Adjustments  
£m
274
256 
7 
15
278 
(62)
216 
–
216 
–
13.6p

Underlying  
£m
25,152 
1,882 
–
(110)
1,772 
(413)
1,359 
(8)
1,351 
1,586 
85.2p
2,459 
853 
1,247 

1.  Definitions of underlying measures of performance can be found in the glossary on pages 278 and 279.
2.  Reconciliation between the different growth rates is provided in note 35.
3.  Prior year comparatives have reclassified Turkey and Middle East from our Rest of World region into our Europe region.
4.  The Group has adopted IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ with effect from 1 October 2019 without restating prior year comparatives. As a result, the Group results for the year ended 
30 September 2020 are not directly comparable with those reported in the prior year under IAS 17 ‘Leases’. To provide meaningful comparatives, the results for the 
year ended 30 September 2020 have therefore also been presented on a proforma IAS 17 basis, see notes 1 and 35 for additional information.

5.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as required by IFRS 5 ‘Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations’ to account for joint ventures and 

associates using the equity method retrospectively when they cease to be classified as held for sale. Additional information is included in note 14.

Further details of the adjustments can be found in the consolidated income statement, note 2 segmental reporting and note 34 statutory 
and underlying results.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  33 

Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
B U SINE SS  RE VIEW (CO NTINUED)

ADOPTION OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Finance costs

The Group has applied the new accounting standard IFRS 16 
‘Leases’ using the modified retrospective transition approach, 
therefore the comparative information has not been restated and 
continues to be reported under IAS 17 ‘Leases’ and IFRIC 4 
‘Determining whether an arrangement contains a lease’.

Net finance costs increased to £143 million (2019: £125 million), 
mainly due to the adoption of IFRS 16 which resulted in an 
additional £36 million of net interest payable, partially offset by 
lower interest rates compared to the prior year and a reduction in 
net debt following the equity raise.

STATUTORY RESULTS

Revenue

On a statutory basis, revenue was £19,940 million (2019: 
£24,878 million), a decline of 19.8% due to the negative impact 
of COVID-19. 

Operating profit

Operating profit was £294 million (20191: £1,626 million), a 
decrease of 81.9%, mainly reflecting the negative impact of 
COVID-19, including a £119 million one off non-cash charge in 
relation to contract related non-current asset impairment and 
onerous contract charges. The reduction in operating profit was 
also driven by the costs associated with the programmes aimed at 
right sizing the business, partially offset by the savings related to 
these programmes and a modest benefit from the implementation 
of IFRS 16.

Statutory operating profit includes non-underlying items of £267 
million (20191: £256 million), including a £75 million charge in 
relation to the continuation of the cost action programme 
announced in November 2019 (2019: £190 million), COVID-19 
resizing costs of £122 million (2019: £nil) and acquisition related 
costs of £70 million (2019: £54 million). A full list of non-
underlying items is included in note 34.

Net gain on sale and closure of businesses

As a result of the strategic review of the business, the Group has 
continued to sell or exit its operations in a number of countries, 
sectors or businesses in order to simplify its portfolio. Activity in 
the period has included the sale of 50% of the Japanese Highways 
business. The Group has recognised a net gain of £115 million on 
the sale and closure of businesses (2019: £50 million gain), offset 
by £56 million of exit costs and asset write downs relating to 
committed or completed business exits (2019: £57 million).

The Group’s consolidated balance sheet includes assets of £13 
million (20191: £135 million) and liabilities of £7 million (2019: 
£30 million) in respect of businesses held for sale. This decrease 
is driven by the Group’s decision to pause the disposal of the 
remaining US laundries and some businesses in Rest of World due 
to the market volatility caused by COVID-19. As a result, 
management no longer considers these disposals are highly 
probable and likely to be completed within 12 months and 
therefore these businesses are no longer classified as held 
for sale.

Tax charge

Profit before tax was £210 million (20191: £1,494 million), giving 
rise to an income tax expense of £75 million (2019: £351 million), 
equivalent to an effective tax rate of 35.7% (20191: 23.5%). The 
increase in rate primarily reflects the mix of profits by country 
taxed at different rates and the higher effective tax rate on sale 
and closure of businesses.

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share were 8.0 pence (20191: 71.6 pence), a 
decrease of 88.8%, mainly as a result of the negative impact of 
COVID-19 and an increase in the number of ordinary shares in 
issue following the placing of shares in May 2020.

UNDERLYING RESULTS

We track our performance against underlying and other 
alternative performance measures, which we believe better reflect 
our strategic priorities of growth, efficiency and shareholder 
returns.

A summary of adjustments from statutory results to underlying 
results is shown in note 34 on pages 251 and 252 and further 
detailed in the consolidated income statement (page 174), 
reconciliation of free cash flow (page 181), note 2 segmental 
reporting (pages 196 to 199) and note 35 organic revenue and 
organic profit (page 253).

Revenue

On an organic basis, revenue decreased by 18.8%, reflecting the 
negative impact of COVID-19. The steps taken to contain the 
spread of the virus impacted our sectors in different ways. 
Revenues in Healthcare & Seniors and Defence, Offshore & 
Remote were good. Our Education and Business & Industry 
sectors were mostly closed in April and May, and started to 
cautiously reopen in June, while Sports & Leisure remained fully 
closed. In the last quarter of the year, the Group’s organic revenue 
performance improved as clients in Education and Business & 
Industry began to return to schools and offices in our main 
markets. By September, all sectors except Sports & Leisure were 
partially or fully open, representing about 65% of the business. 
Retention was robust at 95.1% and we have started to see 
attractive new first time outsourcing opportunities. New business 
wins were 5.7% and like for like revenue decline was 19.6%.

1.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as required by IFRS 5 ‘Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations’ to account for joint ventures and 

associates using the equity method retrospectively when they cease to be classified as held for sale. Additional information is included in note 14.

34  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

Operating profit

Underlying operating profit was £561 million (2019: £1,882 
million), a decrease of 70.2%, reflecting the impact from 
COVID-19 and the resulting lower volumes. Operating profit for the 
year has been negatively impacted by a non-cash charge of £119 
million comprising contract related non-current asset impairment 
(£88 million) and onerous contract charges (£31 million) for 
contracts impacted by COVID-19 and that are now considered to 
be structurally loss making.

If we restate 2019’s profit at the 2020 average exchange rates, it 
would decrease by £30 million to £1,852 million. On a constant 
currency basis, underlying operating profit has therefore 
decreased by £1,291 million, or 69.7%. 

The impact of IFRS 16 for the twelve months of 2020 was to 
increase underlying operating profit by £28 million.

Operating margin

The operating profit margin was 2.9% (2.8% excluding the impact 
of IFRS 16), reflecting the impact of COVID-19 (2019: 7.4%).  
As our business started to reopen and after strong mitigating 
actions to compensate for lower volumes and relentless focus  
on cost efficiencies, the business returned to profitability in the 
fourth quarter.

Finance costs

The underlying net finance cost increased to £134 million (2019: 
£110 million), mainly due to the adoption of IFRS 16 which 
resulted in an additional £36 million of net interest payable, 
partially offset by lower interest rates compared to the prior year 
and a reduction in net debt following the equity raise.

Tax charge

On an underlying basis, the tax charge was £116 million (2019: 
£413 million), equivalent to an effective tax rate of 27.2% (2019: 
23.3%). The increase in rate primarily reflects the mix of profits by 
country taxed at different rates. The tax environment continues to 
be uncertain, with more challenging tax authority audits and 
enquiries globally. 

Earnings per share

On a constant currency basis, the underlying basic earnings per 
share fell by 77.8% to 18.6 pence (2019: 83.8 pence). The 
decrease is mainly driven by the negative impact of COVID-19 and 
an increase in the number of ordinary shares in issue following the 
placing of shares in May 2020.

SHAREHOLDER RETURNS

Dividends

As a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, in April 
2020, the Board decided not to recommend an interim or final 
dividend. The Board understands the importance of the dividend 
to our shareholders and will keep future dividends under review 
and will restart payments when it is appropriate to do so.

In determining the level of dividend in any year, the Board 
considers a number of factors, which include but are not limited to:

•  the level of available distributable reserves in the Parent 

Company

•  future cash commitments and investment requirements to 
sustain the long term growth prospects of the business

•  potential strategic opportunities
•  the level of dividend cover

Further surpluses, after considering the matters set out above, 
may be distributed to shareholders over time by way of special 
dividend payments, share repurchases or a combination of both.

Compass Group PLC, the Parent Company of the Group, is a 
non-trading investment holding company which derives its 
distributable reserves from dividends paid by subsidiary 
companies. The level of distributable reserves in the Parent 
Company is reviewed annually and the Group aims to maintain 
distributable reserves that provide adequate cover for dividend 
payments. The distributable reserves of the Parent Company 
include the balance on the profit and loss account reserve, which 
at 30 September 2020 increased to £2,935 million (2019: 
£1,252 million) mainly due to the placing of new equity on  
21 May 2020.

The ability of the Board to maintain its future dividend policy will 
be influenced by a number of the principal risks identified on 
pages 41 to 49 that could adversely impact the performance of 
the Group, although we believe we have the ability to mitigate 
those risks as outlined on pages 44 to 49.

The Group continues to have substantial available liquidity and it 
is our ambition to resume dividend payments. While the current 
uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 situation makes it difficult to 
accurately forecast the timing and extent of profit recovery, we 
continue to see good long term opportunities for the business.

Placing of shares

The Group raised net proceeds of £1,972 million through a placing 
of new ordinary shares on 21 May 2020. The placing comprised 
195,667,352 new ordinary shares at a price of £10.25 per share, 
representing a discount of 3.3% to the middle market price at the 
time at which the placing price was agreed. The total number of 
new shares issued represented approximately 12.3% of Compass’ 
existing issued ordinary share capital prior to the capital raise. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  35 

Strategic ReportB U SINE SS  RE VIEW (CO NTINUED)

The proceeds from the placing have strengthened the Group’s 
balance sheet and liquidity position, reducing leverage to deal 
with the challenging environment and ensure Compass remains 
resilient in the event of further negative developments in the 
pandemic. These measures will enable Compass to continue to 
invest in the business to support long term growth, ensuring it is 
well positioned for the eventual recovery. 

Share buyback programme

The Group did not buy any shares during the period under the 
share buyback programme (2019: £nil). The directors’ authority 
to purchase the Company’s shares in the market was renewed by 
the shareholders at the Company’s Annual General Meeting held 
on 6 February 2020. 

acquisitions, offset by £25 million of cash acquired net of 
transaction costs.

The main acquisition during the year was the purchase of 100% of 
the issued share capital of Fazer Food Services for an initial 
consideration of £363 million (€414 million) net of cash acquired. 
The remaining contingent consideration is payable within seven 
years and is dependent on the operation of an earn-out. The net 
present value of the contingent consideration was £56 million 
(€66 million) at the date of acquisition. Fazer Food Services is a 
leading food service business in the Nordic region with operations 
in Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark across several sectors 
including Business & Industry, Education, Healthcare & Seniors 
and Defence.

Share price

DISPOSALS

The market price of the Group’s ordinary shares at 30 September 
2020 was £11.69 per share (2019: £20.93 per share).

FREE CASH FLOW

Free cash flow totalled £105 million (2019: £1,218 million). 
During the year, we made cash payments of £108 million in 
relation to the programmes aimed at right sizing the business 
(2019: £29 million). Adjusting for this, underlying free cash flow 
was £213 million, an 82.9% decrease as a result of the impact of 
COVID-19 on profitability and cash generation. Underlying free 
cash flow conversion was 38% (2019: 66%).

Gross capital expenditure of £749 million (2019: £853 million) is 
equivalent to 3.7% (2019: 3.4%) of underlying revenue. 

The working capital outflow, excluding provisions and pensions, 
was £143 million (2019: £59 million inflow) and includes a £234 
million benefit from COVID-19 indirect and payroll tax payment 
deferral schemes available in different countries.

The outflow related to post employment benefit obligations net of 
service costs was £9 million (2019: £15 million). 

The net interest outflow was £137 million (2019: £107 million), of 
which £36 million relates to interest on lease obligations.

The net tax paid was £228 million (2019: £328 million), 
equivalent to an underlying cash tax rate of 53% (2019: 19%). The 
percentage increase is due to changes in the UK’s corporation tax 
instalment regime and tax payments made based on higher profits 
arising before the COVID-19 outbreak, partially offset by corporate 
income tax payments deferred as a result of COVID-19.

ACQUISITIONS

The total cash spent on acquisitions in the year, net of cash 
acquired, was £479 million (2019: £478 million), comprising 
£480 million of bolt-on acquisitions and investments in associates 
and £24 million of contingent consideration relating to prior years’ 

1.  Contains no financial covenants.

36  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

The Group has continued to simplify its portfolio and has sold 50% 
of its interest in the Japanese Highways business during the year. 
The Group received £29 million (2019: £101 million) in respect of 
disposal proceeds net of exit costs.

At 30 September 2020, the Group has net assets and liabilities 
totalling £6 million classified as held for sale in relation to certain 
businesses as these disposals are highly probable and expected 
to be completed within 12 months.

FINANCIAL POSITION

Liquidity

The Group finances its operations through cash generated by the 
business and borrowings from a number of sources including the 
bank, the public and the private placement markets. The Group 
has developed long term relationships with a number of financial 
counterparties with the balance sheet strength and credit quality 
to provide credit facilities as required. The Group seeks to avoid a 
concentration of debt maturities in any one period to spread its 
refinancing risk. The maturity profile of the Group’s principal 
borrowings at 30 September 2020 shows that the average period 
to maturity is 4.6 years (2019: 5.4 years).

We have taken steps to strengthen the Group’s financial position. 
In March 2020, the Group qualified for and drew down £600 
million from the Bank of England’s Covid Corporate Financing 
Facility (CCFF) which was repaid in June. In April, we put in place 
an additional Revolving Credit Facility1 (RCF) of £800 million and 
as at 30 September 2020 had total undrawn committed credit 
facilities of £2,800 million. The £600 million CCFF limit remains 
available whilst the CCFF is open.

We have obtained a waiver of the leverage covenant test in our US 
Private Placement agreements for the September 2020 and 
March 2021 test dates. The interest cover covenant test has also 
been waived for September 2020 and reset at more than or equal 
to 3x on a six months proforma basis for March 2021. Finally, 
Standard & Poor reaffirmed our long term (A) and short term (A-1) 
credit ratings on 24 March (the outlook was changed to Negative) 

and Moody’s A3/P-2 long and short term credit ratings and Stable 
Outlook remain unchanged.

In May 2020, the Group completed a £1,972 million equity raise  
to strengthen the balance sheet and liquidity position, reducing 
leverage to deal with the challenging environment and ensure 
Compass remains resilient in the event of further negative 
developments in the pandemic. These measures will enable 
Compass to continue to invest in the business to support long term 
growth, ensuring it is well positioned for the eventual recovery. 

Proceeds from the equity raised were used to repay: £600 million 
of CCFF, £350 million of drawn credit facilities and £214 million 
maturing Commercial Paper. 

As of 30 September 2020, the Group had access to £4,787 
million in total liquidity, including £2,800 million in undrawn 
committed bank facilities (2019: £2,000 million), £600 million 
available in CCFF and £1,387 million in cash net of overdrafts. Our 
solid financial position will allow us to weather the crisis whilst 
continuing to invest in the business to strengthen our competitive 
advantages and support our long term growth prospects.

Net debt

The ratio of net debt to market capitalisation of £20,871 million at 
30 September 2020 was 14.4% (2019: 9.8%). 

Net debt decreased to £3,006 million (2019: £3,272 million) 
despite £995 million of net debt added on the adoption of IFRS 
16, offset by £1,972 million from the equity raise. The ratio of net 
debt to EBITDA was 2.1x. Our leverage policy is to maintain strong 
investment grade credit ratings and to target net debt to EBITDA 
in the range of 1x to 1.5x.

The Group generated £213 million of underlying free cash flow 
(2019: £1,247 million), including investing £706 million in net 
capital expenditure, and spent £450 million on acquisitions net of 
disposal proceeds. £427 million was paid in respect of the final 
dividend for the 2019 financial year. The remaining £47 million 
increase in net debt related predominantly to cash spent in 
relation to the cost action programme and resizing costs (£108 
million) partially offset by other non-cash movements and 
currency translation (£61 million).

Return on capital employed

Return on capital employed was 4.7% (2019: 19.5%) based on 
net underlying operating profit after tax at the underlying effective 
tax rate of 27.2% (2019: 23.3%). This decrease mainly reflects 
the impact of COVID-19 and a 30 bps decrease due to the 
implementation of IFRS 16. The average capital employed was 
£8,683 million (2019: £7,380 million).

FINANCING – MATURITY PROFILE OF PRINCIPAL BORROWINGS 
As at 30 September 2020 (£m)

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

2028

2029

308

300

250

250

232

454

454

680

272

309

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

US$ Private Placement

€ Bond

£ Bond

1.  Based on nominal value of borrowings in place as at 30 September 2020, converted at foreign exchange rates on the balance sheet date and maturing  

in the financial year ending 30 September.

2.  The average life of the Group’s principal borrowings is 4.6 years (2019: 5.4 years).

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  37 

Strategic ReportB U SINE SS  RE VIEW (CO NTINUED)

Post employment benefit obligations

Interest rate risk

As set out above, the Group has effective borrowings in a number 
of currencies and its policy is to ensure that, in the short term, it is 
not materially exposed to fluctuations in interest rates in its 
principal currencies. The Group implements this policy either by 
borrowing fixed rate debt or by using interest rate swaps so that 
the interest rates on at least 80% of the Group’s projected debt 
are fixed for one year. For the second and third year, interest rates 
are fixed within ranges of 30%-70% and 0%-40% respectively.

GROUP TAX POLICY

As a Group, we are committed to creating long term shareholder 
value through the responsible, sustainable and efficient delivery of 
our key business objectives. This will enable us to grow the 
business and make significant investments in the Group and its 
operations.

We therefore adopt an approach to tax that supports this strategy 
and also balances the various interests of our stakeholders 
including shareholders, governments, employees and the 
communities in which we operate. Our aim is to pursue a 
principled and sustainable tax strategy that has strong 
commercial merit and is aligned with our business strategy. We 
believe this will enhance shareholder value whilst protecting 
Compass’ reputation.

In doing so, we act in compliance with the relevant local and 
international laws and disclosure requirements, and we conduct 
an open and transparent relationship with the relevant tax 
authorities that fully complies with the Group’s Code of Business 
Conduct and Code of Ethics.

After many years of operations, the Group has numerous legacy 
subsidiaries across the world. Whilst some of these entities are 
incorporated in low tax territories, Compass does not seek to avoid 
tax through the use of tax havens. Details of the Group’s related 
undertakings are listed in note 36.

In an increasingly complex international corporate tax 
environment, a degree of tax risk and uncertainty is, however, 
inevitable. Tax risk can arise from differences in interpretation of 
regulations, but most significantly where governments apply 
diverging standards in assessing intragroup cross border 
transactions. This is the situation for many multinational 
organisations. We manage and control these risks in a proactive 
manner and, in doing so, exercise our judgement and seek 
appropriate advice from relevant professional firms. Tax risks are 
assessed as part of the Group’s formal governance process and 
are reviewed by the Board and the Audit Committee on a 
regular basis.

The Group has continued to review and monitor its pension 
obligations throughout the period, working closely with the 
trustees and actuaries of all schemes around the Group to ensure 
appropriate assumptions are used and adequate provision and 
contributions are made.

The Compass Group Pension Plan (UK) surplus of £441 million 
(2019: £448 million) and the deficit in the rest of the  
Group’s defined benefit pension schemes of £251 million  
(2019: £259 million) have remained relatively unchanged  
year on year.

The total pensions charge for defined contribution schemes in the 
year was £118 million (2019: £126 million) and £21 million 
(2019: £33 million) for defined benefit schemes.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

The Group manages its liquidity, foreign currency exposure and 
interest rate in accordance with the policies set out below.

The Group’s financial instruments comprise cash, borrowings, 
receivables and payables that are used to finance the Group’s 
operations. The Group also uses derivatives, principally interest 
rate swaps, forward currency contracts and cross currency swaps, 
to manage interest rate and currency risks arising from the 
Group’s operations. The Group does not trade in financial 
instruments. The Group’s treasury policies are designed to 
mitigate the impact of fluctuations in interest rates and exchange 
rates and to manage the Group’s financial risks. The Board 
approves any changes to the policies.

Foreign currency risk

The Group’s policy is to balance its principal projected cash flows 
by currency to actual or effective borrowings in the same 
currency. As currency cash flows are generated, they are used to 
service and repay debt in the same currency. Where necessary, to 
implement this policy, forward currency contracts and cross 
currency swaps are taken out which, when applied to the actual 
currency borrowings, convert these to the required currency. 

The borrowings in each currency can give rise to foreign exchange 
differences on translation into sterling. Where the borrowings are 
either less than, or equal to, the net investment in overseas 
operations, these exchange rate movements are treated as 
movements on reserves and recorded in the consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income rather than in the 
consolidated income statement.

Non-sterling earnings streams are translated at the average rate of 
exchange for the year. Fluctuations in exchange rates have given, 
and will continue to give, rise to translation differences. The Group 
is only partially protected from the impact of such differences 
through the matching of cash flows to currency borrowings.

38  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

The Board takes a proactive approach to risk management with 
the aim of protecting its employees and customers and 
safeguarding the interests of the Group, its shareholders, 
employees, clients, consumers and other stakeholders.

The principal risks and uncertainties that face the business and 
the activities the Group undertakes to mitigate these are set out 
on pages 41 to 49.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Details of transactions with related parties are set out in note 31  
of the consolidated financial statements. These transactions have 
not had, and are not expected to have, a material effect on the 
financial performance or position of the Group.

GOING CONCERN

The uncertainty as to the future impact on the financial 
performance and cash flows of the Group as a result of the recent 
COVID-19 outbreak has been considered as part of the Group’s 
adoption of the going concern basis in its financial statements. 
The factors considered by the directors in assessing the ability  
of the Group to continue as a going concern are included  
on page 182. 

The Group has access to considerable financial resources 
together with longer term contracts with a number of customers 
and suppliers across different geographic areas and industries. 
As a consequence, the directors believe that the Group is well 
placed to manage its business risks successfully during this period 
of uncertainty.

Based on the assessment discussed on page 182, the directors 
have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate 
resources to continue in operational existence for the 12 months 
from the date of approval of the financial statements. For this 
reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in 
preparing the financial statements.

VIABILITY STATEMENT 

In accordance with provision 31 of the UK Corporate Governance 
Code 2018, the directors have assessed the viability of the Group, 
taking into account the Group’s current position, the latest three 
year strategic plan, and the potential impact of the principal risks 
documented on pages 41 to 49. Based on this assessment, the 
directors confirm that 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 to 30 September 2023.

Group’s strategic planning process

The Board considers annually and on a rolling basis a three year, 
bottom up strategic plan. Current year business performance is 
reforecast during the year and a more detailed budget is prepared 
for the following year. The most recent financial plan was 
approved by the Board in September 2020 and subsequently 

updated in November 2020 in the light of the recent resumption 
of lockdowns in some of our major markets. The directors 
acknowledge the heightened uncertainty of the Group’s strategic 
plans in the current environment and as a result have considered 
a range of different scenarios. The plan is reviewed and approved 
by the Board, with involvement throughout from the Group CEO, 
Group CFO and the management team. Part of the Board’s role is 
to consider the appropriateness of key assumptions, considering 
the external environment, business strategy and model including 
the impact of COVID-19.

Period of assessment

The directors have determined that a three year period to 30 
September 2023 is an appropriate period over which to provide its 
viability statement. Having considered whether the assessment 
period of three years should be extended in light of COVID-19, it is 
the directors’ view that three years is an appropriate period given 
this is the period reviewed by the Board in its strategic planning 
process and is also aligned to the Group’s typical contract length 
(three to five years). The directors believe that this presents the 
Board and readers of the Annual Report with a reasonable degree 
of confidence over this longer term outlook.

Viability assessment and COVID-19 

In making this assessment, the Board carried out a robust 
evaluation of the principal risks facing the Group, including those 
that would threaten its business model, future performance, 
solvency or liquidity. The output of the strategic plan is used to 
perform a central debt and headroom profile analysis, which 
includes a review of sensitivity to ‘business as usual’ risks and 
severe but plausible events. It also considers the ability of the 
Group to raise finance and deploy capital. The results consider the 
availability and likely effectiveness of the mitigating actions that 
could be taken to avoid or reduce the impact or occurrence of the 
identified underlying risks.

While the review has considered all the principal risks identified  
by the Group, there was a focus on how the COVID-19 pandemic 
risk could impact the Group’s future financial performance and 
cash flows under different scenarios. As a result, COVID-19  
severe yet plausible downside sensitivities have been applied to 
the three year plan approved by the Board. These were based  
on the potential financial impact of the Group’s principal risks  
and uncertainties and the specific risks associated with the 
COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 downside sensitivities have been assumed to occur 
over the same three year period in order to assess the Group’s 
ability to withstand multiple challenges. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  39 

Strategic ReportB U SINE SS  RE VIEW (CO NTINUED)

In the three year plan approved by the Board, consistent with 
current trading patterns, the business that is closed is assumed to 
continue reopening in a phased manner and gradually recover. 
Given the three year plan is most sensitive to changes in the 
duration and severity of the impact of the pandemic, a prudent 
approach has been taken to stress test this three year plan with 
downside scenarios as explained below:

•  ‘additional global wave’ scenario: assumption that a further 

global wave of infections and government enforced restrictions 
occurs in financial year 2021 and lasts for a full quarter, with 
trading patterns and subsequent recovery mirroring that 
experienced during the first global wave. This scenario mirrors 
the experience of the first global wave experienced in all major 
markets at the same time

•  ‘prolonged downturn’ scenario: assumes that, after an 

additional global wave scenario, the number of sites open, 
occupation levels and volumes do not recover above 75% for 
the rest of the three year period

The impact of the COVID-19 downside scenarios has been reviewed 
against the Group’s projected liquidity headroom, credit ratings and 
financial covenants over the three year viability period. Should these 
scenarios occur, the Group continues to retain sufficient committed 
headroom on liquidity with mitigating actions it can deploy.

Mitigating actions were identified as the COVID-19 pandemic 
emerged as part of the contingency planning that the Group has 
been undertaking, which considered both feasibility and 
timeframe to execute. Mitigating actions available include, but are 
not limited to, reducing planned capital spend, resizing the cost 
base of the Group, reducing or pausing M&A activity, securing 
additional committed funding and reducing or pausing 
shareholder returns. During the current financial year, all such 
actions have been deployed as part of the Group’s response to 
COVID-19, along with the £1,972 million equity raise.

As the pandemic emerged, in order to strengthen the Group’s 
financial position in March 2020, the Group put in place an 
additional RCF of £800 million and obtained a £600 million limit 
under the CCFF. As at 30 September 2020 the Group had total 
undrawn committed credit facilities of £2,800 million, an 
unutilised £600 million CCFF limit, and £1,387 million cash  
net of overdrafts.

In May 2020, the Group completed a £1,972 million equity raise to 
strengthen the balance sheet and reduce leverage to deal with the 
challenging environment and ensure the Group remains resilient in 
the event of further negative developments in the pandemic. 

In the event that any of the downside scenarios modelled 
materialise and financial covenants on the Group’s US  
Private Placement (USPP) debt come under pressure, various 
alternatives exist to manage this risk including repaying the loan 
notes from available liquidity in advance of their maturity, 
negotiating further covenant waivers or refinancing the debt. 

40  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

The Group was successful in obtaining a waiver of the leverage 
covenant test in the USPP agreements for the September 2020 
and March 2021 test dates. The interest cover covenant was also 
waived for September 2020 and reset for March 2021.

Standard & Poor reaffirmed the Group’s long term (A) and short 
term (A-1) credit ratings on 24 March (the outlook was changed to 
Negative) and Moody’s A3/P-2 long and short term credit ratings 
and Stable Outlook remain unchanged.

The combination of strong investment grade credit ratings and a 
well established presence in the debt capital markets provide the 
directors with confidence that the Group could raise additional 
debt finance if required.

The geographical and sector diversification of the Group’s 
operations helps minimise the risk of serious business interruption 
or catastrophic damage to our reputation. Furthermore, the Group’s 
business model is structured so that the Group is not reliant on one 
particular group of clients or sector. The Group’s largest client 
constitutes only 2.7% of Group revenue and the Group’s top 10 
clients account for less than 11% of Group revenue. 

The Audit Committee reviews the output of the viability 
assessment in advance of final evaluation by the Board. Having 
reviewed the current performance, forecasts, debt servicing 
requirements, total facilities and risks, the Board has a reasonable 
expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in 
operation, meet its liabilities as they fall due and retain sufficient 
available cash across all three years of the assessment period. 

The Board therefore has a reasonable expectation that the Group 
will remain viable over the three year period of assessment. 

Karen Witts
Group Chief Financial Officer

24 November 2020

The Strategic Report, as set out on pages 1 to 69, has been 
approved by the Board.

On behalf of the Board

Alison Yapp
Group General Counsel and Company Secretary

24 November 2020

RI S K MA NAGEMENT

Identifying and managing risk

The Board continues to take a proactive approach to risk 
management, with the aim of protecting the Group’s  
employees and consumers and safeguarding the interests  
of the Company and its shareholders in what is a constantly 
changing environment.

Risk management is an essential element of business governance 
and, as set out in the Corporate Governance section, the  
Group has risk management processes in place, supported  
by policies and procedures to ensure that risks are properly 
identified, evaluated and managed at the appropriate level  
within the business. 

The identification of risks and opportunities, the development of 
action plans to manage the risks and maximise the opportunities, 
and the continual monitoring of progress against agreed key 
performance indicators (KPIs) are integral parts of the business 
process and core activities throughout the Group. 

In compliance with provision 28 of the UK Corporate Governance 
Code 2018, the Board has carried out a robust assessment of the 
Company’s emerging and principal risks. The paragraphs below 
set out the Board’s approach to assessing risk, the principal risks 
of the Company and the procedures in place to identify  
emerging risks. 

RISK GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK

The Group runs a formal risk management process, as part of 
which the Group’s principal risks (highlighted on pages 44 to 49) 
are assessed and prioritised, with the Board having overall 
responsibility for risk management. 

Risks are reviewed by country and regional leadership teams on 
an ongoing basis and are assessed to identify and document 
corresponding mitigating actions. Risk updates form an integral 
part of periodic management reviews and are also reviewed by 
other members of the Group’s senior leadership, the Group’s Risk 
Committee and the Regional/Group Governance Committees. 
Additional reviews are performed by Group Internal Audit. This 
bottom up and top down approach provides awareness and 
agreement on key risks facing the Group. 

A critical component of the risk review process is the dynamic 
identification of developing and emerging risks at a country, 
regional and global level. The findings of the risk reviews, 
including the principal risks and any developing trends, are 
reported to and considered by the Board twice a year. 

RISK APPETITE 

The Board interprets appetite for risk as the level of risk that the 
Company is willing to take in order to meet its strategic goals. The 
Board communicates its approach to and appetite for risk to the 
business through the strategy planning process and the internal 
risk governance and control frameworks. Through this process, 
there is a robust approach to risk assessment and mitigation, 

whilst maintaining sufficient flexibility to continue to promote the 
entrepreneurial spirit which supports the Company’s strategic 
priorities, including positioning the business for growth. Risk 
appetite, principal operational risks and risk assurance are 
discussed in further detail in the Audit Committee Report on 
pages 92 to 103. 

EMERGING RISKS

The Board has established processes for identifying emerging 
risks, and horizon scanning for risks that may arise over the 
medium to long term. Emerging and potential changes to the 
Group’s risk profile are identified through the Group’s risk 
governance frameworks and processes, and through direct 
feedback from management, including changing operating 
conditions, market and consumer trends. 

In respect of emerging risk, the Board is cognisant of structural 
changes in many of our markets, particularly in business and 
industry, where working practices are changing, which include an 
increase in working from home. This trend has been greatly 
accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and working habits and 
trends may not fully revert to their pre-COVID-19 position. In 
addition, office and other work sites may become smaller and 
more numerous. Furthermore, competition from online food 
vendors offering delivery services is an increasing trend, which 
may compete with our established premises in Business & 
Industry, Healthcare and Education. 

To mitigate the risk to the business of changes in consumer 
habits, we are adapting our service offering and evolving our 
strategy to meet the needs of our clients and consumers while 
continuing to create long term value. We are focused on 
innovation and have invested in technology, our supply chain and 
our ability to scale solutions that take advantage of emerging 
trends in the food service sector and ensure we continue to 
delight our existing and future clients and consumers. 

We perceive climate change as an emerging risk and foresee that 
it may have an impact on the Group’s operations, food sourcing 
and our supply chain in some of our markets. In turn, this could 
affect the availability of some food products, and potentially may 
lead to food cost inflation. To mitigate this risk, we will focus on 
evaluating our exposure to climate change, and will seek to 
identify potential future issues early so that our sourcing and 
operations can be adjusted, and our menus adapted 
appropriately. Climate change is important to us as a business 
and to our clients, and we will continue to work with our clients to 
propose, execute and measure solutions to support their efforts 
and ours in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

OUR PRINCIPAL RISKS

On pages 44 to 49 we set out the principal risks and uncertainties 
facing the business at the date of this Report and any changes to 
the status of these risks since 2019. These have been subject to 
robust assessment and review. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  41 

Strategic ReportR IS K MA NAGEMENT (C ONTINUED)

They do not comprise all of the risks that the Group may face and 
are not listed in any order of priority. Additional risks and 
uncertainties not presently known to management, or which are 
considered to be remote or are deemed to be less material at the 
date of this Report, may also have an adverse effect on the Group.

COVID-19 pandemic risk

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our priority has remained 
the health and safety of our employees and consumers and we 
continue to manage the business to protect the interests of all our 
stakeholders, including our shareholders, our people, clients, 
consumers and the communities in which we operate.

The Group’s operations have been significantly disrupted as a 
result of the rapid development and global impact of the 
pandemic. During the pandemic, much of our business has been 
closed, and sites that are open are operating with enhanced 
health and safety protocols and Personal Protective Equipment 
(PPE) requirements. The performance of our Business & Industry, 
Education and Sports & Leisure sectors has been particularly 
affected by containment and social distancing measures. 
Excluding Sports & Leisure, we have seen improvement, but we 
anticipate that changes to the market and consumer trends may 
require us to adapt some of our service offerings. 

We moved quickly to mitigate the disruption and our ability to 
adapt helped us to adjust our operations to the changed 
environment, implementing a wide range of actions to mitigate a 
risk to the business which continues to evolve.

Employees 
To try to protect as many jobs as possible and to facilitate 
mobilisation of the business at the appropriate time, steps have 
been taken to retain the skills and experience of our colleagues. 
Employees working in units that remain closed have, where 
possible, been redeployed to other sites where critical work is 
required e.g. in Healthcare and Education, and where this has not 
been possible, by the use of furlough according to local 
government support schemes and labour regulations. Our regions 
provide a variety of support mechanisms through employee 
assistance programmes and many have established funds and 
other mechanisms to support employees who face financial 
difficulties as a result of these actions. 

In line with local government and public health guidance, 
provisions are in place throughout our operations to safeguard the 
health and safety of employees globally, including travel 
restrictions, remote working and ensuring our operations are 
COVID-19 secure, to help prevent the spread of the virus. Where 
we are able to operate on site, we have stepped up our health and 
safety protocols to ensure our employees, clients and consumers 
remain safe. Additional measures to combat the spread of the 
virus will continue to operate in line with local government and 
public health guidance. 

42  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

Locally, there has been an increased focus on providing mental 
health awareness, stress management and resilience toolkits, 
whilst individual support has been provided through employee 
assistance programmes and our local People teams.  
We have also implemented a small number of employee retention 
arrangements for critical employees.

Profitability and liquidity 
We have implemented action plans to mitigate a significant 
proportion of our cost base in order to preserve the profitability 
and liquidity of the Group and we continue to review our cost base 
for additional savings. All non-business critical capital expenditure 
and M&A activity has been significantly reduced or paused. 

We reduced our cost base by taking a wide range of actions 
including: (i) limiting the use of variable forms of in unit labour 
(MAP 4) such as overtime, redeploying or furloughing much  
of the fixed element of our in unit labour; (ii) reducing in unit 
overheads (MAP 4) such as rent, rates and concession fees;  
and (iii) reducing salary, hours or furloughing above unit  
overhead (MAP 5) employees.

The Board decided not to recommend an interim or a final 
dividend for the year ended 30 September 2020 to preserve 
capital to ensure that the medium to long term interests  
of the Company are protected for the benefit of investors  
and other stakeholders. 

The Group proactively managed its working capital, applying for 
government support packages such as temporary wage subsidy 
schemes and tax payment deadline extensions where possible. 

In addition, a number of steps were taken to strengthen the 
Group’s liquidity and increase the resilience of our balance sheet:

•  in March, the Group obtained a £600 million limit under the 

Bank of England’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF). 
This was drawn down in March and repaid in June 

•  in April, we put in place an additional Revolving Credit Facility 

(RCF) of £800 million and, as at the date of this Report, we have 
total undrawn committed credit facilities of £2,800 million

•  in May, we obtained waivers of the leverage covenant test in our 
US Private Placement agreements for the September 2020 and 
March 2021 test dates. The interest cover covenant test has 
also been waived for September 2020 and reset at more than or 
equal to 3x on a six months proforma basis for March 2021
•  as announced on 19 May 2020, the Company raised £1,972 

million by way of an equity placing, subscription and retail offer

The Company has further strengthened its position by undertaking 
the following actions:

•  extending the maturity date on the Group’s £2,000 million RCF 
(£1,860 million expires in 2025 and £140 million expires in 2024) 
•  increasing the Company’s Commercial Paper programme from 
$2,000 million to $4,000 million and its Euro Medium Term 
Note programme from £4,000 million to £6,000 million

Together, these measures will ensure that we remain resilient in 
the event of further negative developments in the pandemic. The 
Board will continue to monitor the situation and to adjust the 
Company’s capital and liquidity strategy as appropriate to deal 
with the situation as it evolves.

Governance and operational effectiveness 
Robust incident management and business continuity plans were 
quickly implemented throughout our business to safeguard 
governance processes and operational effectiveness. Regional 
and country management, Group Executive Committee and Board 
meetings have been, and continue to be, conducted remotely 
(where necessary) on a more regular basis, to ensure that the 
Group is able to respond to any immediate or emerging concerns 
and to closely monitor the effectiveness of strategic measures. 
Special measures that were put in place as a short term response 
to counter the initial severity of the COVID-19 outbreak, including 
remote working, are still in operation where necessary and are 
working effectively. 

Before lockdown, we performed business continuity tests to 
ensure that our technology infrastructure could support the shift 
to mass working from home. We have accelerated the adoption of 
digital diagnostics and monitoring to reduce the possibility of an 
attack on our technology estate and we continue to closely 
monitor our infrastructure and any reliance we have on third 
parties to ensure continuity of business critical systems and 
processes.

Our people have been instrumental in the smooth transition to 
remote working. With support from our IT colleagues, we have 
quickly adapted to using videoconferencing and other forms of 
digital technology and, in the process, have demonstrated that we 
are able to work efficiently away from the office. 

As a result of these special measures, business usage of and 
reliance on the internet has risen, leading to a significant increase 
in the number of sophisticated malware and phishing attacks 
across all organisations. To mitigate the risk of these types of 
attacks, we have increased our awareness campaigns to help our 
employees be better equipped to identify these attacks. We are 
using the lessons learned from those exercises to target areas for 
improvement in our awareness campaigns. 

Planning for the unknown
The speed with which countries and their governments have 
responded to the threat of COVID-19 and the severity of the 
containment measures imposed arise from the complexity of the 
factors involved, which include devolved decision making at 
country and local government level, cultural issues and financial 
considerations. This has meant the rate at which communities 
and businesses are able to return to a level of normality is different 
not only at country, but also at local level. Because of this, it is 
difficult to predict when we will return to a pre-COVID normality. 
Experience has demonstrated that the full threat of the virus is not 
yet completely understood and that further outbreaks are leading 
to the re-introduction of the stricter measures that were in force in 
many of our markets in April and May. As a precautionary 

measure, to test our resilience and safeguard our resources, we 
are modelling on this basis and will continue to plan and evolve 
our strategy accordingly. 

Due to the unpredictable nature of the virus and the complexity of 
factors involved, we believe that the COVID-19 pandemic 
represents a principal risk to the Group. We have taken the 
lessons learned from our business response and have 
incorporated them into our risk management processes and 
procedures to mitigate the impact of this risk as far as possible in 
the event of further outbreaks of COVID-19, or another pandemic. 
With respect to managing the COVID-19 risk, we will continue to 
monitor recurrences of the virus, and will retain the ability to adapt 
our service offering, employ relevant health and safety 
precautions and deploy resources as necessary. Our prudent 
financial controls and robust modelling scenarios will assist us in 
accounting for this risk. 

Brexit

The impact of the UK’s decision to exit the European Union 
(Brexit) remains high on our agenda. The Board continues to view 
the potential impact of Brexit as an integral part of our principal 
risks rather than as a standalone risk. 

The UK has left the EU and remains in a period of transition until 
31 December 2020. The UK Government has made a number of 
announcements that could impact food and beverage costs from 
1 January 2021, including customs checks, tariffs and new 
immigration policies. We perceive the main risks as a potentially 
reduced range of fresh produce, increased costs and tariffs, and 
price increases in locally sourced produce in line with increased 
demand. In our risk mitigation planning we have sought to ensure 
that our key suppliers have the correct customs documentation in 
place for 1 January 2021, and have planned for increased stock 
holding and possible menu changes in case of delays in supply 
through UK ports. We retain our ability to adapt our menu 
planning and sourcing to mitigate the risk of supply chain issues 
arising from the impact of Brexit. The Board will continue to 
monitor the potential impact and the Company will take necessary 
mitigating actions as appropriate.

Other principal risks

The Group faces a number of operational risks on an ongoing 
basis such as litigation and financial (including liquidity and 
credit) risk and some wider risks, for example, environmental and 
reputational. Other than the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, 
the principal risks affecting the Group during the year were 
consistent with those reported in the 2019 Annual Report and in 
the 2020 half year results announcement. All risks disclosed in 
previous years can be found in the annual reports available on our 
website www.compass-group.com. We recognise that these risks 
remain important to the business and they are kept under regular 
review. However, we have focused the disclosures on pages 44 to 
49 on those risks that are currently considered to be more 
significant to the Group.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  43 

Strategic ReportP R INCI PAL RIS KS

Risk

Trend

Description

Mitigation

HEALTH AND SAFETY 

Pandemic 
COVID-19

2020
2019

1
2
3
4
5

The Group’s operations have been 
significantly disrupted as a result of the rapid 
global development of the COVID-19 
pandemic and associated containment 
initiatives. Further outbreaks of the virus, or 
another pandemic, could cause further 
business risk.

Where there is a COVID-19 impact on the 
other principal risks contained within this 
table, we have provided an explanation of 
what the impact is and the mitigations. 

Health and 
Safety 

2020
2019

1
2
3
4
5

Compass feeds millions of consumers and 
employs hundreds of thousands of people 
around the world every day. For that reason, 
setting the highest standards for food hygiene 
and safety is paramount.

Health and safety breaches could cause 
serious business interruption and could result 
in criminal and civil prosecution, increased 
costs and potential damage to our reputation.

COVID-19 
impacts

Appropriate measures must be adopted by 
societies and businesses to help prevent the 
spread of the virus.

Operations and working practices have been adjusted to 
retain the skills and experience of our colleagues and 
provide flexibility in the event of a resumption of social 
containment measures. 

To protect our employees, clients and consumers, 
enhanced health and safety protocols and Personal 
Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements and guidelines, 
hygiene requirements and site layout solutions have been 
adopted.

Careful management of the Group’s cost base and robust 
measures to protect the Group’s liquidity position have 
ensured that we remain resilient and well placed to take 
advantage of appropriate opportunities as they arise. 

Robust incident management and business continuity plans 
are in place and are being monitored for effectiveness and 
reviewed to reflect best practice. 

Management meetings throughout the Group feature a 
health and safety update as one of their first substantive 
agenda items.

Health and safety improvement KPIs are included in the 
annual bonus plans for each of the business’ management 
teams. The Group has policies, procedures and standards 
in place to ensure compliance with legal obligations and 
industry standards.

The safety and quality of our global supply chain are 
assured through compliance against a robust set of 
standards which are regularly reviewed, audited and 
upgraded as necessary to improve supply chain visibility 
and product integrity.

In 2020, we launched refreshed versions of the Group’s 
Global Safety Standards, Global Supply Chain Integrity 
standards and a new Global Allergen Management Plan.

In response to COVID-19, we have adopted enhanced 
health and safety protocols and hygiene measures in our 
sites and operations, which have been developed in 
consultation with expert advisors and with our clients. 

44  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
KEY

Link to

People

Performance

Purpose

Increased risk

Static risk

1
2
3
4
5

Client sales and marketing

Consumer sales and marketing

Cost of food

In unit costs

Above unit overheads

Risk

Trend

Description

Mitigation

PEOPLE

Recruitment

4
5

2020
2019

Failure to attract and recruit people with the 
right skills at all levels could limit the success 
of the Group. 

The Group faces resourcing challenges in 
some of its businesses in some key positions 
due to a lack of industry experience amongst 
candidates and appropriately qualified 
people, and the seasonal nature of some of 
our business.

The Group aims to mitigate this risk by efficient, time 
critical resource management, mobilisation of existing, 
experienced employees within the organisation, improved 
use of technology such as apps and social media, and by 
targeted recruitment, training and development 
programmes.

Retention 
and 
Motivation

2020
2019

Retaining and motivating the best people with 
the right skills, at all levels of the organisation, 
is key to the long term success of the Group.

The Group has established tools, training, development, 
performance management and reward programmes to help 
retain, develop, motivate and support our best people. 

4
5

The current economic conditions may 
increase the risk of attrition in critical senior 
management positions. 

COVID-19 
impacts

The closure of substantial parts of the 
business during the year had a significant 
impact on the Company’s workforce.

The Group has a number of well established initiatives, 
which help us to monitor the level of engagement and to 
respond to our people’s needs. Specifically, we have 
increased our local focus and employee support on mental 
health awareness, stress management and resilience, to 
better equip our people in times of uncertainty and change.

We employed a number of measures available to us to 
retain as many of our skilled workforce as possible, 
including redeployment and use of government furlough 
schemes.

CLIENTS AND CONSUMERS

Sales and 
Retention

2020
2019

Our business relies on securing and retaining 
a diverse range of clients.

We have strategies that strengthen our long term 
relationships with our clients and consumers based on 
quality, value and innovation. 

1
2

The potential loss of material client contracts 
in an increasingly competitive market is a risk 
to the business.

Our business model is structured so that we are not reliant 
on one particular sector or group of clients.

COVID-19 
impacts

Lower revenues may result from COVID-19 
restrictions due to reduced office attendance, 
closure of client sites and fewer site visitors.

We are using technology to support the delivery of 
efficiencies and to contribute to growth through, for 
example, cashierless and cashless payment systems and 
the use of artificial intelligence. This benefits our clients and 
consumers and positively impacts retention and new 
business wins. 

Compass continues to focus on financial security and 
safety. In today’s environment these are key strengths for 
our clients. 

Contracts may be renegotiated. We continue to focus on 
retention and new sales opportunities as clients move to 
outsource in-house catering, and increasing the use of 
technology and innovative client solutions such as cashless 
and cashierless payment systems and food delivery 
applications.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  45 

Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
P R INCI PAL RIS KS (CONTINUED)

Risk

Trend

Description

Mitigation

CLIENTS AND CONSUMERS

Bidding

1
2

2020
2019

Each year, the Group bids for a large number 
of opportunities.

A rigorous tender review process is in place, which includes 
a critical assessment of contracts to identify potential risks 
(including social and ethical) and rewards, prior to approval 
at an appropriate level in the organisation.

2020
2019

Service 
Delivery and 
Contractual 
Compliance

1
2

Competition 
and 
Disruption

2020
2019

1
2
3
4
5

The Group’s operating companies contract 
with a large number of clients. Failure to 
comply with the terms of these contracts, 
including proper delivery of services, could 
lead to the loss of business and/or claims.

Processes are in place to ensure that the services delivered 
to clients are of an appropriate standard and comply with 
the required contract terms and conditions.

We operate in a highly competitive 
marketplace. The levels of concentration and 
outsource penetration vary by country and by 
sector. Some markets are relatively 
concentrated with two or three key players. 
Others are highly fragmented and offer 
significant opportunities for consolidation and 
penetration of the self-operated market.

Structural changes in working and education 
environments may reduce the number of 
people in offices. 

The emergence of new industry participants 
using disruptive technology could adversely 
affect our business.

We aim to minimise this and to respond to new market and 
consumer food services trends by continuing to promote 
our differentiated propositions and by focusing on our 
strengths, such as flexibility in our cost base, quality, value 
of service and innovation.

We are using our knowledge and experience and continue 
to invest in technology which will help us to counter any 
potential risk and to capitalise on the opportunities created.

Compass continues to evolve its offer to increase 
participation rates and service sites of different sizes. 

COVID-19 
impacts

Numerous clients have been significantly 
impacted by COVID-19. Long term changes 
in working practices could affect service 
provision in some sectors.

The business is able to adapt to changes in the service 
provision environment, and leverage expertise and 
technology to mitigate the risk and where possible take 
advantage of changes in the market.

46  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
KEY

Link to

People

Performance

Purpose

Increased risk

Static risk

1
2
3
4
5

Client sales and marketing

Consumer sales and marketing

Cost of food

In unit costs

Above unit overheads

Risk

Trend

Description

Mitigation

ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT

2020
2019

Some sectors of our business could be 
susceptible to adverse changes in economic 
conditions and employment levels.

As part of our strategy, we are focused on productivity and 
purchasing initiatives which help us to manage our cost 
base. 

Continued worsening of economic conditions 
has increased the risk to the business in 
some jurisdictions.

During adverse conditions we can, if necessary, take 
actions to reduce labour costs.

The full extent of the financial impacts of 
COVID-19 on economies worldwide is as yet 
unknown. 

We have implemented action plans to protect the 
profitability and liquidity of the Group and mitigate a 
significant proportion of our cost base. We continue to 
review our cost base for additional savings.

2020
2019

Our objective is always to deliver the right 
level of service in the most efficient way. An 
increase in the cost of labour, for example, 
minimum wages in the USA and UK, or food, 
could constitute a risk to our ability to do this.

Increases in inflation continue to intensify 
cost pressures in some locations.

COVID-19 has disrupted inflation trends 
requiring inflation cost indexing to react to 
food supply chain and country labour 
changes. Near term inflation may be higher 
than historical averages.

We are a global business operating in 
countries and regions with diverse economic 
and political conditions. Our operations and 
earnings may be adversely affected by 
political or economic instability caused, 
for example, by the UK’s decision to leave 
the EU.

We have identified a potential impact on our 
food supply chain in the UK relating to Brexit 
through potential increased import costs 
from weaker sterling, compounded by 
potential new import duties and tariffs, and 
on our labour force from labour shortages 
and salary cost pressures.

Political instability around the world remains 
a risk as a result of continuing geopolitical 
tensions.

The stress placed on political systems to 
combat the social and economic impacts of 
COVID-19 may result in increased political 
instability in some regions. 

As part of our MAP framework and by sharing best practice 
across the Group, we seek to manage inflation by 
continuing to drive greater efficiencies through menu 
management, supplier rationalisation, labour scheduling 
and productivity, and with the increased use of technology. 
Cost indexation in our contracts also gives us the 
contractual right to review pricing with our clients.

We anticipate that our cost action programmes and 
continued oversight over supply chain costs will assist us in 
taking appropriate action to mitigate the risks in this area. 

The Group remains vigilant to future changes presented 
by emerging markets or fledgling administrations and we 
try to anticipate and contribute to important changes in 
public policy.

We are monitoring the change in the political landscape in 
the USA. We are taking actions to assess and mitigate 
against any impact of Brexit, including engaging with key 
suppliers and wholesalers to identify Brexit readiness, stock 
levels, labour strategies and remediation plans.

Where possible, we seek to absorb price increases through 
operational efficiencies, and cost indexation in our 
contracts also gives us the contractual right to review 
pricing with our clients.

We have in place recruitment and retention strategies to 
mitigate any impact on our labour supply.

We remain vigilant to changes in local jurisdictions and 
retain the flexibility to take appropriate mitigating action as 
necessary. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  47 

Economy

1
2
3
4
5

COVID-19 
impacts

Cost Inflation

3
4
5

COVID-19 
impacts

Political 
Stability

2020
2019

1
2
3
4
5

COVID-19 
impacts

Strategic Report 
 
 
P R INCI PAL RIS KS (CONTINUED)

Risk

Trend

Description

Mitigation

COMPLIANCE AND FRAUD

Compliance 
and Fraud

2020
2019

1
2
3
4
5

Ineffective compliance management with 
increasingly complex laws and regulations,  
or evidence of fraud, bribery and corruption 
could have an adverse effect on the Group’s 
reputation. It could also result in an adverse 
impact on the Group’s performance, and a 
reduction in the Company’s share price and/
or a loss of business. 

A failure to manage these risks could 
adversely impact the Group’s performance if 
significant financial penalties are levied or a 
criminal action or other litigation is brought 
against the Company or its directors.

COVID-19 
impacts

Companies face increased risk of fraud and 
corruption, both internally and externally,  
due to financial pressures and changes to 
ways of working.

The Group’s zero tolerance based Codes of Business 
Conduct and Ethics continue to govern all aspects of our 
relationships with our stakeholders. We operate a 
continuous improvement process as part of our Group’s 
Ethics and Compliance programme to enhance and 
strengthen our culture of compliance, sharing lessons 
learned with our regional and country management teams.

The Group undertakes a robust risk management 
assessment that helps properly identify major risks and 
ensures the internal control framework remains effective 
through regular monitoring, testing and review. Emerging 
regulatory and compliance risks are included in this process 
to enable visibility and planning to address them.

A strong culture of integrity is promoted through our Ethics 
and Compliance programme and our independently 
operated Speak Up helpline. All alleged breaches of the 
Codes, including any allegations of fraud, are investigated 
and dealt with appropriately.

Regulation and compliance risk is also considered as part of 
our annual business planning process.

As part of our ongoing process of continuous improvement, 
we have implemented a new Ethics and Compliance 
e-learning platform to provide increased engagement on 
key regulatory and compliance topics for our employees 
and to communicate our standards and expectations 
clearly. Internal Audit regularly reviews internal controls and 
analyses financial transactions to mitigate the risk of error 
or fraud.

48  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
KEY

Link to

People

Performance

Purpose

Increased risk

Static risk

1
2
3
4
5

Client sales and marketing

Consumer sales and marketing

Cost of food

In unit costs

Above unit overheads

Risk

Trend

Description

Mitigation

COMPLIANCE AND FRAUD

International 
Tax

2020
2019

3
5

The international corporate tax environment 
remains complex and an increase in audit 
activity from tax authorities means that the 
potential for tax uncertainties and disputes 
remains high. We note, in particular, the 
policy efforts being led by the EU and the 
OECD which may have a material impact on 
the taxation of all international businesses.

COVID-19 
impacts

Multiple initiatives to assist businesses have 
been introduced across tax jurisdictions in 
response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Information 
Systems and 
Technology 

2020
2019

1
2
3
4
5

The digital world creates increasing risk for 
global businesses including, but not limited 
to, technology failures, loss of confidential 
data and damage to brand reputation 
through, for example, the increased and 
instantaneous use of social media.

Disruption caused by the failure of key 
software applications, security controls or 
underlying infrastructure could delay day to 
day operations and management decision 
making.

The use of sophisticated phishing and 
malware attacks on businesses is rising with 
an increase in the number of companies 
suffering operational disruption and loss of 
data. 

COVID-19 
impacts

The increase in remote working has led to an 
increase in the risk of malware and phishing 
attacks across all organisations. 

As a Group, we seek to plan and manage our tax affairs 
efficiently in the jurisdictions in which we operate. In doing 
so, we act in compliance with relevant laws and disclosure 
requirements.

We manage and control these risks in a proactive manner 
and in doing so exercise our judgement and seek 
appropriate advice from reputable professional firms. Tax 
risks are assessed as part of the Group’s formal governance 
process and are reviewed by the Board and the Audit 
Committee on a regular basis.

We are proactively managing our tax arrangements in 
accordance with these various government led initiatives 
and ensure compliance is achieved by putting robust 
processes and controls in place, including third party 
support and review.

We continually assess our cyber risk and manage the 
maturity of our enterprise infrastructure, platforms and 
security controls to ensure we can effectively defend 
against any current or future cyber attacks.

We also have in place appropriate crisis management 
procedures to handle issues in the event of our defences 
being breached. This is supported by using industry 
standard tooling, experienced professionals and partners 
and regular compliance monitoring to evaluate and mitigate 
potential impacts. 

The Group relies on a variety of digital and technology 
platforms to manage and deliver services and communicate 
with our people, clients, consumers and suppliers. Our 
decentralised model and infrastructure help to mitigate 
propagation of attacks across the Group’s technology 
estate.

We continue to be focused on the need to maximise the 
effectiveness of our information systems and technology as 
a business enabler and have increased our investment in 
technology and people to strengthen our platforms and 
enhance our cyber security defences to mitigate the risk of 
technology failure and data loss.

We have implemented configuration changes to block 
phishing emails, increased awareness campaigns to help 
our people identify these types of attacks, and are targeting 
areas for further improvement in the development of our 
awareness campaigns.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  49 

Strategic Report 
 
LOREM IPSUMOur people

Our people are behind everything we do. During this unprecedented and 
intensely challenging year, many of our colleagues have been on the front 
line responding to the pandemic and have demonstrated exceptional 
resilience, creativity, optimism and care for one another, our clients 
and our communities.

Throughout this period, many sites have remained open and 
others have reopened gradually or have increased capacity at 
varying rates. We have led the way with our clients and 
government agencies in providing COVID secure workplaces 
through the provision of PPE to our people, redesigning 
workspaces, producing social distancing guidance, intensive 
cleaning and the introduction of technology solutions.

We recognise the importance of promoting positive mental health 
and wellbeing, ensuring our people, who may be concerned about 
issues such as finances, security, health and wellbeing, are 
supported at a time when they may have been disconnected from 
their usual support network. Many countries have developed 
initiatives locally which encourage colleagues to speak about 
mental health concerns and seek help where needed. See page 
52 for more information.

During these challenging and uncertain times, our local 
businesses continue to ensure that front line colleagues have 
been recognised for their exceptional commitment during this 
period. Initiatives such as Healthcare Heroes in the UK, Heroes 
Behind the Food and Service in the USA, and Compass Warriors in 
India spotlight individuals who live and breathe the Compass 
values through their exceptional hard work and dedication in the 
face of the many challenges at this time of crisis.

We are committed to supporting our people, our customers and 
the communities in which we operate, and the scale and diversity 
of our business has enabled us to take swift action in response to 
the spread of COVID-19.

We closely monitored the escalating situation as it evolved. The 
pandemic impacted our local businesses to different degrees and 
timescales, and we adapted our business practices to protect the 
interests of all our stakeholders. This involved putting systems in 
place to support the significant increase in remote working, as 
well as the redeployment of colleagues where required, to make 
sure we had the right people in the right place at the right time.  

For example, in Australia, some of our colleagues have been 
redeployed to design and distribute a fruit, vegetable and grocery 
essentials box range, supporting vulnerable families in remote 
communities. Also, colleagues in the UK business have taken on 
additional shifts within the Healthcare sector to meet increased 
demands on the health system. 

The US business has launched a flexible labour app (BENCH) and 
deployed workforce management capabilities across key markets 
to aid People functions and operational teams in ramping up 
resource planning in response to the varying demands across  
the businesses. 

Where operations have been at reduced capacity or unable to 
open and redeployment has not been possible, our businesses 
have made use of government wage subsidy schemes as 
appropriate, such as Kurzarbeit in Germany, the CJRS in the UK, 
Activité Partielle in France and the NOW Scheme in the 
Netherlands. Additionally, local support has been provided 
through employee assistance programmes and hardship funds.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  51 

Strategic Report 
P EOP L E REPORT

Supporting our people

Sarah Morris
Group Chief People Officer 

Our people are the foundation of our business, and the continued 
dedication and hard work of our colleagues around the world is 
what enables us to deliver world class service to our clients and 
consumers every day. 

The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has tested the 
strength, resilience and adaptability of our teams more than ever. 
Our overriding focus during these difficult times has been on the 
safety and wellbeing of our colleagues, many of whom have been 
on the front line.

Our people are our true differentiator, and during this challenging 
time we continued our commitment to hiring, developing and 
retaining a diverse pool of talent to ensure we have a truly 
engaged, high performing and fulfilled workforce, enabling us to 
deliver results and rebuild our business.

In early 2020, we completed the acquisition of Fazer Food 
Services, a renowned food catering business in the Nordics with 
similar priorities: a clear focus on food; outstanding customer 
service; and a commitment to people. The integration and  
training of 7,000 new colleagues during the pandemic has been 
achieved by regular engagement through pulse surveys and 
proactive communications.

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING

We launched our Commitments of Respect, Growth and Teamwork 
last year and we have been embedding these into the fabric of our 
business. We have a critical role to play in looking after the health 
and wellbeing of our colleagues, and, as part of our Commitments 
work, we are driving a culture of openness and acceptance of 
mental health issues. During the pandemic we worked hard to 
ensure our businesses had the tools and capabilities necessary to 
develop their own initiatives locally, which encourage colleagues to 
speak about mental health issues and seek help where needed. 

EXAMPLES OF ACTIVITIES DEVELOPED LOCALLY INCLUDE:

•  Argentina – the By Your Side programme helps colleagues to cope with uncertainty, 

 fear and anxiety by providing emotional support 

•  Australia – the Tastelife programme encompasses the #gotyourback campaign which 

aims to increase awareness around mental health and break down the stigma associated 
with not always being OK or asking for help

•  Brazil – the We’re Together campaign includes the provision of resources and activities 
related to employee engagement and wellbeing, such as an employee helpline, a virtual 
gym and regular feedback surveys

•  Canada – the just now initiative is a campaign with a dedicated website which provides 
our people and the communities we serve with resources on the issues that impact their 
overall wellbeing

•  Netherlands – support includes tools on health, job satisfaction and development ,  

as well as an intranet portal offering guidance for managers on how they can best help 
their people

•  UK – the You Matter campaign provides mental health awareness training for line 

managers, encouraging them to take time out for regular team check-in conversations, 
and regular wellbeing communications

PP O
U
S

R T

A

W

COMPASS GROUP 
MENTAL 
HEALTH

A

R

E

N
E
S
S

PREV E N T I O N

52  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

Compass Group Board

2020

33%2

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Our people’s unique backgrounds, experiences and abilities are  
at the heart of our vibrant workforce and reflect the diverse 
communities we operate in. Building diverse teams at all levels 
means creating inclusive environments for our colleagues, 
resulting in innovation and improved performance. 

We continue to progress the levels of female representation in  
our leadership team, supported by a number of talent 
development initiatives such as the Winning Operator Women 
programme in Europe.

Our objective is to promote diversity across the businesses and 
recognise the Board’s commitment to maintain at least 33% 
female representation on the Board, the Executive Committee and 
their direct reports, in line with the recommendations of the 
Hampton-Alexander Review, demonstrating our view that diversity 
of thought, experience and backgrounds are critical ingredients 
for our business.

36%

Last autumn, we launched our first Global Inclusion Index by 
2019
incorporating key inclusion questions into our engagement survey, 
2018
covering areas such as being treated fairly and with respect, 
welcoming ideas, embracing diversity and inclusion and valuing 
2017
people’s differences. The index helps us measure and monitor the 
impact of our diversity and inclusion strategy. Our survey findings 
are used in conjunction with qualitative data collected from 
Executive Committee
colleagues through discussions and listening groups.

27%

18%

42%

38%

2020
In 2020, we signed the Race at Work Charter, which has been 
designed to foster a commitment to improving outcomes for 
2019
ethnic minority employees in the workplace, and The Valuable 
2018
25%
500, putting disability on the business leadership agenda. We also 
continue to be a lead supporter of Women in Hospitality, Travel 
2017
and Leisure, are an active member of the 30% Club, whose global 
mission is to reach at least 30% representation of all women on all 
boards and C-suites globally, and remain proud signatories of the 
Global Leadership Team
UK’s Social Mobility Pledge. 
2020

38%

11%

FEMALE REPRESENTATION1

2019

2018

2017

Compass Group Board

Senior Management3

2020

2019

2018

2017

33%2

36%

27%

18%

2020

2019

2018

2017

Executive Committee

All Colleagues

31%

30%

28%

31%

27%

26%

24%

2020

2019

2018

2017

57%

57%

57%

55%

2020

2019

2018

2017

42%

38%

25%

11%

Global Leadership Team

2020

2019

2018

2017

38%

31%

30%

28%

Senior Management3
Notes:
1.  The percentages disclosed for 2020 are stated as at 30 September 2020.
2.  Female representation on the Board will revert to 36% when Paul Walsh steps down from the Board on 1 December 2020. 
2020
3.  Senior management is defined as our global leadership team and statutory directors of corporate entities whose financial information is consolidated in the Group’s 

31%

financial statements in this Annual Report. See page 158 for more details.

2019

27%

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  53 

26%

24%

All Colleagues

2018

2017

2020

2019

2018

2017

57%

57%

57%

55%

Strategic ReportP EOP L E REPORT (CO NTINUED)

Compass is uniquely positioned to effect real change in social 
mobility and our scale means that we have many opportunities for 
our people to advance. Australia’s Launch into Work programme 
(LiW) helps long term unemployed women, often from challenging 
social backgrounds. Through the initiative, participants receive 
training to achieve a hospitality qualification, before they are 
employed in one of our operations. In the Netherlands, the 
Compass Advance programme makes jobs available to people with 
a vulnerable position in the labour market, including individuals 
with disabilities and the long term unemployed. 

Across the business, we have invested in Unconscious Bias 
training, making training modules available to all our People 
teams. Our Japanese and US colleagues have taken these 
modules one step further and introduced face-to-face sessions 
with their leadership teams. 

We continue to strive for inclusive environments throughout the 
workplace, ensuring we foster a culture where everyone feels 
welcomed. We also remain committed to playing an active part 
in our local communities through our client partnerships and  
supplier relationships.

We have received recognition for our work in this area including 
Forbes Best Employers for Diversity 2020 in the USA and 
Excellence in Company Programs & Performance at the Women 
in Resources National Awards 2020, Australia.

54  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

Our diversity and inclusion strategy is set around a 
framework of three pillars: people, culture and 
community. These focus on our approach to 
managing our people, the inclusive culture we seek to 
create which enables all our people to thrive, and how 
we can leverage diversity and inclusion for wider 
impact in communities. Below are examples of 
initiatives in the business. 

PEOPLE

In Japan, we have set up a programme which supports 
the employment and retention of people with 
disabilities. This programme is aimed primarily at 
people with no prior working experience and at school 
leavers from independent support schools. The 
participants gain experience and confidence in their 
abilities by carrying out tasks in a real work 
environment, which leaves them better placed to find 
employment. 

CULTURE

We actively support Voluntary Colleague Network 
Groups which bring employees with different 
backgrounds, cultures and experiences together, 
focusing on a specific dimension of diversity. In the 
UK, we have set up three colleague networks – Pride 
in Food; Women in Food, and Within, a cultural 
diversity network. Across the Group, we have set up 
Diversity and Inclusion Action Councils (DIACs) which 
serve as action oriented advisory committees 
dedicated to championing the diversity and inclusion 
mission of Compass within our sectors. In the US, we 
have also introduced an Inclusion Ambassador 
programme, which acts as an extension of the DIACs 
to further promote diversity and inclusion at all levels 
of the business. The DIACs equip these ambassadors 
with diversity and inclusion messaging and content 
that helps reinforce a culture of inclusion across their 
region and within units. 

COMMUNITY

In Australia, we engage with over 40 Aboriginal and 
Torres Strait Islander business suppliers in our supply 
chain, which we partner with through Supply Nation, 
Australia’s leading supplier diversity organisation, of 
which we are a proud founding member. We continue 
to expand existing and new business relationships 
with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partners to 
grow strong, diverse and sustainable supply chain 
partnerships, through the opportunity to compete for 
business with us and our clients. Our spend with 
Supply Nation indigenous owned businesses has 
grown 180% on average per year since our 
membership began in 2009. 

HIGHLY ENGAGED EMPLOYEES

Our ambition is to be a company where our people feel valued and 
included and we do this through our three Compass 
Commitments. These outline to every person what they can 
expect when working for Compass – it’s our baseline that 
guarantees a positive experience:

Respect – we treat each other fairly and with respect

Growth – we have the opportunity to develop and progress

Teamwork – we work as part of a positive and caring team

Over a quarter of a million employees participated in our global 
engagement survey and rated “I enjoy the work that I do”, “I can 
be myself at work” and “we work together as a team to get the job 
done” highest. The survey identified that our people are eager to 
have more opportunities to develop their careers with the Group 
and that engagement is reasonably high, scoring 4.1 out of 5. 

The responses enabled us to create action plans at individual 
team, country, regional and Group level to embed our Compass 
Commitments and build more positive experiences for our people. 

We supplement our employee insight with local initiatives to share 
opinions and ideas (roundtables, pulse questionnaires, townhalls 
or formal reviews).

At the height of the pandemic, Ireena Vittal, our Designated 
Non-executive director (NED) for workforce engagement, hosted 
a number of online roundtables with employees from around the 

EMPLOYEE VOICE – A CONTINUOUS ENGAGEMENT LOOP

business. The outcomes of these discussions were shared with 
the Corporate Responsibility Committee and the Board, providing 
excellent real time insight on the learnings, challenges and 
opportunities faced by those involved.

The roundtables reinforced the outcomes from the global 
employee engagement survey and examined how our leaders 
have coped and inspired their people during the COVID-19 
pandemic, what has been learnt and the improvements that can 
be made as a result. 

The sessions highlighted our people’s pride in their contribution to 
the fight against COVID-19, the cross business engagement that 
has taken place, and the agility, dedication and resilience 
demonstrated by our people at every level in the organisation.

Our employees’ voices are considered as part of our strategic 
business planning and the ongoing development of our culture, 
and adjustments were made to local plans to reflect the new 
priorities and concerns due to COVID-19. The feedback included 
a heightened interest in employee health and safety, as well as 
increased concerns around job security. We responded by acting 
quickly on the issues that matter to our people, providing decisive 
leadership action, relevant and timely information and specific 
employee assistance interventions.

We will continue to run pulse surveys to enable insight tracking of 
employee voice and sentiment, with questions covering specific 
local context, broader employee confidence in our business as a 
result of COVID-19, and personal wellbeing.

Employee voice

Strategic business planning

Board oversight

GROUP GLOBAL  
& PULSE SURVEYS

DESIGNATED NED  
REVIEW

LOCAL 
ACTIVITIES

BUSINESS  
REVIEWS

CR  
COMMITTEE

EMPLOYEE 
ROUNDTABLES

DESIGNATED 
NED

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  55 

Strategic ReportWHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR WORKERS TO HAVE A 
VOICE?

Three reasons: they help amplify what the customer wants, 
they help articulate what they want and they help us remain 
grounded and local in a very global company. 

HOW DO YOU HELP RAISE THE VOICE OF 
EMPLOYEES IN COMPASS?

I hold discussions with people from across the business. 
This helps me get a sense of their morale, understand what  
is working well, what we should continue to do and what we 
can improve. Also, there is a great deal of variety across the 
teams and countries in terms of their lived experience and  
I have been able to get some great insights into our ways of 
working, our behaviours and how we can develop our people 
and our future leaders. 

HOW IMPORTANT HAS EMPLOYEE VOICE BEEN TO 
YOU IN 2020?

COVID-19 has created a black hole for many. These 
discussions have helped shed some light on what was 
working, what we needed to urgently change to make the 
lives of our teams better, and highlighted the people and 
areas to recognise and celebrate. 

P EOP L E REPORT (CO NTINUED)

ENGAGING WITH OUR PEOPLE

Ireena Vittal
Non-executive director 
Designated NED for workforce engagement

HOW DO THE VIEWS OF THE WORKFORCE HELP THE 
BOARD?

Happy clients come from happy team members. Our teams 
have a first hand sense of what is or is not working and what 
is evolving at our clients. They are the best way to get an 
insight into the future and also help us understand what is 
working well for our people.

RECOGNITION

We are pleased to have received external recognition during the 
year, including:

•  Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies 2020, Compass 

Group PLC 

•  Fortune Global 500 2020, Compass Group PLC
•  Forbes Best Employers for Diversity 2020, USA
•  Forbes Best Employers for New Grads 2020, USA
•  Forbes America’s Best-In-State Employers 2020 – North 

Carolina, USA

•  Best Recruiters D-A-CH 2019/2020 Awards, Austria
•  Training and Apprenticeship Award at the Public Sector 

Catering Awards, UK (Finalist)

•  Health & Wellbeing Award at the AMMA Industry Awards, 

Australia

56  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

LEADERSHIP AND LEARNING

We continue to invest in developing our leadership teams, so that 
they are equipped to lead the business through the recovery 
phase and to deliver sustainable results for the future.

We conduct external assessments for key leadership 
appointments and ran an intensive in person leadership 
development programme (Voyager) during 2019 to support our 
capability build. 

Our highly popular Asia Pacific The Art of Leadership programme, 
focused on the crucial leadership skills needed in challenging 
times such as: 

•  leading through uncertainty 
•  building resilience and endurance
•  effective communication
•  leading innovation
•  leading change
•  effective project management

Digital training

We continue to expand our digital training offering to extend our 
reach and support our people’s growth. In September 2020 alone, 
we onboarded 1,127 people globally to our new online flagship 
sales training programme.

Exceptional unit managers

Through our Leadership in Action programme, in the first half of 
2020, we trained a further 1,500 unit managers, and 100 trainers 
across 30 countries. The current climate has highlighted the value 
of the programme with unit teams continuing to create positive 
and safe working environments at the same time as providing the 
very best service to clients and consumers, while operating under 
exceptional circumstances. 

LOOKING AHEAD

The disruption caused by COVID-19 will continue to be felt 
throughout our business. We remain committed to supporting our 
people and the communities in which we operate so that we are 
able to face the future and achieve sustainable business 
outcomes together.

Our values guide our actions  
and behaviours

OPENNESS, TRUST AND 
INTEGRITY

We set the highest ethical and 
professional standards at all times. We 
want all our relationships to be based 
on honesty, respect, fairness and a 
commitment to open dialogue and 
transparency.

PASSION FOR QUALITY

We are passionate about delivering 
superior food and service and take 
pride in achieving this. We look to 
replicate success, learn from mistakes 
and develop the ideas, innovation and 
practices that will help us improve and 
lead our market.

WIN THROUGH TEAMWORK

We encourage individual ownership, but 
work as a team. We value the expertise, 
individuality and contribution of all 
colleagues, working in support of each 
other and readily sharing good practice 
in pursuit of shared goals.

RESPONSIBILITY

We take responsibility for our actions, 
individually and as a Group. Every day, 
everywhere, we look to make a positive 
contribution to the health and wellbeing 
of our customers, the communities we 
work in and the world we live in.

CAN-DO SAFELY

We take a positive and commercially 
aware ‘can-do’ approach to the 
opportunities and challenges we face; 
we always put safety first in everything 
we do.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  57 

Strategic ReportLO RE M I PS UM

LOREM IPSUMOur purpose

Our purpose is chiefly a social purpose: to keep our people and our 
consumers safe and healthy, while creating a positive impact for individuals, 
communities and the planet through targeted actions. Despite the 
COVID-19 pandemic – and certainly because of it – 2020 has been an 
incredibly busy year for our teams.

SAFETY HAS BEEN OUR UTMOST PRIORITY

We have worked tirelessly to introduce new measures and 
protocols to help protect our people and consumers from 
COVID-19. We have been working with our clients to make 
thousands of sites around the world COVID secure, facilitating 
social distancing and introducing enhanced hygiene measures.

We continue to take measures to protect our employees, not only 
from diseases such as COVID-19, but also from work related 
injuries and by adopting an increased focus on mental health. Our 
global Lost Time Incident Frequency Rate has improved by 42% 
since 2016.

In the UK, we joined 150 leading businesses and NGOs in signing 
a letter coordinated by the UN Global Compact. This calls for a 
socially just and green recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, 
considering the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Our UK 
business joined with the Roundtable on Sustainable Soya and 
EFECA (experts in sustainable forests and agriculture) to urge the 
UK government to do more against deforestation.

While the pandemic has seen some delays in climate change action 
in a number of markets, we remain committed to reducing our 
CO2 footprint and are preparing to set Science Based Targets to 
play our part in limiting global warming to 1.5°C.

CONTINUED FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY

NEXT STEPS

Looking ahead, we are focusing more closely on the priorities of 
food waste, our environmental impact – including climate change 
– and sourcing responsibly from more resilient and sustainable 
supply chains. In the following pages, you will read about the 
actions we have taken across the Group to implement our 
sustainability strategy, whilst at the same time helping to keep  
our people and consumers safe.

For a fuller account, please see our 2020 Sustainability Report 
which will be online at www.compass-group.com in January 2021.

During the pandemic our sustainability strategy focused more 
closely on specific priorities including supporting local 
communities, through diverting surplus food to those in need, and 
supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our people. 
Globally, we aim to halve food waste by 2030, and this 
commitment became increasingly important during the pandemic 
lockdowns, when we responded quickly to avoid food waste on a 
large scale, and help local communities, donating over 1,100 
tonnes of food, equivalent to more than two million meals, across 
some of our largest markets.

In spite of the disruption caused by the pandemic, we have 
continued to work on the other action platforms of our 
sustainability strategy and, during the year, Compass became 
a member of the World Business Council for Sustainable 
Development and we are involved in several food related 
workstreams to help transition to a more sustainable food system.

In the USA, we won a SEAL Environmental Initiative Award for  
our Carbon Foodprint tool, which is used to reduce carbon 
emissions, energy, water and waste in the kitchen, while 
identifying opportunities for chefs to redesign their menus to help 
lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  59 

Strategic ReportCorporate Responsibility Report

Federico Tonetti
Group Safety & Sustainability Director

2020 forced the world – and Compass Group – to adapt quickly to 
cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.

SUSTAINABILITY BENCHMARKS

Throughout the year, we have worked hard to deliver healthy, 
nutritious food while protecting the safety of essential workers, 
our people and our consumers. For our People report, see 
pages 51 to 57, and see page 62 for our update on safety.

In spite of the new challenges presented by COVID-19, we 
continue to uphold our environmental and social commitments. 
Our sustainability strategy centres on three important pillars:

Health and Wellbeing – staying healthy – in both mind and body 
– has been particularly important this year. We continue to focus 
on providing better nutritional choices and supporting mental 
health and wellbeing.

Environmental Game Changers – we are taking action to address 
our impact on the planet, including reducing food waste and 
increasing plant-based options in our menus. We remain 
committed to reducing single-use plastics, although usage 
increased this year due to temporary hygiene measures.

Better for the World – we are creating more resilience in our 
supply chain, focusing on responsible and sustainable sourcing, 
enriching the local communities in which we operate, and 
collaborating with external partners to maximise our 
positive impact.

These priorities were selected following a materiality assessment, 
which took the views of our stakeholders into account. We 
continue to gather this information across our stakeholder groups 
to ensure we remain up to date. See pages 28 and 29 for more 
information about how we engage with our diverse stakeholder 
groups. You can read in detail about our materiality assessment 
in our 2020 Sustainability Report which will be online at  
www.compass-group.com in January 2021.

60  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

INITIATIVES 

 
Our sustainability strategy is aligned with several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. See pages 68 and 69 for further 
information about our contribution to these goals. Since 2004, we have been committed to the UN Global Compact corporate 
responsibility initiative and its principles in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption. The Group also 
reports to sustainability indices, including the Carbon Disclosure Project (where in 2019 we ranked B in climate change and B- in forests 
and water) and EcoVadis. We also remain part of the FTSE4Good Index.

SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY

Health and Wellbeing

Environmental Game Changers

Better for the World

Nutrition, health and happiness  
at the heart of our value proposition

Targeted action where we can make  
an enhanced impact

Driving positive impact far  
beyond our business

Better nutrition choices

Food waste

Sourcing responsibly

Mental health

Single-use plastics

Enriching local communities

Healthy lifestyle

Plant-forward meals

Collaborating for big change

Safety culture

Turning safety from compliance to caring for each other

Safety leadership

Sharing learning

Simplification

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  61 

Strategic ReportC ORP ORATE RESPONSIBILITY REPORT (CONTINUED)

OUR RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK

SAFETY CULTURE

From January 2020, upon hearing initial reports of the outbreak of 
COVID-19 and its subsequent rapid spread around the world, like 
so many businesses, we acted quickly to safeguard our people, 
clients and consumers.

In every country in which we operate, crisis management teams 
were formed to introduce new processes and training to make our 
venues COVID-19 secure, or to work with clients to temporarily 
close sites when lockdowns were imposed. A comprehensive 
crisis management process was implemented to assess the 
situation and cascade urgent actions to keep our people and our 
consumers safe and updated.

Our food businesses have introduced a range of preventative 
measures, including the use of Personal Protective Equipment 
and protective screens, and have reduced the need to touch 
shared surfaces, for instance, by removing self-service food 
stations and enabling people to access menus on their phones. 
Similarly, new processes were introduced in our kitchens, keeping 
our people and our consumers safe through stringent hygiene 
measures and training.

Compass has a strong presence in medical facilities and care 
homes. In those environments, our teams are essential workers, 
working to help protect our most vulnerable citizens. Every day, 
they play a vital role in keeping these facilities clean and in feeding 
the patients and front line workers battling the virus. Our cleaning 
businesses across all sectors have also implemented new deep 
cleaning regimes, helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by 
thoroughly and repeatedly disinfecting client sites.

Our people are playing a central role during the pandemic, 
carrying out key worker roles and supporting communities across 
the world. Among our people, we have many unsung heroes.

Every single day, our people serve millions of consumers, 
and keeping everyone safe is our top priority.

The pandemic has reinforced the critical importance of our strong 
safety culture – it has been key to our success.

Personal safety

Keeping our people and consumers safe is our utmost priority. 
As client sites reopened, we have worked closely with them to 
implement strict protocols for both pre-opening and reopening, 
reducing person to person contact and supporting good hygiene 
practice.

•  our clients in Asia Pacific were the first to begin returning to 
work. In March 2020, our Australian business launched Safe 
Sphere, an audited certification scheme that helps a site to 
meet a set of stringent COVID-19 safety standards and to 
reopen following a lockdown. Safe Sphere also supports the 
introduction of new culinary services, such as low contact grab 
and go meal solutions

•  our digital team in India devised Café Pass, an app that allows 
consumers to check how busy their staff restaurant is and to 
order a meal to be picked up or delivered to their desk. The app 
also reduced indirect contact by replacing paper menus and 
reducing the need to handle cash and cards

•  Compass Group Norway was awarded Shell’s Goal Zero Hero in 

May 2020 in recognition of their efforts to help safeguard 
workers from COVID-19 on Shell’s sites. They cited Compass’ 
focus on safety, and our ability to transition quickly and work 
effectively, despite demanding conditions

GLOBAL LOST TIME 
INCIDENT FREQUENCY 
RATE

-42%

(since 2016)

GLOBAL LOST  
TIME INCIDENTS 

-50%

(since 2016)

5

4

3

2

1

0

7
3
4

.

7
6
3

.

4
0
3

.

1
9
2

.

5
5
5
5
2
2

.
.

16

17

18

19

20

5000

4000

3000

2000

1000

0

7
6
1
4

,

8
2
5
3

,

3
7
9
2

,

6
6
7
2

,

0
0
9
9
0
0
2
2

,
,

16

17

18

19

20

62  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

Food safety

Sharing learning

To respond to the pandemic, we created a global crisis 
management team, led by our Group Safety & Sustainability 
Director, and including representation from each of our regions. 
Between February and May 2020, this group met twice a week 
virtually to ensure that good ideas and best practices were shared 
quickly between our health and safety leads. In each region, 
similar teams were formed to manage the situation at a local level.

In February 2020, the UK government contracted with us to help 
create one of the first quarantine centres in the country. We 
worked with the NHS and Public Health England to transform 
Kents Hill Park conference centre into safe and secure 
accommodation. We introduced a zoning system to separate food 
teams from medical teams and worked with the NHS team on 
infection control. Our approach was shared so that others could 
follow our lead.

Food supply chains are increasingly global and complex, but the 
unprecedented events of 2020 underlined how important 
transparency and agility are in reducing vulnerability and 
increasing resilience. We aim to redefine and streamline our 
supply chains, working with a smaller number of trusted partners, 
and, where possible, prioritising domestic supply chains.

•  in 2020, we launched a simplified, more user friendly version  
of our Global Supply Chain Integrity standards, a robust risk 
based framework which drives consistency of approach in the 
sourcing of safe and authentic food from approved vendors
•  we also launched our first Global Allergen Management Plan, 
which sets out the minimum required standards within our  
own operations and supply chain, aimed at reducing any 
allergen related incidents, however minor

Both sets of standards are being rolled out in 2021 across our 
businesses, together with an overarching set of refreshed 
operational safety standards and behaviours, through a 
programme of validated self assessment.

GLOBAL FOOD SAFETY  
INCIDENT RATE

GLOBAL FOOD SAFETY  
INCIDENTS

-43%

(since 2016)

-42%

(since 2016)

0.40

0.35

0.30

0.25

0.20

0.15

0.10

0.05

0.00

7
3
0

.

2
3
0

.

4
2
0

.

2
2
0

.

1
1
2
2
0
0

.
.

16

17

18

19

20

2000

1500

1000

500

0

8
8
7
1

,

4
8
6
1

,

3
7
4
1

,

9
3
4
1

,

0
0
3
3
0
0
1
1

,
,

16

17

18

19

20

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  63 

Strategic ReportC ORP ORATE RESPONSIBILITY REPORT (CONTINUED)

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Mental health

Compass is dedicated to helping people live  
healthier, happier and more productive lives.  
We want to make it easier for consumers and our 
employees to make better choices.

The pandemic has made safeguarding the mental health of our 
people more important than ever. We aim to provide supportive 
workplaces, helping our people to identify and address stress, 
anxiety and depression.

Our teams of nutritionists and dieticians across our businesses 
work hard to make sure we serve healthy food, and we also focus 
on promoting good mental health and healthier lifestyles. This has 
been especially important during the pandemic. We have 
continued to find ways to support clients to promote good health, 
as well as to help our people and our consumers to maintain their 
physical health and mental wellbeing.

•  our Viva Bem initiative was launched in Brazil in June 2020, and 
provides free emotional support to employees working on the 
frontlines of the pandemic, as well as their immediate families. 
In its first three months, 126 confidential consultations with 
psychologists took place

•  our #gotyourback campaign in Australia also helped our people 

to open up about their mental health

•  in the UK, we created The Super Yummy Kitchen, teaming up 
with CBBC Chef and LEON co-founder Allegra McEvedy MBE, 
for fun and educational online cook-along videos and recipes 
for children during lockdown

•  in Ireland, we introduced regular online activities to support the 

mental and physical health of our people at home (such as 
meditation sessions, coffee catch ups, virtual tours of museums 
and zoos, and even support in learning a new language)
•  in the USA, we transitioned our live wellbeing initiatives  
online, developing our Eat Live Do Well website into a  
virtual ‘wellness hub’. This offers visitors weekly blog posts, 
including a COVID-specific series on topics such as preparing 
for quarantine, food safety, supporting loved ones and 
boosting immunity

Better nutritional choices

We are promoting the EAT Forum’s planetary health diet across 
our global businesses, encouraging consumers and employees to 
eat food that is better for people and the planet. We help people to 
access more plant-based foods and encourage them to eat less 
foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar. We use communication 
boards to help convey messages on balanced diets and the 
importance of healthy eating, and arrange food and drink in a way 
that nudges consumers towards the healthier options.

64  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

•  our pilots in the UK and Australia continued with MediBio, the 

world’s first biometric mental health management programme. 
Their wearable device tracks mental health biometrics and 
suggests personalised, proactive strategies to improve mental 
health, which includes offering a telephone consultation with a 
qualified psychologist

More examples of our initiatives can be found in the People report 
on page 52.

Healthier lifestyles

Throughout the year, we ran numerous online initiatives to 
encourage consumers to adopt healthier habits. In Colombia, for 
example, our VIVE SANO programme ran over 1,660 educational 
and nutritional activities at 175 food sites, impacting more than 
231,000 people.

ENVIRONMENTAL GAME CHANGERS

Food waste and beyond

We concentrate our efforts on where we can have the 
greatest positive impact on the global food system and 
environment.

According to the UN, approximately one third of all food produced 
each year is wasted. We aim to reduce food waste by 50%  
by 2030.

In order to reduce our impact on the environment, our focus in 
2020 has been on food waste and plant-forward meals. Due to 
employee and consumer concerns regarding hygiene and safety 
during the pandemic, demand for disposables has temporarily 
increased. Despite this, we remain committed to removing 
unnecessary single-use plastics in the long term, and work with 
clients to source more environmentally friendly options and 
encourage recycling wherever possible.

We use a number of energy management systems to monitor and 
reduce our environmental impact, and we also work together with 
clients to improve efficiency at their sites through guidance 
documents such as our Environmental Toolkit.

•  our award-winning Carbon Foodprint tool is helping units in 

the USA to reduce their carbon emissions, water use and waste. 
As well as smart analysis, it offers simple tips, like substituting 
ingredients with a lower carbon footprint and using more energy 
efficient equipment

•  in some of our restaurants in the Nordics, we calculate the 

carbon footprint of each meal and provide that information to 
our consumers to help them make informed choices and 
consider the environmental impact of their meal

In 2017, we founded the annual Stop Food Waste Day, which 
reaches millions of consumers around the world, encouraging 
them to adopt more sustainable behaviours. Due to the  
pandemic, this year our Stop Food Waste Day was smaller, 
however diverting surplus food for distribution became 
increasingly important.

•  in Canada, in only three months we rescued 15 tonnes of food, 
supported over 55 community organisations, and prevented 
310 tonnes of greenhouse gases

•  technology, such as ORCA (to convert food waste into a safe 
liquid for discharge) in Kazakhstan, and Waste Not™ 2.0 
(our proprietary, cloud-based waste tracking programme)  
in the USA, is helping to reduce waste daily

Plant-based goes mainstream

Eating less meat is generally agreed to be better for our bodies 
and for the planet, and our consumers and clients are demanding 
more plant-based choices and meat alternatives. We are helping 
to raise awareness of the impact of eating less meat, and partner 
with EAT to explore ways to transform our global food system. We 
are offering more delicious vegan and plant-forward options for 
consumers, and helping our chefs and clients to incorporate 
plant-based meals into their menus, as well as bring them to 
consumers in innovative ways to encourage greater take up of 
these options.

•  over the last three years, Compass has worked to support 
Google to reduce the carbon emissions of the food served 
through plant-forward innovations. A multi-tiered training 
programme, SEED (Skills, Enrichment, Evolution and 
Development), was created to train culinary teams to make 
delicious plant-forward food through rebalancing meat and 
vegetables and educate about the impact of plant-forward 
eating on nutrition and health. Culinarians make plant-forward 
food flavourful and use choice architecture techniques such 
as visibility and placement to nudge toward healthier, 
lower carbon menu options

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  65 

Strategic ReportC ORP ORATE RESPONSIBILITY REPORT (CONTINUED)

Climate change

GREENHOUSE GAS INTENSITY RATIO

In line with the 2015 Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 
1.5°C, last year we committed to setting a Science Based Target 
to reduce our carbon footprint. We continue to work with our 
teams around the world on this and will communicate our targets 
and action plans in due course.

We are monitoring energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions of 
our owned and operated sites across 27 countries, which 
represent 97% of Group revenues. This year, our global Scope 1 
and Scope 2 emissions decreased significantly compared to the 
financial year ended 30 September 2019 as a result of site 
closures due to the widespread lockdowns in many of the 
countries in which we operate.

10

8

6

4

2

0

1
9

.

5
5
7
7

.
.

7
6

.

0
6

.

3
6

.

16

17

18

19

20

STREAMLINED ENERGY & CARBON REPORTING DISCLOSURE

Global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions for the period 1 October 2019 to 30 September 2020.

