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EnQuest

enq · LSE Energy
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Sector Energy
Industry Oil & Gas Exploration & Production
Employees 501-1000
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FY2021 Annual Report · EnQuest
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Providing creative 
solutions through 
the energy transition

 
 
 
 
 
 
The energy 
transition

EnQuest is well positioned to play 
an important role in the energy 
transition. It will do so by responsibly 
optimising production, leveraging 
existing infrastructure, delivering a 
strong decommissioning 
performance and exploring 
new energy and further 
decarbonisation opportunities.

Upstream
Safely and efficiently extracting existing oil 
and gas resources through established 
infrastructure while minimising emissions 
remains our core business.

Read more about our performance on 
pages 16 to 19

Strategic Report
02  Highlights
03  Key performance indicators
04  Business model
06  Stakeholder engagement
08  Our Purpose and Values
10  Chairman’s statement 
12  Chief Executive’s report 
16  Operating review 
24  Oil and gas reserves and resources 
25  Hydrocarbon assets 
26  Financial review 
32  Environmental, Social and 

Environmental
Health and safety

Governance
34 
36 
39  Community
40  Our people
42 
54 
55 

Risks and uncertainties
Business conduct
Task Force on Climate-related  
Financial Disclosures 

Corporate Governance
58  Board of Directors
60  Executive Committee
62  Chairman’s letter
64  Corporate governance statement
69  Audit Committee report
76  Directors’ Remuneration Report
94  Governance and Nomination 

Committee report 
97  Safety, Climate and Risk 
Committee report 
99  Technical and Reserves 
Committee report

100  Directors’ report

Financial Statements
105  Statement of Directors’ 

Responsibilities for the Group 
Financial Statements

106   Independent Auditor’s Report  
to the Members of EnQuest PLC

118  Group Income Statement
119  Group Balance Sheet
120  Group Statement of Changes 

in Equity

121  Group Statement of Cash Flows
122  Notes to the Group Financial 

Statements

163  Statement of Directors’ 

Responsibilities for the Parent 
Company Financial Statements

164  Company Balance Sheet
165  Company Statement of Changes 

in Equity

166  Notes to the Financial Statements

170  Glossary – Non-GAAP measures
174  Company information

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Infrastructure and New Energy
Maintaining high-quality services at the lowest cost  
and transforming strategically positioned existing  
infrastructure into a hub for renewable energy.

Read more about our opportunities on 
pages 22 to 23

Decommissioning

Managing end-of-life production and 
delivering safe, cost efficient and low-carbon 
decommissioning is a natural next phase to 
our Upstream operations.

Read more about our capability on  
pages 20 to 21

Find out more online
www.enquest.com
For a description of the Group’s segmental 
reporting see note 3 Segment information on 
page 128.

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01

Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Highlights

Strong free cash flow 
generation, a value-
enhancing acquisition and 
continued debt reduction.

Production in the year was primarily 
impacted by a combination of 
well and topside integrity-related 
outages at Magnus and natural 
declines across the portfolio. 

The Group’s adjusted EBITDA increased 
34.9% to $742.9 million, primarily 
reflecting materially higher revenue. 
Profit before tax of $352.4 million is 
primarily driven by higher crude 
oil revenue and a net non-cash 
impairment reversal (2020: loss before 
tax of $566.0 million primarily driven 
by a non-cash impairment charge).

The material increase in realised oil 
price underpinned strong free cash flow 
generation, which enabled the payment 
of $249.7 million cash consideration 
for the Golden Eagle acquisition, 
repayments of the BP vendor loan and 
Sculptor Capital facility and an overall 
reduction in net debt to $1,222.0 million.  

The Golden Eagle acquisition has 
strengthened the portfolio, adding 
significant cash generating capability 
to the Group, while the Bressay 
and Bentley acquisitions provide 
EnQuest with longer-term potential 
development opportunities.

A L T E R N A T I V E   P E R F O R M A N C E   M E A S U R E S 1 

Operating costs 
($ million)

321.0
-2.3%

Free cash flow 
($ million)

396.8
+88.5%

Adjusted EBITDA 
($ million)

742.9
+34.9%

Read more in the Finance review
See page 26

S T A T U T O R Y   P E R F O R M A N C E   M E A S U R E S

Revenue and other operating income ($ million)2

Profit/(loss) before tax ($ million)

1,265.8
+46.5%
2020 (restated): 863.9

352.4

2020: (566.0)

Basic earnings/(loss) per share  
(cents)2

Net cash flow from operating activities  
($ million)2

21.7

2020 (restated): (29.0)

Net assets/(liabilities) ($ million)2

520.8
+471.1%
2020 (restated): 91.2

674.1
+29.3%
2020 (restated): 521.4

Read more in the Financial statements 
See page 118

02

of preparation – Restatements

Notes:
1  See reconciliation of alternative performance measures within the ‘Glossary - Non-GAAP measures’ starting on 
page 170. In 2020, the Group highlighted free cash flow per barrel of oil equivalent as an alternative performance 
measure to enable a reader to assess the Group’s resilience in the unusually low oil price that prevailed in the 
immediate aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic

2 Comparative information for 2020 has been restated. For more information, see note 2 Basis 

Key performance indicators

A: HSEA
Group Lost Time Incident frequency rate1

D: Cash generated by operations
$ million

G: Net 2P reserves
MMboe

-4.5%

2021

0.21

+33.5%

2021

756.9

+2.6%

2021

2020

2019

0.22

2020

2019

0.57

567.2

2020

2019

993.4

194

189

213

In occupational safety, Lost Time Incident 
(‘LTI’) performance was good, with many 
assets recording an LTI-free year.

Strong cash generated by operations was 
driven by higher revenue reflecting higher 
realised oil prices.

During the year, the Group produced 8.2% of 
its year-end 2020 2P reserves base. This 
reduction was more than offset by the 2P 
reserves added through the Golden Eagle 
acquisition.

B: Net production
Boepd

E: Cash capital2 and abandonment expense
$ million

H: Scope 1 and 2 emissions
tCO2e3

-24.9%

2021

44,415

-32.0%

2021

117.6

2020

2019

59,116

2020

173.0

68,606

2019

248.6

-14.7%

2021

2020

2019

1,145,273

1,342,765

1,511,650

Production at Kraken and PM8/Seligi was 
in line with expectations, but Group 
performance was impacted by well integrity 
and topside issues at Magnus, outages due 
to planned maintenance and a subsea 
power umbilical failure at the Greater 
Kittiwake Area, the impact of the detached 
riser at PM8/Seligi and natural declines 
across the Upstream portfolio. This was 
partially offset by the contribution from 
Golden Eagle.

Cash capital expenditure in 2021 primarily 
related to licence to operate activities, the 
Magnus production enhancement 
campaign and pipeline replacement costs 
at PM8/Seligi. 

Cash abandonment expenditure increased, 
reflecting decommissioning activities at 
Heather, Thistle and the Dons.

With power generation and flaring major 
sources of emissions, lower production does 
not always lead to reduced emissions. In 
2021, emissions were reduced through 
operational improvements, such as: 
compressor remapping at Kittiwake 
reducing flaring; and the commissioning of 
a waste heat recovery unit at Kraken 
reducing diesel usage.

C: Unit opex2
$/Boe

+34.9%

2021

2020

2019

15.2

20.5

20.6

F: Net debt2
$ million

-4.5%

2021

2020

2019

1,222.0

1,279.7

1,413.0

Average unit operating costs were primarily 
impacted by lower production. Absolute 
operating costs were broadly in line with 
2020, with increased maintenance and 
integrity spend at Magnus, lower lease 
charter credits at Kraken and higher 
emissions trading scheme costs offset 
by lower tariff and transportation costs.

Strong free cash flow generation was 
partially offset by consideration paid for the 
acquisition of Golden Eagle and the early 
voluntary repayment of the BP vendor loan. 
The Group has continued voluntarily to 
make early repayments of its senior secured 
credit facility.

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Notes:
1  Lost Time Incident frequency represents the number of incidents per million exposure hours worked (based on 12 hours for offshore and eight hours for onshore)
2 See reconciliation of alternative performance measures within the ‘Glossary – Non-GAAP measures’ starting on page 170 
3  tCO2e: tonnes of CO2 equivalent

03

Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business model

We are EnQuest

An independent energy company with operations in the UK and Malaysia. We aim 
to extend the useful lives of existing infrastructure in a responsible manner, helping 
fulfil energy demand requirements as part of the transition to a low-carbon world.

S T R A T E G I C   P I L L A R S

Operational excellence

This underpins everything we do, 
with a focus on SAFE Results.

In our Upstream operations, we strive 
to responsibly enhance production 
efficiency and oil and gas recovery 
through focused improvement 
programmes.

In our Decommissioning directorate, 
we aspire to be the experts in 
managing end-of-field life production 
and the delivery of safe, cost-efficient 
and low-carbon decommissioning 
programmes. 

In our Infrastructure and New Energy 
business, we aim for safe and reliable 
performance at the Sullom Voe 
Terminal and its related infrastructure. 

Differential capability

We have significant in-house technical 
and operating experience across 
Upstream, Infrastructure and 
Decommissioning operations. 

As an industry leader in drilling and 
subsea tie-backs, we are able to 
realise value from existing producing 
assets by adding reserves and 
extending their useful lives.

A S S E T S

Our people

Our people are critical to our success. With diversity and inclusion central to our 
ways of working, we aim to attract, retain and develop a wide range of talent in 
the organisation. We pursue growth and learning opportunities to unlock our full 
potential as individuals, teams and the Group as a whole. We have an 
experienced and long-tenured management team with a proven track record of 
value creation and growth.

Read more in our People, Board of Directors 
and Executive Committee sections
See pages 40 to 41, and 58 to 61

Established infrastructure

With our focus on responsibly managing existing assets, we aim to optimise 
production, leverage existing infrastructure, deliver a strong decommissioning 
performance and explore new energy and decarbonisation opportunities. 

We have five core offshore producing hubs (four of which we operate), one 
strategically advantaged onshore processing terminal and are responsible for 
decommissioning four non-producing assets.

Read more in our Operating review
See pages 16 to 23

Capital providers

We have supportive equity and debt investors who provide capital through 
traditional and innovative financing structures to enable management to 
execute the Group’s strategy in a responsible manner. 

Read more in our Finance review, 
Director’s report and notes to the 
accounts
See pages 26 to 31, 100 to 104,  
and 122 to 162

Partners and suppliers

We aim to build long-term relationships with suppliers based on respect and 
collaboration, including the development of mutually beneficial creative 
solutions. We work with suppliers who maintain the highest level of HSE 
leadership, exceed our expectations in delivering the best quality at competitive 
pricing, and are committed to our corporate code of business conduct. 

04

S T R A T E G I C   P I L L A R S

V A L U E   C R E A T I O N   I N   2 0 2 1

Financial discipline

Our people

We focus on capital allocation 
that prioritises positive cash flow 
generative investment and the 
effective management of EnQuest’s 
capital structure and liquidity, 
including an active hedging strategy 
that underpins resilient cash flows 
even at lower oil prices. 

With a focus on short-cycle projects, 
we can adjust our capital allocation 
decisions to match the prevailing oil 
demand and price environment, 
balancing debt reduction, the 
development of our existing portfolio, 
the acquisition of suitable growth 
opportunities and returns 
to shareholders.

Employee and contractor  
staff costs ($ million)

Employee and contractor staff 
(#)

137

Investors

734

Growth and learning opportunities 
included conscious inclusion, 
leadership and job-specific training.

Free cash flow generation1 
($ million)

Cash interest and net debt repayments  
($ million)

397

122

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Value enhancement

Governments, regulators and communities

We employ a cost conscious 
approach and implement innovative 
initiatives to add value to our 
operations. Innovative transaction 
structures facilitate getting the right 
assets into the right hands. 

We are also exploring opportunities to 
leverage the existing infrastructure in 
the pursuit of renewable and 
decarbonisation opportunities. 

We are disciplined in our assessment 
of acquisition opportunities, taking 
our time to find the right ones that fit 
our portfolio and capabilities at the 
right price.

Scope 1 and 2 emission reductions 
(ktCO2e2) 

Charitable donations 
($000)

197

184

Suppliers and customers

Operating  
expenditures1 
($ million)

321

Capital and abandonment  
expenditures1 
($ million)

Sales  
volumes1, 3  
(MMboe)

118

18.4

Notes:
1  See reconciliation of alternative performance measures within the ‘Glossary - Non-GAAP measures’ 

starting on page 170 

2  ktCO2e: thousand tonnes of CO2 equivalent 
3  Includes volumes related to onward sale of third-party gas purchases not required for injection activities 

at Magnus

05

Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stakeholder engagement

Section 172 Statement
The Directors have always had regard for the potential impact of the Group’s activities on its various stakeholders. In the majority 
of cases, information and feedback is provided throughout the year to the Directors by the Group’s Executive Directors, senior and 
functional management and external advisers through a variety of Board reports, presentations and ad hoc correspondence. 
When appropriate, the Directors may advise further engagement is required, which could potentially be direct engagement by 
the relevant Director, and/or request additional information to ensure they have a full appreciation of a given situation prior to 
making any decisions. As such, the Directors are able to assess the impact of business decisions on stakeholders and fulfil their duty 
to promote the long-term success of the Company. 

The Directors consider principal decisions (outlined on the following page) on the basis of materiality with regard to the incremental 
impact these are anticipated to have on the Company’s stakeholders and/or the Company itself.

Stakeholder groups 

Direct Board level

Other engagement activities in 2021

A. Our people
Our employee and contractor workforce is 
critical to the delivery of SAFE Results and 
EnQuest’s success. As such, we are committed to 
ensuring EnQuest remains a great place to work. 
We have a strong set of Values that underpin our 
way of working and provide a rewarding work 
environment, with opportunities for growth and 
learning while contributing to the delivery of 
our strategy.

B. Investors
Our investors support management in the 
execution of EnQuest’s business strategy, 
including the provision of capital for 
management to develop the business in order to 
deliver returns in a responsible manner.

C. Partners
We collaborate with our joint venture partners, 
securing their support to deliver our asset plans. 
We value their contribution to the effective 
operational and financial management of our 
assets as we deliver on our business strategy.

Global employee forum meetings with 
designated Non-Executive Directors; 
video messages; subject matter expert 
virtual and physical attendance at 
Board and Board Committee meetings; 
physical and virtual safety leadership 
engagement visits; and interactive 
virtual town halls.

See the accompanying principal decisions on page 7 
and pages 40 to 41 of the ESG section which detail the 
various people-related initiatives implemented during 
the year, including the employee survey and those 
related to our people’s safety and wellbeing.

Virtual and physical meetings (including 
the Annual General Meeting and 
multiple investor conferences), calls and 
direct correspondence with a wide 
range of equity and debt investors in 
relation to the Group’s delivery against 
its strategic objectives.

See the accompanying principal decisions on page 7 
and the Strategic report on pages 2 to 57, which 
explains the Group’s performance and investment 
decisions during 2021.
Pages 66 to 67 of the Corporate governance 
statement outline in more detail how the Group 
engages with its investors.

Virtual and physical meetings and calls.

The Group has regular engagement with its joint 
venture partners on day-to-day asset management 
and the execution of the longer-term asset strategy. 
This occurs through a combination of formal 
interactions, governed by joint operating agreements, 
and via informal engagement. 
See pages 16 to 23 of the Strategic report for further 
details on operational and financial activities and 
decisions undertaken across our assets.
Joint venture partners are recognised as one of the 
Group’s Principal risks and uncertainties on page 52.

See the Strategic report on pages 2 to 41 and the 
Group’s Principal risks and uncertainties on pages 42 
to 53, which outline EnQuest’s strong relationships with 
governments and regulators. Pages 36, 38 and 57 of 
the ESG section and pages 100 to 105 of the Directors’ 
report outline further details on the Group’s regulatory 
compliance activities.

The Group has continued its active and positive 
engagement with its suppliers through various 
supplier forums, performance reviews, ad hoc virtual 
meetings and industry events. The Group continues to 
monitor and report its supplier payment performance.
Please also see the Group’s Principal risks and 
uncertainties on pages 42 to 53, a number of which 
are impacted by the Group’s supplier relationships.

See the accompanying principal decisions on page 7 
and pages 32 to 35, and 39 of the ESG section which 
outline the Group’s community engagement activities 
and environmental considerations, with the 
importance of maintaining a positive reputation 
outlined in the Group’s Principal risks and uncertainties 
on page 52.

The Group has maintained strong relationships with its 
existing customers, including fuel oil blenders to whom 
it supplies Kraken oil as an unrefined constituent of 
IMO 2020 compliant low-sulphur bunker fuel.

D. Host governments and regulators 
EnQuest works closely with the host governments 
and regulators in the jurisdictions in which it 
operates. The Group complies with the 
necessary regulatory requirements, including 
those related to environmental matters such as 
reducing emissions, to ensure the Group 
maintains a positive reputation and licence to 
operate, enabling the effective delivery of the 
Group’s strategy.

Video meetings and calls with the North 
Sea Transition Authority (‘NSTA’) Authority 
in the UK and Malaysian Petroleum 
Management in Malaysia.

E. Suppliers
EnQuest relies on its suppliers to provide 
specialist equipment and services, including 
skilled manpower, to assist in the delivery 
of SAFE Results.

None

F. Communities
Making a positive contribution and appropriately 
managing our environmental impact in the 
communities in which we live and work around 
the world remains a key part of our activities. Our 
communities provide a potential source of 
employees, contractors and support services, 
and are important in supporting EnQuest’s 
social licence to operate and maintaining 
a positive reputation.

A virtual presentation from the 
Chairman of the MyKasih Foundation in 
Malaysia was held during the year.

G. Customers
Our customers help facilitate the provision of 
hydrocarbon-related products to meet a variety 
of consumer demands and, as such, require 
a reliable supply of hydrocarbons to meet 
their needs.

None

06

Principal decision and 
impacted stakeholders

Stakeholder considerations and impact on the long-term sustainable success 
of the Company

Refinancing the Group’s 
senior secured lending 
facility with a new reserves-
based lending (‘RBL’) facility
Impacted stakeholders:
A, B, C, E and G

Historically, significant leverage has been used to fund the Group’s growth, which has included periods of low 
oil prices, and this has enabled the Group to maintain liquidity to fund capital expenditure and working 
capital. The Group has materially reduced its overall debt position since the peak of 2017. 
Around the end of 2020, the Group was assessing the Golden Eagle asset acquisition, which would require 
funding from both the lending market and the equity market. Consequently, the Board considered the most 
appropriate debt structure that would best allow the Group to meet these needs. The agreed RBL facility 
ensured that the Group was able to meet its maturity obligations with previous lenders, simplify its overall 
debt structure, underpin the Golden Eagle acquisition to generate material value for equity shareholders and 
ensure that the Group maintained adequate liquidity to meet its ongoing working capital and capital 
expenditure requirements.
For further information, see pages 26 to 31 of this Strategic report and note 18 to the financial statements.

Golden Eagle acquisition
Impacted stakeholders:
A, B, C, D, E and G

Diversity strategy and 
associated policy
Impacted stakeholders:
A, B, C, D and F

Establishment of an 
Infrastructure and 
New Energy business
Impacted stakeholders:
A, B, C, D, E, F and G

Setting a Scope 1 and 2 
absolute emissions 
reduction target
Impacted stakeholders:
A, B, C, D and F

EnQuest’s growth since inception has been through a combination of organic developments and strategic, 
disciplined acquisitions. In considering the acquisition, the Directors demonstrated it would provide the 
Group with the opportunity to gain a material interest in a high-quality, low-cost, mid-life asset with a strong 
safety record and low emissions intensity that would materially enhance production and cash generation 
and accelerate the partial use of the Group’s significant UK tax assets.
The funding of the acquisition was undertaken through a combination of proceeds raised from the new RBL 
facility, equity investors, existing cash balances and interim period post-tax cash flows from the Golden Eagle 
asset. The Directors considered that the firm placing, placing and open offer would result in some equity 
dilution to those shareholders who were not able to, or chose not to, participate in the offer, but that all 
shareholders would be able to benefit from material value creation expected from the acquisition, with 
post-acquisition net present value estimated at c.$170 million1.
The Board was also cognisant that the acquisition diversified the Group’s production base without requiring 
significant changes to the organisation to manage the Golden Eagle asset. Working alongside an 
established UK North Sea operator, CNOOC, EnQuest’s employees will have the opportunity to contribute to 
the existing joint venture partnership through their proven expertise and capabilities in drilling and subsea 
tie-backs. 
Since completion of the acquisition, the Golden Eagle asset has contributed to the Group’s performance and 
with a supportive macro environment is anticipated to deliver enhanced cash flows and value, contributing 
to a rapid reduction in the Group’s overall debt position.
For more information, see pages 10 to 31 of this Strategic report and note 10 of the Financial Statements.