Current reporting year 2019-2020

  Previous reporting year 2018-2019

UK and Offshore

Global

Global

Scope 1 – Emissions from the combustion of fuel or the operation of 
any facility including fugitive emissions from refrigerants use / tCO2e
Scope 2 – Emissions resulting from the purchase of electricity, heat, 
steam or cooling (location based) / tCO2e
Total gross emissions / tCO2e
tCO2e per million £ turnover
Energy consumption used to calculate above emissions /kWh

5,912

106,047  

3,300
9,212 
6.1
41,968,394 

39,703  
145,750   
7.5  
556,869,904   

174,627

45,875
220,502
9.1
n/a

Methodology

Compass Group PLC is required to report its global and UK 
energy use and carbon emissions in accordance with the 
Companies (Directors’ Report) and Limited Liability 
Partnerships (Energy and Carbon Report) Regulations 2018. 
The data detailed in these tables represent emissions and 
energy use for which Compass Group PLC is responsible 
and is incorporated by reference in the Directors’ Report  
on pages 70 to 161.

To calculate our Group emissions, we have used the main 
requirements of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate 
Standard along with the UK Government GHG Conversion 
Factors for Company Reporting 2019. The scope and 
methodology of our reporting changed in 2019, therefore 

previous years’ data is not comparable on a like for like basis. 
This year, we expanded our reporting boundaries to include 
two additional countries, representing in total 97% of Group 
revenues, compared to 96% in 2019.

Energy efficiency

We are continuously seeking to improve operational efficiency. 
In the UK, we developed an environment toolkit, mandatory for 
all sites, to help reduce our environmental impact across 
energy, transport, water, materials, pollution and waste. The 
toolkit allows us to comply with environmental legislation, 
support clients with their environmental activities and reduce 
operational costs. Through the use of the toolkit we require 
that energy intensive machinery and kitchen equipment are 
used efficiently on site.

66  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
BETTER FOR THE WORLD

Using the scale and scope of our business, we aim  
to have a positive impact on the world. We support 
thousands of local communities and suppliers,  
as well as hundreds of partners alongside our clients.

Our global supply chain integrity requirements and Code of 
Business Conduct ensure that we partner only with suppliers who 
meet our high standards. Supporting local suppliers and communities 
has been especially important during the pandemic, with many 
small businesses and families facing financial difficulties.

•  during lockdown in India, we created the platform, 

#letsfeedtogether, working with clients, consumers, partner 
kitchens, government authorities and NGOs to provide over 
three million meals for underprivileged people

•  in Canada, we offer free job training through the Gather Culinary 
Academy. This provides people dealing with poverty, mental 
health issues or addiction an opportunity to learn new skills in 
the kitchen, supporting their re-entry into the workplace

Responsible sourcing

We purchase thousands of food and drink items every day and 
recognise the importance of having a value chain that is resilient 
and operates responsibly. We work with clients to help drive 
positive change in several priority areas, including the increased 
use of certified sustainable seafood, and fairly-traded tea and 
coffee. In the UK, we use the Supplier Ethical Data Exchange 
(SEDEX) to assess, track and share information on our suppliers in 
the areas of social compliance and human rights topics and 
remain committed to rolling out SEDEX across several other 
countries in the Group.

•  we have been assessed by the Business Benchmark on Farm 
Animal Welfare (BBFAW) since its inception in 2012 and are 
pleased to have maintained our Tier 3 ranking in their latest report. 
By 2025, we aim to be using 100% cage-free shell eggs and liquid 
egg products globally. In North America and Europe, we remain 
committed to achieving higher welfare standards for 100% of 
the chicken meat we source by 2024 and 2026 respectively
•  the palm oil used to prepare food in our kitchens will be 100% 
certified sustainable from physical sources by 2022. We are 
active members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil and 
the Round Table on Responsible Soy and are committed to 
preventing the deforestation and desertification of the planet

Supporting local suppliers

The pandemic has reminded us of the importance of having strong, 
trusted relationships with fewer suppliers, who are as local to us 
as possible. We continually work to increase the resilience of our 
supply chain and enhance the livelihoods in our communities by 
offering delicious food to our consumers using local produce. By the 
end of 2020, for example, Compass Group USA aimed to purchase 
20% of produce from local sources. We achieved our target early 
– by the end of summer 2019 – and contribute more than 
US$75.5 million annually to American family farms.

Empowering employees for change

We offer training and employment opportunities to disadvantaged 
people within our communities, such as indigenous people or 
people with disabilities, and we encourage our employees to get 
involved. In Australia, for example, we exceeded our goal of 
employing an additional 1,050 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait 
Islander jobseekers by the end of 2020.

Human rights

We have been working on strengthening our human rights across 
our businesses with a global cross functional human rights 
working group formed to analyse, share and implement human 
rights policies and procedures. In June 2020, we launched our 
new Human Rights Policy which is available on our website. We 
carried out workshops and training for over 200 of our people in 
multiple countries, and this continues to be an area of focus for 
our businesses globally. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  67 

Strategic ReportC ORP ORATE RESPONSIBILITY REPORT (CONTINUED)

  Sustainable Development Goal and indicator

Our contribution 

  2.1 End hunger and ensure access to safe, 

nutritious and sufficient food

2.4 Ensure sustainable food production 
and resilient agriculture

We spend billions of pounds on food each year, and help our local 
communities to tackle food insecurity by donating surplus food through 
donation programmes. This has been especially important during pandemic 
lockdowns, when we have taken fast action to avoid tonnes of food waste, 
benefiting thousands of families.

We encourage local sourcing. In the USA, we surpassed our target of 
purchasing 20% of our produce from local sources, meaning we contribute 
more than US$75.5 million annually to American family farms.

We encourage sustainable agricultural practices through initiatives like Farm 
to Fork in the USA, and our award-winning Buy Social Corporate programme 
in the UK. 100% of our shell eggs and liquid egg products will be cage-free by 
2025, and 100% of our chicken in North America and Europe will meet the 
highest welfare standards by 2024 and 2026 respectively.

The pandemic and accompanying quarantines and lockdowns have raised the 
prioritisation of safeguarding mental health. For example, we have run 
campaigns to open up the conversation about mental health, and offered free 
consultations with psychologists to employees working on the front lines of the 
COVID-19 pandemic and their immediate families.

We also remain committed to supporting our employees and consumers to 
live a balanced lifestyle through wellbeing and nutrition initiatives, such as 
providing online cooking demos and virtual ‘wellness hubs’. 

We want to empower women to work with Compass. For us, this means 
investing in our female colleagues through development and training 
schemes, as well as encouraging female led suppliers. We are also a lead 
supporter of WiHTL, a cross industry initiative dedicated to increasing 
women’s representation in leadership positions across the hospitality, travel 
and leisure sectors.

Our people are crucial to our business success. We work with local 
communities across the globe to offer fair and safe employment and 
promising career opportunities.

To promote work for all, we run diversity and inclusion programmes and action 
councils and provide skills training to disadvantaged people in our 
communities. We also work hard throughout our operations and with our 
suppliers to address any human rights and modern slavery risks, conducting 
audits and providing training. 

  3.4 Reduce premature mortality through 
prevention and treatment and promote 
mental health and wellbeing

  5.5 Ensure women’s full and effective 

participation and equal opportunities for 
leadership at all levels of decision making

  8.5 Achieve full and productive 

employment and decent work for all 
women and men, including for young 
people and persons with disabilities,  
and equal pay for work of equal value

8.7 Take active measures to eradicate 
forced labour, end modern slavery and 
human trafficking and end child labour in 
all its forms

8.8 Protect labour rights and promote  
safe and secure working environments for 
all workers

68  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Sustainable Development Goal and indicator

Our contribution 

  12.3 Halve per capita global food waste 

by 2030

12.5 Reduce waste generation through 
prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse

12.6 Adopt sustainable practices and 
integrate sustainability information 
into reporting

  13.3 Improve capacity on climate change 

mitigation, adaptation and impact 
reduction

We are actively reducing food waste through measurement and targeted 
actions in every region. In 2020, Compass Group joined the US Food Loss and 
Waste Champions to commit to reducing food waste by 50% by 2030.

We use environmental management systems at client sites, as well as 
education and toolkits to help reduce waste through prevention, recycling and 
reuse. In 2019, we launched our comprehensive sustainability reporting 
system, gathering thousands of data points across our business to measure 
and report on our sustainability efforts.

We are preparing to set Science Based Targets to do our part in limiting global 
warming to 1.5°C.

We are working hard to reduce our indirect (Scope 3) greenhouse gas 
emissions through reducing food waste and increasing plant-based diets. In 
the USA, we won a SEAL Environmental Initiative Award for our Carbon 
Foodprint tool to help reduce carbon emissions, water and waste.

  14.1 Prevent and reduce marine pollution

14.C Enhance the conservation  
and sustainable use of oceans and 
their resources

Due to employee and consumer concerns regarding hygiene and safety 
during the pandemic, demand for single-use plastics has temporarily 
increased. However, we remain committed to eliminating unnecessary 
disposables, which could otherwise make their way into the oceans.

  15.1 Ensure the sustainable use  

of terrestrial and inland freshwater 
ecosystems

15.2 Promote the implementation of 
sustainable management of all types  
of forests, halt deforestation

  17.16 Enhance the global partnership for 
sustainable development, complemented 
by multi stakeholder partnerships that 
mobilise and share knowledge, expertise, 
technology and financial resources, to 
support the achievement of the goals

Our goal is for 50% of our fish and seafood to be certified sustainable. We 
continue to promote sustainable and responsibly sourced seafood and have a 
number of restaurants certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship 
Council. Our policy is not to serve fish from the Marine Conservation Society  
‘fish to avoid’ list.

Throughout our global supply chain, we are working to ensure we source our 
food and non-food products in a sustainable way, with the least possible 
impact on the environment. We are a member of the Round Table on 
Responsible Soy and the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil. We are also 
increasing our certified sustainable palm oil purchasing, in order to help 
prevent deforestation and encourage sustainable environmental practices 
from farm to fork. The palm oil used to prepare food in our kitchens will be 
100% certified sustainable from physical sources by 2022.

We want to help address some of the biggest global challenges today. As a 
responsible business, we understand the importance of partnering with our 
clients, suppliers, NGOs and other stakeholders to improve our impact.

In 2019, we joined the World Business Council for Sustainable Development 
and are involved in several food related workstreams. In the UK, we joined 
partners in calling for a socially just and green pandemic recovery, and greater 
action on deforestation. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  69 

Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GOV E RNA NCE AND DIRECTO RS’ REPORT

Board of Directors 

1

4

2

5

3

6

1
2
3
4
5
6

Paul Walsh, Chairman
Dominic Blakemore, Group Chief Executive Officer 
Gary Green, Group Chief Operating Officer, North America
Carol Arrowsmith, Non-executive director
Stefan Bomhard, Non-executive director
John Bryant, Non-executive director

70  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

Karen Witts, Group Chief Financial Officer
Ian Meakins, Non-executive director/Chairman elect
John Bason, Senior Independent Director

7
8
9
10 Anne-Francoise Nesmes, Non-executive director
11 Nelson Silva, Non-executive director
12 Ireena Vittal, Non-executive director, and Designated NED  

for workforce engagement

13 Alison Yapp, Group General Counsel and Company Secretary

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  71 

 
GOV E RNA NCE AND DIRECTO RS’ REPORT (CONTINUE D)

GARY GREEN
Group Chief Operating Officer,  
North America (COO)

E G

Joined the Board in January 2007. Appointed 
Group Chief Operating Officer, North America 
in April 2012.
Key skills and competencies
Gary brings strong business and operational 
leadership as well as business development 
and wide ranging sales experience. Gary is a 
chartered accountant and in 2001 received 
an honorary doctorate from Johnson & Wales 
University in the USA.
Current external appointments
None.
Previous experience 
Gary joined the Group in 1986 in a senior 
finance role in the UK and became a UK 
director in 1992. He relocated to the USA in 
1994 as Chief Finance Officer of the Group’s 
North American business and in 1999 
became Chief Executive Officer, North 
America.

KAREN WITTS
Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

C D E G T
Joined the Board as Group Chief Financial 
Officer in April 2019. 
Key skills and competencies
Karen is an experienced Chief Financial 
Officer with a strong background in finance 
and management across a variety of sectors in 
global organisations. Karen is a chartered 
accountant.
Current external appointments
None.
Previous experience 
Karen was previously Group Chief Financial 
Officer of Kingfisher PLC and a member of the 
board of directors for over six years. Prior to 
that, she held senior finance positions at 
Vodafone Group PLC and BT PLC. Karen is a 
former non-executive director and the Audit 
Committee Chair of Imperial Brands PLC, and 
a former non-executive director of Wolseley 
plc. Karen’s early career included finance 
roles at Mars, Paribas, Grand Metropolitan 
and Ernst & Whinney.

IAN MEAKINS 
Non-executive director/Chairman elect

C N

Joined the Board as a non-executive director 
on 1 September 2020 and will succeed Paul 
Walsh as Chairman of the Board and 
Nomination Committee on 1 December 2020.
Key skills and competencies
Ian is an experienced Chairman and former 
CEO with a strong background in B2B and 
B2C across a variety of sectors in global 
organisations.
Current external appointments
Ian is non-executive Chairman of Rexel SA. He 
is also currently non-executive Chairman of 
The Learning Network BV and will step down 
from this role on 30 November 2020. 
Previous experience
Ian was formerly CEO of Wolseley plc, prior to 
which he was CEO of Travelex Holdings Ltd, 
having joined that company from Alliance 
UniChem plc where he served as CEO until its 
merger with Boots in July 2006. Prior to this, 
he held senior roles at Diageo plc, rising to 
President of European Major Markets and 
Global Supply, and was a Founding Partner of 
Kalchas Group (management consulting). Ian 
started his career in senior roles with Bain & 
Company and Procter & Gamble. He is a 
former non-executive director of O2 plc and a 
former non-executive director and SID of 
Centrica plc. 

JOHN BASON
Senior Independent Director (SID)

A C N R

Appointed to the Board in June 2011.  
Appointed SID in June 2018. Will step down 
as SID, Chairman of the Audit Committee and 
as a member of the Audit and Remuneration 
Committees following the conclusion of the 
AGM on 4 February 2021.
Key skills and competencies
John brings significant financial and 
international experience to the Board, gained 
from his long career with major global 
businesses. John is a chartered accountant.
Current external appointments
Finance Director of Associated British Foods 
plc and Chairman of the charity FareShare. 
Previous experience 
John was previously Finance Director of Bunzl 
plc and is a former trustee of Voluntary  
Service Overseas.

PAUL WALSH
Chairman

C N

Joined as a non-executive director in January 
2014. Appointed Chairman in February 2014. 
Will step down from the Board on 1 December 
2020.
Key skills and competencies
Paul has significant experience in marketing, 
M&A, retail operations and corporate 
leadership.
Current external appointments
Non-executive director of McDonald’s 
Corporation and FedEx Corporation and a 
director of Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. 
(a special purpose acquisition company). 
Advisor to TPG Capital LLP (TPG) affiliates and 
a nominee director of various companies, as 
required by TPG. Chairman of Chime 
Communications Limited (a private company) 
and McLaren Group Limited (a private 
company).
Previous experience 
Paul was formerly Chairman of Avanti 
Communications Group plc and Ontex Group 
N.V., Chief Executive of Diageo plc, Chief 
Executive Officer of the Pillsbury Company, 
director of GrandMet, non-executive director 
of RM2 International S.A., HSBC Holdings plc, 
Simpsons Malt Limited, Unilever PLC, 
Centrica plc and United Spirits Limited, 
nominee director of Pace Holdings Corp, 
Business Ambassador on the UK 
Government’s Business Advisory Group and 
Chairman and a Council Member of the 
Scotch Whisky Association.

DOMINIC BLAKEMORE
Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

C E G

Joined the Board in February 2012. Dominic 
previously held the roles of Group Finance 
Director, Group Chief Operating Officer, 
Europe and Deputy Group CEO. He assumed 
the role of Group CEO in January 2018.
Key skills and competencies
Dominic has extensive financial management 
experience in a number of international 
businesses together with general operational 
management experience. He is a chartered 
accountant.
Current external appointments
Dominic joined the board of London Stock 
Exchange Group as a non-executive director 
in January 2020 and is Chairman of their 
Audit Committee. Dominic is also a member 
of the Council of University College London. 
Previous experience 
Dominic was formerly non-executive director 
of Shire plc and Chief Financial Officer of Iglo 
Foods Group Limited. Before joining Iglo 
Dominic was European Finance & Strategy 
Director at Cadbury Plc having previously held 
senior finance roles at that company. Prior to 
that Dominic was a director at 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

72  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

Appointed to the Board in July 2015. 
Designated NED for workforce engagement, 
effective October 2019 for a period of two 
years.
Key skills and competencies
Ireena brings strong advisory, business and 
operational experience across a variety of retail 
businesses, with a particular focus on India. 
Current external appointments
Non-executive director of Diageo plc, Godrej 
Consumer Products Limited, WIPRO Limited 
and Housing Development Finance Corporation 
Limited.
Previous experience 
Ireena was formerly a non-executive director of 
Titan Company Limited, The Indian Hotels 
Company Limited, Cipla Limited, Tata Global 
Beverages Limited, Tata Industries, Zomato 
Media Private Limited, GlaxoSmithKline 
Consumer Healthcare and Axis Bank Limited, 
Head of Marketing and Sales at Hutchinson 
Max Telecom and partner at McKinsey and 
Company.

ALISON YAPP
Group General Counsel and  
Company Secretary

A C D

GE

RN

Joined the Group in August 2018. Appointed 
Group General Counsel and Company Secretary 
in October 2018.
Key skills and competencies
Alison is a solicitor with more than 25 years’ 
international experience in FTSE and NYSE 
listed companies across the services, industrial 
and engineering sectors. She has significant 
experience in strategic M&A, crisis and change 
management.
Current external appointments
None.
Previous experience
Alison was formerly Chief General Counsel and 
Company Secretary of Amec Foster Wheeler 
plc, Company Secretary and General Legal 
Counsel of Hays plc and Company Secretary 
and Group Legal Advisor of Charter plc. Prior to 
joining Charter, Alison held a number of senior 
legal roles at Johnson Matthey plc.

CAROL ARROWSMITH
Non-executive director

A C N R

ANNE-FRANCOISE NESMES
Non-executive director 

A C N R

IREENA VITTAL
Non-executive director

A C N R

Appointed to the Board in June 2014.
Key skills and competencies
Carol brings extensive advisory experience, 
especially of advising boards on executive 
remuneration across a range of sectors. Carol 
is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of 
Personnel and Development.
Current external appointments
Non-executive director of Centrica plc and 
Vivo Energy PLC, director and trustee of 
Northern Ballet Limited and director of 
Arrowsmith Advisory Limited. Member of the 
Advisory Group for Spencer Stuart.
Previous experience 
Carol is a former partner and advisor of 
Deloitte LLP and was Vice Chairman of their 
UK business and former director of the 
Remuneration Consultants Group and 
non-executive director of TMF Group Limited.

Appointed to the Board in July 2018. Will 
succeed John Bason as Chairman of the Audit 
Committee following the conclusion of the 
AGM on 4 February 2021.
Key skills and competencies
Anne-Francoise has a wealth of experience in 
finance and accounting gained in 
international organisations with a strong focus 
on strategy, M&A and governance. Anne-
Francoise is a chartered management 
accountant.
Current external appointments
Chief Financial Officer of Smith+Nephew Plc.

Previous experience 
Anne-Francoise is the former Chief Financial 
Officer of Merlin Entertainments Ltd and 
Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC and also held a 
number of senior finance roles during her 16 
year tenure at GlaxoSmithKline.

STEFAN BOMHARD
Non-executive director

A C N R

NELSON SILVA
Non-executive director
A C N R

Appointed to the Board in July 2015.
Key skills and competencies
Nelson has considerable executive 
management experience in a variety of senior 
leadership roles within major international 
companies, with a particular focus on Brazil.
Current external appointments
Non-executive director of Nutrien Ltd, Cosan 
Limited and Altera Infrastucture L.P. (private 
company) and an advisor to Appian Capital 
Advisory LLP and HSB Solomon Associates LLP.
Previous experience
Nelson was formerly an executive director of 
Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. and President of the 
Aluminium business unit at BHP Billiton, 
based in the UK. Prior to joining BHP Billiton, 
Nelson held a number of senior positions at 
Vale, including Sales and Marketing Director 
based in Belgium, Japan and Brazil. Nelson 
was also Managing Director of Embraer for 
Europe and Africa, based in France, and Chief 
Executive Officer of All Logistica in Argentina.

Appointed to the Board in May 2016.
Key skills and competencies
Stefan brings extensive experience of working in 
international environments, particularly relating 
to the operation, sales and marketing of 
well-known consumer food and drink brands.
Current external appointments
Chief Executive Officer of Imperial Brands PLC. 
Previous experience 
Stefan is the former CEO of Inchcape plc and 
before that was Regional President, Europe, 
Geneva at Bacardi Martini for five years and 
held a number of worldwide senior positions at 
Cadbury Plc, Unilever PLC, Diageo plc, Burger 
King and Procter & Gamble.

JOHN BRYANT
Non-executive director

A C N R

Appointed to the Board in September 2018. 
Will succeed John Bason as SID following the 
conclusion of the AGM on 4 February 2021.
Key skills and competencies
John brings over 30 years’ experience to the 
Board with a particular focus on finance, 
operations, M&A, strategy and portfolio 
transformation.
Current external appointments
Non-executive director of Ball Corporation 
and Macy’s Inc. John will join the board of 
Coca-Cola European Partners plc as a 
non-executive director with effect from 1 
January 2021.
Previous experience 
John is the former Chairman and CEO of 
global consumer goods company Kellogg. 
Prior to joining Kellogg in 1998, John held 
strategic and operational roles in several 
companies, worldwide.

Board committee membership
A

Audit Committee

p. 92

C

D

E

G

Corporate Responsibility 
Committee

Disclosure Committee

Executive Committee

General Business Committee

p. 104

p. 79

p. 79

p. 79

N

R

T

Nomination Committee

Remuneration Committee

Treasury Committee

p. 110

p. 122

p. 79 

Chairman

Secretary

Designated NED for workforce 
engagement

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  73 

Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
C HA IR MAN’S  LETTER

Maintaining high standards of 
corporate governance

DEAR SHAREHOLDER 

On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present Compass Group 
PLC’s Corporate Governance Report for the financial year ended 
30 September 2020.

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

The past year has been an extremely challenging time for the 
business and for the Board’s overall stewardship of the Group, 
and I believe that our commitment to and promotion of the 
Group’s purpose, culture and values have stood us in good stead 
and proved to be more important than ever before in our 
leadership of the Company. 

The Board’s objective has been, and continues to be, driving 
strategy for the long term benefit of the Company and its 
stakeholders, and our results for the first five months of the year 
demonstrate that our strategy was working. However, as the year 
progressed, and the impact of the unprecedented measures 
being taken by governments and businesses across the world in 
response to COVID-19 became clearer, the Board’s attention 
increasingly focused on formulating a coherent, measured and 
coordinated response to protect the interests of the Company and 
its stakeholders, and to ensure that the Company remains well 
positioned for the recovery and the longer term. 

In addition to maintaining Board oversight of the Group and 
discharging its annual duties, this year, the Board and its 
committees also dealt with a full governance agenda, including 
our arrangements for compliance with the UK Corporate 
Governance Code 2018 (the Code), our succession planning 
agenda and the development of a new Remuneration Policy which 
reflects our measured approach to reward. 

PURPOSE, CULTURE AND VALUES 

At the heart of our governance model is a commitment to our 
social purpose, which is founded on a safety culture built around 
caring for our people, clients and consumers. Our social purpose 
guides and informs the actions of the Board, helps shape our 
business model and strategy, and is supported by our culture and 
values, which define who we are, what we stand for and how we 
do business. 

Compass’ history and culture is founded on the principle that 
strong governance makes sound business sense. Our good 
reputation has been built on our resolve to maintain the highest 
ethical and professional standards at all times, underpinned by a 
well-defined and effective system of governance. As a Board, we 
spend time ensuring that our culture is aligned to and supports 
the Company’s strategy, values and business model. We use a 
range of reporting mechanisms and indicators to continually 
monitor the Company’s business activities to ensure that they 
remain fully consistent with our culture and values.

Paul Walsh
Chairman

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

The Board manages the business of the Company and sets 
the Group’s values and standards. It ensures that the 
Company acts ethically and that its obligations to its 
stakeholders are understood and met.

The Board has a formal schedule of matters reserved for its 
decision. For more details see page 88. However, the 
Board’s primary role remains to provide leadership and to 
review the overall strategic development of the Group. It has 
delegated day to day operational decisions to the Executive 
Committee, which is supported by regional and country 
management teams that are responsible for achieving 
agreed targets, maintaining budgetary controls and 
implementing policies and controls at country and business 
unit level.

MEMBERSHIP AND ATTENDANCE

Member
Paul Walsh
Carol Arrowsmith
John Bason
Dominic Blakemore
Stefan Bomhard
John Bryant
Gary Green
Ian Meakins2 
Anne-Francoise Nesmes 
Nelson Silva
Ireena Vittal
Karen Witts

Member since
Jan 2014
Jun 2014
Jun 2011
Feb 2012 
May 2016
Sep 2018
Jan 2007
Sep 2020 
Jul 2018 
Jul 2015
Jul 2015
Apr 2019

Eligible
to attend1
10 
10 
10 
10
10
10
10
1
10 
10
10
10

Meetings 
attended 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
1 
10 
10 
10 
10

1.  The maximum number of meetings that a member was eligible 

to attend.

2.  Appointed to the Board, Nomination and Corporate Responsibility 
Committees on 1 September 2020, and will succeed Mr Walsh as 
Chairman on 1 December 2020.

74  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

Our people remain our highest priority, and our greatest asset. 
They live our values, differentiate us from our competitors, and 
help us to win new business and retain our existing clients. It is 
therefore important that all our people understand the importance 
of our values and the role they play in our distinctive, delivery 
focused culture.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought our purpose, culture and 
values into sharp focus and required the Company and the Board 
to demonstrate their resilience through strong and decisive 
governance and risk management. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of my colleagues 
across the world and my fellow directors for their unwavering 
support, dedication and resolve to protect each other and the 
Company in these extraordinary times and to express my 
admiration for their ability to maintain a positive approach in the 
midst of challenge. 

Our robust governance arrangements and well established 
processes gave the Board and its committees the flexibility to 
adapt their focus and keep up with the rapidly evolving 
developments and challenges facing the business. To support 
decision making and risk management, the number and 
frequency of our formal and informal meetings increased in the 
year and our information flows were adjusted to facilitate 
additional deliberation time as the pandemic unfolded. The 
non-executive directors devoted additional time and support to 
management during this period, providing independent guidance 
and advice based on their collective skills, knowledge and 
experience. Through these collective efforts, the Board oversaw 
the delivery of a comprehensive package of measures both to 
mitigate the risks caused by COVID-19, and to protect the 
business going forward. The impact of the pandemic, and the 
mitigation plans employed by management, are described in 
greater detail in the Strategic Report on pages 1 to 69. 

As the pandemic has progressed, in addition to managing risk, the 
Board has devoted considerable time to considering the medium 
and longer term prospects of the Group, and particularly the 
strategic opportunities that might develop on recovery. In doing 
so, the Board considered, supported and advised on management 
initiatives to ensure the continued long term success of the 
business in the new environment. 

STAKEHOLDERS 

The pandemic, and the events which unfolded during the year, 
put extraordinary pressure on all of our stakeholders. The Board 
devoted additional time to the consideration of the impact of 
COVID-19 on the Company’s stakeholders in its decision making 
processes, and had to make difficult choices when deciding how 
best to safeguard the future of the business. 

As announced on 23 April 2020, when approximately half of the 
Group’s business was closed due to country lockdowns, as one of 
a series of steps taken to protect the Company’s cash flow, 
strengthen its liquidity and balance sheet and to safeguard as 
many jobs as possible, the Board concluded that, based on 
projected further closures of the Group’s businesses, it would not 
be prudent to pay an interim or final dividend for the financial year 
under review. The Board fully understands the importance of a 
dividend to the Company’s shareholders and the decision not to 
pay a dividend was only taken after very careful consideration. 
The Board will continue to keep this under review and will restart 
payments when it is appropriate to do so.

Further information on how the Board and the Company has had 
regard to the interests of our stakeholders over the year can be 
found on pages 28 and 29 of the Strategic Report, and pages 83 
to 85 of the Governance Report. 

UK CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CODE

Last year, we reported how we were changing our corporate 
governance model to reflect the requirements of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code 2018 and, over the year, we refined our 
approach to ensure that we continue to be compliant with the 
Code, adapting our arrangements and providing additional 
guidance and training to the Board. 

We have now fully embedded the principles and provisions of the 
Code within our governance framework, and I am pleased to 
report that for the financial year ended 30 September 2020, the 
Company was fully compliant with the Code. 

REMUNERATION POLICY

Our proposed Remuneration Policy, which is intended to apply  
for the coming three years, will be put to shareholders for their 
approval at the AGM on 4 February 2021. The proposed policy 
has been designed so that there continues to be close alignment 
between executive reward and the delivery of our business 
strategy. Details of the proposed policy, the outcome of the 
shareholder consultation process that has been undertaken  
and the implementation of the current policy during the year,  
can be found in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages  
122 to 153.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  75 

GovernanceC HA IR MAN’S  LETTER (CONTINUED)

SUCCESSION PLANNING AND DIVERSITY

EFFECTIVENESS

This year marks my last as Chairman and much of the work of the 
Nomination Committee, led by John Bason, Senior Independent 
Director, was devoted to identifying my successor. As announced 
on 18 August 2020, Ian Meakins was appointed as an 
independent non-executive director on 1 September 2020 and 
will take over as Chairman when I step down on 1 December 
2020. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Ian to the 
Board. Ian has deep experience of B2B and B2C companies and 
is an outstanding choice to succeed me. 

As part of our ongoing review of Board membership, we continue 
to ensure that an appropriate number of independent non-
executive directors is maintained through orderly succession, 
without compromising the effectiveness of the Board and its 
committees. Further to Ian’s appointment as Chair, John Bason 
has agreed to extend his terms of appointment to provide 
continuity and support the transition. Subject to shareholder 
approval at the 2021 AGM, John will remain a member of the 
Board and a member of the Corporate Responsibility and 
Nomination Committees and will step down as Senior 
Independent Director, Chair of the Audit Committee and as a 
member of the Audit and Remuneration Committees at the 
conclusion of the meeting. He does not intend to seek re-election 
at the 2022 AGM. 

John Bryant will succeed John as Senior Independent Director, 
and Anne-Francoise Nesmes will succeed him as the Audit 
Committee Chair. I hope that our shareholders will join the Board 
in supporting John’s re-election to the Board at the 2021 AGM to 
support the transition during a period of extreme economic 
uncertainty. Please see the Nomination Committee report on 
pages 110 to 121 for more details. 

During the year, the formal Board Diversity Policy was adopted by 
the Board which sets out the Board’s commitment to remain 
compliant with the Hampton-Alexander Review’s target of 33% 
female representation on the Board, and the Board currently 
meets this target. As a Board, we continue to embrace diversity in 
respect of gender, cultural background and experience, and 
expect this to be increasingly reflected in Board composition over 
the coming years.

To ensure that the Board and its Committees continue to operate 
effectively, we evaluate the performance of the Board on an 
annual basis. In 2019, we employed the services of Lintstock 
Limited (Lintstock) to carry out the externally facilitated triennial 
evaluation, details of which were in last year’s annual report. This 
year, Lintstock has again assisted in the design of a series of 
online questionnaires for the Board and each of its principal 
committees, individual performance reviews for each director, 
and a separate review of my performance as Chairman. I am 
pleased to report that overall, the evaluation showed that good 
progress had been made against the areas identified for 
development in last year’s review. Details of this year’s evaluation 
can be found in the Nomination Committee report on pages 117 
to 121. The Board’s priorities remain consistent, with a continued 
focus on the development and implementation of the Group 
strategy, succession planning and oversight of risk. 

LOOKING FORWARD

Notwithstanding a challenging year, the directors believe that the 
Board is well placed to provide the strategic oversight and 
stewardship required to ensure that the Company continues to 
deliver long term success. 

On a personal note, I would like to thank shareholders and the 
Board, Dominic and the rest of the team for their support during 
my tenure as Chairman. Compass is a world class business and it 
has been a privilege to serve as its Chairman. I wish the Group 
every success in the future. 

The 2021 AGM will be held on Thursday 4 February 2021. Further 
details will be published in the Notice of Annual General Meeting 
which will be sent to shareholders and made available on the 
Company’s website, www.compass-group.com. 

Paul Walsh 
Chairman

24 November 2020

76  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

UK COR POR ATE GOVERNANCE CODE

Applying the principles of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code

It is the Board’s view that for the financial year ended 30 September 
2020 the Company has been fully compliant with all of the principles  
and provisions set out in the Code.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE  
LIES WITH THE BOARD

The Board is committed to the highest standards of corporate 
governance as set out in the UK Corporate Governance Code 
2018 (the Code). The Code can be found on the Financial 
Reporting Council (FRC) website at www.frc.org.uk.

This Corporate Governance Report, together with the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report set out on pages 122 to 153, describes how 
the Board has applied the main principles of good governance 
and complied with the relevant provisions as set out in the Code 
for the year under review.

The Directors’ Report also contains information required to be 
disclosed under the UK Listing Authority’s (UKLA) Rules and 
under the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules (DTR). To 
the extent necessary, certain information is incorporated into this 
Report by reference.

Throughout the Governance and Directors’ report we have set out 
how we have applied the main principles and complied with the 
relevant provisions of the Code.

COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

It is the Board’s view that for the financial year ended 
30 September 2020, the Company has been fully compliant with 
all of the principles and provisions set out in the Code.

The Company’s auditor, KPMG LLP, is required to review whether 
the above statement reflects the Company’s compliance with the 
provisions of the Code specified for its review by the UKLA Rules 
and to report if it does not reflect such compliance. No such 
report has been made.

The directors present their Annual Report and the audited 
consolidated financial statements of the Company and its 
subsidiaries for the financial year ended 30 September 2020.

This Corporate Governance Report on pages 70 to 153 and the 
Other Statutory Disclosures on pages 154 to 161 together with the 
Directors’ Responsibilities statement on page 162 and the 
Strategic Report on pages 1 to 69 which have been incorporated 
into this Report by reference, make up the Directors’ Report.

1. BOARD LEADERSHIP AND 
COMPANY PURPOSE

Compass is led by an effective and committed Board, 
dedicated to promoting the long term sustainable 
success of the Company, generating value for 
shareholders and contributing to wider society. Read 
more on pages 70 to 73.

2. DIVISION OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The roles of the Chairman and the CEO are separate and 
there is an appropriate combination of executive and 
independent non-executive directors. Read more on 
page 81.

3. COMPOSITION, SUCCESSION  
AND EVALUATION

Appointments are subject to a formal, rigorous and 
transparent procedure. Succession plans, designed 
to promote diversity of gender, social and ethnic 
backgrounds and cognitive and personal strengths, 
are in place for the Board and senior management. 
An evaluation of the Board and its committees is 
undertaken annually, in line with the Code. Read 
more on pages 117 to 121.

4. AUDIT, RISK MANAGEMENT AND  
INTERNAL CONTROL

Formal, transparent policies and procedures are in 
place to ensure the independence and effectiveness 
of the internal and external audit functions and the 
integrity of financial and narrative statements and to 
manage and mitigate risks. Read more on pages 101 
and 102.

5. REMUNERATION

Compass has remuneration policies designed to support 
its strategy and promote long term sustainable success. 
Executive remuneration is aligned to the Company’s 
purpose and values and is clearly linked to the delivery of 
long term strategy. Read more on pages 122 to 153.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  77 

GovernanceC ORP ORATE GOVERNANC E

How the Board governs the Company 

The Board leads the Group’s governance structure. It is 
responsible for setting the strategy for the Group, monitoring 
progress made against strategic objectives, approving proposed 
actions and for ensuring that the appropriate internal controls are 
in place and that they are operating effectively. The Board is 
assisted by four principal committees (Audit, Corporate 
Responsibility, Nomination and Remuneration), each of which is 
responsible for reviewing and dealing with matters within its own 
terms of reference. The minutes of all committee meetings are 
circulated at scheduled Board meetings.

  The Company also has a number of executive management 
committees (Disclosure, Executive, General Business and 
Treasury). These have been established in order to consider 
various matters for recommendation to the Board and its principal 
committees or to deal with day to day matters within the authority 
granted by the Board. The formal terms of reference for the 
principal committees, approved by the Board and complying with 
the Code, are available from the Group General Counsel and 
Company Secretary and can also be found on our website  
www.compass-group.com.

The terms of reference of the committees and the Chairman, 
Group CEO and SID role descriptions are reviewed annually by the 
relevant committees and the Board as appropriate and are 
updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation or best 
practice. The matters reserved for the Board, the terms of 
reference of the principal committees and the relevant role 
descriptions were thoroughly reviewed during the year and can be 
found on our website.

Directors who are not members of individual Board committees 
may be invited to attend one or more meetings of those 
committees during the year.

The Chairman of each of the principal committees attends the 
AGM to respond to any shareholder questions that might be raised 
on committee activities. The Group General Counsel and 
Company Secretary acts as Secretary to all Board committees.

Our governance structure is supported by the Group’s standards, 
policies and internal controls, which are described in more detail 
over the following pages.

The operational governance of the Company is the responsibility 
of the Group CEO.

The various operational governance structures in place are 
maintained and overseen by the Executive Committee, which is 
led by the Group CEO and comprises the executive directors, 
regional managing directors and other members of senior 
management, whose biographies are on pages 22 to 25.

SHAREHOLDERS

We have a geographically diverse shareholder base of 37,896 
shareholders, comprising 3,158 institutional investors and 34, 
738 private investors (as at 30 September 2020).

AGM

At the 2021 AGM, shareholders will vote on 23 resolutions  
dealing with key governance matters, including the appointment 
or reappointment of directors, approval of the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy, changes to the articles of association  
and the reappointment of the auditor.

INVESTOR RELATIONS

We have an active Investor Relations engagement programme. 
During the year, the Company held 431 meetings with investors 
through a combination of one to one meetings, group meetings 
and telephone calls, 78 of which were attended by the Group  
CEO and Group CFO. The Chairman, SID and Remuneration 
Committee Chairman also held meetings with investors.

Read more on how the views of our shareholders and investors  
are taken into account in our Board’s decision making on  
pages 83 to 85.

78  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

The Board comprises the Chairman, executive directors and non-executive directors, and is responsible for the performance and long term 
success of the Company, including health and safety, leadership, strategy, values, standards, controls and risk management.

THE BOARD

CHAIRMAN

GROUP CHIEF 
EXECUTIVE  
OFFICER

SENIOR 
INDEPENDENT 
DIRECTOR

DESIGNATED  
NON-EXECUTIVE 
DIRECTOR

The Chairman leads the 
Board and is responsible 
for its overall 
effectiveness and for 
ensuring  
there is an effective 
decision making process, 
promoting a culture of 
openness and debate.

The Group CEO is 
responsible for day to day 
operational management 
decisions and for leading 
the implementation of the 
Group’s strategy. The 
Group CEO acts as a 
direct liaison between the 
Board and management.

The role of SID is to 
provide a sounding board 
for the Chairman and to 
serve as an intermediary 
for other directors and 
shareholders where 
necessary.

The role of the 
Designated NED for 
workforce engagement is 
to ensure that the views 
and concerns of 
employees are brought to 
the attention of the 
Board.

GROUP GENERAL COUNSEL AND COMPANY SECRETARY

The Group General Counsel and Company Secretary supports the Board, ensures timely information flow to the 
Board and its committees and between senior management and the non-executive directors and advises the Board,  
through the Chairman, on governance matters. 

BOARD COMMITTEES

AUDIT  
COMMITTEE
Responsible for the 
Group’s financial 
reporting and the 
effectiveness of the 
internal and external  
audit functions.

CORPORATE 
RESPONSIBILITY 
COMMITTEE
Advises the Board on 
broad CR policy taking  
into account the overall 
strategic plan and  
other factors.

NOMINATION 
COMMITTEE
Ensures the Board has  
the necessary balance of 
skills, experience and 
diversity to oversee the 
delivery of strategy.

REMUNERATION 
COMMITTEE
Determines the reward 
strategy for executive 
directors and senior 
management in the 
context of the wider 
workforce to ensure 
reward is aligned to 
shareholders’ interests.

EXECUTIVE  
COMMITTEE
Responsible for day to 
day operational 
management and the 
implementation  
of strategy, led by the 
Group CEO.

See page 92

See page 104

See page 110

See page 122

See page 22

DISCLOSURE  
COMMITTEE
Oversees the disclosure of market sensitive 
information and other public announcements 
(as necessary). 

The Disclosure Committee comprises the 
Group CFO, Group General Counsel and 
Company Secretary, Group Corporate Finance 
Director, Group Director of Risk and Internal 
Audit and Group Investor Relations & 
Corporate Affairs Director. The Committee 
meets as and when required. A quorum for a 
meeting is two, one of which must be either 
the Group CFO or Group General Counsel and 
Company Secretary. Only members of the 
Committee have the right to attend meetings, 
although other individuals may be invited to 
attend as and when appropriate.

GENERAL BUSINESS 
COMMITTEE
Conducts the Company’s business within 
clearly defined limits delegated by the Board 
and subject to the matters reserved for the 
Board.

The General Business Committee comprises 
all of the executive directors and meets as 
required. A quorum for a meeting is two. Only 
members of the Committee have the right to 
attend meetings, although other individuals 
may be invited to attend as and when 
appropriate.

TREASURY  
COMMITTEE
Provides oversight of treasury activities in 
implementing the treasury policies approved 
by the Board. 

The Treasury Committee comprises the Group 
CFO, Group Corporate Finance Director, 
Group Treasurer, Deputy Group General 
Counsel, Deputy Group Treasurer and Deputy 
Group Treasurer, International. The 
Committee meets at least quarterly. A quorum 
for a meeting is two, one of which must either 
be the Group CFO or Group Treasurer. Only 
members of the Committee have the right to 
attend meetings, although other individuals 
may be invited to attend as and when 
appropriate.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  79 

Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
C ORP ORATE GOVERNANC E (C ONTINUED)

An effective board

As at 30 September 2020, and as at the date of this Report, the Board of Directors was made up of 12 members, comprising the 
non-executive Chairman, three executive directors and eight non-executive directors. Biographies of each of the directors are set out on 
pages 72 and 73. The roles of Chairman and Group CEO are separate and clearly defined, and their roles and that of the SID have been 
agreed by the Board and are publicly available on the Company’s website www.compass-group.com. 

All of the non-executive directors are considered by the Board to be independent of management and free of any relationship which 
could materially interfere with the exercise of their independent judgement. The Company’s policy relating to the terms of appointment 
and the remuneration of both executive and non-executive directors is detailed in the Directors’ Remuneration Report, which is on  
pages 122 to 153.

TENURE AND DIVERSITY

Board tenure

Nationalities by 
reporting region

Board balance chart

Hampton-Alexander 2020 
target: % female

  > 5 years – 59%

3-5 years – 8%

1-3 years – 25%

Less than 1 year – 8%

  Europe – 66%

  Chairman – 1

North America – 17%

Executive directors – 3

Rest of World – 17%

Independent Non-executive
directors – 8

16%  Compass – 33%1
16%  Compass – 33%1

Hampton-Alexander 2020
Hampton-Alexander 2020
target – 33%
target – 33%

1.  Female representation will revert 
to 36% when the change in  
Chairman becomes effective  
on 1 December 2020.

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SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Director
Paul Walsh
Dominic Blakemore
Gary Green
Karen Witts
Ian Meakins 
John Bason
Carol Arrowsmith
Stefan Bomhard
John Bryant
Anne-Francoise Nesmes
Nelson Silva 
Ireena Vittal

80  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Roles in the boardroom

NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

SENIOR INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Paul Walsh

John Bason

Leads the Board and ensures its overall effectiveness in 
discharging its duties

Provides a sounding board for the Chairman and serves as an 
intermediary for other directors and shareholders

•  shapes the culture in the boardroom and promotes  

•  provides the Chairman with support in the delivery of 

openness, challenge and debate 

objectives, where necessary

•  sets the agenda for Board meetings, focusing on strategy, 
performance, value creation, risk management, culture, 
stakeholders and accountability 

•  chairs meetings ensuring there is timely information flow 

before meetings and adequate time for discussion and debate 
•  fosters relationships based on trust, mutual respect and open 

communication inside and outside the boardroom 

•  leads relations with major shareholders in order to understand 
their views on governance and performance against strategy

•  works closely with the Nomination Committee, leads the 
process for the evaluation of the Chairman and ensures 
orderly succession of the Chairman’s role

•  acts as an alternative contact for shareholders, providing a 
means of raising concerns other than with the Chairman or  
senior management

INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

CEO AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Carol Arrowsmith

Ian Meakins

Dominic Blakemore

John Bason

Stefan Bomhard

John Bryant

Anne-Francoise Nesmes

Nelson Silva

Ireena Vittal

Ensure that no individual or small group of individuals can 
dominate the Board’s decision making

•  independent non-executive directors meeting the 

independence criteria set out in the Code, comprise more 
than half of Board membership

•  provide constructive challenge, give strategic guidance, 

offer specialist advice and hold executive management to 
account

Gary Green

Karen Witts

Lead the implementation of the Group’s strategy set  
by the Board 

•  the Group CEO is responsible for delivering the strategy 

and the overall management of the Group

•  the Group CEO leads the Executive Committee and ensures 
its effectiveness in managing the overall operations and 
resources of the Group 

•  the executive directors provide information and 

presentations to the Board and participate in Board 
discussions regarding Group management and operational 
matters

DESIGNATED NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR 
WORKFORCE ENGAGEMENT

GROUP GENERAL COUNSEL AND 
COMPANY SECRETARY

Ireena Vittal

Alison Yapp

Provides an effective engagement mechanism for the Board 
to understand the views of the workforce

Supports the Chairman and ensures directors have access to 
the information they need to perform their roles

•  brings the views and experiences of the workforce into the 

•  provides a channel for Board and committee 

boardroom

•  enables the Board to consider the views of the workforce in 

its discussions and decision making

communications and provides a link between the Board 
and management 

•  advises the Board on legal and corporate governance 

matters and supports the Board in applying the Code and 
complying with UK listing obligations and other statutory 
and regulatory requirements 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  81 

GovernanceC ORP ORATE GOVERNANC E (C ONTINUED)

Insight into the boardroom

In addition to fully discharging its annual duties, the activities of 
the Board have adapted to meet the challenges faced by the 
Company and its stakeholders in respect of the COVID-19 
pandemic. The number of Board meetings was increased, 
allowing the directors to focus on specific aspects of the 
challenges facing the Company. Directors devoted additional time 
to Company business outside the usual schedule of Board 
meetings. This focused approach supported the depth of 
deliberation and considered decision making required to promote 
the success of the Company, for the benefit of its stakeholders as 
a whole, during the unprecedented events of the past year. 

Meeting agendas and information flow were adapted accordingly. 
The use of technology enabled directors to continue to meet face 
to face despite the geographical distance between them. 

Below is an insight into the matters considered by the Board over 
the course of the year, and how time was devoted to the affairs of 
the Company as the pandemic unfolded. More information about 
the number of Board meetings held can be found on page 74 and 
deeper insights into matters discussed and Board decision 
making processes can be found on pages 83 to 87.

HOW THE BOARD SPENT ITS TIME

STRATEGY AND 
OPERATIONS 

30%

•  HSE performance and safety moments
•  Group CEO Review
•  Group strategy including People, 

Performance, Purpose 

•  safety and sustainability strategy
•  three year plan
•  acquisitions and disposals and  

M&A strategy 

•  reorganisation and right sizing
•  capital expenditure approvals
•  contract approvals  

FINANCIAL

34%

•  financial performance 
•  interim and full year results
•  trading updates
•  annual budget
•  dividends
•  tax update
•  treasury approvals
•  liquidity and going concern review
•  equity raise via placing and  

retail offer 

GOVERNANCE  
AND IR

20%

•  minutes/matters arising
•  Annual Report and Accounts
•  AGM discussion
•  shareholder engagement and IR updates
•  regulatory updates
•  committee terms of reference reviews
•  Chairman/Group CEO/NEDs  

private meetings

RISK

7%

•  biannual major risk assessment
•  conflicts of interest
•  litigation update
•  insurance

BUSINESS 
REVIEWS

9%

•  regional updates
•  sector updates
•  Global Clients and Consumers updates

82  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

Consideration of stakeholder  
interests in decision making

COVID-19 caused severe business disruption during the year and significantly impacted all of the Company’s stakeholders. In 
consideration of the business’ response, the Board was required to carefully consider the future needs of the Company and the 
interests of all of its stakeholders. In doing so, the Board aimed to ensure that actions taken to protect the business were 
proportionate, balanced and treated all of the members of the Company fairly, whilst safeguarding long term stakeholder value. 

The examples below give an insight into how the Board had regard for the interests of its stakeholders in its decision making 
processes during the year:

Key decision

Shareholder placing 

As part of risk mitigation measures in response to COVID-19, the Board approved the decision to raise 
approximately £2 billion through a placing which took place on 21 May 2020. In formulating its decision, the 
directors took into account the views of the investor community regarding potential investment, the short and 
long term requirements of the business which could impact on employees and suppliers, and the protection 
of the interests of stakeholders as a whole. The merits of the placing were considered, including that it would 
reduce leverage, enhance liquidity and strengthen the Company’s position, ensuring that Compass remains 
resilient in the event of further negative developments in COVID-19. In determining whether the placing offer 
should be made on a non-pre-emptive basis, having taken external financial, stockbroking and legal advice, 
the Board considered a number of factors including cost, timing, and the views of certain investors during a 
market soundings process. It was concluded that the placing structure was best suited to achieve these aims 
at an important and unprecedented time for Compass. Recognising the value Compass places on its retail 
investors, we provided an opportunity for our retail shareholders to participate in the equity raise alongside 
institutional investors, an approach supported by the Financial Conduct Authority and the London Stock 
Exchange. Consultation with major investors and management also underpinned the Board’s view that the 
placing was in the best interests of shareholders, as well as the Company’s wider stakeholder community, and 
was accordingly approved by the Board.

Dividend

In April 2020, the Company announced that the Board had decided not to recommend an interim or a final 
dividend for the year under review. In reaching this decision, the Board considered the importance of a 
dividend to the Company’s shareholders, the need to preserve the Company’s liquidity and the exceptional 
circumstances that COVID-19 represented. The Board will keep future dividends under review and will restart 
payments when it is appropriate to do so.

Board Director and Executive Committee salary reduction 

During the year, a range of actions to mitigate risks was implemented. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, 
a significant proportion of the global workforce was affected by a range of cost mitigation measures which 
included reduced salary, reduced working hours, furloughing arrangements and, in some cases, redundancy. 
Mindful of the wider employee context and in support of the Company’s culture, which is rooted in fair and 
equitable treatment for all stakeholders, the Group CEO, the rest of the Board and the Executive Committee 
all agreed to take temporary reductions in their fees and base salaries. Reductions remained in place until the 
end of the financial year.

Disposal of the Japanese Highways business

In November 2019, the Board approved the sale of 50% of the Japanese Highways business, receiving 
£51 million in respect of disposal proceeds net of exit costs. In deciding whether the disposal supported the 
long term success of the Company, and with due regard to the interests of the Company’s stakeholders, the 
Board evaluated the contribution of the business, its growth prospects and fit with the overall strategy of the 
Group. In consideration of these matters, the Board considered the potential impact of the sale on the 
Company’s stakeholders, and in particular, the impact on the employees of the Japanese Highways business. 
It was determined, at the time the decision was made, that the employees of the Japanese Highways business 
would not be materially disadvantaged by the change in ownership, and jobs would be protected as part of 
the sale. Following evaluation of these factors, it was determined that the sale of the Japanese Highways 
business was in the best interests of the Company and its stakeholders as a whole. 

Link to strategy 
and stakeholders

People 

Performance

People

Clients

Suppliers

Shareholders

NGOs

Governments 
and regulators

Performance

Shareholders

Governments  
and regulators

People 

Performance 

Purpose

People

Shareholders

People 

Performance

People

Shareholders

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  83 

Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
C ORP ORATE GOVERNANC E (C ONTINUED)

Board oversight of stakeholders

The Board recognises that understanding the views and interests 
of the Company’s diverse community of stakeholders and, as far 
as possible, ensuring that their interests and those of the 
Company align, is a key component of the Company’s long term 
success. The views and interests of stakeholders are considered 
in the development, delivery and oversight of the Group’s business 
model, strategy and culture, and where Board decisions impact 
stakeholders, management is tasked with ensuring that potential 
impacts on stakeholders are fully considered and presented to  
the Board.

The scale and geographic spread of the Group means that 
although the Board and its directors sometimes engage directly 
with stakeholders, for the most part, engagement takes place at 
an operational level. Because of this, the Board mainly forms 
views on stakeholders through reports and information given to it 
by management. The ways in which management engage with the 
Company’s stakeholders are described on pages 28 and 29. The 
Board keeps these processes under review to ensure that they 
remain effective so that the Board continues to have the 
information it needs to understand the views of stakeholders and 
to apply this knowledge to discussion and decision making. 

The table opposite gives an overview of how the views and 
interests of our stakeholder groups are represented or reported at 
Board level, and are factored into the Board’s decision making 
processes. This should be read in conjunction with the 
stakeholder engagement table on pages 28 and 29, which 
describes how the Company engages at an operational level with 
its stakeholders. 

84  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

PEOPLE

Description

Colleagues who work in  
our business.

COMMUNITIES

The people who live in the local 
communities around our sites and 
operations. 

CLIENTS

The businesses and organisations 
for which we provide services 
around the world.

CONSUMERS

The people to whom we serve  
food and drink and provide 
support services.

How the Board engages and has oversight

People matters are central to the Company’s strategy and are included in the CEO’s review which is presented at every scheduled  

Board meeting. The Board and its committees have direct access to and receive presentations from the Group Chief People Officer,  

Group Engagement Director, Group Reward Director and the Group Safety & Sustainability Director. Through these primary channels the  

Board retains oversight and engagement on workforce matters including health and safety, deployment of resource, succession planning  

and talent development, diversity and inclusion, cultural awareness and reward and retention strategies. The Board is kept informed of the 

effectiveness of employee strategies through a range of performance measures and initiatives, including the global engagement survey  

in which over a quarter of a million colleagues participated.

In line with the recommendations of the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018, Ireena Vittal has been appointed as the Designated Non-

executive director for workforce engagement. A programme of direct engagement with employees took place during the year and provided a 

mechanism through which our employees’ voice can be heard in the boardroom.  

The Group’s sustainability strategy describes how the Company aims to enrich the communities in which it operates and to minimise its impact 

on the environment. Compass operates in culturally diverse communities with differing characteristics and needs. Community engagement is 

primarily achieved by liaison with local organisations and representatives and through initiatives sensitive to cultural differences, designed to 

meet those needs. The Board is kept informed of activity principally through the Corporate Responsibility Committee, which receives regular 

reports on Corporate Responsibility progress across the Group from the Group Safety & Sustainability Director.

The Group Director, Global Clients and Consumers keeps the Board informed of new and evolving trends and the aspirations and needs of our 

global client base. She is supported by regional client and market development teams and executive management at country and Group level. From 

these reports and those of the Group CEO and regional management, the Board is able to form a coherent view of the interests of the Company’s 

clients. In the year, we surveyed 25,000 clients and consumers across 23 countries as part of our Compass Group Global Eating at Work survey.

The Board receives updates on sector trends from our sector heads including details of opportunities, challenges and developments in consumer 

food services, including product innovation and consumer interest in brand responsibility and sustainability.

SUPPLIERS

Our trusted partners who source, 
produce and deliver products  
and services.

The Board is kept informed on supply chain initiatives through the Corporate Responsibility Committee, which receives reports from the Group 

Safety & Sustainability Director and from the Group Head of Ethics and Compliance, including our work to prevent modern slavery and human 

trafficking in the Group’s businesses and supply chains.

SHAREHOLDERS

Individuals or institutions that own 
shares in Compass Group PLC.

NGOS

Non-governmental organisations 
which support us with knowledge 
and expertise on key social, 
environmental and economic 
issues.

GOVERNMENTS  
AND REGULATORS

Regional and national government 
bodies and agencies which 
implement and enforce applicable 
laws across our industry.

The Chairman ensures that the Board maintains an appropriate dialogue with shareholders. The Group CEO, Group CFO and the Group Investor 

Relations & Corporate Affairs Director meet regularly with institutional investors to discuss strategic issues and to make presentations on the 

Company’s results. Committee chairs are available to engage with major shareholders regarding their areas of responsibility. Non-executive 

directors develop an understanding of the views of major shareholders through regular updates from the Group Investor Relations & Corporate 

Affairs Director. The Group General Counsel and Company Secretary also acts as an important focal point for communications on corporate 

governance matters throughout the year, with a particular intensity leading up to, during and after shareholder meetings. 

Although the non-executive directors are not formally required to meet shareholders of the Company, their attendance at presentations of the 

interim and annual results is encouraged. All of our shareholders are invited to attend our AGM, which provides a forum in which they can put 

questions to the Board and the committee chairs. It also provides shareholders with an opportunity to meet with directors and other senior 

executives on a more informal basis.

The Board is kept informed of Group collaborations with non-governmental organisations which support us with knowledge and expertise  

on key social, environmental and economic issues through the Corporate Responsibility Committee which receives reports on key areas  

of focus such as human rights, climate change and farm animal welfare from the Group Safety & Sustainability Director.

The Group General Counsel and Company Secretary, Group Head of Tax and other subject matter experts regularly update the Board on matters 

affecting the Group as a result of actions being taken by regional and national government bodies and agencies which implement and enforce 

laws and regulations.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PEOPLE

Description

Colleagues who work in  

our business.

COMMUNITIES

The people who live in the local 

communities around our sites and 

operations. 

CLIENTS

The businesses and organisations 

for which we provide services 

around the world.

CONSUMERS

The people to whom we serve  

food and drink and provide 

support services.

SHAREHOLDERS

Individuals or institutions that own 

shares in Compass Group PLC.

NGOS

Non-governmental organisations 

which support us with knowledge 

and expertise on key social, 

environmental and economic 

issues.

GOVERNMENTS  

AND REGULATORS

Regional and national government 

bodies and agencies which 

implement and enforce applicable 

laws across our industry.

How the Board engages and has oversight

People matters are central to the Company’s strategy and are included in the CEO’s review which is presented at every scheduled  
Board meeting. The Board and its committees have direct access to and receive presentations from the Group Chief People Officer,  
Group Engagement Director, Group Reward Director and the Group Safety & Sustainability Director. Through these primary channels the  
Board retains oversight and engagement on workforce matters including health and safety, deployment of resource, succession planning  
and talent development, diversity and inclusion, cultural awareness and reward and retention strategies. The Board is kept informed of the 
effectiveness of employee strategies through a range of performance measures and initiatives, including the global engagement survey  
in which over a quarter of a million colleagues participated.

In line with the recommendations of the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018, Ireena Vittal has been appointed as the Designated Non-
executive director for workforce engagement. A programme of direct engagement with employees took place during the year and provided a 
mechanism through which our employees’ voice can be heard in the boardroom.  

The Group’s sustainability strategy describes how the Company aims to enrich the communities in which it operates and to minimise its impact 
on the environment. Compass operates in culturally diverse communities with differing characteristics and needs. Community engagement is 
primarily achieved by liaison with local organisations and representatives and through initiatives sensitive to cultural differences, designed to 
meet those needs. The Board is kept informed of activity principally through the Corporate Responsibility Committee, which receives regular 
reports on Corporate Responsibility progress across the Group from the Group Safety & Sustainability Director.

The Group Director, Global Clients and Consumers keeps the Board informed of new and evolving trends and the aspirations and needs of our 
global client base. She is supported by regional client and market development teams and executive management at country and Group level. From 
these reports and those of the Group CEO and regional management, the Board is able to form a coherent view of the interests of the Company’s 
clients. In the year, we surveyed 25,000 clients and consumers across 23 countries as part of our Compass Group Global Eating at Work survey.

The Board receives updates on sector trends from our sector heads including details of opportunities, challenges and developments in consumer 
food services, including product innovation and consumer interest in brand responsibility and sustainability.

SUPPLIERS

Our trusted partners who source, 

produce and deliver products  

and services.

The Board is kept informed on supply chain initiatives through the Corporate Responsibility Committee, which receives reports from the Group 
Safety & Sustainability Director and from the Group Head of Ethics and Compliance, including our work to prevent modern slavery and human 
trafficking in the Group’s businesses and supply chains.

The Chairman ensures that the Board maintains an appropriate dialogue with shareholders. The Group CEO, Group CFO and the Group Investor 
Relations & Corporate Affairs Director meet regularly with institutional investors to discuss strategic issues and to make presentations on the 
Company’s results. Committee chairs are available to engage with major shareholders regarding their areas of responsibility. Non-executive 
directors develop an understanding of the views of major shareholders through regular updates from the Group Investor Relations & Corporate 
Affairs Director. The Group General Counsel and Company Secretary also acts as an important focal point for communications on corporate 
governance matters throughout the year, with a particular intensity leading up to, during and after shareholder meetings. 

Although the non-executive directors are not formally required to meet shareholders of the Company, their attendance at presentations of the 
interim and annual results is encouraged. All of our shareholders are invited to attend our AGM, which provides a forum in which they can put 
questions to the Board and the committee chairs. It also provides shareholders with an opportunity to meet with directors and other senior 
executives on a more informal basis.

The Board is kept informed of Group collaborations with non-governmental organisations which support us with knowledge and expertise  
on key social, environmental and economic issues through the Corporate Responsibility Committee which receives reports on key areas  
of focus such as human rights, climate change and farm animal welfare from the Group Safety & Sustainability Director.

The Group General Counsel and Company Secretary, Group Head of Tax and other subject matter experts regularly update the Board on matters 
affecting the Group as a result of actions being taken by regional and national government bodies and agencies which implement and enforce 
laws and regulations.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  85 

Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
C ORP ORATE GOVERNANC E (C ONTINUED)

Engaging with our employees  
and monitoring culture

WORKFORCE ENGAGEMENT

PURPOSE AND CULTURE

The Board is responsible for establishing the Company’s purpose, 
values and strategy, and satisfying itself that these and its culture 
are aligned. In recognition of the Company’s strong commitment 
to corporate responsibility, the Board has determined that the 
Company’s purpose is first and foremost a social purpose, the 
foundation of which is a safety culture built around caring for our 
people and our consumers. Our purpose informs the Company’s 
strategy and business model, which are geared towards capturing 
opportunities for long term growth and delivering value to all  
of our stakeholders. 

The Company’s purpose shapes and determines the values and 
behaviours the Board expects and promotes, forming the 
foundations of the Group’s corporate culture. Compass’ corporate 
culture is based upon maintaining the highest standards of safety, 
ethical practices and standards. It also encompasses the Group’s 
entrepreneurial and innovative business spirit that supports our 
growth, and the respect and regard with which we treat our 
stakeholders, for whom we generate long term value. The Board, 
with support from its committees, monitors the alignment of the 
Group’s culture with our purpose, values and strategy, through a 
variety of mechanisms, cultural indicators and reporting lines 
including those summarised below and opposite.

The role of the Designated Non-executive director for workforce 
engagement is to provide a link between the Board and the 
Company’s workforce, so that our employee voice is heard in the 
boardroom. This year, the Designated Non-executive director met 
with various members of our workforce from across the 
businesses, in line with a structured programme of engagement 
designed and supported by the Group Engagement Director. This 
was the first full financial year that the Designated Non-executive 
director role, currently undertaken by Ireena Vittal, had been in 
place for Compass. Despite restrictions on travel and social 
distancing, Ireena was able to hold open forum meetings with 
groups of employees representing different sectors, countries and 
cultures, providing an opportunity to freely express views and 
share ideas. Feedback was sought on a number of relevant 
matters, including the Company’s response to the COVID-19 
pandemic, and views on what the Company could improve in its 
response to help the business and its employees. Participants 
were invited to raise matters for direct feedback to and 
consideration by the Board. The format of engagement proved 
successful, and was endorsed by the Board as an extremely useful 
feedback mechanism. 

Meetings held during the year were are follows:

•  Designated NED, Group Engagement Director and employees 

from Spain, Italy and Turkey 

•  Designated NED, Group Engagement Director and employees 

from UK & Ireland, Australia and China

•  Designated NED, Group Engagement Director and employees 

from Colombia, USA, UK & Ireland and India

CULTURAL INDICATORS

HEALTH  
AND SAFETY

PEOPLE

ETHICS AND 
COMPLIANCE 

CLIENTS AND 
SUPPLIERS

SUSTAINABILITY

•  lost time incident 
frequency rates
•  food safety incident 

rates 

•  results of global 

employee 
engagement survey
•  employee turnover 

•  safety walks and 

rates

results

•  gender pay gap 
disclosures
•  diversity and 

inclusion statistics

•  Internal Audit reports
•  fraud and 

misconduct statistics
•  annual confirmation 
of compliance with 
the Codes of Ethics 
and Business 
Conduct by senior 
managers
•  Speak Up call 

statistics and trends

•  adherence to the 

•  greenhouse gas 

Global Supply Chain 
Integrity standards
•  client retention rates 
•  supplier audits

emissions

•  waste reduction 

rates 

•  sustainable sourcing

86  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

EXAMPLES OF HOW THE BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES MONITOR CULTURE

BOARD

The Group CEO’s review is presented to each Board meeting. The review is structured around the Group’s 
three strategic pillars of People, Performance, Purpose, which underpin the Company’s culture and 
performance and provide indicators of the overall health of the Company’s culture. 

The performance against the Group’s health and safety, strategy and agreed KPIs are also considered at 
each meeting, allowing the Board to directly monitor the effectiveness of the safety culture within the 
Group. How the Board monitors culture is also considered as part of the annual Board and committee 
evaluation process. 

DIRECTORS

The directors receive feedback from executive management in respect of workforce engagement, 
which involves formal liaison with workforce representative groups, and informal forums such as  
townhall meetings. 

The Designated Non-executive director for workforce engagement engages directly with employee groups 
on a range of matters important to the workforce, including cultural matters. Board site visits provide  
the opportunity for directors to engage with senior management and other colleagues and to hear their 
views directly. 

AUDIT  
COMMITTEE

The Audit Committee receives regular reports from the independent Internal Audit function which 
monitors adherence to the Group’s internal controls, policies, procedures and practices and acts as an 
early warning system for identifying potential threats to the Company’s culture and monitors the 
implementation and success of remediation plans. 

The Committee reviews reports concerning potential fraudulent activity or financial impropriety from the 
Company’s whistleblowing helpline, Speak Up, which enables the Company’s employees and other 
stakeholders to raise concerns in confidence. Trends identified through the helpline can also provide 
indicators of cultural issues, which once identified can then be addressed. 

CORPORATE 
RESPONSIBILITY 
COMMITTEE

The Corporate Responsibility Committee receives reports from multiple Group functions which monitor 
aspects of the Company’s culture as part of their remit, including regular reports from the Group 
Engagement Director, which include oversight of the employee engagement strategy, and analysis of 
employee feedback received through the global engagement survey and other sources. The Group Safety 
& Sustainability Director’s updates cover the sustainability matters most important to the business and our 
stakeholders, and our progress against our commitments including those related to human rights and 
modern slavery.

The Committee monitors ethics and compliance matters, including compliance with the CBC and Code of 
Ethics and associated employee training statistics, through regular reports from the Group Head of Ethics 
and Compliance. The Committee also receives reports on matters raised through the Group’s 
whistleblowing helpline, Speak Up, that fall within its remit.

NOMINATION 
COMMITTEE

The Nomination Committee considers the Group’s diversity and inclusion strategy, policies and statistics 
to ensure alignment with the Company’s values.

REMUNERATION 
COMMITTEE

The Remuneration Committee reviews workforce remuneration policies and practices, and assesses their 
alignment with the culture and strategy of the Company. Gender pay gap disclosures are also considered 
annually to ensure practices are consistent with the Company’s values. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  87 

GovernanceC ORP ORATE GOVERNANC E (C ONTINUED)

Board effectiveness

The Board meets regularly during the year as well as on an ad hoc 
basis, as required by business needs. The Board met ten times 
during the year and attendance is shown in the table on page 74.
The Board and the Board committees also held a significant 
number of meetings to deal with business critical decisions that 
had to be taken outside the schedule of planned Board and Board 
committee meetings. 

If a director is unable to attend a Board or committee meeting, the 
Chairman of the Board and/or committee chairman are informed 
and the absent director is encouraged to communicate comments 
and opinions on the matters to be considered. 

Board activities are structured to help the Board achieve its goals 
and to provide support and advice to the executive management 
team on the delivery of Group strategy within a robust  
governance framework. 

MATTERS RESERVED

The Board has a formal schedule of matters reserved for its 
decision as follows:

•   purpose, strategy and management
•   values, culture and stakeholders
•   Board membership and other appointments
•   financial and other reporting and controls
•   audit, risk and internal controls
•   contracts and capital structure
•   communication
•   remuneration
•   delegation of authority
•   corporate governance and other matters

Throughout the year, the Board received presentations from 
colleagues across the Group and regularly reviewed the periodic 
financial results, market consensus, competitor updates,  
merger and acquisition opportunities, capital expenditure  
and other matters.

BOARD MEETINGS

Meetings between the Chairman and non-executive directors, 
both with and without the presence of the Group CEO, are 
scheduled in the Board’s annual programme. During the year, the 
non-executive directors held regular meetings and calls without 
the presence of the executives, typically following each Board 
meeting. These meetings and calls were encouraged by the 
Chairman and provide the non-executive directors with a forum in 
which to share experiences and to discuss wider business topics, 
fostering debate in Board and committee meetings and 
strengthening working relationships.

In addition to routine financial and operating reports and updates 
(including health and safety), the Board spends time debating and 
formulating Group strategy and reviewing its performance.

Each year, the Board aims to hold two meetings overseas. By 
visiting operations, the directors are able to meet with a diverse 
group of colleagues on a more informal basis which greatly assists 
in the succession planning process. These visits provide an 
opportunity to assess local management performance and 
potential, to gain further insight into how the business works on a 
day to day basis and to speak first hand to local management and 
listen to their views. The format of visits often comprises a 
macroeconomic overview of the country, its social and political 
systems, challenges and opportunities, a review of the competitive 
landscape, and a detailed review of the relevant sectors in which 
the business operates, its people, as well as the three year plan. 
The Board also uses these opportunities to hold town halls with 
employees, undertake visits to Company and client sites and to 
meet with high potential employees and country and regional 
management teams.

Although the Board was able to hold physical meetings in the early 
part of the year, once social distancing and lockdown restrictions 
were introduced, most Board meetings were held virtually. 
However, this has not deterred the Board from engaging with 
regional management leaders and other colleagues face to face 
through the use of technology. This engagement has helped  
the Board to understand the unique operational challenges  
that were being faced at regional and local level as lockdown 
measures progressed. 

88  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

ENGAGEMENT WITH OPERATIONS

STRATEGIC FOCUS

This year, although it was not possible to visit the local operations 
in person, the Board held a virtual meeting with the Group COO, 
North America and members of his senior management  
team to discuss strategy and performance in North America. 
Discussions included the impact of COVID-19, safety and 
reopening plans, regional results, growth strategy and 
opportunities for future growth. 

The Board will resume its practice of meeting in person  
and visiting the Group’s operations, which it considers to  
be an important part of its oversight responsibility, when  
it is able to do so. 

INFORMATION AND SUPPORT

The Board has established a procedure for directors, if deemed 
necessary, to take independent professional advice at the 
Company’s expense in the furtherance of their duties. Every 
director also has access to the Group General Counsel and 
Company Secretary, who helps to ensure that Board procedures 
are followed, and that good corporate governance and 
compliance are implemented throughout the Group. Together 
with the Group CEO and the Group General Counsel and Company 
Secretary, the Chairman ensures that the Board is kept properly 
informed and is consulted on all issues reserved for it. Board 
papers and other information are distributed in a timely fashion to 
allow directors to be properly briefed in advance of meetings. 

In accordance with the Company’s articles of association, 
directors have been granted an indemnity by the Company to 
the extent permitted by law in respect of liabilities incurred as  
a result of their office. The indemnity would not provide any 
coverage where a director is proved to have acted fraudulently  
or dishonestly. The Company has also arranged appropriate 
insurance cover in respect of legal action against its directors  
and officers. 

Ensuring that Compass retains its disciplined approach to long 
term growth, its focus on food as its core competence, and its 
delivery of value for all of its stakeholders is dependent on the 
successful implementation of the strategy set by the Board. While 
the Group’s strategy is continuously monitored and evaluated 
throughout the year, the Board aims to take time out of its regular 
schedule to debate and reflect on broader strategic issues every 
year. This is supported by strategy updates at every Board 
meeting. This year, the Board was unable to hold a separate 
dedicated Board strategy day due to both travel restrictions and 
the demands on its time of dealing with the impact of the 
COVID-19 pandemic. It is anticipated that a dedicated strategy 
day will be held in 2021 which will enable the Board to reflect on 
the learnings of this year and inform the development of the 
Group’s strategy. More information about the Group’s strategy 
can be found on pages 1 to 69.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

In accordance with best practice, the Chairman addresses the 
developmental needs of the Board as a whole, with a view to 
further developing its effectiveness as a team and ensures that 
each director refreshes and updates his or her individual skills, 
knowledge and expertise. A formal, comprehensive and tailored 
induction is given to all directors following their appointment, 
including access to external training courses, visits to key 
locations within the Group and meetings with members of the 
Executive Committee and other senior executives. The induction 
also covers a review of the Group’s governance policies and 
structures, including details of the risks and operating issues 
facing the Group. Details of Ian Meakins’ induction can be found 
in the Nomination Committee report on page 114.

With respect to continuous training, the Board and its Committees 
receive regular updates from expert advisors including the 
Group’s auditors, legal counsel, remuneration advisors and 
various others, including our internal subject matter experts, on a 
range of topics pertinent to their areas of responsibility. Where a 
training need is identified by a non-executive director, this would 
be supported by the Company and facilitated through the 
Company Secretariat.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  89 

GovernanceThis will enable the Company to continue to benefit from 
Mr Bason’s considerable knowledge of the Company, wider 
experience and skillset. The Board has determined that Mr Bason 
remains independent and that the extension of his tenure for a 
short period serves the best interests of the Company and its 
stakeholders. Mr Bason does not intend to stand for re-election at 
the 2022 AGM. Mrs Nesmes and Mr Bryant will succeed Mr Bason 
as Chair of the Audit Committee and SID respectively. More 
information can be found in the Nomination Committee report on 
page 115. 

BOARD EVALUATION

The Chairman is responsible, with assistance from the Nomination 
Committee, for ensuring that the Company has an effective Board 
with an appropriate range of skills, expertise and experience. 
Every year, a performance evaluation of the Board and its 
committees is carried out to ensure that they continue to be 
effective, that each of the directors demonstrates commitment to 
his or her respective roles and has sufficient time to meet his or 
her commitment to the Company.

The Board evaluation is used to provide a full and frank appraisal 
of the contribution of each individual director and the 
effectiveness of the Board and its committees and the annual 
evaluation process is conducted by the Nomination Committee. 
Details of this year’s evaluation can be found in the Nomination 
Committee Report on pages 117 to 121.

C ORP ORATE GOVERNANC E (C ONTINUED)

SUCCESSION PLANNING

Retention and development of critical talent and succession 
planning is a key area of focus for the Board and, during the year, 
the Board reviewed and discussed detailed succession plans 
presented by the Group Chief People Officer. For further details on 
succession planning see the Nomination Committee report on 
page 112. 

The Company’s articles of association provide that one third of the 
directors retire by rotation each year and that each director will 
seek re-election at the AGM every three years. All directors submit 
themselves for annual re-election by shareholders. New directors 
may be appointed by the Board but are subject to election by 
shareholders at the first opportunity after their appointment. 
The articles of association limit the number of directors to not less 
than two and not more than 20, save where shareholders decide 
otherwise. Non-executive directors are normally appointed for an 
initial term of three years, which is reviewed and may be extended 
by two further three year terms. It is Board policy that non-executive 
director appointments should last for no more than nine years.

On 6 January 2020, the Company announced that Paul Walsh 
would not seek re-election at the forthcoming AGM. On 18 August 
2020, the Company announced that Ian Meakins would join  
the Board on 1 September 2020, initially as an independent 
non-executive director and that he would assume the role of 
Chairman of the Board when Paul Walsh steps down from the 
Board on 1 December 2020 allowing for a period of handover 
between Mr Walsh and Mr Meakins. 

In June, John Bason, SID, completed nine years of service on the 
Board. Following a recommendation by the Nomination Committee, 
the Board determined, with Mr Bason’s agreement, that it is 
appropriate that Mr Bason’s terms of appointment be extended 
for a short period to provide continuity and to support the 
transition. Following the conclusion of the 2021 AGM, Mr Bason 
will step down as Senior Independent Director, Chairman of the 
Audit Committee and as a member of the Remuneration and 
Audit Committees. Subject to his re-election by shareholders, 
Mr Bason will remain a member of the Board and of the Corporate 
Responsibility and Nomination Committees.

90  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

As part of their ongoing development, the executive directors may 
seek one external non-executive role on a non-competitor board, 
for which they may retain the remuneration in respect of the 
appointment. In order to avoid any conflict of interest, all 
appointments are subject to Board approval and the Board 
monitors the extent of directors’ other interests and the time 
commitment required to fulfil those interests to ensure that its 
effectiveness is not compromised.

Each director has a duty under the Companies Act 2006 to avoid a 
situation in which he or she has or can have a direct or indirect 
interest that conflicts or possibly may conflict with the interests of 
the Company. This duty is in addition to the obligation that he or 
she owes to the Company to disclose to the Board an interest in 
any transaction or arrangement under consideration by the 
Company. The Company’s articles of association authorise the 
directors to approve such situations and to include other 
provisions to allow conflicts of interest to be dealt with. The Board 
follows an established procedure when deciding whether to 
authorise an actual or potential conflict of interest. Only 
independent directors (i.e. those who have no interest in the 
matter under consideration) will be able to make the relevant 
decision and, in making the decision, the directors must act in 
good faith and in a way they consider will be most likely to 
promote the Company’s success. Furthermore, the directors may, 
if appropriate, impose limits or conditions when granting 
authorisation. Any authorities are reviewed at least  
every 15 months. 

The Board considered and authorised each director’s reported 
actual and potential conflicts of interest at its July 2020 Board 
meeting and considers any changes on an ad hoc basis 
throughout the year.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  91 

GovernanceAudit Committee Report

DEAR SHAREHOLDER

On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the  
Audit Committee’s Report for the financial year ended  
30 September 2020. 

This year marks my last full financial year as Chairman of the  
Audit Committee. Following the conclusion of the forthcoming 
2021 AGM, I will be succeeded as Chair of the Committee by  
Anne-Francoise Nesmes. Anne-Francoise has the requisite  
recent and relevant financial expertise and experience and  
is well qualified to discharge the role. 

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

The Audit Committee continued to fulfil its duties throughout the 
year, maintaining oversight of the integrity of the Company’s 
financial reporting, key accounting judgements and related 
disclosures, and the robustness of the Group’s risk management 
and internal control systems. In discharging its duties, the 
Committee works to a structured agenda closely linked to the 
events in the Company’s reporting cycle. 

The Committee’s work was supported by the Group’s well 
established risk and financial management structures. The 
exceptional and unprecedented challenges posed by the 
COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the Group’s businesses 
has tested the robustness of those structures and the established 
working processes between management and the Committee. 

I am pleased to report that the Group’s risk and financial 
management structures have operated effectively during the year 
under review. The continued support, constructive engagement 
and level of responsiveness of my Committee colleagues and 
management, particularly during the early stages of the 
pandemic, have enabled the Committee to fulfil its role in 
providing effective scrutiny and challenge. In this regard, I would 
like to thank colleagues across the Group who assisted the 
Committee during the year for their support. 

As in previous years, the Committee’s primary focus was on the 
integrity of the Group’s financial reporting activities. In 
considering the financial statements for 2020, the Committee 
concentrated on the accounting judgements and disclosures 
relating to the impact of COVID-19 on the Group’s businesses, 
including government support and tax deferral initiatives, liquidity 
and the impact on financial covenants, cost control and right 
sizing actions, the carrying value of goodwill, contract related 
non-current assets, and the Group’s tax provisioning. Careful 
consideration was given to the Group’s viability disclosures and its 
ability to continue as a going concern, with particular scrutiny 
being given to the reports prepared and assumptions used by 
management to support those statements. 

John Bason
Chairman of the Audit Committee

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

•  monitors the integrity of the Company’s/Group’s 

published financial statements and related disclosures

•   monitors any formal announcements relating to the 

Group’s financial reporting issues and key accounting 
and audit judgements related to the preparation of the 
Company’s/Group’s financial statements

•   reviews the Company’s arrangements for its workforce/
stakeholders to raise concerns in confidence about 
possible improprieties in financial reporting or other 
matters and ensures that they are investigated
•   reviews the adequacy and effectiveness of the risk 

management and internal control systems, including the 
going concern and viability statements, and provides 
assurance to the Board

•   monitors and reviews the role, mandate and effectiveness 

of the Group’s Internal Audit function

•   manages the appointment, independence, effectiveness 

and remuneration of the Group’s external auditor, 
including compliance with the non-audit services policy

•   advises the Board on how it has discharged its 

responsibilities and considers whether the Annual Report 
and Accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and 
understandable, and provides assurance to the Board

MEMBERSHIP AND ATTENDANCE

Member
John Bason2
Carol Arrowsmith
Stefan Bomhard
John Bryant
Anne-Francoise Nesmes
Nelson Silva
Ireena Vittal

Member since
Jun 2011
Jun 2014
May 2016
Sep 2018
Jul 2018
Jul 2015
Jul 2015

Eligible
to attend1
3 
3 
3 
3
3 
3 
3 

Meetings 
attended 
3 
3 
3 
3 
3 
3 
3 

1.  The number of meetings the member was eligible to attend.
2.  Will step down as Chairman and a member of the Audit Committee at 
the conclusion of the AGM on 4 February 2021 and will be succeeded 
as Chair by Anne-Francoise Nesmes.

92  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
In the context of this work, the Committee also reviewed the 
guidance and reporting recommendations issued by regulators in 
response to COVID-19 and ensured that their recommendations 
were appropriately applied. The Committee concluded that the 
Company had adopted an appropriate approach in all 
significant areas.

The impact of the UK’s decision to exit the European Union (EU) 
continued to remain high on the Company’s agenda. The UK is 
currently in a period of transition. However, whilst the efforts of all 
governments are focused on the containment and eradication of 
COVID-19, the uncertainty about the future arrangements 
between the UK and the EU will persist. The Company has already 
considered possible impacts and has taken mitigating steps and 
will continue to do so as appropriate. 

At the request of the Board, the Committee considered the 
Group’s Principal Risk disclosures for the financial year ended 30 
September 2020. The Committee is satisfied that the statements 
made by executive management on pages 41 to 49 of the 
Principal Risks section of this Annual Report are appropriate 
based on what is currently known to management as at the date  
of this Report.

The Committee continued its oversight of the Group’s IT strategy, 
including the IT controls framework and infrastructure and the 
provisions in place to defend against cyber attack, which is 
perceived to be a growing risk. The Committee also spent time 
reviewing the IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ accounting standard, against 
which the Company reports for this first time this year. 

More information about the Committee’s activities during the year 
can be found in the pages which follow.

Committee evaluation

Each year, the Audit Committee critically reviews its own 
performance and considers where improvements can be made.  
In so doing it considers, amongst other things, those matters 
discussed by the Audit Committee, such as:

•   composition, structure and activities
•   how well the Committee oversees the financial reporting 

process

•   its review of the work of the Internal Audit function and the 

external auditor

•   the effectiveness of the process for raising concerns
•   its monitoring of the management of risk
•   how well it understands and evaluates the effectiveness and 

conclusions of internal control and the adequacy of the related 
disclosures

•   whether the Committee’s terms of reference are appropriate for 
the particular circumstances of the Company and comply with 
prevailing legislation and best practice

•   whether the number and length of time of Committee meetings 

are sufficient to meet the role and responsibilities of the 
Committee and coincide with key dates within the financial 
reporting and audit cycle

•  identification of additional training needs for Committee 

members

This year’s evaluation was again conducted with the assistance of 
Lintstock. Overall, the performance of the Committee continued 
to be rated highly and the Committee was considered to have 
discharged its duties effectively. The outcome of the Audit 
Committee’s evaluation, and its priorities for the coming year, are 
discussed in more detail on page 103. The annual performance 
evaluation of the Board and its committees is referred to on pages 
117 to 121. 

THE YEAR AHEAD

COVID-19 has had a profound impact on the sectors in which we 
operate, and on the Group, and we continue to respond to the 
challenges and opportunities that this brings. The Audit 
Committee fulfils a key role in assisting the Board in ensuring that 
the integrity of the Group’s financial statements and the 
effectiveness of the Group’s internal financial controls and risk 
management systems are maintained. Through the Audit 
Committee’s composition, resources and the commitment of its 
members, I believe that it remains well placed to meet these 
challenges and to discharge its duties in the year ahead.

John Bason
Chairman of the Audit Committee

24 November 2020

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  93 

GovernanceA U DI T COMMI TTEE REPO RT (C ONTINUED)

ACTIVITY DURING THE YEAR

The key matters reviewed and evaluated by the Committee 
during the year are set out below:

Financial reporting and significant accounting issues

•  the appropriateness of the interim and annual financial 

statements (as well as the associated announcements to 
the London Stock Exchange) including:
 –  at the Board’s request, whether the Annual Report and 

Accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and 
understandable and provides the information 
necessary for shareholders to assess the Company’s 
position and performance, business model and 
strategy

Areas of significant accounting judgement and estimation

How it was addressed by the Committee

Going concern and viability

The going concern and viability statements required careful 
consideration with respect to the impact of COVID-19. 

Carrying value of goodwill

The Group undertakes a formal goodwill impairment exercise 
at least once each year. This is based on the latest approved 
budget and financial plans for the different cash generating 
units of the Group. 

 – the clarity of disclosures and compliance with financial 

Contract related non-current asset impairment

reporting standards and relevant financial and 
governance reporting requirements and guidelines, 
including the European Securities and Markets 
Authority Guidelines on Alternative Performance 
Measures

 – a discussion of the critical accounting policies and use 
of assumptions and estimates, as noted in section B of 
the accounting policies on page 184 of this Annual 
Report, and concluding that the estimates, judgements 
and assumptions used were reasonable based on the 
information available and had been used appropriately 
in applying the Group’s accounting policies. Areas of 
critical accounting judgement and estimation 
uncertainty included going concern, COVID-19 specific 
related estimates, taxes, goodwill and post 
employment benefits

 –  the adoption of IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ and the 

appropriateness of disclosures included in the Annual 
Report and Accounts

•   the going concern and viability statements
•   non-financial information

AREAS OF FOCUS OVER THE YEAR

The table opposite illustrates areas of focus for the 
Committee over the year, and how the Committee 
discharged its duties of oversight in respect of each. These 
included areas which required judgement and estimation to 
be applied by the Committee. 

The Group invests in contract fulfilment assets and contract 
costs, right of use assets, property, plant and equipment and 
intangible assets in order to fulfil its obligations under client 
contracts. These assets are reviewed for impairment if there 
are indicators that they may be impaired. 

Tax

The Group operates in multiple tax jurisdictions and is subject 
to the rules of their various taxation authorities. Due to the 
complexity and changing nature of tax rules and transfer 
pricing across multiple tax jurisdictions, a level of judgement 
is required in determining levels of tax recognised in the  
financial statements.

Other areas of focus

COVID-19 right sizing costs

Governments’ measures taken to contain the COVID-19 
outbreak have required the Group to limit or suspend business 
operations in certain countries and sectors. The Group has 
started to adjust its business and has incurred COVID-19 right 
sizing costs.

Implementation of IFRS 16

The IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ reporting standard became effective for 
the financial year under review, requiring significant changes 
to how leases are reported in the financial statements.  

Cyber security

Cyber security is considered an increasing risk to the Group 
and ensuring that appropriate IT controls and infrastructure 
are in place and are operating effectively, is a priority  
for the Committee.

94  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

The assumptions and evidence supporting the Group’s going concern and viability statements were reviewed and challenged by the 

Committee. In assessing the potential impact of COVID-19 on the going concern and viability statements of the Company, the 

Committee considered stringent financial stress test modelling scenarios accounting for varying degrees of impact upon the business. 

The Committee ensured that reporting guidance issued by the FRC was carefully reviewed and applied as appropriate, assessed the 

liquidity position of the Group, and the actions taken to mitigate risk with respect to continued compliance with financial covenants 

attached to issued debt. Having considered these factors, the detailed analysis undertaken, prudent scenario modelling and the 

assessment of the external auditor, the Committee was satisfied that the going concern and viability statements were appropriate.

The recoverability of the carrying value of goodwill involves the use of assumptions, including operating cash flow forecasts (revenue 

and operating margins), growth rates and discount rates. The Committee challenged the key assumptions and methodologies used to 

assess the recoverability of goodwill in the context of COVID-19, noting the existing headroom in the UK cash generating unit was 

sensitive to reasonably possible changes in key assumptions, and concluded that these were appropriate. The Committee also 

reviewed the goodwill impairment assessment disclosures and concluded that these were appropriate.

The Committee reviewed the methodology employed by management to determine whether contract assets were impaired, and 

management’s assessment of whether onerous contract provisions should be recognised when the unavoidable costs of meeting the 

obligations under client contracts exceed the economic benefits expected to be received from them. The Committee considered the 

approach taken by management with respect to trading forecasts over the life of the contracts, which contemplated recoverable asset 

values against a range of potential future trading conditions. The Committee was satisfied that the assumptions used by management 

were appropriately balanced and reflective of the uncertainty surrounding the ultimate impact of COVID-19. 

The Committee oversaw the development and reporting of the Company’s and the Group’s tax strategy, assessing the impact of the 

changes in taxation approach of governments in response to COVID-19, including the Group’s use of the different local government 

support measures available to companies which have experienced significant impacts on their business as a result of the pandemic. 

The Committee discussed with management key judgements made and, in particular, the policy efforts being led by the EU and OECD 

which may have a material impact on the taxation of all international businesses, including relevant legal advice. The external auditor 

also reported on all material provisions to the Committee. On the basis of the above, the Audit Committee was satisfied that the level of 

tax provisioning for the Group was appropriate. 

How it was addressed by the Committee

The Committee reviewed the accounting principles and judgements around the Group’s right sizing measures and the conclusions of 

the testing performed by the external auditor. The Committee was satisfied with the quantum of costs recognised in the current 

financial year and the presentation of such costs in the financial statements. 

Throughout the year, the Committee received regular reports from management concerning the implementation of IFRS 16 within the 

accounting framework of the Group. Following careful review, the Committee was satisfied that the standard had been correctly 

implemented with effect from 1 October 2019 and that the effects of the adoption of IFRS 16 had been correctly reflected and 

disclosed in the financial statements. 

The Committee undertakes deep dives into specific risk topics to develop an understanding of the risk mitigations in place. The 

Committee continued to monitor the implementation of the Group’s IT strategy with regard to cyber security, through regular updates 

from the Group Chief Information Officer who provided insights into the processes in place to protect the Group against cyber attack, 

and the activities underway to further improve cyber security across the Group’s technology estate. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Areas of significant accounting judgement and estimation

How it was addressed by the Committee

Going concern and viability

The going concern and viability statements required careful 

consideration with respect to the impact of COVID-19. 

Carrying value of goodwill

The Group undertakes a formal goodwill impairment exercise 

at least once each year. This is based on the latest approved 

budget and financial plans for the different cash generating 

units of the Group. 

Contract related non-current asset impairment

The Group invests in contract fulfilment assets and contract 

costs, right of use assets, property, plant and equipment and 

intangible assets in order to fulfil its obligations under client 

contracts. These assets are reviewed for impairment if there 

are indicators that they may be impaired. 

Tax

The Group operates in multiple tax jurisdictions and is subject 

to the rules of their various taxation authorities. Due to the 

complexity and changing nature of tax rules and transfer 

pricing across multiple tax jurisdictions, a level of judgement 

is required in determining levels of tax recognised in the  

financial statements.

Other areas of focus

COVID-19 right sizing costs

Governments’ measures taken to contain the COVID-19 

outbreak have required the Group to limit or suspend business 

operations in certain countries and sectors. The Group has 

started to adjust its business and has incurred COVID-19 right 

sizing costs.

Implementation of IFRS 16

The IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ reporting standard became effective for 

the financial year under review, requiring significant changes 

to how leases are reported in the financial statements.  

Cyber security

Cyber security is considered an increasing risk to the Group 

and ensuring that appropriate IT controls and infrastructure 

are in place and are operating effectively, is a priority  

for the Committee.

The assumptions and evidence supporting the Group’s going concern and viability statements were reviewed and challenged by the 
Committee. In assessing the potential impact of COVID-19 on the going concern and viability statements of the Company, the 
Committee considered stringent financial stress test modelling scenarios accounting for varying degrees of impact upon the business. 
The Committee ensured that reporting guidance issued by the FRC was carefully reviewed and applied as appropriate, assessed the 
liquidity position of the Group, and the actions taken to mitigate risk with respect to continued compliance with financial covenants 
attached to issued debt. Having considered these factors, the detailed analysis undertaken, prudent scenario modelling and the 
assessment of the external auditor, the Committee was satisfied that the going concern and viability statements were appropriate.

The recoverability of the carrying value of goodwill involves the use of assumptions, including operating cash flow forecasts (revenue 
and operating margins), growth rates and discount rates. The Committee challenged the key assumptions and methodologies used to 
assess the recoverability of goodwill in the context of COVID-19, noting the existing headroom in the UK cash generating unit was 
sensitive to reasonably possible changes in key assumptions, and concluded that these were appropriate. The Committee also 
reviewed the goodwill impairment assessment disclosures and concluded that these were appropriate.

The Committee reviewed the methodology employed by management to determine whether contract assets were impaired, and 
management’s assessment of whether onerous contract provisions should be recognised when the unavoidable costs of meeting the 
obligations under client contracts exceed the economic benefits expected to be received from them. The Committee considered the 
approach taken by management with respect to trading forecasts over the life of the contracts, which contemplated recoverable asset 
values against a range of potential future trading conditions. The Committee was satisfied that the assumptions used by management 
were appropriately balanced and reflective of the uncertainty surrounding the ultimate impact of COVID-19. 

The Committee oversaw the development and reporting of the Company’s and the Group’s tax strategy, assessing the impact of the 
changes in taxation approach of governments in response to COVID-19, including the Group’s use of the different local government 
support measures available to companies which have experienced significant impacts on their business as a result of the pandemic. 
The Committee discussed with management key judgements made and, in particular, the policy efforts being led by the EU and OECD 
which may have a material impact on the taxation of all international businesses, including relevant legal advice. The external auditor 
also reported on all material provisions to the Committee. On the basis of the above, the Audit Committee was satisfied that the level of 
tax provisioning for the Group was appropriate. 

How it was addressed by the Committee

The Committee reviewed the accounting principles and judgements around the Group’s right sizing measures and the conclusions of 
the testing performed by the external auditor. The Committee was satisfied with the quantum of costs recognised in the current 
financial year and the presentation of such costs in the financial statements. 

Throughout the year, the Committee received regular reports from management concerning the implementation of IFRS 16 within the 
accounting framework of the Group. Following careful review, the Committee was satisfied that the standard had been correctly 
implemented with effect from 1 October 2019 and that the effects of the adoption of IFRS 16 had been correctly reflected and 
disclosed in the financial statements. 

The Committee undertakes deep dives into specific risk topics to develop an understanding of the risk mitigations in place. The 
Committee continued to monitor the implementation of the Group’s IT strategy with regard to cyber security, through regular updates 
from the Group Chief Information Officer who provided insights into the processes in place to protect the Group against cyber attack, 
and the activities underway to further improve cyber security across the Group’s technology estate. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  95 

Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A U DI T COMMI TTEE REPO RT (C ONTINUED)

OTHER MATTERS

The Committee has a broad remit covering the audit, assurance and risk processes within the business. A summary of the topics covered 
by the Audit Committee during the year is detailed below:

2019

NOVEMBER

•  full year results

2020

MAY

SEPTEMBER

•  KPMG External Audit Plan  

•  year end matters

 – summary of 2019 preliminary 

2019-2020

results

 – certificates of assurance
 – year end accounting and control 

matters
 – Tax update
 – draft press release
 – draft Annual Report and 

Accounts (including the report of 
the Audit Committee)

 – fair, balanced and 

understandable Annual Report 
reading guide

•  going concern and viability 

statements

•  Regional Governance Committees 

update

•  KPMG report to the Audit 

Committee on the 2018-2019 
audit and key issues
•  Internal Audit update
•  use of external auditor for 

non-audit services

•  private discussion with auditor

•  2020 interim results review (fair, 
balanced and understandable)

•  key accounting and reporting matters 

and tax update

•  COVID-19 pandemic (including going 
concern) and FRC guidance on the 
going concern basis of accounting 

•  IFRS 16 implementation
•  Tax update
•  feedback from country interim 

certificates of assurance

•  KPMG report on interim results 

review

•  Internal Audit update
•  cyber security update
•  GDPR / data privacy update 
•  Regional Governance Committee 

update

•  review of external auditor 

effectiveness

•  use of external auditor for non-audit 

services

•  private discussion with auditor

 – accounting issues and financial 

reporting update

 – Tax update
 – KPMG early issues report

•  Internal Audit update
•  Regional Governance Committees 

update

•  2020 Annual Report and Accounts 

draft

•  Audit Committee Report, Principal 
Risks and Internal Controls report

•  cyber security update
•  GDPR / data privacy update 
•  terms of reference annual review
•  use of auditor for non-audit services
•  private discussion with auditor

96  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

RISK APPETITE, PRINCIPAL OPERATIONAL RISKS AND 
RISK ASSURANCE

The Board’s attitude to and appetite for risk are communicated to 
the Group’s businesses through the strategy planning process. In 
determining its risk appetite, the Board recognises that a prudent 
and robust approach to risk mitigation must be carefully balanced 
with a degree of flexibility so that the entrepreneurial spirit which 
has greatly contributed to the success of the Company is not 
inhibited. The Committee and the Board remain satisfied that the 
Company’s internal risk control framework continues to provide 
the necessary element of flexibility without compromising the 
integrity of risk management and internal control systems.

To ensure that growth is underpinned by robust business 
practices, it is important to have a clear, well established system 
of risk management and internal control. As the concepts 
underpinning corporate governance standards can vary across 
jurisdictions, to promote consistency in approach to risk across 
the Group, we have in place a framework of Regional Governance 
Committees (RGCs) which have operated throughout the financial 
year. The RGCs provide oversight across the countries and regions 
in which we operate, ensuring that the Group’s risk management 
culture is firmly embedded within the businesses. 

The Group Risk Management Committee (RMC), comprising a 
multi-disciplinary team of key individuals, assists the Audit 
Committee with its work. The Chairman of the RMC is the Group 
CFO and the membership comprises the Group General Counsel 
and Company Secretary, the Group Director of Risk and Internal 
Audit, the Group Corporate Finance Director, the Group Investor 
Relations & Corporate Affairs Director, and the Group Chief 
People Officer. The RMC, in conjunction with the efforts of its 
colleagues in the Group’s RGCs, further embeds the Group’s risk 
management culture within the business. It also provides an 
additional layer of oversight to help underpin the assurances given 
by the Audit Committee to the Board in connection with the 
appropriateness of the Group’s financial reporting, the 
effectiveness of the internal and external audit functions, the 
management of the Group’s systems of internal control over 
business risks, and related compliance activities.

The Committee has oversight of a robust annual review and 
assessment of the principal risks and uncertainties of the Group. 
This review was conducted internally by a multi-disciplinary team, 
which seeks to establish, in the context of the macro environment 
and the Group strategy: 

i. 

if the principal risks and uncertainties disclosed in the prior 
year Annual Report and Accounts apply to the current  
financial year

ii.  whether there has been any year on year variance in the status 

of each risk

iii.  what should be removed or added

This year, the significant disruption caused by COVID-19, and its 
continuing impact on the business, has meant that pandemic risk 
has been included as a principal risk to the business in the 
Group’s risk register. The principal risks reported in the 2019 
Annual Report and Accounts, as updated in the 2020 half year 
results announcement, continue to remain pertinent and the 
Group’s perception of how these risks have increased or 
diminished over the year may be viewed in the Principal Risks 
section on pages 41 to 49.

FAIR, BALANCED AND UNDERSTANDABLE

The UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 (the Code) provides 
that, through its financial reporting, the Board should provide a 
fair, balanced and understandable assessment of the Company’s 
position and prospects. At the Board’s request, the Committee 
has reviewed the 2020 Annual Report and Accounts to determine 
whether it considered that the document, taken as a whole, meets 
this standard and provides the information necessary for 
shareholders to assess the Company’s position and performance, 
business model and strategy. The Committee has concluded that 
this requirement has been met.

Throughout the Annual Report and Accounts, we track our 
performance against a mix of financial and non-financial KPIs, 
which the Board and executive management consider best reflect 
the Company’s strategic priorities. The Committee has considered 
these KPIs and is satisfied that the information that has been 
selected by the Board and executive management will help to 
convey an understanding of both the performance and the culture 
of the business and the drivers which contribute to its success and 
which will be of interest to stakeholders.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  97 

GovernanceAll members of the Audit Committee are given an appropriate 
induction. Topics covered include the role and remit of the 
Committee and an overview of the business, its financial dynamics 
and its risks. Where appropriate, meetings are held with key 
individuals in the Group. Members are expected to have an 
understanding of the principles of, and recent developments in, 
financial reporting, including the applicable accounting standards 
and statements of recommended practice, key aspects of the 
Company’s policies, financing, internal control mechanisms, and 
matters that require the use of judgement in the presentation of 
accounts and key figures, as well as the role of internal and 
external auditors. Ongoing training is undertaken as required.

The Committee meets at least three times a year. A quorum for a 
meeting is two.

The Committee’s agenda is linked to events in the Company’s 
financial calendar. Members of the Audit Committee may require 
reports on matters of interest in addition to the regular items. The 
Audit Committee met three times during the year, with an 
appropriate interval between each of the meetings to ensure that 
work arising from Committee meetings could be carried out and 
reported back to the Board, as appropriate. Attendance is shown 
in the table on page 92.

In addition to Committee members, the Chairman, the Group 
CEO, Group CFO, Group Corporate Finance Director, Head of 
Group Reporting and the Group Director of Risk and Internal 
Audit, together with senior representatives of the external auditor, 
also attended meetings by invitation during the year. The Audit 
Committee reserves time for discussions without invitees and 
executive management being present at the end of each meeting. 
Other members of senior management are invited to present such 
reports as are required for the Committee to discharge its duties.

A U DI T COMMI TTEE REPO RT (C ONTINUED)

GOVERNANCE

The Audit Committee comprises John Bason, Chairman, and all of 
the non-executive directors (except Ian Meakins), in office at the 
date of this Report. Members of the Committee are appointed by 
the Board following recommendation by the Nomination 
Committee. The Committee’s membership is reviewed and 
assessed in the context of the range of skills, knowledge and 
experience required by the Code, by the Board and as part of the 
annual evaluation process.

The Chairman of the Committee reports to the Board on the 
activities of the Committee and keeps in touch with key individuals 
involved with the Company’s governance, including the Group 
CEO, Group CFO, the Group General Counsel and Company 
Secretary, the Group Director of Risk and Internal Audit and the 
external Senior Statutory Auditor, and attends the AGM to respond 
to any shareholder questions that might be raised concerning the 
Committee’s activities. The remuneration of the members of the 
Audit Committee and the Company’s policy with regard to the 
remuneration of the non-executive directors are set out  
on page 139.

Members of the Committee are required to have broad financial 
and commercial experience which is needed by the Committee to 
undertake its duties effectively. Each member brings an 
appropriate balance of senior level financial and commercial 
experience in multinational and/or complex organisations, 
combined with a sound understanding of the Company’s 
business, and is therefore considered by the Board to be 
competent in the Company’s sector. The expertise and 
experience of the members of the Committee are summarised on 
pages 72 and 73. The Board considers that each member of the 
Committee is independent within the definition set out in the Code 
and is capable of assessing the work of management and the 
assurances provided by the Internal Audit function and the 
external auditor. 

John Bason, the Audit Committee’s Chairman, is the Finance 
Director of Associated British Foods plc and is therefore 
considered by the Board to have significant, recent and relevant 
financial experience and to be competent in auditing and 
accounting. Anne-Francoise Nesmes will assume the Chair of the 
Audit Committee at the conclusion of the 2021 AGM. She is the 
Group CFO of Smith+Nephew plc and is considered by the Board 
to have the requisite significant, recent and relevant financial 
experience and to be competent in auditing and accounting.

98  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
EXTERNAL AUDITOR

An external audit tender and appointment process was concluded 
in 2014. The Committee considers that the Company has 
complied with the legal requirements relating to the frequency 
and governance of tenders for the appointment of the external 
auditor and the setting of a policy on the provision of non-audit 
services. Mr Paul Korolkiewicz was the Senior Statutory Auditor for 
the year under review.

To ensure objectivity, key members of the external audit team 
rotate off the Company’s audit. To safeguard the independence of 
the Company’s external auditor and the integrity of the audit 
process, the recruitment of senior employees from the Company’s 
auditor is not permitted for a period of at least two years after they 
cease to be involved in the provision of services to the Company.

The Committee currently intends to tender its audit in 2023-2024 
with a view to the chosen firm being appointed in 2024.

EXTERNAL AUDIT

The Audit Committee is responsible for the development, 
implementation and monitoring of the Company’s policy on 
external audit. The Committee reserves oversight responsibility for 
monitoring the auditor’s independence, objectivity and 
compliance with ethical, professional and regulatory 
requirements. The Audit Committee is responsible for the 
retendering selection process and recommends the appointment, 
reappointment and removal of the Company’s external auditor, 
and considers the risks associated with its withdrawal from the 
market in its risk evaluation and planning.

The Audit Committee also reviews and sets the terms, areas of 
responsibility and scope of the audit as set out in the external 
auditor’s engagement letter; the overall work plan for the 
forthcoming year, together with the associated fee proposal and 
cost effectiveness of the audit, the external auditor’s 
independence, any major issues which arise during the course of 
the audit and their resolution, key accounting and audit 
judgements, the level of errors identified during the audit, the 
recommendations made to management by the auditor and 
management’s response, and the auditor’s overall performance.

During the year, the Committee also considered the findings of the 
FRC’s Audit Quality Review on KPMG and, in particular, how 
KPMG were addressing the points raised.

The Company operates a policy on non-audit fees which it reviews 
annually and discloses the ratio of audit to non-audit fees paid in 
each financial year.

The Committee monitors the extent of non-audit work which the 
external auditor can perform, to ensure that the provision of those 
non-audit services that can be undertaken by the external auditor 
falls within the agreed policy and does not impair its objectivity or 
independence. The Group’s policy on non-audit services is 
aligned to the FRC’s 2019 Ethical Standard for auditing practices 
for what is permissible for Public Interest Entities and no services 
outside this are approved by the Committee. Engagements for 
non-audit services that are not prohibited are subject to formal 
approval by the Audit Committee based on the level of fees 
involved. Non-audit services that are pre-approved are either: 
routine in nature (i.e. the half year limited review) with a fee  
that is not significant in the context of the audit; or are other  
audit related services. 

Within the constraints of applicable UK rules, the external auditor 
could undertake certain non-audit work. The provision of 
non-audit services within such constraints and the agreed policy 
is assessed on a case by case basis so that the best placed advisor 
is retained. In accordance with the Group’s policies, the Group 
CFO approves individual non-audit services with fees up to 
£50,000 and non-audit services with combined fees up to 
£100,000. Audit Committee approval is sought for non-audit 
services over and above these limits. Note 3 on page 202 includes 
the fees for non-audit services. Non-audit fees included the 
Group’s half year limited review, non-statutory audit work and the 
comfort letter for the extension of the EMTN programme. 

During the year, the Committee reviewed KPMG’s fees for its 
services performed to 30 September 2020, its effectiveness and 
whether the agreed audit plan had been fulfilled and the reasons 
for any variation from the plan. The review included a formal 
evaluation process involving the use of questionnaires completed 
by finance teams around the Group.

The Audit Committee also considered the robustness of the 2020 
audit, the degree to which KPMG was able to assess key 
accounting and audit judgements and the content of the audit 
committee report issued by the external auditor. Due to 
governmental advice and restrictions regarding social distancing 
and travel, KPMG’s audit teams have followed different levels of 
remote working in the locations where the Group operates. The 
Committee is satisfied that this has not impacted the effectiveness 
of the audit or the audit process. On the basis of the Committee’s 
evaluation and taking into account the views of other key internal 
stakeholders, the Committee concluded that both the audit and 
the audit process were effective. 

The total fees paid to KPMG in the year ended 30 September 
2020 were £6.3 million, of which £0.3 million related to non-audit 
work (2019: £6.5 million of which £0.4 million related to non-audit 
work). Further disclosure of the non-audit fees paid during the 
year can be found in note 3 on page 202.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  99 

GovernanceThe Audit Committee also receives updates on any allegations of 
bribery and fraud in the business at every meeting, with individual 
updates being given to the Audit Committee, as needed, in more 
serious cases of alleged bribery, fraud or related activities. The 
Group’s theft and anti-fraud policies are a subset of the CBC, 
which does not tolerate any activity involving fraud, dishonesty or 
deception. These policies, for which the Audit Committee retains 
overall responsibility, set out how allegations of fraud or bribery 
are dealt with, such as through investigations conducted by the 
local People function, finance team or legal team, and the 
frequency of local reporting that feeds into the regular updates, 
which are presented to the Audit Committee. Reporting of these 
matters to the Audit Committee is managed and overseen by the 
Internal Audit function. The Speak Up policy operates when a 
complaint is received through the whistleblowing channel, and 
that policy redirects the fraud or bribery allegation for 
investigation at the most appropriate level of the organisation 
which may be, for example, by a member of the local People 
function, the Legal function, the internal auditor, or on occasion, 
the Audit Committee itself.

INTERNAL AUDIT

The Audit Committee reviews the effectiveness of the Group’s 
Internal Audit function and its relationship with the external 
auditor, including internal audit resources, plans and performance 
as well as the degree to which the function is free of management 
restrictions. Throughout the year, the Audit Committee reviewed 
the Internal Audit function’s plans and its achievements against 
those plans. The Audit Committee considered the results of the 
audits undertaken by the Internal Audit function and the 
adequacy of management’s response to matters raised, including 
the time taken to resolve any such matters.

A U DI T COMMI TTEE REPO RT (C ONTINUED)

REAPPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR

There are no contractual restrictions on the Company’s choice of 
external auditor and, in making its recommendation to 
shareholders on the reappointment of KPMG, the Committee 
considered, amongst other matters, the tenure, objectivity and 
independence of KPMG and its continuing effectiveness and cost 
as well as the availability of firms within the wider audit market. 

The Committee also considered the report on KPMG, as a firm, of 
the Audit Quality Review team of the FRC. 

KPMG has expressed its willingness to continue as auditor of the 
Company. Separate resolutions proposing KPMG’s reappointment 
and the determination of its remuneration by the Audit Committee 
will be proposed at the 2021 AGM.

DISCLOSURE OF RELEVANT AUDIT INFORMATION

The directors confirm that, so far as they are each aware, there is 
no relevant audit information of which KPMG is unaware and each 
director has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a 
director to be aware of any relevant audit information and to 
establish that KPMG is aware of that information. 

OUR STANDARDS

The Company remains committed to the highest standards of 
business conduct and expects all of its employees to act 
accordingly. The Group’s Speak Up policy (an extension of the 
Code of Ethics incorporated within the Group’s Code of Business 
Conduct (CBC) which is available in 40 languages) sets out 
arrangements for the receipt, in confidence, of complaints on 
accounting, risk issues, internal controls, auditing issues and 
related matters which would, as appropriate, be reported to the 
Audit Committee. Speak Up is a standard review item on all 
Internal Audit work programmes. The Corporate Responsibility 
Committee retains overall responsibility for the Group’s CBC 
programme, the training of employees and the way in which 
management obtain assurance in this area, including the annual 
self-certification process which required 3,045 of our senior 
managers, leaders and employees working in control functions  
to confirm their continued compliance with the CBC and  
the Code of Ethics in the year ended 30 September 2020.  
The CBC and Code of Ethics are available on the Company’s 
website www.compass-group.com.

100  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

INTERNAL CONTROL

The Committee also reviews the integrity of any material financial 
statements made by the Company. It monitors and conducts a 
robust review of the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control 
systems, accounting policies and practices and compliance 
controls (including key financial controls) as well as the 
Company’s statements on internal control, before they are agreed 
by the Board for inclusion in the Annual Report and Accounts. 
The Board retains overall responsibility for internal control and 
the identification and management of business risk and is assisted 
in this regard by a top down and bottom up process of risk 
identification and management which is the subject of regular 
review by the RGCs and the RMC.

The key features of the Group’s internal control and risk 
management systems that ensure the accuracy and reliability of 
financial reporting include clearly defined lines of accountability 
and delegation of authority, policies and procedures that cover 
financial planning and reporting, preparing consolidated 
accounts, capital expenditure, project governance and 
information security and the Group’s CBC. The Internal Audit 
function is involved in the assessment of the quality of risk 
management and internal control and helps to promote and 
further develop effective risk management within the businesses. 
Certain internal audit assignments (such as those requiring 
specialist expertise) continue to be outsourced by the Group 
Director of Risk and Internal Audit as appropriate. The Audit 
Committee reviews internal audit reports and considers the 
effectiveness of the function.

In a group where local management have considerable  
autonomy to run and develop their businesses, a well designed 
system of internal control is necessary to safeguard shareholders’ 
investments and the Company’s assets. The directors 
acknowledge that they have overall responsibility for risk 
management, the Group’s systems of internal control, for 
reviewing the effectiveness of those controls and for ensuring  
that an appropriate culture has been embedded throughout  
the organisation. In accordance with the guidance set out in  
the FRC’s Guidance on Risk Management, Internal Control and 
Related Financial Business Reporting 2014, and in the Code 
itself, an ongoing process has been established for identifying, 
managing and evaluating the risks faced by the Group. 

This process has been in place for the full financial year and up to 
the date on which the financial statements were approved. These 
systems are designed to manage rather than eliminate the risk of 
failure to achieve the Group’s strategic objectives, safeguard the 
Group’s assets against material loss, fairly report the Group’s 
performance and position, and to ensure compliance with relevant 
legislation, regulation and best practice including that related to 
social, environmental and ethical matters. The systems provide 
reasonable, but not absolute, assurance against material 
misstatement or loss. Such systems are reviewed by the Board to 
deal with changing circumstances.

A summary of the key financial risks inherent in the Group’s 
business is given on pages 41 to 49. Risk assessment and 
evaluation are an integral part of the annual planning cycle. Each 
business documents the strategic objectives and the effectiveness 
of the Group’s systems of internal control. As part of the review, 
each significant business and function has been required to 
identify and document each substantial risk, together with the 
mitigating actions implemented to manage, monitor and report to 
management on the effectiveness of these controls. Senior 
managers are also required to sign biannual confirmations of 
compliance with key procedures and to report any breakdowns in, 
or exceptions to, these procedures. Summarised results are 
presented to senior management (including to the RGCs) and to 
the Board.

These processes have been in place throughout the financial year 
ended 30 September 2020 and have continued to the date of this 
Report. Taken together, these processes and the reports they 
generate, which are considered by the Audit Committee, 
constitute a robust assessment of key risks and the internal 
controls that exist, and are designed to mitigate these risks. The 
Board has reviewed the effectiveness of the Group’s system of 
internal control for the year under review and a summary of the 
principal control structures and processes in place across the 
Group is set out in this Report.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  101 

GovernanceA U DI T COMMI TTEE REPO RT (C ONTINUED)

CONTROL ENVIRONMENT

Whilst the Board has overall responsibility for the Group’s system 
of internal control and for reviewing its effectiveness, it has 
delegated responsibility for the operation of the internal control 
and risk management programme to the Executive Committee. 
The detailed review of internal control has been delegated to the 
Audit Committee. The management of each business is 
responsible for internal control and risk management within its 
own business and for ensuring compliance with the Group’s 
policies and procedures. Each business has appointed a risk 
champion whose primary role in such capacity is to ensure 
compliance by local management with the Group’s risk 
management and internal control programme. The internal 
auditors and external independent auditor have reviewed the 
overall approach adopted by the Group towards its risk 
management activities to reinforce these internal  
control requirements.

CONTROL PROCEDURES

The Board reviews its strategic plans and objectives on an annual 
basis and approves Group budgets and strategies in light of these. 
Control is exercised at Group, regional and business level through 
the Group’s MAP framework (as well as through the RGCs), 
monthly monitoring of performance by comparison with budgets, 
forecasts and cash targets, and by regular contact with Group 
businesses by the Group CEO, Group CFO, Group General Counsel 
and Company Secretary, Group Chief People Officer, the Group 
Director, Global Clients and Consumers, and the Group Safety & 
Sustainability Director.

This is underpinned by a formal major risk assessment process, 
which is an integral part of the annual business cycle and is also a 
robust process adopted to support the viability statement. Each of 
the Group’s businesses is required to identify and document 
major risks facing their business and appropriate mitigating 
activities and controls, and to monitor and report to management 
on the effectiveness of these controls on a biannual basis. These 
reports, together with reports on internal control and departures, 
if any, from established Group procedures prepared by both the 
internal and external auditors, are reviewed by the Group CFO and 
the Audit Committee. 

Group companies also submit biannual risk and internal control 
assurance letters to the Group CFO on internal control and risk 
management issues, with comments on the control environment 
within their operations. The Group CFO summarises these 
submissions for the Audit Committee, and the Chairman of the 
Audit Committee reports to the Board on any matters that have 
arisen from the Committee’s review of the way in which risk 
management and internal control processes have been applied.

The Board has formal procedures in place for the approval of 
client contracts, capital investment and acquisition projects, with 
clearly designated levels of authority, supported by post 
investment review processes for selected acquisitions, client 
contracts and major capital expenditure. The Board considers 
social, environmental and ethical matters in relation to the 
Group’s business and assesses these when reviewing the risks 
faced by the Group. Further information regarding environmental 
and ethical matters is available on pages 59 to 69. The Board is 
conscious of the effect such matters may have on the short and 
long term value of the Company.

The external auditor of the Company and the Group Director of 
Risk and Internal Audit attend Audit Committee meetings and 
receive its papers. Committee members meet regularly with the 
external auditor and with the Group Director of Risk and Internal 
Audit, without the presence of executive management. 

Although some of the Group’s employees involved in preparing 
the year end financial information and supporting the external 
audit have been working from home, remote user access and 
software collaboration tools have ensured that the Company’s 
internal control over financial reporting has remained robust. As a 
result, during the year ended 30 September 2020, there have 
been no changes that have affected materially, or are reasonably 
likely to affect materially, the Company’s internal control over 
financial reporting.

102  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

EVALUATION OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE 

The 2019 external evaluation of the Committee, conducted by Lintstock, identified the following areas for improvement:

Priorities 

How they were addressed by the Committee during the 2019-2020 financial year 

Allocating more time to meetings

Maintaining oversight of the 
changing regulatory environment

Deep dives

2020 EVALUATION

To reflect the increasing responsibilities of the Committee, further time has been allocated to 
enable the Committee to cover topics within its remit in more detail. Agendas and information 
flows have been adjusted accordingly.

The Committee considers maintaining oversight of the regulatory environment to be essential. 
To ensure that its knowledge of the regulatory environment is maintained, the Committee 
receives regular reports and updates from the external auditor and the Company Secretariat 
concerning developments in legislation, regulation and best practice.

During the year the Committee maintained its focus on deep dives into the key topics of cyber 
security and data privacy, receiving regular updates and reports from subject matter experts 
within the Company.

This year’s evaluation was also conducted with the assistance of Lintstock. Overall, the performance of the Committee continued to be 
rated highly. Areas of the Committee’s performance which were identified as being particularly strong included the effectiveness of the 
Committee Chairman and the quality of the Committee’s oversight of the Group’s financial reporting. The evaluation also highlighted the 
strength of the composition of the Committee and the quality of information provided to the Committee was rated very highly.

GOING FORWARD

It was agreed that the priorities for the coming year included managing the transition of the role of the Committee Chair to maintain the 
Committee’s overall performance, and supporting the new Group Director of Risk and Internal Audit in delivering the internal audit and 
risk management plans. Building on existing relationships with the external auditor was considered key to ensuring that a high level of 
transparency was maintained. It was agreed that the Committee should continue its focus on the key areas of financial reporting and on 
ensuring the robustness of the control framework, the evaluation and management of risk and risk mitigation plans. The opportunity to 
undertake deep dives into specific areas (such as cyber risk and data privacy) was welcomed and would continue. An update on progress 
will be provided in next year’s Annual Report. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  103 

GovernanceCorporate Responsibility  
Committee Report

DEAR SHAREHOLDER

On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the Corporate 
Responsibility Committee’s Report for the financial year ended 30 
September 2020.

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

Corporate responsibility is central to the Company’s strategy and 
forms an integral part of how Compass operates. To advance the 
Company’s corporate responsibility (CR) objectives, the Committee 
oversees and monitors the implementation and effectiveness of the 
Company’s CR strategies and, in doing so, seeks to ensure the 
alignment of the Company’s policies and practices with its culture, 
purpose and values.

Last year, the role and responsibilities of the Committee were 
extensively restructured both in respect of changes in the 
Company’s CR agenda, and in view of evolving best practice as part 
of our compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018, 
which applied to the Company from 1 October 2019. As a result, 
the Committee’s remit has been widened, its areas of oversight 
clarified, and the number and length of its meetings increased. 
These positive changes have assisted the Committee in discharging 
its role in supporting the Company’s CR objectives. 

This year, operating under its revised terms of reference, the 
Committee’s work encompassed its core areas of oversight being 
people, health and safety, sustainability, governance, ethics and 
compliance, and stakeholder engagement. To enable the 
Committee to focus on these specific topics, agendas have been 
structured around these elements, and at each meeting, the 
Committee receives reports and presentations from subject matter 
experts including the Group Director of Safety and Sustainability, 
the Group Chief People Officer, the Group Engagement Director, 
the Group General Counsel and Company Secretary, and the Group 
Head of Ethics and Compliance, to help develop the Committee’s 
understanding of these matters. 

An important aspect of the Committee’s work involves the 
constructive oversight and challenge of how the Company engages 
with and understands the interests of its key stakeholder groups. 
This provides the Committee with greater insight into stakeholder 
interests and concerns, which helps to inform Board debate and 
decision making. 

Nelson Silva
Chairman of the Corporate Responsibility Committee

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

•  reviewing and monitoring the effectiveness of the Group’s 

Safety and Sustainability and People strategies

•  monitoring the Group’s CR policies and practices for 

alignment to the Company’s culture, purpose and values

•  reviewing/recommending for approval the Company’s 

annual Modern Slavery Act statement

•  overseeing the Group’s ethics and compliance 

programme

•  receiving updates on non-financial related reports from 

the whistleblowing helpline Speak Up

•  overseeing appropriate and effective engagement with 

the Company’s stakeholders including employees
•  approving the content of the CR report and the CR 

Committee’s report for the Annual Report and Accounts

MEMBERSHIP AND ATTENDANCE

Member
Nelson Silva
Carol Arrowsmith
John Bason
Dominic Blakemore
Stefan Bomhard
John Bryant
Ian Meakins2
Robin Mills3
Sarah Morris4
Anne-Francoise Nesmes
Ireena Vittal
Paul Walsh5
Karen Witts

Member since
Jul 2015
Jun 2014
Jun 2011
Jan 2018
May 2016
Sep 2018
Sep 2020
Nov 2015
May 2020 
Jul 2018
Jul 2015
Jan 2014
Apr 2019

Eligible
to attend1
3 
3 
3 
3 
3 
3 
1 
1 
2 
3 
3 
3
3 

Meetings 
attended 
3 
3 
3 
3 
3 
3 
1 
1 
2
3
3
3 
3 

1.  The number of meetings that a member was eligible to attend.
2.  Appointed to the CR Committee on 1 September 2020.
3.  Stepped down from the CR Committee on 25 November 2019.
4.  Appointed to the CR Committee on 11 May 2020.
5.  Will step down from the CR Committee on 1 December 2020.

104  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

Our ethics and compliance agenda also progressed in the year 
with the launch of an improved global e-learning training platform 
to communicate our ethical standards. These are designed to 
ensure that our people understand how the Company’s policies, 
procedures and values apply to them and their roles. We believe 
the best way to maintain a strong culture of ethics and integrity is 
through employees applying the standards, behaviours and 
expectations set out in our Code of Business Conduct, our Code of 
Ethics, and the broader Compass values.

The Committee receives regular updates on legislative, regulatory 
and best practice developments and will continue to ensure that 
the Company’s policies, practices and governance arrangements 
reflect such developments. 

As part of the annual performance evaluation process, the 
Committee assessed its effectiveness and performance against a 
number of key areas as part of a detailed questionnaire compiled 
with the assistance of Lintstock. Further information on the results 
of this year’s evaluation can be found on page 109. 

Nelson Silva
Chairman of the Corporate Responsibility Committee

24 November 2020

During the year, our people and our operations have been under 
considerable pressure as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  
Over this period, the work of the Committee focused on overseeing 
the health and safety initiatives developed by management to 
keep our people, clients and consumers safe. This was supported 
by a structured employee engagement strategy to ensure our 
people received the appropriate levels of advice, guidance and 
support, both in terms of safety and mental health awareness.  
The Committee received regular updates on the measures 
implemented on a country by country basis during the  
pandemic. This enabled the Committee to assess the actions 
taken by management and assisted the Committee in keeping 
the Board informed of the impact of COVID-19 on the  
Company’s stakeholders.

As part of its duties, the Committee has continued to monitor and 
measure the Group’s health and safety performance against the 
agreed KPIs and the performance of the Group’s sustainability 
strategy, and progress against our sustainability targets. 

Our global employee engagement survey helps the Committee and 
the Board to further understand the views of our people across a 
number of areas and during the year we launched our latest global 
People survey. Over a quarter of a million colleagues across the 
Group took part in the survey. 

Another key element of our engagement strategy is to raise the 
voice of employees in the boardroom and last year, we appointed 
Ireena Vittal to act as the Designated Non-executive director for 
workforce engagement. Since assuming this important role, Ireena 
has held several sessions with a diverse group of employees from 
around the Group.

The results of the global engagement survey and other 
engagement activities such as roundtable discussions and 
employee town halls, together with the learnings from the matters 
raised through our whistleblowing helpline, Speak Up, and the 
work being undertaken by Mrs Vittal, have all provided a valuable 
insight into the thoughts, concerns and aspirations of our people 
and will be used to help shape our people priorities as we go 
forward. Further information can be found in our People report on 
pages 51 to 57.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  105 

GovernanceC ORP ORATE RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE REPORT  (CONTINUED)

PEOPLE 

The Group’s most valuable resource is its people. The Board has 
delegated responsibility to the Committee to oversee and to make 
recommendations to the Board on the development, 
implementation and effectiveness of the Group’s People 
strategies, processes and initiatives. To assist the Committee with 
its work in this area, it received regular reports and presentations 
from key individuals in the Group People function, including the 
Group Chief People Officer and Group Engagement Director. 

The Committee gained valuable insights from colleagues across 
the Group’s businesses through the global engagement survey 
undertaken in November 2019 and from other sources. How our 
people feel about their workplace is an important indicator of the 
health of the Company’s culture and values, and this information 
provided the Committee with a unique perspective into how 
employee culture can best complement the corporate strategy. 
These views will help the Committee in its oversight of the Group’s 
People strategy to ensure that it remains effective and is valued 
and understood by the Group’s employees. 

Over a quarter of a million employees participated in the global 
engagement survey. The overall score was reasonably high at 4.1 
out of 5, and the Committee was reassured to note that high 
scoring questions included “I enjoy the work that I do”, “I can be 
myself at work” and “we work together as a team to get the job 
done”. The survey also identified that employees are eager to 
have more opportunities to develop their careers within the Group. 

COVID-19 has caused significant disruption to the lives of our 
employees. In line with the Group’s culture and values, the 
Committee recognises that effective engagement with employees 
is of paramount importance and the Committee closely monitored 
engagement initiatives during the period. Focus centred on 
ensuring that communications were transparent and timely and 
that actions supported the health, motivation and wellbeing of 
colleagues. The Committee received updates on the effectiveness 
of employee engagement initiatives used by management to keep 
employees informed, and supported events as the crisis unfolded. 
Measures taken were designed to help employees feel safe and 
secure and able to voice their concerns. The Committee also 
noted that support offered to employees during the COVID-19 
crisis, available on a country by country basis, included a range of 
initiatives: financial support, advice and counselling, mental 
health awareness and stress management, welfare discussions 
and tools, listening sessions on key topics and other 
communications.

As part of the Group’s workforce engagement programme, Ireena 
Vittal, as Designated Non-executive director for workforce 
engagement, held three meetings with a diverse group of front line 
employees from a number of countries. To protect the welfare of 
those who took part during the COVID-19 pandemic, the meetings 
were held virtually. These meetings are considered by the 
Committee to be very valuable and have provided an opportunity 
for employees to share their personal experiences, table ideas, 

106  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

and raise questions with Mrs Vittal to feed back to the Committee 
for consideration. A full programme of meetings has been planned 
for the coming year, which will likely also be held virtually.

More details on the Group’s People strategy and workforce 
engagement can be found on pages 51 to 57.

HEALTH, SAFETY AND SUSTAINABILITY

In 2020, the Company continued to deliver on its corporate 
responsibility initiatives against the three pillars of its sustainability 
strategy, which are underpinned by the People strategy and the 
Company’s safety culture. The sustainability pillars are:

•  Health and Wellbeing
•  Environmental Game Changers
•  Better for the World

Further information on the sustainability strategy can be found on 
pages 59 to 69.

This year, more than ever, the health and safety of employees, 
clients and consumers has been a top priority for Compass. At the 
start of every meeting, the CR Committee considers a safety 
moment. This helps the Committee to develop a deeper 
understanding of the health and safety risks and challenges facing 
the business, and to consider how the lessons learned from 
specific incidents can be applied to help prevent recurrence.

The Committee was instrumental in keeping the Board informed 
of the health and safety measures taken to protect employees, 
clients and consumers as a result of COVID-19. Restrictions in 
personal movement and initiatives to limit the potential spread of 
the virus required a carefully coordinated response from the 
businesses. Through direct reports from the Group Safety & 
Sustainability Director, the Committee oversaw the 
implementation of initiatives to ensure that working environments 
which continued to be operational during the pandemic remained 
safe, and that sites that had been closed could reopen with 
appropriate safety protocols in place. 

In designing the health and safety protocols, management 
consulted a range of internal and external experts, including 
seeking expert medical advice. In accordance with advice 
received, the reopening protocols were developed by the Group’s 
central health and safety team, and regional and country safety 
leads, and were designed to ensure that the risk of transmission of 
COVID-19 was appropriately limited. This included a review of 
reopening safety checklists, and consideration of resource 
planning, training, screening methodology and safety equipment 
requirements. The Committee received reports on implementation 
of the measures taken including safe working practices, the 
correct use of Personal Protective Equipment, and controlling 
social interaction within workspaces. The Committee considered 
with the Group Safety & Sustainability Director the effectiveness of 
the protocols in place to ascertain that the approach being taken 
by the businesses was appropriate. It also received regular 
updates on employee infection rates. 

During the year, the Committee received reports on safety 
performance and progress against the Group’s safety key 
performance indicators (KPIs). Both our global Lost Time Incident 
Frequency Rate and our global Food Safety Incident Rate have 
improved since 2016 by 42% and 43% respectively. However, the 
Committee is not complacent and recognises that this year’s 
results have been positively influenced by the closure of much of 
the business in the second half of the year. The Committee will 
continue to closely monitor the KPIs as those parts of the business 
which have been closed reopen. The Committee also reviewed 
food safety audits carried out on suppliers representing 35% of 
the total food supplier base, which were conducted by NSF 
International, an independent third party specialist audit firm. 

As a result of the pandemic, many people have lost family, friends 
and colleagues, and sadly, during the year, we lost a number of 
valued colleagues in different parts of the world. Our deepest 
sympathies are with the families and colleagues of those who have 
died and we continue to be committed to doing all we can to 
support them.

The dynamic nature of the COVID-19 virus means that when 
contracted, it is very difficult to identify the source of the infection. 
While some of our colleagues have been affected by the virus, our 
investigations have found no conclusive evidence that the sources 
of contraction originated within our work environments. We have, 
however, reported one workplace related COVID-19 fatality of a 
colleague who was a front line worker in a hospital in our North 
American business. Although there is no conclusive evidence that 
our colleague contracted the virus while at work, local law makes 
the presumption that for front line workers, the virus was 
contracted in the workplace. 

Sadly, there was one non-COVID-19, non-work related fatality in 
the year; a road traffic accident in our Australian business. A full 
investigation was conducted by the Australian police and the 
outcome was reported to the directors and senior executives. 
Support was provided by the local operation to the family of the 
deceased. 

In recognition of the overall Group financial performance during 
the year, and taking into account the impact of COVID-19 on our 
business, our people and our shareholders, the executive 
directors asked to waive their entitlements to any bonus for the 
year. They proposed instead that some of the monies be donated 
to good causes. 

The Committee is responsible for reviewing and monitoring the 
implementation of the Company’s corporate responsibility and 
sustainability strategy to ensure that it continues to be effective 
and remains aligned to the Company’s social purpose, culture and 
values. Over the course of the year the Committee received and 
considered regular updates on the progress of the strategy, which 
included details of the work and projects taking place throughout 
the Group and in the wider industry. The sustainability projects 
which the Committee spent time considering included initiatives 
aimed at promoting mental health awareness within the 
workforce, reducing food waste and the usage of single-use 

plastics, greenhouse gas and climate change reporting, ensuring 
responsible sourcing of goods from suppliers and partnering with 
external parties to effect big change within the food industry. The 
Committee believes that the increasing work the Group 
undertakes in the sustainability arena reflects and is fully aligned 
with the Company’s culture and values. More details of our 
sustainability strategy, the performance against our sustainability 
KPIs, and the Group’s various sustainability projects and initiatives 
can be found in our Corporate Responsibility report, which is on 
pages 59 to 69. 

ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE

During the year, the Committee received reports from the Group 
Head of Ethics and Compliance, regarding the implementation of 
the Group Ethics and Compliance Programme (ECP). The ECP has 
been designed to further strengthen the controls framework 
through which the Company’s ethics and compliance culture is 
embedded, monitored and tested. The focus of the ECP  
this year was:

•  enhancing the Group’s ethics and compliance training 

programme and strategy and replacing and improving the 
existing training platform

•  ensuring that the Code of Business Conduct continues to be fit 

for purpose

•  supporting the overall Major Risk Assessment process and 

enhancing bribery and corruption risk assessments

•  improving the periodic training on key risks facing the business 

and its people

•  maintaining the oversight of key issues and trends resulting 

from the Group’s whistleblowing helpline, Speak Up

The scope of the programme included the development and roll 
out of a new ethics and compliance learning portal, which is 
provided by an independent third party, replacing the existing 
training for new starters. This improved learning platform will 
support increased engagement with employees through targeted 
training on a wide range of regulatory, ethics and compliance 
topics. 

The ECP also focused on improving the Group’s Speak Up 
programme through engagement sessions with relevant 
stakeholders, including an interactive face to face session for 
senior leaders in the People, Internal Audit and Legal functions on 
conducting investigations, regulatory developments and best 
practice. At each meeting, the Committee now receives 
dashboards and presentations to provide greater insight into key 
trends and data arising from Speak Up. 

The Committee will continue to monitor the performance of the 
Group’s ethics and compliance strategy to ensure alignment with 
the Group’s culture, purpose and values. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  107 

GovernanceC ORP ORATE RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE REPORT  (CONTINUED)

HUMAN RIGHTS AND MODERN SLAVERY

The Committee reviewed the content of the Company’s Modern 
Slavery Act statement (MSA) on behalf of the Board with the aim 
of establishing whether the MSA statement and the approach 
taken reflected best practice and was representative of the 
Company’ activities to promote ethical business practices and 
policies, and to provide assurance to the Board. 

In undertaking its review, the Committee considered whether the 
statement conveyed to stakeholders the steps being taken by the 
Company to tackle modern slavery. The Company continues to 
collaborate with a wide range of organisations, corporate peers 
and other relevant stakeholders to effect change and advance the 
Company’s human rights agenda. During the year, we developed 
and undertook a human rights risk assessment that was piloted in 
the Group’s UK & Ireland business. The pilot was led by the 
Group’s Human Rights Working Group, supported by an 
independent consulting firm, and will help the Company to 
develop its initiatives in this area. Further roll out of the initial pilot 
was paused as a result of the impact and disruption to our 
business from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Discussions are underway to roll out the risk assessment more 
broadly in the coming year. Once the risk assessment has been 
completed, the findings and results will be shared with the 
Committee for review and comment. 

The Committee also reviewed the Group’s revised Human Rights 
Policy which was updated during the year to align it to the Group’s  
People, Performance, Purpose strategy and recommended it to 
the Board for approval. The updated policy, which was 
subsequently approved by the Board, sets out our commitment 
and approach to human rights and incorporates elements of the 
Company’s sustainability strategy, reflecting increased focus on 
this area from clients, investors and other stakeholders.

The Committee concluded that the MSA statement reflected the 
Company’s approach and activities for identifying, monitoring and 
eradicating human slavery and trafficking in its business and 
supply chain, was clear and understandable and demonstrated a 
year on year improvement in the Company’s human rights agenda. 
Copies of our MSA and the Human Rights Policy are available on 
the Company’s website www.compass-group.com.

ACTIVITY DURING THE YEAR

The key matters considered and discussed by the Committee during the year are set out below:

2019

NOVEMBER

2020

MAY

SEPTEMBER

•  safety moment 
•  People update: employee voice
•  Purpose update: safety KPI 
update against targets for 
2018-2019

•  approval of HSE targets for 

2019-2020

•  food safety: supplier audits  

rating review

•  sustainability metrics update 
(including cage-free eggs)
•  sustainability projects update
•  annual approvals: CR Committee 
report, Corporate Responsibility 
report

•  Modern Slavery Act statement
•  ethics and compliance update -  

Speak Up

•  safety moment
•  People update: employee voice, 
engagement during COVID-19 
pandemic 

•  safety moment
•  health and safety performance and 

sustainability update

•  safety and sustainability strategy 

•  Purpose update: COVID-19 update, 

update

reopening toolkits
•  governance update
•  ethics and compliance update

•  safety KPI performance against 

targets for 2019-2020

•  COVID-19 update
•  allergen update
•  employee engagement update 
(including employee voice)
•  wider stakeholder engagement 

update 

•  ethics and compliance update - 

Speak Up

•  governance and regulatory update 
•  terms of reference: annual review
•  Human Rights Policy approval 

The Committee continued to fulfil its watching brief on regulatory, legislative and best practice developments throughout the year, the 
majority of which related to the various initiatives of government and policy makers taken in response to COVID-19. In addition to these, 
the Committee ensured that its members were kept up to date on emerging corporate governance developments.  

108  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

GOVERNANCE

The CR Committee comprises Nelson Silva, Chairman, and all the 
non-executive directors in office at the date of this Report. Other 
members include the Chairman of the Board, the Group CEO, 
Group CFO, and the Group Chief People Officer. The Group 
General Counsel and Company Secretary attends all meetings of 
the Committee.

Only members of the CR Committee have the right to attend CR 
Committee meetings. Other individuals, such as the Group Safety 
& Sustainability Director, Group Head of Ethics and Compliance, 
Group Engagement Director and external advisors, may be invited 
to attend for all or part of any meeting, as and when appropriate. 

A quorum for a meeting is two. The CR Committee met three times 
during the year. Attendance is set out in the table on page 104.

The objective of the CR Committee is to assist the Board and the 
Company in fulfilling its corporate responsibility in line with the 
Company’s strategy, policies and practices.

People Officer, Group Engagement Director and other senior 
managers to ensure that progress is being made towards meeting 
the Group’s specific CR KPIs and our ongoing CR commitments.

The CR Committee Chairman reports the outcome of its meetings 
to the Board.

The CR Committee’s remit includes monitoring and ensuring 
executive management and the Board are appropriately prepared 
for changes in the legislative, regulatory and best practice 
landscape and, in this regard, is supported by the Group General 
Counsel and Company Secretary. 

The CR Committee is authorised to seek information from any 
employee of the Group to enable it to perform its duties, and if 
necessary, at the expense of the Company, can obtain legal or 
other independent professional advice on matters covered by its 
terms of reference. The terms of reference of the CR Committee 
are reviewed annually to ensure that they continue to be fit for 
purpose.

The CR Committee receives reports from the Group Safety & 
Sustainability Director, Group General Counsel and Company 
Secretary, Group Head of Ethics and Compliance, Group Chief 

The CR Committee Chairman attends the AGM to meet with 
shareholders and to answer any questions on the Committee’s 
activities.

EVALUATION OF THE CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE 

The following areas were identified in last year’s review as being areas of focus for the Committee:

Priorities 

How they were addressed by the Committee during the 2019-2020 financial year 

Increasing the number and 
duration of Committee meetings to 
reflect the broader scope of 
matters falling within the 
Committee’s remit 

As a result of last year’s annual performance evaluation, to reflect the broader scope of 
matters falling within the Committee’s remit and to ensure that sufficient time is allocated to 
enable the Committee to focus on specific areas linked to the Company’s purpose, values and 
culture, the number of Committee meetings was increased from two to a minimum of three 
each year. The duration of the meetings has also been increased.

Enhanced focus on food safety and 
sustainability and performance 
against agreed KPIs

Additional time has also been given in meetings for reports and presentations from the 
Group’s Safety and Sustainability Director on topics relating to food safety, and sustainability 
strategy and performance. 

2020 EVALUATION

This year’s evaluation of the Committee concluded that the performance of the Corporate Responsibility Committee continued to be 
rated very highly and had increased overall, and it was noted that the Committee had successfully adapted its remit to the new Code 
requirements. The composition of the Committee was rated positively as was the performance of the CR Committee Chairman. The 
increased time for discussion and debate was well received. Whilst it was early days, the promotion of employee engagement through the 
sessions held by Ireena Vittal as Designated Non-executive director for workforce engagement, were considered to provide valuable 
insights.

GOING FORWARD

It was agreed that to assist the Committee in improving its performance over the coming year, its priorities should be:

•  spending more time on how the ESG agenda drives investor choices
•  selecting relevant deep dive topics to be presented by business leaders, as appropriate
•  continuing to prioritise and focus the sustainability and ESG agendas 
•  continuing oversight of the effectiveness of the People strategy and to receive feedback to measure employee engagement and morale
•  continuing oversight of the ongoing development of wider stakeholder engagement initiatives

An update on progress will be provided in the 2021 Annual Report.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  109 

GovernanceNomination Committee Report

DEAR SHAREHOLDER

On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the Nomination 
Committee’s Report for the financial year ended 30 September 
2020 which provides an overview of the Committee’s activities in 
the year under review and looks ahead to our anticipated activities 
in the coming year.

YEAR IN REVIEW

As in previous years, succession planning continued to be the 
primary focus of the Committee’s work. The Committee is 
responsible for leading a formal, rigorous and transparent process 
for Board appointments and ensuring that plans are in place for 
orderly succession to the Board and senior management positions. 
The Committee is also responsible for keeping under review the 
leadership needs of the organisation, both executive and non-
executive, with a view to ensuring the continued ability of the 
organisation to compete effectively in the marketplace.

In January 2020, we reported that I would be stepping down from 
the Board after almost seven years as Chairman and that John 
Bason, Senior Independent Director (SID), would be leading the 
search for my successor. After undertaking a thorough selection 
process using external search consultants, Korn Ferry, on 18 
August 2020 we announced the appointment of Ian Meakins as 
Chairman. Ian joined the Board and the Committee as a non-
executive director on 1 September 2020 and will succeed me as 
Chairman of the Company and Chairman of the Committee on 
1 December 2020. Ian has a strong record of value creation and 
brings a wealth of experience to the Group and is a strong choice to 
succeed me. Further details of the selection process can be found 
later in the Nomination Committee Report.

As announced on 24 October 2020, John Bason has agreed to 
extend his terms of appointment to provide continuity and support 
the transition. Subject to shareholder approval at the 2021 AGM, 
John will remain a member of the Board and a member of the 
Nomination and Corporate Responsibility Committees. He will step 
down as Senior Independent Director, Chair of the Audit 
Committee and as a member of the Audit and Remuneration 
Committees at the conclusion of the 2021 AGM. He will not seek 
re-election at the 2022 AGM. John Bryant will succeed John as 
Senior Independent Director, and Anne-Francoise Nesmes will 
succeed him as the Audit Committee Chair. 

The decision by the Committee to extend John’s terms of 
appointment for a short period was made to ensure continuity and 
stability on the Board at a time of wider economic challenge and 
uncertainty. The Committee considers this to be in the best 
interests of the Company and its stakeholders as a whole, and I 
hope that you will join the Board in supporting John’s re-election to 
the Board at the 2021 AGM. 

Paul Walsh
Chairman of the Nomination Committee 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

•  leads the process for Board appointments, ensures plans 

are in place for orderly succession to the Board and 
senior management positions, overseeing development 
of a diverse pipeline for succession 

•  reviews the structure, size and composition of the Board 
and its committees, recommending to the Board any new 
appointees and the reappointment of existing directors 
and committee members

•  ensures there is a balance of skills, knowledge, 

experience and diversity on the Board

•  reviews senior leadership needs to enable the Group to 

compete effectively in the marketplace

•  advises on succession planning for executive directors 
•  oversees a formal and rigorous annual evaluation of the 

Board, its committees and directors

•   oversees the Company’s policy, objectives and strategy 

on diversity and inclusion

MEMBERSHIP AND ATTENDANCE

Member
Paul Walsh
Carol Arrowsmith2
John Bason
Stefan Bomhard
John Bryant
Ian Meakins3
Anne-Francoise Nesmes
Nelson Silva
Ireena Vittal2

Member since
Jan 2014
Jun 2014
Jun 2011
May 2016
Sep 2018
Sep 2020
Jul 2018
Jul 2015
Jul 2015

Eligible
to attend1
9 
9
9 
9 
9 
1
9 
9 
9 

Meetings 
attended 
9 
8 
9 
9 
9 
1 
9 
9 
8 

1.  The maximum number of meetings that a member was eligible to 

attend.

2.  Unable to attend a telephone meeting called at short notice on  

5 January 2020. However, provided comments to the Chairman in 
advance.

3.  Appointed to the Nomination Committee on 1 September 2020. Will 
succeed Paul Walsh as Chairman of the Nomination Committee on  
1 December 2020.

110  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

As part of our annual Board and committee evaluation process, 
further details of which are set out on pages 117 to 120, the 
Committee assessed the time commitment needed from non-
executive directors to ensure that each individual has sufficient 
time to devote to their duties. The impact of the pandemic on 
businesses globally has required the Board and its committees to 
devote additional time to Board business and to providing 
leadership oversight, and each of our directors remains fully 
committed to promoting the success of the Company in a way that 
ensures that the interests of shareholders and other stakeholders 
are protected.

In the coming year, the Nomination Committee will continue to 
focus on the Board’s composition, succession planning on the 
Board and in senior management positions and on furthering our 
diversity and inclusion agenda, as Ian takes the helm. 

Paul Walsh
Chairman of the Nomination Committee

24 November 2020

During the year, the Committee also considered, and 
recommended to the Board the reappointment of Carol 
Arrowsmith, who chairs our Remuneration Committee, for a 
further three year period. I am pleased to report that the Board 
endorsed the Committee’s recommendations, ensuring that the 
Board retains the skills, experience and diversity required to meet 
the Group’s strategic objectives. 

With the aim of continuing to promote diversity on the Board and 
within the Group as a whole, the Committee reviewed the Board’s 
policy on diversity and inclusion which was recommended to the 
Board and approved during the year. The Board Diversity Policy 
sets out the Board’s approach to diversity with respect to its 
composition and is consistent with the values we hold throughout 
the Group. In line with the recommendations of the Hampton-
Alexander Review, the Board has made a formal commitment to 
maintain at least 33% female representation on the Board and the 
Board continues to meet this commitment.

People remain our most valuable asset and we are committed to 
creating an inclusive culture which enables all of our people to 
thrive, and to leverage diversity and inclusion to ensure we have a 
balanced pipeline of talent for the future. The Board also supports 
the aims of the Parker Review to improve ethnic diversity in UK 
business leadership so that the values of company stakeholders 
(including employees, shareholders and the communities in 
which the Company operates) are reflected in the boardroom.

The Parker Review, first published in 2017, made a series of 
recommendations aimed at improving ethnic diversity on FTSE 
100 boards. Compass is compliant with the Parker Review 
recommendations and the Nomination Committee will continue 
its work to maintain a balance on the Board of individuals 
representing a wide cross section of experience, cultural 
backgrounds and specialisms. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  111 

GovernanceNOM I NATION  COMMITTEE REPORT (CONTINUED)

GOVERNANCE

Committee membership comprises the independent  
non-executive directors of the Company and the Chairman.  
The Committee meets at least twice a year. A quorum for a 
meeting is three, the majority of which must be independent 
non-executive directors. 

The Chairman acts as Chair of the Committee, save in respect of 
matters relating to the appointment of his or her successor, when 
the meetings will be chaired by the SID. A meeting to reappoint 
the Chairman will be chaired by an independent non-executive 
director. The outcome of Committee meetings is reported by the 
Committee Chairman to the Board.

Only members of the Committee have the right to attend 
Committee meetings. Other individuals, such as the Group CEO, 
the Group Chief People Officer and external advisors may  
be invited to attend all or part of any meeting, as and  
when appropriate.

The Committee is authorised to seek information from any 
employee of the Group to enable it to perform its duties and, if 
necessary, at the expense of the Company, can obtain legal or 
other independent professional advice on matters covered by its 
terms of reference.

The Committee Chairman attends the AGM to meet with 
shareholders and answer questions on the Committee’s activities.

BOARD COMPOSITION AND SUCCESSION PLANNING

The Board’s policy is to ensure that the Board comprises 
members with a range of skills and capabilities to meet its primary 
responsibility for promoting the success of the Company in  
a way that ensures that the interests of shareholders and other 
stakeholders are protected. The Committee leads the process  
for Board appointments, ensuring plans are in place for orderly 
succession to both the Board and senior management  
positions, and oversees the development of a diverse  
pipeline for succession.

Succession planning is an important aspect of the Committee’s 
work. When assessing future succession planning needs of the 
Board, the Committee considers and evaluates the skills of its 
members to ensure that it and its committees are well placed to 
discharge the Company’s governance requirements. In doing so, 
the Committee considers the experience and expertise of 
individual directors in relation to the Group’s current and future 
strategic objectives, and the need for diversity of Board 
membership to reflect a broad range of backgrounds and 
views. The time served by the independent non-executive 
directors on the Board is considered to allow the Committee to 
plan for refreshment of the Board and to maintain a balance of 
non-executive directors with varying lengths of tenure. From these 

reviews the Committee can determine the desirable skills, 
experience, qualities and attributes for new appointees to 
augment those already present, and replenish any key skills and 
experience lost as the Board is refreshed.

With respect to succession planning for senior management 
positions within the Company, the Committee oversees and 
promotes the development of a strong pipeline of high calibre 
individuals capable of discharging executive level responsibilities. 
The succession planning process includes a review of talent at the 
senior regional and country levels within the Group, which enables 
the Committee to monitor and evaluate the strength of the talent 
pipeline, its composition, diversity and the training and 
development needs within the Group’s senior leadership. 

During the year, the Committee reviewed the succession plans for 
senior management with the Group Chief People Officer, 
recognising the importance of culture in the context of the 
evolution of the Company’s People, Performance, Purpose 
strategy. The succession plans for Executive Committee members 
were discussed as well as those for the senior leadership team in 
Europe and Middle East, the US executive team and the head 
office functions. The pipeline of female talent was reviewed, 
together with strategies for the provision of support and 
development for certain key individuals. 

BOARD APPOINTMENT PROCESS

The process for making new appointments to the Board is led by 
the Chairman, save where this concerns the appointment of the 
Chairman’s successor, in which case the process is led by the SID. 
The procedures for appointing a non-executive or an executive 
director are set out in the Committee’s terms of reference. When 
appointing a new Chairman, this includes an assessment of the 
time commitment expected, recognising the need for the 
chairman to be available in the event of crises.

Prior to making an appointment, the Nomination Committee 
evaluates the balance of skills, knowledge, independence, 
experience and diversity on the Board and, in consideration of 
this, prepares a description of the role and capabilities required. 
The Board promotes an environment which is supportive of all 
individuals from diverse backgrounds and thus, in identifying 
suitable candidates, the Nomination Committee shall:

•  use open advertising or the services of external advisors to 

facilitate the search

•  consider candidates from different genders and a wide range of 

backgrounds 

•  consider candidates on merit and against objective criteria 
taking into account the benefits of diversity on the Board
•  ensure that appointees have enough time to devote to the 

position, in light of other significant commitments

112  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

Following detailed discussions and careful consideration, the 
Committee concluded and recommended to the Board that  
Ian Meakins be appointed to the Board with effect from  
1 September 2020 as a non-executive director and that he 
assume the role of Chairman with effect from 1 December 2020, 
when Mr Walsh will step down from the Board. This was approved 
by the Board.

Mr Meakins was considered to meet the brief that had been set by 
the Committee very favourably. He brings a successful track 
record as CEO of a number of global businesses and is the serving 
chairman of Rexel SA, a French listed company. He has broad 
sector experience, with an emphasis on B2B and B2C 
environments, substantial UK plc experience and a deep 
understanding of the UK corporate governance framework. 

Induction of new Chairman

When a new Board member joins Compass they receive a formal, 
comprehensive and tailored induction designed to suit their 
individual needs and their role. The induction programme 
includes activities and meetings with key personnel, technical 
briefings and site visits. This is an effective way of introducing 
them to the Group’s culture and of ensuring that they have the 
information and support they need to understand the business 
and to enable them to be productive in their role.

The induction programme for Mr Meakins included meetings with 
senior management across the businesses and functional leaders 
and was structured to help him gain an insight into how the 
business works on a day to day basis and to understand its 
strategic priorities, culture, values and people. 

Appointment of a new Chairman

During the year, the Committee focused on the composition of the 
Board, the combined capabilities and experience of the directors 
and the appointment of a new Chairman to succeed Mr Walsh. 

The selection process was led by the SID, John Bason, and the 
Committee, with assistance from a small sub-committee of 
non-executive directors and the Group General Counsel and 
Company Secretary. 

As part of the external search process, the services of an 
executive search firm were used to identify potential candidates. 
The Committee considered the credentials of a number of search 
consultants before recommending the appointment of Korn Ferry, 
which is a signatory to the voluntary code of conduct for executive 
search firms. Korn Ferry is used from time for time by the 
Company and its subsidiaries for the recruitment of senior 
executives but has no other connection with the Company or with 
individual directors. 

Korn Ferry undertook detailed discussions with each member of 
the Board in order to seek their views on the desired attributes, 
experience and qualities for the role of Chair. Feedback was also 
provided by the Board members to Korn Ferry in terms of the 
Board dynamics, Company and Board culture and the key 
strategic challenges facing the Group. This information was used 
by Korn Ferry to prepare a position specification for consideration 
by the Committee, which set out the desired attributes, 
experience and personal style for the successful candidate. Key 
competencies were considered to be: a successful track record as 
CEO of a global business, with experience of the USA; experience 
as a Chair; broad sector experience, with an emphasis on B2B 
and B2C environments. UK plc experience and an understanding 
of the UK corporate governance environment were also 
considered a prerequisite, as well as proximity to the UK in terms 
of location. Potential candidates were required to demonstrate 
that they had sufficient time available to devote to the role.

A detailed search was conducted by Korn Ferry, as a result of 
which a long list of around 15 candidates was prepared, from 
which a shortlist of three potential candidates was derived. Each 
of the shortlisted candidates was discussed in detail by the 
Committee and interviews with each candidate were undertaken 
by Korn Ferry and the members of the sub-committee, following 
which feedback was presented to the Committee. Two of the three 
candidates were selected to meet with the CEO and the Chairman, 
and the preferred candidate then met with the remaining 
members of the Committee and the Board. Meetings were also 
held with one of the Company’s brokers and the external auditor, 
KPMG, by way of further due diligence both for the Company and 
the preferred candidate.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  113 

GovernanceNOM I NATION  COMMITTEE REPORT (CONTINUED)

Since joining, Ian Meakins has held a series of meetings including one to one sessions with Board colleagues, senior management, sector 
and functional heads and has also undertaken site visits in the UK to meet with front line employees and a number of clients. This will be 
supplemented by continuous development over the course of his tenure. Details of Ian’s induction programme are set out below:

Area

Global 
businesses

  Provided by

  Subjects covered and discussed

  Regional Managing Directors 

  •  North America, UK & Ireland, Europe and Middle East, Asia Pacific and 

Sector Heads

Latin America regions’ businesses and operations
•  North American business sectors and leadership
•  performance, risks and future opportunities in each of the regions

Foodbuy

  Managing Director Foodbuy 

  •  structure of Foodbuy businesses

UK 

CEO Foodbuy US

•  importance and contribution to operating model

UK

  Managing Director, UK & 

  •  UK site visits including meetings with front line employees and clients

Financial 
review and 
arrangements

Governance, 
legal and 
compliance

Ireland

  Group Chief Financial Officer

  •  financial control framework and governance processes
•  internal and external reporting of the Company’s results
•  review of treasury arrangements 
•  overview of taxation

  Group General Counsel and 

  •  review of the governance framework and landscape 

Company Secretary

•  Board and committee matters
•  overview of the Group’s legal and compliance framework and material 

litigation

People

  Group Chief People Officer, 

  •  review of the Group’s People strategy, including succession planning, 

Group CEO, Group COO, North 
America, and Chief People 
Officer, North America

diversity and inclusion and engagement initiatives 

•  review of People strategy for the Group’s North American business, 

including succession planning, diversity and inclusion and engagement 
initiatives

Global Clients 
and Consumers

Strategic plan 
and business 
model

  Group Director, Global Clients 

  •  overview of Global Clients portfolio, performance and pipeline

and Consumers

•  growth and innovation strategy and digital structure for Rest of World
•  sales and retention excellence programmes

  Group CEO

  •  overview of the Group’s businesses and business model, three year 

business plan and strategic aims
•  review of the Group’s M&A strategy

Group Reward

  Remuneration advisors

  •  Group remuneration philosophy, executive remuneration and annual cycle, 

retention initiatives

•  short and long term incentive plans

Legal

  External lawyers

  •  overview of the external legal team, legal support provided in respect of 
corporate legal matters, corporate governance and reward workstreams

Audit

  External auditor

  •  overview of the external audit team, audit plan and areas of focus

Investors 

  Group Investor Relations & 
Corporate Affairs Director, 
Corporate brokers

  •  review of investor portfolio and external market matters 

Arrangements will be made for Mr Meakins to meet with the Company’s major shareholders to discuss areas of shareholder interest 
including performance, resilience and future opportunities following his appointment as Chairman.

114  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

REAPPOINTMENT OF DIRECTORS

The Nomination Committee considers the selection and 
reappointment of directors carefully before making a 
recommendation to the Board. The Board is conscious of the 
length of tenure of non-executives when formulating its 
succession planning process. Non-executive directors and the 
Chairman are generally appointed for a period of three years, 
which may be renewed for a further two terms. Reappointment is 
not automatic at the end of each three year term. 

As part of its deliberations, the Nomination Committee also 
considered the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 criteria for 
determining whether a director’s independence is impaired, and  
it was determined that none of the criteria were met with the 
exception of length of tenure. Taking into consideration Mr 
Bason’s approach, ability to challenge management and 
independence of thought and enquiry, the Committee concluded 
that his independence remained unimpaired. This was supported 
by the outcome of the 2020 Board and committee evaluation. 

As regards the appointment of Mr Bason’s successor as Chairman 
of the Audit Committee, Anne-Francoise Nesmes, who has served 
on the Board since 2018 and has recent and relevant financial 
experience in her role as a serving Chief Financial Officer of a 
FTSE 100 company, was considered by the Committee to be a 
natural successor to this role. 

In considering the appointment of a new SID, the Committee 
reviewed and evaluated the role and discussed the qualities, skills 
and experience required for the position, including a strong record 
of working within listed company boards, excellent knowledge of 
the associated regulatory and governance regime and of the 
Company’s investor base, and the required level of seniority and 
experience to assume this senior position on the Board. It was 
concluded that the SID should be nominated from the existing 
members of the Board and that John Bryant, who had the 
requisite skills and experience as a former Chairman and CEO of a 
global company, be recommended for appointment as SID.

The Board accepted the Committee’s recommendations and is 
confident that the Company’s shareholders will understand the 
exceptional circumstances and reasoning behind its decision to 
extend the terms of Mr Bason’s appointment, and looks forward  
to receiving the support of shareholders for Mr Bason’s  
re-election as a non-executive director at the forthcoming AGM 
in February 2021.

Non-executive director tenures and roles

Mrs Arrowsmith completed her second three year term in June 
2020. In contemplating the extension of her tenure for a final 
three year term, consideration was given to the balance of 
perspectives, skills, experience and expertise needed on the 
Board to help the Company achieve its strategic aims. Mrs 
Arrowsmith’s performance and ability to contribute effectively  
as a non-executive director and as Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee and to challenge the performance of management 
were considered. The Committee was also satisfied that she 
continues to be able to devote sufficient time to fulfil her duties at 
Compass, taking into account her other roles and, therefore, the 
Committee recommended an extension of Mrs Arrowsmith’s 
tenure for a further three year term, which was approved by 
the Board.

In June 2020, Mr Bason reached his nine year tenure as a director 
of the Company and ordinarily he would step down from the Board 
at the conclusion of the Company’s AGM in February 2021. 
However, the Committee recommended to the Board that it would 
be in the best interests of the Company and its stakeholders that 
Mr Bason continue to serve as a non-executive director beyond 
the 2021 AGM, although Mr Bason does not intend to stand for 
re-election at the 2022 AGM. Subject to shareholders approving 
his re-election, Mr Bason will step down as a member and 
Chairman of the Audit Committee, as SID and as a member of the 
Remuneration Committee at the conclusion of the 2021 AGM. 
He will continue to be a member of the Board and Corporate 
Responsibility and Nomination Committees. Mr Bason will be 
succeeded as Chairman of the Audit Committee and SID by 
Anne-Francoise Nesmes and John Bryant respectively. 

In making its recommendations to the Board, the Committee 
considered that, in the context of the prevailing economic climate, 
the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Group’s operations 
and the importance of maintaining Board continuity and to 
support the transition to a new Chairman, it was in the best 
interests of the Company to extend Mr Bason’s terms of 
appointment for a short period. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  115 

Governance 
NOM I NATION  COMMITTEE REPORT (CONTINUED)

DIVERSITY 

As a people business, our strength comes from an inclusive and 
welcoming environment, where we recognise that the experiences 
and perspectives which make us unique come together in our 
shared values and vision. We strongly believe that the more our 
people reflect the diversity of our clients and consumers, the 
better equipped we are to service their needs. 

2020

2019

2018

2017

As part of its remit the Committee reviews the Group’s policies on 
workforce diversity and inclusion, and their objectives and link to 
the Company’s strategy. The Group has always operated open 
and inclusive hiring and staff management practices and has 
made significant progress in respect of increasing diversity, 
particularly in respect of gender, at senior leadership levels. In 
reviewing the Group’s policies, the Committee was satisfied that 
they supported the development of a more diverse workforce 
within the business and were consistent with the Group’s inclusive 
and welcoming culture. More details on workforce diversity can be 
found on pages 51 to 57.

At Board level, our approach to the appointment of new directors 
reflects our desire to ensure the optimal balance of experience 
and backgrounds on the Board. Great emphasis is placed on 
ensuring that Board membership reflects diversity in its broadest 
sense and increasingly embodies our employee base and the 
communities in which we operate. The Company adopts a formal, 
rigorous and transparent procedure for appointing new directors 
and senior executives. Open advertising or the services of 
independent external advisors are used. Consideration is 
given to candidates of different genders with a diverse range  
of social, cultural, educational and professional backgrounds  
and experiences. 

During the year, the Committee recommended, and the Board 
endorsed, the adoption of a formal Board Diversity Policy, which is 
published on the Company’s website www.compass-group.com. 
As part of the policy, the Board has made a formal commitment to 
maintaining at least 33% female representation on the Board, in 
line with the recommendations of the Hampton-Alexander 
Review. As at the date of this Report, the percentage of female 
directors on the board is 33%. This is due to the recent 
appointment of Mr Meakins and the balance will be restored 
to 36% when Mr Walsh steps down from the Board on  
1 December 2020. 

116  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

The gender balance of the Board, Executive Committee and their 
direct reports is shown below:

Board 

33%1

67%

1.  The Hampton-Alexander Review target for female representation on the 

Board is 33% by 2020.

Executive Committee

58%

42%

Direct reports to Executive Committee

62%

38%

Male
Female

TIME COMMITMENT AND TRAINING

In line with its terms of reference, the Committee performs an 
annual review of the time required from the Chairman, SID and 
non-executive directors to perform their duties. As part of this 
process, the Committee reflects on a director’s attendance at 
scheduled meetings and their availability at other times during the 
year. In the year under review, directors were available, often at 
short notice and outside regular working hours, to discuss matters 
that required a prompt decision; for example, the consideration and 
oversight of the various strategies employed during the year to 
mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic upon the business. 

In consultation with the Chairman, the Committee also considered 
the training that had been received by directors in the year, 
including technical updates from the Group General Counsel and 
Company Secretary and other in-house or external subject matter 
experts and advisors, and future training needs that had been 
identified to help promote a deeper understanding of the business, 
technical, statutory or regulatory developments.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

The terms of reference of the Committee were reviewed during the 
year, and it was determined that they continue to be fit for purpose 
and no changes were required. The terms of reference are available 
on the Company’s website www.compass-group.com.

BOARD EVALUATION

The Chairman is responsible, with assistance from the Nomination Committee, for ensuring that the Company has an effective Board with 
an appropriate range of skills, expertise and experience. Every year, a performance evaluation of the Board and its committees is carried 
out to ensure that they continue to be effective, that each of the directors demonstrates commitment to his or her respective roles and 
has sufficient time to meet his or her commitment to the Company.

The Committee oversees this process with the Chairman of the Board and reviews the results of the evaluation process so that it can 
make recommendations to the Board in relation to outcomes and further actions. This year’s evaluation process was again conducted 
with the assistance of Lintstock Limited (Lintstock).

2019 review process

In May 2019, an independent formal external evaluation was conducted in line with the mandated triennial external requirement set  
out in the Code. Lintstock, which is independent of and has no other links with the Company or its directors, was chosen to conduct  
the evaluation. A key consideration in the appointment of Lintstock was its ability to assist with the ongoing facilitation of the evaluation 
process, assisting the Board to achieve its development objectives over the longer term.

As a result of the evaluation, the following priorities for change were identified to help improve the performance and effectiveness  
of the Board:

Priorities

  How they were addressed by the Board during the 2019-2020 financial year

The continued 
implementation and 
development of the 
Group’s strategy

Succession 
planning and talent 
acquisition and 
development

Continued oversight 
of risk

  Strategy is discussed regularly at Board meetings and delivery against strategy is included in the CEO’s 
report. This year included an in depth update on North American strategy. In response to COVID-19, the 
Board oversaw the implementation of strategy which has been adapted to deal with the rapidly changing 
economic and social conditions.  

  The Board continued its oversight of succession planning and consideration of talent and employee 

development through its own work and that of the Nomination and Corporate Responsibility Committees. 
An important consideration in the succession agenda was to ensure continuity in Board membership to 
facilitate a smooth transition of the Chairman’s role.  

  Management of risk is a continuous priority. This year our Major Risk Assessment considered the impact of 

COVID-19 against the Group’s risk profile. The Board continues to strive to ensure that the Group’s 
response to and mitigation of risks is appropriate, and that the Company’s financial position is appropriately 
safeguarded. More details on the Company’s Principal Risks can be found on  
pages 41 to 49. 

Furthering the 
Corporate 
Responsibility 
strategy

  Last year, the Board approved revised terms of reference for the CR Committee reflecting the widening of 
the Group’s ambitions in this area. The corporate responsibility agenda continues to develop and the 
Company is making progress in sustainability. Further information regarding the initiatives and projects over 
which the Board has had oversight can be found within the Corporate Responsibility report on pages 59 to 
69 and the CR Committee Report on pages 104 to 109. 

Supporting senior 
management

  Supporting our executive directors has remained a priority for the non-executive directors and, during this 

particularly challenging year, more time was made available to the executive directors so they could benefit 
from the advice and experience of the other Board members.  

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  117 

GovernanceNOM I NATION  COMMITTEE REPORT (CONTINUED)

2020 Board evaluation 

The following key themes were agreed:

This year’s evaluation was conducted internally with support from 
Lintstock. The results of the 2019 external evaluation provided a 
benchmark against which to measure the performance of the 
Board and formed the basis on which the 2020 evaluation was 
conducted. The Chairman and the Group General Counsel and 
Company Secretary agreed the timing, scope and nature of the 
review, including key themes for exploration and the approach 
that would be adopted to ensure that the evaluation process was 
challenging and comprehensive.

•  COVID-19
•  Board composition
•  stakeholder oversight
•  Board dynamics
•  management and focus of meetings
•  Board support
•  strategic oversight
•  risk management and internal control
•  succession planning and people management
•  priorities for change

FINDINGS OF BOARD EVALUATION

Board  
composition

  Stakeholder 
oversight

  Board  

dynamics

  Management and 
focus of meetings

  Board  
support

The dynamic between 
the non-executives 
and senior 
management in 
providing effective 
support and 
constructive challenge 
was rated highly 
overall and the 
boardroom 
atmosphere was 
positive and 
constructive. Further 
opportunities for more 
informal interactions 
were considered to be 
beneficial.

The composition of  
the Board was  
rated highly. 

A number of 
suggestions were 
made regarding 
desirable attributes in 
future potential 
candidates. These 
included technology, 
sector/market and ESG 
expertise. The 
importance of 
maintaining a focus on 
diversity and cultural 
and geographic 
representation was 
also noted. 

The Board’s 
understanding of the 
Company’s 
stakeholders was rated 
highly overall. The 
work being undertaken 
by the Designated NED 
for workforce 
engagement was rated 
positively and was 
helping the Board 
develop a better 
understanding of the 
views of employees. 

Whilst rated positively 
overall, it was agreed 
that there was scope to 
improve the Board’s 
effectiveness in 
monitoring culture and 
behaviour and a 
number of suggested 
KPIs were proposed for 
further consideration. 

The management of 
meetings was rated 
very highly as was the 
effectiveness of virtual 
meetings necessitated 
by restrictions imposed 
during the COVID-19 
pandemic.

The Board’s 
performance in making 
decisions, and in 
subsequently following 
up on implementation, 
was rated highly 
overall. It was agreed 
that the frequency with 
which the effectiveness 
of past decisions were 
reviewed should be 
increased. 

The balance of the 
Board’s focus was 
commented on 
favourably and it was 
agreed that the Board’s 
focus on growth and 
strategy should 
continue, as should a 
focus on ESG matters.

The quality of Board 
papers received a high 
rating. It was 
concluded that a more 
succinct approach in 
some areas would 
assist understanding of 
the information 
presented. 

The quality of support 
available to the Board 
was rated very highly 
overall in terms of 
induction, Company 
Secretariat support and 
access to external 
advice. 

In view of the 
increasing complexities 
of the regulatory, 
governance and 
business landscape, it 
was agreed that the 
Board would continue 
to benefit from ongoing 
training to enable it to 
continue to perform its 
role effectively.

118  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
The evaluation comprised a series of online questionnaires for the 
Board and each of its principal committees for completion by the 
Board members and the Group General Counsel and Company 
Secretary, together with an individual performance review for each 
director, and a separate review of the Chairman’s performance. 
Based on the agreed themes, the surveys were designed to be 
objective, thought provoking and to encourage candid responses. 

Lintstock prepared reports summarising the key findings in respect 
of each of the Board, its principal committees, and individual 
performance reviews for each director and the Chairman. The 
reports on the Board and its committees were initially reviewed by 
the Chairman and Group General Counsel and Company Secretary, 
and were then presented to the Nomination Committee for 
discussion. The SID discussed the Chairman evaluation with the 
Chairman after which this was also circulated to the Committee.

CASE STUDY: COVID-19

This year’s questionnaire included a case study on how 
the outbreak of COVID-19 had impacted the Board and its 
decision making processes. Lintstock’s report concluded 
that the flow of information from management to the 
Board on the Company’s response to the developing 
COVID-19 pandemic was rated very highly, as was the 
quality of the Company’s internal and external 
communications during the crisis. The Board was seen to 
have been very effective in adjusting its focus and 
priorities in response to the pandemic. The top priorities 
for positioning the Group to recover from the pandemic 
included: i) adapting the business model and innovating 
the Group’s offering; ii) retaining talent; iii) reshaping the 
portfolio on less impacted sectors and geographies; and 
iv) continuing control of costs.

Strategic  
oversight

The clarity of the Group’s strategy 
was rated highly. The importance of 
adapting to the changing 
environment and the impact of 
COVID-19 was acknowledged.

The Board’s effectiveness in 
overseeing technological 
opportunities and threats facing the 
Group was rated positively, and this 
was noted as being an area of 
continued importance. The Board’s 
oversight of the implementation of 
strategy was rated highly overall. 

The KPIs provided to inform the 
Board’s analysis of business 
performance received high ratings, 
and the Board’s oversight of the 
Group’s financial position and 
ongoing financial viability was rated 
very highly.

Key strategic issues for the Group 
were identified as: i) changes to the 
market and business model, 
particularly as a result of COVID-19; 
ii) technology and disruption; 
iii) maintaining sustainable growth; 
iv) financial recovery and cost 
management; and v) succession 
planning and employee retention. 

  Risk management  
and internal control

  Health and safety is 

included at the start of 
every agenda of the 
Corporate Responsibility 
Committee, and in each 
of the Group CEO’s 
Board reports, 
recognising its 
importance. 

The Board’s focus on 
risk, including 
reputational risk, was 
considered to be 
appropriate and the 
oversight of the various 
specific aspects of risk 
received high ratings. In 
light of recent events, it 
was agreed that focus 
on emerging risks 
should continue to 
increase together with 
further consideration of 
risk mitigation plans. 

The opportunity for 
further enhancement of 
the organisation’s 
approach to risk and 
risk appetite was noted. 

  Succession planning  

  Priorities for  

and people management

change

The structure of the Group 
at senior levels was rated 
highly and the Board’s 
oversight of the Group’s 
processes for managing 
and developing talent 
was positive. 

The Board’s oversight of 
succession plans for the 
Group Chief Operating 
Officer, North America, 
and the Executive 
Committee were also rated 
highly. There was scope for 
further improvement in 
relation to the oversight of 
succession planning and of 
development plans for the 
Group’s key talent. 

The key People priorities 
were identified as:  
i) attracting, developing 
and retaining talent;  
ii) employee engagement 
and reward; iii) succession 
planning; and iv) diversity 
and inclusion.

  The performance of the Board 

was seen to have been 
maintained or improved since 
the last review.

The top priorities for ensuring a 
successful transition of the new 
Chairman included: i) receiving 
an effective induction into the 
Group and its operations;  
ii) building strong relationships 
with the Group CEO and 
management team; iii) engaging 
with shareholders; and  
iv) maintaining an open and 
collaborative Board culture.

The key priorities for the Board 
over the coming year included:  
i) ensuring financial recovery and 
adapting to the changing 
environment in light of the 
COVID-19 pandemic; ii) talent 
retention; iii) succession 
planning; and iv) the Chair 
transition.

The areas for attention identified 
in this year’s review and how 
they have been addressed will be 
reported in the 2021 Annual 
Report and Accounts.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  119 

Governance 
NOM I NATION  COMMITTEE REPORT (CONTINUED)

EVALUATION OF THE NOMINATION COMMITTEE 

The following areas were identified in last year’s review as being areas of focus for the Committee:

Priorities

  How they were addressed by the Committee during the 2019-2020 financial year

Developing our 
leaders

Stakeholder 
oversight

Annual work of  
the Committee

2020 EVALUATION

  The Committee had oversight of the development plans and activities for potential succession candidates to 
senior positions within the Group and continued to review the talent pipeline to ensure the ongoing success 
of the Company.

  Keeping abreast of changes affecting the Company’s stakeholders remained a priority for the Board and the 

Committee, with a particular emphasis on the impact on stakeholders of COVID-19. 

  The Committee’s annual cycle was reviewed to ensure that the Committee had sufficient time for meetings 

in light of its workload and increasing governance requirements. This was reflected in the Committee 
agendas and length and frequency of meetings.

This year’s evaluation of the Nomination Committee concluded that the performance of the Committee continued to be rated highly, and 
it was noted that the Committee had successfully adapted its remit to the new Code requirements. The Committee was considered to 
have the right balance in terms of the expertise and diversity required, and the cultural and skills mix had proved to be very effective in 
the process for the search for the Chairman’s successor. The process for the recruitment of the new Chairman of the Board was rated 
very highly and the frequency and number of meetings in the year increased accordingly. It was noted that detailed discussions had taken 
place to determine the profile and skills required of the Chair.

120  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

GOING FORWARD

It was agreed that the priorities for the coming year included 
continuing to improve the effectiveness of determining succession 
plans for senior management and in developing a diverse pipeline 
for succession, with an emphasis on North America.

It was determined that the Committee should maintain its focus 
on succession planning for the Board and senior leadership  
team, and continue to oversee the Group’s diversity and  
inclusion agenda. 

It was recognised that diversity and inclusion had been a key area 
of focus and that progress was being made in this regard with the 
Group receiving recognition for its efforts in this area, details of 
which can be found in the People report on pages 51 to 57.

An update on progress will be provided in next year’s  
Annual Report.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  121 

GovernanceDirectors’ Remuneration Report

DEAR SHAREHOLDER

On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the Remuneration 
Committee’s Report for the financial year ended 30 September 
2020. The Report is split into the following sections:

i.  this Annual Statement which contains a summary of the 

proposed updates to our Directors’ Remuneration Policy and 
an ‘at a glance’ summary of the remuneration decisions made 
during the year  

ii.  a summary of activities during the year
iii.  the proposed 2021-2024 Remuneration Policy (the 2021 

Policy)

iv.  the Annual Remuneration Report on the implementation of the 

current Policy in the year ended 30 September 2020 and 
proposed implementation of the proposed 2021 Policy for 
the next financial year

COVID-19 CONTEXT

This has been an extraordinary and challenging year. A strong 
first half was undermined by the significantly detrimental effects 
of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had a profound effect  
on our business, negatively impacting our overall performance  
for the year.

The Committee, together with the Board, applauds the incredible 
resilience of our employees, particularly those working in front line 
roles. To protect the Company over the course of the year, 
management, with the support of the Board, enacted a series of 
measures to reduce costs and protect as many jobs as possible.

In recognition of the prevailing challenges and to acknowledge 
the impact of the pandemic on all our stakeholders, including  
our shareholders, our people, clients and the communities in 
which we operate, the Group’s executive directors voluntarily 
waived a percentage of their contractual base salaries during the 
year. The reduction for the three months from April to June 2020 
was 30% for Dominic Blakemore, and 25% for both Karen Witts 
and Gary Green. They also chose to extend the reduction for the 
period from July to September 2020 at the rate of 15% for Mr 
Blakemore, and 12.5% for Mrs Witts and Mr Green, to reflect the 
ongoing economic situation and the experience of the Group’s 
wider stakeholders.

The Chairman and non-executive directors also agreed to a 
reduction in their fees of 25%, reducing to 12.5% over the same 
periods of time.

The Committee has continuously monitored remuneration 
decisions being taken across the Group and has considered 
executive pay in the context of the wider workforce and the 
broader impact on society, the Company and its shareholders. 

Carol Arrowsmith
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

In line with the authority delegated by the Board, the 
Remuneration Committee sets the Company’s Remuneration 
Policy and is responsible for determining remuneration terms 
and conditions of employment for the Chairman of the Board 
and members of the Executive Committee, which comprises 
the executive directors and other senior executives. 

The Committee:

•  ensures that the members of the Executive Committee 
are appropriately incentivised to enhance the Group’s 
performance and are rewarded for their contribution to 
the success of the business by designing, monitoring and 
assessing incentive arrangements, including setting 
stretching targets and assessing performance and 
outcomes against them 

•  reviews the remuneration arrangements for other senior 
executives within the Group, having regard to the wider 
remuneration philosophy of the organisation when 
developing policy and considering executives’ packages, 
monitoring the relationship between them and those of 
the wider workforce 

•  maintains an active dialogue with shareholders, ensuring 
their views and those of their advisors are sought and 
considered when setting executive remuneration Policy

MEMBERSHIP AND ATTENDANCE

Member
Carol Arrowsmith
John Bason2
Stefan Bomhard
John Bryant
Anne-Francoise Nesmes
Nelson Silva
Ireena Vittal

Member since
Jun 2014
Jun 2011
May 2016
Sep 2018
Jul 2018
Jul 2015
Jul 2015

Eligible
to attend1
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 

Meetings 
attended 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 

1.  The maximum number of meetings that a member was eligible 

to attend.

2.  John Bason will step down as a member of the Committee following 

the conclusion of the AGM on 4 February 2021. 

122  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

PERFORMANCE AND REMUNERATION OUTCOMES IN 
2019-2020

The Company has endured one of the most difficult periods in its 
history. In determining the executive directors’ remuneration 
outcomes for the financial year, the Committee maintained a clear 
and rigorous focus on aligning pay with performance in the 
context of a very challenging year.

2017-2018 Long Term Incentive Plan

The three year performance period in respect of the 2017-2018 
LTIP award came to an end on 30 September 2020.

The LTIP awards held by Mr Blakemore and Mr Green were 
subject to AFCF, Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) and Total 
Shareholder Return (TSR) performance measures. 

The Committee has worked closely with the executive team to 
ensure that remuneration reflects the challenges of the pandemic 
and the impact on our employees, shareholders and wider 
stakeholders. I have summarised our rigorous and thoughtful 
approach and the steps taken. Each is then described in more 
detail to provide a sense of how we have dealt with matters.

•  the voluntary salary waiver by executive directors with fee 
reductions for the Chairman and non-executive directors
•  the majority of the annual bonus targets were not achieved; 
executive directors requested that any bonus payments that 
were otherwise earned be waived

•  there will be no vesting arising from the 2017-2018 LTIP  

award in spite of strong performance until the onset of the  
COVID-19 pandemic

2019-2020 Bonus

The 2019-2020 bonus plan was based on performance measures 
aligned to the financial and strategic objectives of the Company 
and the relevant director at the start of the financial year. Each 
measure within the plan is independently set and assessed.

For Dominic Blakemore and Karen Witts, the annual bonus plan 
for the financial year to September 2020 was based on the 
following Group performance measures: Profit Before Interest and 
Tax (PBIT), Adjusted Free Cash Flow (AFCF), Organic Revenue 
Growth (ORG) and Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) 
(measured using the Lost Time Incident Frequency Rate and Food 
Safety Incident Rate). Despite a very strong performance in the 
first half of the year and exceptional efforts that were made in 
response to the dramatic market impact of COVID-19 in the 
second half of the year, performance against the financial targets 
was below the thresholds set and no payment was due. A payment 
was due in respect of the HSE element. 

For Gary Green, most of the bonus was based on a number of key 
financial measures in respect of the North American region. While 
performance in three of these measures fell short of the threshold 
set, a payment was due in respect of the improvement in Working 
Capital component. This reflected the resilient performance of the 
North American business in challenging market conditions (as 
described in more detail on pages 16 and 17). 

In recognition of the overall Group financial performance during 
the year and taking into account the impact of COVID-19 on our 
business, our people, and our shareholders, the executive 
directors asked to waive their entitlements to any bonus for the 
year. They proposed instead that some of the monies be donated 
to good causes. This was welcomed by the Committee, which 
endorsed the decision.

Until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, performance was 
strong, with improvement in ROCE and AFCF tracking in line with 
a vesting against the performance measures, along with a positive 
TSR performance. However, the impact of the COVID-19 
pandemic reversed this trend which meant that the targets set for 
each of the performance measures were not met and the awards 
have therefore lapsed in full.