EnQuest’s Values incorporate Respect and Openness and the Group is committed to providing an inclusive 
culture that enables the development of creative solutions to deliver performance and value, allowing 
employees to have enjoyable and fulfilling careers.
The Board recognises that successful companies are diverse and inclusive, where different perspectives are 
proactively sought and heard and agreed that implementing a formal strategy and associated policy will 
embed actions into the Group’s workplace policies and procedures to drive positive change. Clear targets for 
improving the organisation’s diversity, which at a Board level are aligned to the recommendations of the 
original recommendations of the FTSE Women Leaders (formerly known as Hampton-Alexander) and Parker 
reviews, demonstrate to current and future employees and other stakeholders the Group’s commitment in 
this regard.
For more information, see the ‘Our people’ section on pages 40 to 41.

The establishment of the Infrastructure and New Energy business, with responsibility for EnQuest’s existing 
operations at SVT, delivering the Group’s emissions reduction targets and unlocking long-term renewable 
energy and decarbonisation opportunities, is aligned to the Group’s purpose. The new business will focus 
on strengthening and extending the life of operations at SVT and assessing and delivering new energy 
opportunities through innovative commercial structures over the medium to long term to create a hub 
of growth in infrastructure and renewables at SVT. The Board considered this an important step in attracting 
and retaining investment and talent, potentially providing long-term employment opportunities in Shetland.
For more information, see the ‘Infrastructure and New Energy’ section on pages 22 to 23.

To balance many stakeholder interests, EnQuest believes in a measured approach to absolute emissions 
reductions from its operated assets. As such, the Group set a target, linked to Executive Directors’ and 
applicable employees’ reward, to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 CO2 equivalent emissions from its 
existing operations by 10% over the period 2021 to 2023. 
For more information, see the ‘Environment’ section on pages 34 to 35.

1  Per Gaffney, Cline & Associates Competent Persons Report estimates and oil price assumptions 

of: 2021: $51/bbl, 2022: $54/bbl, 2023: $57/bbl, 2024+: $60/bbl

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07

Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our purpose

Providing creative solutions 
through the energy transition 
is what EnQuest focuses on 
across all its operations.

Through harnessing the creative energy from all its staff, the Group will safely and sustainably produce existing oil and gas 
resources through established infrastructure, develop a world-class decommissioning capability and advance new energy and 
other decarbonisation opportunities.

O U R   P U R P O S E

As an oil and gas company we  
are focused on providing the 
energy society needs.

We think creatively across our 
business... from operations...  
to contracts and procurement... 
to asset transactions.
We focus on SAFE Results and 
reducing our environmental  
impact as society transitions  
to a cleaner world.

P U R P O S E   I N   A C T I O N
In recognition of the creative solutions our 
teams can produce, EnQuest launched 
the Purpose in Action Award in March 2021, 
announcing two winners at the Global 
Town Hall in September.

Accelerated Seligi B wells reinstatement
The offshore team adopted an innovative 
approach to provide an alternative gas 
lift source to enable production to be 
restored well ahead of the planned Seligi 
A to B riser replacement. 

Kraken tether replacement
A multi-function team implemented 
a creative approach to the riser tether 
replacement programme at Kraken 
which resulted in no impact to production 
and reduced vessel support time, saving 
millions of pounds and avoiding the 
deferral of 30 kbbls of production.

08

O U R   V A L U E S

W O R K I N G

C O L L A B O R A T I V E L Y

R E S P E C T

&   O P E N N E S S

G R O W T H

&   L E A R N I N G

D R I V I N G

A   F O C U S E D

B U S I N E S S

Our Values embody everything the 
Company stands for and our purpose 
is intrinsically linked with our Values.

Safety sits at the core of everything 
we do as we strive for SAFE Results 
with no harm to people and respect 
for the environment. We conduct 
our business and our professional 
relationships with respect and openness, 
ensuring a diverse range of ideas 
are shared and considered. We work 
collaboratively to achieve strong 
results, driving a focused business 
to achieve success, always pursuing 
growth and learning opportunities to 
unlock our full potential as individuals, 
teams and the Group as a whole.

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09

Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chairman’s statement

Well  
positioned

Overview
Our rapid response to the challenges 
of 2020 ensured the Group entered 2021 
in a good position to capitalise on the 
positive momentum in macroeconomic 
conditions throughout the year. Global 
restrictions relating to the COVID-19 
pandemic were eased, resulting in 
increasing global oil demand. At the 
same time, strong levels of supply 
agreement compliance by OPEC+, 
reduced inventory levels and limited 
other spare capacity saw oil prices 
increase materially, reaching a high of 
c.$86/bbl in October 2021. The improved 
oil price enabled EnQuest to generate 
material free cash flow, facilitating the 
Golden Eagle acquisition and a further 
reduction in the Group’s net debt. This 
strong cash flow performance also 
allowed the Group to simplify the debt 
structure, to draw down less than was 
anticipated from our new reserve-
based lending facility and make early 
voluntary repayments in line with our 
strategic objective of deleveraging.

Operationally, the Group faced some 
challenges, particularly with the Magnus 
asset and the backdrop of the COVID-19 
pandemic, which required our people to 
be focused and flexible in the formulation 
and execution of work scopes across our 
operations. While there was a general 
easing of COVID-19 related restrictions, we 
remained dedicated to protecting both 
our people and our operations, aligning 
procedures to the evolving government 
and industry guidance and maintaining 
robust working practices to minimise risk.

In what was another busy and 
productive year, I would like to thank our 
people for their ongoing commitment 
and professionalism throughout.

Reducing emissions
2021 saw a continuation of stakeholder 
and regulator focus on the need for 
companies to do more to decarbonise 
society. With the COP 26 being held in 
Scotland, the UK Government, working 
alongside the industry body Offshore 
Energies UK, announced a series of 
Scope 1 and 2 emission reduction 
targets through to 2030 against which 
we are committed to deliver. As you 
will read later in this report, at the end 
of 2021, we were ahead of both our 
own internal reward-linked emission 
reduction targets and those set out in the 
UK Government’s North Sea Transition 
Deal. In support of the Group’s long-
term energy transition ambitions, an 
Infrastructure and New Energy business 
was established during 2021 with overall 
responsibility for delivering the Group’s 
emission reduction targets and assessing 
potential decarbonisation opportunities.

EnQuest remains fully committed 
to playing its part in the drive 
towards global decarbonisation. 

Committed to improving diversity
There also remained a drive for 
companies to be more diverse and 
inclusive, from the Boardroom to the 
workforce, and I am pleased with the 
progress we have made in this respect.

There is a strong commitment across 
the organisation to creating a more 
diverse workplace and EnQuest was 
recognised for its efforts in this area as 
a finalist at the 2021 OGUK awards in the 
category of Diversity and Inclusion.

Diversity has always been a key 
consideration for our recruitment and, 
during 2021, the Board approved the 
Group’s diversity and inclusion strategy 

and associated policy, within which 
several diversity targets have been set 
at both Board and senior leadership 
levels to be achieved by 2025. The 
Board has voluntarily adopted the 
original recommendations of the FTSE 
Women Leaders Review (formerly the 
Hampton-Alexander Review) and the 
recommendations of the Parker Review. 
As part of our succession planning 
process, we will continue to review the 
composition of our Board, taking account 
of evolving stakeholder guidelines.

Governing well
The externally facilitated Board evaluation 
showed the Board continues to be 
effective and performs well. In particular, 
the skills and diversity of the Board 
were highlighted as a positive. This 
reflects positively on our succession 
planning process, which remains an 
important part of both the Governance 
and Nomination Committee and the 
Board’s deliberations. In February 2021, 
we welcomed Liv Monica Stubholt to our 
Board and in January 2022 we have been 
joined by Rani Koya. As part of our orderly 
succession planning, Philip Holland will 
be leaving the Board in May 2022. On 
behalf of the Board, I would like to thank 
Philip for his valuable contribution to the 
Group, particularly in his role as Chair of 
the Safety, Climate and Risk Committee 
where he has overseen improvements to 
our risk management processes and our 
response to the various climate change-
related risks faced by the Group. Following 
Philip’s departure, the Board will be in 
line with the original recommendations 
of the FTSE Women Leaders Review 
recommendations, noting it already 
meets targets set by the Parker Review.

10

Martin Houston
Chairman

Board female members (%)

30%

Board members of colour (%)

30%

The Sullom 
Voe Terminal

Looking ahead
The start of 2022 has seen another 
dramatic change in the global 
geopolitical landscape with the 
unfolding tragedy in Ukraine. The ensuing 
humanitarian crisis is an atrocity and 
our thoughts are with all those affected. 
As a responsible company, we have 
reviewed our commercial arrangements 
and do not consider we have any 
adverse exposure to the situation. We 
will continue to monitor our position 
to ensure we remain compliant with, 
and support, any sanctions in place. 

This crisis has further heightened 
awareness around the need for 
affordable and secure energy supplies, 
coming so swiftly after the rapid 
escalation in gas prices over the winter. 
While such drivers of change are 
not those anyone wanted to see, it is 
important there is a more balanced 
debate with regard to the energy 
transition. There is now an increasing 
recognition of the part the oil and 
gas industry will play in a responsible 
transition to a lower-carbon society. 
EnQuest is well positioned as a transition 
company, operating responsibly across 
upstream and decommissioning while 
developing options within the new 
energy landscape. I am confident the 
energy transition will provide us with 
several opportunities to create value 
for our stakeholders. We will continue 
to be disciplined in our assessment of 
these opportunities, taking our time to 
find the right ones that fit our portfolio 
and capabilities at the right price.

The acquisition of Golden Eagle has 
strengthened the business, adding a 
highly cash-generative asset to the 
portfolio. At prevailing oil prices, we 
have the ability to balance investment 
in our existing asset base while 
further accelerating the Group’s debt 
reduction objectives. As part of this, 
we continue to explore options to 
refinance our retail and high yield bonds 
ahead of maturity in October 2023. 

I am excited about our future.

Martin Houston
Chairman

“Steering energy 
companies in today’s 
environment requires 
great skill, patience and 
determination. At 
EnQuest, we are well 
positioned for the 
challenges ahead and 
we will continue to focus 
on being the best we can 
possibly be, for all our 
stakeholders.”

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Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chief Executive’s report

A transition 
company

Overview
We continued to make good progress 
against our strategic objectives of deliver, 
de-lever and grow. The acquisition 
of the Golden Eagle asset has further 
strengthened our portfolio, while the 
low-cost acquisitions of material 
resources at Bressay and Bentley provide 
us with future near-field development 
opportunities that can utilise our heavy 
oil expertise and differential capability in 
subsea drilling and tie-backs. Production 
in the year was primarily impacted 
by a combination of well and topside 
integrity-related outages at Magnus and 
natural declines across the portfolio. At 
Kraken, the floating production, storage 
and offloading vessel continued to 
perform well and production at PM8/
Seligi was in line with expectations. We 
demonstrated our decommissioning 
project capability with significant levels 
of activity throughout 2021 and have 
established an Infrastructure and New 
Energy business with overall responsibility 
for advancing renewable energy and 
decarbonisation opportunities. During 
2021, the Group also made excellent 
progress in reducing its absolute Scope 
1 and 2 emissions, with CO2 equivalent 
emissions reduced by 14.7%. Since 2018, 
UK Scope 1 and 2 emissions have been 
reduced by 43.5%, which is significantly 
ahead of the UK Government’s near-
term North Sea Transition Deal targets.

As always, the safety of EnQuest’s people 
and assets remained an absolute 
priority. I was particularly pleased to 
see the Group’s Lost Time Incident (‘LTI’) 
performance remained ‘top quartile’ 
with a Group LTI frequency1 of 0.21. 

We also continued to evolve our 
approach to managing COVID-19 to keep 
our people safe. However, we received 
a number of improvement notices 
from the UK Health & Safety Executive 
(‘HSE’) relating to our Magnus and SVT 
operations. We continue to improve 
further our process safety arrangements 
and all notices have been or will be fully 
complied with in accordance with the 
agreed activity set and timetable.

2021 also saw strong demand for oil 
which, when combined with supply-side 
constraints, led to oil prices recovering 
strongly. The Group’s average realised 
oil price in 2021, including the impact 
of its commodity hedge programme, 
was $68.6/bbl, up 66.4% from $41.3/
bbl in 2020. This improved commodity 
price environment enabled the Group 
to generate strong free cash flow of 
$396.8 million, an increase of $186.3 
million from 2020, and lower net debt to 
$1,222.0 million, its lowest level since 2014.

Operational performance
EnQuest’s average production decreased 
by 24.9% to 44,415 Boepd, primarily driven 
by topside and well integrity related 
outages at Magnus and expected 
natural declines across the portfolio, 
partially offset by the contribution from 
Golden Eagle following completion of 
the acquisition on 22 October 2021. The 
natural declines were to a large extent 
a consequence of the necessary pause 
in the Group’s drilling programme 
following materially lower oil prices 
experienced in 2020 and into 2021.

Kraken continued to perform well, 
delivering top quartile production 
efficiency of 88% and gross production 
in line with guidance. During the fourth 
quarter of 2021, the asset reached the 
milestone of more than 50 MMbbls 
(gross) produced since first oil; a great 
achievement by the combined EnQuest 
and Bumi Armada team. The 3D seismic 
gathered during the summer will allow the 
Group to evaluate fully the development 
potential of the western area of the 
field in addition to supporting ongoing 
optimisation of the main Kraken field, 
including potential infill opportunities. 
At PM8/Seligi, initial production recovery 
activities were accelerated, offsetting 
the delayed riser replacement, while at 
the Greater Kittiwake Area the power 
umbilical supporting the Mallard and 
Gadwall wells was successfully replaced 
in September, restoring both wells to 
production. However, production at 
Magnus was disappointing. Performance 
was impacted by well integrity and 
topside issues, an unplanned third-party 
outage and natural decline. During 
the year, a production enhancement 
programme was undertaken, restoring 
four wells to production, although a 
compressor gearbox failure in September 
resulted in single compression train 
operations for much of the fourth quarter.

1  Lost Time Incident frequency represents the number 

of incidents per million exposure hours worked 
(based on 12 hours for offshore and eight hours for 
onshore)

12

Amjad Bseisu
Chief Executive

Production 
Boepd

44,415

Free cash flow 
$ million

396.8

Net debt 
$ million

1,222.0

Kraken FPSO vessel

During the year, we produced 8.2% of 
our year-end 2020 2P reserves base. 
However, with the acquisition of Golden 
Eagle adding c.18 MMboe at the end 
of 2021, the Group’s 2P reserves at the 
end the year were around 194 MMboe, 
marginally higher than the c.189 MMboe 
at the end of 2020. Following the 
acquisitions of interests in the Bressay 
field and the Bentley discovery in the UK, 
2C resources increased by 145.1% from 
the end of 2020 to around 402 MMboe, 
with both fields each adding more than 
100 MMboe of net 2C resources. Other 
material 2C resources are located at 
Magnus and Kraken in the UK and PM8/
Seligi and PM409, offshore Malaysia.

Following our decisions in 2020 to 
permanently cease production at several 
of our highest cost assets, 2021 saw an 
associated increase in decommissioning 
activity enabling the Group to 
demonstrate its decommissioning 
project capability. Activities were 
focused on well abandonments at 
Heather, platform re-habitation and 
other preparatory activities ahead 
of the planned well abandonment 
programme at Thistle, and cessation 
of production at the Dons field, 
including the removal of the Northern 
Producer Floating Production Facility.

In August, the Group established an 
Infrastructure and New Energy business 
to support the ongoing transformation 
of SVT and EnQuest’s energy transition 
ambitions. The new business will focus on 
strengthening and extending the life of 
operations and assessing and delivering 
new energy opportunities over the 
medium to long term to create a hub of 
growth in infrastructure and renewables 
at SVT. Constructive initial engagement 
with a variety of stakeholders, 

including potential technical and 
financial partners, is ongoing.

Financial performance
The Group’s adjusted EBITDA and 
statutory gross profit increased by 
34.9% to $742.9 million and 453.0% to 
$358.2 million, respectively, reflecting the 
material increase in realised oil prices 
partially offset by lower production. 
Operating costs for the year of $321.0 
million were slightly lower than 2020, 
although reflected higher emissions 
trading scheme costs and additional 
remediation expenditures at Magnus. 
Unit operating costs increased to 
$20.5/Boe primarily reflecting lower 
production. Cash generated by 
operations increased to $756.9 million, 
up 33.4% compared to 2020, with free 
cash flow generation of $396.8 million.

During the year, we successfully 
refinanced our previous senior credit 
facility (‘RCF’) into a new senior secured 
debt facility (‘RBL’) of up to $750.0 million. 
The strong cash flow performance and 
refinancing ultimately led to a simplified 
debt structure, with a lower than expected 
utilisation of the facility, an early voluntary 
repayment of $70.0 million, repayments 
of the BP vendor loan and Sculptor 
Capital facility, and enabled the payment 
of $249.7 million cash consideration 
for the Golden Eagle acquisition.

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Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chief Executive’s report continued

Environmental, Social and Governance
Environmental
Managing existing assets in a responsible 
and sustainable manner is a key part of 
the energy transition. We recognise that 
industry, alongside other key stakeholders 
such as governments, regulators 
and consumers, must contribute to 
reducing the impact on climate change 
of carbon-related emissions. We are 
committed to playing our part in the 
achievement of national emissions 
reduction targets, with the Infrastructure 
and New Energy business having overall 
responsibility for delivering the Group’s 
emission reduction objectives. As 
outlined earlier, we have made excellent 
progress in reducing absolute Scope 1 
and 2 emissions during the year and are 
significantly ahead of the Group’s targets 
and those set by the UK Government’s 
North Sea Transition Deal. We continue to 
optimise sales of Kraken cargoes directly 
to the shipping fuel market, avoiding 
emissions related to refining and helping 
reduce sulphur emissions in accordance 
with the IMO 2020 regulations.

EnQuest’s Infrastructure and New Energy 
business is assessing renewable energy 
and decarbonisation opportunities 
using the existing infrastructure at the 
Sullom Voe Terminal. We are working 
collaboratively with Shetland Island 
Council, Project ORION and the Net Zero 
Technology Centre, to better understand 
how we can contribute further to the 
industry approach to achieving net-
zero, whilst remaining aligned with 
EnQuest’s strategy and Values.

Social – Health and safety
EnQuest’s absolute priority has 
consistently been SAFE Results, no 
harm to our people and respect for 
the environment, and there remains 
a strong safety culture throughout 
the organisation, clearly evidenced 
by recording a Group LTI frequency1 
of 0.21, an improvement on 2021 and 
slightly better than the International 
Association of Oil and Gas Producers 
benchmark of 0.22. We also continued 
to reduce the number of reportable 
hydrocarbon releases in both the UK 
and Malaysia. The Group-wide asset 
integrity review has brought additional 
focus to cost allocation in key risk areas 
that could impact asset integrity.