The second tranche of the Restricted Share Award (RSA) granted 
to Mrs Witts in respect of forfeited awards from her previous 
employer also lapsed in full during the year, because the 
underpins based on Compass’ performance were not met.

REMUNERATION POLICY REVIEW

Early in 2020, the Committee began the review of the three year 
Policy by examining the remuneration framework to ensure that it 
remained appropriate. The remuneration policy review builds 
upon the current policy implemented in 2018, which received a 
high level of support from shareholders at the 2018 AGM (95.9% 
of the votes cast in favour of the resolution). The Committee 
considered a range of options regarding remuneration structures, 
factoring in developments in the corporate governance landscape, 
and reviewing remuneration trends and practices in both the UK 
and US to reflect the significant size and scope of the US 
business.

We also sought input from management, ensuring that any 
conflict of interest was suitably mitigated, and from key 
shareholders at the very early stages of our review. The Committee 
concluded that the existing model of:

•   base salary
•   an annual cash bonus
•  a three year LTIP with a two year post vesting holding period 

was well understood by the business, supports our culture and is 
appropriate to drive business performance going forward.

The annual bonus and LTIP are linked to the key performance 
indicators (KPIs) by which we measure delivery of the business.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  123 

GovernanceD IR ECTORS ’ REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)

The principles and structure of the current policy remain relevant, 
with strong alignment in our incentive plans between executives 
and the interests of our shareholders. We recognise that there is 
an increasing focus on non-financial performance measures, 
including measures relevant to Environmental, Social and 
Governance (ESG) performance. As a result, we intend to 
incorporate the flexibility to increase the use of such measures in 
our proposed 2021 Policy.

As a Committee, we believe that, until the onset of the COVID-19 
pandemic, the current policy proved effective and delivered pay 
for performance, with outcomes reflecting the business 
performance. At this stage, we therefore propose to limit changes 
to the policy for the forthcoming period to those which focus on 
the following key areas:

•  a phased reduction of pension allowances for executive 

directors, such that, by 31 December 2022, they are aligned 
with the maximum contribution available to the majority of 
employees in the wider UK workforce

•  the introduction of post employment shareholding 

requirements for executive directors

•  a strengthening of the malus and clawback provisions in share 

based incentive plan rules

•  increased flexibility in the policy to permit future changes 
to incorporate further ESG performance metrics into the 
bonus plan.

We are not proposing any increases to the level of remuneration, 
retaining our prudent approach to executive remuneration.

Our policy will be submitted to shareholders for approval at the 
AGM in February 2021. Details of the proposed changes to the 
Policy are set out on page 132.

REMUNERATION FRAMEWORK FOR 2020-2021

The continued focus of the Committee will be to ensure that our 
remuneration structures are effective, to enable us to continue to 
motivate, engage and retain the talented colleagues who are 
critical to the future success of the Company. The Committee 
recognises that performance targets will need to be achievable yet 
appropriately stretching to drive performance.

Base salary

To reflect the ongoing societal impact of COVID-19, and the 
resulting continued disruption to the business, there will be no 
increase to base salaries for executive directors in 2021.

Pension alignment

As detailed on page 133 we will start a phased reduction of 
executive directors’ pension rates from 1 January 2021. This will 
achieve alignment with the maximum contribution available to the 
majority of the UK workforce by 31 December 2022.

124  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

Bonus plan

The bonus measures for 2020-2021 reflect the business priorities 
for the year ahead. Our focus for the forthcoming year will be the 
responsible restoration of our markets, maintaining a rigorous 
focus on margin and turning profit into cash.

Accordingly, PBIT is replaced by operating margin. We will 
measure our success in turning profit into cash with a cash 
conversion measure replacing AFCF and we will retain our 
focus on revenue with an absolute revenue target. We have 
reinforced the importance of our HSE culture as a core pillar of 
our strategy with Mr Green’s bonus now including a separate HSE 
element weighted at 10% of the overall bonus; the weighting for 
the other executive directors increasing from 5% to 10% of the 
overall bonus.

Given the continuing uncertainty regarding COVID-19, 
governmental responses and the timing and efficacy of the roll out 
of any COVID-19 vaccine, it is difficult to set full year targets, so 
2020-2021 bonus performance will be considered on the basis of 
two independent six month targets, at the half and full year, for 
absolute revenue and operating margin. There will be a full year 
target for cash conversion and the HSE measures. This will reduce 
the risk of setting targets for the year that are inappropriately 
calibrated in the event of a stronger recovery in the second half.

LTIP award

The Committee also considered the LTIP award due to be made to 
executive directors in November 2020, with respect to the 
quantum of the award, and the target setting process. Despite 
strong operational and share price performance in the first half of 
the financial year, there was a fall in the share price due to the 
impact of the pandemic in the latter half of the year.

The Committee is mindful that the share price fall experienced 
during the year as a result of the pandemic could, subject to a 
short to medium term recovery, lead to the perception of a 
‘windfall gain’ for executive directors. The Committee considered 
a number of factors, including recent share price appreciation, 
when contemplating the implementation of a reduction in the 
multiple of salary used to determine the number shares to be 
awarded to executive directors and decided that for Dominic 
Blakemore, the multiple of salary for the 2020-2021 award will be 
reduced from 300% of salary to 270% of salary, with 
corresponding reductions for the other executive directors. The 
Committee took into account the broader impact on remuneration 
for executive directors and determined that the reduction in the 
award was a fair and reasonable adjustment to avoid  
windfall gains. 

We will postpone setting LTIP targets for up to six months, 
enabling us to have better insight into COVID-19 related 
developments and the potential for market recovery as vaccines 
are deployed. This will enable us to set targets in light of the then 
prevailing circumstances, ensuring they are calibrated 
appropriately and are suitably challenging.

Overall, the Committee remains committed to performance 
related pay and responsible business practices.

EXTENDING THE REMIT OF THE COMMITTEE

The UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 (the Code) applies to 
the Company from the financial year commencing 1 October 
2019. The Committee has considered changes in regard to the 
2021 Policy update as well as best practice developments.

This year, we have disclosed the ratio between the CEO’s 
remuneration and that of the lower quartile, median and 
upper quartile of UK employees. The CEO pay ratio is 
presented on page 150.

The Committee continued to consider the wider workforce when 
making pay decisions and conducted reviews of the wider 
arrangements concerning employee remuneration during the 
year. Both the annual bonus plan and long term incentive 
plans are structurally consistent for the executive directors and 
the broader management teams, which operate across all 
countries within the Group, creating alignment and a 
consistent strategic focus.

At the beginning of the year, the Committee considered the salary 
arrangements across the Group in determining the 2020 salary 
reviews for the executive directors and other Executive Committee 
members. The Committee also received updates on the broader 
employee landscape across the Group, details of which are set out 
on page 150. The Committee has been provided with frequent 
updates during the year on the Company’s response to managing 
the impact of COVID-19 from a remuneration and broader people 
perspective. This included examples of local responses 
recognising the efforts of front line team members and supporting 
the response by paying additional bonuses, establishing hardship 
funds and providing enhanced employee assistance programmes.

SHAREHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

The Committee values open, ongoing engagement with major 
shareholders and key institutional investor bodies. During the year 
I had the opportunity to speak with many of our major institutional 
shareholders about the proposed 2021 Policy. Much of the 
consultation was held virtually, with round table events enabling 
the collective participation of our major shareholders.

The overall tone from shareholders was positive and 
constructive and enabled us to understand what was important 
for the Committee to consider both from a Policy perspective 
and regarding the Company’s response to the challenges 
faced in 2020.

We believe that our current and proposed 2021 Policy 
arrangements remain appropriate, a view shared by our major 
shareholders during the consultations. It was considered that the 
existing model is clearly understood, supports our culture and 
provides a foundation to restore shareholder value in the future.

As a Committee, we will continue to engage with shareholders 
and institutional investor bodies in the development of our 
remuneration policies and structures and will continue to 
emphasise the links to performance and to consider wider 
stakeholders.

CONCLUSION

The voting outcomes at the 2020 AGM in respect of the 
Remuneration Report for the year ended 30 September 2019, 
together with the results of voting on the current Policy at the 
2018 AGM when it was introduced are set out on page 153. The 
2021 Policy and 2019-2020 Remuneration Report will be put to 
the 2021 AGM for approval by shareholder resolution.

I would like to express my appreciation to our major 
shareholders for helping us to develop our Policy. I believe that 
this constructive engagement has enabled the Committee to 
reach conclusions which I believe are grounded, balanced and in 
the best interests of the Company and its stakeholders. I hope that 
you will join the Board in supporting the resolution to approve the 
proposed 2021 Policy.

Carol Arrowsmith 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

24 November 2020

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  125 

GovernanceD IR ECTORS ’ REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)

At a glance

REMUNERATION IN 2019-2020 
MEASURING PERFORMANCE

Measuring performance
Growing and retaining our customer base 
and driving volumes
Delivering profit from our operations
Turning profit into cash
Delivery against investments
Effectiveness of our safety culture
Providing safe food and of the right quality
Delivering returns for shareholders

–
–
40%
40%
–
–
20%

Karen Witts
£674,000
20%
£32,000
0%
–
£785,000 

Strategic KPI

Bonus Weighting1

LTIP Weighting1

Organic Revenue Growth (ORG)
Profit Before Interest & Tax (PBIT)
Adjusted Free Cash Flow (AFCF)
Return on Capital Employed (ROCE)
Lost Time Incident Frequency Rate (LTIFR)
Food Safety Incident Rate (FSIR)
Total Shareholder Return (TSR)

25%
55%
15%
–
2.5%
2.5%
–

1.  Based on Group bonus plan performance measures for the 2019-2020 year, and the 2017-2018 LTIP vesting in the 2019-2020 financial year.

REMUNERATION OUTCOMES AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

Element
Base salary at 30 September 20201
Pension (% of base salary)
Benefits
Annual bonus (% of max)
LTIP (% of max)
2019-2020 Single Figure of Remuneration 

Dominic Blakemore
£1,000,000
20%
£69,000
0%
0% 
£1,162,000 

Gary Green
$1,486,000
35%
$151,000 
0%
0% 
$2,010,000 

1.  Reflects notional base salary. Actual base salary paid for the year ended 30 September 2020 reflects a reduction over a period of six months to align with the wider 

stakeholder experience. Further details can be found on page 122.

ANNUAL BONUS OUTCOME

LTIP OUTCOME

The maximum annual bonus opportunity is 200% of base salary 
for the Group CEO and 150% of base salary for other executive 
directors. Performance measures and weightings are set out in 
more detail on page 143. As described, to reflect the wider 
context and stakeholder experience during 2020, the executive 
directors asked to waive their entitlements to any bonus earned. 
The Committee endorsed this decision and, accordingly, no bonus 
payments were made to executive directors for 2019-2020.

The 2017-2018 award of 300% of base salary granted to 
Dominic Blakemore and 250% granted to Gary Green in respect 
of the three year performance period ended on 30 September 
2020 did not meet the performance conditions and the awards 
lapsed in full. Karen Witts did not hold an award under the 
2017-2018 LTIP. 

Share ownership guidelines

The share ownership guidelines for executive directors are 300% 
of base salary for the Group CEO and 250% of base salary for other 
executive directors which is to be achieved over a five year period. 
Details of current share ownership compared with the guidelines 
are on page149.

126  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

COVID-19 IMPACT ON EXECUTIVE REMUNERATION

The following table summarises the key components of executive remuneration and the decisions made by the Committee:

Element of 
remuneration

2020 
temporary 
salary 
reductions 

2019-2020 
Bonus plan 
outcome

2017-2018
LTIP vesting

2020-2021 
Bonus plan 
design

2020-2021
LTIP award

Committee decision

Rationale

Base salaries were reduced for a period of six 
months for executive directors together with a 
reduction in the Chairman’s fee. Whilst not a 
decision made by the Committee, there was a 
corresponding reduction in the fees paid
to the non-executive directors1.

The Committee took into consideration the wider 
stakeholder experience, including employees, 
shareholders, clients and the communities in which we 
operate and considered it appropriate to apply the 
temporary reduction.

No interventions were made to the formulaic 
outcome of the bonus plan. The Committee 
endorsed the decision by the executive directors to 
waive their right to any payout under their bonus.

The executive directors felt it appropriate that the 
funds otherwise payable for performance in respect 
of the HSE measures should be donated to  
good causes.

No adjustments to the LTIP were made during the 
year. The award lapsed in full in line with 
performance against the targets.

The bonus plan for 2020-2021 has been designed 
to support business recovery; measures have been 
updated, a greater weighting placed on HSE
for all executive directors and two six month 
targets for absolute revenue and operating 
margin introduced.

The multiple of salary applied to determine the 
2020-2021 LTIP award will be reduced. This takes 
into account the fall in the share price as a 
consequence of the impact of the COVID-19 
pandemic on the business.

Targets will be set within six months of the  
date of award.

The award lapsed in accordance with the level of 
achievement against the performance conditions.

The Committee considered the bonus plan measures 
in the context of an uncertain year ahead. Focus is 
placed on measures that will reflect the Group’s 
recovery, with targets being set for two six month 
periods. This provides the flexibility for the Committee 
to ensure that, if the market environment improves, 
targets will be calibrated to remain suitably stretching 
for the full year.

The Committee decided to reduce the multiple of 
salary used to determine the number shares to be 
awarded to executive directors and decided that for 
Dominic Blakemore, the multiple of salary for the 
2020-2021 award will be reduced, from 300% of 
salary to 270% of salary, with corresponding 
reductions for the other executive directors.

The Committee took into consideration the wider 
stakeholder experience, including employees, 
shareholders, clients and the communities in which we 
operate and considered it appropriate for salaries to 
remain unchanged for 2021.

2021 salary 
review

Base salaries will remain unchanged in the 
financial year 2020-2021.

1.  The fee reduction for Ian Meakins was effective from 1 September 2020, being the date he was appointed to the Board, for a period of one month.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  127 

GovernanceD IR ECTORS ’ REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)

Committee summary

ACTIVITY DURING THE YEAR

The key activities of the Committee during the year ended 30 September 2020 are set out below. In addition, the Committee monitors 
performance in relation to Group wide share plans. The Committee also reviews regularly any discretionary matters in relation to 
individuals below executive director level and actively considers other governance matters.

2019

NOVEMBER

2020

MARCH

•  assessed the current Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy against 
emerging market trends and 
determined areas of focus

•  discussed shareholder feedback 

received in respect of the 2020 AGM

•  received an overview of total 
remuneration for the global 
leadership team

•  determined reductions to fees paid to 
the Chairman and base salaries paid 
to executive directors in respect of 
COVID-19

MAY

•  received an update on wider 
employee remuneration and 
employment practices within 
the Group

•  received an update on the response 
to COVID-19 in respect of the wider 
workforce and external landscape
•  received an update on the indicative 
performance of Mrs Witts’ restricted 
share award

•  determined the approach to the 

2021 Policy review in the context of 
COVID-19

•  received an update on the proposals 
for the 2019-2020 global leadership 
team LTIP award

•  received an update on external 
remuneration trends from the 
external remuneration advisors

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

•  determined the fees to be paid to the 
new Chairman and the associated 
reduction in fees for September 2020 
to align with the reduction applied to 
all non-executive directors in respect 
of COVID-19

•  considered shareholder feedback in 
respect of the proposed 2021 Policy

•  received an update on wider 
employee remuneration and 
employment practices within 
the Group

•  reviewed the terms of reference of the 
Committee and confirmed that they 
remained fit for purpose

•  considered the draft DRR for 

2019-2020

•  agreed the reinstatement of base 
salaries paid to the executive 
directors and fees paid to the 
Chairman from 1 October 2020

•  approved the appointment of 

Deloitte LLP as new remuneration 
advisors to the Committee

•  reviewed salaries for the Executive 
Committee, including the executive 
directors, effective 1 January 2020 
taking into consideration salary 
review budgets across the Group

•  determined 2018-2019 

performance outcomes for the 
LTIP and bonus plans

•  approved draft DRR for 2018-2019
•  set targets under the bonus and 

LTIP for 2019-2020

•  assessed share ownership 

compliance against the guidelines

•  agreed the high level timetable 

and consultation approach for the 
2021 Policy review

2020

JULY

•  considered the motivation, 

engagement and retention of 
leadership talent critical to the 
Group

•  reviewed the proposed 2021 Policy
•  agreed the extension of reductions 
in base salaries paid to executive 
directors and fees paid to the 
Chairman of the Board in the 
context of the wider stakeholder 
experience

•  noted the lapse of Mrs Witts’ 

restricted share award which did 
not vest in July 2020

•  considered a market review of fees 
for the role of Chairman as part of 
the search for a new Chairman that 
was undertaken in the year

•  undertook a review of remuneration 

advisory services

128  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

GOVERNANCE

The Committee consists entirely of independent non-executive 
directors, as defined in the Code.

The membership comprises Carol Arrowsmith, Chairman, and all 
other non-executive directors (except Ian Meakins) in office at the 
date of this Directors’ Remuneration Report (DRR). Biographical 
details of the current members of the Committee are set out on 
pages 72 and 73. Members of the Committee are appointed by 
the Board following recommendation by the Nomination 
Committee.

Meetings attendance

The Committee must meet at least twice a year. A quorum for a 
meeting is two.

Only members of the Committee have the right to attend 
Committee meetings. The Group General Counsel and Company 
Secretary acts as Secretary to the Committee. The Group Chief 
People Officer and the Group Reward Director attend Committee 
meetings by invitation to advise the Committee on remuneration 
strategy, Group policies and practice. Details of advisors to the 
Committee can be found on page 152.

The Committee is authorised to seek information from any 
employee of the Group to enable it to perform its duties and, if 
necessary, at the expense of the Company, can obtain legal or 
other independent professional advice on matters covered by its 
terms of reference. 

The terms of reference of the Committee are reviewed annually to 
ensure that they continue to be fit for purpose. A copy of the 
Committee’s terms of reference can be found on the Company 
website www.compass-group.com. 

The Chairman of the Remuneration Committee attends the AGM 
to respond to any shareholder questions that might be raised on 
the Committee’s activities.

COMMITTEE PERFORMANCE

Last year, as part of the Committee evaluation, Committee 
members were asked to consider the alignment of the 
Remuneration Policy with the Company’s strategy. The results of 
these deliberations are evidenced in the revised Remuneration 
Policy which will be put to shareholders for approval at the 2021 
AGM. In line with the development priorities identified last year, 
the Committee continued to work with the executive team to 
evaluate management remuneration arrangements against the 
Company’s strategy and the evolving external environment, and 
received external input and guidance from its remuneration 
advisors on key trends and developments in remuneration.

2020 Evaluation

This year’s evaluation was also conducted with the assistance of 
independent board effectiveness advisors Lintstock. The overall 
effectiveness of the Committee and, in particular, the Committee 

Chairman were rated very highly. The process for the review of the 
new Remuneration Policy and engagement with investors was 
rated very highly, despite having to move to virtual consultation as 
a result of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was 
considered that appropriate focus had been given to ensuring the 
alignment of management incentives with the Company’s 
strategy, culture, purpose and values, the wider pay arrangements 
for the Group and the expectations of its stakeholders.

Going Forward

Over the coming year, the Committee will continue to balance 
management incentives and motivation with the expectations of 
stakeholders. 

STRUCTURE AND CONTENT OF THE DIRECTORS’ 
REMUNERATION REPORT

This DRR has been prepared on behalf of the Board by the 
Committee in accordance with the requirements of the 
Companies Act (CA 2006),The Large and Medium-sized 
Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) (Amendment) 
Regulations 2013 (the 2013 regulations), The Companies 
(Miscellaneous Reporting) Regulations 2018 (the 2018 
regulations) and The Companies (Directors’ Remuneration Policy 
and Directors’ Remuneration Report) Regulations 2019 (the 
2019 regulations). The next two sections of the DRR cover the 
following matters:

•  the Company’s proposed Remuneration Policy effective from 
4 February 2021 and for three years thereafter (the Policy 
Report), including:
 – how decisions on directors’ remuneration will be made and 

the philosophy and strategy behind those decisions
 – the structure of remuneration packages for existing, 

departing and new directors

 –  the impact of key performance measures on the potential 

value of remuneration

 – key contractual terms for existing and new directors
 – how the Company engaged with major shareholders during 

the development of the 2021 Policy 

 – how the Policy approved by shareholders at the 2018 AGM 

was implemented in the year ended 30 September 2020 and 
how the proposed 2021 Policy will be implemented in the 
next financial year (the Annual Remuneration Report)

Auditable disclosures are the: 

•  executive directors’ single total figure of remuneration  

(page 141)

•  long term incentive awards (page 144)
•  extant equity incentive awards held by executive directors 

(page 147)

•  director changes during the year (page 148)
•  non-executive directors’ remuneration (page 148) 
•  directors’ interests (page 149)

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  129 

GovernanceD IR ECTORS ’ REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)

Remuneration Policy

This section of the Report sets out our new Remuneration Policy 
(the 2021 Policy). 

We consulted with shareholders extensively during 2020 when the 
2021 Policy was being formulated to ensure that it aligned with the 
expectations of our shareholders. If the 2021 Policy is approved at 
the AGM to be held on 4 February 2021, it will apply from that date.

The current Remuneration Policy for executive directors applied 
from the date of the 2018 AGM (2018 Policy) and was 
subsequently amended at the 2020 AGM to replace the annual 
cap of £125,000 on the total fees payable to each non-executive 
director of the Company with the aggregate cap on directors’ fees 
specified in the Company’s articles of association. 

The 2018 Policy will continue to apply until the 2021 Policy is 
approved at the 2021 AGM. The provisions of the 2018 Policy will 
continue to apply until all the long term incentive awards 
(including any restricted share awards) granted under that Policy 
have vested or lapsed. The post employment shareholding 
requirement will apply to all long term incentive awards acquired 
after the 2021 Policy is approved on 4 February 2021. 

The Committee reviewed the Company’s remuneration philosophy 
and structure to ensure that remuneration supports the 
Company’s strategic objectives, is in line with best practice and 
can fairly reward individuals for the contribution they make to the 
business. In doing so, the Committee had regard to the size and 
complexity of the Group’s operations and the need to motivate 
and attract individuals of the highest calibre.

The Committee believes that the 2018 Policy, which was designed 
to maintain stability in the executive team and to ensure 
appropriate positioning against our comparator groups, 
has worked well, remains balanced, is relevant to support the 

delivery of the strategy and will continue to stand the test of time. 
As a result, the 2021 Policy is an evolution of the 2018 Policy, 
building on best practice with only limited changes, including 
enhanced flexibility in the bonus plan to enable future focus on 
ESG measures.

Remuneration links corporate and individual performance with an 
appropriate balance between short and long term elements, and 
fixed and variable components. The 2021 Policy is designed to 
incentivise executives to deliver the Company’s strategic 
objectives. A significant portion of remuneration is performance 
related, based on a selection of targets linked to key business 
drivers which can be measured and understood by both 
executives and shareholders.

The Committee considers that the targets set for the different 
components of performance related remuneration are both 
appropriate and sufficiently demanding in the context of the 
business environment and the challenges the Group faces.

The Committee has discretion to amend certain aspects of the 
2021 Policy in exceptional circumstances when considered to be 
in the best interests of shareholders. Should such discretion be 
used, this will be explained in the DRR of the following year.

The Committee considers general pay and employment conditions 
of all employees within the Group and is sensitive to these, to 
prevailing market and economic conditions and to governance 
trends when assessing the level of salaries and remuneration 
packages of executive directors and other members of the 
Executive Committee.

The Company is committed to ongoing engagement and seeks 
major shareholder views in advance of proposing significant 
changes to its remuneration policies.

2021 POLICY REVIEW FOCUS AREAS

The table below shows the areas which the Committee focused on in respect of the 2021 Policy review:

PENSION

BONUS

LTIP

POST EMPLOYMENT 
SHAREHOLDING 
REQUIREMENTS

Alignment of executive 
pension levels to the wider 
UK workforce

Review of structure, 
measures and malus and 
clawback provisions. Explore 
greater use of ESG measures

Review of structure, 
measures and malus and 
clawback provisions 

Introduction of a two year 
post employment 
shareholding requirement 
for executive directors

130  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

Designing the Remuneration Policy 

The Committee is responsible for the design and oversight of the 
Remuneration Policy and has responsibility for its implementation. 
In designing the 2021 Policy, the Committee was supported by 
internal experts and external advisors and undertook a programme 
of shareholder consultation to ensure that arrangements reflected 
best practice. In considering the structure and framework for the 
Remuneration Policy, the Committee carefully considered the 
linkage of remuneration to the Company’s business model and 
strategy, to ensure that our arrangements support the strategy, 
and promote long term sustainable success.

As economic conditions continued to worsen through the year as 
a result of COVID-19, the Committee deemed it appropriate to 
account for this in the design of the 2021 Policy. The Committee 
advocated limited changes to the Remuneration Policy already in 
operation, a view that was shared by our major shareholders and 
shareholder representative bodies, as well as our internal and 
external remuneration experts.

The table below sets out how the principles of the Code relating to the design of remuneration policies and practices, have been applied:

Clarity

Simplicity

Risk

Predictability

Proportionality

culture

  Alignment to 

We ensure pay for 
performance and 
our policy is 
designed to be 
logical and 
transparent. 
We believe  
this is clearly 
communicated to 
and understood by 
our stakeholders.

  Remuneration for 

executive directors 
is comprised of 
distinct elements: 
base salary, 
benefits, pension 
arrangements 
which will be 
phased down to 
align with the 
wider UK 
workforce, annual 
bonus and long 
term incentive 
awards to reward 
sustainable long 
term performance.

  Remuneration 
arrangements 
ensure that the 
risks from excessive 
rewards are easily 
identified and 
mitigated. Base 
salaries are 
carefully reviewed 
to consider a variety 
of factors, including 
benchmarking and 
salary increases of 
the wider 
workforce. Variable 
pay elements are 
linked directly to 
Company 
performance.

  Target ranges and 

  The Committee 

has ensured that 
appropriate 
safeguards are 
incorporated into 
the 2021 Policy 
and remuneration 
structures to 
ensure that pay 
remains 
proportionate to 
the Company’s 
long term 
performance and 
the delivery of the 
strategy.

potential maximum 
payments under 
each element of 
remuneration  
are disclosed  
within the DRR.  
The Committee 
operates a high 
degree of discretion 
over variable pay 
elements and can 
adjust any pay 
outcomes that the 
Committee deems 
are inconsistent 
with the 
performance of the 
Company.

  Our business is 
performance 
orientated and  
our remuneration 
structure is 
appropriately 
aligned to our 
culture. In addition 
to financial metrics 
and KPIs, we will 
retain the flexibility 
to introduce further 
non-financial 
measures into our 
annual bonus plan.

TIMELINE FOR THE REVIEW

FEBRUARY 2020

MARCH

MAY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

NOVEMBER

FEBRUARY 2021

Stakeholder 
interviews

Focus areas 
agreed with the 
Committee and 
initial 
shareholder 
consultation 
meetings held

Initial proposals 
drafted

Proposals 
issued to 
shareholders 

Shareholder 
consultation 
roundtable 
meetings held 

Final proposals 
confirmed

2021 Policy 
presented to 
shareholders 
for approval  
at 2021 AGM

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  131 

Governance 
 
 
D IR ECTORS ’ REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

The table below sets out key changes between the 2018 Policy and the 2021 Policy, to be approved by shareholders at the Company’s 
2021 AGM:

Policy element

Description of proposed change

Alignment of pension 
to wider workforce

Post employment 
shareholding 
requirements 

•  pension benefits for newly appointed executive directors will be in line with the maximum employer 
contribution available to the majority of the wider workforce (currently 6%). The UK workforce has 
been chosen as the most appropriate comparator group as Compass is a UK listed company
•  alignment with the maximum available to the majority of the wider UK workforce for executive 

directors will be achieved by 31 December 2022

•  Mr Blakemore and Mrs Witts’ pension benefits will reduce in three tranches from 20% to 6%. The 

first reduction to 15% will commence on 1 January 2021

•  Mr Green’s pension benefit will reduce in three tranches from 35% to 6%. The first reduction to 

28% will commence on 1 January 2021

•  details of the phasing down for each executive director is set out in the policy table on page 133

•  the current share ownership guideline policy will be updated to include a post employment 

shareholding requirement

•  executive directors will be required to hold the lower of (i) their shareholding at the date of 

termination of employment; or (ii) shares equivalent to their share ownership guideline at that date, 
for a period of two years post employment

•  the post employment shareholding requirement will apply to all shares acquired through the 

Company’s share plans after the 2021 Policy has been approved by shareholders at the 2021 AGM

Malus and clawback

•  the current malus and clawback provisions are being strengthened to include corporate failure as a 

trigger under the bonus and long term incentive plans

Bonus plan measures 

•  the 2021 Policy will include increased flexibility within the annual bonus plan to enable an 

increased focus on environmental, social and governance measures. The plan measures will 
continue to be weighted towards financial measures. Details on the implementation of this change 
for 2020-2021 are set out on page 144

132  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

COMPONENT PARTS OF THE REMUNERATION PACKAGE

The key components of executive directors’ remuneration for the 2021 Policy Period are summarised below:

Performance 
measures

None.

None.

Component and link 
to strategy

Operation of 
component

Maximum 
opportunity

BASE SALARY

Reflects the individual’s role, 
experience and contribution.

Set at levels to attract and 
retain individuals of the 
calibre required to lead 
the business.

Base salaries are reviewed 
annually with any increases 
normally taking effect on 1 
January of each year. Salaries 
are appropriately benchmarked 
and reflect the role, job size and 
responsibility as well as the 
performance and effectiveness 
of the individual.

BENEFITS AND PENSION

To provide a competitive level 
of benefits.

Benefits include, but are not 
limited to, healthcare insurance 
for executive directors and their 
dependants, limited financial 
advice, life assurance and car 
benefit.

These are offered to executive 
directors as part of a competitive 
remuneration package.

Executive directors are invited to 
participate in the Company’s 
defined contribution pension 
scheme or to take a cash 
allowance in lieu of pension 
entitlement.

Whilst there is no prescribed 
formulaic maximum, any 
increases will take into account 
prevailing market and economic 
conditions as well as increases 
for the wider workforce.
Increases may be above this 
when an executive director 
progresses in the role; gains 
substantially in experience; 
there is a significant increase in 
the scale of the role; or was 
appointed on a salary below the 
market median. These will be 
appropriately explained in the 
relevant year’s annual report.

The cost of providing these 
benefits can vary in accordance 
with market conditions, which 
will, therefore, determine the 
maximum value.

For the Company’s pension cash 
allowance (or pension 
contribution as appropriate), 
from 4 February 2021 the 
annual maximum will be aligned 
to the maximum rate available 
to the majority of the wider UK 
workforce (currently 6% of 
base salary).

Pension contributions for 
current executive directors will 
be aligned to this rate over time. 

Mr Blakemore and Mrs Witts’ 
pension allowance of 
20% will reduce to: 
15% on 1 January 2021 
10% on 1 January 2022 
6% on 31 December 2022. 

Mr Green’s pension allowance of 
35% will reduce to: 
28% on 1 January 2021 
18% on 1 January 2022  
6% on 31 December 2022.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  133 

GovernanceD IR ECTORS ’ REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)

Component and link 
to strategy

Operation of  
component

Maximum  
opportunity

Performance  
measures

ANNUAL BONUS

Incentivise and reward the 
achievement of stretching one 
year key performance targets 
set by the Committee at the 
start of each financial year.

The annual bonus is earned by 
the achievement of one year 
performance targets set by the 
Committee at the start of each 
financial year and is delivered in 
cash or a combination of cash 
and Deferred Bonus Shares.

The Committee retains the 
discretion to adjust the bonus 
outcomes to ensure that they 
reflect underlying business 
performance.

The annual bonus is subject to 
malus and/or clawback for a 
period of three years following 
the date of payment in the event 
of discovery of a material 
misstatement in the accounts or 
in the assessment of a relevant 
performance condition; or 
where the action or conduct of a 
participant amounts to fraud or 
serious misconduct or has a 
detrimental impact on the 
reputation of the Group; or a 
material corporate failure; or the 
occurrence of any other 
exceptional event as determined 
at the discretion of the 
Committee.

Bonus will be deferred when 
share ownership guidelines have 
not been met, usually with a 
minimum level of deferral of one 
third of the bonus earned and 
typically deferred for a period of 
three years.

Dividend equivalents may be 
accrued on Deferred Bonus 
Shares.

The target award for the Group 
CEO is 100% of base salary, with 
a further maximum of 100% for 
enhanced performance. No 
bonus is payable for 
performance below threshold 
level. Payments increase, on a 
straight line basis, from 
threshold to target payout level 
and from target to maximum 
performance.

The target award for other 
executive directors is 75% of 
base salary, with a further 
maximum of 75% of base salary 
available for enhanced 
performance. No bonus is 
payable for performance below 
threshold level. Payments 
increase, on a straight line basis, 
from threshold to target payout 
level and from target to 
maximum performance.

Performance is measured over 
the financial year. Performance 
measures are determined by 
the Committee each year and 
may vary to ensure that they 
promote the Company’s 
business strategy and 
shareholder value.

The performance measures 
and their percentage 
weightings may vary, 
depending upon a director’s 
area of responsibility.

Performance measures may 
include, but are not limited to, 
profit, revenue, margin and 
cash flow. Strategic KPIs 
including ESG measures may 
also be chosen. However, the 
overall metrics will be weighted 
to financial measures.

Annual bonus targets are set 
with reference to internal 
budgets and analyst consensus 
forecasts, with maximum 
payout requiring performance 
well ahead of budget.

A bonus underpin may be 
operated so that the bonus 
outcome is reduced if underpin 
performance is not met.

Details of the specific measures 
and targets applying to each 
element of the bonus for the 
year being reported are shown 
in the Annual Remuneration 
Report on page 143.

134  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

Component and link 
to strategy

Operation of 
component

LONG TERM INCENTIVE 
PLAN (LTIP)

Incentivise and reward 
executive directors for the 
delivery of longer term 
financial performance and 
shareholder value.

Share based to provide 
alignment with shareholder 
interests.

Return on capital 
employed (ROCE)

ROCE supports the strategic 
focus on growth and margin 
through ensuring that cash is 
reinvested to generate strong 
returns with capital discipline.

Adjusted free cash flow 
(AFCF)

The generation of cash is 
fundamental to the ongoing 
success of the Group and the 
use of AFCF as an LTIP 
performance measure 
directly aligns to this.

Relative total shareholder 
return (TSR)

TSR provides direct alignment 
between the interests of 
executive directors and 
shareholders.

  An annual conditional award of ordinary 

shares which may be earned after a single 
three year performance period, based on 
the achievement of stretching 
performance conditions. Executive 
directors normally hold vested LTIP shares 
(net of any shares sold to meet tax and 
social security liabilities) for a period of 
two years post vesting.

Calculations of the achievement of the 
targets are independently assessed and 
are approved by the Committee. To ensure 
continued alignment between executive 
directors’ and shareholders’ interests, the 
Committee also reviews the underlying 
financial performance of the Group and 
retains its discretion to adjust vesting if it 
considers that performance is unsatisfactory.

Dividend equivalents may be accrued on 
the shares earned from LTIP awards.

Malus and clawback rules operate in 
respect of the LTIP. The Committee may 
decide at any time before an award vests, 
or for a period of three years after an 
award vests, that any participant will be 
subject to malus and/or clawback in the 
event of discovery of a material 
misstatement in the accounts or in the 
assessment of a relevant performance 
condition; or where the action or conduct 
of a participant amounts to fraud or 
serious misconduct or has a detrimental 
impact on the reputation of the Group; or a 
material corporate failure; or the 
occurrence of any other exceptional event 
as determined at the discretion of the 
Committee.

Awards are delivered in shares. However, 
the rules contain excepted provisions to 
deliver value in cash if necessary (for 
example, due to securities laws), subject 
to the discretion of the Committee, 
determined at any time up to their release.

In the event of a change of control, any 
unvested awards will vest immediately, 
subject to satisfaction of performance 
conditions and reduction on a time 
apportioned basis.

Maximum 
opportunity

  Awards may be made at the 
following levels of salary:

Performance 
measures

  Performance is 

measured over three 
financial years.

Group Chief Executive: 300%

Other executive directors: 
250%

In exceptional 
circumstances, such as the 
appointment of a new 
executive director, this could 
be increased to 400% of 
base salary. Any use of this 
exceptional limit would be 
appropriately explained.

For performance measures, 
other than TSR, 0% of the 
award vests for below 
threshold performance, 
increasing to 50% vesting on 
a straight line basis for 
achievement of on target 
performance, increasing to 
maximum vesting on a 
straight line basis for 
achievement of maximum 
performance.

The element of an award 
based on relative TSR will 
vest in full for top quartile 
performance achievement 
and 25% of that element of 
the award will vest if 
performance is at the 
median. Awards will vest on 
a straight line basis between 
median and top quartile 
performance achievement. 
No shares will be released for 
this element of an award if 
the Company’s TSR 
performance is below 
the median.

Performance measures 
for the 2020-2021 
award are ROCE, AFCF 
and TSR, with each 
applying 40%, 40% and 
20% respectively.

Relative TSR is 
measured relative to the 
companies comprising 
the TSR comparator 
group at the start of 
the period.

LTIP targets are set with 
reference to internal 
budgets and analysts’ 
consensus forecasts, 
with maximum payment 
requiring performance 
well ahead of budget.

Details of the targets for 
LTIP awards vesting and 
granted are set out as 
required in the Annual 
Remuneration Report on 
pages 145 and 146.

The Committee has 
discretion to use 
different or additional 
performance measures 
or weightings for awards 
in future years to ensure 
that the LTIP remains 
appropriately aligned to 
the prevailing business 
strategy and objectives. 
The Committee would 
consult with major 
shareholders prior to 
making material 
changes to performance 
measures.

Notes to the Remuneration Policy table
1.  The Committee may make minor amendments to the Policy (for example for tax, exchange control, regulatory or administrative purposes) without obtaining 

shareholder approval.

2.  The Remuneration Policy for executive directors differs from that of other members of the Executive Committee solely in respect of quantum of the various 

components and remuneration. Executive directors have a greater proportion of their total remuneration package at risk than other employees; however, the 
structure and principles of incentives are broadly consistent. The wider employee population of the Group will receive remuneration that is considered to be 
appropriate in relation to their geographic location, level of responsibility and performance.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  135 

GovernanceD IR ECTORS ’ REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)

INCENTIVE PLANS

SHARE OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES

The LTIP described in the table on page 135 (known as The 
Compass Group PLC Long Term Incentive Plan 2018) is the 
primary form of equity incentive for executive directors.

In order that their interests are linked with those of shareholders, 
directors are expected to build up and maintain a personal 
shareholding in the Company.

The share ownership guideline requirement is to build up and 
maintain a personal shareholding of 300% of base salary for 
the Group CEO and 250% for all other executive directors. 
Non-executive directors are required to build up and retain a 
personal shareholding equal to the value of their base fee. 

The shareholding guideline may be achieved by executive 
directors retaining shares received as a result of participating in 
the Company’s share plans. The guidelines specifically exclude 
the need to make a personal investment should awards not vest. 
The required level of executive shareholding is expected to be 
achieved within a five year period, commencing from the date of 
appointment or date of change of LTIP opportunity, whichever is 
the later. Non-executive directors are generally expected to 
purchase shares equating to a minimum value of one third of their 
net of tax fee each year until the guideline is met.

Directors’ shareholdings are reviewed annually by the Committee 
to ensure that directors are on course to achieve their guideline 
shareholding within the period required. However, if it becomes 
apparent to the Committee that the guidelines are unlikely to be 
met within the timeframe, then the Committee will discuss with 
the director a plan to ensure that they are met over an acceptable 
timeframe. The grant of future LTIP awards to an executive 
director will be conditional upon reaching the appropriate 
threshold in the required timeframe. Where executive directors 
have not achieved the minimum guideline effective for the period, 
one third of their cash bonus will be deferred into shares for 
three years.

From 4 February 2021, a post employment shareholding 
requirement will be implemented under the share ownership 
guideline policy for executive directors which will apply to awards 
acquired after the effective date of the 2021 Policy. The 2021 
Policy will require executive directors to hold the lower of (i) their 
shareholding at the date of termination of employment; or (ii) 
shares equivalent to their share ownership guideline at that date, 
for a period of two years post employment. 

Details of the interests of directors in shares and equity incentives 
are set out on page 149, together with the extent to which each of 
the directors has complied with the share ownership guidelines as 
at 30 September 2020.

DILUTION LIMITS

All of the Company’s equity based incentive plans incorporate the 
current Investment Association Share Capital Management 
Guidelines (IA Guidelines) on headroom which provide that overall 
dilution under all plans should not exceed 10% over a 10 year 
period in relation to the Company’s issued share capital (or 
reissue of treasury shares), with a further limitation of 5% in any 
10 year period for executive plans.

The Committee monitors the position regularly and prior to 
making an award, ensures that the Company remains within these 
limits. Any awards which are required to be satisfied by market 
purchased shares are excluded from such calculations. On 30 
September 2020, the Company held 1,535,347 treasury shares. 
During the financial year ended 30 September 2020, 136,904 
shares were purchased in the market by the trustees of The 
Compass Group PLC All Share Schemes Trust. 1,794,287 treasury 
shares and 177,301 market purchased shares were used in the 
year to satisfy the Company’s obligations under the Group’s 
employee equity incentive schemes. As at 30 September 2020, 
the Company’s headroom position, which remains within the 
current IA Guidelines, was as shown in the charts below:

HEADROOM AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

10% in 10 years

5% in 10 years

  Headroom – 8.45%

LTIP – 0.93%

Discretionary options – 0.62%

  Headroom – 3.45%

LTIP – 0.93%

Discretionary options – 0.62%

136  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

ILLUSTRATIONS OF APPLICATION OF THE PROPOSED 
2021 REMUNERATION POLICY

The graphs below show an estimate of the remuneration that 
could be received by executive directors in office at 1 October 
2020 under the proposed 2021 Policy. The charts illustrate for 
each executive director: remuneration payable at minimum, 
target and maximum outcomes along with maximum outcome 
incorporating an illustrative share price appreciation of 50% on 
shares granted under the LTIP. Each of the bars is broken down to 
show how the total under each scenario is made up of fixed 
elements of remuneration, the annual bonus, the LTIP and LTIP 
including share price appreciation.

DOMINIC BLAKEMORE

Total remuneration £000

Minimum

100%

Target

33%

28%

39%

Maximum

20%

Maximum+
50% share
price growth

16%

34%

28%

£1,199

£3,616

£5,899

56%

£7,249

46%

0

£2,000

£4,000

£6,000

£8,000

GARY GREEN1

Total remuneration £000

Minimum

100%

Target

42%

23%

35%

Maximum

Maximum+
50% share
price growth

27%

22%

29%

24%

£1,611

£3,851

£5,960

54%

£7,265

44%

0

£2,000

£4,000

£6,000

£8,000

1.  Gary Green is paid in US dollars. For reporting purposes, this pay is 

converted into sterling at an exchange rate of $1.2814/£1.

KAREN WITTS

Total remuneration £000

Minimum

100%

Target

38%

24%

38%

Maximum

24%

Maximum+
50% share
price growth

20%

30%

25%

£805

£2,107

£3,333

55%

£4,091

46%

0

£500

£1,500

£2,500

£3,500

£4,500

Fixed pay

Annual bonus

LTIP

The scenarios in the graphs are defined as follows:

•  fixed pay includes:

 – annual base salary as at 1 October 2020
 –  value of benefits as noted in the single figure table on page 

141. The benefit arising from the 2020 equity raise 
subscription is excluded on the basis that it is not expected to 
arise in 2020-2021

 – pension cash allowance reflecting the first three months of 
the 2020-2021 financial year at the current rates and nine 
months at the proposed reduced level taking effect on 1 
January 2021

•  annual bonus is shown as a maximum percentage of base 

salary, with minimum, target and maximum performance shown 
as 0%, 50% and 100% respectively

•  LTIP is shown as a maximum of base salary, with minimum, 
target and maximum performance shown as 0%, 52.5% and 
100% respectively. Target payout of 52.5% is based on AFCF 
and ROCE performance measures vesting at 50% of maximum 
and the TSR measure paying out at 62.5% of maximum 
(midway between threshold and maximum payout). LTIP 
awards of 270% for Dominic Blakemore, and 225% for Gary 
Green and Karen Witts have been used in the calculation to 
reflect the reduction in the salary multiple used to determine 
the 2020-2021 award

•  share price appreciation has been calculated as a 50% increase 
in the value of the LTIP between the date of grant and vesting

•  no dividend accrual has been incorporated in the values 

relating to the LTIP

APPROACH TO RECRUITMENT REMUNERATION

The Committee will apply the 2021 Policy when considering the 
recruitment of a new executive director in respect of base salary, 
pension and benefits, and short and long term incentives. 
Executive directors will be provided with a pension cash allowance 
(or contribution) in line with the maximum level of pension 
provided to the majority of the wider UK workforce (currently 6% 
of base salary). It is envisaged that the maximum level of variable 
remuneration which may be granted to a new executive director 
would be within plan rules and consistent with the 2021 Policy 
maximum opportunity for existing executive directors and the 
Group CEO. However, in exceptional circumstances, such as the 
recruitment of a new executive director, a maximum LTIP award of 
up to 400% of base salary may be awarded. Additionally, to 
support the successful building up of a shareholding in 
compliance with the share ownership guidelines, executives will 
also be required to have a minimum of one third of their annual 
bonus deferred into shares where the share ownership guideline 
has not yet been met. The required level of shareholding is 
expected to be achieved within a five year period in accordance 
with our share ownership guidelines.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  137 

GovernanceD IR ECTORS ’ REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)

Other arrangements may be established specifically to facilitate 
recruitment of a particular individual, albeit that any such 
arrangement would be made within the context of minimising the 
cost to the Company. The policy for the recruitment of executive 
directors during the 2021 Policy period includes the facility to 
provide a level of compensation for forfeiture of bonus 
entitlements and/or unvested long term incentive awards from an 
existing employer, if any, and the additional provision of benefits 
in kind and other allowances, such as relocation, education and 
tax equalisation, as may be required in order to achieve a 
successful recruitment. Any arrangement established specifically 
to facilitate the recruitment of a particular individual would be 
intended to be of comparable form, timing, commercial value and 
capped as appropriate. The quantum, form and structure of any 
buyout arrangement will be determined by the Committee taking 
into account the terms of the previous arrangement being 
forfeited. The buyout may be structured as an award of cash or 
shares. However, the Committee will normally have a preference 
for replacement awards to be made in the form of shares, 
deliverable no earlier than the original awards. Where an executive 
director is appointed from either within the Company or following 
corporate activity/reorganisation, the normal policy would be to 
honour any legacy incentive arrangements to run off in line with 
the original terms and conditions.

It is the Board’s intention that the policy on the recruitment of  
new non-executive directors during the 2021 Policy period  
would be to apply remuneration elements consistent with 
those in place for the existing non-executive directors.  
It is not intended that variable pay, cash supplements, day  
rates or benefits in kind be offered, although in exceptional 
circumstances such remuneration may be required in  
currently unforeseen circumstances.

The Committee will include in annual reports details of the 
implementation of the 2021 Policy as utilised during the 2021 
Policy period in respect of any such recruitment to the Board.

138  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ SERVICE AGREEMENTS

It is the Company’s policy that executive directors have rolling 
service contracts.

The current executive directors’ service contracts contain the key 
terms shown in the table below:

SERVICE CONTRACT KEY TERMS BY PROVISION
  Detailed terms
Provision
REMUNERATION
  •  base salary, pension and benefits

•  car benefit
•  family private health insurance
•  life assurance
•  financial planning advice
•  minimum of 25 days’ paid annual leave
•  participation in the annual bonus plan, 

subject to plan rules

•  participation in the LTIP, subject to 

plan rules

  •  no special contractual provisions apply 
in the event of a change of control
  •  12 months’ notice from the Company
•  6 months’ notice from the director 
(12 months from Mr Blakemore)
  Payment in lieu of notice equal to 

12 months:

•  base salary
•  pension supplement
•  10% of base salary in respect of benefits

All of the above would be paid in monthly 
instalments, subject to an obligation on 
the part of the director to mitigate his/her 
loss such that payments will either 
reduce, or cease completely, in the event 
that the director gains new employment/ 
remuneration

  •  during employment and for 12 months 

after leaving

CHANGE OF 
CONTROL
NOTICE 
PERIOD

TERMINATION 
PAYMENT

RESTRICTIVE 
COVENANTS

The historic policy on the payment of bonus on termination,  
which was in place prior to June 2008, was the provision of a 
payment, at par or target, of bonus in respect of the notice period, 
where the Company exercised its right to make a payment in lieu 
of notice. Mr Green’s service contract is based on this historic 
policy. When introducing the revised policy in June 2008 and  
after careful consideration, the Committee concluded that it  
was not in shareholders’ interests to migrate such contracts onto 
the amended policy. Service contracts for Mr Blakemore and 
Mrs Witts fully comply with the policy in effect from June 2008. 
All executive directors’ service contracts impose a clear obligation 
to mitigate such payment should a departing executive director 
take on new employment or receive alternative remuneration.

Mr Green’s service contract was entered into before 27 June 2012 
and it has not been renewed on or after that date. Consequently, 
remuneration payments or payments for loss of office that are 
required to be made under Mr Green’s contract are not required 
to be consistent with the current Policy.

Whilst unvested awards will normally lapse, the Committee may in its 
absolute discretion allow for awards to continue until the normal 
vesting date and for the performance conditions to be disregarded, or 
for vesting to be accelerated (for example on death), or otherwise, 
subject to achievement of the attendant performance conditions. In 
such circumstances, awards vesting will normally be prorated on a 
time apportioned basis, unless the Committee determines otherwise. 
Any such discretion in respect of leavers would only be applied by the 
Committee to ‘good leavers’ where it considers that continued 
participation is justified, for example, by reference to performance 
prior to the date of leaving. The malus and clawback provisions would 
continue to apply in the event that any such discretion was exercised.

Service contracts outline the components of remuneration paid to 
the individual but do not prescribe how remuneration levels may 
be adjusted from year to year.

The senior executives who are members of the Executive 
Committee, and who are referred to in note 4 to the consolidated 
financial statements on page 202, have similar service contracts. 

The executive directors in office at the date of this DRR have 
served on the Board for the periods shown below and have service 
agreements dated as follows:

Executive director
Dominic Blakemore

Gary Green

  Date of contract
  12 Dec 2011 
7 Nov 20171
  29 Dec 2006 
27 Nov 20072

Length of Board service  
as at 30 Sep 2020

  8 years, 7 months

  13 years, 9 months

Karen Witts

  10 Oct 2018

  1 year, 5 months

1.  Appointment was formally revised from 1 October 2017.
2.  Appointment was formally revised from 1 November 2007.

CHAIRMAN

The fee for the Chairman is reviewed annually by the Committee 
with any increase taking effect on 1 October. The Chairman is not 
eligible for pension scheme membership, bonus or incentive 
arrangements. Costs in relation to business and commuting travel 
may be reimbursed. The Chairman’s appointment is terminable 
without compensation on six months’ notice from either side. Fees 
paid to the Chairman for the year ended 30 September 2020 are 
set out on page 148.

Paul Walsh has a letter of engagement dated 19 June 2013 in 
respect of his original appointment as a non-executive director for 
a period of three years from 1 January 2014. Mr Walsh became 
Chairman at the conclusion of the Company’s AGM on 6 February 
2014 and will step down as Chairman of the Company on 
1 December 2020. His successor, Ian Meakins, was appointed as 
a non-executive director on 1 September 2020 and will succeed 
Mr Walsh as Chairman on 1 December 2020. Fees paid to 
Mr Meakins are set out on pages 148 and 149. 

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

The fees for the non-executive directors are reviewed and 
determined by the Board each year to reflect appropriate market 
conditions and may be increased if considered appropriate. 
The fees for the year under review comprised a base fee which 
includes membership of the Audit, Corporate Responsibility, 
Nomination and Remuneration Committees. An additional fee is 
payable where a non-executive director acts as Chairman of the 
Audit, Remuneration or Corporate Responsibility Committee and 
an additional fee is also payable to the director nominated as 
Senior Independent Director (SID). Non-executive directors are 
not eligible for pension scheme membership, bonus, incentive 
arrangements or other benefits, save reimbursement of travel 
costs and associated tax due if applicable. Fees paid for the year 
ended 30 September 2020 are set out on page 149.

Non-executive directors have letters of engagement setting out 
their duties and the time commitment expected. They are 
appointed for an initial period of three years, after which the 
appointment is renewable at three year intervals by mutual 
consent. In accordance with the Code, all directors offer 
themselves for annual re-election by shareholders. Details of the 
appointments of non-executive directors (in office at the date of 
this DRR) which are terminable without compensation are set out 
in the table below, together with the dates on which their 
appointments have been formally revised:

  Letter of engagement

Original date of 
Non-executive director
appointment
Carol Arrowsmith   1 Jun 2014   14 May 2014 
8 Mar 20171 
19 Mar 20201
  21 Jun 2011   10 May 2011 
8 May 20141 
8 Mar 20171 
23 Sep 20201

John Bason

Stefan Bomhard   5 May 2016   5 May 2016 

John Bryant

Ian Meakins 
Anne-Francoise 
Nesmes
Nelson Silva

Ireena Vittal

13 Mar 20191
  1 Sep 2018   17 May 2018

  1 Sep 2020 
  1 Jul 2018

  17 Aug 2020 
  17 May 2018

  16 Jul 2015   16 Jul 2015 
8 Mar 20181
  16 Jul 2015   16 Jul 2015 
8 Mar 20181

1.  Date on which appointment was formally revised.

Total length of 
service as at 
30 Sep 2020
  6 years,  
4 months

  9 years,  
3 months

  4 years,  
4 months
  2 years,  
1 month
  1 month 
  2 years, 
3 months
  5 years,  
2 months
  5 years,  
2 months

At the recommendation of the Nomination Committee, 
Mr Bason’s terms of appointment have been extended to 
provide stability and to support the transition to the new 
Chairman. He will step down as a member of the Committee at 
the conclusion of the 2021 AGM and will not seek re-election 
as a director at the 2022 AGM.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  139 

Governance 
 
 
D IR ECTORS ’ REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)

Annual Remuneration Report

REMUNERATION IN DETAIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

Total Shareholder Return (TSR)

The performance graph below shows the Company’s TSR performance against the performance of the FTSE 100 over the 10 year period 
to 30 September 2020. The FTSE 100 Index has been chosen as a broad equity market index of which the Company has been a 
constituent member throughout the period.

TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN INDICES

Compass vs FTSE 100

700
500

440
600

380
500

320
400
260

300
200

200
140

80
100

  Compass
  Compass

FTSE 100 
FTSE 100 
(rebased) 
(rebased) 

2010
2010

2011
2011

2012
2012

2013
2013

2014
2014

2015
2015

2016
2016

2017
2017

2018
2018

2019
2019

2020
2020
(September)
(September)

PAY FOR PERFORMANCE

The Committee believes that the Policy and the supporting reward structure provide a clear alignment with the strategic objectives and 
performance of the Company. To maintain this relationship, the Committee regularly reviews the business priorities and the environment 
in which the Company operates. The table below shows the Group CEO’s total remuneration over the last 10 years and the achieved 
annual variable and long term incentive pay awards as a percentage of the plan maximum. 

Single total figure of 
remuneration £000
Annual variable element: award 
payout against maximum 
opportunity 
%
LTIP vesting rates against 
maximum opportunity  
%

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

20181

2019  

2020

4,410

4,867

5,532

6,298

5,325

5,822

5,617

4,568

4,6592   1,162

75.0

71.8

84.5

87.3

88.7

85.8

68.9

95.9

78.3  

100

100

98.0

100

79.0

84.5

74.5

95.0

100  

0 

0 

1.  Mr Blakemore was Deputy Group CEO from 1 October 2017 to 31 December 2017 and Group CEO from 1 January 2018. 
2.  LTIP indicative vesting amount of £1.951 million was disclosed in the 2019 Annual Report and Accounts. Actual amount was £1.810 million.

140  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
DIRECTORS’ SINGLE TOTAL FIGURE OF REMUNERATION

The table below sets out in a single figure the total amount of remuneration, including each element, received by each of the executive 
directors in office for the year ended 30 September 2020.

Fixed pay
Base salary1,2,3
Taxable benefits2,4
Pension2,5
Total fixed pay
Performance related pay
Bonus2,6
LTIP: performance shares2,6
Restricted shares7
Total long term incentives
Total variable pay
Single total figure of remuneration

Dominic 
Blakemore

2020 
£000

894
69
199
1,162

0
0 
–
0 
0
1,162

2019 
£000  

956  
34  
191  
1,181  

1,527  
1,951   
–  
1,951  
3,478  
4,659  

Gary 
Green

2020 
£000

1,045
118 
406
1,569

0
0
–
0
0
1,569

2019 
£000  

1,121  
79  
392  
1,592  

1,665  
2,774   
–  
2,774  
4,439  
6,031  

Karen 
Witts

2020 
£000

619
32
134
785

0
– 
0
0
0
785

2019 
£000

318
7
64
389

374
– 
394
394
768
1,157

1.  Dominic Blakemore’s base salary was increased from £975,000 to £1,000,000 on 1 January 2020 being an increase of 2.6%. A reduction in base salary in respect 
of COVID-19 was in place for six months of the year, reflecting a 30% reduction for the period from April to June 2020 and a 15% reduction for the period from July 
to September 2020.

2.  Gary Green’s base salary was increased from $1,442,000 to $1,486,000 on 1 January 2020 being an increase of 3.1%. His base salary and other emoluments are 
shown in sterling at an exchange rate of $1.2814/£1 (2019: $1.2762/£1). A reduction in base salary in respect of COVID-19 was in place for six months of the year, 
reflecting a 25% reduction for the period from April to June 2020 and a 12.5% reduction for the period from July to September 2020.

3.  Karen Witts commenced employment as Group CFO on 8 April 2019. Mrs Witts’ base salary was increased from £660,000 to £674,000 on 1 January 2020 being 
an increase of 2.1%. A reduction in base salary in respect of COVID-19 was in place for six months of the year, reflecting a 25% reduction for the period from April 
to June 2020 and a 12.5% reduction for the period from July to September 2020.

4.  Taxable benefits comprise healthcare insurance, limited financial advice, life assurance and car benefit. During May 2020, the executive directors and other senior 

management participated in the equity placing alongside, and on the same terms as participating shareholders (described in more detail on page 155). 
The benefits figure for 2020-2021 also includes an amount in respect of the taxable benefit which was deemed to have occurred as a result of this personal 
investment in the Company’s shares. Mr Green’s benefits for 2019 have been restated to reflect a benefit which was received in that year, but not known to the 
Committee at the date of the 2019 DRR. 
In accordance with the 2018 Policy, a pension cash allowance was paid to each executive director in monthly instalments in lieu of pension participation, being 
20% for Mr Blakemore and Mrs Witts, and 35% for Mr Green.

5. 

6.  Bonus includes any cash payments and bonus deferred into shares. Details of the performance measures and weighting as well as the achieved results for the 

bonus and LTIP components are shown on pages 143 to 145. For the LTIP award vesting on 26 November 2019, the value attributable to share price appreciation 
was £670,812 for Mr Blakemore and £953,951 for Mr Green. 

7.  Mrs Witts was granted an award over 62,973 shares under the Karen Witts Restricted Share Award Plan on 16 May 2019 in recognition of awards forfeited at her 
previous employer. 20,803 shares vested on 1 July 2019. The value attributed to share price growth for this tranche was £24,027. 20,804 shares lapsed on 
1 July 2020 as the underlying financial underpins were not achieved. The balance of the award will vest, subject to continued employment and financial underpins, 
in one further tranche on 1 July 2021. The remaining shares are not subject to a further holding period but will count towards her achievement of the share 
ownership guideline.

8.  Johnny Thomson was Group CFO until 31 December 2018. Total remuneration for 2020 was £nil (2019: £241,000).

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  141 

Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
D IR ECTORS ’ REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)

Annual Remuneration Report (continued)

BASE SALARY

The annual rate of base salary for each executive director for the year ended 30 September 2020 is set out below:

Director
Dominic Blakemore
Gary Green
Karen Witts

Base salary
£1,000,000
$1,486,000
£674,000

Effective date
1 January 2020
1 January 2020
1 January 2020

Increase
2.6%
3.1%
2.1%

Reason

Relevant peer/market & performance. Increases 
consistent to those applicable to the wider workforce 
in the relevant local market. 

When conducting salary reviews, market data is considered, which reflects the size, index positioning and location of the role. 
For example, for UK roles, the FTSE 50 (excluding the financial services sector) may be one reference point considered.

Base salaries will remain unchanged for 2021. 

PENSIONS

At 30 September 2020, there were no executive directors actively participating in any Compass Group defined benefit pension 
arrangements and none of the executive directors were accruing additional entitlement to benefit under any arrangements that existed 
prior to their appointment as executive directors.

For the year under review, a pension cash allowance equal to 20% of base salary for Mr Blakemore and Mrs Witts and 35% of base salary 
for Mr Green was paid monthly in lieu of pension for the period of employment.

In line with the proposed 2021 Policy, the pension cash allowance for each director will reduce in three tranches, commencing  
1 January 2021 in line with the schedule set out below:

Director 
Dominic Blakemore
Gary Green
Karen Witts

ANNUAL BONUS PLANS

2019-2020 BONUS

Current 
pension cash 
allowance 
20%
35%
20%

Pension cash 
allowance effective 
1 Jan 2021 
15%
28%
15%

Pension cash 
allowance effective 
1 Jan 2022 
10%
18%
10%

Pension cash 
allowance effective 
31 Dec 2022 
6%
6%
6%

The bonus targets and outcomes for the year ended 30 September 2020 are set out on page 143. Targets are disclosed on a 
retrospective basis. The achievement of targets is calculated on a straight line basis between Minimum and Target (par) and between 
Target (par) and Maximum, and by reference to budgeted exchange rates.

As was the case for previous years, the measurement of the achievement of the AFCF and PBIT results is based on the underlying 
outcome achieved in the financial year, with gains/losses attributable to currency movements, charges and the impacts of restructuring 
and/or acquisitions/disposals usually being excluded.

142  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
2019-2020 BONUS PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND TARGETS

The financial measures were not met for Dominic Blakemore and Karen Witts and were partly met for Gary Green. The HSE measures 
applicable to Mr Blakemore and Mrs Witts were achieved in full.

Each measure is independent. However, as described in the Committee Chairman’s statement on page 123, to reflect the broader stakeholder 
experience in respect of the 2019-2020 year, the executive directors decided to waive any entitlement to their bonuses. Consequently, there will 
be no payout under the bonus plan for the executive directors for 2019-2020.

The outcomes against the targets are set out below:

Dominic Blakemore and Karen Witts
Financial measures1
PBIT2
AFCF3
ORG4

Group HSE Improvement

Lost Time Incident Frequency Rate

Food Safety Incident Rate

Gary Green
Financial measures1
PBIT2
RPBIT5
MAWC6
RORG7

% Weighting
55
15
25

2.5

2.5

% Weighting
5
55
15
25

Minimum
£1,943.6m
£852.9m
3.8%

Par (target)
£1,983.3m
£879.3m
4.8%

Maximum
£2,023.0m
£905.7m
5.8%

Achieved
£553.2m
£230.0m
(18.6)%

Target

2.89

0.21

Achieved

Achieved

2.55

0.21

Yes

Yes

Minimum
£1,943.6m
5.1%
$(619.5)m
5.0%

Par (target)
£1,983.3m
6.1%
$(639.5)m
6.0%

Maximum
£2,022.9m
7.1%
$(649.5)m
7.0%

Achieved
£553.2m
(53.1)%
$(694.1)m
(18.5)%

North America HSE Improvement

HSE for the North American business is measured through North American underlying PBIT. 

2019-2020 BONUS OUTCOMES

Measure
PBIT/RPBIT2,5
AFCF3
MAWC6
ORG/RORG4,7
HSE
Total

Dominic Blakemore
% of performance 

target achieved  

Gary Green
% of performance 
target achieved 

0/552
0/153 
– 
 0/254
5/58 
5/100 

 0/602,5
– 
15/156
 0/257
– 
15/100 

Karen Witts
% of performance 
target achieved 
 0/552
0/153 
– 
 0/254
5/5 8
5/100 

1.  Financial targets for 2019-2020 bonus purposes are all set and measured at 2020 foreign exchange budget rates, not actuals.
2.  PBIT is underlying Profit Before Interest and Tax (Group).
3.  AFCF is Adjusted Free Cash Flow (Group).
4.  ORG is Organic Revenue Growth (Group).
5.  RPBIT is underlying Profit Before Interest and Tax growth improvement for the North America region.
6.  MAWC is Monthly Average Working Capital Balance for the North America region for Mr Green. The MAWC target is based on an improvement in the value of 
MAWC over the designated period. The formulaic outcome for the MAWC element was 15%. Mr Green waived his entitlement to this element of the bonus.

7.  RORG is Organic Revenue Growth for the North America region.
8.  The formulaic outcome for the HSE element was 5%. Dominic Blakemore and Karen Witts waived their entitlements to this element of the bonus.

2019-2020 BONUS PAYOUTS

The table below shows the payout to each executive director for the year, following their decision to waive their entitlements:

Dominic Blakemore
Gary Green
Karen Witts

2019-2020 bonus payment as
% of base salary as at 30 Sep 2020
0%
0%
0%

Value of bonus
£0
$0
£0

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  143 

Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
D IR ECTORS ’ REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)

Annual Remuneration Report (continued)

2020-2021 BONUS PERFORMANCE MEASURES

To reflect the prevailing uncertainty and challenges arising from COVID-19, the Committee has made a number of changes to the bonus 
plan for the 2020-2021 financial year. These changes are designed to align the plan to our recovery strategy as we navigate the period of 
business disruption and to establish targets that are both achievable and fair and are within management’s control. The 2020-2021 Plan 
includes the following measures:

•  operating margin % – this demonstrates the efficiency of our operations in delivering great food and support services. The operating 
margin can be managed, to reflect the revenue level, and is therefore a more appropriate measure in a period where volumes and 
revenues are difficult to predict

•  cash conversion % – this demonstrates our ability to convert profit into cash – it sets out what percentage of profit is converted to cash. 
Regardless of absolute profit, it ensures a certain conversion rate is achieved and incorporates key levers under management control
•  absolute revenue – this embodies our success in growing and retaining our customer base, as well as our ability to drive volumes in our 

existing business and maintain appropriate pricing levels considering input cost inflation

•  HSE measures remain unchanged, however for 2020-2021 equate to 10% of the plan, emphasising our commitment to our health and 

safety culture

The updated bonus structure for 2020-2021 is set out below:

Measure1
Operating margin
Cash conversion
Absolute revenue
HSE2
Total

Weighting
50%
20%
20%
10%
100%

1.  All measures are assessed at a Group level with the exception of the bonus for Gary Green where all measures (save for 5% of Group operating margin) are 

measured by reference to regional North American performance.

2.  The HSE measures are Lost Time Incident Frequency Rate (LTIFR) and Food Safety Incident Rate (FSIR), weighted equally.

Two independent half year and full year bonus targets will be set and communicated for absolute revenue and operating margin. 
The cash conversion measure will be measured at the financial year end, in conjunction with our usual ‘quality of earnings’ assessment, 
to ensure that bonus outcomes are consistent with the underlying performance of the business. The HSE measures will continue to 
be measured at the financial year end. Bonus payments may be reduced if the Committee is not satisfied with the underlying 
financial performance of the Group. The Committee’s overriding discretion on the overall outcome will be based on an assessment 
of annual performance.

The Committee has chosen not to disclose the details of the targets in this DRR, as it is the opinion of the Committee they are 
commercially sensitive. However, the specific targets and the extent to which the targets have been met (both at Group and Regional 
levels) will be disclosed in next year’s DRR. 

LONG TERM INCENTIVE AWARDS

Scheme interests awarded during the year

During the year ended 30 September 2020, executive directors received a conditional award of shares which may vest after a three year 
performance period which will end on 30 September 2022, based on the achievement of stretching performance conditions. The targets 
under this award were disclosed in the 2019 DRR. In line with the approach in prior years, the ROCE targets will be updated at the end of 
the performance period to reflect actual acquisition spend, changes in accounting standards and constant currency. Restated targets will 
be disclosed in the 2022 DRR. 

Director
Dominic Blakemore
Gary Green
Karen Witts

Type of award
LTIP 2018
LTIP 2018
LTIP 2018

Value of award as a % 
of base salary1
300%
250%
250%

Value of award 
 £000
 2,925 
 2,8043 
 1,650 

Number of shares 
awarded2
 152,700 
146,385 
86,135 

1.  Expressed as a percentage of base salary at the date of award. 
2.  The share price used to calculate the award was the closing market price of £19.16 per share on 26 November 2019. Awards were granted on 27 November 2019.
3.  Face value of award was converted to sterling at the time of award at an exchange rate of $1.2856/£1.

144  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Executive directors are required to hold vested awards for a period of two years following vesting so as to strengthen the long term 
alignment of executives’ remuneration packages with shareholders’ interests and, if required, to facilitate the implementation of 
provisions related to clawback.

The table below sets out the performance measures for the awards under the Policy in operation during the financial year under review:

Definition of measure
ROCE The definition aims to measure the underlying economic performance of the Company. ROCE is calculated at the end of the three 
year performance period as net underlying operating profit after tax (NOPAT) divided by 12 month average capital employed (see page 
278 for full definitions).
Adjusted FCF The definition aims to measure the cash generation of the Company and is calculated as the three year cumulative 
underlying FCF (see page 278 for full definition) adjusted for constant currency.
TSR Performance is compared to that of constituent members of the FTSE 100 (excluding the financial services sector). TSR is the 
aggregate of share price growth and dividends paid (assuming reinvestment of those dividends in the Company’s shares during the 
three year performance period). 

In setting the performance targets, the Committee considers internal budgets and the Group’s strategic plan, market expectations and 
general economic conditions. The table below shows the targets against which performance has been measured to determine the vesting 
of the grant of awards for the year ended 30 September 2020.

2017-2018 LTIP Award Outcome 

Awards were made to Dominic Blakemore and Gary Green in 2017-2018, which were subject to achievement of three year performance 
targets for the year ended 30 September 2020. Performance conditions were ROCE, AFCF and Relative TSR, weighted 40%, 40% and 
20% respectively. The targets and outcomes are set out below:

ROCE Target
Level of performance
Vesting % of component
As at date of award
Reconciled at the end of the performance period1

AFCF Target
Level of performance
Vesting % of each component
AFCF

TSR Target
Level of performance
Vesting % of each component

Threshold
0%
18.78%
18.67%

Threshold
0%
£3,095m

Maximum
100%
19.82%
19.72%

Maximum
100%
£3,421m

Achieved
0%
–
5.13%

Achieved
0%
£2,741m

Below median
0%

Median
25%

Upper Quartile
100%

Achieved
0%2 

1.  ROCE targets are updated at the end of the performance period to reflect actual acquisition spend and constant currency.
2.  TSR ranking was 47th in its comparator group.

The Committee applied the established framework to deal with items that were unforeseen at the time the targets were set in 2017-2018 
and which were in the long term interests of shareholders. Both the ROCE and AFCF measures were adjusted to exclude a one-off capital 
investment in the North American business. 

None of the performance measures were met at the end of the three year performance period, such that the LTIP awards made in the 
2017-2018 year lapsed in full.

Director
Dominic Blakemore
Gary Green

Performance conditions

ROCE % vested
on maturity
0%
0%

AFCF % vested
on maturity
0%
0%

TSR % vested
on maturity
0%
0%

Number of
shares awarded
178,390
165,125

Number of
shares lapsed
178,390
165,125

Value of shares on vesting
£000
0
0

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  145 

Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
D IR ECTORS ’ REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)

Annual Remuneration Report (continued)

2020-2021 LTIP AWARD 

It is the Committee’s intention to grant LTIP awards in 2020-2021 to executive directors. In determining the appropriateness of the award 
levels, the Committee considered the recent share price movement. Despite strong operational and share price performance in the first 
half of the financial year, there was a fall in the share price in the second half of the year due to the impact of COVID-19. The Committee 
considered the extent to which the fall in share price could have the potential to result in a windfall gain for executive directors, where a 
lower share price at the grant date would result in a materially higher number of shares being awarded under the 2020-2021 LTIP 
compared to previous years. The Committee considered carefully the implementation of a reduction in the multiple of salary used to 
determine the number shares to be awarded to executive directors and decided to scale back the face value award levels accordingly.

It is the Committee’s intention that for the 2020-2021 LTIP award, when compared with previous practice, a reduction will be made to the 
multiple of salary used to determine the level of award. The impact of this scale back is set out in the table below:

Director
Dominic Blakemore
Gary Green
Karen Witts

Usual LTIP award 
 (as a % of base salary)
300%
250%
250%

Usual value of award1
3,000
2,899
1,685

Scale back level 
(as a % of base salary)
30%
25%
25%

Resulting LTIP award 
(as a % of base salary)
270%
225%
225%

Resulting value of award 
 £000
2,700
2,609
1,517

1.  Value of award calculated by reference to base salary at date of grant.

The Committee will also look retrospectively at events over the three year performance period immediately prior to vesting to ensure that 
vesting outcomes are consistent with the performance of the Company. The Committee has determined that, following the reduction in 
the multiple used to establish the level of award, any further review by the Committee will be made on the presumption that the matter of 
any perceived windfall gain has already been taken into consideration.

Performance measures and weightings remain in line with previous years as set out below:

Performance Measures
ROCE
AFCF
TSR

 Weighting
40%
40%
20%

The TSR targets will be unchanged from the approach in prior years (outlined on page 145). For the financial targets (ROCE and AFCF), 
our normal approach would be to disclose the targets in this Report. However, given the ongoing uncertainty related to the severity and 
duration of the impact of COVID-19 on the Group, the target setting for this award has been deferred to later in the financial year, when we 
hope to have greater clarity allowing the Committee to ensure targets are meaningful and stretching. In line with shareholder guidance, it 
is our intention that target setting is not delayed by more than six months from the date of grant and will therefore be disclosed no later 
than the interim financial results in May 2021.

HISTORIC LTIP AWARD VESTING

The table below sets out the percentage of each LTIP award made to executive directors within the last five years which has vested:

Year of award
2017-2018
2016-2017
2015-2016
2014-2015
2013-2014

Maturity
date
1 Oct 2020
1 Oct 2019
1 Oct 2018
1 Oct 2017
1 Oct 2016

Performance
conditions
ROCE/AFCF/TSR
ROCE/AFCF/TSR
ROCE/AFCF/TSR
ROCE/AFCF/TSR
ROCE/AFCF/TSR

ROCE % vested
on maturity
0% 
100%
84.9%
23.5%
60.7%

AFCF % vested
on maturity
0%
100%
100%
100%
92.7%

TSR % vested
on maturity
0%
100%
100%
100%
100%

146  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

EXTANT EQUITY INCENTIVE AWARDS HELD BY EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Details of all existing equity incentive awards as at the date of this DRR, including the awards conditionally made under the long term 
incentive plans to the executive directors at any time during the year ended 30 September 2020, are shown in the table below. None of 
the executive directors hold any extant award under any previously operated share option scheme:

LTIP

Director
Dominic Blakemore

Total
Gary Green

Total
Karen Witts

Total

As at 
30 Sep 2019: 
number of shares
96,528
178,390
161,385
–
436,303
137,271
165,125
162,810
–
465,206
120,880
–
–
120,880

Awarded during
the year:
number of shares
–
–
–
152,700
152,700
–
–
–
146,385
146,385
– 
86,135
6,784
92,919

Released during
the year:
number of
shares
96,528
–
–
–
96,528
137,271
–
–
–
137,271
–
–
–
–

Lapsed during
the year:
number of
shares
–
–
–
–
– 
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

As at
30 Sep 2020:
number of
shares
–
178,390
161,385
152,700
492,475
–
165,125
162,810
146,385
474,320
120,880
86,135
6,784
213,799 

Market price
at date
of award:
£

Date of
award
13.26 23 Nov 2016
9 Feb 2018
15.13
16.73 21 Nov 2018
19.16 27 Nov 2019

Maturity
date
1 Oct 2019
1 Oct 2020
1 Oct 2021
1 Oct 2022

13.26 23 Nov 2016
9 Feb 2018
15.13
16.73 21 Nov 2018
19.16 27 Nov 2019

1 Oct 2019
1 Oct 2020
1 Oct 2021
1 Oct 2022

1 Oct 2021
17.78 16 May 2019
19.16 27 Nov 2019
1 Oct 2022
18.37 12 Dec 2019 12 Dec 2022

Restricted Share Award (RSA)

Director
Karen Witts

Total

As at 
30 Sep 2019: 
 number of shares
20,804
21,366
42,170

Awarded during
the year:
number of shares
–
–
–

Released during
the year:
number of
shares
–
–
–

Lapsed during
the year:
number of
shares
20,804
–
20,804

As at
30 Sep 2020:
number of
shares
–
21,366
21,366

Market price
at date
of award:
£

Date of
award
17.78 16 May 2019
17.78 16 May 2019

Maturity
date
1 Jul 2020
1 Jul 2021

1.  Each LTIP award with the exception of deferred bonus awards is based on a three year performance period. Under the 2010 LTIP, awards are based one third on a 
ROCE target, one third on AFCF and one third on the Company’s TSR relative to the FTSE 100, excluding the financial services sector. Awards granted under the 
2018 LTIP are based 40% on a ROCE target, 40% on an AFCF target and 20% on the Company’s TSR relative to the FTSE 100, excluding the financial services 
sector.

2.  The award granted to Karen Witts on 12 December 2019 under the 2018 LTIP was made as a deferred bonus award and will vest after three years subject to  

Mrs Witts remaining employed by the Company on vesting or being considered a good leaver under the rules of the Plan.

3.  The performance period of the award granted on 23 November 2016 came to an end on 30 September 2019. This award vested in full. 
4.  Awards granted on 23 November 2016 were made under the LTIP 2010. All other awards were granted under the LTIP 2018.
5.  On 27 November 2019, Messrs Blakemore and Green sold 46,469 and 62,849 shares respectively of LTIP awards that had become receivable as a result of the 

achievement of performance conditions relating to the three year performance period to 30 September 2019 to settle resultant tax and social security obligations. 
All of the vested LTIP awards were subject to a two year post vest holding period. The closing share price on the day preceding the release of their awards was 
£19.16 per share.

6.  The performance period of the award granted on 9 February 2018 came to an end on 30 September 2020. None of the threshold performance conditions were 

met and the award lapsed in full. 

7.  All LTIP awards were granted for nil consideration.
8.  Of the 120,880 LTIP awards granted to Mrs Witts on 16 May 2019, 28,110 were in respect of the agreed buyout arrangement for awards forfeited in her former 

employment.

9.  The awards granted to Mrs Witts under the Karen Witts Restricted Share Award Plan on 16 May 2019 were granted in recognition of awards forfeited at her 

previous employer. The awards are subject to two financial underpins relating to Compass’ performance, which are (i) the maintenance of net debt: underlying 
EBITDA (adjusted for M&A activity and changes to accounting standards) and (ii) dividend at least in line with constant currency underlying basic earnings per 
share. The award vesting on 1 July 2020 lapsed due to the financial underpins relating to Compass performance not being satisfied. The remaining tranche will vest 
on 1 July 2021, subject to continued employment and satisfaction of the financial underpins. Any vested shares under this award are not subject to a further 
holding period, however will count towards Mrs Witts’ achievement of the share ownership guideline. 

10. The highest mid-market price of the Company’s ordinary shares during the year ended 30 September 2020 was £20.73 per share and the lowest was £10.02 per 

share. The year end price was £11.69 per share.

11. The market price at the date of each award is shown to two decimal places. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  147 

Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
D IR ECTORS ’ REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)

Annual Remuneration Report (continued)

DIRECTOR AND ROLE CHANGES DURING THE YEAR

As announced on 6 January and confirmed on 18 August 2020, Paul Walsh will step down as Chairman of the Company on 1 December 
2020. Other than the fees and expenses payable to Mr Walsh for the period up to 1 December 2020, no payment will be made to him in 
connection with him ceasing to be a director of the Company. On the relevant date, a statement prepared pursuant to Section 430(2B) of 
the CA 2006 in connection with Mr Walsh, will be posted on the Company’s website www.compass-group.com.

As announced on 24 September 2020, subject to his re-election by shareholders at the 2021 AGM on 4 February 2021, John Bason will 
continue to serve as a non-executive director. However, at the conclusion of the 2021 AGM, he will step down as SID and as Chairman 
and a member of the Audit and Remuneration Committees but will remain as a member of the Board and of the Corporate Responsibility 
and Nomination Committees. Mr Bason will not seek re-election at the 2022 AGM.

John Bryant and Anne-Francoise Nesmes will succeed Mr Bason as Senior Independent Director (SID) and Chair of the Audit Committee 
respectively. Following these changes, Mr Bason, Mr Bryant and Mrs Nesmes will each be paid a fee commensurate with the respective 
roles they perform, prorated to 30 September 2021. Details of the fees for non-executive directors for the coming year are set out below.

PAYMENTS TO PAST DIRECTORS

There were no payments to former directors during the year.

PAYMENTS FOR LOSS OF OFFICE

There were no loss of office payments made to former directors during the year.

EXTERNAL NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR APPOINTMENTS

Executive directors may take up one non-executive directorship outside the Group subject to the Board’s approval, provided that such an 
appointment is not likely to lead to a conflict of interest. It is recognised that non-executive duties can broaden experience and knowledge 
which can benefit the Company. Dominic Blakemore received fees of £73,654 in respect of his directorship at the London Stock 
Exchange Group for the period from 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2020. Karen Witts received fees of £76,985 in respect of her 
directorship at Imperial Brands PLC for the period from 1 October 2019 until 15 June 2020 when she stepped down from their board. 
At the date of this DRR, Gary Green does not hold any paid external appointments.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

The fee for the Chairman is reviewed annually by the Committee with any increase taking effect on 1 October. The fee paid to Paul Walsh 
for the year ended 30 September 2020 was £575,000 per annum and will remain at this rate for the remainder of Mr Walsh’s term as 
Chairman. Mr Walsh will step down as Chairman of the Company on 1 December 2020. His successor, Ian Meakins was appointed as a 
non-executive director on 1 September 2020 and will succeed Mr Walsh as Chairman on 1 December 2020. For the period from 1 
September 2020 to 30 November 2020, Mr Meakins was paid a base fee of £88,000 per annum prorated. On assuming the role of 
Chairman, Mr Meakins’ fee will increase to £525,000 per annum inclusive of any Board committee memberships. Details of amounts 
received by Paul Walsh during the year ended 30 September 2020 are shown below:

Chairman
Paul Walsh

Fees1
£000
521 

Benefits2
£000
8

Total 2020
£000
529 

Total 2019
£000
562

1.  Fees paid to Mr Walsh were reduced by 25% for the period from 1 April to 30 June 2020 and 12.5% for the period from 1 July to 30 September 2020 to reflect the 

wider stakeholder experience as a result of COVID-19.

2.  Benefits for the year ended 30 September 2020 comprise the provision of costs in relation to commuting travel. The benefits figure for 2020 also includes an 

amount in respect of the taxable benefit which was deemed to have occurred as a result of the personal investment in the Company’s shares under the May 2020 
equity raise.

The fees for the non-executive directors are reviewed and determined by the Board each year to reflect appropriate market conditions. 
The base fee paid to non-executive directors for the year ended 30 September 2020 was £88,000 which includes membership of the 
Audit, Corporate Responsibility, Nomination and Remuneration Committees (as appropriate).

An additional fee of £30,000 per annum is payable where a non-executive director acts as Chairman of the Audit, Remuneration or 
Corporate Responsibility Committee and an additional fee of £30,000 per annum is also payable to the director nominated as SID. 
These fees remain unchanged for the coming year. 

148  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

Details of the amounts received by each of the non-executive directors in office for the year ended 30 September 2020 are set out below:

Non-executive director
Carol Arrowsmith
John Bason
Stefan Bomhard
John Bryant
Ian Meakins4
Anne-Francoise Nesmes
Nelson Silva
Ireena Vittal

Fees1
£000
107
134
80
80
6
80
107
80

Benefits2,3
£000
18
6 
6
48
–
11
20
14

Total 2020
£000
125 
140 
86 
128 
6 
91 
127 
94 

Total 2019
£000
126
139
87
104
–
86
132
97

1.  Fees paid to each non-executive director were reduced by 25% for the period from 1 April to 30 June 2020 and 12.5% for the period from 1 July to 30 September 

2020 to reflect the wider stakeholder experience as a result of COVID-19.

2.  Travel costs relating to attending Board meetings held in the UK are treated as a benefit and have been included in the table above, where relevant.
3.  The benefits figure for 2020 also includes an amount in respect of the taxable benefit which was deemed to have occurred as a result of the personal investment in 
the Company’s shares under the May 2020 equity raise. This applies to all non-executive directors in office at the time of the equity raise, with the exception of 
Ireena Vittal who did not participate.

4.  Appointed to the Board and the Nomination and Corporate Responsibility Committees on 1 September 2020.

SHARE OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES AND DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS IN SHARES

In order that their interests are aligned with those of shareholders, directors are expected to build up and maintain a personal 
shareholding in the Company as set out in the share ownership guidelines as described on page 136.

The Committee reviewed and noted that the guidelines were satisfied by all directors in office during the year. The interests of the 
directors in office during the year ended 30 September 2020 in shares (including the interests of Persons Closely Associated) and share 
incentives are shown in the table below:

Beneficial

Conditional

Executive 
directors

Dominic Blakemore

Gary Green

Karen Witts3

Non-executive 
directors

Carol Arrowsmith

John Bason

Stefan Bomhard

John Bryant

Ian Meakins4

Anne-Francoise Nesmes

Nelson Silva

Ireena Vittal

Paul Walsh

Shares held as at
 30 Sep 20201

Shares held as at
30 Sep 2019

276,789

275,560

20,751

12,916

21,658 

10,743

15,781

0

11,907

10,323

5,350

40,273

197,462

191,382

10,995

10,333

14,288

5,865

6,025

–

2,122

7,884

5,350

35,395

LTIP/RSA
holdings as at
30 Sep 2020

492,475

474,320

235,165

LTIP/RSA
holdings as at
 30 Sep 2019

436,303

465,206

163,050

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Shareholding
required2

Compliance with 
share ownership
guidelines

300%

250%

250%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

ü

ü

ü

ü

ü

ü

ü

ü

ü

ü

ü

ü

1.  The shares held at 30 September 2020 include shares that the directors subscribed for under the equity raise in May 2020, where applicable.
2.  As a percentage of base salary or fee.
3.  Appointed to the Board and the Corporate Responsibility Committee on 8 April 2019. Under the current guidelines executive directors are required to achieve the 

percentage shareholding shown in the table above within a five year period in accordance with the Company’s share ownership guidelines.

4.  Appointed to the Board and the Nomination and Corporate Responsibility Committees on 1 September 2020. Under the current guidelines non-executive directors 
are required to achieve the percentage shareholding shown in the table above within a four year period in accordance with the Company’s share ownership guidelines.

There were no changes in directors’ interests between 30 September 2020 and 24 November 2020.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  149 

GovernanceD IR ECTORS ’ REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)

Annual Remuneration Report (continued)

REMUNERATION IN THE WIDER CONTEXT

Our approach to workforce engagement is set out on pages 51 and 57, including the approach taken to gathering the views of the 
workforce. Ireena Vittal, a member of the Remuneration Committee, is the current Designated Non-executive director for workforce 
engagement and is responsible for ensuring the views of the workforce are communicated to the Board.

When considering executive remuneration and setting the Directors’ Remuneration Policy, the Committee takes into consideration the 
wider workforce. An employee landscape dashboard was considered by the Committee at both the May and September 2020 meetings 
with the dashboard in the September 2020 meeting showing the impact of COVID-19 on the workforce in respect of headcount. Each 
section of the dashboard is shown below:

EMPLOYEE LANDSCAPE DASHBOARD:

Diversity

Turnover and 
headcount

Speak Up results 

Engagement survey 
results

Health and safety 
outcomes

Minimum and living 
wage data

CEO PAY RATIO

Pension plans

Incentive plans

Pay ratio reporting 

Pay gap reporting 

As required by the 2018 regulations, the ratio between the CEO’s remuneration and the median, lower quartile and upper quartile of UK 
employees is disclosed for the first time and is set out below for the 2019-2020 financial year. The ratio shows the comparisons between the 
25th, median and 75th percentile employees in the UK, with reference to remuneration paid in the financial year to 30 September 2020, and 
the Group CEO’s total remuneration as set out in the single figure table on page 141.

Year and component
2019-2020 Total remuneration

Method
Option A

25th percentile 
pay ratio
63:1

Median 
pay ratio
54:1

75th percentile 
pay ratio
42:1

Compass has chosen to use prescribed method A to calculate the ratio which is considered to be the most accurate approach. This 
method includes total full time equivalent remuneration for UK employees received by an individual in respect of the financial year ended 
30 September 2020 and is calculated in line with the methodology for the ‘single figure of remuneration’ for the CEO. The best 
equivalents for the three UK employees whose hourly rates of pay were at the 25th, median and 75th percentiles were selected, with a 
small number of employees around each quartile reviewed, to ensure that the employees chosen at the three percentile points were, 
within reason, representative of the pay of the workforce at each quartile. 

The composition of our business changed significantly during the peak stages of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a 
significant number of our UK employees furloughed during April to September 2020. As a consequence, any reduction in pay received 
during the year is reflected in the employee remuneration, as it has been in the CEO single figure in respect of the six month period of 
base salary reductions. The Committee has considered the pay data for the three employees identified and believes that it fairly reflects 
pay at the relevant quartiles amongst the UK workforce. The three individuals identified were full time employees during the year and did 
not receive any remuneration which would otherwise inflate their pay figures.

The CEO’s remuneration is weighted more heavily towards variable pay than that of the wider workforce and, as a result, the ratio will 
fluctuate each year depending on the performance of the Company. This is particularly relevant for the 2019-2020 financial year where 
remuneration paid to the CEO was significantly lower due to the impact of COVID-19 on the performance-related incentive elements of 
pay and the six month period of reduced base salary. The ratio is therefore likely to be materially higher in following years.

The salary and total remuneration is set out in the table below:

Financial year and component
2019-2020 Salary
2019-2020 Total remuneration

CEO
£000
£894
£1,162 

25th percentile
£000
£17
£18 

Median
£000
£21
£21 

75th percentile
£000
£26
£28

150  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

ANNUAL PERCENTAGE CHANGE IN REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS AND EMPLOYEES

As required by the 2019 regulations, which implement Articles 9a and 9b of European Directive 2017/828/EC1 (commonly known as the 
Revised Shareholder Rights Directive or SRD), the table below shows a comparison of the annual change of each individual director’s pay 
to the annual change in average employee pay commencing the year ended 30 September 2020.

Average employee pay is based on a Full Time Equivalent (FTE) calculation, using a mean average. Where there is a year on year 
decrease in base salary or fees paid to the directors, this is due to the six month period of reductions made in response to COVID-19. The 
benefits figure for 2020 for most directors includes an amount in respect of the taxable benefit which was deemed to have occurred as a 
result of their personal investment in the Company’s shares under the May 2020 equity raise.

Change in pay between the year ended 30 September 2019 and 30 September 2020
Executive directors

Dominic Blakemore
Gary Green
Karen Witts4
Carol Arrowsmith
John Bason
Stefan Bomhard
John Bryant
Ian Meakins5
Anne-Francoise Nesmes
Nelson Silva
Ireena Vittal
Paul Walsh

Non-executive directors

Average pay of UK employees6

Base salary/fees
% change1
(6.5)%
(6.7)%
94.5%
(7.8)%
(3.3)%
(7.3)%
(7.3)%
–
(7.3)%
(7.8)%
(7.3)%
(6.9)%
3.4%

Bonus
% change2
(100.0)%
(100.0)%
(100.0)%
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(12.3)%

Benefit
% change3
105.0%
49.1%
350.2%
79.1%
–
1,013.5%
162.5%
–
–
23.8%
27.7%
330.8%
(13.4)%

1.  The annual percentage change in salary is calculated by reference to actual salary paid for the financial year ended 30 September 2020 compared to the financial 

year ended 30 September 2019.