Social – People
Improving workforce diversity and 
inclusion (‘D&I’) across the organisation 
remains a key focus area for the Group. 
Good progress has been made with 
the Group-wide D&I strategy and 
associated policy now embedded in 
the overall strategy of the business. 
The D&I strategy includes several 
targets to improve female and ethnic 
minority representation in leadership 
and executive roles by 2025. A number 
of initiatives continued throughout 
the year and I was delighted to see 
EnQuest nominated as one of three 
finalists for the 2021 OGUK Diversity 
& Inclusion Award. Recognition as 
a finalist has further reinforced our 
commitment to our strategy and 
direction of travel in relation to D&I.

Social – Communities
In 2021, we extended the remit of the 
Remuneration Committee to include 
social responsibility, covering the Group’s 
external support of charitable works and 
education initiatives. In Malaysia, we 
continued to sponsor university students 
to study STEM-related subjects and 
supported the ‘IChemE’ accreditation of 
the Chemical and Process Engineering 
programme at the National University 
of Malaysia. We also sponsored and 
participated in the programme to 
replant 380 mangrove trees covering 
an approximate wetland area of 900m2 
within the Kuala Selangor Nature Park. 
In the UK, local community support 
included financial contributions to 
charitable organisations throughout 
the year and the provision of internship 
placements in roles from Upstream 
to Communications to young student 
engineers connected to the Association 
for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers. 
We also extended our partnership with 
the University of Bradford‘s Professor 
of Practice in Sustainability and 
Energy Futures within the School of 
Management, Law and Social Sciences.

14

1  Lost Time Incident frequency represents the number 

of incidents per million exposure hours worked 
(based on 12 hours for offshore and eight hours for 
onshore)

Richard Hall, Managing Director - 
Malaysia, with team members on the 
Seligi Alpha platform 

Production guidance 
Boepd

44,000 - 
51,000

“The acquisition of the 
Golden Eagle asset has 
further strengthened our 
portfolio, while the low-
cost acquisitions of 
material resources at 
Bressay and Bentley 
provide us with future 
near-field development 
opportunities linked to 
our core capabilities.”

2022 performance and outlook
Production performance to the end of 
February was 50,408 Boepd. Our full year 
net production guidance of between 
44,000 and 51,000 Boepd is underpinned 
by our largest well programme since 
2014, including infill drilling and workover 
campaigns at Magnus, Golden Eagle and 
PM8/Seligi which are expected largely to 
mitigate natural declines at these fields.

With an enlarged portfolio, increased 
activity set and higher emissions 
and diesel costs as a result of higher 
market prices, operating costs are 
expected to be approximately $430 
million, while capital expenditure is 
expected to be around $165 million. 
Abandonment expense is expected to 
total approximately $75 million, primarily 
reflecting well P&A decommissioning 
programmes at the Heather/
Broom and Thistle/Deveron fields.

Longer-term development
EnQuest’s business has been strengthened by the acquisition of the Golden 
Eagle asset which has added significant cash-generating capability to the 
Group, while the supportive macro environment and higher oil prices provide the 
opportunity for continued debt reduction while selectively investing in its 
low-cost, short-cycle, quick payback well portfolio to offset natural declines. The 
acquisitions of Bressay and Bentley have added almost 250 MMboe of 2C 
resources, adding to those already in place at Magnus, Kraken, PM8/Seligi and 
PM409, providing EnQuest with longer-term potential development opportunities. 
At the same time, the Group will continue to be disciplined with respect to M&A 
opportunities to grow the business further.

With a focus on short-cycle projects, EnQuest can adjust its capital allocation 
decisions to match the prevailing oil demand and price environment, balancing 
debt reduction, the development of its existing portfolio, the acquisition of 
suitable growth opportunities and returns to shareholders. EnQuest’s business 
is strongly positioned to play an important role in the energy transition by 
responsibly optimising production, leveraging existing infrastructure, delivering 
a strong decommissioning performance and exploring new energy and further 
decarbonisation opportunities.

Amjad Bseisu
Chief Executive

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Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating review

Upstream operations

UK Upstream operations1

Daily average net production: 
Boepd

39,220
-22%
(2020: 50,334)

1  Includes Magnus, Kraken, Golden Eagle, the 

Greater Kittiwake Area including Scolty/Crathes 
and Alba

16

2021 Group performance summary
Production of 44,415 Boepd reflected a 
strong performance at Kraken and the 
contribution from Golden Eagle following 
completion of the acquisition, offset by 
topside and well integrity related outages 
at Magnus, planned maintenance and 
a subsea power umbilical failure at 
the Greater Kittiwake Area (‘GKA’) and 
expected natural declines across the 
portfolio. The natural declines were to 
a large extent a consequence of the 
necessary pause in the Group’s drilling 
programme following materially lower oil 
prices experienced in 2020 and into 2021. 

UK operations

Magnus
2021 performance summary
Production in 2021 was lower than 
expected at 11,870 Boepd. Performance 
was impacted by well integrity issues, 
topside power and compression failures, 
third-party infrastructure outages 
and natural decline. A production 
enhancement programme was 
undertaken in the second quarter, 
including a coil tubing campaign, 
returning four wells to service. Repairs 
to a compressor gearbox failure which 
resulted in single train operations 
during much of the fourth quarter 
of 2021 were completed, bringing 
both trains back into operation.

2022 outlook
A shutdown of around three to four 
weeks is planned in the third quarter 
to complete scheduled safety-critical 
activities along with plant equipment 
upgrades, while further asset integrity 
maintenance and plant opportunities 
will continue to be assessed and 
implemented throughout the year.

It is anticipated that three wells will be 
drilled in 2022, largely mitigating natural 

decline at the field, with a further two 
wells expected to be drilled during 
2023. With 2C resources of c.35 MMboe, 
Magnus offers the Group significant 
low-cost, quick pay-back drilling 
opportunities in the medium term.

Kraken
2021 performance summary
Average gross production was within the 
Group’s guidance range at 31,155 Boepd 
(21,964 Boepd net). Overall subsurface 
and well performance was good with 
aggregate water cut evolution remaining 
in line with expectations and the Floating, 
Production, Storage and Offloading 
(‘FPSO’) vessel continued to perform well 
throughout the year, with top quartile 
production and water injection efficiency 
at 88% and 89%, respectively. During 
the first half of the year, a number of 
opportunistic maintenance activities 
were successfully undertaken, allowing 
for the deferral of the planned shutdown 
to 2022. However, production was 
impacted by short duration shutdowns 
related to the repair of a subsea tether, 
an oil heater failure and natural decline. 

During the fourth quarter of 2021, 
Kraken production reached the 
milestones of over 50 million barrels 
(gross) produced since inception 
and the 100th cargo offload.

The Group continues to optimise Kraken 
cargo sales into the shipping fuel market 
with Kraken oil a key component of 
IMO 2020 compliant low-sulphur fuel 
oil. As such, the Group has benefited 
from strong pricing in the market and 
avoids refining-related emissions.

Near-field drilling and subsea tie-
back opportunities continue to be 
assessed. A successful 3D seismic 
campaign was completed in July, 
providing valuable data for the Group 

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Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating review continued

to evaluate fully the development 
potential of the western area of the 
field, in addition to supporting ongoing 
optimisation of the main Kraken field, 
including potential infill opportunities.

2022 outlook
Over the summer, a two-week 
shutdown is planned to undertake 
safety-critical maintenance work.

For the full year, Kraken production is 
expected to be between 22,000 Boepd 
and 26,000 Boepd (15,500 Boepd to 
18,500 Boepd net), reflecting the planned 
shutdown and natural decline.

Evaluation of the 3D seismic is ongoing. 
The Group is currently assessing main 
field side-track drilling opportunities 
along with further opportunities within 
the Pembroke and Maureen sands. 

Golden Eagle
2021 performance summary
The acquisition of a 26.69% interest 
in Golden Eagle was completed on 
22 October 2021, contributing 1,701 Boepd 
to EnQuest on an annualised basis 
(10,220 Boepd on a pro forma basis). This 
reflected high uptime and continued 
good well performance following the 
infill drilling campaign earlier in the year.

Other Upstream assets
2021 performance summary
Production in 2021 averaged 3,685 
Boepd, slightly below expectations. At 
GKA, which includes Scolty/Crathes, 
the reduction was driven by a planned 
four-week shutdown, the failure of a 
power umbilical to the Mallard and 
Gadwall wells, gas compression 
outages and natural decline. The power 
umbilical was successfully replaced 
as planned in September, restoring 
Mallard and Gadwall to production.

At Alba, performance continued in 
line with the Group’s expectations.

At Bressay, detailed analysis of existing 
reservoir data and an assessment 
of potential development options, 
one of which is a potential tie-back 
to Kraken, continued with strong 
partner engagement throughout.

2022 outlook
At GKA, a two-week shutdown is planned 
during the second quarter, in line with a 
short shutdown of related infrastructure.

At Alba, the partners expect to begin 
a continuous 2022-2024 drilling 
programme during the third quarter of 
2022. The first wells from this programme 
are expected to come online during 2023.

2022 outlook
A two-well drilling campaign is scheduled 
late in the year and preparations 
are being undertaken for further 
infill drilling in 2023. The asset offers 
further development opportunities 
subsea and platform infill drilling. 

At Bressay, it is expected that a field 
development plan will be developed 
during 2022, while at Bentley, initial 
evaluation of the development 
potential are due to commence 
in the first quarter of 2022.

Golden Eagle

18

and plans an annual drilling and 
workover programme for a number of 
years thereafter. The Group continues to 
assess the opportunity to develop the 
additional gas resource at PM8/Seligi 
to meet forecast Malaysian demand. 
At PM409, a well proposal for drilling in 
2023 is being developed for approval 
by the partnership, while a site survey 
and other associated preparatory 
activities will also be undertaken. 

“ Having restored the Seligi 
riser in early 2022 and 
with extensive drilling 
and workover 
programmes planned, 
we are confident we will 
meet our 2022 targets.”

Richard Hall
Managing Director, Malaysia

Malaysia operations
2021 performance summary
In Malaysia, average production of 
5,028 Boepd was 21.9% lower than 2020. 
This reduction primarily reflected the 
continued impacts of the detached 
riser system at the Seligi Alpha platform 
and the impact of COVID-19 on the 
execution of various work scopes, 
although production was in line with 
expectations following an acceleration 
of initial production recovery activities 
in the early part of the year. 

In December, the new riser pipeline was 
successfully laid on the seabed, although 
final completions were delayed by the 
late arrival and subsequent availability of 
the third-party dive support vessel (‘DSV’). 
The riser pipeline was fully installed and 
commissioned in the first quarter of 2022.

On Block PM409, an area containing 
several undeveloped discoveries and 
situated close to the Group’s existing 
PM8/Seligi PSC hub, geotechnical 
studies have been completed in 
preparation for future appraisal drilling. 

2022 outlook
A two-week shutdown at Seligi 
to undertake asset integrity and 
maintenance activities is planned for 
the summer, which will help to improve 
reliability and efficiency at the field.

EnQuest has significant 2P reserves and 
2C resources of c.20 MMboe and c.86 
MMboe, respectively. With a number of 
low-cost drilling and workover targets 
having been identified at PM8/Seligi, 
the Group is expected to drill four infill 
wells and four workovers during 2022 

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Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating review continued

Decommissioning

2021 performance summary
Average production of 167 Boepd 
reflected the decision to cease 
production at the Dons in March 2021. In 
April 2021, the Northern Producer Floating 
Production Facility departed the Dons 
and was handed back to its owners.

At Heather/Broom, the well plug and 
abandonment (‘P&A’) programme 
continued on schedule, while the topsides 
decommissioning programme was 
approved by the Secretary of State and 
topside removal contractors submitted 
initial tenders in the fourth quarter. 

At Thistle/Deveron, the first phase 
of the platform re-habitation was 
successfully completed in June, in line 
with expectations. The subsea integrity 
campaign concluded in September and 
platform reactivation and hydrocarbon 
removal was completed in October. 

The EnQuest Producer FPSO remains 
in warm stack at Nigg while the Group 
continues to evaluate options.

2022 outlook
At Heather, the well P&A programme is 
ongoing, with 16 well abandonments 
scheduled during the year. The drilling 
rig at Thistle will shortly be reactivated, 
with 16 wells also anticipated to be 
abandoned as part of this year’s well P&A 
programme which is planned to start 
in April. It is expected that topsides and 
jacket removal contracts will be awarded 
for both Heather and Thistle later in 2022.

Following Cessation of Production (‘CoP’) 
at Alma/Galia, the Dons and Broom, 
preparations continue ahead of the 
anticipated commencement of subsea 
well P&A and infrastructure removal 
at all three fields, with the target to be 
execution-ready by the end of 2023. 

20

Q&A

Jon Allan
Decommissioning
Director

Q: Why is EnQuest building a 
decommissioning business?
A: We are already a proven operator 
of late-life assets. Decommissioning 
is the natural next phase in an asset’s 
life-cycle for us to manage. Looking 
ahead, the business opportunity is 
vast and fast approaching. According 
to Offshore Energies UK, there is c.£16 
billion of decommissioning work to be 
undertaken in the UK North Sea over the 
next decade and it will take more than 
£50 billion to decommission the whole 
UK North Sea basin. Internationally, the 
market will be even larger, creating 
an opportunity for a company with 
proven experience in the UK North Sea.

Q: What is EnQuest’s decommissioning 
strategy?
A: Our vision is to build a world-class 
decommissioning capability that 
will add value to any portfolio of 
projects. Our strategy is to industrialise 
decommissioning as we move 
through the energy transition, where 
we deliver an efficient programme 
of work across assets driving down 
both cost and carbon emissions. We 
want to be the partner of choice for 
decommissioning, managing end-
of-field life production, working closely 
with former owners and partners to 
transition into safe, cost-efficient and 
low-carbon decommissioning.

Q: What are EnQuest’s credentials?
A: Decommissioning is a key element 
of EnQuest’s portfolio and a significant 
part of the natural cycle of a company 
that aims to manage sustainably and 
efficiently existing assets and natural 
resources. The Group operated for ten 
years before any of its assets ceased 
production, but now has a number of 
fields and two large platforms in the 
East Shetland basin where infrastructure 
needs to be decommissioned.

We already have a differential capability 
in drilling, and it is estimated that 40-50% 
of the UK North Sea’s decommissioning 
costs relate to the plugging and 
abandonment (‘P&A’) of wells.

We continue to build our credibility by 
delivering on the two major projects, 
Heather and Thistle, which are currently 
in the execution phase with extensive 
well P&A programmes planned. We have 
demonstrated capability in removing our 
two floating production facilities which 
entered the decommissioning phase in 
2020 and 2021. Both were delivered on 
schedule and under budget. EnQuest 
is creating a vision where we become 
the experts in delivering safe, low-cost, 
low-emission decommissioning.

Q: What approach does EnQuest take in 
decommissioning its assets?
A: At EnQuest we have three goals for 
our decommissioning projects: no 
harm to people or the environment; 
delivering at the lowest possible cost; 
and minimising associated carbon 
emissions. Our tactics focus on timing, 
scope and execution driven by a 
culture of continuous improvement.

Timing is about planning the cessation 
of production (‘CoP’) and optimising the 
well P&A programme around a fixed CoP 
date. This minimises pre-CoP operating 
costs and post-CoP abandonment 
expenditures. Controlling scope means 
we challenge every activity. This is not 
normal production operations and hence 
requires a different mindset in terms of 
maintenance, integrity and preparation 
for removals. Finally, execution excellence 
requires our teams to work together, be 
aligned on delivering clear project goals, 
develop an understanding of where they 
can contribute to achieving these goals 

and be committed about delivery. This is 
supported by a continuous improvement 
culture. Decommissioning consists of 
various repetitive activities like multiple 
well abandonments. We learn from 
each well, identifying marginal gains 
with every operation and take those 
learnings from one asset to the next.

Planned well abandonments

16at each of Heather and Thistle

Q: How does decommissioning fit into 
the wider energy transition?
A: Decommissioning plays a significant 
part in the energy transition as the 
world seeks new sources of energy 
and safely removes the extensive 
existing hydrocarbon infrastructure. 
At EnQuest, we aim to minimise diesel 
usage and deliver the most efficient 
decommissioning work programmes. 
We also look for opportunities to recycle 
and reuse. Millions of tonnes of steel 
will be coming ashore as UK North Sea 
assets are decommissioned and we 
are working to find creative ways to 
recycle and repurpose in line with the 
principles of the circular economy. 

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Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating review continued

Infrastructure  
and New Energy

To support the ongoing transformation 
of SVT and EnQuest’s energy transition 
ambitions, the Group established an 
Infrastructure and New Energy business 
division in August 2021. You can read 
more about this new business in the 
accompanying Q&A on this page.

2021 performance summary
At the Sullom Voe Terminal (‘SVT’) and 
its related infrastructure, the delivery 
of safe and reliable performance 
enabled 99.9% service availability 
during the year. The Group continued 
to work in close collaboration with its 
stakeholders to ensure the terminal 
meets existing and future customer 
needs, while remaining focused on 
simplification and cost management.

In pipelines, good progress was 
made undertaking planned repair 
and remediation work on delivery 
infrastructure relating to Kraken, Magnus 
and Thistle, in addition to in-line pipeline 
inspection evaluations at GKA. These 
activities will ensure continued smooth 
operations across the Group’s assets. 

2022 outlook
EnQuest remains focused on maintaining 
safe and reliable operations at the 
terminal and in its pipeline operations, 
with a significant asset integrity 
programme planned. Working 
closely with SVT co-owners and other 
stakeholders, EnQuest is developing 
cost-effective and efficient plans 
to prepare and repurpose the site 
in line with the Group’s new energy 
ambitions. Engagement with a variety 
of stakeholders, including potential 
technical and financial partners, Shetland 
Island Council, Project ORION and the 
Net Zero Technology Centre is ongoing.

22

Q&A

Salman Malik
MD Corporate Development, 
Infrastructure and New Energy

Q: What is EnQuest’s Infrastructure and 
New Energy business?
A: EnQuest’s Infrastructure and New 
Energy operations are uniquely 
positioned to deliver our new energy 
ambitions and help support the energy 
transition. The division was created 
to focus on three main areas:
•  Strengthening and extending the 

longevity of our existing operations at 
the SVT by maintaining safe and 
cost-efficient operations and securing 
new business;

•  Delivering the Group’s emission 

reduction objectives in line with Group 
and industry targets; and

•  Leveraging our existing infrastructure at 
SVT to unlock renewable energy and 
decarbonisation opportunities through 
innovative commercial structures.

Q: Why build a New Energy business at 
SVT?
A: The Shetland Islands are among the 
windiest places in Europe. We believe 
we have a unique offering across 
the renewable energy landscape, 
adapting this strategically important 
site to realise the ambition of creating 
a renewable energy hub servicing 
not only Shetland but Scotland, the 
United Kingdom and Europe.

EnQuest has an opportunity to transform 
the existing site and its infrastructure 
into a new hub for renewable energy. An 
engaged and adaptable workforce with 
an appetite for working in new energy, 
the availability of deep-water jetties and 
a pipeline network, together with the 
desirability from both a practical and 
environmental perspective of reusing 
the existing industrial site, makes SVT, 
under EnQuest’s stewardship, the right 
place to build a green energy hub.

Q: Why should EnQuest do this work?
A: EnQuest has operated the SVT since 
2018. We are uniquely positioned to 
understand both the potential of the 
site and the complexity involved in 
transforming it into a renewable energy 
hub. Our team of highly skilled engineers 
and project managers, combined with 
our culture of providing creative solutions 
through the energy transition, means 
that EnQuest, working with the support of 
potential partners, can make this a reality.

We will apply our proven ability to create 
value through innovative structures, 
as well as our effective cost control 
and capital discipline to transform 
the site, while operational excellence 
will underpin everything we do.