2.  The annual percentage change in bonus is calculated by reference to the bonus payable in respect of the financial year ended 30 September 2020 compared to 

the financial year ended 30 September 2019 for executive directors, and by reference to all bonus payments received during the financial year ended  
30 September 2020 in comparison to the financial year ended 30 September 2019 for UK employees. Non-executive directors are not eligible to receive a bonus.

3.  The annual percentage change in benefits is calculated by reference to the value of benefits received in respect of the financial year ended 30 September 2020 
compared to the financial year ended 30 September 2019. Non-executive directors’ travel expenses are considered a benefit and are disclosed in the DRR. The 
increase in benefits paid to the directors is attributable to an increase in the value of these expenses, and/or to the inclusion of the benefit of the discount on the 
subscription price in respect of the May 2020 equity placing, in which the majority of directors participated alongside, and on the same terms as, other 
shareholders (described in more detail on page 155).

4.  Appointed to the Board and the Corporate Responsibility Committee on 8 April 2019. The increase in base salary from 2019 to 2020 reflects the pro-rated period 

of employment in 2019. The increase in benefits from 2019 to 2020 partly reflects the pro-rated period of employment in 2019.

5.  Appointed to the Board and the Nomination and Corporate Responsibility Committees on 1 September 2020.
6.  Average employee pay is calculated by reference to the mean average pay of employees within the UK.

RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF SPEND ON PAY

The following table sets out the amounts paid in share buybacks, dividends and total employee costs for the years ended 
30 September 2019 and 2020.

Dispersals
Share buybacks2
Dividends paid3
Total employee costs4

2020 
£m
–
 427
9,975

2019 
£m
–
611
11,370

Change 
%1
–
(30.0)%
(12.3)%

1.  The year on year percentage change in dispersals represents measures taken to protect the Company and its stakeholders from the impact of COVID-19.
2.  At the AGM on 6 February 2020, shareholders approved Resolution 22 to give the directors authority to make limited on market purchases of up to 10% of the 
Company’s ordinary shares. No shares were repurchased during the financial year ended 30 September 2020. However, the directors consider it desirable for 
such general authority to be available to maintain an efficient capital structure whilst at the same time retaining the flexibility to fund any bolt-on acquisitions.
3.  The total dividend paid during the year ended 30 September 2019 was £611 million which related to the 2018 final and 2019 interim dividends. The total share 
capital in issue on 30 September 2019 was 1,589 million ordinary shares of 111⁄20 pence. At the date of this Report there were 1,785,403,977 ordinary shares of 
111⁄20 pence in issue of which 1,535,347 were held in treasury for the purpose of satisfying the Company’s obligations under employee equity incentive schemes. 
Shares held in treasury are not eligible to participate in dividends and do not carry any voting rights. The total dividend paid during the financial year ended 30 
September 2020 was £427 million which related to the final dividend for the financial year ended 30 September 2019. The share capital in issue on 30 September 
2020 was 1,785 million ordinary shares of 111⁄20 pence each. As announced on 23 April 2020 no interim or final dividend has been or will be declared or paid for 
the financial year ended 30 September 2020.

4.  Total employee costs include wages and salaries, social security costs, share-based payments and pension costs for all employees, including directors. The 

average number of employees, including directors and part-time employees in operations during 2020, was 548,143 (2019: 596,452).

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  151 

Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
D IR ECTORS ’ REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)

Annual Remuneration Report (continued) 

REMUNERATION OF OTHER SENIOR EXECUTIVES AND MANAGEMENT

A number of senior executives and the executive directors comprise the Executive Committee. These key management roles influence 
the ability of the Group to meet its strategic targets. The Remuneration Committee sets the remuneration for these individuals and takes 
into account the remuneration levels and structure of the wider business. Total remuneration including base salary and other short term 
benefits, bonus and the expected value of long term incentives is summarised in note 4 to the consolidated financial statements on 
page 202.

REMUNERATION ADVICE

The Chairman and the Group CEO, together with the Group Chief People Officer and the Group Reward Director are normally invited to 
attend each Committee meeting and provide advice and guidance to the Committee (other than in respect of their own remuneration) for 
which they are not paid a fee in addition to their remuneration from the Company under their service contracts. Details of the members of 
the Committee who served during the year ended 30 September 2020 are set out on pages 72 and 73.

Under its terms of reference, the Committee obtains the advice of external independent remuneration consultants and is responsible for 
their selection and appointment. The Committee also considers the independence and effectiveness of the advisor, and concluded that, 
after a three year period of working with Willis Towers Watson (WTW), in the interests of good governance, it would be appropriate to 
change advisors. Following an objective selection process, the Committee appointed Deloitte LLP (Deloitte) as its independent 
remuneration advisor.

Deloitte commenced work with the Committee in September 2020 and fees for the month were £10,750 for advice in relation to 
executive remuneration. WTW’s fees during the year under review were £46,900. Fees covered attendance at Committee meetings, 
general advice and updates on remuneration developments with the total fees paid to advisors of £57,650 for the year ended 30 
September 2020 (2019: £30,150).

WTW also provided services to the Company globally which comprised remuneration benchmarking, insurance brokerage and other 
consultancy advice. Deloitte provided advice in relation to tax and accounting, technology and other consulting services. Deloitte and 
WTW are both members of the Remuneration Consultants Group and comply with its Code of Conduct. 

Alithos Limited (Alithos) was appointed by the Company in 2002. During the year, Alithos provided information for the testing of the TSR 
performance conditions for the Company’s LTIP awards, for which it received fixed fees of £24,000 (2019: £24,000). It also provided the 
TSR performance graph for the DRR, for which it received a fixed fee of £500 (2019: £500). Alithos did not provide any other advice or 
services to the Company during the year.

The Committee is satisfied that the advice it received during the year was objective and independent, based on the experience of 
its members generally, including Carol Arrowsmith, Chairman of the Committee, who until 2014, was a remuneration consultant  
with Deloitte.

152  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

SHAREHOLDER VOTE AT 2018 AND 2020 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS

The table below sets out the voting outcome at the AGM held on 6 February 2020 for the 2019 Annual Remuneration Report:

2020

Director
Annual Remuneration Report2

Number of votes
‘For’ & ‘Discretionary’
1,197,897,440

% of
votes cast
93.85

Number of votes
‘Against’
78,502,084

% of
votes cast
6.15

Total number of
votes cast
1,276,399,524

Number of votes
‘Withheld’1
2,841,986

The table below sets out the voting outcome at the AGM held on 8 February 2018 for the Remuneration Policy which applies until 
February 2021:

2018

Director
Remuneration Policy3

1.  A vote withheld is not a vote in law.
2.  Advisory vote.
3.  Binding vote.

Number of votes
‘For’ & ‘Discretionary’
1,153,741,571

% of
votes cast
95.90

Number of votes
‘Against’
49,370,003

% of
votes cast
4.10

Total number of
votes cast
1,203,111,574

Number of votes
‘Withheld’1
10,721,950

The Committee welcomed the endorsement of the DRR by shareholders and took steps, wherever practicable, to understand 
shareholders’ concerns when withholding their support.

At the 2021 AGM, shareholders will be invited to vote on the 2020 Annual Remuneration Report (advisory vote) and the proposed 
Remuneration Policy for 2021-2024 (binding vote). 

On behalf of the Board

Carol Arrowsmith
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

24 November 2020

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  153 

GovernanceOther Statutory Disclosures

This Directors’ Report forms part of the management report as 
required under DTR 4. The Company has chosen, in accordance 
with Section 414 C(11) of the CA 2006, and as noted in this 
Directors’ Report, to include certain matters in its Strategic Report 
that would otherwise be required to be disclosed in this Directors’ 
Report. The Strategic Report can be found on pages 1 to 69 and 
includes an indication of future likely developments in the 
Company, details of important events and the Company’s 
business model and strategy. The Corporate Governance Report 
on pages 70 to 153, the Other Statutory Disclosures on pages 154 
to 161 and the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement on page 162 
are incorporated into the Directors’ Report by reference.

Specifically, the following disclosures have been included 
elsewhere within the Annual Report and are incorporated into this 
Directors’ Report by reference:

Disclosure
Financial risk management
Future developments in the business
Statement of directors’ responsibilities including 
disclosure of information to the auditor
Disclosure of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
Shareholder information
Viability statement
Going concern statement

Page
38
2

162
66
275
39
39

DIRECTORS

Details of the directors in office at the date of this Report are listed 
on pages 70 to 73. In accordance with the Code, each director of 
the Company is subject to annual re-election. Those directors 
intending to continue in office will submit themselves for re-election 
at the 2021 AGM. As announced on 18 August 2020, Ian Meakins 
joined the Board as a non-executive director on 1 September 2020 
and will succeed Paul Walsh as Chairman of the Board on 
1 December 2020.

RESULTS AND DIVIDENDS

In the year ended 30 September 2020, the Group delivered an 
underlying profit before tax of £427million (20191: £1,772 
million), a decrease of 75.9%; and a statutory profit before tax of 
£210 million (20191: £1,494 million), a decrease of 85.9%.

As part of a range of measures undertaken to protect the  
liquidity position of the Company in response to the impact of 
COVID-19, whilst recognising the importance of a dividend to the 
Company’s shareholders, the Board decided not to pay an interim 
or final dividend in respect of the financial year ended 
30 September 2020. The Board will keep future dividends under 
review and will restart payments when it is appropriate to do so. 

A summary of the dividends paid on ordinary shares in the prior 
financial year is shown below:

Year
2020
2020
2019
2019
2019

Dividend
Final
Interim
Final
Interim
Total

Pence per share1
Nil2
Nil2
26.9
13.1
40.0

1.  Dividends are paid gross. A dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP) is available to 

eligible shareholders. Details can be found on page 276.

2.  As announced by the Company on 23 April 2020. 

Generally, the trustee of the employee benefit trust, the Compass 
Group PLC All Share Schemes Trust (ASST), which operates in 
connection with the Company’s share plans, waives its right to 
receive dividends on any shares held by it. Details of the ASST can 
be found on page 156 of this Report. The value of the dividends 
payable during the year ended 30 September 2020 that were 
waived by the ASST was £9,270 (2019: £6,531).

At the date of this Report, there were 1,535,347 111⁄20 pence 
ordinary shares held in treasury for the purpose of satisfying the 
Company’s obligations under the Company’s employee equity 
incentive schemes. Shares held in treasury are not entitled to 
receive dividends. Therefore £449,107 (2019: £1,378,421) worth 
of dividends related to treasury shares were not paid during the 
financial year. 

SHARE CAPITAL

General

At the date of this Report, 1,785,403,977 ordinary shares of  
111⁄20 pence each (of which 1,535,347 are held in treasury) have 
been issued, are fully paid up and are quoted on the London Stock 
Exchange. The total voting rights attaching to the issued ordinary 
share capital (excluding treasury shares) at the date of this Report 
is 1,783,868,630. In addition, the Company sponsors a Level I 
American Depositary Receipts programme with BNY Mellon, 
under which the Company’s shares are traded on the over the 
counter market in the form of American Depositary Shares. 

During the year ended 30 September 2020, 161,869 options were 
exercised and 1,809,719 awards released pursuant to the 
Company’s share option schemes, long term incentive plans and 
other discretionary share schemes. All options exercised and 
awards released were satisfied, as appropriate, by the reissue of 
1,794,287 treasury shares and the release of 177,301 shares 
from the ASST. No treasury shares have been reissued and no 
shares have been released by the ASST since the end of the 
financial year to the date of this Report to satisfy awards under 
these schemes. 

1.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as required by IFRS 5 ‘Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations’ to account for joint ventures and 

associates using the equity method retrospectively when they cease to be classified as held for sale. Additional information is included in note 14.

154  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

There are no restrictions on the transfer of ordinary shares in the 
capital of the Company other than those restrictions which may 
from time to time be imposed by law, for example, insider trading 
law. With respect to EU Market Abuse Regulation, certain 
employees are required to seek the approval of the Company to 
deal in its shares. The Company is not aware of any agreements 
between shareholders that may result in restrictions on the 
transfer of securities and/or voting rights.

The Company’s articles of association may only be amended by 
special resolution at a general meeting of shareholders.

The Company is not aware of any significant agreements to which 
it is party that take effect, alter or terminate upon a change of 
control of the Company following a takeover.

More detailed information relating to the rights and obligations 
attaching to the Company’s ordinary shares, in addition to those 
conferred by law, are set out in the Company’s articles of 
association, which are available on the Company’s website  
www.compass-group.com. A copy of the revised articles of 
association, which will be submitted for shareholder approval at 
the forthcoming AGM, will be made available for review on the 
Company’s website.

REPURCHASE OF SHARES

No shares were repurchased during the financial year ended 
30 September 2020. No shares have been repurchased in the 
period from 1 October 2020 to the date of this Report.

As at the date of this Report, there are 1,785,403,977 ordinary 
shares of 111⁄20 pence in issue. Of these 1,535,347 are held in 
treasury for the purpose of satisfying the Company’s obligations 
under employee equity incentive schemes. Shares held in treasury 
are not eligible to participate in dividends and do not carry any 
voting rights.

We create long term value for our investors by focusing on our 
core food business and delivering sustainable profit growth and 
strong cash generation. Our priorities for cash are clear and 
simple. We invest to support organic revenue growth and to 
generate efficiencies to deliver continued margin improvement. 
We invest in bolt-on acquisitions that add capability or scale in an 
existing market and whose returns exceed the cost of capital by 
year two. Our aim is to target a net debt to EBITDA leverage range 
of 1x-1.5x and we are keeping future dividends and other 
shareholder returns under review. 

At the 2021 AGM, a special resolution will be proposed to renew 
the directors’ limited authority (last granted at the 2020 AGM) to 
repurchase ordinary shares in the market. Retaining the ability to 
repurchase shares gives the Board the flexibility of electing to 
repurchase shares where this is the most effective method of 
returning cash to shareholders, or to fund bolt-on acquisitions. 
The directors consider it desirable for this general authorisation to 

be renewed in order to assist in maintaining the most efficient 
capital structure for the business.

The authority sets the minimum and maximum prices which may 
be paid and it will be limited to a maximum of 10% of the 
Company’s issued ordinary share capital calculated at the latest 
practicable date prior to the publication of the Notice of AGM. Any 
purchases of ordinary shares will be by means of market 
purchases through the London Stock Exchange and any shares 
purchased may be cancelled or placed into treasury in 
accordance with Section 724 of the CA 2006.

ISSUE OF SHARES

In May 2020, as part of a placing of shares, the Company issued a 
total of 195,667,352 new ordinary shares of 111⁄20 pence each 
(having an aggregate nominal value of £21,621,242.40) on a 
non-pre-emptive basis at an issue price of £10.25 per share, 
raising gross proceeds of approximately £2 billion (£1,972 million 
net of issue costs). 

Pursuant to the placing, 195,012,686 new ordinary shares were 
issued for non-cash consideration to new and existing institutional 
investors by way of a ‘cash box’ structure. Concurrently with the 
placing, an aggregate of 654,666 new ordinary shares were 
issued on a non-pre-emptive basis for cash. Directors and 
members of the Executive Committee of the Company subscribed 
for an aggregate of 109,266 new ordinary shares and retail and 
other investors subscribed via the PrimaryBid platform for a 
further 545,400 new ordinary shares. 

The terms of the issue were agreed on 19 May 2020 and the issue 
price of £10.25 per share represented a discount of 3.3% to the 
middle market price on 19 May 2020. The shares were issued and 
admitted to trading on the main market of the London Stock 
Exchange on 21 May 2020. The net proceeds from the capital 
raise have been used to strengthen the Company’s balance sheet 
and liquidity position and reduce leverage. 

At the date of allotment and issue, the total number of new 
ordinary shares issued pursuant to the capital raise represented 
approximately 12.3% of the existing issued ordinary share capital 
of the Company prior to the capital raise. 

The Pre-Emption Group’s Statement of Principles specifies that, 
subject to certain exceptions, in any rolling three year period, a 
company should not issue non-pre-emptively for cash equity 
securities that represent more than 7.5% of its issued ordinary 
share capital. Noting the unparalleled economic situation that 
businesses face as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 
Pre-Emption Group recommended in April 2020 that investors, on 
a case-by-case basis, consider supporting share issuances by 
companies of up to 20% of their issued share capital on a 
temporary basis where (amongst other things) there had been 
prior consultation with major shareholders and the share issue is 
made on a ‘soft pre-emptive’ basis. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  155 

GovernanceOT H ER  STATUTORY DISCLOSURES (CONTINUED)

As required by the Pre-Emption Group’s April 2020 statement, 
the Company sought input from its major shareholders on the 
proposed size and structure of the capital raise in advance of 
announcing it to the market. The placing structure was chosen as 
it minimised cost, time to completion and use of management 
time at an important and unprecedented time for the Company. 
This consultation confirmed the Board’s view that the placing was 
in the best interests of shareholders, as well as wider stakeholders 
in the Company. Senior management were subsequently involved 
in the allocation process, the principles of pre-emption were 
observed in the allocation process and retail shareholders were 
provided with an opportunity to participate in the capital raise through 
the separate retail offer made via the PrimaryBid platform.

The Company did not issue any shares for cash on a non-pre-emptive 
basis in the three years preceding the date of the capital raise. 

At the 2021 AGM, the directors will ask shareholders to renew the 
authority last granted to them at the 2020 AGM to allot equity 
shares representing approximately one third of the issued ordinary 
shares calculated at the latest practicable date prior to the 
publication of the Notice of AGM (the section 551 authority) and, 
in accordance with the Investment Association Share Capital 
Management Guidelines, the directors propose to extend this by a 
further one third of the Company’s issued ordinary share capital, 
provided that such amount shall only be used in connection with a 
rights issue. If approved, the authority will expire no later than 15 
months from the date on which the resolution is passed, or at the 
conclusion of the Company’s 2022 AGM, whichever is the sooner.

The limited power granted to the directors at the 2020 AGM to allot 
equity shares for cash, other than pro rata to existing shareholders, 
expires no later than 5 May 2021. Subject to the terms of the 
section 551 authority, this authority is in line with the Statement of 
Principles on Pre-emption Rights issued by the Pre-Emption Group 
and supported by the Investment Association and the Pensions and 
Lifetime Savings Association (the Principles). If granted, this 
authority will give the directors the ability (until the 2022 AGM) to 
issue ordinary shares for cash, other than pro rata to existing 
shareholders, in connection with a rights issue or up to a limit of 5% 
of the issued ordinary share capital (whether or not in connection 
with an acquisition or specified capital investment) calculated at 
the latest practicable date prior to the publication of the Notice of 
AGM. In accordance with the Principles, the directors propose to 
extend this by an additional 5% of the Company’s issued ordinary 
share capital calculated at the latest practicable date prior to the 
publication of the Notice of AGM, provided that the additional 
authority would only be used for the purpose of an acquisition or a 
specified capital investment which is announced contemporaneously 
with the issue or which has taken place in the preceding six month 
period and is disclosed in the announcement of the issue. In line 
with recommended best practice, the Company has split the 
disapplication of pre-emption rights authority into two separate 
resolutions. The first resolution seeks authorisation for 5% of the 
issued ordinary share capital to be issued on an unrestricted basis, 
whilst the second resolution seeks authority for an additional 5% of 
the issued ordinary share capital to be used for an acquisition or a 
specified capital investment.

156  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

While the directors have no present intention to issue any further 
ordinary shares, other than pursuant to the Company’s employee 
equity incentive share schemes, they intend to seek the renewal 
of the general pre-emption disapplication authority at the 2021 
AGM. Such authority will maintain the Company’s flexibility in 
relation to future share issues, including any issues to finance 
business opportunities, should appropriate circumstances arise.

Changes in the Company’s share capital during 2020, including 
details of purchases and releases by the ASST, and the reissue of 
treasury shares during the year, together with details of options 
granted over unissued capital, are set out in notes 24 and 25 of  
the consolidated financial statements.

SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDINGS

The following major shareholdings have been notified to the 
Company as at 30 September 2020 and up to the date of this Report:

Blackrock, Inc.
Artisan Partners Limited Partnership
Invesco Limited
Massachusetts Financial  
Services Company

% of issued
capital1
9.99
5.01
4.95
4.60

% of Compass
Group PLC’s
voting rights1
9.99
5.01
4.95
4.60

1.  Notified in accordance with DTR5.1.2. Since the notification date, the 

shareholders’ interests in the Company may have changed.

The number of shares held by the directors as at  
30 September 2020 can be found on page 149 in the  
Directors’ Remuneration Report.

EMPLOYEE SHARE TRUSTS

The Compass Group Employee Share Trust (ESOP) was 
established on 13 January 1992 in connection with the 
Company’s share option plans. The Compass Group Long  
Term Incentive Plan Trust was established on 5 April 2001 in 
connection with the Company’s long term incentive plans and,  
in 2019, was adapted to allow it to source shares for all of the 
Company’s share schemes and was renamed the Compass  
Group PLC All Shares Schemes Trust (ASST).

Details of employee equity incentive schemes are set out in the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 122 to 153. 

As at 30 September 2020, the trustees of the ESOP and ASST 
held nil (2019: nil) and 147,058 (2019: 187,455 ) ordinary shares 
of the Company respectively.

The Compass Group Executive Option Share Trust and The Compass 
Group Executive Share Trust were established on 15 and 22 February 
2010 respectively in relation to the operation of equity incentive 
schemes in Australia. These trusts were formally closed on  
4 June 2020. 

 
AWARDS UNDER EMPLOYEE SHARE SCHEMES

Details of awards made during the year and held by executive 
directors as at 30 September 2020 are set out in the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report on pages 122 to 153.

Details of employee equity incentive schemes and grants made 
during the year ended 30 September 2020, and extant awards 
held by employees are disclosed in the consolidated financial 
statements on pages 240 to 242.

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT 

The Group places particular importance on employee 
engagement, keeping employees regularly informed on matters of 
concern to them as employees, issues affecting their 
performance, and promoting a common awareness of the 
financial and economic factors affecting the performance of the 
Company. Employee engagement is achieved through 
management briefings, team meetings and town halls, bulletins 
and other in house publications and through the Company’s 
internal communications channels. Group businesses in the 
European Economic Area (EEA) are represented on Compass 
Group’s European Works Council (EWC), which provides a forum 
for exchanging information and engaging in consultation on the 
Group’s performance and plans, and relevant transnational issues 
affecting those countries in the EEA. Employees from across the 
Group’s EEA business have been elected to employee 
representative roles on the EWC. In the Group’s North American 
business, employees can participate in Compass Community 
Councils, and zone meetings are held to provide a forum for 
employees across multiple sectors in the same geographic 
location to exchange best practices. Certain employees globally 
are eligible to participate in the Company’s share schemes, details 
of which are published on page 242, and UK based employees are 
eligible to participate in the Company’s Share Incentive Plan. 

The directors maintain oversight of employee matters through the 
Board and Committee meeting processes and information flows, 
including regular updates on employee matters and employee 
feedback received through employee engagement surveys. 
The Designated Non-executive director for workforce engagement 
maintains close links with colleagues tasked with global 
engagement, holds meetings and is available for direct 
engagement with employee groups, and feeds back relevant 
information and issues to the Board. How the directors have 
engaged with employees and have considered their interests 
when taking key decisions is further detailed on pages 56 
and 83 to 86. 

The Group continues to operate on a decentralised basis. This 
provides the maximum encouragement for the development of 
entrepreneurial flair, balanced by a rigorous control framework 
exercised by a small head office team. Local management teams 
are responsible for maintaining high standards of health and 
safety and for ensuring that there is appropriate employee 
involvement in decision making.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AND POLICIES

Eligible employees in the UK are invited to join the Company’s 
defined contribution pension arrangement, Compass Retirement 
Income Savings Plan (CRISP). CRISP has a corporate trustee, 
CRISP Trustees Limited. The Chairman, Nigel Palmer, and the 
other six trustee directors are current or former employees of 
Compass Group Holdings PLC or Compass Group, UK and Ireland 
Limited. Three of the employee directors were nominated as 
directors of the corporate trustee by CRISP members.

Those UK employees who transferred from the public sector 
under TUPE were, typically up until 31 March 2015, eligible to join 
the Compass Group Pension Plan (Plan), a defined benefit 
pension arrangement which has otherwise been closed to new 
entrants since 2003. However, in accordance with the 
Government’s revised guidance for ‘Fair Deal for staff pensions’, 
the approach has been to continue participation in the relevant 
public sector pension scheme and so the Plan is otherwise closed 
to future entrants. The Plan also has a corporate trustee, Compass 
Group Pension Trustee Company Limited. The board of the 
corporate trustee comprises Philip Whittome, independent 
Chairman, one other independent trustee director, and five 
directors that are UK based employees or former employees of 
Compass Group Holdings PLC or Compass Group, UK and Ireland 
Limited. Three of the employee directors were nominated as 
directors of the corporate trustee by Plan members.

The Company is subject to the Pension Automatic Enrolment 
Regulations for its workforce in the UK. All new UK employees 
who meet the statutory eligibility criteria, and who do not join 
CRISP, are automatically enrolled into the National Employment 
Savings Trust (NEST). Responsibility for the Group’s ongoing 
compliance with the pension automatic enrolment regulations 
and for ensuring that the administration and investment of funds 
relating to automatic enrolment remain appropriate lies with the 
Group’s Pension Automatic Enrolment Governance Committee.

Permanent employees outside the UK are usually offered 
membership of local pension arrangements if and where  
they exist and where it is appropriate to have Company  
sponsored arrangements.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  157 

Governance 
OT H ER  STATUTORY DISCLOSURES (CONTINUED)

Employees are offered a range of benefits, such as private medical 
cover, depending on the local environment. Priority is given to the 
training of employees and the development of their skills. 
Employment of people with disabilities is considered on merit with 
regard only to the ability of any applicant to carry out the role. 
Arrangements to enable people with disabilities to carry out the 
duties required will be made if it is reasonable to do so. An 
employee becoming disabled would, where appropriate, be 
offered retraining.

BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS

The directors regard the Group’s business relationships with its 
suppliers, clients, consumers and others as a pivotal component 
of the Company’s long term success. Our culture, values and 
behaviours support open and honest engagement with our 
business counterparts. We maintain the highest standards of 
ethical behaviour and probity in all of our business dealings. 
For further information on how the Company fosters business 
relationships with its business partners see pages 28 and 29, and 
for how the directors have had regard to their interests in their 
principal decision making processes see pages 83 to 85. 

NON-FINANCIAL REPORTING DIRECTIVE

The EU Non-Financial Reporting Directive (the Directive) which 
was implemented into English law as the Companies, Partnerships 
and Groups (Accounts and Non-Financial Reporting) Regulations 
2016 requires companies to disclose non-financial information 
necessary to provide investors and other stakeholders with a 
better understanding of a company’s development, performance, 
position and impact of its activity. The Audit Committee, which 
advises the Board on such matters, has concluded that the 
Company is compliant with the Directive and has included the 
necessary disclosures in this Report.

Throughout this Annual Report the directors have disclosed a  
mix of financial and non-financial KPIs which they believe best 
reflect the Group’s strategic priorities, and which will help to 
convey an understanding of the culture of the business and the 
drivers which contribute to the ongoing success of the Company. 
Please see the non-financial information statement on page 161 
which sets out where stakeholders can find information relating to 
non-financial matters.

DIRECTORS’ EMOLUMENTS

The arrangements under which the directors of Compass Group 
PLC agreed to waive a proportion of their emoluments, in 
recognition of the impact of COVID-19, can be found in the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 122 to 153. 

EMPLOYEE DIVERSITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Our Code of Ethics was developed in consultation with the EWC 
and the Institute of Business Ethics and sets out clear standards of 
behaviour that we expect all of our people to demonstrate  
and adhere to. The Code of Ethics, which is part of our Code of 
Business Conduct, underpins our social, ethical and environmental 
commitments and sends a clear message to our stakeholders of 
our commitment to responsible business practice. The 10 
principles of the United Nations (UN) Global Compact, to which 
we are a signatory, underpin our own Code of Ethics. This UN 
initiative encourages companies to make human rights, labour 
standards, environmental responsibility and anti-corruption part  
of their business agenda.

Our people are instrumental in our success; we respect and value 
the individuality and diversity that every employee brings to the 
Group. We base our relationship with our employees on respect  
for the dignity of the individual and fair treatment for all. The 
Company publishes an annual statement in accordance with  
the requirements of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and a copy  
of the statement is available on the Company’s website  
www.compass-group.com.

As at 30 September 2020, there were 548,143 (2019: 596,452) 
people employed by the Group (average number of employees 
including directors and part-time employees) of whom 313,765 
were female (20191: 339,978) and 234,378 were male (20191: 
256,474). 626 were senior managers, 429 male, 197 female 
(2019: 450 male, 170 female), which includes members of our 
global leadership team and statutory directors of corporate entities 
whose financial information is consolidated in the Group’s 
accounts in this Annual Report.

As at 30 September 2020 there were 12 directors, eight of whom 
were male and four were female. Prior to any appointment to the 
Board, the Nomination Committee gives due regard to diversity 
and gender with a view to recommending the appointment of the 
most suitable candidate for the role.

We seek to create a positive, open working environment wherever 
we operate. Our employee policies are set locally to comply with 
local law within an overall Group framework and we monitor our 
employee satisfaction and engagement through a number of key 
performance indicators.

We also consider the concerns of wider communities in which we 
operate, including national and local interests, utilising our relevant 
expertise to help contribute to the wellbeing of communities which 
are appropriate to our business objectives. Furthermore, the Group 
supports the rights of all people as set out in the UN Universal 
Declaration of Human Rights (UN Declaration) and considers 
carefully before doing any business in countries that do not adhere 
to the UN Declaration.

1.  Restated for 2019.

158  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS REPORTING

The Company is required to state the annual quantity of emissions 
in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent from activities for which  
the Group is responsible, including the combustion of fuel and  
the operation of any facility. Details of our emissions during the 
year ended 30 September 2020 are set out within the Corporate 
Responsibility section of the Strategic Report on page 66  
and form part of the Directors’ Report disclosures and are 
incorporated by reference. Further details of the actions which  
the Group is taking to reduce emissions can also be found at 
www.compass-group.com. This Annual Report is certified carbon 
neutral by sponsoring a cause to offset against the emissions 
arising from the production, printing and delivery of this Report. 
This year, the Company has participated in community based 
reforestation initiatives in East Africa, aimed at empowering 
90,000 farmers across 4,000 villages to build sustainable 
livelihoods through community reforestation activity.

DONATIONS AND POLITICAL EXPENDITURE

Charitable objectives support the Company’s CR strategy and 
have primarily focused on improving the environment, education, 
health and wellbeing, community engagement and responsible 
business practice. Donations have included employee 
involvement through fundraising and financial support.

Group charitable donations
2020
2019

£m
11.1 
11.5

Since 2004, shareholders have passed an annual resolution, on a 
precautionary basis, to approve donations to EU political 
organisations and to incur EU political expenditure (as such terms 
were defined under the then relevant legislation) not exceeding a 
monetary limit approved by shareholders. Following the end of the 
Brexit transition period, this precautionary resolution will be 
limited to the UK. The Board has consistently confirmed that it 
operates a policy of not giving any cash contribution to any 
political party in the ordinary meaning of those words and that it 
has no intention of changing that policy.

No material amount of corporate funds or paid employee time has 
been utilised during the year for political activities and, in 
accordance with the Company’s CBC, employees must not 
engage in any form of lobbying or have contact with political 
representatives, government employees or public interest groups 
unless they are doing so legitimately and adhering to internal 
control processes. Further information regarding the CBC can be 
found on page 100 of this Annual Report and on the Company’s 
website www.compass-group.com.

The directors propose to renew the authority granted at the 2020 
AGM for the Group to make political donations and incur political 
expenditure (as such terms are defined in sections 362 to 365 of 
the CA 2006) until the Company’s next AGM, which they might 
otherwise be prohibited from making or incurring under the terms 
of the CA 2006 and which would not amount to ‘donations’ in the 
ordinary sense of the word. It is proposed to maintain the limit of 
such authority at £100,000.

COMMUNICATING WITH SHAREHOLDERS

The Company places considerable importance on communication 
with its shareholders, including its private shareholders. The 
Group CEO and the Group CFO are closely involved in investor 
relations and a member of the Executive Committee has day to 
day responsibility for such matters. The views of the Company’s 
major shareholders are reported to the Board by the Group CEO 
and the Group CFO as well as by the Chairman (who remains in 
contact with our largest shareholders) and are discussed  
at its meetings. 

There is regular dialogue with institutional shareholders and 
private shareholders at the AGM. Contact with institutional 
shareholders (and with financial analysts, brokers and the media) 
is controlled by written guidelines in the Company’s Corporate 
Communications Code and Market Soundings Policy, in 
compliance with EU Market Abuse Regulation requirements to 
ensure the continued protection of share price sensitive 
information that has not already been made generally available to 
the Company’s shareholders. Contact is also maintained, when 
appropriate, to discuss overall remuneration plans and policies 
with shareholders.

The primary method of communicating with shareholders is by 
electronic means, helping to make the Company more 
environmentally friendly by reducing waste and pollution 
associated with the production and posting of its Annual Report. 
The Annual Report is available to all shareholders and can be 
accessed via the Company’s website www.compass-group.com. 
The Group’s annual and interim results are also published on the 
Company’s website, together with all other announcements and 
documents issued to the market, such as statements, interviews 
and presentations by the Group CEO and Group CFO.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  159 

GovernanceOT H ER  STATUTORY DISCLOSURES (CONTINUED)

The Notice of Annual General Meeting is circulated to all 
shareholders at least 20 working days prior to such meeting  
and it is Company policy not to combine resolutions to be 
proposed at general meetings. Except in cases where the 
Company is otherwise prevented by measures introduced to 
safeguard the health and safety of our shareholders, for  
example those measures employed during the year by the UK 
Government to control the spread of COVID-19 by limiting public 
gatherings, all shareholders are invited to the Company’s AGM  
at which they have the opportunity to put questions to the Board 
and it is standard practice to have the chairmen of the Audit, 
Corporate Responsibility, Nomination and Remuneration 
Committees available to answer questions. The results of proxy 
voting for and against each resolution, as well as abstentions,  
are announced to the London Stock Exchange and are published 
on the Company’s website as soon as practicable after the 
meeting. Further shareholder information is available on pages 
275 to 277.

AGM

The Notice of Meeting setting out the resolutions to be proposed 
at the 2021 AGM, together with explanatory notes, will be sent to 
shareholders as a separate document and made available on the 
Company’s website www.compass-group.com.

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.

On behalf of the Board

Alison Yapp
Group General Counsel and Company Secretary

CREST

24 November 2020

Compass Group PLC 
Registered in England and Wales, No. 4083914

The Company’s ordinary shares and sterling Eurobonds are in 
CREST, the settlement system for stocks and shares.

DISCLOSURES REQUIRED UNDER  
UK LISTING RULE 9.8.4

There are no disclosures required to be made under UK Listing 
Rule 9.8.4 which have not already been disclosed elsewhere in 
this Report. Details of long term incentive plans can be found in 
the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 122 to 153 and 
details of dividends waived by shareholders can be found on 
page 154.

SHAREHOLDER SERVICES

Details of services provided to shareholders can be found in the 
Shareholder Information section on pages 275 to 277 and on the 
Company’s website.

160  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

NON-FINANCIAL INFORMATION STATEMENT

The table below sets out where stakeholders can find information in our Strategic Report that relates to non-financial matters detailed 
under section 414CB of the Companies Act 2006.

Reporting requirement
Environmental matters

Some of our relevant policies1
Sustainability Strategy 
Environmental Policy Statement

Employees

Human rights

Social matters

Code of Business Conduct  
Code of Ethics 
Workplace Health & Safety Policy 
Statement
Code of Business Conduct  
Code of Ethics  
Modern Slavery Act Transparency 
Statement 
Human Rights Policy Statement
Social Purpose

Anti-bribery and corruption

Code of Business Conduct
Code of Ethics  
Group Speak Up Policy  
Sourcing Responsibly

Business model
Non-financial KPIs

Principal risks

Where to read more in this Report about our impact, including the principal 
risks relating to these matters

  Corporate Responsibility report

Commitment to United Nations’ Sustainable 
Development Goals
GHG Emissions

  Chief Executive’s review – People

People report 
Principal Risks – Health and Safety, People
Safety culture
  Our Standards

Human Rights and Modern Slavery
Employee diversity and Human rights

  Chief Executive’s review – Purpose
Who we create value for – Purpose
Corporate Responsibility report

  Our values guide our actions and behaviours
Principal Risks – Compliance and Fraud
Our Standards
Global Supply Chain Integrity standards

  Our Business Model
  Global Lost Time Incident Frequency Rate

Global Food Safety Incident Rate
Greenhouse gas intensity ratio
Women in global leadership team
Identifying and Managing Risk

Page
59-69
68-69

66
8
51-57
44-49
59-69
100
108
158

8
26-27
59-69
57
48
100
67
12
5, 62
5, 63
5, 66
53
41-49

1.  The Company’s policies, statements and codes are available on the Company’s website www.compass-group.com.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  161 

Governance 
 
 
 
 
D IR ECTORS ’ RESPONSIBILITIES

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

The Annual Report and Accounts complies with the 
Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the 
United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority and 
the UK Corporate Governance Code in respect of the 
requirements to produce an annual financial report.

The Annual Report and Accounts is the responsibility of, 
and has been approved by, the directors.

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

•  the Annual Report and Accounts, 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 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 Annual Report and Accounts 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 directors have permitted the auditor to undertake 
whatever inspections it considers to be appropriate for the 
purpose of enabling the auditor to give its audit opinion.

On behalf of the Board

Alison Yapp
Group General Counsel and Company Secretary

24 November 2020

162  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

STATEMENT OF 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 UK accounting standards, including IFRS as 
adopted by the EU and applicable law and have elected to prepare 
the Parent Company financial statements in accordance with 
UK accounting standards, 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, relevant, 

reliable and prudent

•  for the Group financial statements, state whether they have 

been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU

•  for the Parent Company financial statements, state 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 either 

intend 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 have a 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.

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.

 
I NDE PE ND ENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

Independent auditor’s report to 
the members of Compass Group PLC 

1.  OUR OPINION IS UNMODIFIED

We have audited the financial statements of Compass Group PLC 
(“the Company”) for the year ended 30 September 2020 which 
comprise the Consolidated Income Statement, the Consolidated 
Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated Statement 
of Changes in Equity, the Consolidated Balance Sheet, the 
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement, the Parent Company Balance 
Sheet and the Parent Company Statement of Changes in Equity, 
and the related notes, including the accounting policies in notes A 
to U of the Group financial statements and A to J of 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 
30 September 2020 and of the Group’s profit for the year 
then ended;

•  the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as 
adopted by 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.

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 committee.

We were first appointed as auditor by the Directors on 14 March 
2014. The period of total uninterrupted engagement is for the 
seven financial years ended 30 September 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

Coverage

Key audit matters

Event driven

£68m (2019: £74m)
5.2% of normalised Group profit 
before tax (2019: 5.0% of Group profit 
before tax)

83% (2019: 91%) of Group profit 
before tax

vs 2019

New: Going Concern including the 
impact of COVID-19

New: Recoverability of contract  
related non-current assets

New: Goodwill impairment in respect  
of the UK cash generating unit

The impact of uncertainties due  
to the UK exiting the European  
Union on our audit 

Recurring risks

Uncertain direct tax provisions

Recoverability of the Parent  
Company’s investment in and  
amounts owed by Group undertakings 

2.  KEY AUDIT MATTERS: INCLUDING 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. We summarise 
below the key audit matters, in arriving at our audit opinion above, 
together with our key audit procedures to address those matters 
and, as required for public interest entities, our results from those 
procedures. These matters were addressed, and our results 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. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  163 

Consolidated  Financial StatementsIN DE PEN DENT AUDITO R’S REPOR T ( CO NTIN UE D)

The impact of 
uncertainties 
due to the UK 
exiting the 
European 
Union on 
our audit

Refer to page 
41 (Principal 
Risks), page 39 
(Viability 
Statement), 
page 92 (Audit 
Committee 
Report) and 
page 208 
(Financial 
Disclosures).

  The risk

  Our response

  Extreme levels of uncertainty:

The UK left the European Union (EU) on 31 January 
2020 and entered an implementation period which is 
due to operate until 31 December 2020. At that point 
current trade agreements with the European Union 
terminate. The UK is in negotiations over future 
trading relationships with the EU and a number of 
other countries. Where new trade agreements are not 
in place World Trade Organisation (WTO) 
arrangements will be in force, meaning among other 
things import and export tariffs, quotas and border 
inspections, which may cause delivery delays. 
Different potential outcomes of these trade 
negotiations could have wide ranging impacts on the 
Group’s operations and the future economic 
environment in the UK and EU.

All audits assess and challenge the reasonableness of 
estimates, in particular as described in goodwill 
impairment in respect of the UK cash generating unit 
below, and related disclosures; and the 
appropriateness of the going concern basis of 
preparation of the financial statements (see below). 
All of these depend on assessments of the future 
economic environment and the Group’s future 
prospects and performance.

In addition, we are required to consider the other 
information presented in the Annual Report including 
the principal risks disclosure and the viability 
statement and to consider the directors’ statement 
that the annual report 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 uncertainty over the UK’s future trading 
relationships with the rest of the world and related 
economic effects give rise to extreme levels of 
uncertainty, with the full range of possible effects 
currently unknown.

  We developed a standardised firm-wide approach to 

the consideration of the uncertainties arising from the 
UK’s departure from the EU in planning and 
performing our audits. Our procedures included:

•  Our knowledge of the business: We considered the 
directors’ assessment of risks arising from different 
outcomes to the trade negotiations for the Group’s 
business and financial resources compared with 
our own understanding of the risks. We considered 
the directors’ plans to take action to mitigate the 
risks.

•  Sensitivity analysis: When addressing forecasts 
used in the goodwill impairment assessment in 
respect of the UK cash generating unit and other 
areas that depend on forecasts, we compared the 
directors’ analysis to our assessment of the full 
range of reasonably possible scenarios resulting 
from these uncertainties and, where forecast cash 
flows are required to be discounted, considered 
adjustments to discount rates for the level of 
remaining uncertainty.

•  Assessing transparency: As well as assessing 

individual disclosures as part of our procedures over 
goodwill impairment in respect of the UK cash 
generating unit we considered all of the disclosures 
concerning uncertainties related to the UK’s future 
trading relationships together, including those in 
the strategic report, comparing the overall picture 
against our understanding of the risks.

Our results

As reported under goodwill impairment in respect of 
the UK cash generating unit, we found the resulting 
estimates and related disclosures of sensitivity and 
disclosures in relation to going concern to be 
acceptable (2019: acceptable). However, no audit 
should be expected to predict the unknowable factors 
or all possible future implications for a company and 
this is particularly the case in relation to the impact of 
the UK’s departure from EU. 

164  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

Going Concern 
including the 
impact of 
COVID-19

Refer to page 
92 (Audit 
Committee 
Report) and 
pages 182 
and 184 
(Accounting 
Policies).

  The risk

  Our response

  Disclosure quality:

  Our procedures included:

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.

That judgement is based on an evaluation of 
the inherent risks to the Group’s and Company’s 
business model and how those risks might affect the 
Group’s and Company’s financial resources or ability 
to continue operations over a period of at least a year 
from the date of approval of the financial statements.

Given the significant impact of the COVID-19 
pandemic, the risks most likely to adversely affect the 
Group’s and Company’s available resources over the 
period were:

•  The uncertainty of the impact of COVID-19, with 
future range of possible effects such as further 
waves of global infections currently unknown 
to performance, given the rapidly evolving nature; 
and

•  The ability of the group to respond and adapt to 
structural changes in the industry as a result 
of COVID-19.

The risk for our audit was whether or not those risks 
were such that they amounted to a material 
uncertainty that may have cast a significant doubt 
about the ability to continue as a going concern. Had 
they been such, then that fact would have been 
required to have been disclosed.

•  Sensitivity analysis: Considering sensitivities over 
the Group’s future cash flows and the level of 
available financial resources indicated by 
the financial forecasts, including the Group’s 
COVID-19 adjusted cash flows forecasts, taking 
account of reasonably possible (but not unrealistic) 
adverse effects that could arise as a result of the 
forecast decrease in sales post year end due to 
COVID-19.

•  Historical comparison: We assessed the 

reasonableness of the cash flow projections by 
considering the historical accuracy of the previous 
forecasts.

•  Funding assessment: We considered the Group’s 
loan facilities, financing terms and loan covenants 
and compared them to the directors’ forecasts and 
assumptions for ongoing covenant compliance and 
available headroom. We also considered the 
Group’s ability to secure additional funding should it 
be required.

•  Assessing transparency: Evaluating management’s 

assessment of the impact of COVID-19 and the 
adequacy of disclosures in relation to the specific 
risks these pose. Considering throughout the audit 
any contradictory information to management’s 
confirmation that the company is a going concern, 
including evaluating whether the assumptions are 
realistic and achievable and consistent with the 
external and internal environment.

Our results

We found the going concern disclosure without 
any material uncertainty to be acceptable 
(2019: acceptable).

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  165 

Consolidated  Financial StatementsIN DE PEN DENT AUDITO R’S REPOR T ( CO NTIN UE D)

Goodwill 
impairment 
in respect of 
the UK cash 
generating unit

UK CGU Goodwill 
£1,456 million 
(2019: 
£1,446 million)

Refer to page 92 
(Audit Committee 
Report), pages 186 
and 189 
(Accounting 
Policies) and page 
208 (Financial 
Disclosures).

  The risk

  Our response

  Forecast-based valuation:

  Our procedures included:

•  Benchmarking assumptions and historical 

comparison: Assessing and challenging the operating 
cash flow assumptions through retrospective review; 
comparison to external industry forecasts; and analysis 
of analysts reports.

•  Our sector experience: Using our valuations experts to 
challenge the appropriateness of discount rates by 
deriving our own independent range and comparing 
long term perpetuity growth rates to market data.

•  Sensitivity analysis: Estimating the value in use utilising 

independent and more conservative forecasts and 
discount rates and assessed whether this resulted in 
impairment.

•  Historical comparisons: Evaluating the track record of 

historical assumptions used against actual 
results achieved.

•  Assessing transparency: Assessing whether the 

Group’s disclosures about the sensitivity of the outcome 
of the impairment assessment to a reasonably possible 
change in key assumptions reflected the risks inherent 
in the valuation of goodwill.

Our results

We found the resulting estimate of the carrying amount of 
the UK CGU to be acceptable (2019: acceptable) and we 
found the sensitivity disclosures made to be acceptable 
(2019: acceptable).

The Group has a significant carrying amount 
of goodwill which is spread across a range of 
cash-generating units (CGUs) in different 
countries.

The value in use calculation for the CGUs, 
which represents the estimated recoverable 
amount, is subjective due to the inherent 
uncertainty involved in forecasting and 
discounting estimated future cash flows 
(specifically the key assumptions such as 
operating profit growth, long-term perpetuity 
growth rate and discount rate).

Estimation uncertainty has increased as a 
result of the impact of COVID-19 on the 
related markets.

The effect of these matters is that, as part of 
our risk assessment, we determined that the 
carrying amount of the UK CGU 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 9) disclose the 
sensitivity estimated by the Group. These 
disclosures give relevant information about 
the estimation uncertainty including the risk 
of a reduction in the headroom or need for 
an impairment as a result of a reasonably 
possible change in one or more of the 
key assumptions.

166  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

Recoverability of 
contract related 
non-current assets 
(contract fulfilment 
assets and contract 
costs, right of use 
assets, property, 
plant & equipment 
and intangible 
assets)

Refer to page 92 
(Audit Committee 
Report), pages 185, 
188, 190 and 192 
(Accounting 
Policies) and page 
200 (Financial 
Disclosures).

  The risk

  Our response

  Forecast-based valuation:

  Our procedures included:

•  Sensitivity analysis: Where a contract is loss making we 

assessed the degree of uncertainty in regard to the 
recoverability of the contract related non-current assets 
through sensitising the key assumptions used in the 
Group’s impairment forecasts in respect of future 
revenues and contract operating margins.

•  Test of detail: Examining contract asset impairment 

calculations prepared by the Group and assessing key 
assumptions such as revenues and operating margins 
with reference to historic performance and other 
corroborative evidence.

•  Assessing transparency: Assessing the adequacy of the 

Group’s disclosures in respect of impairment of 
contract related non-current assets.

Our results

We found the carrying value of contract related non-
current assets to be acceptable (2019: acceptable).

The Group, as with other companies, is 
impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19 which 
has resulted in significant disruption to the 
Group’s operations. This has resulted in a 
deterioration in the financial performance 
and position of the Group driven by the 
significant loss of revenue and profits in the 
Business & Industry, Sports & Leisure and the 
Education sectors.

As a result, there is a risk that contracts with 
customers in these sectors may not be 
performing as expected. Where this is the 
case, there is a risk that the associated 
contract related non-current assets 
capitalised on the balance sheet are 
no longer recoverable.

Assessing whether or not contract related 
non-current assets are recoverable requires 
judgement about future events which are 
inherently uncertain.

The effect of these matters is that, as part of 
our risk assessment, we determined that the 
carrying amount of contract related non-
current 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. In conducting our final audit work, we 
reassessed the degree of estimation 
uncertainty to be less than materiality.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  167 

Consolidated  Financial StatementsIN DE PEN DENT AUDITO R’S REPOR T ( CO NTIN UE D)

Uncertain direct 
tax provisions

Refer to page 92 
(Audit Committee 
Report), pages 185 
and 189 
(Accounting 
Policies) and pages 
204 to 206 and 
page 249 (Financial 
Disclosures).

  The risk

  Our response

  Subjective estimate:

  Our procedures included:

The group operates across a large number of 
jurisdictions and is subject to periodic 
challenges by local tax authorities on a range 
of tax matters during the normal course of 
business, including transfer pricing.

As a result of the complexities of tax rules on 
transfer pricing and other tax legislation the 
provisioning for uncertain direct tax positions 
is judgemental and requires the directors to 
make estimates in relation to these 
uncertainties.

The directors estimation includes assessing 
the likelihood of potentially material 
exposures as a result of changes in local tax 
regulations and evaluating ongoing 
inspections by local tax authorities and 
international bodies, which could materially 
impact the amounts recorded in the group 
financial statements.

In 2020 this included evaluating the impact 
of the European Commission’s state aid 
investigation into the UK CFC legislation. As 
explained in Note 29 of the financial 
statements, the maximum potential liability in 
respect of this matter could be up to £113 
million.

•  Our taxation expertise: With the assistance of our tax 

specialists, we analysed and challenged the 
assumptions used to determine provisions using our 
knowledge and experience of the application of 
international and local legislation by the relevant 
authorities and courts, and assessing whether the 
approach applied by the Group is supported by custom 
and practice.

•  With the help of our tax specialists we considered 

whether the judgements applied to each significant 
provision including the maximum potential exposure 
and the likelihood of a payment being required 
were appropriate.

•  Test of detail: Examining the calculations prepared by 
the directors and agreeing key assumptions used to 
underlying data.

•  Inspecting correspondence with relevant tax authorities 

and assessing third party tax advice received to 
evaluate the conclusions drawn in the advice where 
relevant to the significant exposures faced by the Group 
and how these have been used by the Directors in their 
assessment of the likelihood of any outflow and 
estimate of the provision.

•  Assessing transparency: Assessing the adequacy of the 

Group’s disclosures in respect of tax and uncertain 
direct tax positions.

Our results

We found the carrying value of the tax provision to be 
acceptable (2019: acceptable).

168  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

Recoverability of the 
parent Company’s 
investment in and 
amounts owed by 
Group undertakings

Investments 
£1,056 million 
(2019: 
£1,061 million)

Intercompany 
receivables 
£9,543 million 
(2019: 
£9,514 million).

  The risk

  Our response

  Low risk, high value

  Our procedures included:

The carrying amount of the Company’s 
investments in subsidiaries held at cost less 
impairment and intercompany receivables 
represent 88% (2019: 98%) of the 
Company’s total assets.

We do not consider the recoverability of these 
investments and intercompany receivables to 
be at a high risk of significant misstatement, 
or to be subject to a significant level of 
judgement. However, due to their materiality 
in the context of the Company financial 
statements as a whole, this is considered to 
be the area which had the greatest effect on 
our overall audit strategy and allocation of 
resources in planning and completing our 
Company audit.

•  Test of details: Comparing a sample of the investment 

and intercompany receivables’ carrying value to the net 
assets of the relevant subsidiary included within the 
Group consolidation, to identify whether the net asset 
value, being an approximation of the minimum 
recoverable amount, was in excess of their carrying 
amount.

•  Assessing subsidiary net assets: For the relevant 
subsidiaries (investment holding companies), we 
compared the net assets of the relevant subsidiary to 
the final net assets in the prior year audited financial 
statements. Based on the knowledge acquired during 
the audit of the consolidated Group, including reporting 
received from component auditors for the underlying 
trading operations, we considered whether there were 
any events indicating that the net assets would be 
materially different from the prior year position.

•  Test of details: Where the net assets of the relevant 
subsidiary were insufficient to support the carrying 
value we considered the performance of the underlying 
investments held by the relevant subsidiary in order to 
assess whether there was an indication of impairment.
•  Assessing expected credit losses: For a sample of the 
intercompany receivables we evaluated the expected 
credit losses determined by management, in particular 
the likely risk of default with reference to the credit 
worthiness of the counterparty and any recent evidence 
of incurred credit losses.

•  Our sector experience: In addition, for certain 
investments and receivables, we evaluated the 
assumptions used in the applicable impairment model, 
in particular those relating to forecast profit growth, 
using our knowledge and historic experience of the 
profitability of the underlying trading group.

•  Benchmarking assumptions: We compared the 

assumptions in the applicable impairment model for the 
investment to externally derived data in relation to 
projected economic growth and discount rates.

Our results

We found the carrying amounts of investments and 
intercompany receivables to be acceptable 
(2019: acceptable).

We continue to perform procedures over supplier rebates and discounts. However, due to lower purchase volumes during the year and a 
reassessment of the risk which considered our cumulative knowledge of the likelihood of a material error, we have not assessed this as 
one of the most significant risks in our current year audit and, therefore, it is not separately identified in our report this year as a key 
audit matter.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  169 

Consolidated  Financial StatementsIN DE PEN DENT AUDITO R’S REPOR T ( CO NTIN UE D)

3.  OUR APPLICATION OF MATERIALITY AND AN 
OVERVIEW OF THE SCOPE OF OUR AUDIT

NORMALISED
GROUP PROFIT BEFORE TAX

Materiality for the group financial statements as a whole was set at 
£68m, determined with reference to a benchmark of group profit 
before tax (normalised to exclude cost action programme, 
COVID-19 resizing costs and impairment losses on contract 
related assets as disclosed in note 3 and the net gain on the sale 
of businesses as disclosed in note 26, and by averaging over the 
last four years due to volatility in performance caused by the 
COVID-19 pandemic) of £1.3 billion.

In the prior year, materiality for the Group financial statements as 
a whole was set at £74 million, determined with reference to a 
benchmark of profit before taxation of which it represented 5%.

Materiality for the Parent Company financial statements as a 
whole was set at £54m (2019: £59m), determined with reference 
to a benchmark of Company total assets, of which it represents 
0.4% (2019: 0.5%).

£1.3 billion
(2019: Group profit
before tax £1.5 billion)

  Normalised Group profit before tax

Group materiality

We agreed to report to the Audit Committee any corrected or 
uncorrected identified misstatements exceeding £3.4m (2019: 
£3.7m), in addition to other identified misstatements that 
warranted reporting on qualitative grounds.

GROUP REVENUE

89% (2019: 90%)

Of the Group’s 51 (2019: 52) reporting components, we subjected 
15 (2019: 16) to full scope audits for group purposes.

The components within the scope of our work accounted for the 
percentages illustrated opposite.

The remaining 11% (2019: 10%) of total Group revenue, 17% 
(2019: 9%) of Group profit before tax and 9% (2019: 7%) of total 
Group assets is represented by 36 components of reporting 
components (2019: 36 components), none of which individually 
represented more than 3% of any of total Group revenue, Group 
profit before tax or total Group assets. For these residual 
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.

The Group team instructed component auditors as to the 
significant areas to be covered, including the relevant risks 
detailed above and the information to be reported back.

The Group team approved the component materialities, which 
ranged from £3m to £58m (2019: £2m to £59m), having regard 
to the mix of size and risk profile of the Group across the 
components. The work on 12 of the 15 components (2019: 13 of 
the 16 components) was performed by component auditors and 
the rest, including the audit of the Parent Company, was 
performed by the Group team. The Group team performed 
procedures on the items excluded from normalised Group 
profit before tax.

170  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

GROUP PROFIT BEFORE TAX

83% (2019: 91%)

GROUP TOTAL ASSETS

91% (2019: 93%)

GROUP MATERIALITY

£68 million 
(2019: £74 million)

£68 million
Whole financial statements 
materiality (2019: £74 million)

£58 million
Range of materiality 
at 15 components 
(£3 million to £58 million)
(2019: £2 million to £59 million)

£3.4 million
Misstatements reported 
to the Audit Committee 
(2019: £3.7 million)

  Full scope for Group audit
purposes 2020 – 89%  

Residual components – 11%

Full scope for Group audit
purposes 2019 – 90% 
Residual components – 10% 

  Full scope for Group audit
purposes 2020 – 83%  

Residual components – 17%

Full scope for Group audit
purposes 2019 – 91% 
Residual components – 9% 

  Full scope for Group audit
purposes 2020 – 91%  

Residual components – 9%

Full scope for Group audit
purposes 2019 – 93% 
Residual components – 7% 

Due to the current restrictions on travel and social distancing 
measures, enacted as a response to global COVID-19 pandemic, 
senior members of the group engagement team used video 
conferencing to oversee the component auditor work and had 
video discussions with management of the component locations 
in scope of the group audit. The group engagement team 
assessed the audit risk and strategy and directed the audit work of 
component auditors. The Group audit team also evaluated the 
sufficiency of the audit evidence obtained through discussions 
with, and remote review of the audit working papers of, 
component teams.

In the prior year, the Group team visited 10 component locations, 
Brazil, Chile, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Portugal, Turkey, 
United Kingdom and United States.

4.  WE HAVE NOTHING TO REPORT ON GOING CONCERN

The Directors have prepared the financial statements on the going 
concern basis as they do not intend to liquidate the Company or 
the Group or to cease their operations, and as they have 
concluded that the Company’s and the Group’s financial position 
means that this is realistic. They have also concluded that there 
are no material uncertainties that could have cast significant 
doubt over their ability to continue as a going concern for at least 
a year from the date of approval of the financial statements (“the 
going concern period”).

Our responsibility is to conclude on the appropriateness of the 
Directors’ conclusions and, had there been a material uncertainty 
related to going concern, to make reference to that in this audit 
report. However, 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 reference to a material 
uncertainty in this auditor’s report is not a guarantee that the 
Group and the Company will continue in operation.

We identified going concern as a key audit matter (see section 2 of 
this report). Based on the work described in our response to that 
key audit matter, we are required to report to you if:

•  we have anything material to add or draw attention to in relation 
to the directors’ statement in Note A to the financial statements 
on the use of the going concern basis of accounting with no 
material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt over the 
Group and Company’s use of that basis for a period of at least 
twelve months from the date of approval of the financial 
statements; or

•  the related statement under the Listing Rules set out on page 

39 is materially inconsistent with our audit knowledge.

We have nothing to report in these respects.

5.  WE HAVE NOTHING TO REPORT ON THE OTHER 
INFORMATION IN THE ANNUAL REPORT

The directors are responsible for the other information presented 
in the Annual Report 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.

Disclosures of principal risks and longer-term viability

Based on the knowledge we acquired during our financial 
statements audit, we have nothing material to add or draw 
attention to in relation to:

•  the directors’ confirmation within the viability statement on 

page 39 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 Principal Risks disclosures describing these risks 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.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  171 

Consolidated  Financial StatementsIN DE PEN DENT AUDITO R’S REPOR T ( CO NTIN UE D)

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the viability 
statement. We have nothing to report in this respect.

7.  RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

Directors’ responsibilities

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 Company’s  
longer-term viability.

Corporate governance disclosures

We are required to report to you if:

•  we have identified material inconsistencies between the 

knowledge we acquired during our financial statements audit 
and the directors’ statement that they consider that the annual 
report 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; or

•  the section of the annual report describing the work of the Audit 

Committee does not appropriately address matters 
communicated by us to the Audit Committee

We are required to report to you if the Corporate Governance 
Statement does not properly disclose a departure from the 
provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code specified by the 
Listing Rules for our review.

We have nothing to report in these respects.

6.  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

As explained more fully in their statement set out on page 162, the 
directors are responsible for: the preparation of the financial 
statements including being satisfied that they give a true and fair 
view; 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. In addition the directors 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.

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.

Irregularities – ability to detect

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. 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 to component audit teams of relevant laws and regulations 
identified at group level.

•  we have not received all the information and explanations we 

require for our audit.

The potential effect of these laws and regulations on the financial 
statements varies considerably.

We have nothing to report in these respects.

172  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

8.  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. 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 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.

Paul Korolkiewicz (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Statutory Auditor
Chartered Accountants

15 Canada Square, London E14 5GL

24 November 2020

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. We identified the following areas as those most likely to 
have such an effect: health and safety, anti-bribery and 
employment law. 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. Through 
these procedures, we became aware of actual or suspected 
non-compliance and considered the effect as part of our 
procedures on the related financial statement items. The 
identified actual or suspected non-compliance was not sufficiently 
significant to our audit to result in our response being identified as 
a key audit matter.

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 (irregularities) 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 irregularities, as these 
may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, 
misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. We are not 
responsible for preventing non-compliance and cannot be 
expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  173 

Consolidated  Financial StatementsC ONS OLI DATED INCOME STATEMENT

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

Combined sales of Group and share of equity accounted joint ventures
Less: share of sales of equity accounted joint ventures
Revenue
Operating costs 
Operating profit before joint ventures and associates
Share of profit after tax of joint ventures and associates
Operating profit
Underlying operating profit3
Acquisition related costs
One-off pension charge
Cost action programme and COVID-19 resizing costs 
Net gain/(loss) on sale and closure of businesses
Finance income
Finance costs
Other financing items loss
Profit before tax
Income tax expense
Profit for the year

  ATTRIBUTABLE TO
Equity shareholders of the Company
Non-controlling interests
Profit for the year
  BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE (PENCE)
  DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE (PENCE)

2020 
£m
20,198
(258)
19,940
(19,650)
290
4
294
561
(70)
–
(197) 
59
10
(144)
(9)
210
(75)
135

133
2
135
8.0p
8.0p

1,2

2019
(restated)
£m
25,152

(274)  

24,878
(23,308)  
1,570
56 
1,626
1,882

(54)  
(12)  
(190)  
(7)  
12
(122)  
(15)  

1,494
(351)  
1,143

1,135
8
1,143
71.6p
71.5p

Notes
2, 35
14

3

2, 14
2
2, 35
3
23
3 
26
5
5
5
6
6

7

7
7

1.  Prior year comparatives have not been restated for IFRS 16 ‘Leases’. Additional information about the impact of IFRS 16 is included in note 1.
2.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as required by IFRS 5 ‘Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations’ to account for joint ventures and 

associates using the equity method retrospectively when they cease to be classified as held for sale. Additional information is included in note 14.

3.  Underlying operating profit excludes acquisition related costs, one-off pension charge, cost action programme and COVID-19 resizing costs, but includes share of 
profit after tax of associates and operating profit before tax of joint ventures. The reconciliation between statutory and underlying results is provided in note 34.

174  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONS OLI DATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE  INCOM E

Fo r the year ended 30 September 2020

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
Items that are not reclassified subsequently to the income statement
Remeasurement of post employment benefit obligations – loss
Return on plan assets, excluding interest income – gain
Tax on items relating to the components of other comprehensive income
Change in fair value of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 

Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to the income statement
Currency translation differences3
Reclassification adjustment for movements in foreign exchange on sale of businesses
Tax on items relating to the components of other comprehensive income

Total other comprehensive (loss)/income for the year
Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year

ATTRIBUTABLE TO
Equity shareholders of the Company
Non-controlling interests
Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year

Notes

23
23
6

6

2020 
£m
135

(96)
78
(4)
(9) 
(31)

(204)
(14)
(2)
(220)
(251)
(116)

(118)
2
(116)

1,2

2019
(restated)
£m
1,143

(357)
425
(10)
– 
58

131
6
(2)
135
193
1,336

1,328
8
1,336

1.  Prior year comparatives have not been restated for IFRS 16 ‘Leases’. Additional information about the impact of IFRS 16 is included in note 1.
2.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as required by IFRS 5 ‘Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations’ to account for joint ventures and 

associates using the equity method retrospectively when they cease to be classified as held for sale. Additional information is included in note 14.
Includes gain of £47 million in relation to the effective portion of the net investment hedge (2019: loss of £133 million). Additional information is included in note 20.

3. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  175 

Consolidated  Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
C ONS OLI DATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

  Notes

At 30 September 2019, as reported1,2
Restate equity accounting2 
At 1 October 2019, restated1,2 
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income 
Currency translation differences
Remeasurement of post employment benefit  
obligations – loss 
Return on plan assets, excluding interest income – gain
Tax on items relating to the components of other 
comprehensive income
Reclassification adjustment for movements in foreign 
exchange on sale of businesses
Change in fair value of financial assets at fair value through 
other comprehensive income
Total other comprehensive loss
Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year
Fair value of share-based payments
Tax on items taken directly to equity
Change in the fair value of non-controlling interest 
put options
Purchase of own shares to satisfy employee  
share-based payments
Release of share awards settled in existing shares purchased 
in the market
Shares issued, net of expenses3
Transfer of merger reserve to retained earnings3

Dividends paid to shareholders 
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
Own shares issued under share schemes 
At 30 September 2020

Attributable to equity shareholders of the Company

Share 
capital 
£m
176
– 
176 
–

Share 
premium 
account 
£m
182
– 
182 
–

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£m
295
– 
295 
–

Own  
Other 
shares 
reserves 
£m
£m
(4) 4,362
– 
– 
(4)  4,362 
–
–

Retained 
earnings 
£m
(1,676)
25 
(1,651) 
133

Non-
controlling 
interests 
Total 
£m
£m
27 3,362
– 
25 
27  3,387 
135

2

23
23

6

25
6

24
24

8

–

–
–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

(1)

(204)

–

–
–

(2)

(14)

–
(220)
(220)
(2)
–

8

–

(96)
78

(4)

–

(9)
(31)
102
–
(2)

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–
2
–
–

–

–

(204)

(96)
78

(6)

(14)

(9)
(251)
(116)
(2)
(2)

8

(1)

–
22
–
198
–
–
–
198

–
7
–
189
–
–
–
189

–
–
–
295
–
–
–
295

(3)
–
–
1,943
– (1,943)
(5) 4,145
–
–
–
–
3
–
(2) 4,145

–
–
1,943
392
(427)
–
–
(35)

–
(3)
– 1,972
–
–
29 5,243
(427)
–
(6)
(6)
–
3
23 4,813

1.  Prior year comparatives have not been restated for IFRS 16 ‘Leases’. Additional information about the impact of IFRS 16 is included in note 1.
2.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as required by IFRS 5 ‘Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations’ to account for joint ventures and 

3. 

associates using the equity method retrospectively when they cease to be classified as held for sale. Additional information is included in note 14.
In May 2020, the Company issued 195,667,352 new ordinary shares of 111⁄20 pence each, comprising the ‘Placing shares’, the ‘Subscription shares’ and the 
‘Retail offer shares’. No share premium was recorded in relation to the Placing shares and the premium over the nominal value of these shares was credited to 
merger reserve and subsequently recognised in retained earnings as the Company was able to rely on Section 612 of the Companies Act 2006. Additional 
information about the share issue is included in note 24.

176  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OTHER RESERVES
At 1 October 20191
Other comprehensive income
Currency translation differences
Reclassification adjustment for movements in foreign exchange on 
sale of businesses
Tax on items relating to the components of other 
comprehensive income
Total other comprehensive loss
Fair value of share-based payments
Change in the fair value of non-controlling interest put options
Release of share awards settled in existing shares purchased in 
the market
Shares issued, net of expenses2
Transfer of merger reserve to retained earnings2
At 30 September 2020

Share-based 
payment 
reserve  
£m
259

Notes

Merger 
reserve  
£m
4,170

Revaluation 
reserve  
£m
7

Translation 
reserve3 
£m
5

Non-
controlling 
interest put 
options reserve 
£m

Total other 
reserves 
£m
(79) 4,362

–

–

–
–
(2)
–

–

–

–
–
–
–

(3)
–
–
254

–
1,943
(1,943)
4,170

6

25

24 
24 

–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
7

(204)

(14)

(2)
(220)
–
–

–
–
–
(215)

–

–

–
–
–
8

(204)

(14)

(2)
(220)
(2)
8

(3)
–
–
1,943
– (1,943)
(71) 4,145

1.  Prior year comparatives have not been restated for IFRS 16 ‘Leases’. Additional information about the impact of IFRS 16 is included in note 1.
2. 

In May 2020, the Company issued 195,667,352 new ordinary shares of 111⁄20 pence each, comprising the ‘Placing shares’, the ‘Subscription shares’ and the 
‘Retail offer shares’. No share premium was recorded in relation to the Placing shares and the premium over the nominal value of these shares was credited to 
merger reserve and subsequently recognised in retained earnings as the Company was able to rely on Section 612 of the Companies Act 2006. Additional 
information about the share issue is included in note 24.
Includes loss of £621 million (2019: loss of £668 million) in relation to the balance remaining in the foreign currency translation reserve from net investment 
hedging relationships for which hedge accounting continues to apply. Additional information is included in note 20.

3. 

Own shares held by the Group represent 147,058 ordinary shares in Compass Group PLC (2019: 187,455 ordinary shares) and are held by the Compass Group PLC All 
Share Schemes Trust (ASST). These shares are listed on a recognised stock exchange and their market value at 30 September 2020 was £1.7 million (2019: £3.9 
million). 

The nominal value held at 30 September 2020 was £16,250 (2019: £20,714).

ASST is a discretionary trust for the benefit of employees and the shares held are used to satisfy some of the Group’s liabilities to employees for long term 
incentive plans.

The merger reserve arose in 2000 following the demerger from Granada Compass plc.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  177 

Consolidated  Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
C ONS OLI DATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (CON TINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

At 1 October 20181
Profit for the year2
Other comprehensive income
Currency translation differences
Remeasurement of post employment benefit obligations – 
loss
Return on plan assets, excluding interest income – gain
Tax on items relating to the components of other 
comprehensive income
Reclassification adjustment for movements in foreign 
exchange on sale of businesses
Total other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income for the year2
Fair value of share-based payments
Changes to non-controlling interests due to acquisitions and 
disposals
Tax on items taken directly to equity
Change in the fair value of non-controlling interest put 
options
Purchase of own shares to satisfy employee share-based 
payments
Other changes

Dividends paid to shareholders
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
At 30 September 20192

OTHER RESERVES
At 1 October 20181
Other comprehensive income
Currency translation differences
Reclassification adjustment for movements in foreign 
exchange on sale of businesses
Tax on items relating to the components of other 
comprehensive income
Total other comprehensive income
Fair value of share-based payments
Change in fair value of non-controlling interest put options
At 30 September 20191

Attributable to equity shareholders of the Company

  Notes

Share  
capital  
£m
176
–

 Share 
premium 
account  
£m
182
–

Capital 
redemption 
reserve  
£m
295
–

Own 
shares 
£m
–
–

Other 
reserves  
£m
4,208
–

Retained 
earnings  
£m
(2,234)
1,135

Non-
controlling 
interests 
Total  
£m
£m
25 2,652
8 1,143

23
23

6

25

6

8

–

–
–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–

–

131

–

–
–

(357)
425

(2)

(10)

6
135
135
27

–
–

(8)

–
58
1,193
–

–
4

–

–
–
176
–
–
176

–
–
182
–
–
182

–
–
295
–
–
295

–
(4)
–
–
(4) 4,362
–
–
–
–
(4) 4,362

–
(3)
(1,040)
(611)
–
(1,651)

–

–
–

–

131

(357)
425

(12)

6
–
–
193
8 1,336
27
–

(1)
–

–

(1)
4

(8)

(4)
–
–
(3)
32 4,003 
(611)
–
(5)
(5)
27 3,387

Share-based 
payment 
reserve  
£m
232

Notes

Merger 
reserve  
£m
4,170

Revaluation 
reserve  
£m
7

Translation
reserve3
£m
(130)

Non-controlling 
interest put 
options reserve  
£m
(71)

Total other 
reserves  
£m
4,208

–

–

–
–
27
–
259

–

–

–
–
–
–
4,170

6

25

–

–

–
–
–
–
7

131

6

(2)
135
–
–
5

–

–

–
–
–
(8)
(79)

131

6

(2)
135
27
(8)
4,362

1.  Prior year comparatives have not been restated for IFRS 16 ‘Leases’. Additional information about the impact of IFRS 16 is included in note 1.
2.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as required by IFRS 5 ‘Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations’ to account for joint ventures and 

3. 

associates using the equity method retrospectively when they cease to be classified as held for sale. Additional information is included in note 14.
Includes loss of £668 million (2018: £529 million) in relation to the balance remaining in the foreign currency translation reserve from net investment hedging 
relationships for which hedge accounting continues to apply. Additional information is included in note 20.

178  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONS OLI DATED BALANCE SHEET

At 3 0 S ep temb er 2020

NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Contract fulfilment assets and contract costs
Right of use assets
Property, plant and equipment
Interests in joint ventures and associates
Other investments
Post employment benefit assets
Trade and other receivables
Deferred tax assets
Derivative financial instruments3
Non-current assets
CURRENT ASSETS
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Tax recoverable
Cash and cash equivalents3
Derivative financial instruments3

Assets held for sale
Current assets
Total assets
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Short term borrowings3
Short term lease liabilities3
Derivative financial instruments3
Provisions
Current tax liabilities
Trade and other payables

Liabilities directly associated with assets held for sale
Current liabilities
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Long term borrowings3
Long term lease liabilities3
Derivative financial instruments3
Post employment benefit obligations
Provisions
Deferred tax liabilities
Trade and other payables
Non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets
EQUITY
Share capital
Share premium account
Capital redemption reserve
Own shares
Other reserves
Retained earnings
Total equity shareholders’ funds
Non-controlling interests
Total equity

30 September

Notes 

2020  
£m

1,2

2019
(restated)
£m

9
10
11
12
13
14
15
23
16
6
20

17
16

18
20

26

19
12
20
22

21

26

19
12
20
23
22
6
21

24

4,669
1,678
972
860
970
345
75
441
99
146
237
10,492

310
2,319
111 
1,484
5
4,229
13
4,242
14,734

(106)
(197)
(9)
(337)
(228)
(3,615)
(4,492)
(7)
(4,499)

(3,673)
(745)
(2)
(251)
(300)
(120)
(331)
(5,422)
(9,921)
4,813

198
189
295
(2)
4,145
(35)
4,790
23
4,813

4,576
1,426
976
–
1,052
306 
96
448
96
76
207
9,259

404
3,051
88
398
–
3,941
135
4,076
13,335

(186)
–
(6)
(223)
(247)
(4,718)
(5,380)
(30)
(5,410)

(3,679)
–
(6)
(259)
(266)
(114)
(214)
(4,538)
(9,948)
3,387

176
182
295
(4)
4,362
(1,651)
3,360
27
3,387

1.  Prior year comparatives have not been restated for IFRS 16 ‘Leases’. Additional information about the impact of IFRS 16 is included in note 1.
2.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as required by IFRS 5 ‘Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations’ to account for joint ventures and 

associates using the equity method retrospectively when they cease to be classified as held for sale. Additional information is included in note 14.

3.  Component of net debt.

Approved by the Board of directors on 24 November 2020 and signed on their behalf by

Dominic Blakemore, Director
Karen Witts, Director

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  179 

Consolidated  Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
C ONS OLI DATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

Notes 

2020  
£m

20191
£m

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Cash generated from operations
Interest paid
Tax received
Tax paid
Net cash from operating activities
CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of subsidiary companies2
Purchase of additional interest in joint ventures and associates
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary companies, joint ventures and associates net of exit costs2
Purchase of intangible assets
Purchase of contract fulfilment assets
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment/intangible assets/contract fulfilment assets
Purchase of other investments
Proceeds from sale of other investments
Dividends received from joint ventures and associates
Interest received
Net cash from investing activities
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Issue of ordinary share capital, net of expenses3
Purchase of own shares to satisfy employee share-based payments4
Increase in borrowings
Repayment of borrowings
Repayment of principal under lease liabilities
Equity dividends paid
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
Net cash from financing activities
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year
Currency translation (losses)/gains on cash and cash equivalents
Total cash and cash equivalents
Cash reclassified as held for sale
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

27

6

26
14

11

15
15
14

24

28
28
12, 28
8

28 

28
18, 28
28

26, 28
18, 28

1,218
(145)
40 
(268)
845

(464)
(15)
29
(166)
(272)
(271)
43
(1)
16
61
8
(1,032)

1,972
(1)
2,441
(2,549)
(152)
(427)
(6)
1,278

1,091
398
(4)
1,485
(1)
1,484

2,396
(116)
26
(354)
1,952

(451)
(27)
101
(185)
(286)
(352)
47
(13)
3
48
9
(1,106)

–
(4)
1,830
(2,631)
(4)
(611)
(5)
(1,425)

(579)
969
9
399
(1)
398

1.  Prior year comparatives have not been restated for IFRS 16 ‘Leases’. Additional information about the impact of IFRS 16 is included in note 1.
2.  Net of cash acquired or disposed and payments received or made under warranties and indemnities.
3.  Proceeds from issue of share capital of £1,972 million are shown net of issue costs of £34 million.
4. 

Including stamp duty and brokers’ commission.

180  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RECONCILIATION OF FREE CASH FLOW
Net cash from operating activities
Purchase of intangible assets
Purchase of contract fulfilment assets
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Repayment of principal under lease liabilities2
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment/intangible assets/contract fulfilment assets
Purchase of other investments
Proceeds from sale of other investments
Dividends received from joint ventures and associates
Interest received
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
Free cash flow
Add back: cash payments related to cost action programme and COVID-19 resizing costs
Underlying free cash flow

2020  
£m
845
(166)
(272)
(271)
(152)
43
(1)
16
61
8
(6)
105
108
213

20191
£m
1,952
(185)
(286)
(352)
–
47
(13)
3
48
9
(5)
1,218
29
1,247

1.  Prior year comparatives have not been restated for IFRS 16 ‘Leases’. Additional information about the impact of IFRS 16 is included in note 1.
2.  Free cash flow has been redefined on adoption of IFRS 16 to include the payment of lease principal amounts, which were excluded from free cash flow in the 

prior year.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  181 

Consolidated  Financial StatementsGR OU P ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

INTRODUCTION

The significant accounting policies adopted in the preparation of 
the Group’s financial statements are set out below:

A ACCOUNTING CONVENTION AND BASIS OF 
PREPARATION

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and 
International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee 
(IFRIC) interpretations as adopted by the European Union that 
were effective for the year ended 30 September 2020. They have 
been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by 
the revaluation of certain financial instruments.

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 69. The financial position 
of the Group, its cash flows, liquidity position and borrowing 
facilities are discussed in the Business Review on pages 32 to 40. 

The uncertainty as to the future impact on the financial 
performance and cash flows of the Group as a result of the recent 
COVID-19 pandemic has been considered as part of the Group’s 
adoption of the going concern basis in the preparation of the 
consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial 
statements are prepared on a going concern basis which the 
directors believe to be appropriate for the reasons stated below.

At 30 September 2020, the Group’s financing arrangements 
consisted of sterling and Euro bonds (£2,501 million) and  
USD US Private Placements (USPP) (£1,172 million). In addition, 
the Group has Revolving Credit Facilities of £2,800 million  
(£140 million committed to June 2024, £1,860 million committed 
to June 2025 and £800 million committed to October 2021), 
which were fully undrawn, an unutilised £600 million limit under 
the Bank of England Covid Corporate Financing Facility and 
£1,387 million in cash net of overdrafts. At the date of approving 
these consolidated financial statements the funding position of the  
Group has remained unchanged and the cash position is not 
materially different. 

The next term debt maturity is a USPP of $398 million on 
1 October 2021 and there are no other debt maturities in the 
18 months to 31 March 2022. 

The USPPs are subject to certain financial covenants, which  
are usually tested on 31 March and 30 September every year. 
In May 2020, USPP noteholders agreed to waive the leverage 
covenant test as at 30 September 2020 and March 2021. The 
interest cover covenant test was also waived at 30 September 
2020 and rebased on a six month proforma basis as at March 
2021. The Group’s other financing arrangements do not contain 
any financial covenants. 

182  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

The directors have prepared projected cash flow information for 
18 months from 30 September 2020. The directors have prepared 
various scenarios in assessing the impact of COVID-19 on future 
financial performance and cash flows with the key judgements 
applied being the likely time period of a further global wave of 
infections, the extent to which government enforced restrictions 
would impact volumes and the extent to which performance 
would recover subsequent to these restrictions being lifted.

In the base case scenario, consistent with current trading 
patterns, the business that is closed is assumed to continue 
reopening in a phased manner with a gradual recovery. In this 
base case scenario, the directors consider that the Group will 
continue to operate within its available committed facilities with 
sufficient headroom and meet its financial covenant obligations 
under its USPP debt agreements.

In a severe but plausible downside scenario, the directors have 
assumed that a further global wave of infections and government 
enforced restrictions occur in the financial year 2021 and will last 
for a full quarter, with trading patterns and subsequent recovery 
mirroring that experienced during the first global wave. The 
scenario mirrors the experience of the first severe global wave 
experienced in all major markets at the same time. It has also 
been assumed that no additional debt is raised during the 
assessment period. This scenario also assumes a temporary 
cessation of M&A activity, reduction in discretionary capital 
expenditure and no dividend payments as mitigating actions.

In this severe but plausible downside scenario modelled by the 
directors, due to the significant loss of revenue, whilst the Group 
continues to retain sufficient committed headroom on liquidity, 
the financial covenants under the Group’s USPP agreements 
could be potentially breached over the next two testing dates 
(interest cover in March 2021 and leverage ratio in September 
2021). 

In the event that financial covenants under the Group’s USPP 
agreements could be breached, various alternatives exist to 
manage this risk including repaying the loan notes from available 
headroom in advance of their maturity or negotiating further 
covenant waivers. 

Additionally, a combination of strong investment grade credit 
ratings and a well established presence in the debt capital 
markets provides the directors with confidence that, if necessary, 
the Group could raise additional debt finance as required. The 
Group also has multi-year contracts with a number of clients and 
suppliers across different geographic areas and industries. This 
diversification provides the directors with the confidence that the 
business has long term sustainable commercial relationships that 
will ensure that the business will continue to generate sufficient 
cash flow.

Consequently, the directors are confident that the Group and 
Company will have sufficient funds to continue to meet their 
liabilities as they fall due for at least 12 months from the date of 
approval of the financial statements and therefore have prepared 
the financial statements on a going concern basis.

 
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTED IN THE CURRENT 
FINANCIAL PERIOD

In the current financial year, the Group has adopted:

•  IFRS 16 ‘Leases’
•  IFRIC 23 ‘Uncertainty over income tax treatments’
•  Amendments to IFRS 9 ‘Prepayment features with negative 

compensation’

•  Amendments to IAS 28 ‘Long term interests in associates and 

joint ventures’

•  Amendments to IAS 19 ‘Plan amendment, curtailment 

or settlement’

•  Annual improvements to IFRS standards 2015–2017 cycle
•  Amendments to IFRS 16 ‘COVID-19 related rent concessions’
•  Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7 ‘Interest rate 

benchmark reform’

The Group has updated its accounting policies to reflect the 
impact of IFRS 16 as described below. The Group has elected to 
early adopt ‘interest rate benchmark reform’ (IBOR reform) 
amendments and considered the impact of IBOR reform on its 
hedge accounting. In accordance with the transition provisions, 
the amendments have been adopted retrospectively to hedging 
relationships that existed at the start of the reporting period or 
were designated thereafter. The amendments provide temporary 
relief from applying specific hedge accounting requirements to 
hedging relationships directly affected by IBOR reform. The 
adoption of these amendments has not had a material impact on 
these financial statements; further details of the impact on the 
Group consolidated financial statements is given in note 20. There 
is no significant impact on the Group’s consolidated results or 
balance sheet as a result of adopting new IFRS standards other 
than as described below.

IFRS 16 ‘LEASES’

The Group has adopted IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ on 1 October 2019 using 
the modified retrospective transition approach and therefore the 
comparative information has not been restated and continues to 
be reported under IAS 17 ‘Leases’ and IFRIC 4 ‘Determining 
whether an arrangement contains a lease’. IFRS 16 eliminates the 
classification of leases as either operating leases or finance leases 
and, instead, introduces a single lessee accounting model. Under 
IFRS 16, leases, other than short term leases and leases of low 
value assets, give rise to the recognition of lease liabilities for 
future lease payments and corresponding right of use assets, 
representing the right to use the leased item.

On transition the lease liabilities have been measured at the 
present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted using 
the incremental borrowing rate on the date of transition for each 
lease. The right of use assets have been measured at an amount 
equal to the lease liability on adoption, adjusted for pre-existing 
lease prepayments, accrued lease expenses and lease provisions. 
As a result, on transition the Group has recognised lease liabilities 
of £995 million and right of use assets of £956 million. As at 30 
September 2020, the right of use assets were £860 million and 
the lease liabilities were £942 million. Adoption of IFRS 16 has no 
impact on the Group’s ability to comply with the covenant 
requirements of its borrowing facilities. The Group’s lease portfolio 
mainly consists of offices, concessions and other assets such as 
catering equipment, vending machines and motor vehicles.

The Group has applied the following expedients in relation to the 
adoption of IFRS 16:

•  reliance was placed on existing onerous lease assessments 
under IAS 37 to impair right of use assets recognised on 
adoption instead of performing a new impairment assessment 
for those assets on adoption

•  leases with a term end date within one year of the date of initial 
application were not recognised on the balance sheet. Rental 
costs for these leases are accounted on a straight line basis in 
the consolidated income statement

•  no reassessment was performed as to whether existing 
contracts are, or contain, a lease at the date of initial 
application

The areas that require most use of management estimation and 
judgement relate to the lease term and the calculation of the 
discount rate for future lease payments.

•  Lease terms may be different to the minimum lease period and 
include optional lease periods where it is reasonably certain 
that an extension option will be exercised or that a termination 
option will not be exercised by the Group. Termination and 
extension options are negotiated to provide operational 
flexibility in managing the leased asset portfolio and align it with 
the Group’s business needs. Judgement is required in 
assessing whether these optional periods should be included 
when determining the lease term. The assessment of whether 
the Group is reasonably certain to exercise such options is 
made at the lease commencement date and subsequently 
reassessed if there are significant events or changes in 
circumstances within the control of the Group. Lease terms  
are assessed based on the Group’s business plans and 
historical experience

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  183 

Consolidated  Financial StatementsGR OU P ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

•  The lease payments are discounted using the Group’s 

incremental borrowing rates, being the rate that the Group 
would have to pay to borrow the funds necessary to obtain an 
asset of similar value to the right of use asset in a similar 
economic environment with similar terms and conditions. The 
calculation of the incremental borrowing rate for each lease 
contract requires judgement. The incremental borrowing rate is 
determined using a series of inputs including a risk free rate 
based on government bond rates and a credit risk adjustment 
based on corporate bonds in order to incorporate the credit 
worthiness of the Group and adjustments specific to the lease, 
such as term, country and currency

The Group’s lease portfolio generally comprises numerous leases 
of relatively low value with short lease terms and none of them are 
considered to be individually material. As a result, the above are 
not considered to be critical accounting judgements and 
estimates as a reasonable change in lease term or discount rate is 
unlikely to lead to a material change in the overall lease liability of 
the Group. Further details of this are provided in note 12.

Further details of the change in the Group’s accounting policy in 
respect of leases and an explanation of the impact on the Group’s 
consolidated financial statements are disclosed in note 1.

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS, AMENDMENTS AND 
INTERPRETATIONS TO EXISTING STANDARDS THAT 
ARE NOT YET EFFECTIVE

The following accounting standards, interpretations and 
amendments that are applicable to the Group have been issued 
by the IASB but had either not been adopted by the European 
Union or were not yet effective in the European Union at 
30 September 2020.

•  Amendments to references to the conceptual framework in 

IFRS standards

•  Amendments to IFRS 3 ‘Definition of a business’
•  Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8 ‘Definition of material’
•  Amendments to IAS 1 ‘Classification of liabilities as current 

or non-current’

The Group has not yet adopted these pronouncements and does 
not currently believe that the adoption of these amendments 
would have a material effect on the consolidated results or 
financial position of the Group.

B CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES, 
ASSUMPTIONS AND JUDGEMENTS IN APPLYING 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires 
management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions 
that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of 
assets and liabilities, income and expenses. These estimates, 
judgements and assumptions are based on historical experience 
and other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the 
circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant disruption to 
the Group’s operations and has had a significant impact on the 
global economy. At the date of approving these financial 
statements, part of the Group’s business is closed due to the 
steps taken by different governments to contain the spread of the 
virus and the future impact of COVID-19 remains uncertain. As a 
result, management has considered the impact of COVID-19 on 
the financial statements when identifying areas requiring 
additional level of estimation uncertainty and judgement. The 
areas which require the most use of management estimation and 
judgement are set out below.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS

Going concern
The directors have considered the uncertainty that the COVID-19 
pandemic has caused on the future financial performance of the 
Group as part of the Group’s adoption of the going concern basis 
in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. The 
consolidated financial statements are prepared on a going 
concern basis and management have determined that there are 
no material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that may 
cast significant doubt upon the Group’s ability to continue as a 
going concern over the period assessed. Additional information on 
the judgement management has applied in adopting the going 
concern assumption is included in the basis of preparation of 
these accounts on page 182.

There are no other judgements that management consider to be 
critical in the preparation of these financial statements.

184  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY

•  Provisions

The Group has made provisions for unavoidable costs arising 
from certain contracts. These provisions are estimates based 
on expected costs and the timing of future cash flows which are 
dependent on future events and market conditions, which now 
have become more uncertain due to COVID-19. Any difference 
between expectations and the actual future liability will be 
accounted for in the period when such determination is made. 
Details of these provisions are set out in note 22

Taxes
The Group has operations in around 45 countries that are subject 
to direct and indirect taxes. The tax position is often not agreed 
with tax authorities until sometime after the relevant period end 
and, if subject to a tax audit, may be open for an extended period. 
In these circumstances, the recognition of tax liabilities and assets 
requires management estimation to reflect a variety of factors; 
these include the status of any ongoing tax audits, historical 
experience, interpretations of tax law and the likelihood of 
settlement.

The changing regulatory environment affecting all multi-nationals 
increases the estimation uncertainty associated with calculating 
the Group’s tax position. This is as a result of amendments to tax 
law at the national level, increased cooperation between tax 
authorities and greater cross border transparency.

The Group estimates and recognises additional tax liabilities as 
appropriate based on management’s interpretation of country 
specific tax law, external advice and the likelihood of settlement. 
Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the 
amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will impact 
the results in the year in which such determination is made.

In addition, calculation and recognition of temporary differences 
giving rise to deferred tax assets requires estimates and 
judgements to be made on the extent to which future taxable 
profits are available against which these temporary differences 
can be utilised. 

Further details of this are provided in note 6 and note 29.

The major sources of estimation uncertainty are in relation to 
goodwill and post employment benefits as noted in previous years. 
In addition, management has considered the impact of  
COVID-19 on the consolidated financial statements as at  
30 September 2020 and identified a number of COVID-19  
specific related estimates. These, together with taxes, are not 
considered to be major sources of uncertainty as defined by IAS 1 
‘Presentation of financial statements’ as a reasonably possible 
change in key assumptions is not considered likely to have a 
material effect on the estimate in the next 12 months.  