Q: What are the renewable energy and 
decarbonisation opportunities at SVT?
A: EnQuest is now taking the first practical 
steps to progress new renewable energy 
and decarbonisation opportunities 
at SVT. These are multi-year projects 
that are at varied stages of maturity, 
and will take several years to progress. 
EnQuest is already planning the 
necessary project to replace our 
current power system at the site with 
a renewable energy alternative and 
is aiming to: develop other renewable 
energy opportunities, including the 
production of green hydrogen from 
wind energy and the electrification of 
offshore assets; while also assessing 
decarbonisation opportunities such 
as carbon capture and storage (‘CCS’) 
in depleted offshore oil and gas fields 
using the pipeline network it operates.

We are actively exploring CCS 
opportunities around SVT, with existing 
jetty facilities potentially enabling 
the import of CO2 from emitters in 
the UK or Europe and pipeline links to 
several offshore reservoirs that could 
provide storage opportunities.

We will continue to work closely with 
our co-owners and other stakeholders 
at site to ensure the necessary work to 
prepare and repurpose this industrial 
location to accommodate New Energy 
infrastructure is done efficiently and 
cost effectively. EnQuest is engaged 
with a wide variety of potential partners, 
both technical and financial, to help 
us realise our goal of a sustainable 
energy hub for Shetland at SVT.

Emissions performance

Scope 1 and 2 emissions 
ktCO2e1

1,145
-15%
(2020: 1,343)

1   ktCO2e: thousand tonnes  

of CO2 equivalent

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Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and gas reserves 
and resources 

E N Q U E S T   O I L   A N D   G A S   R E S E R V E S   A N D   R E S O U R C E S

Proven and probable reserves1, 2, 3, 4

At 31 December 2020
Acquisitions and disposals5

Revisions of previous estimates
Transfers from contingent resources6

Production:

  Export meter
  Volume adjustments7

Total proven and probable reserves at 31 December 20218
Contingent resources1, 2, 9

At 31 December 2020
Acquisitions and disposals10

Revisions of previous estimates
Promoted to reserves11

Total contingent resources at 31 December 2021

UKCS

Other regions

Total

MMboe

MMboe

MMboe

MMboe

MMboe

19

–

3

(14)

0

166

22

(14)

174

77

249

(6)

(3)

316

–

(1)

1

(2)

-

22

(0)

(2)

20

87

-

(1)

(1)

86

189

19

(1)

4

22

(16)

(16)

194

164

249

(7)

(4)

402

Notes:
1  Reserves are quoted on a net entitlement basis, resources are quoted on a working interest basis
2    Proven and probable reserves and contingent resources have been assessed by the Group’s internal reservoir engineers, utilising geological, geophysical, engineering and 

financial data 

3 The Group’s proven and probable reserves have been audited by a recognised Competent Person in accordance with the definitions set out under the 2018 Petroleum 

Resources Management System and supporting guidelines issued by the Society of Petroleum Engineers 

4 All UKCS volumes are presented pre-SVT value adjustment 
5 Acquisition of 26.69% non-operated interest in Golden Eagle
6 Transfers from 2C resources at Kraken, Magnus and PM8/Seligi
7  Correction of export to sales volumes 
8 The above proven and probable reserves include volumes that will be consumed as fuel gas; including c.7 MMboe at Magnus, c.1 MMboe at Kraken and c.1 MMboe at 

Golden Eagle

9 Contingent resources relate to technically recoverable hydrocarbons for which commerciality has not yet been determined and are stated on a best technical case or ‘2C’ 

basis 

10 Acquisition of 40.81% interest in Bressay, 100.00% interest in Bentley and 26.69% non-operated interest in Golden Eagle
11  Kraken, Magnus and PM8/Seligi opportunity maturation
12 Rounding may apply

24

Hydrocarbon  
assets

E N Q U E S T ’ S   A S S E T   B A S E   A S   A T   3 1   D E C E M B E R   2 0 2 1

Licence

Block(s)

Working interest (%)

Name

Decommissioning obligation (%)

UK North Sea Upstream production and development

P193

P1077

P1107/P1617

P238

211/7a & 211/12a

9/2b

21/8a, 21/12c & 21/13a

21/18a, 21/19a & 21/19b

P073

P213

21/12a

16/26a

P234/P493/P920/P977

3/28a, 3/28b, 3/27b, 9/2a & 9/3a

P1078
P300/P9284

9/3b

14/26a & 20/1a

UK North Sea Decommissioning

n/a

n/a

P475

P236

P236

P236

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

211/19s

211/18a
211/18c6
211/18b6

n/a

n/a

Other UK North Sea licences
P0904

9/15a

P2531

P2599

21/18c

211/12b

Malaysia production and development
PM8/Seligi7

PM8 Extension

PM409 PSC

PM409

100.01

70.5

50.0

50.0

50.0

50.0

100.0

50.0

8.0

40.8

100.0

26.7

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

33.3

100.0

100.0

50.0

85.0

Magnus

30.02

Kraken & Kraken North

Scolty/Crathes

Kittiwake

Mallard

Grouse & Gadwall

Eagle

Goosander

Alba

Bressay

Bentley

Golden Eagle

Heather

Broom

Thistle

Thistle/Deveron

Don SW & Conrie

West Don

Ythan

Alma/Galia

70.5

50.0

25.0

30.9

50.0

n/a

50.0

8.0
n/a3
n/a3

26.7

37.5

63.0
6.15
6.15

60.0

78.6

60.0

65.0

n/a

n/a

n/a

Seligi, North & South Raya, 
Lawang, Langat, 
Yong & Serudon

see note 8
50.0

Kecubung, Tinggi Timur, 
Payung, NW Pinang, 
Tg. Pulai, Ophir

n/a

Notes:
1  BP is entitled to 37.5% of free cash flow from the assets subject to the terms of the transaction documents between BP and EnQuest
2  BP has retained the decommissioning liability in respect of the existing Magnus wells and infrastructure. EnQuest will pay BP additional deferred consideration by reference 
to 30% of BP’s actual decommissioning costs on an after-tax basis, which EnQuest estimates will result in a payment equivalent to approximately 9% of the gross estimated 
decommissioning costs. The additional consideration payable is capped at the amount of cumulative positive cash flows received by EnQuest from Magnus, SVT and the 
associated infrastructure assets

3  Unsanctioned – no decommissioning liability currently realised
4 Non-operated
5 EnQuest is liable for the decommissioning costs associated with investment since it assumed operatorship, with the balance remaining with the former owners. Following 

the exercise of the Thistle decommissioning options in January and October 2018, EnQuest will undertake the management of the physical decommissioning of Thistle and 
Deveron and is liable to make payments to BP by reference to 7.5% of BP’s decommissioning costs of Thistle and Deveron, which equates to 6.1% of the gross 
decommissioning costs

6 Licence areas relinquished on 13 January 2022
7 Official reference PM-8 Extension PSC, commonly referred to elsewhere as PM8/Seligi
8 EnQuest is liable for legacy (pre-2014) Seligi petroleum facilities decommissioning of 1.8% of the actual decommissioning cost during the PSC term. For newly installed 

petroleum facilities, EnQuest is liable in line with working interest. Decommissioning costs will be drawn down from the abandonment cess fund

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Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial review

Strong cash 
generation

All figures quoted are in US Dollars and relate to Business performance unless 
otherwise stated. Please note the below overview includes restated comparatives. 
See note 2 for further details. 

The Group made good progress on its strategic aims during 
2021. Supported by higher oil prices and capital discipline, 
EnQuest generated strong free cash flow of $396.8 million, up 
88.5% compared to 2020, which, along with the signing of a new 
senior secured credit facility (‘RBL’), enabled the Group to 
simplify its capital structure, facilitate the Golden Eagle 
acquisition and reduce overall net debt.

Profit/(loss) from operations before 
tax and finance income/(costs) 
Depletion and depreciation
Change in provisions
Change in well inventories
Net foreign exchange (gain)/loss 

Adjusted EBITDA

2021  
$ million

2020  
$ million

443.2

(20.0)

313.1
(13.1)
0.1 
(0.4) 

742.9

445.9
95.2
 24.9 
 4.6 

550.6

Production on a working interest basis decreased by 24.9% to 
44,415 Boepd, compared to 59,116 Boepd in 2020. High uptime at 
Kraken, the contribution from Golden Eagle and the accelerated 
recovery of wells at PM8/Seligi was offset by underperformance 
at Magnus.

Revenue for 2021 was $1,320.3 million, 54.4% higher than in 2020 
($855.1 million) reflecting the materially higher realised prices 
partially offset by lower volumes. The Group’s commodity hedge 
programme resulted in realised losses of $67.7 million in 2021 
(2020: losses of $6.1 million). See note 27 for further information on 
the Group’s hedging programmes. 

The Group’s operating expenditures of $321.0 million were 
marginally lower than 2020 ($328.6 million), although unit 
operating costs (excluding hedging) increased to $20.5/Boe 
(2020: $15.2/Boe) reflecting lower production.

Other costs of operations of $211.5 million were materially higher 
than in 2020 ($53.5 million), principally as a result of higher 
Magnus-related third-party gas purchases following the 
increase in associated market prices.

With the Group moving into an overlift position during the year, a 
charge relating to the Group’s lifting position and inventory of 
$62.3 million was recognised (2020: credit of $34.8 million).

Adjusted EBITDA for 2021 was $742.9 million, up 34.9% compared 
to 2020 ($550.6 million), primarily as a result of higher revenue.

EnQuest’s net debt decreased by $57.7 million to $1,222.0 million 
at 31 December 2021 (31 December 2020: $1,279.7 million). This 
includes $225.0 million of payment in kind (‘PIK’) interest that has 
been capitalised to the principal of the facilities pursuant to the 
terms of the Group’s November 2016 refinancing (31 December 
2020: $205.8 million) (see note 18 for further details).

Bonds
Multi-currency revolving credit facility 
(‘RCF’)
Sculptor Capital facility
Senior secured debt facility (‘RBL’)
SVT working capital facility
Cash and cash equivalents

Net debt

Net debt/(cash)1

31 December 
2021  
$ million

31 December 
2020  
$ million

1,083.8
–

 1,048.3 
 377.3 

–
415.0
9.9
(286.7) 

 67.7 
–
9.2
(222.8) 

 1,222.0 

1,279.7

Note:
1  See reconciliation of net debt within the ‘Glossary – Non-GAAP measures’ starting 

on page 170

In June, the Group announced that it had signed a new RBL of 
$600.0 million with an additional amount of $150.0 million for 
letters of credit for up to seven years, subject to the timing of the 
refinancing of the bonds. Also in June, the Group repaid the 
outstanding principal and interest on the Sculptor Capital facility 
from free cash flow.