Major sources of estimation uncertainty (goodwill and post 
employment benefits) and other areas of uncertainty including 
those arising from COVID-19 are described in more detail below:

COVID-19 specific related estimates
•  Recoverability of contract related non-current assets (contract 

fulfilment assets and contract costs, right of use assets, 
property, plant and equipment and intangible assets)
The Group has tested for impairment all of its contract related 
non-current assets where there are indicators of impairment. 
Impairment indicators were considered to be present when 
client contracts had low profitability or were loss making due to 
a reduction in volumes as a result of COVID-19. In these 
instances, management has estimated the recoverable value of 
these assets and compared it to their carrying value in order to 
estimate any impairment to be recorded. The estimate of the 
recoverable amount was derived from the most recent 
management forecasts in relation to the likely trading 
performance over the remaining life of the contracts, taking into 
account the impact of COVID-19 and likelihood of a second 
wave, the time period of government enforced restrictions and 
the extent to which performance would recover in the following 
year. Due to the significant uncertainty regarding the ultimate 
impact of COVID-19, the assumptions used in these estimates 
include an increased level of inherent uncertainty. Further 
details in relation to impairment of contract related non-current 
assets are provided in note 3

•  Impairment of trade receivables

Provisions for impairment of trade receivables are measured  
at an amount equal to lifetime expected credit losses in 
accordance with the accounting policy set out in section Q on 
page 191. The Group considers that, given the widespread 
impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having globally with the 
resulting economic downturn, there is additional uncertainty 
when determining the assumptions used in calculating 
expected future credit losses. The Group has no significant 
credit concentration risk. The largest client constitutes only 
2.7% of Group revenue and the top 10 clients account for less 
than 11% of Group revenue. Further details are included in 
note 16

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  185 

Consolidated  Financial StatementsGR OU P ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

Goodwill
The Group tests at least annually whether goodwill has suffered 
any impairment in accordance with the accounting policy set out 
in section M on page 189. The recoverable amounts of the 
Group’s cash-generating units (CGU) have been determined 
based on value in use calculations, which this year involve a 
higher inherent level of estimation due to the uncertainty caused 
by COVID-19. These calculations require the use of estimates and 
assumptions consistent with the most up to date budgets and 
plans that have been formally approved by management. 
Although the impact of COVID-19 is not expected to significantly 
impact the long term prospects of the business, the size of the 
short term shock of the pandemic combined with higher discount 
rates and lower long term growth rates have reduced the level of 
headroom in certain CGUs. The key assumptions used for the 
value in use calculations and sensitivity analysis are set out in  
note 9.

Post employment benefits
The Group’s defined benefit pension schemes and similar 
arrangements are assessed annually in accordance with IAS 19. 
The present value of the defined benefit liabilities is based on 
assumptions determined with independent actuarial advice. The 
size of the net surplus/deficit is sensitive to the market value of the 
assets held by the schemes and to actuarial assumptions, which 
include price inflation, pension and salary increases, the discount 
rate used in assessing actuarial liabilities, mortality and other 
demographic assumptions.

Further details and sensitivities are included in note 23.

C BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION

The consolidated financial statements consist of the financial 
statements of the Company, entities controlled by the Company 
(its subsidiaries) and the Group’s share of interests in joint 
arrangements and associates made up to 30 September 
each year.

186  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

D SUBSIDIARIES, ASSOCIATES AND 
JOINT ARRANGEMENTS

SUBSIDIARIES

Subsidiaries are entities over which the Company has control. 
Control exists when the Company has power over an entity, 
exposure to variable returns from its involvement with an entity 
and the ability to use its power over the entity to affect its returns. 
The existence and effect of potential voting rights that are 
currently exercisable or convertible are also considered when 
assessing control.

ASSOCIATES

Associates are undertakings that are not subsidiaries or joint 
arrangements over which the Group has significant influence and 
can participate in financial and operating policy decisions. 
Investments in associated undertakings are accounted for using 
the equity method. The consolidated income statement includes 
the Group’s share of the profit after tax of the associated 
undertakings. Investments in associates include goodwill 
identified on acquisition and are carried in the Group balance 
sheet at cost plus post-acquisition changes in the Group’s share 
of the net assets of the associate, less any impairment in value.

JOINT ARRANGEMENTS

Joint arrangements are entities in which the Group holds an 
interest on a long term basis and which are jointly controlled by 
the Group and other entities under a contractual agreement. The 
Group accounts for its own share of assets, liabilities, revenues 
and expenses measured according to the terms of the agreements 
covering the joint operations. Joint ventures are accounted for 
using the equity method.

ADJUSTMENTS

Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial 
statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used in 
line with those used by the Group.

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS

The results of subsidiaries, associates or joint arrangements 
acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the 
consolidated income statement from the effective date of 
acquisition or up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate.

INTRA-GROUP TRANSACTIONS

All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are 
eliminated on consolidation. Where a Group subsidiary transacts 
with a joint operation of the Group, profits or losses are eliminated 
to the extent of the Group’s interest in the relevant joint operation.

E ACQUISITIONS

The acquisition of subsidiaries is accounted for using the 
purchase method. The cost of acquisition is measured at the 
aggregate of the fair values, at the date of exchange, of  
assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed and equity  
instruments issued.

Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent 
liabilities assumed are recognised at the fair values at the 
acquisition date, except for non-current assets (or disposal 
groups) that are classified as held for sale which are recognised 
and measured at fair value less costs to sell.

The cost of the acquisition in excess of the Group’s interest in the 
net fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as 
goodwill. If the cost of the acquisition is less than the fair value of 
the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is 
recognised directly in the consolidated income statement.

Where not all the equity of a subsidiary is acquired, the non- 
controlling interest is recognised at the non-controlling interest’s 
proportionate share of the net assets of the subsidiary. Put options 
over non-controlling interests are recognised as a financial liability 
measured at fair value which is re-evaluated at each year end with 
a corresponding entry in other reserves.

F FOREIGN CURRENCY

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in sterling, 
which is the functional and reporting currency of the Company.

In preparing the financial statements of individual companies 
within the Group, transactions in currencies other than the 
companies’ functional currency are recorded at the rates of 
exchange on the dates of the transaction. At each balance sheet 
date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in 
foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates on the balance 
sheet date. Gains and losses arising on retranslation are included 
in the consolidated income statement for the year, except for 
where they arise on items taken directly to other comprehensive 
income, in which case they are also recognised in the 
consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

In order to hedge its exposure to certain foreign exchange risks 
the Group enters into forward currency contracts (see section Q 
for the Group’s accounting policies in respect of derivative 
financial instruments).

On consolidation, the assets and liabilities of the Group’s overseas 
operations (expressed in their functional currencies, being the 
currency of the primary economic environment in which each 
entity operates) are translated at the exchange rates on the 
balance sheet date. Income and expense items are translated at 

the average exchange rates for the period. Exchange differences 
arising, if any, are classified as equity and transferred to the 
Group’s translation reserve. Such translation differences are 
recognised as income or expense in the period in which the 
operation is disposed of.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a 
foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign 
entity and translated at the closing rate.

G REVENUE AND CONTRACT COSTS

Revenue represents income derived from contracts for the 
provision of food and support services by the Group to customers 
in exchange for consideration in the normal course of business. 
The Group’s revenue is comprised of revenues under its contracts 
with clients. Clients engage the Group to provide food and support 
services at their locations. Depending on the type of client and 
service, we are paid either by our client and/or directly by the 
consumers to whom we have been provided access by our client, 
such as the client’s employees, visitors, pupils, patients and 
spectators. Payment terms are set at contract level and vary 
according to country, sector and individual client.

PERFORMANCE OBLIGATIONS

The Company recognises revenue when its performance 
obligations are satisfied. Performance obligations are satisfied as 
control of the goods and services is transferred to the client and/or 
consumers. In certain cases, clients engage us to provide food 
and support services in a single multi service contract. We 
recognise revenue for each separate performance obligation in 
respect of food and support services as these are provided. There 
is little judgement involved in determining if a performance 
obligation has been satisfied.

At contract inception, the contract is assessed to identify each 
promise to transfer either a distinct good or service or a series of 
distinct goods or services that are substantially the same and have 
the same pattern of transfer to the customer. Goods and services 
are distinct and accounted for as separate performance 
obligations in the contract if the customer can benefit from them 
either on their own or together with other resources that are 
readily available to the customer and they are separately 
identifiable in the contract. Performance obligations are usually 
clearly identified within contracts and revenue is recognised for 
each separate performance obligation. Generally, where the 
Group has the obligation to its clients to make available the 
provision of food service for a predetermined period, its 
performance obligation represents a series of services delivered 
over time. There are also contracts under which the Group sells 
products directly to consumers and these performance 
obligations represent a transfer of a good at a point in time.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  187 

Consolidated  Financial StatementsGR OU P ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

TRANSACTION PRICE

The transaction price is the amount of consideration to which the 
Group expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring the 
promised goods and services to the customer, excluding value 
added tax and similar sales taxes. For example, the transaction 
price may be based on a price per meal, which may vary with 
volume, or could be based on costs incurred plus an agreed 
management fee.

The Group makes a variety of ongoing payments to clients, mainly 
commissions, concession rentals and reimbursement of utility 
costs. These are assessed for treatment as consideration paid to 
customers and where they are not in exchange for a distinct good 
or service they are recognised as a reduction of the transaction 
price. In addition, the Group may make a cash payment to a client 
typically at the start of a contract which is not an investment in 
service assets and does not generate or enhance the Group’s 
resources. Such payments are reported as prepayments and, as 
they are considered not to be in exchange for a distinct good or 
service, they are charged to the income statement as a deduction 
to revenue recognised over the contract term rather than as an 
operating cost.

TIMING OF REVENUE RECOGNITION

Revenue is recognised as performance obligations are satisfied as 
control of the goods and services is transferred to the customer. 
For each performance obligation within a contract, the Group 
determines whether it is satisfied over time or at a point in time.

The Group has determined that most of its performance 
obligations are satisfied over time as the client simultaneously 
receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Group as the 
food service and/or support service are rendered at the client site. 
In these circumstances, revenue is recognised at the amount 
which the Group has the right to invoice, where that amount 
corresponds directly with the value to the customer of the Group’s 
performance completed to date. Where the Group is contracted to 
sell directly to consumers, for example in a retail café concession, 
the performance obligation is satisfied at a point in time, namely 
when the products are sold to the consumer.

The nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash 
flows for performance obligations within a contract that are 
satisfied over time and at a point in time are considered to be 
similar and they are affected by the same economic factors.

COSTS TO OBTAIN A CONTRACT

Costs incurred during the bidding period, prior to a contract being 
awarded, are expensed to the income statement. Costs incurred 
in securing the contract after preferred bidder status has been 
obtained are generally expensed as incurred, unless they fulfil the 
conditions for capitalisation as an asset.

The incremental costs to obtain a contract with a customer, such 
as commissions to the salesforce, are capitalised if it is expected 
that those costs will be recoverable. Only commissions directly 
attributable to an individual contract award are capitalised, while 
commissions payable due to multiple contract wins or due to a 
portfolio of client contracts are expensed as incurred as they 
cannot be directly attributable to an identified contract. Costs to 
obtain a contract that would have been incurred regardless of 
whether the contract was obtained are recognised as an expense 
in the period.

COSTS TO FULFIL A CONTRACT

Costs incurred in the fulfilment of the Group’s obligations to the 
client under the contract are recognised in the consolidated 
balance sheet and include contributions towards service assets, 
such as kitchen and restaurant fit out costs and equipment, which 
are capitalised as contract fulfilment assets. Contract fulfilment 
costs covered within the scope of another accounting standard, 
such as property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, are 
not capitalised as contract fulfilment assets but are treated 
according to other standards.

UTILISATION, DERECOGNITION AND IMPAIRMENT OF 
CONTRACT FULFILMENT ASSETS AND CAPITALISED 
COSTS TO OBTAIN A CONTRACT

Contract fulfilment assets are amortised on a straight line basis 
over the shorter of the life of the client contract and the useful 
economic life of the assets. The amortisation charge is included 
within operating costs. Costs incurred to obtain a contract are 
unwound over the life of the client contract as an expense.

Capitalised costs are derecognised either when disposed of or 
when no further economic benefits are expected to flow from their 
use or disposal.

Whenever impairment indicators exist, the Group determines the 
recoverability of the contract fulfilment assets and capitalised 
costs to obtain a contract by comparing their carrying amount to 
the remaining amount of consideration that the Group expects to 
receive less the costs that relate to providing services under the 
relevant contract.

H REBATES AND OTHER AMOUNTS RECEIVED 
FROM SUPPLIERS

Rebates and other amounts received from suppliers include 
agreed discounts from suppliers’ list prices, value and volume 
related rebates.

Income from value and volume related rebates is recognised 
based on actual purchases in the period as a proportion of total 
purchases made or forecast to be made over the rebate period.

188  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

Rebates received in respect of plant and equipment are deducted 
from the costs capitalised and are recognised in the consolidated 
income statement in line with depreciation.

Agreed discounts relating to inventories are credited to the 
income statement within cost of sales as the goods are consumed.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary 
differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and associates, 
and interest in joint arrangements, except where the Group is able 
to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is 
probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the 
foreseeable future

Rebates relating to items purchased, but still held at the balance 
sheet date, are deducted from the carrying value of these items so 
that the cost of inventories is recorded net of applicable rebates.

I BORROWING COSTS

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 sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all 
or part of the asset to be recovered.

Borrowing costs which are directly attributable to the acquisition, 
construction or production of a qualifying asset are capitalised as 
part of the cost of that asset.

Deferred tax is calculated at the enacted or substantively enacted 
tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability 
is settled or the asset realised.

J OPERATING PROFIT

Operating profit is stated after the share of profit after tax of joint 
ventures and associates, and before finance costs.

K EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS

Exceptional items are disclosed and described separately in the 
consolidated financial statements where it is necessary to do so to 
provide further understanding of the financial performance of the 
Group. They are material items of income or expense that have 
been shown separately due to the significance of their nature  
or amount.

L TAX

Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is 
recognised in the consolidated income statement except where  
it relates to items taken directly to the consolidated statement  
of comprehensive income or equity, in which case it is recognised 
in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income or  
equity as appropriate.

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for 
the period, using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively 
enacted in respect of that period by the balance sheet date. Tax 
benefits are recognised if it is probable that these will be accepted 
by the relevant tax authorities.

Subsequently, they are reviewed each year to assess whether 
provisions against full recognition of the benefits are necessary.

Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method, 
providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts 
of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the 
amounts used for tax purposes. Deferred tax liabilities are 
generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and 
deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable 
that taxable profits will be available against which deductible 
temporary differences can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities 
are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from the 
initial recognition of goodwill or from the initial recognition (other 
than in a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a 
transaction that affects neither the taxable profit nor the 
accounting profit.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset against each other 
when they relate to income taxes levied by the same tax 
jurisdiction and the Group intends to settle its current tax assets 
and liabilities on a net basis.

M INTANGIBLE ASSETS

GOODWILL

Goodwill arising on consolidation represents the excess of the cost 
of acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of the 
identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquired subsidiary, 
associate or joint arrangement at the date of acquisition. Goodwill 
is tested annually for impairment and is carried at cost less any 
accumulated impairment losses.

Goodwill is allocated to CGUs for the purpose of impairment 
testing. A CGU is identified at the lowest aggregation of assets that 
generate largely independent cash inflows, and that which is 
looked at by management for monitoring and managing the 
business and relates to the total business for a country. If the 
recoverable amount of the CGU is less than the carrying amount, 
an impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount 
of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the other assets of 
the unit pro rata on the basis of the carrying amount of each asset 
in the unit. Any impairment is immediately recognised in the 
consolidated income statement and an impairment loss 
recognised for goodwill is not subsequently reversed.

On disposal, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the 
determination of the gain or loss on disposal.

Goodwill arising on acquisitions before the date of transition to 
IFRS has been retained at the previous UK GAAP amounts subject 
to being tested for impairment at that date. Goodwill written off to 
reserves under UK GAAP prior to 1998 has not been reinstated 
and is not included in determining any subsequent gain or loss  
on disposal.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  189 

Consolidated  Financial StatementsGR OU P ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets acquired separately are capitalised at cost or, if 
acquired as part of a business combination, are capitalised at fair 
value as at the date of the acquisition. Group investment in rights 
to generate significant consumer revenue under client contracts is 
recognised at cost as other intangible assets.

Amortisation is charged on a straight line basis over the expected 
useful lives of the assets. Internally generated intangible 
assets are not capitalised. Intangible assets are reviewed for 
impairment annually.

The following rates applied for the Group:

immediate sale in its present condition and the sale is expected to 
be completed within one year from the date of classification. 
Goodwill is allocated to the held for sale business on a relative fair 
value basis where this business forms part of a larger CGU. 
Investments in joint ventures and associates that have been 
classified as held for sale are no longer accounted for using the 
equity method. These assets are measured at the lower of 
carrying value and fair value less costs to sell.

If the non-current asset or disposal group that ceases to be 
classified as held for sale is a joint venture or associate, prior 
year comparatives are restated for the periods since classification 
as held for sale and accounted for using the equity 
method retrospectively. 

•  client contract related intangible assets: the life of the contract
•  computer software: 20% to 33% per annum

P INVENTORIES

The typical life of contract related intangibles is 2 to 20 years.

Client contract related intangible assets arising on acquisition of a 
business are recognised at fair value and amortised over the life of 
the contract, including the renewal period where appropriate. 
Underlying operating profit and underlying earnings per share 
exclude the amortisation of contract related intangible assets 
arising on acquisition of a business as it is not considered to be 
relevant to the underlying trading performance of the Group.

N PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

All tangible fixed assets are reviewed for impairment when there 
are indications that the carrying value may not be recoverable. 
Freehold land is not depreciated. All other property, plant and 
equipment assets are carried at cost less accumulated 
depreciation and any recognised impairment in value.

Depreciation is provided on a straight line basis over the 
anticipated useful lives of the assets.

The following rates applied for the Group:

•  freehold buildings and long term leasehold property:  

2% per annum

•  short term leasehold property: the life of the lease
•  plant and machinery: 8% to 33% per annum
•  fixtures and fittings: 8% to 33% per annum

When assets are sold, the difference between sales proceeds and 
the carrying amount of the assets is dealt with in the consolidated 
income statement.

O ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

Non-current assets and disposal groups are classified as held for 
sale if the carrying amount will be recovered through a sale 
transaction rather than through continuing use. This condition is 
regarded as met only when the sale is highly probable, 
management is committed to a sale plan, the asset is available for 

190  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. 
Cost is calculated using either the weighted average price or the 
first in, first out method as appropriate to the circumstances. 
Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary 
course of business, less applicable variable selling expenses.

Q FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised on the 
Group’s balance sheet when the Group becomes a party to the 
contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets and 
liabilities, including derivative financial instruments, denominated 
in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at period end 
exchange rates. Financial assets are classified as either fair value 
through profit and loss, fair value through other comprehensive 
income, or amortised cost. Classification and subsequent 
remeasurement depends on the Group’s business model for 
managing the financial asset and its cash flow characteristics. 
Assets that are held for collection of contractual cash flows, where 
those cash flows represent solely payments of principal and 
interest, are measured at amortised cost.

INVESTMENTS

Other investments comprising debt and equity instruments are 
recognised at fair value plus direct transaction costs.

Debt instruments are classified at fair value through other 
comprehensive income. Gains and losses arising from changes in 
fair value are recognised directly in other comprehensive income, 
except for impairment gains or losses, interest income and foreign 
exchange gains and losses, which are recognised in the income 
statement. When the debt instrument is derecognised, cumulative 
amounts in other comprehensive income are reclassified to the 
income statement.

Equity investments have been irrevocably designated at fair value 
through other comprehensive income. Gains and losses arising 
from changes in fair value are recognised directly in other 
comprehensive income, and are not subsequently reclassified to 
the Group income statement, including on derecognition. 
Impairment losses are not recognised separately from other 
changes in fair value. Dividends are recognised in the Group 
income statement when the Group’s right to receive payment 
is established.

Other investments that are not equity investments, whose cash 
flows are not solely principal and interest or are not held in order 
to collect contractual cash flows, are classified and measured at 
fair value through profit and loss. Investments are included in 
non-current assets unless management intends to dispose of the 
investment within 12 months of the balance sheet date.

TRADE RECEIVABLES

The carrying value of all trade receivables is recorded at amortised 
cost and reduced by provisions for impairment, which are 
measured at an amount equal to lifetime expected credit losses. 
In determining credit risk, the Group considers reasonable and 
supportable information that is relevant and available without 
undue cost or effort. This includes both quantitative and 
qualitative information and analysis based on the Group’s 
historical experience, and forward looking information.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and in hand 
and short term deposits with an original maturity of three months 
or less.

BORROWINGS

Borrowings are recognised initially at the proceeds received, net 
of direct issue costs. Borrowings are subsequently stated at 
amortised cost; any difference between the proceeds (net of 
direct issue costs) and the redemption value is recognised in the 
consolidated income statement over the period of the borrowings 
using the effective interest method, unless included in a fair  
value hedge.

TRADE PAYABLES

Trade payables are not interest-bearing and are stated at their 
nominal value.

EQUITY INSTRUMENTS

Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded at the 
proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND 
HEDGE ACCOUNTING

The Group uses derivative financial instruments such as forward 
currency contracts and interest rate swaps to hedge the risks 
associated with changes in foreign exchange rates and interest 
rates. Such derivative financial instruments are initially measured 
at fair value on the contract date, and are remeasured to fair value 
at subsequent reporting dates.

The use of financial derivatives is governed by the Group’s policies 
approved by the Board of directors that provide written principles 
on the use of financial derivatives consistent with the Group’s risk 
management strategy. The Group does not use derivative financial 
instruments for speculative purposes.

The fair value of forward currency contracts is calculated by 
reference to current forward exchange rates for contracts with 
similar maturity profiles. The fair value of interest rate swaps is 
determined by reference to market values for similar instruments.

For the purpose of hedge accounting, hedges are classified as 
either fair value hedges when they hedge the exposure to changes 
in the fair value of a recognised asset or liability or an 
unrecognised firm commitment; or cash flow hedges where they 
hedge the exposure to variability in cash flows that is either 
attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognised asset 
or liability or a forecasted transaction; or net investment hedges 
where they hedge the exposure to foreign currency arising from a 
net investment in foreign operations. 

On adoption of IFRS 9 ‘Financial instruments’, the Group elected 
to continue to apply hedge accounting guidance in IAS 39 
‘Financial instruments: recognition and measurement’.

Fair value hedges
In relation to fair value hedges which meet the conditions for 
hedge accounting, any gain or loss from remeasuring the hedging 
instrument at fair value is recognised immediately in the 
consolidated income statement. Any gain or loss on the hedged 
item attributable to the hedged risk is adjusted against the 
carrying amount of the hedged item and recognised in the 
consolidated income statement. Where the adjustment is to an 
unrecognised firm commitment, an asset or liability is recognised 
on the balance sheet. When the hedged transaction occurs, that 
asset or liability is recognised in the initial measurement of the 
acquisition cost and carrying amount of the asset or liability. 
Where the adjustment is to the carrying amount of a hedged 
interest bearing financial instrument, the adjustment is amortised 
to the net profit and loss such that it is fully amortised by maturity.

When fair value hedge accounting is discontinued, any 
adjustment to the carrying amount of the hedged item for the 
designated risk for interest bearing financial instruments is 
amortised to profit or loss, with amortisation commencing no later 
than when the hedged item ceases to be adjusted.

Cash flow hedges
The Group’s policy is to convert a proportion of its floating rate 
debt to fixed rates, using floating to fixed interest rate swaps. 
The Group may designate these as cash flow hedges of interest 
rate risk whenever the hedge accounting conditions are met. 
There are no hedging relationships currently designated as  
cash flow hedges.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  191 

Consolidated  Financial StatementsGR OU P ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

Net investment hedges
The Group uses foreign currency denominated debt and forward 
currency contracts to partially hedge against the change in the 
sterling value of its foreign currency denominated net assets due 
to movements in foreign exchange rates. The Group designates 
these as a hedge of its net investments in foreign operations and 
recognises the gains or losses on the retranslation of the 
borrowings in other comprehensive income. If the Group uses 
derivatives as the hedging instrument, the effective portion of the 
hedge is recognised in other comprehensive income, with any 
ineffective portion being recognised immediately in the income 
statement. Exchange differences arising from a monetary item 
receivable from or payable to a Group foreign operation, the 
settlement of which is neither planned nor likely in the foreseeable 
future, are considered to form part of a net investment in a 
foreign operation and are recognised directly in equity in the 
translation reserve.

Gains and losses accumulated in other comprehensive income 
are recycled through the consolidated income statement on 
disposal of the foreign operation.

For derivative financial instruments that do not qualify for hedge 
accounting, any gains or losses arising from changes in fair value 
are taken directly to the consolidated income statement in 
the period.

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument 
expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, or no longer qualifies 
for hedge accounting. At that point in time, any cumulative gain or 
loss on the hedging instrument recognised in equity is kept in 
equity until the forecasted transaction occurs. If a hedged 
transaction is no longer expected to occur, the net cumulative 
gain or loss recognised in equity is transferred to the consolidated 
income statement in the period.

R LEASES

At inception of a contract, the Group assesses whether a contract 
is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains, a lease if it 
conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a 
period of time in exchange for consideration. Control is conveyed 
where the Group has both the right to direct the identified asset’s 
use and to obtain substantially all the economic benefits from that 
use. The Group allocates the consideration in the contract to each 
lease and non-lease component. The non-lease component, 
where it is separately identifiable, is not included in the right of 
use asset.

When a lease is recognised in a contract, the Group recognises a 
right of use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement 
date. The Group recognises a right of use asset and a 
corresponding lease liability with respect to all lease 
arrangements in which it is the lessee, except for leases of low 
value assets with an initial fair value less than approximately 
£5,000 and short term leases of 12 months or less. For these 

leases, the lease rentals are charged to the income statement as 
an operating expense on a straight line basis over the period  
of the lease.

The right of use asset is initially measured at cost, comprising the 
initial lease liability adjusted for any lease payments already 
made, plus any initial direct costs incurred and an estimate of 
restoration costs, less any lease incentives received. The right of 
use asset is subsequently depreciated on a straight line basis over 
the shorter of the lease term or the useful life of the underlying 
asset. The estimated useful lives of right of use assets are 
determined on the same basis as those of property, plant and 
equipment. The right of use asset is tested for impairment if there 
are any indicators of impairment.

The lease liability is measured at the present value of the lease 
payments that are reasonably certain and not paid at the 
commencement date, discounted at the Group’s incremental 
borrowing rate specific to the term, country and start date of the 
lease. The lease liability is subsequently measured at amortised 
cost using the effective interest rate method. The lease liability is 
remeasured, with a corresponding adjustment to the right of use 
asset, by discounting the revised lease payments as follows:

•  using the initial discount rate at the inception of the lease when 
lease payments change as a result of changes to residual value 
guarantees and changes in an index other than a floating 
interest rate

•  using a revised discount rate when lease payments change as a 
result of the Group’s reassessment of whether it is reasonably 
certain to exercise a purchase, extension or termination option, 
changes in the lease term or as a result of a change in floating 
interest rates

The lease term is the non cancellable period beginning at the 
contract commencement date plus periods covered by an option 
to extend the lease, if it is reasonably certain that the Group will 
exercise the option, and periods covered by an option to terminate 
the lease, if it is reasonably certain that the Group will not exercise 
this option.

Variable lease payments that are not included in the 
measurement of the lease liability are recognised in the 
consolidated income statement in the period in which the event or 
condition that triggers payment occurs.

S PROVISIONS

Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present 
obligation as a result of a past event and it is probable that the 
Group will be required to settle that obligation. Provisions are 
measured at the directors’ best estimate of the cost of settling 
these liabilities and are discounted to present value where the 
effect is material. Restructuring provisions are recognised if a 
detailed restructuring plan is in place, a valid expectation that the 
plan will be implemented has been created in those impacted by 

192  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

it and there is a reliable estimate of the costs involved. 
Restructuring provisions only include the direct costs of the 
restructuring and exclude future operating costs. A provision for 
onerous contracts is recognised when the expected benefits to be 
derived by the Group from a contract are lower than the 
unavoidable cost of meeting its obligations under the contract.

T EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

PENSION OBLIGATIONS

The Group operates two types of pension plans:

•  defined contribution plans where the Group makes 

contributions to a member’s pension plan but has no further 
payment obligations once the contributions have been paid
•  defined benefit plans which provide pension payments upon 

retirement to members as defined by the plan rules

For defined contribution plans, the Group pays contributions to 
separately administered pension plans. The Group has no further 
payment obligations once the contributions have been paid.  
The contributions payable by the Group in respect of defined 
contribution plans are charged to the consolidated income 
statement when they are due. Payments made to state managed 
schemes are treated as payments to defined contribution 
schemes where the Group’s obligations under the schemes  
are equivalent to those arising in a defined contribution 
pension scheme.

For defined benefit plans, the calculation of the defined benefit 
obligation is performed at least once a year by a qualified actuary 
using the projected unit credit method. The consolidated balance 
sheet reflects a net asset or net liability for each defined benefit 
pension plan. The liability recognised is the present value of the 
defined benefit obligation discounted using the yields on high 
quality corporate bonds less the fair value of plan assets (at bid 
price), if any. If the fair value of the plan assets exceeds the 
defined benefit obligation, a pension surplus is only recognised if 
the Group considers that it has an unconditional right to a refund.

For the UK defined benefit plan, the Group considers that it has 
an unconditional right to a refund of a surplus, assuming the 
gradual settlement of the plan liabilities over time until all 
members have left the plan. The trustees cannot unconditionally 
wind up the plan or use the surplus to enhance member benefits 
without employer consent. The Group’s judgement is that these 
trustee rights do not prevent the Group from recognising an 
unconditional right to a refund and therefore a surplus.

Net interest income (if a plan is in surplus) or interest expense  
(if a plan is in deficit) is calculated using yields on high quality 
corporate bonds and recognised in the consolidated income 
statement. A current service cost is also recognised which 
represents the expected present value of the defined benefit 
pension entitlement earned by members in the period.

Remeasurements, which include gains and losses as a result of 
changes in actuarial assumptions, the effect of the limit on the 
plan surplus (if any) and returns on plan assets (other than 
amounts included in net interest) are recognised in the 
consolidated statement of comprehensive income in the period in 
which they occur. Remeasurements are not reclassified to profit 
or loss in subsequent periods.

OTHER POST EMPLOYMENT OBLIGATIONS

Some Group companies provide other post employment benefits. 
The expected costs of these benefits are accrued over the period 
of employment using a similar basis to that used for defined 
benefit pension schemes. Actuarial gains and losses are 
recognised immediately in the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income.

SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

The Group issues equity-settled share-based payments to certain 
employees. In accordance with the requirements of IFRS 2 
‘Share-based payments’, the Group has applied IFRS 2 to all 
equity-settled share options granted after 7 November 2002 that 
had vested before 1 January 2005.

Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value 
(excluding the effect of non-market based vesting conditions) at 
the date of grant. The fair value determined at the grant date of 
the equity-settled share-based payments is expensed on a 
straight line basis over the vesting period, based on the Group’s 
estimate of the shares that will eventually vest and adjusted for 
the effect of non-market based vesting conditions.

Fair value is measured using either the binomial distribution or 
Black-Scholes pricing models as is most appropriate for each 
scheme. The expected life used in the models has been adjusted, 
based on management’s best estimate, for the effects of exercise 
restrictions and behavioural considerations.

HOLIDAY PAY

Paid holidays and similar entitlements are regarded as an 
employee benefit and are charged to the consolidated income 
statement as the benefits are earned. An accrual is made at the 
balance sheet date to reflect the fair value of holidays earned but 
not taken.

U GOVERNMENT GRANTS

Government grants are recognised at fair value when there is 
reasonable assurance that the conditions associated with the 
grants have been complied with and the grants will be received. 
Grants compensating for expenses incurred are recognised as a 
deduction of the related expenses in the consolidated income 
statement on a systematic basis in the same periods in which the 
expenses are incurred.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  193 

Consolidated  Financial StatementsNOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

1  IMPACT OF THE ADOPTION OF IFRS 16 ‘LEASES’

The Group has adopted IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ on 1 October 2019 using the modified retrospective transition approach and therefore the 
comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under IAS 17 ‘Leases’ and IFRIC 4 ‘Determining whether an 
arrangement contains a lease’. The impact of the adoption of IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ on the Group’s consolidated financial statements is 
included below.

Consolidated balance sheet (extract)

The table below sets out the opening balance sheet adjustments recognised at the date of initial application of IFRS 16. Where practical, 
line items which are not impacted by the adoption have been aggregated within the relevant sub-totals:

NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Right of use assets
Property, plant and equipment
Other non-current assets
Non-current assets

CURRENT ASSETS
Trade and other receivables
Other current assets
Current assets
Total assets
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Short term borrowings
Short term lease liabilities
Provisions
Trade and other payables
Other current liabilities
Current liabilities
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Long term borrowings
Long term lease liabilities
Provisions
Other non-current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets

30 September 20191  
(IAS 17 basis) 
£m

IFRS 16 
transition 
adjustments 
£m

1 October 2019  
(IFRS 16 basis) 
£m

– 
1,052 
8,207 
9,259 

3,051 
1,025 
4,076 
13,335

(186)
– 
(223)
(4,718)
(283)
(5,410)

(3,679)
– 
(266)
(593)
(4,538)
(9,948)
3,387 

956 
(4)
– 
952 

(7)
– 
(7)
945 

1 
(155)
5 
28 
– 
(121)

2 
(843)
17 
– 
(824)
(945)
– 

956 
1,048 
8,207 
10,211 

3,044 
1,025 
4,069
14,280 

(185)
(155)
(218)
(4,690)
(283)
(5,531)

(3,677)
(843)
(249)
(593)
(5,362)
(10,893)
3,387 

1.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as required by IFRS 5 ‘Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations’ to account for joint ventures and 

associates using the equity method retrospectively when they cease to be classified as held for sale. Additional information is included in note 14.

Upon transition on 1 October 2019, the Group recognised additional lease liabilities of £995 million for the present value of the lease 
payments due under the lease contracts. The right of use asset of £956 million is recognised at an amount equal to the lease liability and 
adjusted by property, plant and equipment held under finance leases, existing prepaid or accrued lease payments, lease incentives and 
onerous lease provisions recognised in the consolidated balance sheet at the date of initial application. The net impact on the 
consolidated balance sheet is £nil.

The weighted average incremental borrowing rate applied to the Group’s lease liabilities recognised on the balance sheet at  
1 October 2019 was 3.8%.

194  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1  IMPACT OF THE ADOPTION OF IFRS 16 ‘LEASES’ (CONTINUED)

The table below presents a reconciliation of the minimum operating lease commitments disclosed applying IAS 17 at 30 September 2019 
to the lease liabilities recognised at 1 October 2019 under IFRS 16:

Total minimum lease payments reported at 30 September 2019 under IAS 17
Impact of discounting
Short term leases
Low value leases
Leases not yet commenced
Extension and termination options reasonably certain to be exercised
Additional lease liabilities recognised on transition to IFRS 16 at 1 October 2019
Existing finance leases
Total lease liabilities recognised as at 1 October 20191

£m
1,102 
(237)
(35)
(27)
(27)
219 
995 
3 
998 

1.  Of the amounts recognised as lease liabilities upon transition, £80 million was subsequently reclassified to be presented within the liabilities directly associated 

with assets held for sale, which related to leases held by the Japanese Highways business held for sale at 30 September 2019.

The reconciling items included in the table above are as follows:

•  impact of discounting: previously disclosed lease commitments were undiscounted and under the modified retrospective transition 

method lease payments were discounted on transition using an incremental borrowing rate

•  short term leases: the Group has applied the practical expedient to classify leases with a lease term ending within 12 months of the 

date of initial application of IFRS 16 as short term leases. The Group has also adopted the accounting policy recognition exemption for 
short term leases

•  low value leases: the Group has adopted the accounting policy recognition exemption for leases of low value assets with an initial fair 

value less than approximately £5,000

•  leases not yet commenced: lease agreements where the underlying asset is not available for use on the transition date were not 

recognised as lease liabilities under IFRS 16

•  extension and termination options reasonably certain to be exercised: under IAS 17 lease commitments only included non cancellable 
periods in the lease agreements, while under IFRS 16 the lease term includes periods covered by extension and termination options. 
Extension and termination options are included within a number of lease agreements and provide the Group with operational flexibility. 
For lease contracts that include such options, the Group has applied judgement to determine the lease term, which can affect the 
amount of lease liabilities and right of use assets recognised

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

Under IFRS 16, the operating lease expense previously reported in operating costs has been replaced by a depreciation of the right of use 
asset, which is lower than the operating lease expense recognised under IAS 17, and a separate interest expense on the lease liabilities, 
recorded in finance costs. These changes result in a higher operating profit, operating margin and finance costs and in a lower profit 
before tax for the period. The Group transitioned to IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective approach without restating prior period 
comparatives, therefore prior period comparatives reported under IAS 17 are not directly comparable.

The adoption of IFRS 16 for the year ended 30 September 2020 has resulted in a £28 million increase in the Group’s operating profit 
compared to the operating profit had the Group continued to apply IAS 17. This increase is offset by additional finance costs of 
£36 million and £4 million lower gain on sale and closure of businesses, resulting in a net decrease in the Group’s profit before tax of 
£12 million.

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

There has been no overall cash flow impact arising from the application of IFRS 16. Lease payments are now presented as financing cash 
flows, representing payments of principal, and as operating cash flows, representing payments of interest. Variable lease payments that 
do not depend on an index or rate are not included in the lease liability and continue to be presented as operating cash flows. In prior 
years, operating lease payments were presented within cash flows from operating activities. This change in presentation has resulted in a 
£151 million increase in net cash from operating activities (excluding £1 million in relation to repayments of obligations under finance 
leases which existed before the transition to IFRS 16), offset by a decline in net cash from financing activities for the same amount.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  195 

Consolidated  Financial Statements 
NOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

1  IMPACT OF THE ADOPTION OF IFRS 16 ‘LEASES’ (CONTINUED)

UNDERLYING AND OTHER ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Underlying and other alternative performance measures have been amended, where necessary, to reflect the adoption of IFRS 16. The 
impact of IFRS 16 on the Group’s alternative performance measures includes the following:

•  underlying operating profit has increased by £28 million, including £18 million in North America, £6 million in Europe and £4 million in 

Rest of World

•  underlying basic earnings per share has decreased by 0.5 pence, reflecting higher finance costs on lease liabilities of £36 million offset 

by the increase in underlying operating profit

•  the net debt definition has been updated to include the additional lease liabilities resulting from IFRS 16. As a result, net debt as  

at 30 September 2020 has increased by £939 million (excluding £3 million in relation to finance lease liabilities which existed before 
the transition to IFRS 16)

•  free cash flow has been redefined to include the payment of lease principal amounts, which were excluded from free cash flow in the 

prior year

To provide a meaningful comparison with prior year which is reported under IAS 17 ‘Leases’ the underlying operating profit and growth 
rates for the year ended 30 September 2020 have therefore also been presented in accordance with IAS 17 as shown in note 35.

2 SEGMENTAL REPORTING

The management of the Group’s operations, excluding Central activities, is organised within three segments: North America, Europe and 
our Rest of World markets. The following table presents Group revenues disaggregated by geographical segment and sector:

REVENUE1
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020
Business & Industry
Education
Healthcare & Seniors
Sports & Leisure
Defence, Offshore & Remote
Combined sales of Group and share of equity accounted joint ventures2,3
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 20194
Business & Industry
Education
Healthcare & Seniors
Sports & Leisure
Defence, Offshore & Remote
Combined sales of Group and share of equity accounted joint ventures2,3

Geographical segments

North America 
£m

Europe  
£m

Rest of World  
£m

Total  
£m

3,901
2,819
4,536
1,272
218
12,746

5,077
3,495
4,422
2,454
246
15,694

2,559
609
922
393
565
5,048

3,383
838
976
589
605
6,391

921
116
394
69
904
2,404

1,211
191
448
283
934
3,067

7,381
3,544
5,852
1,734
1,687
20,198

9,671
4,524
5,846
3,326
1,785
25,152

1.  There is no inter-segmental trading.
2.  This is the underlying revenue measure considered by the chief operating decision maker.
3.  Underlying revenue from external customers arising in the UK, the Group’s country of domicile, was £1,520 million (2019: £2,143 million). Underlying revenue 

from external customers arising in the US region was £12,005 million (2019: £14,747 million). Underlying revenue from external customers arising in all countries 
outside the UK from which the Group derives revenue was £18,678 million (2019: £23,009 million).

4.  The revenue relating to the Group’s geographical segments of Europe and Rest of World has been reclassified to reflect a change in the way those segments are 

managed by the chief operating decision maker: Turkey and Middle East are now part of the Europe segment. Revenue of £537 million has been reclassified from 
Rest of World to Europe for the year ended 30 September 2019. 

196  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2  SEGMENTAL REPORTING (CONTINUED)

OPERATING PROFIT
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020
Underlying operating profit/(loss) before joint ventures and 
associates
Add: share of profit before tax of joint ventures
Regional underlying operating profit/(loss)1
Add: share of (loss)/profit of associates
Group underlying operating profit1
Less: acquisition related costs
Less: cost action programme and COVID-19 resizing costs
Total operating profit/(loss)
Net gain on sale and closure of businesses
Finance income
Finance costs
Other financing items loss
Profit before tax
Income tax expense
Profit for the year

OPERATING PROFIT
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 20192,3
Underlying operating profit before joint ventures and associates
Add: share of profit before tax of joint ventures
Regional underlying operating profit1
Add: share of profit of associates
Group underlying operating profit1
Less: acquisition related costs
Less: one-off pension charge
Less: cost action programme and COVID-19 resizing costs
Total operating profit
Net loss on sale and closure of businesses
Finance income
Finance costs
Other financing items loss
Profit before tax
Income tax expense
Profit for the year

Geographical segments

North America  
£m

Europe  
£m

Rest of World  
£m

Central
activities 
£m

605
1
606
(28)
578
(42)
(48)
488

(57)
28
(29)
5
(24)
(19)
(122)
(165)

94
–
94
(2)
92
(2)
(24)
66

(85)
–
(85)
–
(85)
(7)
(3)
(95)

Geographical segments

North America  
£m

Europe  
£m

Rest of World  
£m

Central
activities 
£m

1,289
1
1,290
10
1,300
(32)
–
–
1,268

389
32
421
9
430
(17)
(12)
(141)
260

228
4
232
–
232
(2)
–
(45)
185

(80)
–
(80)
–
(80)
(3)
–
(4)
(87)

Total  
£m

557
29
586
(25)
561
(70)
(197)
294
59
10
(144)
(9)
210
(75)
135

Total  
£m

1,826
37
1,863
19
1,882
(54)
(12)
(190)
1,626
(7)
12
(122)
(15)
1,494
(351)
1,143

1.  Underlying operating profit is the profit measure considered by the chief operating decision maker.
2.  The underlying operating profit relating to the Group’s geographical segments of Europe and Rest of World has been reclassified to reflect a change in the way 

those segments are managed by the chief operating decision maker: Turkey and Middle East are now part of the Europe segment. Regional underlying operating 
profit of £53 million has been reclassified from Rest of World to Europe for the year ended 30 September 2019.

3.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as required by IFRS 5 ‘Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations’ to account for joint ventures and 

associates using the equity method retrospectively when they cease to be classified as held for sale. Additional information is included in note 14.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  197 

Consolidated  Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

2  SEGMENTAL REPORTING (CONTINUED)

Geographical segments

BALANCE SHEET
AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2020
Total assets
Total liabilities 
Net assets/(liabilities)
Total assets include:
Interests in associates and joint ventures
Non-current assets1
AT 30 SEPTEMBER 20192,3
Total assets
Total liabilities
Net assets/(liabilities)
Total assets include:
Interests in associates and joint ventures
Non-current assets1

North America  
£m

Europe  
£m

Rest of World  

£m  

Central activities  
£m

6,775
(2,535)
4,240

4,416
(1,441)
2,975

1,012  
(599)  
413  

124
5,482

167
3,520

54  
586  

7,192
(3,282)
3,910

126
5,253

3,735
(1,562)
2,173

179 
2,654

1,116  
(663)  
453  

1  
569  

548
(266)
282

–
521

523
(203)
320

–
500

Unallocated

Current and 
deferred tax  
£m

257 
(348)
(91)

–
146

164
(361)
(197)

–
76

Net debt 
£m

Total  
£m

1,726
(4,732)
(3,006)

14,734
(9,921)
4,813

–
237

345
10,492

605
(3,877)
(3,272)

13,335
(9,948)
3,387

–
207

306 
9,259

1.  Non-current assets located in the UK, the Group’s country of domicile, were £1,951 million (2019: £1,767 million). Non-current assets located in the US region 
were £5,103 million (2019: £4,889 million). Non-current assets located in all countries outside the UK in which the Group holds assets were £8,541 million  
(2019: £7,492 million).

2.  Total assets of £204 million, total liabilities of £77 million and non-current assets of £121 million relating to the Group’s geographical segments of Europe and Rest 
of World have been reclassified to reflect a change in the way those segments are managed by the chief operating decision maker: Turkey and Middle East are now 
part of the Europe segment. As a result, total net assets of £127 million have been reclassified from Rest of World to Europe.

3.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as required by IFRS 5 ‘Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations’ to account for joint ventures and 

associates using the equity method retrospectively when they cease to be classified as held for sale. Additional information is included in note 14.

198  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2  SEGMENTAL REPORTING (CONTINUED)

YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020
Additions to other intangible assets
Additions to contract fulfilment assets
Additions to right of use assets
Additions to property, plant and equipment
Amortisation of other intangible assets1
Amortisation of contract fulfilment assets
Depreciation of right of use assets
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Impairment losses
Assets held for sale
Liabilities directly associated with assets held for sale
Total other non-cash income2
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 20193,4
Additions to other intangible assets
Additions to contract fulfilment assets
Additions to property, plant and equipment5
Amortisation of other intangible assets1
Amortisation of contract fulfilment assets
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Impairment losses
Assets held for sale
Liabilities directly associated with assets held for sale
Total other non-cash expenses2

Geographical segments

North America  
£m

Europe  
£m

Rest of World  
£m

Central activities  
£m

114
253
122
170
116
189
71
151
53
–
–
(2)

102
279
210
105
177
140
–
86
(12)
12

32
3
33
82
44
5
80
94
41
–
–
–

38
5
93
32
6
98
51
14 
(15)
6

12
16
8
32
10
1
12
41
–
13
(7)
–

11
2
47
12
1
43
3
35
(3)
3

16
–
–
1
2
–
1
1
–
–
–
–

29
–
2
1
–
1
–
–
–
6

Total  
£m

174
272
163
285
172
195
164
287
94
13
(7)
(2)

180
286
352
150
184
282
54
135
(30)
27

Including the amortisation of intangibles arising on acquisition.

1. 
2.  Other non-cash income/expenses are mainly comprised of share-based payments.
3.  Additions and depreciation charge to property, plant and equipment relating to the Group’s geographical segments of Europe and Rest of World have been 

reclassified to reflect a change in the way those segments are managed by the chief operating decision maker: Turkey and Middle East are now part of the Europe 
segment. As a result, additions to property, plant and equipment of £8 million and depreciation charge of £5 million have been reclassified from Rest of World to 
Europe. 

4.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as required by IFRS 5 ‘Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations’ to account for joint ventures and 

associates using the equity method retrospectively when they cease to be classified as held for sale. Additional information is included in note 14.

5.  Additions for the year ended 30 September 2019 includes £1 million in respect of leased assets. Following the adoption of IFRS 16 on 1 October 2019 additions to 

leased assets are presented as additions to right of use assets. Additional information is included in note 1.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  199 

Consolidated  Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

3  OPERATING COSTS

OPERATING COSTS
Cost of food and materials
Cost of inventories consumed
Labour costs
Employee remuneration
Overheads
Commissions and fees paid to clients1
Depreciation of right of use assets1
Depreciation – owned property, plant and equipment
Depreciation – leased property, plant and equipment1
Amortisation – owned intangible assets
Amortisation – contract fulfilment assets
Impairment losses – contract related non-current assets2
Impairment losses – other
Cost action programme charge2
COVID-19 resizing costs
Impairment of trade and other receivables 
Property lease rentals1
Other occupancy rentals – minimum guaranteed rent1
Other occupancy rentals – rent in excess of minimum guaranteed rent1
Other asset rentals1
Expense relating to short term leases, low value assets and variable lease payments1
Audit and non-audit services (see below)
Other expenses 
Operating costs before costs relating to acquisitions
Amortisation – intangible assets arising on acquisition
Acquisition transaction costs
Adjustment to contingent consideration on acquisition
Total

Notes 

2020  
£m

2019  
£m

5,388

7,091

4

9,975

11,370

12
13

10
11

16 

12

10 
26 

461
164
287
–
93
195
88
4
75
122
109 
–
–
–
–
105
6
2,508
19,580
79
16
(25)
19,650

1,020
–
280
2
88
184
–
–
190
–
33 
91
71
12
98
–
6
2,718
23,254
62
8
(16)
23,308

1.  The Group has adopted IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective approach to transition and has accordingly not restated prior year comparatives, therefore the 
results for the year ended 30 September 2020 prepared on an IFRS 16 basis are not directly comparable with those reported in the prior year under IAS 17 
‘Leases’. Additional information about the impact of IFRS 16 is included in note 1.

2.  Cost action programme charge includes impairment losses of £2 million (2019: £54 million).

COST ACTION PROGRAMME

The cost action programme, which was announced in November 2019, includes a series of actions aimed to manage the Group’s cost 
base in light of the deteriorating economic outlook, volume weakness and decline in consumer spending observed at that time. Charges 
have continued to be incurred in the current year where the cost actions of the original plan had not been fully implemented in the prior 
year.

The Group’s consolidated income statement includes a cost action programme charge of £75 million (2019: £190 million). The cost 
action programme charge in the current year mainly relates to redundancy costs while the 2019 charge includes £120 million in respect 
of losses on onerous contracts and impairment of non-current assets.

A total of £66 million (2019: £29 million) has been paid during the year in relation to this programme. Provisions under this programme 
are described further in note 22.

200  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3  OPERATING COSTS (CONTINUED)

COVID-19 RESIZING COSTS

Given the trading backdrop from the impact of COVID-19, the Group is taking prompt actions to ensure there is a right sized labour model 
for the future and has incurred £122 million of costs. The programme will continue into 2021.

A total of £42 million (2019: £nil) has been paid during the year in relation to this programme. Provisions under this programme are 
described further in note 22.

IMPAIRMENT LOSSES

The Group has tested for impairment all of its contract related non-current assets (contract fulfilment assets and contract costs, right of 
use assets, property, plant and equipment and intangible assets) where there are indicators of impairment. Impairment indicators were 
considered to be present when client contracts had low profitability or were loss making due to a reduction in volumes as a result of 
COVID-19. In these instances, management has estimated the recoverable value of these assets and compared it to their carrying value 
in order to estimate any impairment to be recorded. As a result, the Group recorded impairment charges of £88 million.

Management has considered the impact of reasonable changes in assumptions used, including a further sustained impact of COVID-19 
and a slower recovery than forecast. The Group’s client base spreads across numerous countries and sectors comprising a large portfolio 
of client contracts individually of relative low value. As a result, a reasonable change in assumptions would not lead to a material change 
in the next 12 months to the impairment charge recorded.

Prior year contract related non-current asset impairment charges were included within the overall cost action programme charge, these 
costs were excluded from the Group’s underlying results as they related to contracts that were being restructured and the overall effect of 
these charges would have been distortive to margins both at Group and regional level. The Group’s measure of underlying performance 
identified the cost action programme as a specific adjusting item.

In the current year, given the pervasive impact that COVID-19 has had on the Group’s business, the Group has considered that separating 
contract related non-current asset impairments and onerous contract provisions from the Group’s underlying performance would be 
inappropriate as the Group’s overall profitability has been materially impacted by COVID-19 and these charges are the direct 
consequences of lower volumes arising from COVID-19.

GOVERNMENT GRANTS AND OTHER COVID-19 ASSISTANCE

The Group has accessed various government support schemes aimed at mitigating the potential impact on individuals’ job losses 
resulting from the impact of COVID-19. The most significant amounts received by the Group include the following:

•  £437 million in relation to government support under temporary wage support schemes available in different countries. The Group 
does not have any unfulfilled obligations relating to these support programmes. This amount has been offset against employee 
remuneration costs

•  VAT deferral of approximately £97 million under various government VAT deferral schemes
•  agreement of payment plans with tax authorities to defer payments of PAYE/NI resulting in £137 million payment deferrals across 

the Group

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  201 

Consolidated  Financial StatementsNOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

3  OPERATING COSTS (CONTINUED)

AUDIT AND NON-AUDIT SERVICES
AUDIT SERVICES
Fees payable for the audit of the Company and consolidated financial statements
Fees payable for the audit of the Company’s subsidiaries and joint ventures
Total audit fees
NON-AUDIT SERVICES
Audit related assurance
Total non-audit fees
TOTAL AUDIT AND NON-AUDIT SERVICES
Total audit and non-audit services

4  EMPLOYEES

2020  
£m

2019  
£m

1.2
4.8
6.0

0.3
0.3

6.3

0.9
5.2
6.1

0.4
0.4

6.5

AVERAGE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING DIRECTORS AND PART-TIME EMPLOYEES
North America
Europe
Rest of World
Total

2020
270,168
174,085
103,890
548,143

20191
288,133
184,187
124,132
596,452

1.  The number of employees has been reclassified to reflect a change in the way geographical segments are managed by the chief operating decision maker: Turkey 

is now part of the Europe segment.

AGGREGATE REMUNERATION OF ALL EMPLOYEES INCLUDING DIRECTORS
Wages and salaries 
Social security costs 
Share-based payments
Pension costs – defined contribution plans
Pension costs – defined benefit plans
Total

2020  
£m
8,233
1,605
(2)
118
21
9,975

2019  
£m
9,637
1,547
27
126
33
11,370

In addition to the pension cost shown in operating costs above, there is a pensions related net credit to finance income of £2 million 
(2019: £3 million credit).

The remuneration of directors and key management personnel1 is set out below. Additional information on directors’ and key 
management remuneration, long term incentive plans, pension contributions and entitlements can be found in the audited section of the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 122 to 153 and forms part of these accounts.

REMUNERATION OF KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL1
Salaries 
Other short term employee remuneration
Share-based payments 
Pension salary supplement
Total

2020  
£m
6.2 
0.9 
(1.0)
1.2 
7.3 

2019  
£m
7.3
6.3
4.6
1.3
19.5

1.  Key management personnel is defined as the Board of Directors and the individuals who made up the Executive Committee from time to time during the year, more 

details of which can be found on pages 22 to 25.

202  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5  FINANCE INCOME, COSTS AND OTHER FINANCING ITEMS

Finance income and costs are recognised in the consolidated income statement in the year in which they are earned or incurred.

FINANCE INCOME AND COSTS
FINANCE INCOME
Bank interest
Interest on net post employment benefit assets (note 23)
Other finance income
Total finance income
FINANCE COSTS
Interest on bank loans and overdrafts 
Interest on other loans
Interest on lease liabilities1
Interest on bank loans, overdrafts, other loans and lease liabilities1
Unwinding of discount on provisions
Total finance costs
ANALYSIS OF FINANCE COSTS BY DEFINED IFRS 92 CATEGORY
Fair value through profit or loss (unhedged derivatives)
Derivatives in a fair value hedge relationship
Derivatives in a net investment hedge relationship
Other financial liabilities
Interest on bank loans, overdrafts, other loans and lease liabilities1
Fair value through profit or loss (unwinding of discount on provisions)
Total finance costs

1.  Comparative figures include interest on finance leases recognised under IAS 17.
2. 

IFRS 9 ‘Financial instruments’.

2020  
£m

2019  
£m

5
2
3
10

4
101
36
141
3
144

6
(19)
–
154
141
3
144

7
3
2
12

13
101
–
114
8
122

(4)
(11)
3
126
114
8
122

The Group uses derivative financial instruments such as forward currency contracts, cross currency swaps and interest rate swaps to 
hedge the risks associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. As explained in section Q of the Group’s 
accounting policies, such derivative financial instruments are initially measured at fair value on the contract date, and are remeasured to 
fair value at subsequent reporting dates. For derivative financial instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting, any gains or losses 
arising from changes in fair value are taken directly to the consolidated income statement in the period.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

All derivative financial instruments are shown at fair value in the consolidated balance sheet. All the derivatives held by the Group at fair 
value are considered to have fair values determined by Level 2 inputs as defined by the fair value hierarchy of IFRS 13 ‘Fair value 
measurement’. The fair values of derivative financial instruments represent the maximum credit exposure.

OTHER FINANCING RELATED LOSSES/(GAINS)
HEDGE ACCOUNTING
Net losses on unhedged derivative financial instruments1
Net losses/(gains) on derivative financial instruments in a designated fair value hedge2
Net losses on the hedged item in a designated fair value hedge
Total hedge accounting
CHANGE IN THE FAIR VALUE OF INVESTMENTS
Gain from the changes in the fair value of investments1,3
Total financing related losses

2020  
£m

5
9
–
14

(5)
9

2019  
£m

19
(159)
159
19

(4)
15

1.  Categorised as ‘fair value through profit or loss’ (IFRS 9).
2.  Categorised as derivatives that are designated and effective as hedging instruments carried at fair value (IFRS 9).
3.  Life insurance policies used by overseas companies to meet the cost of unfunded post employment benefit obligations included in note 23.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  203 

Consolidated  Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

6  TAX
RECOGNISED IN THE CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT:  
INCOME TAX EXPENSE 
CURRENT TAX
Current year
Adjustment in respect of prior years
Current tax expense
DEFERRED TAX
Current year 
Impact of changes in statutory tax rates
Adjustment in respect of prior years
Deferred tax expense
TOTAL INCOME TAX
Income tax expense 

2020  
£m

232
(38)
194

(124)
(3)
8 
(119)

2019  
£m

387
(29)
358

(8)
(1)
2
(7)

75

351

The income tax expense for the year is based on the effective UK statutory rate of corporation tax for the period of 19.0% (2019: 19.0%). 
Overseas tax is calculated at the rates prevailing in the respective jurisdictions.

The increasingly complex international corporate tax environment and an increase in audit activity from tax authorities means that the 
potential for tax uncertainties has increased. The Group is currently subject to a number of reviews and audits in jurisdictions around the 
world that primarily relate to complex corporate tax issues. None of these audits is currently expected to have a material impact on the 
Group’s financial position.

The income tax effects of the adjustments between statutory and underlying results are shown in note 34. There is no difference between 
the statutory and underlying cash tax paid of £268 million (2019: statutory and underlying £354 million).

RECONCILIATION OF EFFECTIVE TAX RATE
Profit before tax
Notional income tax expense at the effective UK statutory rate of 19.0% (2019: 19.0%) on profit before tax
Effect of different tax rates of subsidiaries operating in other jurisdictions
Impact of changes in statutory tax rates
Permanent differences
Impact of share-based payments
Tax on profit of associates and equity accounted joint ventures
Losses and other temporary differences not previously recognised
Unrelieved current year tax losses 
Prior year items
Income tax expense

2020  
£m
210
40
35 
(3)
22
3
(1)
2
7 
(30)
75

20191  
£m
1,494
284
112
(1)
(18)
–
(5)
–
6
(27)
351

1.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as required by IFRS 5 ‘Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations’ to account for joint ventures and 

associates using the equity method retrospectively when they cease to be classified as held for sale. Additional information is included in note 14.

Permanent differences includes the current year movement in our estimated liability for uncertain tax positions, the benefit of tax credits 
and incentives and internal financing that is in place to ensure the Group’s overseas businesses are appropriately capitalised. Prior year 
items relate to the reassessment of prior year tax estimates and the resolution of open items.

204  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
6  TAX (CONTINUED)

The global nature of the Group’s operations give rise to several factors which could affect the future tax rate. These include the mix of 
profits, changes to statutory tax rates or tax legislation and the foreign exchange rates applicable when those profits are translated into 
sterling. In addition, the future tax charge may be affected by the impact of acquisitions, disposals or other restructurings and the 
resolution of open issues with tax authorities.

Tax uncertainties and associated risks are increasing for all multi-national groups as a consequence of changes to local and international 
tax rules. Tax risk can arise from unclear regulations and differences in interpretation, but most significantly where tax authorities apply 
diverging standards in assessing intra-group cross-border transactions. The Group has recognised potential liabilities in respect of 
uncertain tax positions as described in section B of the Group accounting policies, none of which is individually material. In determining 
such liabilities, having regard to the specific circumstances of each tax position and external advice where appropriate, the Group 
assesses the range of potential outcomes and estimates whether additional tax may be due. The Group does not currently anticipate any 
material changes to the amounts recorded at 30 September 2020 (see also note 29).

TAX CHARGED TO OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Current and deferred tax charge on actuarial and other movements on post employment benefits
Current and deferred tax charge on foreign exchange movements
Total tax charges on items recognised in other comprehensive income

TAX CHARGE/(CREDIT) TO EQUITY
Current and deferred tax charge/(credit) in respect of share-based payments
Total tax charge/(credit) on items recognised in equity

2020  
£m
4
2
6

2020  
£m
2
2

MOVEMENT IN NET DEFERRED TAX ASSET/(LIABILITY)
At 1 October 2018
(Charge)/credit to income
(Charge)/credit to equity/other comprehensive income
Business acquisitions
Reclassification between categories
Other movements
Exchange adjustment
At 30 September 2019
Credit/(charge) to income
Charge to equity/other comprehensive income
Business acquisitions 
Other movements
Exchange adjustment
At 30 September 2020

Intangibles 
and contract 
fulfilment 
assets 
£m
(289)
(6)
–
(24)
2
(1)
(14)
(332)
(26) 
– 
(54) 
(2) 
18 
(396)

Net pensions 
and post 
employment 
benefits 
£m
85
13
(10)
–
–
–
8
96
10 
(4) 
– 
– 
(8) 
94 

Tax  
depreciation 
£m
(50)
(30)
–
(1)
–
–
(5)
(86)
6 
– 
– 
– 
5 
(75) 

Tax losses 
£m
17
(1)
–
–
–
–
–
16
44 
– 
– 
– 
1 
61 

Net 
self-funded 
insurance 
provisions 
£m
60
4
–
–
–
–
3
67
12 
– 
– 
– 
(3) 
76 

Net short term 
temporary 
differences 
£m
169
27
1
(2)
–
–
6
201
73 
(4) 
– 
6 
(10) 
266 

Net short term temporary differences relate principally to accruals and other liabilities and provisions of overseas subsidiaries.

2019  
£m
10
2
12

2019  
£m
(4)
(4)

Total 
£m
(8)
7
(9)
(27)
2
(1)
(2)
(38)
119 
(8) 
(54) 
4 
3 
26 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  205 

Consolidated  Financial StatementsNOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

6  TAX (CONTINUED)

After netting off balances within countries, the following are the deferred tax assets and liabilities recognised in the consolidated 
balance sheet:

NET DEFERRED TAX BALANCE
Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax asset/(liability)

2020  
£m
146 
(120)
26 

2019  
£m
76
(114)
(38)

Most of the Group’s tax losses and other temporary differences recognised as deferred tax assets do not have an expiry date. The 
recognition of net deferred tax asset is based on the most recent financial budgets and forecasts approved by management. 

Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of tax losses of £263 million (2019: £232 million) and other temporary 
differences of £28 million (2019: £24 million). Of the unrecognised tax losses, £236 million (2019: £212 million) will expire at various 
dates between 2021 and 2028. These deferred tax assets have not been recognised as the timing of recovery is uncertain. The Group 
does not recognise any deferred tax liability on temporary differences relating to potentially taxable unremitted earnings of overseas 
subsidiaries totalling £501 million (2019: £474 million) because it is able to control the timing of reversal of these differences. It is 
probable that no reversal will take place in the foreseeable future.

7  EARNINGS PER SHARE

The calculation of earnings per share is based on earnings after tax and the weighted average number of shares in issue during the 
period. The underlying earnings per share figures have been calculated based on earnings excluding the effect of acquisition related 
costs, one-off pension charge, cost action programme charge and COVID-19 resizing costs, gains and losses on sale and closure of 
businesses, hedge accounting ineffectiveness, change in fair value of investments and the tax attributable to these amounts. These items 
are excluded in order to show the underlying trading performance of the Group.

ATTRIBUTABLE PROFIT
Profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders of the Company
Adjustments stated net of tax
Acquisition related costs
One-off pension charge
Cost action programme and COVID-19 resizing costs
Net (gain)/loss on sale and closure of businesses 
Other financing items including hedge accounting ineffectiveness and change in the fair value of 
investments 
Underlying profit for the year from operations

2020 
Attributable  
profit 
£m
133

20191 
Attributable  
profit 
£m
1,135

50
–
147
(28)

7
309

41
10
149
4

12
1,351

1.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as required by IFRS 5 ‘Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations’ to account for joint ventures and 

associates using the equity method retrospectively when they cease to be classified as held for sale. Additional information is included in note 14.

AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES 
Average number of shares for basic earnings per share
Dilutive share options
Average number of shares for diluted earnings per share

2020  
Ordinary  
shares of  
111⁄20p each 
millions
1,658
1
1,659

2019  
Ordinary  
shares of  
111⁄20p each 
millions
1,586
1
1,587

206  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
7  EARNINGS PER SHARE (CONTINUED)

EARNINGS PER SHARE
From operations 
Adjustments stated net of tax
Acquisition related costs
One-off pension charge
Cost action programme and COVID-19 resizing costs
Net (gain)/loss on sale and closure of businesses 
Other financing items including hedge accounting ineffectiveness 
and change in the fair value of investments 
From underlying operations

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

2020  
Earnings per share 
pence
8.0

3.0
–
8.9
(1.7)

0.4
18.6

20191 
Earnings per share 

pence  
71.6  

2.6  
0.6  
9.4  
0.2  

0.8  
85.2  

2020  
Earnings per share 
pence
8.0

20191  
Earnings per share 
pence
71.5

3.0
–
8.9
(1.7)

0.4
18.6

2.6
0.6
9.4
0.2

0.8
85.1

1.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as required by IFRS 5 ‘Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations’ to account for joint ventures and 

associates using the equity method retrospectively when they cease to be classified as held for sale. Additional information is included in note 14.

8  DIVIDENDS

The Company announced on 23 April 2020 that the Board had decided not to pay an interim dividend (2019: 13.1 pence per share) or to 
recommend the payment of a final dividend (2019: 26.9 pence per share) in respect of the year ended 30 September 2020.

DIVIDENDS ON ORDINARY SHARES
Amounts recognised as distributions to equity shareholders during the year
Final 2018
Interim 2019
Final 2019
Total dividends

2020

2019

Dividends per share 
pence

Dividends per share 
pence

£m  

–
–
26.9
26.9

–  
–  
427  
427  

25.4
13.1
–
38.5

£m

403
208
–
611

The Board recognises the importance of dividends to the Company’s shareholders and will keep future dividends under review and will 
restart payments when it is appropriate to do so.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  207 

Consolidated  Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

9 GOODWILL

During the year the Group made a number of acquisitions. See note 26 for more details.

GOODWILL
COST
At 1 October
Additions 
Reclassification to assets held for sale
Disposals
Currency adjustment
At 30 September
IMPAIRMENT
At 1 October
Currency adjustment
At 30 September
NET CARRYING AMOUNT
At 30 September

2020  
£m

2019  
£m

5,092
249
(23)
–
(129)
5,189

516
4
520

4,786
198
(25)
(13)
146
5,092

516
–
516

4,669

4,576

On 31 January 2020, the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Fazer Food Services, a leading food service business in the 
Nordic region with operations in Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark. The preliminary goodwill in relation to the assets acquired is 
£198 million, including £114 million in relation to Finland, please refer to note 26 for additional details.

GOODWILL BY BUSINESS SEGMENT
USA
Canada
Total North America
UK
Finland
Rest of Europe1
Total Europe 
Japan
Rest of Rest of World1
Total Rest of World
Total 

2020  
£m
2,071
184
2,255
1,456
125
543
2,124
127
163
290
4,669

2019  
£m
2,160
189
2,349
1,446
2
446
1,894
142
191
333
4,576

1.  Goodwill relating to the Group’s geographical segments of Europe and Rest of World has been reclassified to reflect a change in the way those segments are 

managed by the chief operating decision maker: Turkey is now part of the Europe segment. Goodwill of £47 million has been reclassified from Rest of World to 
Europe for the year ended 30 September 2019.

The Group tests goodwill annually for impairment, or more frequently if there are indications that goodwill might be impaired. The 
recoverable amount of a cash-generating unit (CGU) is determined from value in use calculations. The key assumptions for these 
calculations are externally derived long term growth rates, pre-tax discount rates and operating cash flow forecasts (revenue and 
operating margins) derived from the most recent financial budgets and forecasts approved by management covering a five year period. 
Budgets and forecasts are based on expectations of future outcomes taking into account past experience, adjusted for anticipated 
revenue growth, from both new business and like for like growth and taking into consideration external economic factors, including the 
impact of COVID-19. Cash flows beyond the five year period are extrapolated using estimated growth rates based on local expected 
economic conditions and do not exceed the long term average growth rate for that country. The pre-tax discount rates are based on the 
Group’s weighted average cost of capital adjusted for specific risks relating to the country in which the CGU operates.

208  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
9  GOODWILL (CONTINUED)

GROWTH AND DISCOUNT RATES
USA
Canada
UK
Finland
Rest of Europe1
Japan
Rest of World1

2020

2019

Pre-tax discount 

Residual growth 
rates
1.9%
1.8%
1.7%
1.6%

rates  
8.3%   
8.8%   
7.3%   
7.9%   
0.7%–10.6% 7.5%–25.8%   
9.8%   
1.1%–4.1% 7.3%–16.7%   

0.8%

Residual growth 
rates
1.9%
2.1%
2.0%
1.7%

Pre-tax discount 
rates
6.8%
7.3%
6.7%
6.5%
1.1%–9.6% 6.1%–19.8%
7.2%
0.9%–4.0% 5.6%–13.0%

1.2%

1.  Growth and discount rates relating to the Group’s geographical segments of Europe and Rest of World has been reclassified to reflect a change in the way those 
segments are managed by the chief operating decision maker: Turkey is now part of the Europe segment. Residual growth rates in Europe range from 0.7% to 
3.8%, with the exception to Turkey which has a 10.6% growth rate.

Although the impact of COVID-19 is not expected to significantly impact the long term prospects of the different CGUs within the 
business, the size of the short term shock of the pandemic combined with higher discount rates and lower long term growth rates due to 
continued global economic uncertainty have reduced the level of headroom in certain CGUs in comparison to prior year. The Group has 
performed a sensitivity analysis based on changes in key assumptions considered to be reasonably possible by management leaving all 
other assumptions unchanged. Sensitivity analysis for the year ended 30 September 2020 has identified the UK CGU as being sensitive 
to reasonably possible changes in key assumptions. The Group has also considered the instability caused by the UK’s decision to exit the 
European Union (Brexit) when assessing the future performance of the UK business. The UK goodwill principally relates to the Granada 
transaction in 2001. The estimated recoverable amount of the Group’s operations in the UK exceed its carrying value by £285 million. 

The associated impact of changes in key assumptions on the impairment assessment is presented in the table below. The sensitivity 
analysis presented is prepared on the basis that a change in each key assumption would not have a consequential impact on other 
assumptions used in the impairment review.

DECREASE IN RECOVERABLE AMOUNT LESS CARRYING VALUE
Increase in pre-tax discount rate by 0.1%
Decrease in projected operating profit by 3%
Decrease in the long term growth rate by 0.1%

UK  
£m
(51)
(77)
(44)

In order for the recoverable amount to be equal to the carrying value, the discount rate would have to be increased by 0.6% or operating 
cash flow decreased by 11% or the long term growth rate decreased to 1%. The directors consider that changes in key assumptions of 
this magnitude are reasonably possible in the current environment.

Other than as disclosed above, the directors do not consider that any reasonably possible changes in the key assumptions would cause 
the value in use of the net operating assets of the individually significant CGUs disclosed above to fall below their carrying values.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  209 

Consolidated  Financial Statements 
 
NOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

10  OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
COST
At 1 October 2018
Additions 
Disposals
Business acquisitions
Sale and closure of businesses
Reclassified
Reclassification to assets held for sale 
Currency adjustment 
At 30 September 2019
Additions 
Disposals
Business acquisitions
Sale and closure of businesses
Reclassified
Reclassification from assets held for sale 
Currency adjustment 
At 30 September 2020
AMORTISATION
At 1 October
Charge for the year 
Impairment3
Disposals 
Sale and closure of businesses
Reclassified
Reclassification to assets held for sale 
Currency adjustment 
At 30 September 2019
Charge for the year 
Impairment3
Disposals 
Sale and closure of businesses
Reclassified
Reclassification from assets held for sale 
Currency adjustment 
At 30 September 2020
NET BOOK VALUE
At 30 September 2019
At 30 September 2020

  Client contract and other intangibles

Computer 
software  
£m

Arising on
acquisition1
£m

325
77
(7)
2
(1)
(1)
(1)
9
403
75
(17)
–
–
2
–
(12)
451

209
34
–
(5)
–
1
–
5
244
35
10 
(8)
–
–
–
(5)
276

159
175

922
1
–
266
(6)
(3)
(8)
54
1,226
–
–
302
–
(1)
7
(40)
1,494

209
62
–
–
(3)
(2)
(3)
10
273
79
–
–
–
–
3
(17)
338

953
1,156

Other2
£m

456
102
(19)
–
–
(7)
–
21
553
99 
(15)
2
(1)
5
8
(22)
629

180
54
18
(17)
–
(3)
–
7
239
58
2 
(10)
(1)
(2)
5
(9)
282

314
347

Total  
£m

1,703
180
(26)
268
(7)
(11)
(9)
84
2,182
174
(32)
304
(1)
6
15
(74)
2,574

598
150
18
(22)
(3)
(4)
(3)
22
756
172
12
(18)
(1)
(2)
8
(31)
896

1,426
1,678

1.  The intangible assets arising on acquisition are mainly client contract related.
2.  Client contract related intangible assets, other than those arising on acquisition, arise from payments made to clients to obtain the right to generate significant 

consumer revenue.

3.  Additional information is included in note 3.

210  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
11  CONTRACT BALANCES

The following table provides information about contract costs, contract assets and liabilities from contracts with customers and other 
contract related balances.

CONTRACT BALANCES
CONTRACT COSTS
Contract fulfilment assets
Costs to obtain contracts
Contract fulfilment assets and contract costs
CONTRACT ASSETS
Accrued income
CONTRACT LIABILITIES
Deferred income
OTHER CONTRACT BALANCES
Contract prepayments
Trade receivables
Net contract balances

Notes

2020  
£m

2019  
£m

919
53
972

238

934
42
976

272

(334)

(373)

93
1,610
2,579

84
2,211
3,170

16

21

16
16

The Group’s deferred and accrued income balances solely relate to revenue from contracts with customers. The timing of revenue 
recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. Accrued income typically arises where the timing of the related billing 
cycle occurs in a period after the performance obligation is satisfied and is recognised as a contract asset. Deferred income generally 
arises as a result of upfront payments under client contracts, including prepaid customer cards, and is recognised as contract liabilities, 
which are released over the term of the contract as revenue is recognised. Generally such contract liabilities are recognised as revenue 
within 12 months. Movements during the year were driven by transactions entered into by the Group within the normal course  
of business.

Contract fulfilment assets relate to contributions towards assets that the Group uses in the performance of its obligations in its contracts 
with clients.

CONTRACT FULFILMENT ASSETS
At 1 October
Additions
Derecognition
Amortisation charge for the year
Reclassified
Reclassification to assets held for sale
Impairment
Currency adjustment
At 30 September

IMPAIRMENT

2020  
£m
934
272
(24)
(195)
(3)
–
(23)
(42)
919

2019  
£m
803
286
(18)
(184)
(2)
1
–
48
934

Contract fulfilment assets and capitalised costs to obtain contracts are reviewed annually to identify indicators of impairment. When such 
indicators exist, the Group determines the recoverability by comparing their carrying amount to the remaining consideration that the 
Group expects to receive less the costs associated to providing services under the relevant contract. Management is required to make an 
assessment of the costs that relate to providing services under the relevant contract.

If any indicators of impairment are identified, judgement is applied to ascertain whether or not the future economic benefits from these 
contracts are sufficient to recover these assets.

Impairment losses of £23 million were recognised on contract fulfilment assets during the year (2019: £nil), reflecting reduced forecast 
revenue and profitability principally due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Further details of this are provided in note 3.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  211 

Consolidated  Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

12  LEASES

The Group’s lease portfolio consists of office premises, concession rentals and other assets such as catering equipment, vending 
machines and motor vehicles. Lease terms are negotiated on an individual basis and contain a broad range of terms and conditions.

Information regarding leases for which the Group is a lessee is presented below.

RIGHT OF USE ASSETS
At 1 October 2019
Additions
Lease amendments1
Depreciation expense
Impairment
Business acquisitions
Reclassified
Reclassification to assets held for sale
Currency adjustment
At 30 September 2020

Land and 
buildings 
£m
722
71
14
(108)
(16)
18
(1)
(80)
(13)
607

Plant and 
machinery 
£m
225
90
(3)
(52)
(7)
4
(3)
–
(8)
246

Fixtures and 
fittings 
£m
9
2
–
(4)
–
–
1
–
(1)
7

Total 
£m
956
163
11
(164)
(23)
22
(3)
(80)
(22)
860

1.  Lease amendments include lease terminations, modifications, reassessments and extensions to existing lease agreements.

Impairment losses of £23 million were recognised on right of use assets during the year (2019: £nil), reflecting reduced forecast cash flow 
assumptions principally due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Further details of this are provided in note 3.

A maturity analysis of contractual undiscounted cash flows relating to lease liabilities is presented below.

LEASE LIABILITIES MATURITY ANALYSIS
Less than 1 year
Between 1 and 5 years
Over 5 years
Total undiscounted lease liabilities
Impact of discounting
Lease liabilities included in the balance sheet
COMPRISED OF
Current
Non-current

2020  
£m
188
520
438
1,146
(204)
942

197
745

212  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
12  LEASES (CONTINUED)

AMOUNTS RECOGNISED IN THE CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
Leases of low value assets, excluding short term leases of low value assets
Short term leases
COVID-19 lease payment reductions
Variable lease payments
Depreciation expense of right of use assets
Impairment
Interest on lease liabilities
Total 

2020  
£m
27
67
(3)
14
164
23
36
328

The Group has renegotiated certain lease agreements with lessors as a consequence of COVID-19, resulting in reductions in lease 
payments and deferrals of rent. The Group has elected to apply the practical expedient introduced by the amendments to IFRS 16 to all 
rent concessions that satisfy its criteria, except for deferrals of lease payments with a corresponding increase to lease term which are 
treated as lease modifications. As a result, the Group has reduced its total lease liabilities by £3 million. The effect of this reduction has 
been recorded in the consolidated income statement.

The Group had total cash outflows for leases of £188 million, comprising £36 million of interest and £152 million of principal. The Group 
has various non cancellable lease contracts that have not yet commenced as at 30 September 2020. The future lease payments for these 
non cancellable lease contracts are £1 million within one year, £5 million within five years and £9 million thereafter.

Some lease agreements contain variable payments that are not linked to an index or rate but are rather based on performance of the 
underlying asset. The variable payments depend on sales and consequently on the overall economic development over the next few 
years. Variable payment terms are used to link rental payments to cash flows and reduce fixed cost.

The Group does not expect any significant changes in the overall ratio of the variable payments to the Group’s entire lease portfolio.

Extension and termination options are included within a number of lease agreements and provide the Group with operational flexibility. 
These options are assessed at contract commencement as to whether they are reasonably certain to be exercised and are reassessed if a 
significant event or significant change in circumstances occurs which is in the control of the Group.

The Group does not have any material arrangements where it acts a lessor.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  213 

Consolidated  Financial StatementsNOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

13  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
COST
At 1 October 2018
Additions1
Disposals
Sale and closure of businesses
Business acquisitions 
Reclassified
Reclassification to assets held for sale 
Currency adjustment 
At 30 September 2019
Transfers to right of use assets1 
Additions
Disposals
Sale and closure of businesses
Business acquisitions 
Reclassified
Reclassification from assets held for sale 
Currency adjustment 
At 30 September 2020
DEPRECIATION
At 1 October 2018
Charge for the year 
Impairment2
Disposals
Sale and closure of businesses
Reclassified 
Reclassification to assets held for sale 
Currency adjustment
At 30 September 2019
Charge for the year 
Impairment2
Disposals
Sale and closure of businesses
Reclassified 
Reclassification from assets held for sale 
Currency adjustment
At 30 September 2020
NET BOOK VALUE
At 30 September 2019
At 30 September 2020

Land and 
buildings  
£m

Plant and 
machinery  
£m

Fixtures and 
fittings  
£m

383
23
(28)
(3)
4
45
(15)
11
420
(3)
12
(36)
(2)
–
(2)
13
(12)
390

210
28
4
(27)
(1)
4
(10)
6
214
29
–
(29)
(1)
(1)
5
(3)
214

206
176

1,470
239
(124)
(13)
8
(3)
(5)
48
1,620
(1)
207
(132)
(4)
19
26
60
(63)
1,732

951
174
14
(105)
(13)
3
(1)
28
1,051
178
26
(110)
(2)
2
43
(39)
1,149

569
583

779
90
(46)
(1)
8
(12)
(6)
15
827
–
66
(55)
–
–
(24)
2
(26)
790

465
80
18
(41)
–
23
(5)
10
550
80
10
(48)
–
–
2
(15)
579

277
211

Total  
£m

2,632
352
(198)
(17)
20
30
(26)
74
2,867
(4)
285
(223)
(6)
19
–
75
(101)
2,912

1,626
282
36
(173)
(14)
30
(16)
44
1,815
287
36
(187)
(3)
1
50
(57)
1,942

1,052
970

1.  Leases previously classified as finance leases under IAS 17 are included within right of use assets following the implementation of IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ on 1 October 
2019, see note 1 for further information. Additions for the year ended 30 September 2019 include £1 million in respect of leased assets; following the adoption of 
IFRS 16 additions to leased assets are presented as additions to right of use assets. Carrying value of property, plant and equipment held under finance leases 
under IAS 17 as at 30 September 2019 has been reclassified to right of use assets following the adoption of IFRS 16.

2.  Additional information is included in note 3.

214  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
14  INTERESTS IN ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES

Significant interests in associates are:

ASSOCIATES
Twickenham Experience Limited2
Oval Events Limited3
AEG Venue Management Holdings, LLC4
Thompson Hospitality Services, LLC4
Highway Royal Co., Limited

England & Wales
England & Wales
USA
USA
Japan

2020
ownership1
16%
37.5%
38%
49%
50%

2019
ownership1
16%
37.5%
49%
49%
–

1.  % ownership is of the ordinary share capital.
2.  Financial statements applied using the equity method relate to the year ended 30 June, rolled forward to 30 September.
3.  Financial statements applied using the equity method relate to the year ended 30 January, rolled forward to 30 September.
4.  Financial statements applied using the equity method relate to the year ended 31 December of the prior year, rolled forward to 30 September.

In October 2019, the Group completed a non cash transaction to restructure its interest in AEG Facilities LLC. In this reorganisation both 
partners contributed their entire equity investments to a new company, AEG Venue Management Holdings, LLC, which was subsequently 
contributed to form a new global facility management and venue services company owned by AEG Venue Management Holdings, LLC 
and a new partner. As a result, the Group has replaced its 49% interest in AEG Facilities LLC for a 38% interest in AEG Venue 
Management Holdings, LLC.

During the year the Group has disposed of 50% of its Japanese Highways business and the remaining share is now accounted for as an 
associate. The carrying value of the 50% of this business that is still owned by the Group was recognised at fair value on disposal, 
resulting in £31 million difference between carrying value and fair value which has been included in ‘Net gain/(loss) on sale and closure of 
businesses’ in the Group’s consolidated income statement.

Significant interests in joint ventures are:

JOINT VENTURES
Quadrant Catering Ltd2
ADNH-Compass Middle East LLC

1.  % ownership is of the ordinary share capital.
2.  49% ownership entitles Compass Group to 50% of voting rights.

England & Wales
United Arab Emirates

2020
ownership1
49%
50%

2019
ownership1
49%
50%

The Group has previously classified some businesses in Rest of World region, including its interest in ADNH-Compass Middle East LLC,  
as held for sale at 30 September 2019 and discontinued equity accounting accordingly. In the current year, the sale process has been 
paused and the sale is no longer considered highly probable to be completed within 12 months after the balance sheet date. As a result, 
these businesses are not classified as held for sale as at 30 September 2020. Prior year comparatives have been restated as required  
by IFRS 5 ‘Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations’ to account for joint ventures and associates using the equity 
method retrospectively as they cease to be classified as held for sale. As a result, the Group has restated prior year comparatives  
as follows:

•  to reclassify the £55 million carrying value of interest in joint ventures and associates included within assets held for sale to the Group’s 

interest in joint ventures and associates

•  to recognise a £25 million share of profit of joint ventures and associates with the corresponding increase in the Group’s interest in joint 

ventures and associates. This change has not impacted the Group’s underlying results, which already included these profits

As a result, prior year interest in joint ventures and associates has increased to £306 million (£226 million previously reported), share of 
profit of joint ventures and associates has increased to £56 million (£31 million previously reported) and assets held for sale has 
decreased to £135 million (£190 million previously reported).

None of these investments are held directly by the ultimate Parent Company. All joint ventures provide food and/or support services in 
their respective countries of incorporation and make their accounts up to 30 September. All holdings are in the ordinary shares of the 
respective joint venture company.

These investments are structured through separate vehicles and the Group has a residual interest in their respective net assets. 
Accordingly, the Group has classified its interests as joint ventures which are equity accounted. The tables below reconcile the 
summarised financial information to the carrying amount of the Group’s interests in its associates and joint ventures.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  215 

Consolidated  Financial Statements 
 
NOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

14  INTERESTS IN ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES (CONTINUED)

INTERESTS IN ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES
NET BOOK VALUE
At 1 October
Additions
Business acquisitions
Interest in associate retained on disposal of subsidiary2
Impairment3
Sale and closure of businesses
Share of profits less losses (net of tax)
Gain on associate reorganisation4
Dividends received
Currency and other adjustments 
At 30 September 
COMPRISED OF
Interests in associates
Interests in joint ventures
Total

2020  
£m

306 
15
1
54
(8)
–
4
40
(61)
(6)
345

273
72
345

20191
£m

263
27
–
–
–
(1)
56 
–
(48)
9
306 

210
96 
306 

1.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as required by IFRS 5 ‘Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations’ to account for joint ventures and 
associates using the equity method retrospectively when they cease to be classified as held for sale. The impact of the restatement was to decrease assets held for 
sale by £55 million and increase interests in joint ventures and associates by £80 million as at 30 September 2019, and increase profit the year then ended by  
£25 million.

2.  This represents the remaining 50% share of the Group’s Japanese Highways business which is now accounted for as an associate.
3. 
4.  This represents the gain recognised on a non cash transaction to restructure the Group’s interest in AEG Facilities LLC, which resulted in the reduction of 

Impairment loss of £8 million as a result of changes in the long term outlook of a joint venture in the US region.

ownership from 49% to 38%.

The Group’s share of revenues and profits is included below:

ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES
SHARE OF REVENUE AND PROFITS
Revenue
Expenses/tax2
Profit after tax for the year 
SHARE OF NET ASSETS
Non-current assets
Current assets
Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities
Net assets
SHARE OF CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
Contingent liabilities

2020

20191

Associates  
£m

Joint ventures  
£m

Total  
£m  

Associates  
£m

Joint ventures
£m

127
(152)
(25)

440
79 
(168)
(78)
273

258
(229)
29

45
126
(16)
(83)
72

385  
(381)  
4  

485  
205  
(184)  
(161)  
345  

–

(21) 

(21)   

111
(92)
19

199
101 
(12)
(78)
210

–

274 
(237)
37 

44 
137 
(14)
(71)
96 

(29)

Total  
£m

385 
(329)
56 

243
238 
(26)
(149)
306 

(29)

1.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as required by IFRS 5 ‘Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations’ to account for joint ventures and 

associates using the equity method retrospectively when they cease to be classified as held for sale. 

2.  Expenses include the relevant portion of income tax recorded by associates and joint ventures.

216  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15  OTHER INVESTMENTS

OTHER INVESTMENTS
NET BOOK VALUE
At 1 October
Additions
Disposals
Changes in fair value
Currency and other adjustments
At 30 September
COMPRISED OF1
Other investments2
Life insurance policies and mutual fund investments3, 4
Total

2020  
£m

96
1
(16)
(4)
(2)
75

16
59
75

2019  
£m

73
13
(3)
8
5
96

22
74
96

1.  Other investments are Level 1 and the life insurance policies are Level 2 according the fair value hierarchies defined by IFRS 13 ‘Fair value measurements’.
2.  Categorised as ‘fair value through other comprehensive income’ financial assets (IFRS 9).
3.  Categorised as ‘fair value through profit or loss’ and ‘fair value through other comprehensive income’ financial assets respectively (IFRS 9).
4.  Life insurance policies used by overseas companies to meet the cost of unfunded post employment benefit obligations as set out in note 23.

16  TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
NET BOOK VALUE
At 1 October
Net movement
Currency adjustment
At 30 September
COMPRISED OF
Trade receivables 
Provision for impairment of trade receivables
Net trade receivables1
Other receivables2, 3
Provision for impairment of other receivables
Net other receivables 
Accrued income 
Prepayments
Amounts owed by associates, joint ventures and 
related parties1
Trade and other receivables

2020

2019

Current  
£m

Non-current  
£m

Total  
£m  

Current  
£m

Non-current  
£m

Total  
£m

3,051
(596)
(136)
2,319

1,747
(137)
1,610
382
(12)
370
238
101

–
2,319

96
6
(3)
99

–
–
–
115
(19)
96
–
3

–
99

3,147  
(590)  
(139)  
2,418  

1,747  
(137)  
1,610  
497  
(31)  
466  
238  
104  

–  
2,418  

2,852
112
87
3,051

2,283
(73)
2,210
449
(21)
428
272
138

3
3,051

105
(13)
4
96

1
–
1
116
(25)
91
–
4

–
96

2,957
99
91
3,147

2,284
(73)
2,211
565
(46)
519
272
142

3
3,147

1.  Categorised as ‘amortised cost’ financial assets (IFRS 9).
2. 
3. 

Includes net contract prepayments balance of £93 million (2019: £84 million).
Included within other receivables is £63 million of government grants receivable (2019: £nil). These relate to government support under temporary wage subsidy 
schemes available in different countries. The Group does not have any unfulfilled obligations relating to these support programmes.

The book value of trade and other receivables approximates to their fair value due to the short term nature of the majority of the receivables.

Credit sales are only made after credit approval procedures have been completed satisfactorily. The policy for making provisions for bad and 
doubtful debts varies from country to country as different countries and markets have different payment practices. Various factors are considered, 
including how overdue the debt is, the type of receivable and its past history, and current market and trading conditions, including increased 
expected credit losses as a result of COVID-19. Full provision is made for debts that are not considered to be recoverable.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  217 

Consolidated  Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

16  TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES (CONTINUED)

There is limited concentration of credit risk with respect to trade and other receivables due to the diverse and unrelated nature of the Group’s 
client and supplier base. Expected credit losses are measured using historical cash collection data grouped according to payment terms. The 
historical default rates are adjusted where macroeconomic factors are expected to have a significant impact when determining future expected 
credit loss rates. The expected credit loss provision is calculated using a provision matrix, in which the provision increases as balances age.

Trade and other receivables are written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovery and enforcement activity has ceased. An 
impairment analysis is performed at each reporting date to measure expected credit losses. Accordingly, the directors believe that there is no 
further credit provision required in excess of the provision for the impairment of receivables. The book value of trade and other receivables 
represents the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk.

Trade receivable days at 30 September 2020 were 35 days (2019: 37 days) on a constant currency basis.

The ageing of gross trade receivables and of the provision for impairment is as follows:

TRADE RECEIVABLES
Expected loss rate
Gross trade receivables
Provision for impairment of trade receivables
Net trade receivables

TRADE RECEIVABLES 
Expected loss rate
Gross trade receivables
Provision for impairment of trade receivables
Net trade receivables

Not yet due  
£m
4%
1,379
(61)
1,318

Not yet due  
£m
– 
1,695
(8)
1,687

0-3 months 
overdue  
£m
6%
281
(16)
265

0-3 months 
overdue  
£m
3% 
472
(12)
460

2020

3-6 months 
overdue  
£m
48%
33
(16)
17

2019

3-6 months 
overdue  
£m
25% 
55
(14)
41

6-12 months 
overdue  
£m
74%
23
(17)
6

Over 12 months 
overdue  
£m
87%
31
(27)
4

6-12 months 
overdue  
£m
32% 
22
(7)
15

Over 12 months 
overdue  
£m
80% 
40
(32)
8

Movements in the provision for impairment of trade and other receivables are as follows:

PROVISION FOR IMPAIRMENT OF 
TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
At 1 October
Charged to income statement
Credited to income statement
Utilised
Reclassification to assets held for sale
Reclassified
Currency adjustment
At 30 September

2020

2019

Trade  
£m
73
98
(4)
(27)
–
–
(3)
137

Other  
£m
46
11
(4)
(5)
–
(10)
(7)
31

Total  
£m  
119  
109  
(8)  
(32)  
–  
(10)  
(10)  
168  

Trade  
£m
81
23
(16)
(16)
(1)
–
2
73

Other  
£m
31
10
(4)
(3)
–
9
3
46

Total  
£m
8% 
1,747
(137)
1,610

Total  
£m
3% 
2,284
(73)
2,211

Total  
£m
112
33
(20)
(19)
(1)
9
5
119

At 30 September 2020, trade receivables of £292 million (2019: £524 million) were past due but not impaired. The Group has made a 
provision based on a number of factors, including past history of the debtor and the expected credit loss, and all amounts not provided for 
are considered to be recoverable. Due to the global financial uncertainty arising from COVID-19, management have reassessed and 
increased the expected loss rates for trade and other receivables. This increase reflects the greater likelihood of credit default by the 
Group’s debtors in the next 12 months due to the impact of COVID-19.

Management has considered the impact of reasonable changes in the expected credit loss rates used in the estimates made and do not 
consider that a reasonable change would lead to a material adjustment to the estimate in the next 12 months.

218  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
17  INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES
NET BOOK VALUE
At 1 October
Business acquisitions
Net movement
Currency adjustment
At 30 September

18  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash at bank and in hand
Short term bank deposits
Cash and cash equivalents1

1.  Categorised as ‘amortised cost’ financial assets (IFRS 9).

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS BY CURRENCY
Sterling
US Dollar
Euro
Japanese Yen
Other
Cash and cash equivalents

2020  
£m

404
11
(85)
(20)
310

2020  
£m
263
1,221
1,484

2020  
£m
794
473
33
5
179
1,484

2019  
£m

353
11
26
14
404

2019  
£m
345
53
398

2019  
£m
99
92
38
9
160
398

The Group’s policy to manage the credit risk associated with cash and cash equivalents is set out in note 20. The book value of cash and cash 
equivalents represents the maximum credit exposure.

MASTER NETTING OR SIMILAR AGREEMENTS

The Group operates a multi-currency notional pooling cash management arrangement whereby cash balances and overdrafts held with the same 
bank are offset to give a net balance which is included within cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheet.

These cash and bank overdraft figures before netting are shown in the table below:

Cash and cash equivalents
Bank overdrafts

Cash and cash equivalents
Bank overdrafts

Gross  
£m
1,888
(501)

Gross  
£m
412
(31)

2020

Offset  
£m
(404)
404

2019

Offset  
£m
(14)
14

Net  
£m
1,484
(97)

Net  
£m
398
(17)

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  219 

Consolidated  Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
NOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

19  SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM BORROWINGS

SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM BORROWINGS
Bank overdrafts
Bank loans
Loan notes
Bonds
Borrowings (excluding finance leases)1
Finance leases1
Borrowings (including finance leases)1,2

Current 
£m
97
9
–
– 
106
–
106

2020

Non-current 
£m
–
–
1,172
2,501
3,673
–
3,673

Total 
£m
97
9
1,172
2,501
3,779
–
3,779

Current 
£m
17
5
162
–
184
2
186

2019

Non-current 
£m
–
–
1,211
2,467
3,678
1
3,679

Total 
£m
17
5
1,373
2,467
3,862
3
3,865

1.  Prior year comparatives have not been restated for IFRS 16 ‘Leases’. As a result of the adoption of IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ on 1 October 2019, leases that were previously 

classified as finance leases under IAS 17 are now presented as ‘lease liabilities’ on the Group consolidated balance sheet and therefore do not form part of 
borrowings. See note 1 for further information.
2.  Categorised as ‘other financial liabilities’ (IFRS 9).

Interest on bank overdrafts and commercial paper is at the relevant money market rates. During the prior year, the Group established a 
US$2 billion commercial paper programme. The programme size was increased to US$4 billion during the year. Commercial paper is 
issued to meet short term liquidity requirements and is supported by committed bank facilities. As at 30 September 2020, no commercial 
paper was outstanding under the programme (2019: £nil) and no amounts were drawn under the committed facilities (2019: £nil).

All amounts due under bonds, loan notes and bank facilities are shown net of unamortised issue costs. Additionally, the Group adjusts the 
carrying values of the bonds and loan notes that are designated in effective fair value hedge relationships, for fair value gains and losses 
(based on observable market inputs) attributable to the risk being hedged.

LOAN NOTES
US$ private placement
US$ private placement
US$ private placement
US$ private placement
US$ private placement
US$ private placement
Total 

BONDS
Euro Eurobond
Euro Eurobond
Sterling Eurobond
Sterling Eurobond
Euro Eurobond
Sterling Eurobond
Total 

Nominal value
$200m
$398m
$352m
$100m
$300m
$300m

Redeemable
Sep 2020
Oct 2021
Oct 2023
Dec 2024
Sep 2025
Dec 2026

Nominal value
€500m
€750m
£250m
£250m
€500m
£300m

Redeemable
Jan 2023
Jul 2024
Sep 2025
Jun 2026
Sep 2028
Jul 2029

Interest
3.09%
3.98%
4.12%
3.54%
3.81%
3.64%

Interest
1.88%
0.63%
2.00%
3.85%
1.50%
2.00%

No bonds were issued during the year.

BANK LOANS
Other bank loans
Total 

2020 
Nominal value
Various

2019 
Nominal value
Various

Facility 
maturity 
date
Various

Interest1
Floating

1. 

Interest rates are referenced to market specific benchmark rates for each currency equivalent plus a margin.

220  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

2020 
Carrying 
value 
£m
–
308
294
77
262
231
1,172

2020 
Carrying 
value 
£m
473
707
261
249
494
317
2,501

2020 
Carrying 
value 
£m
9
9

2019 
Carrying 
value 
£m
162
323
301
81
263
243
1,373

2019 
Carrying 
value 
£m 
469
695
260
249
483
311
2,467

2019 
Carrying 
value 
£m
5
5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
19  SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM BORROWINGS (CONTINUED)

Of the Group’s £2,000 million committed Revolving Credit Facility (RCF) £140 million is committed to June 2024 and £1,860 million is 
committed to June 2025. On 3 April 2020, the Group signed an additional £800 million committed Revolving Credit Facility which 
matures in October 2021. In March, the Group qualified for and drew down £600 million from the Bank of England’s Covid Corporate 
Financing Facility (CCFF) which was subsequently repaid. The £600 million CCFF limit remains available whilst the CCFF is open.

The maturity profile of borrowings is as follows:

MATURITY PROFILE OF BORROWINGS (EXCLUDING FINANCE LEASES)1
Within 1 year, or on demand
Between 1 and 2 years
Between 2 and 3 years
Between 3 and 4 years
Between 4 and 5 years
In more than 5 years 
Borrowings (excluding finance leases)1

2020 
£m
106
308
473
1,001
600
1,291
3,779

2019 
£m
184 
–
323 
469 
996 
1,890 
3,862

1.  Prior year comparatives have not been restated for IFRS 16 ‘Leases’. As a result of the adoption of IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ on 1 October 2019, leases that were previously 

classified as finance leases under IAS 17 are now presented as ‘lease liabilities’ on the Group consolidated balance sheet and therefore do not form part of 
borrowings. See note 1 for further information.

The fair value of the Group’s borrowings is calculated by discounting future cash flows to net present values at current market rates for 
similar financial instruments. The fair values have been determined by reference to Level 2 inputs as defined by the fair value hierarchy of 
IFRS 13 ‘Fair value measurements’. The table below shows the fair value of borrowings:

CARRYING VALUE AND FAIR VALUE OF BORROWINGS 
(EXCLUDING FINANCE LEASES)1
Bank overdrafts
Bank loans
Loan notes
Bank overdrafts, loans and loan notes
€500m Eurobond Jan 2023
€750m Eurobond Jul 2024
£250m Eurobond Sep 2025
£250m Eurobond Jun 2026
€500m Eurobond Sep 2028
£300m Eurobond Jul 2029
Bonds
Borrowings (excluding finance leases)1

2020

2019

Carrying 
value 
£m
97
9
1,172
1,278
473
707
261
249
494
317
2,501
3,779

Fair 
value 
£m
97
9
1,221
1,327
473
695
262
289
495
316
2,530
3,857

Carrying 
value 
£m
17
5
1,373
1,395
469
695
260
249
483
311
2,467
3,862

Fair 
value 
£m
17
5
1,411
1,433
470
681
263
293
480
313
2,500
3,933

1.  Prior year comparatives have not been restated for IFRS 16 ‘Leases’. As a result of the adoption of IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ on 1 October 2019, leases that were previously 

classified as finance leases under IAS 17 are now presented as ‘lease liabilities’ on the Group consolidated balance sheet and therefore do not form part of 
borrowings. See note 1 for further information.

GROSS AND PRESENT VALUE OF FINANCE LEASE LIABILITIES1
Finance lease payments falling due:
Within 1 year
In 1 to 5 years
Gross and present value of finance lease liabilities

2020

2019

Gross 
£m

Present value 
£m

Gross 
£m

Present value 
£m

–
–
–

–
–
–

2
1
3

2
1
3

1.  Prior year comparatives have not been restated for IFRS 16 ‘Leases’. As a result of the adoption of IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ on 1 October 2019, leases that were previously 

classified as finance leases under IAS 17 are now presented as ‘lease liabilities’ on the Group consolidated balance sheet and therefore do not form part of 
borrowings. See note 1 for further information.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  221 

Consolidated  Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
NOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

19  SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM BORROWINGS (CONTINUED)

BORROWINGS BY CURRENCY
Sterling
US Dollar
Euro
Other
Total

2020

Borrowings 
£m

830
1,264
1,681
4
3,779

Total 
£m

830
1,264
1,681
4
3,779

Borrowings 
£m

814
1,373
1,649
26
3,862

2019

Finance
leases1
£m

–
–
1
2
3

Total 
£m 

814
1,373
1,650
28
3,865

1.  Prior year comparatives have not been restated for IFRS 16 ‘Leases’. As a result of the adoption of IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ on 1 October 2019, leases that were previously 

classified as finance leases under IAS 17 are now presented as ‘lease liabilities’ on the Group consolidated balance sheet and therefore do not form part of 
borrowings. See note 1 for further information.

The Group had the following undrawn committed facilities available at 30 September, in respect of which all conditions precedent had 
then been met:

UNDRAWN COMMITTED FACILITIES
Expiring between 1 and 2 years
Expiring between 2 and 5 years 

The Group also continued to be eligilble for the Bank of England’s CCFF.

UNDRAWN BANK OF ENGLAND CCFF
Expiring between 1 and 2 years

2020 
£m
800 
2,000 
2,800 

2020 
£m
600 
600 

2019 
£m
– 
2,000 
2,000 

2019 
£m
– 
– 

20  RISK MANAGEMENT AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

CAPITAL RISK MANAGEMENT

The Group manages its capital structure to ensure that it will be able to continue as a going concern. The capital structure of the Group 
consists of cash and cash equivalents as disclosed in note 18; debt equity attributable to equity shareholders of the Company, comprising 
issued share capital, reserves and retained earnings as disclosed in the consolidated statement of changes in equity.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

The Group manages its interest rate and foreign currency exposure in accordance with the policies set out below. The Group’s financial 
instruments comprise cash, borrowings, receivables and payables that are used to finance the Group’s operations. The Group also uses 
derivatives, principally interest rate swaps, forward currency contracts and cross currency swaps, to manage interest rate and currency 
risks arising from the Group’s operations. The Group does not trade in financial instruments. The Group’s treasury policies are designed 
to mitigate the impact of fluctuations in interest rates and exchange rates and to manage the Group’s financial risks. The Board approves 
any changes to the policies.

COVID-19
The macro economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is uncertain, and continues to evolve, with potential disruption to financial 
markets including currencies, interest rates, borrowing costs and the availability of debt financing. However, the Group’s financial risk 
management strategies seek to reduce potential exposure in relation to these risks.

The Group has combined cash and cash equivalent and short term investments of £1,484 million, providing significant headroom to 
cover short term liquidity requirements. Additionally, the Group has undrawn committed facilities of £2,800 million and a £600 million 
limit under the Bank of England Covid Corporate Financing Facility. The Group’s credit risk under financing activities is spread across a 
portfolio of highly rated institutions to reduce counterparty exposures.

The Group’s operating activities result in customer credit risk, for which provisions for expected credit losses are recognised.

222  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
20  RISK MANAGEMENT AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)

Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group may not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due.

The Group finances its operations through cash generated by the business and borrowings from a number of sources including the bank, 
the public and the private placement markets. The Group has developed long term relationships with a number of financial 
counterparties with the balance sheet strength and credit quality to provide credit facilities as required. The Group seeks to avoid a 
concentration of debt maturities in any one period to spread its refinancing risk. The maturity profile of the Group’s principal borrowings 
at 30 September 2020 shows that the average period to maturity is 4.6 years (2019: 5.4 years). Liquidity risk faced by the Group is 
mitigated by having diverse sources of finance available to it and by maintaining substantial unutilised committed banking facilities to 
maintain a level of headroom in line with Board approval. The level of undrawn facilities is set out in note 19.

Foreign currency risk
The Group’s policy is to balance its principal projected cash flows by currency to actual or effective borrowings in the same currency. As 
currency cash flows are generated, they are used to service and repay debt in the same currency. Where necessary, to implement this 
policy, forward currency contracts and cross currency swaps are executed which, when applied to the actual currency liabilities, convert 
these to the required currency.

The borrowings in each currency can give rise to foreign exchange differences on translation into sterling. Where the borrowings are less 
than, or equate to, the net investment in overseas operations, these exchange rate variances are treated as movements on reserves and 
recorded in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income rather than in the consolidated income statement.

Non-sterling earnings streams are translated at the average rate of exchange for the year. Fluctuations in exchange rates have given and 
will continue to give rise to translation differences. The Group is only partially protected from the impact of such differences through the 
matching of cash flows to currency borrowings.

The Group has minimal exposure to the foreign currency risk of trade receivables and payables as operations within individual countries 
have little cross-border activity which might give rise to translation risks on trade related balances.

The main currencies to which the Group’s reported sterling financial position is exposed are the US dollar and the Euro. As set out above, 
the Group seeks to hedge its exposure to currencies by matching debt in currency against the cash flows generated by the Group’s 
foreign operations in such currencies.

The effect on profit after tax and equity of a 10% strengthening of sterling against these currencies on the Group’s financial instruments is 
shown below. A 10% weakening would result in an equal and opposite impact on the profit or loss and equity of the Group. This table 
shows the impact on the financial instruments in place at 30 September and has been prepared on the basis that the 10% change in 
exchange rates occurred on the first day of the financial year and applied consistently throughout the year.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS: 
IMPACT OF STERLING STRENGTHENING BY 10%
Decrease in profit for the year (after tax)
Increase in total equity

2020

2019

Against US Dollar 
£m
(10)
85

Against Euro 
£m
(14)
57

Against US Dollar 
£m
(17)
114

Against Euro 
£m
(10)
37

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  223 

Consolidated  Financial Statements 
NOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

20  RISK MANAGEMENT AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)

Interest rate risk
As set out above, the Group has effective borrowings in a number of currencies. The Group raises fixed rate capital market debt and may 
swap this to floating rate using interest rate swaps on a case by case basis. The Group policy is to ensure that, in the short term, it is not 
materially exposed to fluctuations in interest rates in its principal currencies. The Group implements this policy either by borrowing fixed 
rate debt or by using interest rate swaps so that the interest rates on at least 80% of the Group’s projected debt are fixed for one year. For 
the second and third year interest rates are fixed within ranges of 30%–70% and 0%–40% respectively.

The sensitivity analysis given below has been determined based on the derivative and non-derivative financial instruments the Group had 
in place at the year end date only.

The effect of a 1% increase in interest rates prevailing at the balance sheet date on the Group’s cash and cash equivalents and debt 
subject to variable rates of interest at the balance sheet date would be £4 million (2019: £nil) over the course of a year. A similar 1% 
decrease in interest rates would result in an equal and opposite effect over the course of a year.

INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
Increase in interest rate
Floating rate exposure – cash
Increase in profit for the year (after tax)

INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
Increase in interest rate
Floating rate exposure – (debt)/cash
(Decrease)/increase in profit for the year (after tax)

Sterling 
£m
+1%
298
2

Sterling 
£m
+1%
(286)
(2)

US Dollar 
£m
+1%
19
–

US Dollar 
£m
+1%
(49)
–

2020

Euro 
£m
+1%
(58)
–

2019

Euro 
£m
+1%
138
1

Other 
£m
+1%
204
2

Other 
£m
+1%
180
1

Total 
£m
n/a
463
4

Total 
£m
n/a
(17)
–

These changes are the result of the exposure to interest rates from the Group’s floating rate cash and cash equivalents and debt. 
The sensitivity gains and losses given above may vary because cash flows vary throughout the year and interest rate and currency 
hedging may be implemented after the year end date in order to comply with the treasury policies outlined above.

Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its  
contractual obligations.

The Group’s policy is to minimise its exposure to credit risk from the failure of any single financial counterparty by spreading its  
risk across a portfolio of financial counterparties and managing the aggregate exposure to each against certain pre-agreed limits. 
Exposure to counterparty credit risk arising from deposits and derivatives (including forward currency contracts and cross currency 
swaps) is concentrated at the Group centre where possible. Financial counterparty limits are derived from the long and short term credit 
ratings, and the balance sheet strength of the financial counterparty. All financial counterparties are required to have a minimum long 
term credit rating from Moody’s of Baa2 and a short term credit rating from Moody’s of P-2 or equivalent from another recognised 
agency. To reduce credit exposures, the Group has International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) Master Agreements with all of 
its counterparties for financial derivatives, which permit net settlement of assets and liabilities in certain circumstances. The maximum 
exposure to credit risk resulting from financial activities, without considering netting arrangements, is equal to the carrying value of the 
Group’s financial assets.

As at 30 September 2020, 52% of cash and cash equivalents was held with investment grade bank counterparties, 46% with AAA money 
market funds and 2% held with non-investment grade bank counterparties. In addition, 100% of derivative instruments was held with 
investment grade bank counterparties.

The Group’s policy to manage the credit risk associated with trade and other receivables is set out in note 16.

224  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
20  RISK MANAGEMENT AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)

HEDGING ACTIVITIES

The following section describes the derivative financial instruments the Group uses to apply the interest rate and foreign currency 
hedging strategies. 

On adoption of IFRS 9 ‘Financial instruments’, the Group elected to continue to apply hedge accounting guidance in IAS 39 ‘Financial 
instruments: recognition and measurement’.

Fair value hedges
The Group uses interest rate and cross currency interest rate swaps to hedge the fair value of some of its fixed rate borrowings. These 
instruments swap the fixed interest payable on the borrowings into floating interest rates and hedge the fair value of the borrowings 
against changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates. These swaps all qualify for fair value hedge accounting as defined by 
IAS 39, some of which are designated in fair value hedge relationships where appropriate.

On occasion, the Group uses forward currency contracts to hedge the fair value of significant foreign currency transactions against 
changes in foreign currency exchange rates. These forward currency contracts also qualify for hedge accounting as defined by IAS 39 
and may be designated in fair value hedge relationships where appropriate.

Net investment hedges
The Group uses foreign currency denominated debt, forward currency contracts and cross currency swaps to partially hedge against the 
change in the sterling value of its foreign currency denominated net assets due to movements in foreign exchange rates.

The carrying value of debt and derivatives in a net investment hedge was £867 million (2019: £1,339 million). A foreign exchange gain of 
£47 million (2019: loss of £133 million) relating to the net investment hedges has been netted off during the year within currency 
translation differences as presented in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. The balance remaining in the foreign 
currency translation reserve from net investment hedging relationships for which hedge accounting continues to apply is a loss of  
£621 million (2019: loss of £668 million) and for which hedge accounting is no longer applied is £nil (2019: £nil).

Derivatives not in a hedging relationship 
The Group has a number of derivative financial instruments that do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting. These include some 
interest rate swaps and some forward currency contracts used for interest and cash management.

The impact of the hedged items on Group’s financial statements is as follows:

HEDGED ITEMS
FAIR VALUE HEDGES
Interest rate risk
Financial liabilities – long term borrowings
Foreign currency risk
Firm commitment – trade and other receivables

NET INVESTMENT HEDGES
Foreign currency risk
Continued hedges
Discontinued hedges

Carrying amount of the hedged item

Accumulated amounts of fair value 
adjustments on hedged item

2020

Assets 
£m

Liabilities 
£m

Assets 
£m

Liabilities 
£m

Changes in fair 
value for 
calculating 
hedge 
ineffectiveness 
£m

–

–
–

n/a
n/a

(2,807)

–
(2,807)

n/a
n/a

–

–
–

n/a
n/a

(181)

–
(181)

n/a
n/a

(12)

12
–

47
–
47

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  225 

Consolidated  Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

20  RISK MANAGEMENT AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)

HEDGED ITEMS
FAIR VALUE HEDGES
Interest rate risk
Financial liabilities – long term borrowings
Financial liabilities – short term borrowings
Foreign currency risk
Firm commitment – trade and other receivables

NET INVESTMENT HEDGES
Foreign currency risk
Continued hedges
Discontinued hedges

Carrying amount of the hedged item

Accumulated amounts of fair value 
adjustments on hedged item

2019

Assets 
£m

Liabilities 
£m

Assets 
£m

Liabilities 
£m

Changes in fair 
value for 
calculating  
hedge 
ineffectiveness 
£m

–
–

2
2

n/a
n/a

(2,782)
–

–
(2,782)

n/a
n/a

–
–

2
2

n/a
n/a

(168)
–

–
(168)

n/a
n/a

(164)
3

2
(159)

(133)
–
(133)

The Group held the following instruments to hedge exposures to changes in interest rates and foreign currency risk:

HEDGING INSTRUMENTS
FAIR VALUE HEDGES
Interest rate risk
Derivative financial instruments – non-current assets
Foreign currency risk
Derivative financial instruments – current liabilities

NET INVESTMENT HEDGES
Foreign currency risk
Derivative financial instruments – current assets
Derivative financial instruments – current liabilities
Long term borrowing
Short term borrowing

2020

Change in fair value of 
hedging instrument 
used to determine 
hedge ineffectiveness 
£m

Nominal amounts of 
hedging instruments 
£m

Carrying amount of 
hedging instruments 
£m

237

–
237

3
–
(870)
–
(867)

3

2,642

(12)
(9)

9
(13)
43
8
47

227

(282)
(70)
(870)
(155)

226  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
20  RISK MANAGEMENT AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)

HEDGING INSTRUMENTS
FAIR VALUE HEDGES
Interest rate risk
Derivative financial instruments – non-current assets
Derivative financial instruments – current assets
Derivative financial instruments – non-current liabilities
Foreign currency risk
Derivative financial instruments – current liabilities

NET INVESTMENT HEDGES
Foreign currency risk
Derivative financial instruments – current assets
Derivative financial instruments – current liabilities
Long term borrowing
Short term borrowing

2019

Change in fair value of 
hedging instrument 
used to determine 
hedge ineffectiveness 
£m

Nominal amounts of 
hedging instruments 
£m

Carrying amount of 
hedging instruments 
£m

206
–
–

(2)
204

–
–
(1,177)
(162)
(1,339)

131
33
(3)

(2)
159

2
(44)
(82)
(9)
(133)

2,628
–
–

221

(87)
(121)
(1,177)
(427)

 Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7 ‘Interest rate benchmark reform’

The Group has adopted early the ‘Interest rate benchmark reform’ (IBOR reform) amendments to IFRS 9 ‘Financial instruments’, IAS 39 
‘Financial instruments: recognition and measurement’ and IFRS 7 ‘Financial instruments: disclosures’ that were issued by the IASB in 
September 2019. The amendments provide relief from applying specific hedge accounting requirements to hedge relationships directly 
affected by the IBOR reform and have the effect that IBOR reform should generally not cause hedge accounting to terminate. The Group 
believes that any resulting ineffectiveness consequent to the IBOR reform is likely to be immaterial. The Group does not believe that IBOR 
reform will materially adversely affect the Group or its ability to manage its borrowings or interest rate risk.

The Group has £2,800 million of committed borrowing facilities that can be drawn in a number of currencies and which reference the 
relevant IBOR in calculating the applicable interest rate.

The Group has a number of interest rate and cross currency interest rate swaps held to convert fixed rate debt into IBOR referenced 
floating rate debt and designated as fair value hedges. Nominal exposure to IBOR rates on these fair value hedges are GBP LIBOR 
£1,402 million, USD LIBOR £504 million and EURIBOR £680 million.

The Group also holds a number of interest rate swaps that receive IBOR referenced interest rates and pay fixed rate. These are held for 
interest and cash management purposes and do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting. Nominal exposure to IBOR rates on these 
stand alone derivatives are GBP LIBOR £2,025 million, USD LIBOR £538 million, EURIBOR £884 million and other currencies £346 million.

A Group Treasury led project is in progress to manage the transition to alternative benchmark rates.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  227 

Consolidated  Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

20  RISK MANAGEMENT AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)

Fair value measurement
All derivative financial instruments are shown at fair value in the consolidated balance sheet. The fair values have been determined by 
reference to Level 2 inputs as defined by the fair value hierarchy of IFRS 13 ‘Fair value measurements’. Derivative financial instrument 
fair values are present values determined from future cash flows discounted at rates derived from market sourced data. There were no 
transfers between levels in either the year ended 30 September 2020 or 2019. The fair values of derivative financial instruments 
represent the maximum credit exposure.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Interest rate swaps
Fair value hedges1
Not in a hedging relationship2
Cross currency swaps
Fair value hedges1
Forward currency contracts
Fair value hedges1
Net investment hedges3
Not in a hedging relationship2
Total

2020

Non-
current 
assets 
£m

Current 
assets 
£m

Current 
liabilities 
£m

Non-
current 
liabilities 
£m

Current 
assets 
£m

2019

Non-
current 
assets 
£m

Current 
liabilities 
£m

Non-
current 
liabilities 
£m

–
2

–

–
3
–
5

122
–

115

–
–
– 
237

–
(9)

–

–
–
–
(9)

–
(2)

–

–
–
– 
(2)

–
–

–

–
–
–
–

99
1

107

–
–
–
207

–
(3)

–

(2)
–
(1)
(6)

–
(6)

–

–
–
–
(6)

1.  Derivatives that are designated and effective as hedging instruments carried at fair value (IFRS 9).
2.  Derivatives carried at ‘fair value through profit or loss’ (IFRS 9).
3.  Derivatives that are designated and effective in net investment hedges carried at fair value (IFRS 9).

NOTIONAL AMOUNT OF DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 
BY CURRENCY
Sterling
US Dollar
Euro
Japanese Yen
Other
Total

2020

2019

Cash flow 
swaps 
£m
713
225
437
73
221
1,669

Fair value 
swaps 
£m
550
504
1,588
–
–
2,642

2020

Cash flow 
swaps 
£m
1,342
186
442
92
143
2,205

Fair value 
swaps 
£m
550
529
1,548
–
–
2,627

2019

EFFECTIVE CURRENCY DENOMINATION OF BORROWINGS 
AND LEASES AFTER THE EFFECT OF DERIVATIVES
Sterling
US Dollar
Euro
Japanese Yen
Other
Total

Gross  
borrowings 
£m
830
1,264
1,681
–
4
3,779

Effective 
Forward
currency of 
currency
Lease
borrowings 
contracts2
liabilities1
£m
£m
£m
1,726
655
241
1,762
83
415
777
162 (1,066)
67
66
204
331
(58) 4,663

1
123
942

Forward
currency
contracts2
£m
1,182

Effective 
currency of 
Gross
borrowings1
borrowings 
£m
£m
1,996
814
(202) 1,171
1,373
443
1,650 (1,207)
94
94
104
132
(29) 3,836

–
28
3,865

1.  Prior year comparatives have not been restated for IFRS 16 ‘Leases’. As a result of the adoption of IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ on 1 October 2019, leases that were previously 

classified as finance leases under IAS 17 are now presented as ‘Lease liabilities’ on the Group consolidated balance sheet and therefore do not form part of 
borrowings. See note 1 for further information.
Includes cross currency contracts.

2. 

228  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
20  RISK MANAGEMENT AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)

2020

GROSS DEBT MATURITY ANALYSIS
FIXED INTEREST
£300m Eurobond 2029
€500m Eurobond 2028
£250m Eurobond 2026
£250m Eurobond 2025
€750m Eurobond 2024
€500m Eurobond 2023
US private placements
Total fixed interest
Cash flow swaps (fixed leg)
Fair value swaps (fixed leg)
Fixed interest (asset)/liability
FLOATING INTEREST
Bank loans
Overdrafts
Total floating interest
Cash flow swaps (floating leg)
Fair value swaps (floating leg)
Floating interest liability/(asset)
OTHER
Lease liabilities
Fair value adjustments to borrowings1
Other liability
Gross debt excluding derivatives
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL 
INSTRUMENTS
Derivative financial instruments1
Forward currency contracts2
Gross debt

Less than 1 
year 
£m

Between 1 and 2 
years 
£m

Between 2 and 3 
years 
£m

Between 3 and 4 
years 
£m

Between 4 and 5 
years 
£m

Over 5 years 
£m

Total 
£m

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(38)
–
(38)

9
97
106
38
–
144

197
–
197
303

7
(3)
307

–
–
–
–
–
–
308
308
959
–
1,267

–
–
–
(959)
–
(959)

166
–
166
474

2
–
476

–
–
–
–
–
453
–
453
748
(454)
747

–
–
–
(748)
454
(294)

127
20
147
600

(79)
–
521

–
–
–
–
676
–
272
948
–
(952)
(4)

–
–
–
–
952
952

98
53
151
1,099

(53)
–
1,046

–
–
–
246
–
–
309
555
–
(250)
305

–
–
–
–
250
250

77
45
122
677

(48)
–
629

298
450
249
–
–
–
231
1,228
–
(986)
242

–
–
–
–
986
986

277
63
340
1,568

298
450
249
246
676
453
1,120
3,492
1,669
(2,642)
2,519

9
97
106
(1,669)
2,642
1,079

942
181
1,123
4,721

(57)
–
1,511

(228)
(3)
4,490

1.  Non-cash item (changes in the value of this non-cash item are included in the other non-cash movements caption in note 28).
2.  Non-cash item (changes in the value of this non-cash item are included in the currency translation gains/(losses) caption in note 28).

PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST 
MATURITY ANALYSIS
Gross debt
Less: overdrafts
Less: fees and premiums capitalised 
on issue
Less: other non-cash items
Repayment of principal 
Interest cash flows on debt and 
derivatives (settled net)
Repayment of principal and interest 

2020

Less than 1
year 
£m 
307
(97)

Between 1 and 2 
years 
£m 
476
–

Between 2 and 3 
years 
£m 
521
–

Between 3 and 4 
years 
£m 
1,046
–

Between 4 and 5 
years 
£m 
629
–

Over 5 years 
£m 
1,511
–

4
(4)
210

125
335

3
(2)
477

102
579

3
59
583

91
674

3
–
1,049

78
1,127

1
3
633

66
699

2
(6)
1,507

158
1,665

Total 
£m 
4,490
(97)

16
50
4,459

620
5,079

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  229 

Consolidated  Financial StatementsNOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

20  RISK MANAGEMENT AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)

GROSS DEBT MATURITY ANALYSIS
FIXED INTEREST
£300m Eurobond 2029
€500m Eurobond 2028
£250m Eurobond 2026
£250m Eurobond 2025
€750m Eurobond 2024
€500m Eurobond 2023
US private placements
Total fixed interest
Cash flow swaps (fixed leg)
Fair value swaps (fixed leg)
Fixed interest liability/(asset)
FLOATING INTEREST
Bank loans
Overdrafts
Total floating interest
Cash flow swaps (floating leg)
Fair value swaps (floating leg)
Floating interest (asset)/liability
OTHER
Lease liabilities1
Fair value adjustments to borrowings2
Other liability
Gross debt excluding derivatives
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL 
INSTRUMENTS
Derivative financial instruments2
Forward currency contracts3
Gross debt

Less than 1 
year 
£m 

Between 1 and 2 
years 
£m 

Between 2 and 3 
years 
£m 

Between 3 and 4 
years 
£m 

Between 4 and 5 
years 
£m 

Over 5 years 
£m 

Total 
£m 

2019

–
–
–
–
–
–
162
162
786
–
948

5
17
22
(786)
–
(764)

2
–
2
186

3
3
192

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1,261
–
1,261

–
–
–
(1,261)
–
(1,261)

1
–
1
1

5
–
6

–
–
–
–
–
–
323
323
158
–
481

–
–
–
(158)
–
(158)

–
–
–
323

–
–
323

–
–
–
–
–
441
–
441
–
(442)
(1)

–
–
–
–
442
442

–
28
28
469

(76)
–
393

–
–
–
–
659
–
286
945
–
(950)
(5)

–
–
–
–
950
950

–
51
51
996

(50)
–
946

298
439
249
248
–
–
567
1,801
–
(1,235)
566

–
–
–
–
1,235
1,235

–
89
89
1,890

298
439
249
248
659
441
1,338
3,672
2,205
(2,627)
3,250

5
17
22
(2,205)
2,627
444

3
168
171
3,865

(80)
–
1,810

(198)
3
3,670

1.  Prior year comparatives have not been restated for IFRS 16 ‘Leases’. As a result of the adoption of IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ on 1 October 2019, leases that were previously 

classified as finance leases under IAS 17 are now presented as ‘Lease liabilities’ on the Group consolidated balance sheet.
2.  Non-cash item (changes in the value of this non-cash item are included in the other non-cash movements caption in note 28).
3.  Non-cash item (changes in the value of this non-cash item are included in the currency translation gains/(losses) caption in note 28).

PRINCIPALS AND INTEREST 
MATURITY ANALYSIS
Gross debt
Less: overdrafts
Less: fees and premiums capitalised 
on issue
Less: other non-cash items
Repayment of principal 
Interest cash flows on debt and 
derivatives (settled net)
Settlement of forward currency 
contracts – payable leg
Settlement of forward currency 
contracts – receivable leg
Repayment of principal and interest 

2019

Less than 1
year 
£m 
192
(17)

Between 1 and 2 
years 
£m 
6
–

Between 2 and 3 
years 
£m 
323
–

Between 3 and 4 
years 
£m 
393
–

Between 4 and 5 
years 
£m 
946
–

Over 5 years 
£m 
1,810
–

3
(6)
172

84

(451)

449
254

3
(5)
4

89

–

–
93

3
–
326

77

–

–
403

3
48
444

71

–

–
515

3
(1) 

948

60

–

–
1,008

4
(9)
1,805

120

–

–
1,925

Total 
£m 
3,670
(17)

19
27
3,699

501

(451)

449
4,198

230  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
21  TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES
NET BOOK VALUE
At 1 October
Net movement
Reclassification
Currency adjustment
At 30 September
COMPRISED OF
Trade payables1
Social security and other taxes
Other payables1,2
Contingent and deferred consideration on acquisitions1,3
Accruals4
Deferred income
Capital creditors
Trade and other payables

2020

2019

Current 
£m 

Non-current 
£m 

Total 
£m 

Current 
£m 

Non-current 
£m 

Total 
£m 

4,718
(977)
49
(175)
3,615

1,113
415 
326
131
1,377
228
25
3,615

214
159
(36)
(6)
331 

–
85 
43
90
7
106
–
331 

4,932  
(818)  
13  
(181)  
3,946  

1,113  
500  
369  
221  
1,384  
334  
25  
3,946  

4,317
256
(5)
150
4,718

2,088
358
324
35
1,538
373
2
4,718

220
(25)
9
10
214

–
–
22
174
18
–
–
214

4,537
231
4
160
4,932

2,088
358
346
209
1,556
373
2
4,932

1.  Categorised as ‘financial liabilities’ (IFRS 9).
2.  Non-current other payables include £27 million (2019: £22 million) categorised as ‘financial liabilities’ (IFRS 9).
3.  Level 3 according the fair value hierarchies defined by IFRS 13 ‘Fair value measurements’. Of this balance £137 million (2019: £147 million) relates to contingent 

and deferred consideration and £84 million (2019: £62 million) to non-controlling put options.

4.  Of this balance £574 million (2019: £691 million) is categorised as ‘other financial liabilities’ (IFRS 9).

The Group has Supply Chain Financing (SCF) arrangements in place. The principal purpose of these arrangements is to enable the 
supplier, if it so wishes, to sell its receivables due from the Group to a third party bank prior to their due date, thus providing earlier access 
to liquidity. From the Group’s perspective, the invoice payment due date remains unaltered and the payment terms of suppliers 
participating in the SCF programmes are similar to those suppliers that are not participating, and to the wider industry more generally. If a 
receivable is purchased by a third party bank, that third party bank does not benefit from additional security when compared to the 
security originally enjoyed by the supplier.

At 30 September 2020, the value of invoices sold under the SCF programmes was £319 million, with £283 million related to the Group’s 
programme in the US (2019: £575 million and £541 million respectively). The reduction in the value of the invoices sold compared to last 
year reflects the reduced post COVID-19 purchasing activity. These amounts are included within trade payables and all cash flows 
associated with the programmes are included within operating cash flow as they continue to be part of the normal operating cycle of 
the Group.

TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES
Financial liabilities

TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES
Financial liabilities

2020

Between 1 and 2 
years 
£m
52

Between 2 and 3 
years 
£m
51 

Between 3 and 4 
years 
£m
1

Between 4 and 5 
years 
£m
1

Over 5 years 
£m
19

2019

Between 1 and 2 
years 
£m
163

Between 2 and 3 
years 
£m
36

Between 3 and 4 
years 
£m
3

Between 4 and 5 
years 
£m
1

Over 5 years 
£m
11

Total 
£m
124

Total 
£m
214

The directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other payables approximates to their fair value. The current trade and other 
payables are payable on demand.

Trade payable days at 30 September 2020 were 72 days (2019: 82 days) on a constant currency basis.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  231 

Consolidated  Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

22  PROVISIONS

PROVISIONS
At 1 October 2018
Reclassified1
Expenditure in the year 
Charged to income statement 
Credited to income statement 
Business acquisitions
Sale and closure of businesses
Unwinding of discount
Currency adjustment 
At 30 September 2019
Implementation of IFRS 162
At 1 October 2019, as adjusted2
Reclassified1
Expenditure in the year 
Charged to income statement 
Credited to income statement 
Business acquisitions
Unwinding of discount
Currency adjustment 
At 30 September 2020

Workers’ compensation  
and similar obligations 
£m 
285
–
(87)
93
(7)
–
–
5
15
304
–
304
–
(76)
127 
–
–
3
(15)
343

Provisions in respect of 
discontinued and 
disposed businesses 
£m 
54
–
(41)
38
(20)
1
(3)
–
2
31
(8)
23
3
(21)
15
–
–
–
(1)
19

Onerous 
contracts 
£m 
12
–
(18)
69
(2)
7
–
1
–
69
(14)
55
–
(18)
37
(10)
–
–
– 
64

Legal and 
other claims 
£m 
17
–
(2)
2
–
3
–
–
1
21
–
21
1
(3)
16
(4)
–
–
(1)
30 

Severance 
£m 
1
–
(11)
48
–
–
–
–
–
38
–
38
–
(107)
198
–
–
–
– 
129

Other 
£m 
25
4
(6)
7
(3)
1
(1)
2
(3)
26
–
26
8
(2)
20
– 
1
–
(1) 
52

Total 
£m 
394
4
(165)
257
(32)
12
(4)
8
15
489
(22)
467
12
(227)
413 
(14)
1
3
(18)
637

Including items reclassified between accrued liabilities and other balance sheet captions.

1. 
2.  On transition to IFRS 16 on 1 October 2019, all onerous lease provisions were either reclassified to the corresponding right of use assets as a proxy for impairment, 

or were otherwise released to equity as a transition adjustment. See note 1 for additional information.

PROVISIONS
Current
Non-current
Total provisions

2020 
£m
337
300
637

2019 
£m
223
266
489

The provision for workers’ compensation and similar obligations relates mainly to the potential settlement of claims by employees in the US 
for medical benefits and lost wages associated with injuries incurred in the course of their employment, and is essentially long term in nature.

Provisions in respect of discontinued and disposed of businesses relate to estimated amounts payable in connection with onerous contracts and 
claims arising from disposals. The final amount payable remains uncertain as, at the date of approval of these financial statements, there remains a 
further period during which claims may be received. The timing of any settlement will depend upon the nature and extent of claims received.

Provisions for onerous contracts represent the liabilities in respect of unavoidable contract losses which will be utilised over the life of each 
individual contract. A full analysis is performed at least annually of the future profitability of all contracts with marginal performances and of the 
balance sheet items directly linked to these contracts. COVID-19 has been considered when identifying and measuring contract loss provisions.

Provisions for legal and other claims relate principally to provisions for the estimated cost of litigation and other sundry claims. The timing 
of the settlement of these claims is uncertain.

Provisions for severance primarily include people costs such as redundancy costs and cost of people change associated with the cost 
action programme and COVID-19 resizing costs. The Group expects these provisions to be substantially utilised within the next two years.

232  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

22  PROVISIONS (CONTINUED)

Other provisions include environmental provisions. These are in respect of potential liabilities relating to the Group’s responsibility for 
maintaining its operating sites in accordance with statutory requirements and the Group’s aim is to have a low impact on the 
environment. These provisions are expected to be utilised as operating sites are disposed of or as environmental matters are resolved.

Provisions are discounted to present value where the effect is material using the discount rate applicable to the liability. In estimating the 
provisions above management have made estimates and used assumptions in determining the nature, amount and timing of potential 
outflows. Management does not consider that a reasonable change in key assumptions in any of the provision estimates made at the date 
of the balance sheet could lead to a material adjustment in the next 12 months to the carrying amount of the liability recorded.

23  POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS

PENSION SCHEMES OPERATED

The Group operates a number of pension arrangements throughout the world which have been developed in accordance with statutory 
requirements and local customs and practices. The majority of schemes are self-administered and the schemes’ assets are held 
independently of the Group’s assets. Pension costs are assessed in accordance with the advice of independent, professionally qualified 
actuaries. The Group makes employer contributions to the various schemes in existence within the range of 2% to 57% of pensionable 
salaries (2019: 2% to 57%).

The contributions payable for defined contribution schemes of £118 million (2019: £126 million) have been fully expensed against profits 
in the current year.

UK SCHEMES

UK employees that are in a pension arrangement are either in the Compass Retirement Income Savings Plan (CRISP) because they meet 
the eligibility criteria, in a GAD section of the Compass Group Pension Plan (the Plan) or have been automatically enrolled into the 
National Employment Savings Trust (NEST).

CRISP was launched on 1 February 2003 and has been the main vehicle for pension provision for eligible new joiners in the UK since that 
date. CRISP is a defined contribution (money purchase) arrangement whereby the Group will match employee contributions up to 6% of 
pay (minimum 5%). Within CRISP a new defined contribution section was established from April 2006 known as the Compass Higher 
Income Plan (CHIP). Senior employees who contribute to CRISP are offered an additional employer-only contribution into CHIP. The 
amount of contribution and eligibility for CHIP are decided annually at the Group’s discretion. A CHIP payment may be taken in part, or in 
whole, as a cash allowance instead of a pension contribution.

CRISP has a corporate trustee. The Chairman is a former employee of the Group. The other six trustee directors are UK based employees 
of the Group, three of whom have been nominated by CRISP members.

The Plan is a defined benefit arrangement. Those UK employees who transfer from the public sector under the Transfer of Undertakings 
(Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006, typically up until 31 March 2015, have been eligible to join the Plan, which has otherwise been 
closed to new entrants since 2003. Such transferees entered into the GAD sections of the Plan and are known as ‘GAD members’. However, 
under the Government’s revised guidance for ‘Fair Deal for staff pensions’, the expectation is and therefore the approach has been that the 
Group participates in the relevant public-sector pension scheme and closes the Plan to future entrants. The Plan closed to future accrual for all 
existing members, other than GAD members, on 5 April 2010. The affected members were offered membership of CRISP from 6 April 2010.

The Plan is operated on a pre-funded basis. The funding policy is to contribute such variable amounts, on the advice of the actuary, as to 
achieve a 100% funding level on a projected salary basis. The actuarial assessments covering expense and contributions are carried out 
by independent qualified actuaries. A formal actuarial valuation of the Plan is carried out every three years. The most recent valuation of 
the Plan took place as at 5 April 2019. At the valuation date the total market value of the assets of the Plan was £2,563 million which 
represented 106% of the benefits that had accrued to members after allowing for expected future increases in earnings.

By agreement with the trustees, the Group is no longer funding any deficit. The next triennial valuation is due to be completed as at 
5 April 2022. The Plan is reappraised annually for accounting purposes by independent actuaries in accordance with IAS 19 ‘Employee 
benefits’ requirements.

The Plan has a corporate trustee. There is an independent chairman and one other independent trustee director. There are a further five trustee 
directors, who are either UK based employees or former employees of the Group (three of whom have been nominated by Plan members).

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  233 

Consolidated  Financial StatementsNOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

23  POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)

The Group is subject to the Pension Automatic Enrolment Regulations for its workforce in the UK. All new UK employees who meet the 
statutory eligibility criteria, and who do not join CRISP or the Plan, are automatically enrolled into the NEST. Responsibility for the Group’s 
ongoing compliance with the Pension Automatic Enrolment Regulations and for ensuring that the administration and investment of funds 
relating to automatic enrolment remain appropriate lies with the Group’s Pension Automatic Enrolment Governance Committee.

The Lloyds Banking Group’s High Court hearing on Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP) equalisation was published on 26 October 
2018. As a result, and based on actuarial advice, the Group recognised £12 million of past service costs in the prior year consolidated 
income statement. This non-cash charge has been excluded from the Group’s underlying operating profit.

OVERSEAS SCHEMES

In the US, the defined benefit plans are frozen to new participants and the main vehicles for retirement are the defined contribution 
plans. The actuary provides Compass USA with the contributions required each year to the defined benefit plans, in order to work towards 
a 100% funding level on a projected salary basis.

Compass USA engages with a number of unions and is required to abide by the individual collective bargaining agreements (CBA) 
negotiated with each union. Under the terms of these CBAs, Compass USA is required to pay the union members’ salary and contribute 
to various multi-employer benefit plans which include (i) post employment benefits, including pensions and post employment healthcare, 
(ii) defined contribution plans, such as 401(k) and annuity and savings plans and (iii) other plans which include legal funds, training funds 
and education funds.

Participation in multi-employer pension plans bears risks that differ from single-employer plans. These risks include:

•  assets contributed to the plans by Compass USA may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers
•  if a participating employer stops contributing to the plan for any reason, the unfunded obligation remaining may transition to the 

remaining employers participating in the plan

•  if Compass USA stops participating in the plan for any reason, it may be required to pay a proportionate amount to the plan for its share 

of the unfunded liability, known as a withdrawal liability

Compass USA is involved with 36 multi-employer benefit plans (2019: 37). The Group is not aware of, and has no reasonable expectation 
that, any plan in which it currently participates is in imminent danger of becoming insolvent, or is likely to experience a mass withdrawal.

These plans are accounted for as defined contribution plans, as the information provided by the plan administrators is insufficient for 
them to be accounted for as defined benefit plans. The Group made total contributions of £19 million in the year (2019: £21 million) to 
these arrangements.

In Canada, Germany, Norway, Spain and Switzerland, the Group also participates in funded defined benefit arrangements.

In other countries, Group employees participate primarily in state arrangements to which the Group makes the appropriate contributions.

Other than where required by local regulation or statute, the defined benefit schemes are closed to new entrants. For these schemes the 
current service cost will increase under the projected unit credit method as the members of the schemes approach retirement.

ALL DEFINED BENEFIT SCHEMES

The Group’s obligations in respect of defined benefit pension schemes are calculated separately for each scheme by estimating the 
amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior years. That benefit is discounted 
to determine its present value and the fair value of scheme assets is then deducted. The discount rate used is the yield at the valuation 
date on high quality corporate bonds, whose term is consistent with the timing of the expected benefit payments over future years.

The Group takes advice from independent actuaries relating to the appropriateness of the assumptions which include life expectancy of 
members, expected salary and pension increases, and inflation. It is important to note that comparatively small changes in the 
assumptions used may have a significant effect on the consolidated income statement and balance sheet.

The liabilities of the defined benefit schemes are measured by discounting the best estimate of future cash flows to be paid using the 
projected unit method. This method is an accrued benefits valuation method that makes allowances for projected earnings. These 
calculations are performed by a qualified actuary.

234  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

23  POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)

Disclosures showing the assets and liabilities of the schemes are set out below. These have been calculated using the following 
assumptions:

Discount rate 
Inflation
CPI inflation
Rate of increase in salaries
Rate of increase for pensions in payment
Rate of increase for deferred pensions1

1.  This assumption is presented as a weighted average.

UK schemes

US schemes

Other schemes

2020
1.7%
3.2%
2.2%
3.2%
3.1%
2.7%

2019
1.8%
3.3%
2.3%
3.3%
3.2%
2.8%

2020
2.3%
2.1%
n/a
3.0%
2.1%
0.0%

2019
2.9%
2.2%
n/a
3.0%
2.2%
0.0%

2020
1.6%
1.7%
n/a
2.2%
0.2%
0.0%

2019
1.7%
1.8%
n/a
2.2%
0.2%
0.0%

The mortality assumptions used to value the current year UK pension schemes are derived from the S3PA generational mortality tables 
(2019: S3PA generational mortality tables) with improvements in line with the projection model prepared by the 2019 Continuous 
Mortality Investigation of the UK actuarial profession (2019: 2018 model), with an S-kappa of 7.5, with 115% weighting for male 
non-pensioners, 111% for male pensioners (2019: 115% weighting for male non-pensioners, 111% for male pensioners) and 102% 
weighting for all females (2019: 102% weighting for all females), with a long term underpin of 1.5% p.a. (2019: 1.5% p.a.). These 
mortality assumptions take account of experience to date and assumptions for further improvements in the life expectancy of scheme 
members. The Group estimates the average duration of the UK and US plans’ liabilities to be 18 years (2019: 18 years) and ten years 
(2019: 9 years) respectively.

Examples of the resulting life expectancies for the UK Plan are as follows:

LIFE EXPECTANCY AT AGE 65
Member aged 65 in 2020 (2019)
Member aged 65 in 2045 (2044)

2020

Male
21.5
23.4

Female
24.4
26.6

2019

Male
21.5
23.4

Female
24.4
26.5

The other demographic assumptions have been set having regard to the latest trends in scheme experience and other relevant data. The 
assumptions are reviewed and updated as necessary as part of the periodic actuarial valuation of pension schemes.

For the overseas schemes, regionally appropriate assumptions have been used where recommended by local actuaries. The mortality 
assumptions used to value US schemes are derived from the mortality table Pri-2012 (2019: RP2014) and MP2018 generational scale 
(2019: MP2018). Examples of the resulting life expectancies for the US schemes are as follows:

LIFE EXPECTANCY AT AGE 65
Member aged 65 in 2020 (2019)
Member aged 65 in 2045 (2044)

2020

Male
22.0
23.9

Female
23.4
25.3

2019

Male
22.2
24.1

Female
23.7
25.6

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  235 

Consolidated  Financial Statements 
 
 
 
NOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

23  POST EMPLOYMENT OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)

RISKS

The Group bears a number of risks in relation to its defined benefit pension schemes. These risks and how they are mitigated for the 
Group’s largest defined benefit plan are described below:

RISK

Description of risk

Mitigation

Interest rate

Inflation

Investment

A decrease in corporate bond yields will increase 
the schemes’ benefit obligations under IAS 19. 
The schemes are therefore exposed to the risk 
that falls in interest rates will decrease the 
schemes’ surplus.

The schemes’ benefit obligations are linked to 
inflation. A higher rate of expected long term 
inflation will therefore lead to higher liabilities, 
both for the IAS 19 and funding liability.

Asset returns are volatile and there is a risk  
that the value of pension schemes’ assets may 
not move in line with changes in pension 
scheme liabilities.

Life expectancy

The schemes’ obligations are to provide benefits 
for the life of the member and so increases in life 
expectancy will lead to higher liabilities.

As part of the investment strategy, the UK Plan aims to 
mitigate this risk through investment in a liability driven 
investment (LDI) portfolio. LDI is a form of investing designed 
to match to a large extent the movement in pension plan 
assets with the movement in projected benefit obligations 
over time.

The UK Plan contains caps on increases to scheme benefits 
to mitigate the risk of increase in inflation. Additionally the 
UK Plan invests in LDI products which increase (decrease) in 
value when expectations of future inflation rates increase 
(fall), thus providing some protection against inflation risk.

To mitigate against investment risk the UK Plan invests in a 
way which aims to hedge a large proportion of the 
movements in the corresponding liabilities and investments 
are diversified across and within asset classes, to avoid 
overexposure to any one asset class or market. The trustees 
and the Group regularly monitor the funding position and 
operate a diversified investment strategy.

The UK Plan’s trustees and the Group regularly monitor the 
impact of changes in longevity on scheme obligations.

236  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

23  POST EMPLOYMENT OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)

SENSITIVITIES OF PRINCIPAL ASSUMPTIONS

Measurement of the Group’s defined benefit obligations is particularly sensitive to changes in key assumptions, including discount rate, 
life expectancy and inflation. The sensitivities of the principal assumptions used to measure the defined benefit obligations of the 
schemes are set out below:

ASSUMPTION

UK
Discount rate

Inflation

CPI Inflation

Life expectations from age 65
US AND OTHERS
Discount rate

Inflation

Life expectations from age 65

Change in assumption

Impact on scheme deficit 2020

Impact on scheme deficit 2019

Increase by 0.5%
Decrease by 0.5%
Increase by 0.5%
Decrease by 0.5%
Increase by 0.5%
Decrease by 0.5%
Increase by 1 year

Increase by 0.5%
Decrease by 0.5%
Increase by 0.5%
Decrease by 0.5%
Increase by 1 year

Decrease by £209 million
Increase by £226 million
Increase by £126 million
Decrease by £120 million
Increase by £31 million
Decrease by £28 million
Increase by £110 million

Decrease by £16 million
Increase by £16 million
Increase by £6 million
Decrease by £6 million
Increase by £6 million

Decrease by £212 million
Increase by £227 million
Increase by £139 million
Decrease by £117 million
Increase by £31 million
Decrease by £26 million
Increase by £105 million

Decrease by £15 million
Increase by £16 million
Increase by £6 million
Decrease by £6 million
Increase by £6 million

The sensitivities above consider the impact of the single change shown, with the other assumptions assumed to be unchanged. The 
sensitivity analyses have been determined based on a method that extrapolates the impact on the defined benefit obligations as a result 
of reasonable changes in key assumptions occurring at the end of the reporting period. In practice, changes in one assumption may be 
accompanied by offsetting changes in another assumption (although this is not always the case). The impact of a change in the UK 
inflation rate shown above includes the impact of a change in both the RPI and CPI inflation rates.

The Group’s net pension surplus is the difference between the schemes’ assets and liabilities. Changes in the assumptions may occur at 
the same time as changes in the market value of scheme assets. These may or may not offset the changes in assumptions. For example, 
a fall in interest rates will increase the schemes’ liabilities but may also trigger an offsetting increase in the market value of certain assets 
so there may be little effect on the Group’s net liability.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  237 

Consolidated  Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

23  POST EMPLOYMENT OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)

ANALYSIS OF THE FAIR VALUE OF PLAN ASSETS

At 30 September 2020, the assets of the various schemes were invested in a diversified portfolio that consisted primarily of equities and 
debt securities. The fair value of these assets is shown below by major category:

FAIR VALUE OF PLAN ASSETS  
BY MAJOR CATEGORY
EQUITY TYPE ASSET
Global equities quoted
Global equities unquoted
GOVERNMENT BONDS
UK fixed interest quoted
UK index linked quoted
Overseas quoted
Overseas unquoted
CORPORATE BONDS
Corporate bonds quoted
Diversified securities quoted
OTHER ASSETS
Property funds quoted
Property funds unquoted
Insurance policies unquoted
Other assets
Cash and cash equivalents
At 30 September

UK 
£m

135
–

746
1,273
–
–

470
–

195
–
–
–
9
2,828

2020

US 
£m

Other 
£m

189
–

–
–
–
–

48
–

160
–
–
–
80
477

32
–

–
–
15
–

–
24

20
–
5
15
3
114

Total 
£m

356
–

746
1,273
15
–

518
24

375
–
5
15
92
3,419

UK 
£m 

147
–

578
1,346
–
–

551
–

197
–
–
–
9
2,828

2019

US 
£m 

Other 
£m 

188
–

–
–
–
–

44
–

152
–
–
–
55
439

11
17

–
–
16
21

–
–

1
15
12
11
1
105

Total 
£m 

346
17

578
1,346
16
21

595
–

350
15
12
11
65
3,372

The UK Plan has holdings of diversified global equity type investments, mainly shares in listed companies. The return on these 
investments is variable, and they are generally considered to be ‘riskier’ investments. However, it is generally accepted that the yield on 
these investments will contain a premium to compensate investors for this additional risk. There is significant uncertainty about the likely 
size of this risk premium. In respect of investments held in global equities there is also a risk of unfavourable currency movements. The 
trustee manages these risks by holding approximately 50% of those investments in funds which are hedged against currency movements.

The UK Plan also holds corporate bonds and other fixed interest securities. The risk of default on these is assessed by various rating agencies. Some 
of these bond investments are issued by HM Government. The risk of default on these is lower compared to the risk on corporate bond investments, 
although some risk may remain. The expected yield on bond investments with fixed interest rates can be derived exactly from their market value.

MOVEMENTS IN THE FAIR VALUE OF 
PLAN ASSETS
At 1 October
Currency adjustment
Interest income on plan assets
Return on plan assets, excluding 
interest income
Employee contributions
Employer contributions
Benefits paid
Administration expenses paid from plan 
assets1
At 30 September

UK 
£m 

2,828
–
50

38
–
3
(87)

(4)
2,828

2020

2019

US 
£m 

439
(21)
7

34
44
14
(40)

–
477

Other 
£m 

105
1
1

6
2
12
(13)

–
114

Total 
£m 

3,372
(20)
58

78
46
29
(140)

UK 
£m 

2,425
–
69

425
–
3
(94)

(4)
3,419

–
2,828

US 
£m 

385
24
11

(3)
36
21
(35)

–
439

Other 
£m 

97
3
2

3
2
12
(14)

–
105

Total 
£m 

2,907
27
82

425
38
36
(143)

–
3,372

1.  Following the actuarial valuation as at 5 April 2019, it was agreed that with effect from 6 April 2019 the expenses of running the UK Plan would be met directly from 

the UK Plan rather than by the principal employer.

238  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
23  POST EMPLOYMENT OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)

MOVEMENT IN THE PRESENT VALUE 
OF DEFINED BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS
At 1 October
Currency adjustment
Current service cost
Past service cost1
Interest expense on benefit obligations
Remeasurements – demographic 
assumptions
Remeasurements – financial 
assumptions
Remeasurements – experience
Employee contributions
Benefits paid
Business combinations
At 30 September

2020

US 
£m 
547
(28)
9
–
10

UK 
£m 
2,432
–
1
–
43

Other 
£m 
204
(5)
10
1
3

Total 
£m 
3,183
(33)
20
1
56

UK 
£m 
2,127
–
1
12
60

2019

US 
£m 
485
29
12
–
15

Other 
£m 
173
4
8
–
4

Total 
£m 
2,785
33
21
12
79

12

(1)

1

12

(108)

–

2

(106)

37
–
–
(87)
–
2,438

42
–
44
(40)
–
583

(2)
7
2
(13)
–
208

77
7
46
(140)
–
3,229

439
(5)
–
(94)
–
2,432

6
(1)
36
(35)
–
547

19
5
2
(14)
1
204

464
(1)
38
(143)
1
3,183

1.  The Lloyds Banking Group’s High Court hearing on Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP) equalisation was published on 26 October 2018. As a result, and based 

on actuarial advice, the Group has recognised £12 million of past service costs in the prior year consolidated income statement.

PRESENT VALUE OF DEFINED 
BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS
Funded obligations
Unfunded obligations
Total obligations

2020

US 
£m
477
106
583

 Other 
£m 
134
74
208

 Total 
£m 
2,998
231
3,229

UK 
£m
2,387
51
2,438

2019

 US 
£m 
439
108
547

US 
£m
(583)
477

 UK 
£m 
2,380
52
2,432

2020

UK2
£m
(51)
–

 Other 
£m 
128
76
204

Other 
£m
(208)
114

 Total 
£m 
2,947 
236
3,183

Total 
£m
(842)
591

UK1
£m
(2,387)
2,828

Total 
£m
(2,387)
2,828

441

441

(51)

(106)

(94)

(251)

UK1
£m
(2,380)
2,828

Total 
£m
(2,380)
2,828

2019

UK2
£m
(52)
–

US
£m
(547)
439

Other
£m
(204)
105

Total
£m
(803)
544

448

448

(52)

(108)

(99)

(259)

POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT ASSETS/(OBLIGATIONS) 
RECOGNISED IN THE BALANCE SHEET
Present value of defined benefit obligations 
Fair value of plan assets
Post employment benefit assets/(obligations) recognised in the 
balance sheet

1.  UK funded defined benefit pension scheme.
2.  UK unfunded defined benefit pension scheme.

POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT ASSETS/(OBLIGATIONS) 
RECOGNISED IN THE BALANCE SHEET
Present value of defined benefit obligations
Fair value of plan assets
Post employment benefit assets/(obligations) recognised in the 
balance sheet

1.  UK funded defined benefit pension scheme.
2.  UK unfunded defined benefit pension scheme.

Certain Group companies have taken out life insurance policies and invested in mutual funds which will be used to meet unfunded 
pension obligations. The current value of these policies and other assets, £59 million (2019: £74 million), may not be offset against 
pension obligations under IAS 19 and is reported within note 15.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  239 

Consolidated  Financial Statements 
 
 
 
NOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

23  POST EMPLOYMENT OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)

The amounts recognised through the consolidated income statement within the various captions are as follows:

AMOUNTS RECOGNISED  
THROUGH THE CONSOLIDATED 
INCOME STATEMENT
Current service cost
Past service cost1
Charged to operating expenses
Interest expense on benefit obligations
Interest income on plan assets
Charged to finance costs
Total charged in the consolidated 
income statement

2020

2019

UK 
£m
1
–
1
43
(50)
(7)

(6)

USA 
£m
9
–
9
10
(7)
3

12

Other 
£m
10
1
11
3
(1)
2

Total 
£m
20
1
21
56
(58)
(2)

13

19

UK 
£m
1
12
13
60
(69)
(9)

4

USA 
£m
12
–
12
15
(11)
4

16

Other 
£m
8
–
8
4
(2)
2

10

Total 
£m
21
12
33
79
(82)
(3)

30

1.  The Lloyds Banking Group’s High Court hearing on Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP) equalisation was published on 26 October 2018. As a result, and based 

on actuarial advice, the Group has recognised £12 million of past service costs in the prior year consolidated income statement.

The Group made total contributions to defined benefit schemes of £29 million in the year (2019: £36 million) and expects to make total 
contributions to these schemes of £30 million in 2021, including £15 million related to the defined benefit plans in the US and £3 million 
in the UK.

The UK Plan is the largest scheme within the Group and was in surplus on a funding basis at the date of the most recent actuarial 
valuation as at 5 April 2019 and no deficit contributions are currently required. The remaining Group funded schemes do not have 
significant minimum funding requirements whilst contributions to unfunded pension schemes are quite stable. As a result, we do not 
expect the required future contributions to change substantially beyond next year.

The amounts recognised through the consolidated statement of comprehensive income are as follows:

AMOUNTS RECOGNISED THROUGH THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Remeasurement of post employment benefit obligations:

Effect of changes in demographic assumptions
Effect of changes in financial assumptions
Effect of experience adjustments

Remeasurement of post employment benefit obligations – loss
Return on plan assets, excluding interest income – gain
Total recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income

24  SHARE CAPITAL

2020 
£m

2019 
£m

(12)
(77)
(7)
(96)
78
(18)

106
(464)
1
(357)
425
68

On 21 May 2020, as part of a placing of shares (the ‘Placing’), a total of 195,012,686 new ordinary shares (the ‘Placing shares’) with a 
nominal value of 11 1⁄20 pence each were issued on a non-pre-emptive basis at an issue price of £10.25 per share (the ‘Placing price’), 
raising proceeds of £1,965 million net of issue costs of £34 million. The Company incurred other transaction costs of £2 million in 
connection with the Placing, which were recognised in the consolidated income statement. Concurrently with the Placing shares, 
directors and members of the senior management team of the Company subscribed for a further 109,266 new ordinary shares 
(‘Subscription shares’) and retail and other investors subscribed for a further 545,400 new ordinary shares (‘Retail offer shares’), in each 
case at the Placing price. The total cash proceeds received from the issuance of the Subscription shares and Retail offer shares 
amounted to £7 million net of expenses.

The net proceeds of the Placing are being used to strengthen the Company’s balance sheet and liquidity position, reducing leverage to 
deal with the challenging environment and ensure Compass remains resilient in the event of further negative developments in the 
pandemic. The Placing shares, Subscription shares and Retail offer shares were each issued fully paid and rank pari passu in all respects 
with each other and the ordinary shares of the Company in issue prior to the Placing, including the right to receive all dividends and other 
distributions declared, made or paid after the date of issue.

240  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
24  SHARE CAPITAL (CONTINUED)

The Placing shares were issued for non-cash consideration by way of a ‘cash box’ structure involving a newly incorporated Jersey 
subsidiary of the Company (‘JerseyCo’). This structure involved the issue of ordinary and preference shares by JerseyCo to one of the 
investment banks advising the Company in respect of the Placing. These preference and ordinary shares were subsequently acquired by 
the Company and the preference shares were redeemed by JerseyCo. The acquisition by the Company of the ordinary shares in JerseyCo 
held by the investment bank resulted in the Company securing over 90% of the equity share capital of JerseyCo. The Company was 
therefore able to rely on Section 612 of the Companies Act 2006, which provides relief from the requirements under Section 610 of the 
Companies Act 2006 to create a share premium account. Therefore, no share premium was recorded in relation to the Placing shares. 
The premium over the nominal value of the Placing shares was credited to a merger reserve and subsequently recognised in retained 
earnings. The merger reserve created was determined to be distributable for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006.

During the year, 1,794,287 treasury shares were released to satisfy employee share-based payments commitments (2019: 2,341,811), 
leaving a balance held at 30 September 2020 of 1,535,347 (2019: 3,329,634). Proceeds received from the reissuance of treasury shares 
to satisfy employee share awards were £nil (2019: £0.4 million).

SHARE CAPITAL
Allotted, called up and fully paid:
At 1 October 
Shares issued
At 30 September

25  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

INCOME STATEMENT EXPENSE

2020

Number of  
ordinary shares 
111/20 pence each

1,589,736,625
195,667,352
1,785,403,977

2019

Number of  
ordinary shares 
111/20 pence each

1,589,736,625
–
1,589,736,625

 £m 

176
22
198

 £m 

176
–
176

The Group recognised a credit of £2 million (2019: £27 million expense) in respect of share-based payment transactions. The share-
based payment credit this year reflects management’s latest view in relation to vesting conditions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
All share-based payment plans are equity-settled.

The income/expense is broken down by share-based payment scheme as follows:

Long term incentive plans
Other share-based payment plans

LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLANS

2020 
£m
(7)
5
(2)

2019 
£m
24
3
27

Full details of The Compass Group PLC Long Term Incentive Plan 2018 (2018 LTIP) can be found in the Directors’ Remuneration Report 
on pages 122 to 153.

The following table shows the movement in share awards during the year:

LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLANS
Outstanding at 1 October 
Awarded
Cancelled
Vested
Lapsed 
Outstanding at 30 September 

The vesting conditions of the LTIP awards are included in the Directors’ Remuneration Report.

2020 
Number  
of shares
5,791,851
1,861,342
(193,807)
(1,632,418)
(138,827)
5,688,141

2019 
Number  
of shares
5,897,389
2,191,879
–
(1,779,067)
(518,350)
5,791,851

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  241 

Consolidated  Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

25  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS (CONTINUED)

The fair value of awards subject to adjusted free cash flow (AFCF) and return on capital employed (ROCE) performance targets was 
calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The vesting probability of each element has been assessed based on a 
simulation model of the AFCF and ROCE forecasts.

The weighted average share price at the date of vesting for LTIP awards vested during 2020 (with reference to the LTIP award for 2016-2019 
that vested in November 2019) was 1,915.50 pence (2019: 1,673.00 pence).

The LTIP awards outstanding at the end of the year have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 1.1 years (2019: 1.4 years).

For the year ended 30 September 2020, Board LTIP awards were made on 27 November 2019 and 18 August 2020 for which the 
estimated fair values were 1,378.55 pence and 1,099.80 pence respectively. Leadership LTIP awards were also made on 27 November 
2019, 18 August 2020 and 24 and 25 September 2020 for which the estimated fair values were 1,530.28 pence, 1,099.80 pence, 
1,182.40 pence and 1,138.77 pence respectively.

For the year ended 30 September 2019, Board LTIP awards were made on 21 November 2018 and 16 May 2019 for which the estimated 
fair values were 1,185.63 pence and 1,229.53 pence respectively. Leadership LTIP awards were also made on 21 November 2018 and 
16 May 2019 for which the estimated fair values were 1,366.01 pence and 1,227.53 pence respectively.

These awards were all made under the terms of the 2018 LTIP. The inputs to the option pricing model are reassessed for each award. 
The following assumptions were used in calculating the fair value of LTIP awards made during the year:

ASSUMPTIONS – LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLANS
Expected volatility
Risk free interest rate
Dividend yield
Expected life
Weighted average share price at date of grant

OTHER SHARE-BASED PAYMENT PLANS

The following table shows the movements in other smaller share-based payments plans during the year:

OTHER SHARE-BASED PAYMENT PLANS
Outstanding at 1 October
Awarded 
Vested, released and exercised
Lapsed (following net settlement)
Lapsed
Outstanding at 30 September 

2020
29.1%
0.4%
2.2%
2.5 years
1,409.73p

2019
17.6%
1.2%
2.2%
2.7 years
1,746.52p

2020 
Number  
of shares
1,623,036
551,481
(339,170)
(88,969)
(93,059)
1,653,319

2019 
Number  
of shares
2,175,063
386,991
(617,596)
(218,773)
(102,649)
1,623,036

The expense relating to these plans is not significant and no further disclosure is necessary except for the general details provided below:

1. SHARE OPTIONS

Full details of The Compass Group Share Option Plan 2010, the Compass Group Share Option Plan, the Compass Group Management 
Share Option Plan and the UK Sharesave Plan are set out in prior years’ annual reports which are available on the Company’s website.

2. DEFERRED ANNUAL BONUS PLAN (DAB)

Certain senior executives participate in the DAB. A portion of the annual bonus awarded to certain executives is converted into shares. 
Subject to the achievement of local organic revenue growth and cumulative PBIT over the three year deferral period, the number of 
deferred shares may be increased. Enhancements to the deferred shares are only released to the participants subject to the performance 
levels being met. The last award under this plan was made in November 2018.

3. RESTRICTED SHARES

These are occasional awards to certain employees in order to incentivise the achievement of particular business objectives under specific 
circumstances or where similar such shares have been forfeited by a new employee on joining the Group. The plan can take different 
forms such as an award of shares dependent on a service or achievement of specific performance conditions other than service.

242  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

26  ACQUISITION, SALE AND CLOSURE OF BUSINESSES

ACQUISITIONS

The total cash spent on acquisitions during the year, net of cash acquired, was £464 million (2019: £451 million). The most significant 
acquisition during the period relates to Fazer Food Services.

On 31 January 2020, the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Fazer Food Services for an initial consideration of £363 million 
(€414 million) net of cash acquired. The remaining contingent consideration is payable within seven years and dependent on the operation 
of an earn-out. The net present value of the contingent consideration payable was £56 million (€66 million) at the date of acquisition. Fazer 
Food Services is a leading food service business in the Nordic region with operations in Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark, across 
several sectors including Business & Industry, Education, Healthcare & Seniors and Defence. The preliminary goodwill in relation to the 
assets acquired is £198 million. This goodwill represents the premium the Group paid to acquire the business that complements its existing 
businesses and creates significant opportunities and other synergies.

The following table summarises the recognised amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition of 
Fazer Food Services:

NET ASSETS ACQUIRED
Goodwill arising on acquisition
Contract related and other intangibles arising on acquisition
Trade and other receivables
Other assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Deferred tax
Trade and other payables
Other liabilities
Fair value of net assets acquired

SATISFIED BY
Cash consideration
Contingent consideration
Total consideration

Book  
value 
£m

–
1
58
47
41
–
(82)
(24)

Fair 
value 
£m 

198
273
58
47
41
(51)
(82)
(24)
460

404
56
460

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  243 

Consolidated  Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

26  ACQUISITION, SALE AND CLOSURE OF BUSINESSES (CONTINUED)

In addition to the acquisition set out above, the Group has also completed several smaller bolt-on acquisitions in several countries. 
A summary of all acquisitions completed during the year is included below:

NET ASSETS ACQUIRED
Goodwill arising on acquisition
Contract related and other intangibles arising on acquisition
Trade and other receivables
Other assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Deferred tax
Trade and other payables
Other liabilities
Fair value of net assets acquired

SATISFIED BY
Cash consideration
Contingent consideration
Total consideration

CASH FLOW
Cash consideration
Cash acquired
Acquisition transaction costs1
Net cash outflow arising on acquisition
Deferred consideration and other payments relating to previous acquisitions
Total cash outflow arising from the purchase of subsidiary companies

2020

Book  
value 
£m

–
10
62
55
41
–
(92)
(24)

Fair 
value 
£m

249
304
62
55
41
(54)
(92)
(24)
541

465
76
541

465
(41)
16
440
24
464

2019

Book  
value 
£m

–
18
33
30
12
–
(46)
(14)

Fair 
value 
£m

198
268
33
30
12
(27)
(46)
(14)
454

422
32
454

422
(12)
8
418
33
451

1. 

It is the Group’s policy to include acquisition transaction costs within cash flows from investing activities as these payments are directly related to the Group’s 
acquisition activities.

Contingent consideration is an estimate at the date of acquisition of the amount of additional consideration that will be payable in the 
future. The actual amount paid can vary from the estimate depending on the terms of the transaction and, for example, the actual 
performance of the acquired business.

The adjustments made in respect of acquisitions in the year to 30 September 2020 are provisional and will be finalised within 12 months 
of the acquisition date, principally in relation to the valuation of contracts acquired.

The goodwill arising on the acquisition of the businesses represents the premium the Group paid to acquire companies which 
complement the existing business and create significant opportunities for cross-selling and other synergies. The goodwill arising is not 
expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

In the period from acquisition to 30 September 2020, the acquisitions contributed revenue of £220 million to the Group’s results (2019: 
£123 million). If the acquisitions had occurred on 1 October 2019, it is estimated that the combined sales of Group and equity accounted 
joint ventures for the year would have been £20,497 million. Acquisitions did not have a material impact on the Group’s profits.

244  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
26  ACQUISITION, SALE AND CLOSURE OF BUSINESSES (CONTINUED)

SALE AND CLOSURE OF BUSINESSES

As a result of the strategic review of the business, the Group has continued to sell or exit its operations in a number of countries, sectors 
or businesses in order to simplify its portfolio. Activity in the period has included the sale of 50% of our Japanese Highways business. The 
Group has recognised a net gain of £115 million on the sale and closure of businesses (2019: £50 million gain), offset by £56 million of 
exit costs and asset write downs relating to committed or completed business exits (2019: £57 million).

Due to the volatility caused by COVID-19, the decision to sell the remaining US laundries and some businesses in Rest of World region has 
been paused. As a result, management no longer considers these disposals are highly probable and likely to be completed within 12 
months, therefore these businesses are no longer classified as held for sale. 

The major classes of assets and liabilities classified as held for sale as at year end are as follows:

CARRYING AMOUNT
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Trade and other receivables
Inventories
Other
Total assets held for sale
Trade and other payables
Other
Total liabilities directly associated with the assets held for sale 

2020 
£m
–
–
–
9
3
1
13 
(7)
–
 (7)

20191 
£m
21
6
44
42
20
2
135
 (20)
 (10)
 (30)

1.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as required by IFRS 5 ‘Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations’ to account for joint ventures and 

associates using the equity method retrospectively when they cease to be classified as held for sale. Additional information is included in note 14.

Cumulative income or expenses included in other comprehensive income relating to these businesses amount to £1 million of foreign 
exchange loss (2019: £38 million gain).

The non-recurring fair value measurement of the businesses held for sale is categorised as a Level 3 fair value, and is primarily based on 
offers received or agreed sale price for these businesses from interested parties.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  245 

Consolidated  Financial StatementsNOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

27  RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING PROFIT TO CASH GENERATED FROM OPERATIONS

RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING PROFIT TO CASH GENERATED FROM OPERATIONS
Operating profit before joint ventures and associates
Adjustments for
Acquisition related costs
One-off pension charge
Cost action programme and COVID-19 resizing costs
Amortisation of intangible assets
Amortisation of contract fulfilment assets
Amortisation of contract prepayments 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 
Depreciation of right of use assets 
Unwind of costs to obtain contracts
Impairment losses – contract related assets1
Impairment losses – other
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment/intangible assets/contract fulfilment assets
Other non-cash changes
Decrease in provisions
Investment in contract prepayments
Increase in costs to obtain contracts
Post employment benefit obligations net of service costs
Share-based payments – (credited)/charged to profits 
Operating cash flows before movement in working capital
Decrease/(increase) in inventories
Decrease/(increase) in receivables
(Decrease)/increase in payables
Cash generated from operations

1.  Cost action programme charge includes impairment losses of £2 million (2019: £54 million).

2020 
£m
290

70 
–
197
93
195
26
287
164
15
88
4
31
(3)
(17)
(40)
(28)
(9)
(2)
1,361
102
676
(921)
1,218

2019 
£m
1,570

54
12
190
88
184
23
282
–
14
–
–
–
(2)
(41)
(30)
(19)
(15)
27
2,337
(30)
(121)
210
2,396

246  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
28  RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH FLOW TO MOVEMENT IN NET DEBT

This table is presented as additional information to show movement in net debt, defined as overdrafts, bank and other borrowings, lease 
liabilities and derivative financial instruments, net of cash and cash equivalents.

NET DEBT
At 1 October 2018
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Cash outflow from repayment of bank loans
Cash inflow from borrowing of bank loans
Cash outflow from repayment of loan notes
Cash outflow from repayment of bonds
Cash outflow from other changes in 
gross debt
Cash outflow from repayments of 
obligations under finance leases
New finance leases
Reclassified as held for sale
Currency translation (losses)/gains
Other non-cash movements
At 30 September 2019
Implementation of IFRS 161
At 1 October 2019, as adjusted1
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash outflow from repayment of bank loans
Cash inflow from borrowing of bank loans
Cash outflow from repayment of loan notes
Cash inflow from issuance of 
commercial paper
Cash outflow from repayment of 
commercial paper
Cash inflow from other changes in 
gross debt
Cash outflow from repayment of principal 
under lease liabilities
New lease liabilities and amendments
Reclassified as held for sale
Currency translation (losses)/gains
Other non-cash movements
At 30 September 2020

Gross debt

 Bank 
overdrafts 
£m 
(76)
–
–
–
–
–

 Bank and 
other 
borrowings 
£m 
(4,342)
–
1,830
(1,830)
195
530

 Total 
overdrafts and 
borrowings 
£m 
(4,418)
–
1,830
(1,830)
195
530

 Lease 
liabilities 
£m 
(6)
–
–
–
–
–

 Derivative 
financial 
instruments 
£m 
72
–
–
–
–
–

 Total gross 
debt 
£m 
(4,352)
–
1,830
(1,830)
195
530

 Cash and cash 
equivalents 
£m 
969
(579)
–
–
–
–

 Net debt 
£m 
(3,383)
(579)
1,830
(1,830)
195
530

60

–
–
–
(1)
–
(17)
–
(17)
–
–
–
–

–

–

(79)

–
–
–
(1)
–
(97)

2

62

–

14

76

–

76

–
–
–
(64)
(166)
(3,845)
–
(3,845)
–
1,578
(1,578)
156

–
–
–
(65)
(166)
(3,862)
–
(3,862)
–
1,578
(1,578)
156

(815)

(815)

815

815

1

(78)

–
–
–
23
(17)
(3,682)

–
–
–
22
(17)
(3,779)

4
(1)
–
–
–
(3)
(995)
(998)
–
–
–
–

–

–

–

152
(174)
–
22
56
(942)

–
–
–
(30)
139
195
–
195
–
–
–
–

–

–

30

–
–
–
–
6
231

4
(1)
–
(95)
(27)
(3,670)
(995)
(4,665)
–
1,578
(1,578)
156

(815)

815

(48)

152
(174)
–
44
45
(4,490)

–
–
(1)
9
–
398

 – 
398 
1,091
–
–
–

–

–

–

–
–
(1)
(4)
–
1,484

4
(1)
(1)
(86)
(27)
(3,272)
(995)
(4,267)
1,091
1,578
(1,578)
156

(815)

815

(48)

152
(174)
(1)
40
45
(3,006)

1.  Prior year comparatives have not been restated for IFRS 16 ‘Leases’. Additional information about the impact of IFRS 16 is included in note 1. Finance lease 

liabilities were reclassified to lease liabilities on adoption of IFRS 16.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  247 

Consolidated  Financial Statements 
 
 
NOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

28  RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH FLOW TO MOVEMENT IN NET DEBT (CONTINUED)

Other non-cash movements are comprised as follows:

OTHER NON-CASH MOVEMENTS IN NET DEBT
Amortisation of fees and discount on issuance
Changes in the fair value of bank and other borrowings in a designated fair value hedge
Bank and other borrowings
Leases acquired through business acquisition 
Leases derecognised on sale and closure of businesses
COVID-19 lease payment reductions
Lease liabilities 
Changes in the value of derivative financial instruments including accrued income
Other non-cash movements

2020 
£m
(5)
(12)
(17)
(22)
75
3
56
6
45

CASH FLOWS ARISING FROM 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Debt
Equity
Total

2020

Repayment 
of bank 
loans and 
commercial 
paper
2,393 
–

Borrowing 
of bank 
loans and 
commercial 
paper
(2,393)
–

Repayment 
of loan 
notes
156
–

 Cash 
(inflow)/
outflow 
from other 
(48)
–

 Repayment 
of principal 
under lease 
liabilities 
152
–

 Issue of  
ordinary 
share 
capital 
–
(1,972)

Issue of 
bonds
–
–

Dividends
–
433

Purchase of 
own shares
–
1

CASH FLOWS ARISING FROM 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Debt
Equity
Total

Repayment 
of bank 
loans
1,830
–

Borrowing of 
bank loans
(1,830)
–

Repayment 
of loan notes
195
–

29  CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

2019

Cash 
(inflow)/
outflow from 
other
80
–

 Repayment 
of principal 
under lease 
liabilities 
–
–

 Issue of  
ordinary 
share capital 
–
–

Issue of 
bonds
530
–

Dividends
–
616

Purchase of 
own shares
–
4

PERFORMANCE BONDS, GUARANTEES AND INDEMNITIES
Performance bonds, guarantees and indemnities (including those of associated undertakings)1

 2020 
£m 
358 

2019 
£m
(6)
(160)
(166)
–
–
–
–
139
(27)

Total
260
(1,538)
(1,278)

Total
805
620
1,425

 2019 
£m 
383

1.  Excludes post employment obligations, borrowings and lease liabilities.

PERFORMANCE BONDS, GUARANTEES AND INDEMNITIES

The Company and certain subsidiary undertakings have, in the normal course of business, given guarantees and entered into counter-
indemnities in respect of such guarantees relating to the Group’s own contracts and/or the Group’s share of certain contractual 
obligations of joint arrangements and associates. Where the Group enters into such arrangements, it does so in order to provide 
assurance to the beneficiary that it will fulfil its existing contractual obligations. The issue of such guarantees and indemnities does not 
therefore increase the Group’s overall exposure and the disclosure of such performance bonds, guarantees and indemnities is given for 
information purposes only.

EUREST SUPPORT SERVICES

On 21 October 2005, the Company announced that it had instructed Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer to conduct an investigation into the 
relationships between Eurest Support Services (ESS) (a member of the Group), IHC Services Inc. (IHC) and the United Nations (UN). 
Ernst & Young assisted Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in this investigation. On 1 February 2006, it was announced that the investigation 
had concluded.

248  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
29  CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (CONTINUED)

The investigation established serious irregularities in connection with contracts awarded to ESS by the UN. The work undertaken by 
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Ernst & Young gave no reason to believe that these issues extended beyond a few individuals within 
ESS to other parts of ESS or the wider Compass Group of companies.

The Group settled all outstanding civil litigation against it in relation to this matter in October 2006, but litigation continues between 
competitors of ESS, IHC and other parties involved in UN procurement.

IHC’s relationship with the UN and ESS was part of a wider investigation into UN procurement activity being conducted by the United 
States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, and with which the Group co-operated fully. The current status of that 
investigation is uncertain and a matter for the US authorities. Those investigators could have had access to sources unavailable to the 
Group, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer or Ernst & Young, and further information may yet emerge which is inconsistent with, or additional 
to, the findings of the Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer investigation, which could have an adverse impact on the Group.

The Group has, however, not been contacted by, or received further requests for information from, the United States Attorney’s Office  
for the Southern District of New York in connection with these matters since January 2006. The Group has co-operated fully with the 
UN throughout.

OTHER LITIGATION AND CLAIMS

The Group is also involved in various other legal proceedings incidental to the nature of its business and maintains insurance cover to 
reduce financial risk associated with claims related to these proceedings. Where appropriate, provisions are made to cover any potential 
uninsured losses.

The increasingly complex international corporate tax environment and an increase in audit activity from tax authorities means that the 
potential for tax uncertainties has increased. The Group is currently subject to a number of reviews and audits in jurisdictions around the 
world that primarily relate to complex corporate tax issues. None of these audits is currently expected to have a material impact on the 
Group’s financial position.

In April 2019, the European Commission published its final decision on the Group Financing Exemption in the UK’s Controlled Foreign 
Company legislation concluding that part of the legislation is in breach of EU State Aid rules. The UK government and UK-based 
multinational companies, including Compass, have appealed to the General Court of the European Union against the decision. The UK 
government is required to start collection proceedings in advance of the appeal results but at present it is not possible to determine the 
amount that the UK government will seek to collect. If the decision of the European Commission is upheld, we have calculated our 
maximum potential liability to be £113 million at 30 September 2020. The final impact on the Group remains uncertain and our current 
assessment is that no provision is required.

In addition, we continue to engage with tax authorities and other regulatory bodies on payroll and sales tax reviews, and compliance with 
labour laws and regulations. The federal tax authorities in Brazil have issued a number of notices of deficiency relating primarily to the 
PIS/COFINS treatment of certain food costs and the corporate income tax treatment of goodwill deductions which we have formally 
objected to and which are now proceeding through the appeals process. At 30 September 2020, the total amount assessed in respect of 
these matters is £36 million. The possibility of further assessments cannot be ruled out and the judicial process is likely to take a number 
of years to conclude. Based on the opinion of our local legal advisors, we do not currently consider it likely that we will have to settle a 
liability with respect to these matters, and on this basis, no provision has been recorded. We therefore do not currently expect any of 
these issues to have a material impact on the Group’s financial position.

OUTCOME

Although it is not possible to predict the outcome or quantify the financial effect of these proceedings, or any claim against the Group 
related thereto, in the opinion of the directors, any uninsured losses resulting from the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a 
material effect on the financial position of the Group. The timing of the settlement of these proceedings or claims is uncertain.

30  CAPITAL COMMITMENTS

CAPITAL COMMITMENTS
Contracted for but not provided for 

The majority of capital commitments are for intangible assets.

2020 
£m
592

 2019 
£m 
605

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  249 

Consolidated  Financial StatementsNOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

31  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The following transactions were carried out with related parties of Compass Group PLC:

SUBSIDIARIES

Transactions between the ultimate Parent Company and its subsidiaries, and between subsidiaries, have been eliminated 
on consolidation.

JOINT VENTURES

There were no significant transactions between joint ventures or joint venture partners and the rest of the Group during the year.

ASSOCIATES

The balances with associated undertakings are shown in note 16. There were no significant transactions with associated undertakings 
during the year.

KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

The remuneration of directors and key management personnel is set out in note 4. During the year there were no other material 
transactions or balances between the Group and its key management personnel or members of their close families.

32  POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS

There are no material post balance sheet events.

33  EXCHANGE RATES

AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE FOR THE YEAR1
Australian Dollar
Brazilian Real
Canadian Dollar
Chilean Peso
Euro
Japanese Yen
New Zealand Dollar
Norwegian Krone
Turkish Lira
UAE Dirham
US Dollar

CLOSING EXCHANGE RATE AT 30 SEPTEMBER1
Australian Dollar
Brazilian Real
Canadian Dollar
Chilean Peso
Euro
Japanese Yen
New Zealand Dollar
Norwegian Krone
Turkish Lira
UAE Dirham
US Dollar

2020

2019

1.89
6.21
1.72
1,013.12
1.14
137.83
2.00
12.03
8.34
4.71
1.28

1.80
7.29
1.73
1,018.50
1.10
136.43
1.96
12.10
9.96
4.75
1.29

1.81
4.96
1.69
875.59
1.13
140.53
1.92
11.02
7.16
4.69
1.28

1.83
5.13
1.63
897.37
1.13
133.18
1.97
11.20
6.96
4.53
1.23

1.  Average rates are used to translate the income statement and cash flow statement. Closing rates are used to translate the balance sheet. Only the most significant 

currencies are shown.

250  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

34  STATUTORY AND UNDERLYING RESULTS

Operating profit 
Net gain on sale and closure of 
businesses
Net finance cost
Finance income
Finance costs
Other financing items loss
Profit before tax
Income tax expense
Tax rate
Profit for the year
Non-controlling interests
Profit attributable to equity shareholders 
of the Company
Average number of shares
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE 
(PENCE)

Operating profit 
Net loss on sale and closure of 
businesses
Net finance cost
Finance income
Finance costs
Other financing items loss
Profit before tax
Income tax expense
Tax rate
Profit for the year
Non-controlling interests
Profit attributable to equity shareholders 
of the Company
Average number of shares
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE 
(PENCE)2

 2020 
Statutory 
£m 
294 

59 
(143)
10 
(144)
(9)
210 
(75)
35.7%
135 
(2)

133 
1,658 

1
70 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
70 
(20)

50 
 – 

50 

Adjustments

3
197 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
197 
(50)

147
 – 

147

2
 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 
 – 

 – 

4 
 – 

(59)
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
(59)
31 

(28)
 – 

(28)

5 
 – 

 – 
9 
 – 
 – 
9 
9 
(2)

7 
 – 

7 

 2020 
Underlying 
£m 
561 

 – 
(134)
10 
(144)
 – 
427 
(116)
27.2%
311 
(2)

309 
1,658 

8.0 

3.0 

 – 

8.9 

(1.7)

0.4 

18.6

 20191
Statutory
£m 
1,626 

(7)
(125)
12 
(122)
(15)
1,494 
(351)
23.5%
1,143 
(8)

1,135 
1,586 

1
54 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
54 
(13)

41 
 – 

41 

Adjustments

3
190 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
190 
(41)

149 
 – 

149 

2
12 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
12 
(2)

10 
 – 

10 

4 
 – 

7 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
7 
(3)

4 
 – 

4 

5 
 – 

 – 
15 
 – 
 – 
15 
15 
(3)

12 
 – 

12 

 2019 
Underlying 
£m 
1,882 

 – 
(110)
12 
(122)
 – 
1,772 
(413)
23.3%
1,359 
(8)

1,351 
1,586 

71.6 

2.6 

0.6 

9.4 

0.2 

0.8 

85.2 

Notes
2

7 

7

Notes
2

7 

7

1.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as required by IFRS 5 ‘Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations’ to account for joint ventures and 

associates using the equity method retrospectively when they cease to be classified as held for sale. Additional information is included in note 14.

2.  Underlying constant currency earnings per share is based on a Group constant currency profit attributable to equity shareholders of the Company and includes 

negative constant currency adjustment of £22 million net of £7 million positive constant currency adjustment to income tax expense.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  251 

Consolidated  Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

34  STATUTORY AND UNDERLYING RESULTS (CONTINUED)

The Executive Committee manages and assesses the performance of the Group using various underlying and other alternative 
performance measures. These measures are not recognised under EU-adopted IFRS and may not be directly comparable with alternative 
performance measures used by other companies. Underlying and other alternative performance measures are defined in the glossary of 
terms on pages 278 and 279. Underlying operating profit is considered to better reflect ongoing trading, facilitate meaningful year on 
year comparison and hence provides financial measures that, together with the results prepared in accordance with adopted IFRS, 
provide better analysis of the results of the Group. In determining the adjustments to arrive at underlying result, we use a set of 
established principles relating to the nature and materiality of individual items or group of items, including, for example, events which (i) 
are outside the normal course of business, (ii) are incurred in a pattern that is unrelated to the trends in the underlying financial 
performance of our ongoing business, or (iii) are related to business acquisitions or disposals as they are not part of the Group’s ongoing 
trading business, and the associated cost impact arises from the transaction rather than from the continuing business. Adjustments from 
statutory to underlying results are explained further below.

1. Acquisition related costs

Represent charges in respect of intangible assets acquired through business combinations, direct costs incurred as part of a business 
combination or other strategic asset acquisitions, business integration costs and changes in consideration in relation to past acquisition 
activity. See note 3 for details.

2. One-off pension charge

One-off pension charge in relation to GMP equalisation, see note 23 (page 234) for additional details.

3. Cost action programme and COVID-19 resizing costs

Charges related to actions taken to adjust our cost base and further cost actions taken to adjust our business to the new trading 
environment in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, see note 3 for additional details.

4. Net gain/(loss) on sale and closure of businesses

These represent profits and losses on the sale of subsidiaries, joint ventures, associates and other financial assets. See note 26 for 
additional details.

5. Other financing items

Represent financing items including hedge accounting ineffectiveness and change in the fair value of investments. See note 5 for details.

252  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

35  ORGANIC REVENUE AND ORGANIC PROFIT

2020 (as reported)
Combined sales of Group and share of equity accounted joint ventures
% decrease reported rates
% decrease constant currency
Organic adjustments
Organic revenue
% organic change
20191 (as reported)
Combined sales of Group and share of equity accounted joint ventures2
Currency adjustments
Constant currency underlying revenue
Organic adjustments
Organic revenue
20202 (as reported)
Regional underlying operating profit/(loss)
Share of (loss)/profit of associates
Group underlying operating profit
Underlying operating margin (excluding associates)
% decrease reported rates
% decrease constant currency
Organic adjustments
Regional underlying organic operating profit/(loss) (excluding associates)
Group underlying organic operating profit (including associates)
% organic change 
20202 (IAS 17 proforma)
Regional underlying operating profit/(loss)
Share of (loss)/profit of associates
Group underlying operating profit
Underlying operating margin (excluding associates)
% decrease reported rates
% decrease constant currency
Organic adjustments
Regional underlying organic operating profit/(loss) (excluding associates)
Group underlying organic operating profit (including associates)
% organic change
20191 (as reported)
Regional underlying operating profit
Share of profit of associates
Group underlying operating profit
Underlying operating margin (excluding associates)
Currency adjustments – profit 
Regional constant currency underlying profit (excluding associates)
Group constant currency underlying operating profit (including associates)
Organic adjustments
Regional underlying organic operating profit (excluding associates)
Share of profit from associates – constant currency
Group underlying organic operating profit (including associates)

Geographical segments

North America 
£m

Europe 
£m

Rest of World 
£m

Central 
Activities 
£m 

12,746 
(18.8)%
(18.4)%
 – 
12,746 
(18.5)%

15,694 
(74)
15,620 
16 
15,636 

606 
(28)
578 
4.8% 
(53.0)%
(52.8)%
 – 
606 
578 
(53.1)%

588 
(28)
560 
4.6% 
(54.4)%
(54.2)%
 – 
588 
560 
(54.5)%

1,290 
10 
1,300 
8.2%
(6)
1,284 
1,294 
9 
1,293 
10 
1,303 

5,048 
(21.0)%
(19.9)%
(233)
4,815 
(24.0)%

6,391 
(87)
6,304 
32 
6,336 

(29)
5 
(24)
(0.6)%
(106.9)%
(107.0)%
9 
(20)
(15)
(104.8)%

(35)
5 
(30)
(0.7)%
(108.3)%
(108.4)%
9 
(26)
(21)
(106.2)%

421 
9 
430 
6.6%
(6)
415 
424 
4 
419 
9 
428 

2,404 
(21.6)%
(15.5)%
(36)
2,368 
(7.9)%

3,067 
(222)
2,845 
(275)
2,570 

94 
(2)
92 
3.9% 
(59.5)%
(56.1)%
(5)
89 
87 
(51.1)%

90 
(2)
88 
3.7% 
(61.2)%
(57.9)%
(5)
85 
83 
(53.3)%

232 
 – 
232 
7.6%
(18)
214 
214 
(32)
182 
 – 
182 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

(85)
 – 
(85)
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
(85)
(85)
 – 

(85)
 – 
(85)
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
(85)
(85)
 – 

(80)
 – 
(80)
 – 
 – 
(80)
(80)
 – 
(80)
 – 
(80)

Group 
£m

20,198 
(19.7)%
(18.5)%
(269)
19,929 
(18.8)%

25,152 
(383)
24,769 
(227)
24,542 

586 
(25)
561 
2.9% 
(70.2)%
(69.7)%
4 
590 
565 
(69.2)%

558 
(25)
533 
2.8% 
(71.7)%
(71.2)%
4 
562 
537 
(70.7)%

1,863 
19 
1,882 
7.4%
(30)
1,833 
1,852 
(19)
1,814 
19 
1,833 

1.  Prior year comparatives have reclassified Turkey and Middle East from Rest of World region into Europe region.
2.  Underlying operating results and growth rates reported under IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ from 1 October 2019. The Group has adopted IFRS 16 using the modified 

retrospective approach to transition and has accordingly not restated prior year comparatives, therefore the results for the year ended 30 September 2020 
prepared on an IFRS 16 basis are not directly comparable with those reported in the prior year under IAS 17 ‘Leases’. To provide meaningful comparatives, 
the results for the year ended 30 September 2020 have therefore also been presented under IAS 17. Additional information about the impact of IFRS 16 is 
included in note 1.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  253 

Consolidated  Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

36  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC

PRINCIPAL SUBSIDIARIES

Ground Floor 35-51 Mitchell Street, McMahons Point, NSW 2060, Australia

Country of 
incorporation

% Holding

Principal activities

Compass Group (Australia) Pty Limited

Australia

100

Food and support services

Chaussée de Haecht 1179, B-1130 Bruxelles, Belgium

Compass Group Belgilux S.A.

Belgium

100

Food services

Rua Tutoia, 119, Vila Mariana, São Paulo, 04007-000, Brazil

GR Serviços e Alimentação Ltda. 

Brazil

100

Food and support services

1 Prologis Boulevard, Suite 400, Mississauga, Ontario L5W 0G2, Canada

Compass Group Canada Ltd. Groupe Compass Canada Ltée(iii)(iv)(v)(vi)(viii)

Canada

100

Food and support services

Av. del Valle 787, 5th floor, Huechuraba, Santiago, Chile

Compass Catering Y Servicios Chile Limitada

Chile

100

Food and support services

Rued Langgards Vej 8, 1. sal, 2300 København S, DK, Denmark

Compass Group Danmark A/S

Denmark

100

Food services

P.O. Box 210, FI-00281 Helsinki, Finland

Compass Group FS Finland Oy

Finland

100

Food services

123 Avenue de la République – Hall A, 92320 Châtillon, France

Compass Group France Holdings SAS

Compass Group France SAS

Helfmann-Park 2, 65760, Eschborn, Germany

Compass Group Deutschland GmbH

Eurest Deutschland GmbH

Eurest Services GmbH

Medirest GmbH & Co OHG

Via Angelo Scarsellini, 14, 20161, Milano, Italy

Compass Group Italia S.p.A.

France

France

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

100

100

100

100

100

100

Holding company

Food and support services

Holding company

Food service to business and industry

Support services to business and industry

Food service to the healthcare and senior living 
market

Italy

100

Food and support services

Hamarikyu Kensetsu Plaza, 5-5-12, Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan

Seiyo Food-Compass Group, Inc. 

Japan

100

Food and support services

Laarderhoogtweg 11, 1101 DZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Compass Group International B.V.

Compass Group Nederland B.V.

Compass Group Nederland Holding B.V.

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

100

100

100

Holding company

Food and support services

Holding company

Drengsrudbekken 12, 1383, PO Box 74, NO-1371, Asker, Norway

Compass Holding Norge A/S

Norway

100

Holding company

Calle Pinar de San José 98 planta 1ª 28054 Madrid, Spain

Eurest Colectividades S.L.U.

Spain

100

Food and support services

Box 1222, 164 28, Kista, Sweden

Compass Group Sweden AB

Sweden

100

Holding company

254  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

36  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC (CONTINUED)

PRINCIPAL SUBSIDIARIES

Box 30170, 104 25 Stockholm, Sweden

Compass Group FS Sweden AB

Oberfeldstrasse 14, 8302, Kloten, Switzerland

Compass Group (Schweiz) AG

Restorama AG

Country of 
incorporation

% Holding

Principal activities

Sweden

100

Food services

Switzerland

Switzerland

100

100

Food and support services

Food service

İçIerenköy Mah. Yesil vadi sokak, No: 3 D: 12-13-14, 34752 Atasehir, 
Istanbul, Turkey

Sofra Yemek Űretim Ve Hizmet A.Ş.(iii)

Turkey

100

Food and support services

Parklands Court, 24 Parklands, Birmingham Great Park, Rubery, Birmingham, 
B45 9PZ, United Kingdom

Compass Contract Services (U.K.) Limited

Compass Group, UK and Ireland Limited

Foodbuy Europe Limited(iii)(iv)

Compass House, Guildford Street, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 9BQ,  
United Kingdom

Compass Group Holdings PLC(i)(iii)

Hospitality Holdings Limited(i)

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

100

100

100

100

100

Food and support services

Holding company

Client procurement services management in 
the UK

Holding company and corporate activities

Intermediate holding company

2710 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 150N, Sacramento, CA 95833-3505, USA

Bon Appétit Management Co.(viii)

USA

100

Food service

251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, DE 19808, USA

Compass Group USA Investments Inc.

Compass Group USA, Inc.(viii)

Crothall Services Group

Foodbuy, LLC

Restaurant Associates Corp.

80 State Street, Albany, NY 12207-2543, USA

Flik International Corp.

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

100

100

100

100

100

Holding company

Food and support services

Support services to the healthcare market

Purchasing services in North America

Fine dining facilities

USA

100

Fine dining facilities

801 Adlai Stevenson Drive, Springfield, IL 62703, USA

Levy Restaurants Limited Partnership

USA

100

40 Technology Pkwy South, #300, Norcross, GA 30092, USA

Morrison Management Specialists, Inc.(viii)

USA

100

Fine dining and food service at sports and 
entertainment facilities

Food service to the healthcare and senior  
living market

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  255 

Consolidated  Financial StatementsNOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

36  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC (CONTINUED)

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

Chez: Eurojapan Résidence No.23, RN n°3 BP 398, 
Hassi Messaoud, Algeria

Country of 
incorporation

% 
Holding

Eurest Algerie SPA 

Algeria

100

Condominio Dolce Vita, Via S8, Edifício 1D,  
Fração A & B, 2º andar,Talatona, Município de Belas, 
Luanda, República de Angola 

Express Support Services, Limitada

Angola 

100

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

Chaussée de Haecht 1179, B-1130 Brussels, Belgium

Compass Group Service Solutions S.A.

F.L.R. Holding S.A.(ii)

Xandrion Belgie BVBA

Country of 
incorporation

% 
Holding

Belgium

Belgium

Belgium

100

100

100

Rua Orissanga, 200, 1st Floor, Mirandópolis, 
São Paulo, 04.052-030, Brazil

Clean Mall Serviços Ltda.

Brazil

100

Esteban Echeverría 1050, 6th floor,  
Vicente Lopez (1602), Buenos Aires, Argentina

Servicios Compass de Argentina S.A.

Argentina

100

Rua Orissanga, 200, 3rd Floor, Mirandópolis, 
São Paulo, 04.052-030, Brazil

GRSA Serviços LTDA.

Brazil

100

Ground Floor 35 – 51 Mitchell Street, 
McMahons Point, NSW 2060, Australia

Compass Australia PTY Ltd(ii)

Compass (Australia) Catering & Services PTY Ltd(iii)(iv)

Compass Group B&I Hospitality Services PTY Ltd

Australia

Australia

Australia

Compass Group Defence Hospitality Services PTY Ltd

Australia

Compass Group Education Hospitality Services PTY Ltd

Australia

Compass Group Healthcare Hospitality Services PTY Ltd Australia

Compass Group Health Services Pty Ltd

Compass Group Management Services PTY Ltd

Compass Group Relief Hospitality Services PTY Ltd

Compass Group Remote Hospitality Services PTY Ltd

Delta Facilities Management PTY Ltd

Delta FM Australia PTY Ltd

Eurest (Australia) – Victoria PTY Ltd

Eurest (Australia) Food Services – NSW Pty Ltd

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Eurest (Australia) Food Services – Wollongong PTY Ltd

Australia

Eurest (Australia) Food Services PTY Ltd

Eurest (Australia) Licence Holdings PTY Ltd

Eurest (Australia) PTY Ltd

Foodbuy Pty Ltd

LAPG Education PTY Ltd

LAPG PTY Ltd

Life’s A Party Group PTY Ltd

Life’s A Party PTY Ltd

Omega Security Services PTY Ltd

Restaurant Associates (Australia) PTY Ltd

Sargem PTY Ltd

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Level 22, 135 King Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, 
Australia

MBM Integrated Services Pty(ii)

Australia

100

Craigmuir Chambers, PO Box 71, Roadtown, Tortola, 
VG1110, British Virgin Islands

Compass Group Holdings (BVI) Limited

100

British 
Virgin 
Islands

c/o Action Group Ltd., No.12, Street 614, 
Sangkat Boeung Kok II, Khan Tuol Kork,  
Phnom Penh City, Cambodia 

Compass Group (Cambodia) Co. Ltd.(ii)

Cambodia

100

100, Rue n° 1044 Hydrocarbures, Bonapriso, 
BP 5767, Douala, Cameroon

Eurest Cameroun SARL(ii)

Eurest Camp Logistics Cameroun SARL(ii)

1 Prologis Boulevard, Suite 400, Mississauga, 
Ontario L5W 0G2, Canada

1912219 Ontario Inc.(iii)(iv)(v)(vi)(viii)

Canteen of Canada Limited(iii)

Compass Canada Support Services Ltd(iii)(iv)(v)(vi)(viii)

Compass Group Ontario Ltd.(iii)

Cameroon

Cameroon

100

100

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

100

100

100

100

Suite 2300, Bentall 5, 550 Burrard Street, Vancouver, 
BC V6C 2B5, Canada

Tejazz Management Services Inc.(iii)

Canada

100

1969 Upper Water Street, Purdy’s Wharf Tower II, 
Suite 1300, Halifax, NS B3J 3R7, Canada

Crothall Services Canada Inc.(iii)(iv)

Canada

100

1959 Upper Water Street, Suite 1100, Halifax, 
Nova Scotia, B3J 3E5, Canada

East Coast Catering (NS) Limited(iii)

Canada

100

IZD Tower, Wagramer Strasse 19/4. Stock,  
1220 Wien, Austria

Compass Group Austria Holdings One GmbH

Compass Group Austria Holdings Two GmbH

Eurest Restaurationsbetriebsgesellschaft m.b.H

Kunz Gebäudereinigung GmbH

Austria

Austria

Austria

Austria

100

100

100

100

30 Queen’s Road, St. John’s, Newfoundland and 
Labrador, A1C 2A5, Canada

East Coast Catering Limited(iii)(iv)(viii)(v)

Long Harbour Catering Limited Partnership(x)

Long Harbour Catering Limited(iii)(viii)

Canada

Canada

Canada

100

100

100

256  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

36  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC (CONTINUED)

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

421 7th Avenue SW, Suite 1600, Calgary, Alberta, 
T2P 4K9, Canada

Country of 
incorporation

% 
Holding

Great West Catering Ltd.(iii)

Tamarack Catering Ltd.(iii)

Canada

Canada

100

100

2580 Rue Dollard, Lasalle, Quebec,  
H8N 1T2, Canada

Groupe Compass (Québec) Ltée(iii)(iv)(v)(vi)(viii)

Canada

100

550 Burrard Street, Suite 2300, Bentall 5, P.O. Box 
30, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 2B5, Canada

Town Square Food Services Ltd.(iii)

Canada

100

Av. del Valle 787, 5th floor, Huechuraba, 
Santiago, Chile

Cadelsur S.A.

Compass Catering S.A.

Compass Servicios S.A.

Scolarest S.A.

Chile

Chile

Chile

Chile

100

100

100

100

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

Harju maakond, Saku vald, Jälgimäe küla, 
Jälgimäe tee 14, 76404, Estonia

Country of 
incorporation

% 
Holding

Compass Group FS Estonia OÜ

Estonia

100

PO Box 210, FL-00281, Helsinki, Finland 

Compass Group Finland OY

Finland

100

123 Avenue de la République – Hall A, 
92320 Châtillon, France

7000 Set Meal SAS

Academie Formation Groupe Compass SAS

Caterine Restauration SAS

Delisaveurs SAS

Eurest Sports & Loisirs SAS

La Puyfolaise de Restauration SAS

Levy Restaurants France SAS

Mediance SAS

Memonett SAS

Servirest SAS

SHRM Angola SAS(ii)

France

France

France

France

France

France

France

France

France

France

France

France

France

France

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

No. 1999 Floor 2, Xin Zhu Road, Minhang District, 
200237, China

Compass (China) Management Services 
Company Limited

Room 401 No.2536, Pudong Avenue, 
Pudong District, Shanghai 200135, China

Société De Prestations En Gestion Immobiliere SAS

China

100

Société Nouvelle Lecocq SAS

Sud Est Traiteur SAS

Rue des Artisans, ZA de Bel Air,  
12000 Rodez, France

Shanghai Eurest Food Technologies Service Co., Ltd.

China

100

Central Restauration Martel (CRM)

France

100

Calle 98#11B – 29 Bogotá – Colombia

Zone Artisanale, 40500 Bas Mauco, France

Compass Group Services Colombia S.A.

Colombia

100

Culinaire Des Pays de L’Adour SAS

France

100

Enceinte de Brometo Centre Ville, BP 5208, 
Pointe-Noire, The Democratic Republic of the Congo

Eurest Services Congo SARL(ii)

Congo

100

195, Arch. Makariou III Avenue, Neocleous House, 
3030 Limassol, Cyprus

ESS Design & Build Ltd(ii)

Eurest Support Services (Cyprus) International Ltd 

Jankovcova, 1603/47a, Holešovice 170 00,  
Prague 7, Czech Republic

Compass Group Czech Republic s.r.o.

SCOLAREST – zařízení školního stravování spol. s.r.o

Skibhusvej 52 A, 1, Postboks 49,  
5000 Odense C, Denmark

Compass Group FS Denmark A/S

Cyprus

Cyprus

Czech 
Republic

Czech 
Republic

100

100

100

100

Denmark

100

40, Bd de Dunkerque, 13002 Marseille, France

Société International D’Assistance SA(ii)

France

100

Lieu Dit la Prade, 81580 Soual, France

Occitanie Restauration SAS

France

100

3 rue Camille Claudel Atlanparc Bat.M, 
Zone Kerluherne, CS 20043, 56890 Plescop, France

Oceane de Restauration SAS

France

100

Rue Eugène Sué, Zone Industrielle de Blanzat, 
03100 Montluçon, France

Sogirest SAS

France

100

ZONE OPRAG, (Face á Bernabé Nouveau Port), 
BP 1292, Port Gentil, Gabon

Eurest Support Services Gabon SA(ii)

Gabon

100

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  257 

Consolidated  Financial StatementsNOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

36  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC (CONTINUED)

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

Helfmann-Park 2, 65760, Eschborn, Germany

Country of 
incorporation

% 
Holding

Compass Group GmbH

Eurest Bremen GmbH

Eurest Köln GmbH 

Eurest Süd GmbH

Food affairs GmbH

Kanne Café GmbH

Menke Menue GmbH

Royal Business Restaurants GmbH

S.B. Verwaltungs GmbH

Konrad-Zuse-Platz 2, 81829 München, Germany

Leonardi EPM GmbH

Leonardi HPM GmbH

Leonardi Vermögensverwaltungs GmbH

Leonardi Betriebsverwaltungs GmbH

Leonardi GmbH & Co. KG

Leonardi Kaffee neu entdecken GmbH & Co. KG

Leonardi SVM GmbH

Sankt-Florian-Weg 1, 30880, Laatzen, Germany

Eurest West GmbH & Co. KG

orgaMed Betriebsgesellschaft für 
Zentralsterilisationen GmbH

PLURAL Gebäudemanagement GmbH

PLURAL Personalservice GmbH

PLURAL servicepool GmbH

Pfaffenwiese, 65929 Frankfurt/M., Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

Spaze I-Tech Park, Tower A, Sohna Road,  
Sector 49, Gurgaon-122018 IN, India

Country of 
incorporation

% 
Holding

Compass Group (India) Support Services Private Ltd

India

100

Unit #401, 4th Floor, Tower A, Spaze I –  
Tech Park Sohna Road, Sector 49 Gurgaon, 
Gurgaon HR 122018 IN, India

Compass India Support Services Private Limited

India

100

3rd Floor, 43a, Yeats Way, Parkwest Business Park, 
Dublin 12, Ireland

Amstel Limited(ii)

Catering Management Ireland Limited(ii)

Cheyenne Limited(ii)

Compass Catering Services, Ireland Limited

COH Ireland Investments Unlimited Company(viii)(ix)

Drumburgh Limited(ii)

Management Catering Services Limited

National Catering Limited(ii)

Rushmore Investment Company Limited(ii)(viii)

Sutcliffe Ireland Limited 

Zadca Limited(ii)

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Tower House, Loch Promenade, Douglas,  
IM1 2LZ, Isle of Man

Queen’s Wharf Insurance Services Limited(viii)

Isle of Man

100

Shin-Hie Building 2nd Floor, 3-3-3,  
Hakataeki-Higashi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-City, 
Fukuoka-Prefecture, 812-0013 Japan

LPS Event Gastronomie GmbH

Germany

100

Eishoku-Medix, Inc.

Japan

100

Zum Fliegerhorst 1304, 63526 Erlensee, Germany

Foodbuy CE GmbH

M.S.G. Frucht GmbH

Germany

Germany

100

100

PO Box 119, Martello Court, Admiral Park,  
St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 3HB

Hamarikyu Kensetsu Plaza, 5-5-12, Tsukiji, 
Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan

Eurest Japan, Inc.

Fuyo, Inc.

MFS, Inc.

Nihon Kyushoku Service, Inc.

Compass Group Finance Ltd

Guernsey

100

Seiyo Food-Compass Group Holdings, Inc. 

Japan

Japan

Japan

Japan

Japan

100

100

100

100

100

Room 805, 8/F, New Kowloon Plaza,  
38 Tai Kok Tsui Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Compass Group Hong Kong Ltd

Encore Catering Ltd

Shing Hin Catering Group Ltd

Irinyi József u. 4-20. B épület,  
H-1117 Budapest, Hungary

Eurest Étteremüzemeltető Korlátolt 
Felelősségű Társaság

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

100

100

100

Hungary

100

44 Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey, JE4 9WG

Malakand Unlimited

Jersey

100

060011, Atyrauskaya Oblast, Atyrau City, Beibarys 
Sultan Avenue 506, Kazakhstan

Compass Kazakhstan LLP

Eurest Support Services Kazakhstan LLP 

ESS Support Services LLP

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan

100

100

100

258  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

36  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC (CONTINUED)

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

209/8919 Sigma Road Off Enterprises Road, 
PO BOX 14 662, Nairobi, Kenya

Country of 
incorporation

% 
Holding

Kenya Oilfield Services Ltd(ii)

Kenya

100

19, Rue Léon Laval, L-3372 Leudelange, 
Luxembourg

Eurest Luxembourg S.A.

IMMO Capellen S.A.

Innoclean S.A.

Novelia Senior Services S.A.

Level 21, Suite 21.01, The Gardens South Tower, 
Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra,  
59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Compass Group Malaysia Sdn Bhd

Riaaxis Sdn. Bhd.

Genviolet Sdn. Bhd.

50-8-1, TKT.8, Wsima UOA Damansara,  
50 Jalan. Dungun, Damansara Heights,  
Kuala Lumpur, 50490, Malaysia

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

100

100

100

100

Malaysia

Malaysia

Malaysia

100

100

100

S.H.R.M. Sdn. Bhd.(ii)

Malaysia

100

Calle Jaime Balmes 11, Oficina 101 letra D, Colonia 
Los Morales Polanco, Alcaldía Miguel Hidalgo, 
11510 Ciudad de México, Mexico

Compass México Servicios de Soporte,  
S.A. de C.V.(iii)(iv)

Eurest Proper Meals de Mexico S.A. de C.V.(iii)(iv)

Servicios Corporativos Eurest-Proper Meals de Mexico 
S.A. de C.V.(iii)(iv)

Mexico

Mexico

Mexico

100

100

100

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

Compass Group International Finance 1 B.V.

Compass Group International Finance 2 B.V.

Compass Group Shanghai Eurest B.V.(ii)

Compass Group Vending Holding B.V.

Compass Hotels Chertsey B.V.

Eurest Services B.V.

Eurest Support Services (ESS) B.V.

Eurest Support Services Sakhalin B.V.(ii)

Stichting Forte International

Country of 
incorporation

% 
Holding

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Luzernestraat 57, 2153 GM, Nieuw-Vennep, 
Netherlands

Famous Flavours B.V.(viii)

Netherlands

100

Stationsweg 95, 6711 PM Ede, Netherlands

Xandrion B.V.

Netherlands

100

85 Avenue du Général de Gaulle, Immeuble 
Carcopino 3000, BP 2353, 98846 Nouméa Cedex, 
New Caledonia

Eurest Caledonie SARL(ii)

Level 3, 15 Sultan Street, Ellerslie 1051,  
New Zealand

Compass Group New Zealand Limited

Crothall Services Group Limited(ii)

Eurest NZ Limited(ii)

New 
Caledonia

100

New 
Zealand

New 
Zealand

New 
Zealand

100

100

100

c/o 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington,  
DE 19808, USA

Food Works of Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V.(ii)(iii)(iv)

Food Works Services of Mexico, S. de R.L. 
de C.V.(ii)(iii)(iv)

Laarderhoogtweg 11, 1101 DZ, Amsterdam, 
Netherlands

Aurora HoldCo B.V.

CGI Holdings (2) B.V.

Compass Group Holding B.V.

Compass Group Finance Netherlands B.V.

Compass Group International 10 B.V.(ii)

Compass Group International 2 B.V.

Compass Group International 3 B.V.

Compass Group International 4 B.V.

Compass Group International 5 B.V.

Compass Group International 6 B.V.(ii)

Compass Group International 9 B.V.

Compass Group International ESS Shanghai B.V.(ii)

Netherlands

Mexico

Mexico

100

100

Drengsrudbekken 12, 1383, PO Box 74, NO-1371, 
Asker, Norway

Eurest A/S(iii)

Compass Group FS Norway A/S

Norway

Norway

100

100

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Forusparken 2, 4031 Stavanger, Postboks 8083 
Stavanger Postterminal, 4068, Stavanger, Norway

ESS Mobile Offshore Units A/S

ESS Support Services A/S

Norway

Norway

100

100

c/o Warner Shand Lawyers Waigani, Level 1 RH 
Hypermarket, Allotment 1 Section 479 (off Kennedy 
Road), Gordons NCD, Papua New Guinea

Eurest (PNG) Catering & Services Ltd(ii)

Papua New 
Guinea

100

Unit 2410 24th flr, City & Land Mega Plaza, ADB 
Ave., Ortigas Ctr., San Antonio, Pasig City 1605, 
Philippines

Compass Group Philippines Inc(ii)

Philippines

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  259 

Consolidated  Financial StatementsNOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

36  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC (CONTINUED)

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

Ul. Olbrachta 94, 01-102 Warszawa, Poland

Country of 
incorporation

% 
Holding

Compass Group Poland Sp. Z o.o. 

Poland

100

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

Calle R, s/n, Mercapalma, 07007 Palma de Mallorca, 
Baleares, Spain

Country of 
incorporation

% 
Holding

Edíficio Prime, Avenida da, Quinta Grande, 53-60, 
Alfragide 2614-521 Amadora, Portugal

Eurest (Portugal) – Sociedade Europeia de 
Restaurantes, Lda. 

Compass Group Holdings Spain, S.L.U.

Levy Compass Group Holdings, S.L.(ii)

Spain

Spain

100

100

Portugal

100

Box 1222, 164 28, Kista, Sweden

Compass Group AB

Sweden

100

Eurest Catering & Services Group Portugal, Lda.

Portugal

100

Bucureşti Sectorul 4, Strada Sold., Ilie Şerban, 
Nr. 8B., Romania

Eurest ROM SRL

Romania

100

c/o BDO AG, Industriestrasse 53 6312 Steinhausen, 
Switzerland 

Creative New Food Dream Steam GmbH

Switzerland

100

7 Gasheka Street, Bld. 1, 123056, Moscow, Russia

Aurora Rusco OOO 

Russia

100

Oberfeldstrasse 14, 8302, Kloten, Switzerland

Eurest Services (Switzerland) AG

Royal Business Restaurants GmbH

Switzerland

Switzerland

100

100

20 Kulakova Street, Bld 1, Premises III, Floor 4, 
Room 2, Moscow, Russia

Compass Group Rus OOO

Russia

100

11 Changi South Street 3, Builders Shop Building, 
#04-02/03, 486122, Singapore

Compass Group (Singapore) PTE Ltd(iii)(iv)

SHRM Far East Pte Ltd(ii)

Singapore

Singapore

100

100

c/o Ueltschi Solutions GmbH, Gwattstrasse 8, 
CH-3185 Schmitten, Switzerland

Sevita AG(ii)

Sevita Group GmbH

Switzerland

Switzerland

100

100

İçerenköy Mah. Yesil vadi sokak, No: 3 D: 9, 
34752 Atasehir, Istanbul, Turkey

Euroserve Gűvenlik A.Ş.

Turkey

100

8 Marina Boulevard, # 05-02, Marina Bay Financial 
Centre, 018981, Singapore

İçerenköy Mah. Yesil vadi sokak, No: 3 D: 10, 
34752 Atasehir, Istanbul, Turkey

Compass Group Asia Pacific PTE. Ltd(ii)

Singapore

100

Euroserve Hizmet ve işletmecilik A.Ş.

Turkey

100

Karadžičova 2, Staré mesto, 811 09 Bratislava, 
Slovakia

İçerenköy Mah. Yesil vadi sokak, No: 3 D: 13, 
34752 Atasehir, Istanbul, Turkey

Compass Group Slovakia s. r. o.

Slovakia

100

Turkaş Gıda Hizmet ve İşletmecilik A.Ş.

Turkey

100

Calle Frederic Mompou 5, planta 5a, Edificio Euro 3, 
08960, San Just Desvern, Barcelona, Spain

Asistentes Escolares, S.L.

Eurest Catalunya, S.L.U.

Medirest Social Residencias, S.L.U.

Spain

Spain

Spain

100

100

100

Calle Castilla 8-10 – C.P. 50.009, Zaragoza, Spain

Servicios Renovados de Alimentacion, S.A.U.

Spain

100

Calle Pinar de San José 98, Planta 1a, 28054, 
Madrid, Spain

Eurest Club de Campo, S.L.U.

Eurest Servicios Feriales, S.L.U.

Spain

Spain

100

100

Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai,  
United Arab Emirates

Compass Camea FZE

UAE

100

Parklands Court, 24 Parklands, Birmingham 
Great Park, Rubery, Birmingham, B45 9PZ, 
United Kingdom

14Forty Limited(ii)

3 Gates Services Limited(ii)

A.C.M.S. Limited(ii)

Bateman Catering Limited(ii)(vii)

Bateman Healthcare Services Limited(ii)

Baxter and Platts Limited(iii)(iv)(v)

Bromwich Catering Limited(ii)

Business Clean Limited(ii)

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Poligono Ugaldeguren 1, Parcela 7,  
48160 Derio (Vizcaya), Spain

Eurest Euskadi S.L.U.

Spain

100

Carlton Catering Partnership Limited(ii)(iii)

Capitol Catering Management Services Limited

260  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

36  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC (CONTINUED)

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

Castle Independent Limited

Cataforce Limited(ii)

Caterexchange Limited(ii)

Caterskill Group Limited(ii)

Caterskill Management Limited(ii)

Chalk Catering Ltd(ii)

Chartwells Hounslow (Feeding Futures) Limited(iii)(iv)

Chartwells Limited(ii)

Circadia Limited(ii)

Cleaning Support Services Limited(ii)

Compass Accounting Services Limited(ii)

Compass Catering Services Limited(ii)

Compass Cleaning Services Limited(ii)

Compass Contract Services Limited(ii)

Compass Contracts UK Limited(ii)(viii)

Compass Experience Limited(ii)(vii)

Compass Food Services Limited

Compass Group Medical Benefits Limited(ii)

Compass Mobile Catering Limited(ii)

Compass Office Cleaning Services Limited(ii)

Compass Payroll Services Limited(ii)

Compass Planning and Design Limited(ii)

Compass Purchasing Limited

Compass Restaurant Properties Limited(ii)(vii)

Compass Road Services Limited(ii)

Compass Security Limited(ii)(vii)

Compass Security Oldco Group Limited(ii)

Compass Security Oldco Holdings Limited(ii)

Compass Security Oldco Investments Limited(ii)

Compass Services (Midlands) Limited(ii)

Compass Services for Hospitals Limited(ii)(viii)

Compass Services Group Limited

Compass Services Limited(ii)

Compass Services Trading Limited(ii)

Compass Services, UK and Ireland Limited 

Compass Services (U.K.) Limited

Compass Staff Services Limited(ii)

Cookie Jar Limited(ii)

CRBS Resourcing Limited(ii)

CRN 1990 (Four) Limited(ii)

Customised Contract Catering Limited(ii)

Cygnet Food Holdings Limited(ii)

Cygnet Foods Limited

Dine Contract Catering Limited

DRE Developments Limited(ii)

Eat Dot Limited(ii)(iii)

Eaton Catering Limited(ii)

Eaton Wine Bars Limited(ii)

Eurest Airport Services Limited(ii)

Eurest Defence Support Services Limited(ii)

Eurest Offshore Support Services Limited(ii)(viii)

Eurest Prison Support Services Limited(ii)

Country of 
incorporation

% 
Holding

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK 

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

Eurest UK Limited(ii)

Everson Hewett Limited(iii)(iv)

Facilities Management Catering Limited(ii)

FADS Catering Limited(ii)

Fairfield Catering Company Limited(ii)

Fingerprint Managed Services Limited(ii)

Funpark Caterers Limited(ii)(iii)

Goodfellows Catering Management Services Limited 

Gruppo Events Limited(ii)

Hallmark Catering Management Limited(ii)

Hamard Catering Management Services Limited(ii)(vii)

Hamard Group Limited(ii)

Henry Higgins Limited(ii)

Hospital Hygiene Services Limited(ii)

ICM Five Star Limited(ii)

Integrated Cleaning Management Limited

Integrated Cleaning Management Support 
Services Limited

Keith Prowse Limited(ii)

Kennedy Brookes Finance Limited(ii)

Knott Hotels Company of London(ii)

Langston Scott Limited(ii)

Leisure Support Services Limited(iii)(iv)

Leith’s Limited(ii)

Letheby & Christopher Limited

Meal Service Company Limited(ii)

Milburns Catering Contracts Limited(ii)

Milburns Limited(ii)

Milburns Restaurants Limited(ii)(iii)

National Leisure Catering Limited(ii)

NLC (Holdings) Limited(ii)

NLC (Wembley) Limited(ii)

P & C Morris (Catering) Ltd(ii)(vii)

P & C Morris Catering Group Limited(ii)

Payne & Gunter Limited 

PDM Training and Compliance Services Limited(ii)

Pennine Services Limited(ii)

Peter Parfitt Leisure Overseas Travel Limited

Peter Parfitt Sport Limited(ii)(vii)

PPP Infrastructure Management Limited

Prideoak Limited(ii)

QCL Limited(ii)

Reliable Refreshments Limited 

Rhine Four Limited(ii)(vii)

Roux Fine Dining Limited(ii)

Scolarest Limited

Security Office Cleaners Limited(ii)

Selkirk House (CVH) Limited(ii)

Selkirk House (FP) Limited(ii)(iii)(iv)(v)

Selkirk House (GHPL) Limited(ii)(viii)

Country of 
incorporation

% 
Holding

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  261 

Consolidated  Financial StatementsNOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

36  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC (CONTINUED)

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

Selkirk House (GTP) Limited(ii)

Selkirk House (WBRK) Limited

Shaw Catering Company Limited 

Ski Class Limited(ii)

Solutions on Systems Ltd(ii)

Summit Catering Limited 

Sunway Contract Services Limited 

Sutcliffe Catering Midlands Limited(ii)

Sutcliffe Catering South East Limited(ii)

Sycamore Newco Limited 

The Bateman Catering Organization Limited(ii)(viii)

The Cuisine Centre Limited(ii)

THF Oil Limited(ii)

Tunco (1999) 103 Limited(ii)

Vendepac Holdings Limited(viii)

Waseley Fifteen Limited(ii)

Waseley Nominees Limited(ii)

Wembley Sports Arena Limited(ii)

Wheeler’s Restaurants Limited(ii)(vii)

Woodin & Johns Limited 

Compass House, Guildford Street, Chertsey, Surrey, 
KT16 9BQ, United Kingdom

Audrey (London) Limited(ii)

Audrey Investments Limited(ii)

Bateman Services Limited(ii)

Compass Group Finance No.2 Limited(i)

Compass Group Finance No.3 Limited

Compass Group Finance No.4 Limited(i)(iii)(iv)(viii)

Compass Group Finance No.5 Limited(ii)(xi)

Compass Group North America Investments No.2

Compass Group North America Investments Limited

Compass Group Pension Trustee Company Limited(ii)

Compass Group Procurement Limited

Compass Group Trustees Limited(ii)

Compass Healthcare Group Limited(ii)(viii)

Compass Hospitality Group Holdings Limited(ii)

Compass Hospitality Group Limited(ii)

Compass Hotels Chertsey(iii)

Compass Nominee Company Number 
Fourteen Limited(ii)

Compass Overseas Holdings Limited

Compass Overseas Holdings No.2 Limited

Compass Overseas Services Limited(ii)

Compass Pension Trustees Limited(ii)

Compass Quest Limited(ii)

Compass Secretaries Limited(ii)

Compass Site Services Limited(ii)(vii)

Compass UK Pension Trustee Co Limited(ii)

Crisp Trustees Limited(ii)

Country of 
incorporation

% 
Holding

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

Country of 
incorporation

% 
Holding

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Gogmore(ii)

Meritglen Limited(ii)(vii)(viii)

New Famous Foods Limited(ii)

Nextonline Limited(iii)(iv)

Riversdell(ii)

Sevita (UK) Limited

The Compass Group Foundation

The Excelsior Insurance Company Limited

Suite D, Pavilion 7 Kingshill Park, Venture Drive, 
Arnhill Business Park, Westhill, Aberdeenshire, 
AB32 6FL, United Kingdom

CCG (UK) Ltd(ii)

Coffee Partners Limited(ii)

Compass Offshore Catering Limited(ii)(viii)

Compass Scottish Site Services Limited(ii)

Waseley (CVI) Limited(ii)

Waseley (CVS) Limited(ii)

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Wework, 119 Marylebone Road North West House, 
London, NW1 5PU, United Kingdom

Feedr Limited

UK

100

1st Floor, 12 Cromac Quay, Cromac Wood, Belfast, 
Northern Ireland, BT7 2JD, United Kingdom

Lough Erne Holiday Village Limited(ii)

UK

100

8040 Excelsior Drive, Suite 400, Madison,  
WI 53717, USA

Ace Foods, Inc.

USA

100

2710 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 150N, Sacramento, 
CA 95833-3505, USA 

Bon Appétit Management Company Foundation

CulinArt of California, Inc.

211 E. 7th Street, Suite 620, Austin,  
TX 78701-3218, USA

Bamco Restaurants of Texas LLC

Levy Premium Foodservice, L.L.C.(ii)

Morrison’s Health Care of Texas, Inc. 

University Food Services, Inc.

2345 Rice Street, Suite 230, Roseville,  
MN 55113, USA

Canteen One Company, Inc.

Canteen One Consolidation Services, LLC

Canteen One, LLC

Street Eats Limited

Visinity, LLC

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

262  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

36  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC (CONTINUED)

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, DE 19808, USA

Country of 
incorporation

% 
Holding

BenchWorks, Inc.

Canteen One, Inc.

CLS Par, LLC

Compass LCS, LLC

Compass LV, LLC

Compass Paramount, LLC

Concierge Consulting Services, LLC

Convenience Foods International, Inc.

Crothall Healthcare Inc.

Crothall Laundry Services Inc.

Eat Cloud LLC

Eurest Services, Inc.

Facilities Holdings, LLC

Flik One, LLC

Levy Oklahoma, Inc.

Levy Prom Golf, LLC

Morrison Investment Company, Inc.

RAC Holdings Corp.(iii)

Rank + Rally, LLC

S-82 LLC

SpenDifference LLC

Touchpoint Support Services, LLC

Unidine Lifestyles, LLC 

Unidine Nevada, LLC 

University Food Services, LLC

Vendlink, LLC

Yorkmont Four, Inc.

801 Adlai Stevenson Drive, Springfield,  
IL 62703, USA

Curiology, LLC 

E15, LLC 

Levy (Events) Limited Partnership 

Levy (IP) Limited Partnership 

Levy Food Service Limited Partnership 

Levy GP Corporation 

Levy Holdings GP, Inc. 

Levy Illinois Limited Partnership 

Levy Premium Foodservice Limited Partnership 

Levy R & H Limited Partnership 

Levy World Limited Partnership 

Professional Sports Catering, LLC 

Restaurant One Limited Partnership 

Superior Limited Partnership 

7 St. Paul Street, Suite 820, Baltimore,  
MD 21202, USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Bon Appétit Maryland, LLC

USA

100

4000 Faber Place Drive STE. 300,  
North Charleston, SC 29405, USA 

CGSC Capital, Inc.

USA

100

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

501 Louisiana Avenue, Baton Rouge,  
LA 70802-5921, USA

Coastal Food Service, Inc.

S.H.R.M. Catering Services, Inc.

80 State Street, Albany, NY 12207-2543, USA

Coffee Distributing Corp.

CulinArt Group, Inc.

CulinArt, Inc.

Mazzone Hospitality, LLC

Quality Food Management, Inc.

RA Tennis Corp.

RANYST, Inc.

Restaurant Associates LLC

Restaurant Associates, Inc.

Restaurant Services Inc.

2626 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 550, Raleigh, 
NC 27608, USA

Compass 2K12 Services, LLC

Compass HE Services, LLC

Compass One, LLC

Compass Two, LLC

2595 Interstate Drive, Suite 103, Harrisburg, 
PA 17110, USA

Crothall Facilities Management, Inc.

Custom Management Corporation of Pennsylvania

Morrison’s Custom Management Corporation 
of Pennsylvania

Newport Food Service, Inc.

Williamson Hospitality Services, Inc.

Country of 
incorporation

% 
Holding

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

50 West Broad Street, Suite 1330, Columbus, 
OH 43215, USA

Cuyahoga Dining Services, Inc.

USA

100

40 Technology Pkwy South, #300, Norcross, 
GA 30092, USA

Food Services Management By Mgr, LLC

Morrison Alumni Association, Inc.

The M-Power Foundation, Inc.

USA

USA

USA

100

100

100

221 Bolivar Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101, USA

Dynamic Vending, Inc. 

USA

100

Princeton South Corporate Ctr, Suite 160, 100 
Charles Ewing Blvd, Ewing, NJ 08628, USA

Gourmet Dining, LLC

USA

100

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  263 

Consolidated  Financial StatementsNOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

36  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC (CONTINUED)

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

300 Deschutes Way SW, Suite 304, Tumwater, 
WA 98501, USA

Inter Pacific Management, Inc.

USA

100

Amik Catering LP(x)

Country of 
incorporation

% 
Holding

OTHER SUBSIDIARIES, JOINT ARRANGEMENTS, 
MEMBERSHIPS, ASSOCIATES AND OTHER 
SIGNIFICANT HOLDINGS 

Country of 
incorporation or 
establishment

% 
Holding

2265668 Ontario Limited(iii)(iv)(v)(vi)(viii)

Dease River – ESS Support Services(x)

Dene West Limited Partnership(x)

ECC – Mi’kmaq Support Services(x)

ESS – DNDC Support Services(x)

ESS – East Arm Camp Services(x)

ESS – Kaatodh Camp Services(x)

ESS – Loon River Support Services(x)

ESS – Missanabie Cree Support Services(x)

ESS – Na Cho Nyak Dun Camp Services(x)

ESS – Ochapowace Support Services(x)

ESS – Pessamit Camp Services(x)

ESS – Wapan Manawan Services de Soutien(x)

ESS Haisla Support Services(x)

ESS HLFN Support Services(x)

ESS KNRA Support Services(x)

ESS Komatik Support Services(x)

ESS Liard First Nation Support Services(x)

ESS McKenzie Support Services(x)

ESS Okanagan Indian Band Support Services(x)

ESS Tataskweyak Camp Services(x)

ESS/Bushmaster Camp Services(x)

ESS/Fort a la Corne Support Services(x)

ESS/McLeod Lake Indian Band Support Services(x)

ESS/Mosakahiken Cree Nation Support Services(x)

ESS/Nuvumiut Support Services(x)

ESS/Takla Lake Support Services(x)

ESS/WEDC Support Services(x)

First North Catering(x)

KDM – ESS Support Services(x)

Mi’Kmaq-ECC Nova Scotia Support Services(x)

Nisga’a Village – ESS Support Services(x)

Poplar Point Camp Services(x)

Songhees Nation Support Services(x)

30 Queen’s Road, St. John’s, Newfoundland and 
Labrador, A1C 2A5, Canada

Labrador Catering Inc.(iii)

Labrador Catering LP(x)

Clearwater River Dene Nation Reserve No. 222,  
P.O. Box 5050, Clearwater, Saskatchewan, 
S0M 3H0, Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

Clearwater Catering Limited(iii)(iv)(v)(vi)

Canada

49

130 King Street West, Suite 1800, Toronto,  
Ontario, M5X 1E3, Canada

Umbrel Hospitality Group Inc.(iii)

Canada

49

2900 SW Wanamaker Drive, Suite 204, Topeka, 
KS 66614, USA

Myron Green Corporation

PFM Kansas, Inc.

Treat America Limited

8825 N. 23rd Avenue, Suite 100, Phoenix,  
AZ 85021, USA

Prodine, Inc.

Sacco Dining Services, Inc.

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

100

100

100

100

100

2908 Poston Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203, USA

Southeast Service Corporation

USA

100

1400 West Benson Blvd, Suite 370, Anchorage, 
AK 99503, USA 

Statewide Services, Inc.

USA

100

1709 North 19th Street, Suite 3, Bismarck, 
ND 58501-2121, USA

Compass ND, LLC

USA

100

OTHER SUBSIDIARIES, JOINT ARRANGEMENTS, 
MEMBERSHIPS, ASSOCIATES AND OTHER 
SIGNIFICANT HOLDINGS 

Country of 
incorporation or 
establishment

% 
Holding

Ground Floor 35 – 51 Mitchell Street, 
McMahons Point, NSW 2060, Australia

ESS Eastern Guruma PTY Ltd

ESS NYFL PTY Ltd

Level 3, 12 Newcastle Street, Perth 6000, Australia

ESS Thalanyji PTY Ltd

ESS Larrakia PTY Ltd

Australia 

Australia 

Australia 

Australia 

60

60

60

50

30, 205 N. Narimanov avenue, Baku,  
AZ1065, Azerbaijan

ESS Support Services LLC

Azerbaijan

50

12 Kodiak Crescent, Toronto, Ontario,  
M3J 3G5, Canada

Imperial Coffee and Services Inc.(iii)(iv)(v)

Canada

88

1 Prologis Boulevard, Suite 400, Mississauga, 
Ontario, L5W 0G2, Canada

Chef’s Hall, Inc.(iii)

Compass Group Sports and Entertainment – 
(Quebec)(x)

ECC – ESS Support Services(x)

Canada

Canada

Canada

67

67

50

264  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

36  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC (CONTINUED)

OTHER SUBSIDIARIES, JOINT ARRANGEMENTS, 
MEMBERSHIPS, ASSOCIATES AND OTHER 
SIGNIFICANT HOLDINGS 

Country of 
incorporation or 
establishment

% 
Holding

OTHER SUBSIDIARIES, JOINT ARRANGEMENTS, 
MEMBERSHIPS, ASSOCIATES AND OTHER 
SIGNIFICANT HOLDINGS 

Country of 
incorporation or 
establishment

% 
Holding

77 King Street West, No. 400, Toronto,  
Ontario, M5K 0A1, Canada

O&B Yonge Richmond LP

Canada

33.4

10A Rue Henri Schnadt, L-2530, Luxembourg

Geria SA

Luxembourg

25

FO-110, Torshavn, Faroe Islands

P/F Eurest Føroyar

Denmark

51

Keskussairaalantie Opinkivi 2 40600 Jyväskylä, 
Finland

Semma Oy

Finland

45

Ruukinkatu 2-4 20540 Turku, Finland

Unica Oy

Finland

49

123 Avenue de la République – Hall A, 92320 
Châtillon, France

Sopregim SAS

France

80

Le Puy Du Fou, 85590 Les Epesses, France

Puy Du Fou Restauration SAS

France

99.8

Steenbeker Weg 25, 24106, Kiel, Germany

Lubinus – orgaMed Sterilgut GmbH

Germany

49

HTC Aspire, 4th Floor (401) No. 19, Ali Asker Road, 
Bangalore, Karnataka, 560052, India

Bottle Lab Technologies Private Limited

India

75

No. 407, 2nd Floor, 7th Cross, 1st D Main Road, 
Domlur Layout, Old Airport Road, Bengaluru. 
Karnataka, 560071, India

Nextup Technologies Private Limited 

India

75

Hamarikyu Kensetsu Plaza, 5-5-12, Tsukiji, 
Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan

Chiyoda Kyushoku Services Co., Ltd

Japan

90

5-7-5, Chiyoda, Naka-ku, Nagoya-City,  
Aichi-Prefecture, 460-0012, Japan

Seiyo General Food Co., Ltd

Japan

50

1-34-6, Sakura-Shinmachi, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 
154-0015, Japan

Highway Royal Co., Ltd.

Japan

50

060011, Atyrauskaya Oblast, Atyrau city, Beibarys 
Sultan avenue 506, Kazakhstan

Eurest Support Services Company B LLP

Kazakhstan

50

060011, Old Airport Road 64, Atyrau City, Atyrau 
Oblast, Republic of Kazakhstan

ESS Kazakhstan LLP

Kazakhstan

60

Level 18 The Gardena North Tower, Mid Valley City, 
Lingkaran Syed Putra, Kuala Lumpur, 59200, 
Malaysia

EM-SSIS Services Sdn. Bhd.(ii)

Urusan Bakti Sdn. Bhd.(ii)

Malaysia

Malaysia

42

35

Suite 1301, 13th Floor, City Plaza Jalan Tebrau, 
80300 Johor Bahru Johor, Malaysia

Knusford Compass Sdn. Bhd.

Malaysia

49

1 Avenue Henri Dunant, Palais De La Scala, 3eme, 
Etage – No 1125, 98000 MC, Monaco

Eurest Monaco S.A. 

Monaco

99.99

Laarderhoogtweg 11, 1101 DZ, Amsterdam, 
Netherlands

Compass Group International Coöperatief W.A.(x)

Netherlands

Compass Group International Coöperatief 2 W.A.(x)

Netherlands

Compass Group International Coöperatief 3 W.A.(x)

Netherlands

Compass Group International Finance C.V.(x)

Netherlands

100

100

100

100

Okesnoyveien 16, 1366, Lysaker, 1366, Norway

Forplejningstjenester A/S

Norway

33.33

Harbitzalléen 2A, 0275 Oslo, PÅ Box 4148, Sjølyst, 
0217 Oslo, Norway

Gress-Gruppen A/S

Norway

33.33

c/o Warner Shand Lawyers Waigani, Level 1 RH 
Hypermarket, Allotment 1 Section 479 (off Kennedy 
Road), Gordons NCD, Papua New Guinea

Eurest OKAS Catering Ltd(ii)

Eurest Lotic (PNG) JV Ltd(ii)

Papua New 
Guinea

Papua New 
Guinea

55

50

2 Floor, Al Mana Commercial Tower, C-Ring road, 
Doha, P O BOX 22481, Qatar

Compass Catering Services WLL

Qatar

20

PO Box 31952, Al Khobar 31685 KSA, Saudi Arabia

Compass Arabia LLC

Saudi Arabia 30

Calle Pinar de San José 98, Planta 1a, 28054, 
Madrid, Spain

Gourmet on Wheels, S.L.U.

Spain

99

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  265 

Consolidated  Financial StatementsNOT ES  TO THE CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

36  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC (CONTINUED)

OTHER SUBSIDIARIES, JOINT ARRANGEMENTS, 
MEMBERSHIPS, ASSOCIATES AND OTHER 
SIGNIFICANT HOLDINGS 

Country of 
incorporation or 
establishment

% 
Holding

OTHER SUBSIDIARIES, JOINT ARRANGEMENTS, 
MEMBERSHIPS, ASSOCIATES AND OTHER 
SIGNIFICANT HOLDINGS 

Country of 
incorporation or 
establishment

% 
Holding

Office No. 204, Mawilah, Al Sharjah, P O Box: 1897, 
United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi National Hotels – Compass LLC

UAE

50

Abu Dhabi National Hotels Company Building, 
Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, 
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi National Hotels Compass Middle East LLC

UAE

50

The Owner Saeed Ahmed Ghobash, Oud Metha, 
Street Bur Dubai, P.O. BOX 31769 Dubai, 
United Arab Emirates

251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, DE 19808, USA

B & I Catering, LLC

CMCA Catering, LLC

HHP-MMS JV1, LLC

PCHI Catering, LLC

Wolfgang Puck Catering and Events, LLC

WPL, LLC

Community Living Holdings, LLC

Core works, LLC

Unidine Corporation

Levy LA Concessions, LLC

Abu Dhabi National Hotels – Compass Emirates LLC

UAE

50

Learfield Levy Foodservice, LLC

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

90

90

90

90

90

90

84

84

84

62.5

50

50

50

49

49

45

42

90

90

60

Restaurant Services I, LLC

Parlay Solutions, LLC

Thompson Facilities Services LLC

Thompson Hospitality Services, LLC

WP Casual Catering, LLC

Chicago Restaurant Partners, LLC

2710 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 150N, Sacramento, 
CA 95833-3505, USA

C&B Holdings, LLC

H & H Catering, L.P.

Cosmopolitan Catering, LLC

2626 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 550, Raleigh, 
NC 27608, USA

Waveguide LLC

USA

57

2215-B Renaissance Drive, Las Vegas,  
NV 89119, USA

GLV Restaurant Management Associates, LLC

USA

90

211 E. 7th Street, Suite 620, Austin,  
TX 78701-3218, USA

Wolfgang Puck Catering & Events of Texas, LLC

USA

90

Parklands Court, 24 Parklands, Birmingham 
Great Park, Rubery, Birmingham, B45 9PZ, 
United Kingdom

Quaglino’s Limited

Quadrant Catering Limited(iii)(iv)

UK

UK

99

49

County Ground, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B5 7QU, 
United Kingdom

Edgbaston Experience Limited(iii)(iv)

UK

25

The Oval, Kennington, London, SE11 5SS,  
United Kingdom

Oval Events Holdings Limited(iv)(v)(vi)

Oval Events Limited(iv)(v)(vi)

84 State Street, Boston, MA 02109, USA

Fame Food Management Inc.

The Food Management Enterprise Corporation

Levy Maryland, LLC

UK

UK

USA

USA

USA

37.5

37.5

84

84

74

266  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

36  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC (CONTINUED)

OTHER SUBSIDIARIES, JOINT ARRANGEMENTS, 
MEMBERSHIPS, ASSOCIATES AND OTHER 
SIGNIFICANT HOLDINGS 

980 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 400, Chicago,  
IL 60611, USA

Convention Hospitality Partners

Atlanta Sports Catering

Orlando Foodservice Partners

1400 West Benson Blvd, Suite 370, Anchorage, 
AK 99503, USA

KIJIK/ESS, LLC

Statewide/GanaAYoo JV

801 Adlai Stevenson Drive, Springfield,  
IL 62703, USA

Country of 
incorporation or 
establishment

% 
Holding

OTHER SUBSIDIARIES, JOINT ARRANGEMENTS, 
MEMBERSHIPS, ASSOCIATES AND OTHER 
SIGNIFICANT HOLDINGS 

Country of 
incorporation or 
establishment

% 
Holding

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

80

50

50

80

50

80 State Street, Albany, NY 12207-2543, USA

RA Patina, LLC

111 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10011, USA

RA Patina Management LLC

USA

USA

50

50

Corporation Trust Centre, 1209 Orange Street, 
Wilmington, DE 19801, USA

AEG Venue Management Holdings, LLC

USA

38

c/o Union Square Hospitality Group, LLC Attn: Chief 
Legal Officer, 853 Broadway, 17th Floor, New York, 
NY 10003 USA

Park Concession Management, LLC

USA

50

Hudson Yards Catering, LLC 

USA

49

40 Technology Pkwy South, #300, Norcross, 
GA 30092, USA

6055 Lakeside Commons Drive, Suite 440, Macon, 
GA 31210, USA

Eversource LLC

USA

51

Kimco Holdings, LLC(iv)

USA

24

NOTES
1.  Unless otherwise stated, indirectly owned by Compass Group PLC, active status and ordinary shares issued.
2. 

In some of the jurisdictions in which we operate, share classes are not defined and in these instances, for the purposes of disclosure, we have classified these 
holdings as ordinary.

3.  A number of the companies listed are legacy companies which no longer serve any operational purpose.

CLASSIFICATIONS KEY

(i)  Directly owned by Compass Group PLC
(ii)  Dormant/non-trading
(iii)  A Ordinary shares
(iv)  B Ordinary shares
(v)  C Ordinary and/or Special shares
(vi)  D, E and/or F Ordinary shares
(vii)  Deferred shares
(viii)  Preference including cumulative, non-cumulative and redeemable shares
(ix)  Redeemable shares
(x)  No share capital, share of profits
(xi)  Limited by guarantee

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  267 

Consolidated  Financial StatementsP ARE NT COMPANY BALANC E SHEET

A t  3 0 S ep temb er 2020

COMPASS GROUP PLC
FIXED ASSETS
Investments
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
Debtors: amounts falling due after more than one year
Cash at bank and in hand
Current assets
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
 NET CURRENT ASSETS
Net current assets
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
Total assets less current liabilities
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
Provisions for liabilities
Net assets
EQUITY
Share capital
Share premium account
Capital redemption reserve
Share-based payment reserve
Profit and loss reserve
Total equity 

Approved by the Board of Directors on 24 November 2020 and signed on their behalf by

Dominic Blakemore, Director
Karen Witts, Director

Notes 

2020 
£m

2019 
£m

2

3
3

4

4
5

7

1,056

1,061

7,473
2,312 
1,186
10,971 

7,521
2,202
39
9,762

(4,479)

(4,972)

6,492

4,790

7,548

5,851

(3,674)
(3)
3,871

(3,684)
(3)
2,164

198
189
295
254
2,935
3,871

176
182
295
259
1,252
2,164

268  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PA RE NT COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES I N E QUITY

Fo r the year ended 30 September 2020

EQUITY
At 1 October 2018
Fair value of share-based payments
Dividends paid to shareholders
Profit for the financial year
At 30 September 2019
Fair value of share-based payments
Dividends paid to shareholders
Profit for the financial year
Release of share awards settled in existing shares 
purchased in the market
Shares issued, net of expenses
Transfer of merger reserve to retained earnings 
At 30 September 2020

Share 
capital 
£m
176
–
–
–
176
– 
– 
– 

– 
22
– 
198

Share 
premium 
account 
£m
182
–
–
–
182
– 
– 
– 

– 
7 
– 
189

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£m
295
–
–
–
295
– 
– 
– 

Merger
reserve
£m
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Share-based 
payment 
reserve 
£m
232
27
–
–
259
(2)
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
295

– 
1,943
(1,943)
– 

(3)
– 
– 
254

Profit 
and loss 
reserve 

£m  
1,436  
–  
(611)  
427  
1,252  
–   
(427)  
167  

–   
–   
1,943  
2,935  

Total 
£m
2,321
27
(611)
427
2,164
(2)
(427)
167

(3)
1,972
–
3,871

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  269 

Parent Company  Financial StatementsP ARE NT COMPANY ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

INTRODUCTION

D  INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS

The significant accounting policies adopted in the preparation of 
the separate financial statements of Compass Group PLC (the 
Company) are set out below:

Investments are stated at cost less provision for any impairment. 
In the opinion of the directors, the value of such investments are 
not less than shown at the balance sheet date.

A  ACCOUNTING CONVENTION AND BASIS OF 
PREPARATION

These financial statements are prepared in accordance with the 
historical cost convention, except as described in the accounting 
policy on financial instruments, Financial Reporting Standard 101 
Reduced Disclosure Framework (FRS 101), and in accordance 
with applicable United Kingdom laws. In preparing these financial 
statements, the Company applies the recognition, measurement 
and disclosure requirements of International Financial Reporting 
Standards as adopted by the EU (Adopted IFRSs), but makes 
amendments where necessary in order to comply with the 
Companies Act 2006 (CA 2006) and has set out below where 
advantage of the FRS 101 disclosure exemptions has been taken. 
These financial statements thus present information  
about the Company as an individual undertaking not as  
a Group undertaking.

These financial statements have been prepared on a going 
concern basis. This is discussed in the Business Review on 
pages 32 to 40.

B  EXEMPTIONS

The Company’s financial statements are included in the Compass 
Group PLC consolidated financial statements for the year ended 
30 September 2020. As permitted by section 408 of the CA 2006, 
the Company has not presented its own profit and loss account.

In these financial statements, the Company has applied the 
exemptions under FRS 101 in respect of the following disclosures:

•  a cash flow statement and related notes
•  transactions with wholly owned subsidiaries
•  capital management
•  as required by IFRS 13 ‘Fair value measurement’ and IFRS 7 

‘Financial instrument disclosures’

•  the effect of new but not yet effective IFRSs
•  disclosures in respect of compensation of key management 

personnel

•  IFRS 2 ‘Share-based payments’ in respect of Group settled 

share based payments

C  CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES

There have been no significant changes in accounting policies 
during the year.

Investment income is measured at the fair value of the 
consideration received or receivable. It represents dividend 
income which is recognised when the right to receive payment  
is established.

E  FOREIGN CURRENCY

Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into 
sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the year end. Gains and 
losses arising on retranslation are included in the income 
statement for the period.

F  FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the 
Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions and 
derecognised when it ceases to be party to such provisions. Such 
assets and liabilities are classified as current if they are due to be 
realised or settled within 12 months of the balance sheet date. If 
not, they are recognised as non-current.

Financial assets and liabilities are initially recorded at fair value 
including, where permitted by IFRS 9, any directly attributable 
transaction costs. For those financial assets that are not 
subsequently held at fair value, the carrying amounts are reduced 
by a provision equal to the to lifetime expected credit losses using 
historic and forward looking data on credit risk.

The Company classifies its financial assets and liabilities into the 
following categories:

•  financial assets and liabilities at amortised cost
•  financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit 

and loss

Where financial assets or liabilities are eligible to be carried at 
either amortised cost or fair value the Company does not apply the 
fair value option.

The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage its 
exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and interest 
rates. Derivative instruments utilised include interest rate swaps, 
currency swaps and forward currency contracts. The Company 
and Group policy is disclosed in the accounting policies to the 
consolidated financial statements.

Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction 
costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently stated at amortised 
cost unless they are part of a fair value hedge accounting 
relationship. Borrowings that are part of a fair value hedge 
accounting relationship are measured at amortised cost adjusted 
for the fair value attributable to the risk being hedged.

270  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings are initially measured 
at fair value and are subsequently reported at amortised cost. 
Allowance losses on intra-group receivables are calculated at an 
amount equal to lifetime expected credit losses using historic and 
forward looking data on credit risk.

Fair value is measured using either the binomial distribution or 
Black-Scholes option pricing models as is most appropriate for 
each scheme. The expected life used in the models has been 
adjusted, based on management’s best estimate, for the effects of 
exercise restrictions and behavioural considerations.

The issue of share incentives by the Company to employees of its 
subsidiaries represents additional capital contributions. An 
addition to the Company’s investment in subsidiary undertakings 
is reported with a corresponding increase in shareholders’ funds. 
For details of the charge see note 25 to the consolidated financial 
statements.

J  FINANCIAL GUARANTEES AND LOAN COMMITMENTS

Financial guarantee contract liabilities are measured initially at 
their fair values. These liabilities are subsequently measured at 
the higher of the expected credit loss determined under IFRS 9 
‘Financial instruments’ and the initial fair value.

Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings are initially measured 
at fair value and are subsequently reported at amortised cost.

Non-interest bearing payables are stated at their nominal value as 
they are due on demand.

G  DIVIDENDS

Dividends are recognised in the Company’s financial statements 
in the year in which they are approved in general meeting by the 
Company’s shareholders. Interim dividends are recognised  
when paid.

H  DEFERRED TAX

Deferred tax is provided at the anticipated rates on temporary 
differences arising from the inclusion of items of income and 
expenditure in tax computations in periods different from those in 
which they are included in the financial statements. Deferred tax 
assets are recognised to the extent that it is regarded as more 
likely than not that they will be recovered.

I  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

The Group issues equity-settled share-based payments to certain 
employees. Equity-settled share-based payments are measured 
at fair value (excluding the effect of non market-based vesting 
conditions) at the date of grant. The fair value determined  
at the grant date of the equity-settled share-based payments  
is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, 
 based on the Group’s estimate of the shares that will eventually 
vest and adjusted for the effect of the non market-based  
vesting conditions.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  271 

Parent Company  Financial StatementsNOT ES  TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEME NTS

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

1  INCOME STATEMENT DISCLOSURES

The Company’s profit on ordinary activities after tax was £167 million (2019: £427 million).

The Company had no direct employees in the course of the year (2019: none).

AUDIT SERVICES
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements
Fees payable for other services

2  INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS

INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS
COST
At 1 October
Share-based payments to employees of subsidiaries
Recharged to subsidiaries during the year
At 30 September
PROVISIONS
At 1 October and 30 September
NET BOOK VALUE
At 30 September

2020 
£m
1.2
0.1

2020 
£m

1,062
(2)
(3)
1,057

2019 
£m
 0.9 
 0.1 

2019 
£m

1,036
27
(1)
1,062

(1)

(1)

1,056

1,061

The principal subsidiary undertakings are listed in note 36 to the consolidated financial statements.

3  DEBTORS

DEBTORS
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings
Derivative financial instruments
Deferred tax
Total

Falling due 
within  
1 year 
£m
7,468 
4 
1
7,473 

2020

Falling due 
after more 
than 1 year 
£m
2,075 
237
– 
2,312

Falling due 
within  
1 year 
£m
7,519
1
1
7,521

2019

Falling due 
after more 
than 1 year 
£m
1,995
207
–
2,202

Total 

£m  
9,543   
241  
1  
9,785   

Total 
£m
9,514
208
1
9,723

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings may be interest free or interest bearing loans. Interest free loans are repayable on demand and 
classified as current. Interest bearing loans incur interest at fixed rates (between 4.00% and 7.25%) or various floating rates with margins 
ranging from -0.15% to +3.00% (subject to a minimum all-in rate of 0%) and have maturities ranging from repayable on demand up to 
September 2030.

The book value of amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings falling due within one year approximates their fair value due to the short 
term nature of these receivables. The fair value of amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings falling due after more than one year is 
£2,120 million (2019: £1,995 million).

MOVEMENT IN DEFERRED TAX ASSET
At 1 October
Charge to income statement
At 30 September

2020 
Net short term 
temporary 
differences 
£m
1
–
1

2019 
Net short term 
temporary 
differences 
£m
–
1
1

The deferred tax asset arises on certain derivative financial instruments and will be recovered no later than the maturity dates of these 
instruments.

Details of the derivative financial instruments are shown in note 20 to the consolidated financial statements.

272  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4  CREDITORS

CREDITORS
Bank overdrafts
Bank overdrafts and loans (note 6)
Loan notes
Bonds
Loan notes and bonds (note 6)
Derivative financial instruments
Accruals
Current tax
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings (note 6)
Total

Falling due 
within 
1 year 
£m
359
359
–
–
–
9 
32
47
4,032 
4,479

2020

Falling due 
after more 
than 1 year 
£m
–
–
1,172
1,300
2,472
2
– 
– 
1,200
3,674

Falling due 
within 
1 year 
£m
3
3
162
–
162
7
33
17
4,750
4,972

2019

Falling due 
after more 
than 1 year 
£m
–
–
1,211
1,289
2,500
6
– 
– 
1,178
3,684

Total 

£m  
359  
359  
1,172  
1,300  
2,472  
11  
32  
47  
5,232   
8,153   

Total 
£m
3
3
1,373
1,289
2,662
13
33
17
5,928
8,656

Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings may be interest free or interest bearing loans. Interest free loans are repayable on demand and 
classified as current. Interest bearing loans incur interest at fixed rates (between 0.70% and 6.50%) or various floating rates with margins 
ranging from -0.15% to +1.50% (subject to a minimum all-in rate of 0%) and have maturities ranging from repayable on demand up to 
September 2048.

The book value of amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings falling due within one year approximates their fair value due to the short term 
nature of these payables. The fair value of amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings falling due after more than one year are shown below.

AMOUNTS OWED TO SUBSIDIARY 
UNDERTAKINGS FALLING DUE 
AFTER MORE THAN 1 YEAR
Euro intra-group loan
Euro intra-group loan
Total

LOAN NOTES
US$ private placement
US$ private placement
US$ private placement
US$ private placement
US$ private placement
US$ private placement
Total

2020

2019

Redeemable
Nominal value
€750m
Jul 2024
€500m Sep 2028

Interest
0.73%
1.60%

Carrying 
value 
£m
706
494
1,200

Nominal value
$200m
$398m
$352m
$100m
$300m
$300m

Redeemable
Sep 2020
Oct 2021
Oct 2023
Dec 2024
Sep 2025
Dec 2026

Fair 
value 

£m  
697  
499  
1,196  

Interest
3.09%
3.98%
4.12%
3.54%
3.81%
3.64%

Carrying 
value  
£m
695
483
1,178

Fair 
value 
£m
686
489
1,175

2020
Carrying value  
£m
– 
308
294
77
262
231
1,172

2019
Carrying value 
£m
162
323
301
81
263
243
1,373

The Company has fixed term, fixed interest private placements denominated in US dollar.

BONDS 
Euro Eurobond
Sterling Eurobond
Sterling Eurobond
Sterling Eurobond
Total

Nominal value
€500m
£250m
£250m
£300m

Redeemable
Jan 2023
Sep 2025
Jun 2026
Jul 2029

Interest
1.88%
2.00%
3.85%
2.00%

2020
Carrying value  
£m
473 
261 
249 
317 
1,300

2019
Carrying value 
£m
469 
260 
249 
311
1,289

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  273 

Parent Company  Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOT ES  TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEME NTS  (CONTINUED)

Fo r t he year ended 30 September 2020

4  CREDITORS (CONTINUED)

During the prior year, the Company established a $2 billion commercial paper programme. The programme size was increased to  
$4 billion during the year. Commercial paper is issued to meet short term liquidity requirements and is supported by committed bank 
facilities. As at 30 September 2020, no commercial paper was outstanding under the programme (2019: £nil) and no amounts were 
drawn under the committed facilities (2019: £nil).

Of the Company’s £2,000 million committed Revolving Credit Facility (RCF) £140 million is committed to June 2024 and £1,860 million 
is committed to June 2025. On 3 April 2020, the Company signed an additional £800 million committed Revolving Credit Facility which 
matures in October 2021.

In March, the Company qualified for and drew down £600 million from the Bank of England’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF) 
which was subsequently repaid. The £600 million CCFF limit remains available whilst the CCFF is open.

Details of the derivative financial instruments are shown in note 20 to the consolidated financial statements.

5  PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES

PROVISIONS
At 1 October 2018
Charged to income statement
At 30 September 2019
At 1 October 2019
Charged to income statement
At 30 September 2020

Legal and other 
claims  
£m
3
–
3
3
–
3

Provisions for legal and other claims relates to provisions for the estimated cost of litigation and other sundry claims. The timing of the 
settlement of these claims is uncertain.

6  MATURITY OF FINANCIAL LIABILITIES, OTHER CREDITORS AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The maturity of financial liabilities, other creditors and derivative financial instruments as at 30 September is as follows:

MATURITY
Between 1 and 2 years
Between 2 and 5 years
In more than 5 years
In more than 1 year 
Within 1 year, or on demand
Total

Bank 
overdrafts 
and loans 
(note 4) 
£m
– 
– 
– 
–
359
359

2020

Amounts owed 
to subsidiary 
undertakings 
(note 4) 
£m
– 
706
494
1,200
4,032
5,232

Loan notes 
and bonds 
(note 4) 
£m
308
1,367
797
2,472
–
2,472

Bank 
overdrafts 
and loans 
(note 4) 
£m
–
–
–
–
3
3

2019

Amounts owed
to subsidiary
undertakings
(note 4)
£m
–
695
483
1,178
4,750
5,928

Loan notes 
and bonds 
(note 4) 
£m
–
1,174
1,326
2,500
162
2,662

Other1
£m
5

Total 
£m
5
(126) 1,743
(80) 1,729
(201) 3,477 
4,921 
(195) 8,398 

6

Total 

Other1
£m
2

£m  
310  
(180) 1,893  
(57) 1,234  
(235) 3,437   
4,396  
(230) 7,833  

5

1.  Other includes the debtor and creditor amounts associated with derivative financial instruments.

7  SHARE CAPITAL

Details of the share capital, share option schemes and share-based payments of Compass Group PLC are shown in notes 24 and 25 to 
the consolidated financial statements.

8  GUARANTEES AND INDEMNITIES

GUARANTEES AND INDEMNITIES
Guarantees and indemnities (including subsidiary undertakings’ overdrafts)
Total

2020 
£m
430
430 

2019 
£m
399
399

Details regarding certain contingent guarantees and indemnitites which involve the Company are set out in note 29 to the consolidated 
financial statements.

274  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
Shareholder Information

REGISTRAR

All matters relating to the administration of shareholdings in the 
Company should be directed to Link Asset Services (the registrar), 
The Registry, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 4TU; 
email: enquiries@linkgroup.co.uk; telephone within the UK: 
Freephone 0800 029 4520 and from overseas: +44 333 300 1568.

Shareholders can register online to view their Compass Group PLC 
shareholding details using the Share Portal, a service offered by 
the registrar, www.signalshares.com. Shareholders registering for 
the Share Portal will require their investor code which is shown on 
share certificates. The service enables shareholders to:

•  check their shareholdings in Compass Group PLC 24 hours a day
•  gain easy access to a range of shareholder information 

including indicative valuation and payment instruction details
•  appoint a proxy to attend general meetings of Compass Group PLC

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS

The Company’s Annual Report and all other shareholder 
communications can be found on our website  
www.compass-group.com.

We would encourage all shareholders to receive an email notification 
of when shareholder documents become available online as this 
helps to reduce our impact on the environment. By electing to 
receive shareholder communications in this way you will:

•  be able to read and/or download the information at your leisure
•  help the Company to save money by reducing the number of 

paper documents we produce and post

•  promote more effective communications with shareholders
•  support our efforts to be environmentally responsible

You can register to receive email communications:  
www.signalshares.com.

The provision of a facility to communicate with shareholders 
electronically does not discriminate between registered 
shareholders of the same class. The facility is available to all 
registered shareholders on equal terms and participation is made 
as simple as possible. Please note that it is the shareholder’s 
responsibility to notify the registrar (through www.signalshares.
com, by post or email: enquiries@linkgroup.co.uk) of any change 
to their email address. Before electing for electronic 
communication, shareholders should ensure that they have the 
appropriate computer capabilities. The Company takes all 
reasonable precautions to ensure no viruses are present in any 
communication it sends out but cannot accept any responsibility 
for loss or damage arising from the opening or use of any email or 
attachments from the Company and recommends that 
shareholders subject all messages to virus checking procedures 
prior to use. Please note that any electronic communication sent 
by a shareholder to the Company or the registrar containing a 
computer virus will not be accepted.

The Company’s obligation is satisfied when it transmits an 
electronic message. It cannot be held responsible for a failure in 
transmission beyond its control. In the event that the Company 
becomes aware that an electronic transmission is not successful, 
a paper notification will be sent to the shareholder at their registered 
address. Shareholders wishing to continue to receive shareholder 
information in the traditional paper format should confirm this via 
www.signalshares.com or write to Link Asset Services.

PUBLISHED INFORMATION

If you would like to receive a hard copy of this Annual Report and/
or a copy of the Notice of Annual General Meeting in another 
format such as large print, Braille or an audio version on CD, 
please contact the Group Company Secretariat at Compass Group 
PLC, Compass House, Guildford Street, Chertsey, Surrey 
KT16 9BQ. Our 2020 Annual Report and the Notice of Meeting 
are available on our website www.compass-group.com.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  275 

Shareholder InformationSH AR EHOLDER INFORMATION  (C ON TINU ED)

CASH DIVIDENDS

SHARE DEALING

The Company normally pays a dividend twice each year. As announced 
by the Company on 23 April 2020, whilst recognising the importance 
of a dividend to the Company’s shareholders, it was concluded 
that there was a need to balance this with the impact of the COVID-19 
pandemic on the Group’s businesses. The Board therefore 
decided not to pay an interim or a final dividend for the financial 
year ended 30 September 2020. The Board will keep future 
dividends under review and will restart payments when it is 
appropriate to do so. 

We encourage UK resident ordinary shareholders to elect to have 
their dividends paid directly into their bank or building society 
account. This is a more secure method of payment and avoids 
delays or cheques being lost. Most ordinary shareholders resident 
outside the UK can also have any dividends in excess of £10 paid 
into their bank account directly via Link Asset Services’ global 
payments service. Details and terms and conditions may be 
viewed at http://ips.linkassetservices.com.

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN (DRIP)

A DRIP service is provided by Link Market Services Trustees 
Limited. The DRIP allows eligible shareholders to use the whole of 
their cash dividend to buy additional shares in the Company, 
thereby increasing their shareholding. Additional information, 
including details of how to sign up, can be obtained from the 
Company’s website www.compass-group.com, and from Link 
Market Services Trustees Limited; email: shares@linkgroup.co.uk; 
telephone within the UK: Freephone 0800 029 4520 and from 
overseas: +44 333 300 1568.

SHARE PRICE INFORMATION

The price of the Company’s shares is available on the Company’s 
website www.compass-group.com. This is supplied with a 
15 minute delay to real time.

The Company’s shares can be traded through most banks, 
building societies, stockbrokers or ‘share shops’. In addition, the 
Company’s registrar offers online and telephone dealing services 
to buy or sell Compass Group PLC shares. The service is only 
available to eligible private shareholders aged 18 or over. Full 
details can be obtained from www.linksharedeal.com or by 
telephoning within the UK: Freephone 0800 029 4520.

SHAREGIFT

ShareGift, the charity share donation scheme, is a free service for 
shareholders wishing to give shares to charitable causes. It is 
particularly useful for those shareholders who may wish to dispose 
of a small quantity of shares where the market value makes it 
uneconomic to sell on a commission basis. Further information 
can be obtained from ShareGift’s website www.sharegift.org; 
telephone within the UK: 020 7930 3737 and from overseas:  
+44 20 7930 3737; email: help@sharegift.org, or from the registrar.

AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS

Compass Group PLC operates an American Depositary Receipts 
programme (ADR) which are traded on the over-the-counter 
market under the symbol CMPGY. One ADR represents one 
ordinary Compass share. BNY Mellon (BNY) maintains the 
Company’s American Depositary Receipt register. If you have any 
enquiries about your holding of Compass American Depositary 
Shares, you should contact BNY Mellon by regular mail:  
BNY Mellon, PO Box 505000, Louisville, KY 40233-5000,  
USA or by overnight or certified registered mail: BNY Mellon,  
462 South 4th Street, Suite 1600, Louisville, KY 40202, USA. 
Alternatively, you can email Computershare at shrrelations@
cpushareownerservices.com. Further information can be found on 
BNY’s website at www.mybnymdr.com using the symbol CMPGY. 

UNSOLICITED MAIL

We are legally obliged to make our register of members available 
to the public, subject to a proper purpose test. As a consequence 
of this, some shareholders might receive unsolicited mail. 
Shareholders wishing to limit the amount of such mail should write 
to the Mailing Preference Service, MPS FREEPOST 29 LON20771, 
London W1E 0ZT. Shareholders can also register online at  
www.mpsonline.org.uk or request an application form by calling 
from within the UK: 020 7291 3310 or by email: mps@dma.org.uk. 

276  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
IDENTITY THEFT

Advice on protecting your Compass Group PLC shares:

•  keep all Compass correspondence in a safe place, or destroy 

correspondence by shredding

•  when changing address, inform the registrar, Link Asset 
Services. If a letter from Link Asset Services is received 
regarding a change of address and you have not moved, contact 
the registrar immediately

•  consider having your dividends paid directly into your bank or 

building society account. This will reduce the risk of the cheque 
being intercepted or lost in the post. You can complete a 
Request for Payment of Interest or Dividends form which are 
available from and should be returned to the registrar. 
Alternatively, register online at www.signalshares.com using the 
Share Portal service. If you require further information please 
contact the registrar on changing your bank or building society 
account, inform the registrar of the details of the new account 
and respond to any letters Link Asset Services send you 
about this 

•  when buying or selling shares, deal only with brokers registered 

in your country of residence or the UK

WARNING ABOUT SHARE FRAUD

Investment scams are often sophisticated and difficult to spot. 
Fraudsters use persuasive and high pressure tactics to lure 
investors into scams. They may offer to sell shares that turn out to 
be worthless or non-existent, or to buy shares at an inflated price 
in return for an upfront payment.

Whilst high profits are promised, if you buy or sell shares in this 
way, you will probably lose your money.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SHARE FRAUD

•  Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) authorised firms are unlikely 
to contact you out of the blue with an offer to buy or sell shares

•  you should only deal with financial services firms that are 
authorised by the FCA, and check the Register at https://
register.fca.org.uk to ensure that they are. You can also check 
the FCA’s Warning List of firms to avoid at https://www.fca.org.
uk/scamsmart/warning-list

•  you should check the firm isn’t a clone firm by asking for their 
firm reference number (FRN) and contact details and then 
calling them back on the switchboard number on the FCA’s 
Register – never use a link in an email or website from the firm 
offering you an investment

•  if you use an unauthorised firm, you won’t have access to the 

Financial Ombudsman Service (https://www.financial-
ombudsman.org.uk) or Financial Services Compensation 
Scheme (https://www.fscs.org.uk) if things go wrong – and you 
are unlikely to get your money back

•  always be wary if you are contacted out of the blue, pressured 
to invest quickly or promised returns that sound too good to be 
true. Generally, the higher the return promised, the more likely 
it’s a high risk investment or a scam

•  you should seriously consider seeking financial advice or 

guidance before investing. You should make sure that any firm 
you deal with is regulated by the FCA and never take investment 
advice from the company that contacted you, as this may be 
part of the scam

•  The Money Advice Service (www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk) 
has information on investing and about how to find a financial 
advisor

REPORT A SCAM

You can report a firm or scam by contacting the FCA’s Consumer 
Helpline on 0800 111 6768 or using the FCA’s reporting form at 
www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart. If you have already invested in a 
scam, fraudsters are likely to target you again or sell your details 
to other criminals. The follow up scam may be completely 
separate or related to the previous fraud, such as an offer to get 
your money back or to buy back the investment after you pay a 
fee. If you have any concerns at all about a potential scam, 
contact the FCA immediately.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  277 

Shareholder InformationGlossary of terms

Capital employed

Total equity shareholders’ funds adjusted for net debt, post employment benefit obligations net of 
associated deferred tax, amortised intangibles arising on acquisition, impaired goodwill and excluding 
the Group’s non-controlling partners’ share of net assets and net assets of discontinued operations.

Constant currency

Restates the prior year results to the current year’s average exchange rates.

EM & OR restructuring

Emerging Markets and Offshore & Remote restructuring.

Free cash flow1

Calculated by adjusting operating profit for non-cash items in profit, cash movements in provisions, 
contract prepayments and costs to obtain client contracts, post employment benefit obligations and 
working capital, cash purchases and proceeds from disposal of non-current assets, net cash interest, 
net cash tax, payment of lease principal amounts, dividends received from joint ventures and 
associated undertakings and dividends paid to non-controlling interests. 

Free cash flow conversion

Underlying free cash flow expressed as a percentage of underlying operating profit. 

Gross capital expenditure

Includes the purchase of intangible assets, contract fulfilment assets, property, plant and equipment 
and investment in contract prepayments. Assets purchased under finance leases were included in 
gross capital expenditure until 2019.

Like for like revenue growth

Calculated by adjusting organic revenue growth for new business wins and lost business.

Net capital expenditure

Gross capital expenditure less proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets 
and cash proceeds from derecognition of contract fulfilment assets and contract prepayments.

Net debt1

Bank overdrafts, bank and other borrowings, lease liabilities and derivative financial instruments, net of 
cash and cash equivalents. 

Net debt to EBITDA

Net debt divided by underlying EBITDA.

NOPAT

Organic profit growth

Organic profit

Organic revenue

Organic revenue growth

Net operating profit after tax (NOPAT) is calculated as underlying operating profit from continuing 
operations less operating profit of non-controlling interests before tax, net of income tax at the 
underlying rate of the year.

Calculated by adjusting underlying operating profit for acquisitions (excluding current year acquisitions 
and including a full period in respect of prior year acquisitions), sale and closure of businesses 
(excluded from both periods) and exchange rate movements (translating the prior period at current 
year exchange rates) and compares the current year results against the prior year. In addition, where 
applicable, a 53rd week has been excluded from the prior year’s underlying operating profit.

Calculated by adjusting underlying operating profit for acquisitions (excluding current year acquisitions 
and including a full period in respect of prior year acquisitions), sale and closure of businesses 
(excluded from both periods) and exchange rate movements (translating the prior period at current 
year exchange rates).

Calculated by adjusting underlying revenue for acquisitions (excluding current year acquisitions and 
including a full period in respect of prior year acquisitions), sale and closure of businesses (excluded 
from both periods) and exchange rate movements (translating the prior period at current year 
exchange rates).

Calculated by adjusting underlying revenue for acquisitions (excluding current year acquisitions and 
including a full period in respect of prior year acquisitions), sale and closure of businesses (excluded 
from both periods) and exchange rate movements (translating the prior period at current year 
exchange rates) and compares the current year results against the prior year. In addition, where 
applicable, a 53rd week has been excluded from the prior year’s underlying revenue.

ROCE

Return on capital employed (ROCE) divides NOPAT by the 12 month average capital employed.

278  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

 
 
Specific adjusting items

acquisition related costs

one-off pension charge

cost action programme and COVID-19 resizing costs

tax on share of profit of joint ventures

gain/(loss) on sale and closure of businesses

Underlying basic earnings 
per share

other financing items including hedge accounting ineffectiveness and change in the fair value 
of investments

Excludes specific adjusting items and the tax attributable to those items.

Underlying cash tax rate

Based on underlying cash tax and underlying profit before tax.

Underlying depreciation 
and amortisation

Underlying EBITDA

Underlying effective 
tax rate

Underlying free cash flow

Excludes specific adjusting items.

Based on underlying operating profit, adding back underlying impairment, depreciation and 
amortisation of intangible assets and contract prepayments.

Based on underlying tax charge and underlying profit before tax.

Free cash flow adjusted for cash restructuring costs in the year relating to the cost action programme 
and COVID-19 resizing costs.

Underlying net finance cost

Excludes specific adjusting items.

Underlying operating 
margin – Group

Underlying operating 
margin – Region

Based on underlying revenue and underlying operating profit excluding share of profit after tax of 
associates. 

Based on underlying revenue and underlying operating profit excluding share of profit after tax of 
associates, EM & OR restructuring.

Underlying operating profit 
– Group

Includes share of profit after tax of associates and profit before tax of equity accounted joint ventures 
but excludes the specific adjusting items. 

Underlying operating profit 
– Region

Includes share of profit before tax of equity accounted joint ventures but excludes the specific 
adjusting items, profit after tax of associates, EM & OR restructuring.

Underlying profit before tax

Excludes specific adjusting items.

Underlying revenue

Combined sales of Group and share of equity accounted joint ventures.

Underlying tax charge

Excludes tax attributable to specific adjusting items.

1.  Following the adoption of IFRS 16 on a modified retrospective basis on 1 October 2019 the definitions of these alternative performance measures have been 

updated. Additional information about the impact of IFRS 16 is included in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020  279 

Glossary 
 
 
 
 
FO R WA RD  LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain information included in this Annual Report and Accounts is forward looking and involves risks, 
assumptions and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied 
by forward looking statements. 

Forward looking statements cover all matters which are not historical facts and include, without limitation, 
projections relating to results of operations and financial conditions and the Company’s plans and objectives for 
future operations, including, without limitation, discussions of expected future revenues, financing plans, 
expected expenditures and divestments, risks associated with changes in economic conditions, the strength of 
the food and support services markets in the jurisdictions in which the Group operates, fluctuations in food and 
other product costs and prices and changes in exchange and interest rates. Forward looking statements can be 
identified by the use of forward looking terminology, including terms such as ‘believes’, ‘estimates’, ‘anticipates’, 
‘expects’, ‘forecasts’, ‘intends’, ‘plans’, ‘projects’, ‘goal’, ‘target’, ‘aim’, ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘could’ or ‘should’ 
or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology. Forward looking statements in this 
Annual Report and Accounts are not guarantees of future performance. All forward looking statements in this 
Annual Report and Accounts are based upon information known to the Company on the date of this Annual 
Report and Accounts. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that any particular expectation will be met and 
readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements, which speak only at their 
respective dates.

Additionally, forward looking statements regarding past trends or activities should not be taken as a 
representation that such trends or activities will continue in the future. Other than in accordance with its legal 
or regulatory obligations (including under the UK Listing Rules and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency 
Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority), the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any 
forward looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 

Nothing in this Annual Report and Accounts shall exclude any liability under applicable laws that cannot be 
excluded in accordance with such laws.

280  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2020

This report is printed on paper certified in accordance with the FSC®  
(Forest Stewardship Council®) and is recyclable and acid-free.

Pureprint Ltd is FSC certified and ISO 14001 certified showing that it is 
committed to all round excellence and improving environmental performance 
is an important part of this strategy.

Pureprint Ltd aims to reduce at source the effect its operations have on the 
environment and is committed to continual improvement, prevention 
of pollution and compliance with any legislation or industry standards.

Pureprint Ltd is a Carbon / Neutral® Printing Company.

The images in the Annual Report and Accounts are representative of the 
services provided by Compass Group PLC and its subsidiaries and partners. 
Some of the photography used in the Report has been taken prior to the  
COVID-19 pandemic.

Designed and produced by Black Sun Plc 
www.blacksunplc.com

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COMPASS GROUP PLC

Compass House 
Guildford Street, Chertsey 
Surrey KT16 9BQ 
United Kingdom

Registered in England and Wales  
No. 4083914

T +44 1932 573 000

Find this Report online at 
www.compass-group.com