26

Jonathan Swinney
Chief Financial Officer

In July 2021, $360.0 million was drawn down from the Group’s 
new RBL facility. The proceeds were used to repay the entire 
outstanding balance on the RCF, which at the time of 
repayment was $354.5 million, including PIK and accrued 
interest. Also in July, $58.7 million, representing the full amount 
of the outstanding principal and interest on the Magnus vendor 
loan, was repaid and the Group successfully completed an 
equity raise with net proceeds of $47.2 million.

In October 2021 and following shareholder approval of the 
Golden Eagle acquisition, a further $125.0 million was drawn 
down against the RBL, partially to fund the $249.7 million cash 
consideration. 

In December 2021, EnQuest made a voluntary early repayment 
of $70.0 million on the RBL, with further early voluntary 
repayments totalling $85.3 million made in the first quarter of 
2022.

The Group continues to have unrestricted access to its UK North 
Sea corporate tax losses, subject only to generating suitable 
future profits, which at the end of the year decreased to $3,011.0 
million (2020: $3,183.9 million). The Group paid cash corporate 
income tax following the acquisition of Golden Eagle by the 
Group and on the Malaysian assets, which will continue 
throughout the life of the Production Sharing Contract. In the 
current environment, no significant corporation tax or 
supplementary charge is expected to be paid on UK operational 
activities for the foreseeable future.

“ The Group made good progress on its 
strategic aims during the year, 
generating material free cash flow, 
acquiring the Golden Eagle asset 
and reducing net debt.”

Jonathan Swinney
Chief Financial Officer

Income statement
Revenue
On average, market prices for crude oil in 2021 were significantly 
higher than in 2020. The Group’s average realised oil price 
excluding the impact of hedging was $73.0/bbl, 75.5% higher 
than in 2020 ($41.6/bbl). Revenue is predominantly derived from 
crude oil sales, which totalled $1,139.2 million, 46.1% higher than in 
2020 ($779.9 million), reflecting the significantly higher oil prices, 
offset by lower production. Revenue from the sale of condensate 
and gas, primarily in relation to the onward sale of third-party 
gas purchases not required for injection activities at Magnus, 
was $244.1 million (2020: $60.5 million), as a result of the 
significantly higher gas prices. Tariffs and other income 
generated $4.7 million (2020: $20.8 million). The Group’s 
commodity hedges and other oil derivatives contributed $67.7 
million of realised losses (2020: losses of $6.1 million). The Group’s 
average realised oil price including the impact of hedging was 
$68.6/bbl in 2021, 66.4% higher than 2020 ($41.3/bbl).

Note: For the reconciliation of realised oil prices see ‘Glossary – Non-GAAP measures’ 
starting on page 170

Cost of sales1

Production costs
Tariff and transportation expenses
Realised (gain)/loss on derivatives 
related to operating costs

Operating costs
(Credit)/charge relating to the Group’s 
lifting position and inventory
Depletion of oil and gas assets
Other cost of operations

Cost of sales

Unit operating cost2
– Production costs
– Tariff and transportation expenses

Average unit operating cost

2021  
$ million

2020  
$ million

292.3
39.4
(10.7)

321.0
62.3

305.6
211.5

900.4

$/Boe
18.1
2.4

20.5

 265.5 
 63.7 
(0.6) 

 328.6 
(34.8) 

 438.2 
 53.5 

 785.5 

$/Boe
 12.3 
 2.9 

 15.2 

Notes:
1  See reconciliation of alternative performance measures within the ‘Glossary 

– Non-GAAP measures’ starting on page 170

2 Calculated on a working interest basis

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Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial review continued

Cost of sales were $900.4 million for the year ended 
31 December 2021, 14.6% higher than in 2020 ($785.5 million). 

Operating costs decreased by $7.6 million, primarily reflecting 
reduced tariff and transportation costs due to lower production 
in 2021. This was largely offset by higher production costs driven 
by materially higher emission allowances costs, lower lease 
charter credits reflecting higher uptime at Kraken as a result of 
the continued strong performance of the FPSO, and remediation 
costs at Magnus. Unit operating costs (excluding hedging) 
increased by 34.9% to $20.5/Boe (2020: $15.2/Boe), reflecting 
lower production. Unit operating costs including hedging were 
$19.8/Boe (2020: $15.2/Boe).

The charge relating to the Group’s lifting position and inventory 
was $62.3 million (2020: credit of $34.8 million). This reflects a 
switch to an $18.0 million net overlift position at 31 December 2021 
from a $3.0 million net underlift position at 31 December 2020. 
The charge for the year is also impacted by the post-acquisition 
revaluation of the underlift position at Golden Eagle. Depletion 
expense of $305.6 million was 30.3% lower than in 2020 ($438.2 
million), mainly reflecting lower production. 

Other cost of operations of $211.5 million were materially higher 
than in 2020 ($53.5 million), principally as a result of higher 
Magnus-related third-party gas purchase cost following the 
increase in associated market prices, offset by a partial release 
of the inventory provision.

Other income and expenses
Net other income of $23.7 million (2020: net other expense of 
$85.3 million) is primarily due to a net decrease of $13.1 million 
related to the decommissioning provision of the fully impaired 
non-producing assets.

Finance costs
Finance costs of $169.5 million were 5.7% lower than in 2020 
($179.8 million). This decrease was primarily due to a reduction of 
$12.6 million in interest charges associated with the Group’s 
loans (2021: $20.2 million; 2020: $32.8 million) and a $4.4 million 
decrease in bond interest (2021: $69.1 million; 2020: $73.5 million). 
Other finance costs included lease liability interest of $45.4 
million (2020: $50.9 million), $16.9 million on unwinding of 
discount on decommissioning and other provisions (2020: $15.3 
million), $13.6 million amortisation of arrangement fees for 
financing facilities and bonds, reflecting the accelerated 
amortisation of the Sculptor Capital facility fees and the fees 
associated with the Group’s RBL facility (2020: $5.4 million) and 
other financial expenses of $4.3 million (2020: $2.0 million), 
primarily being the cost for surety bonds to provide security for 
decommissioning liabilities. 

Taxation
The tax charge for 2021 of $53.7 million (2020: $172.5 million tax 
credit), excluding remeasurements and exceptional items, is 
mainly due to the taxable profits generated in the year 
exceeding the Ring Fence Expenditure Supplement (‘RFES’) on UK 
activities generated in the year. 

Remeasurements and exceptional items
Remeasurements and exceptional items resulting in a post-tax 
net gain of $156.7 million have been disclosed separately for the 
year ended 31 December 2021 (2020: loss of $443.8 million).

Revenue included unrealised losses of $54.5 million in respect of 
the mark-to-market movement on the Group’s commodity 
contracts (2020: unrealised gains of $8.8 million). Cost of sales 
included expenses of $7.3 million in relation to a provision for a 
contract dispute with a third-party contractor.

Non-cash net impairment reversal of $39.7 million (2020: $422.5 
million charge) on the Group’s oil and gas assets arises from an 
increase in the near and medium-term oil price and updated 
asset profiles.

Other income included a $140.1 million gain in relation to the fair 
value recalculation of the Magnus contingent consideration 
reflecting a forecast reduction in Magnus future cash flows 
(2020: $138.2 million gain). Other finance costs mainly relate to 
the unwinding of contingent consideration from the acquisition 
of Magnus and associated infrastructure and interest charged 
on the vendor loan of $58.4 million (2020: $77.3 million).

A net tax credit of $78.2 million (2020: charge of $76.4 million) has 
been presented as exceptional, representing the non-cash 
recognition of undiscounted deferred tax assets of $104.5 million 
given the Group’s acquisition of Golden Eagle and the Group’s 
higher oil price assumptions, partially offset by the tax impact of 
the remeasurements and exceptional items. EnQuest continues 
to have unrestricted access to its UK North Sea corporate tax 
losses of $3,011.0 million at 31 December 2021, subject only to 
generating suitable future profits.

IFRS results
The Group’s results on an IFRS basis are shown on the Group 
income statement as ‘Reported in the year’, being the sum of its 
Business performance results and Remeasurements and 
exceptional items, both of which are explained above. 

IFRS revenue reflects Business performance revenue, but it is 
adjusted for the impact of unrealised movements on derivative 
commodity contracts. Business performance cost of sales is 
similarly adjusted for the impact of unrealised movements on 
derivative contracts, together with various exceptional 
provisions as noted previously. Taking account of these items, 
and the other exceptional items included within the Group 
income statement which are principally related to impairment 
charges and the change in fair value of contingent 
consideration payable, the Group’s IFRS profit from operations 
before tax and finance costs was $580.0 million (2020: loss of 
$310.1 million), IFRS profit before tax was $352.4 million (2020: loss 
of $566.0 million), and IFRS profit after tax of $377.0 million (2020: 
loss of $469.9 million).

Earnings per share
The Group’s Business performance basic earnings per share 
was 12.7 cents (2020 loss per share: 1.6 cents) and diluted 
earnings per share was 12.5 cents (2020 loss per share: 1.6 cents).

The Group’s reported basic earnings per share was 21.7 cents 
(2020 loss per share: 29.0 cents) and reported diluted earnings 
per share was 21.4 cents (2020 loss per share: 29.0 cents).

28

 
Cash flow and liquidity
Net debt at 31 December 2021 amounted to $1,222.0 million, 
including PIK of $225.0 million, compared with net debt of 
$1,279.7 million at 31 December 2020, including PIK of 
$205.8 million. The movement in net debt was as follows:

Net debt 1 January 2021
Net cash flows from operating activities
Cash capital expenditure
Acquisition costs
Repayments on Magnus financing and profit share
Finance lease payments
Net interest and finance costs paid
Non-cash capitalisation of interest
Fees related to the RBL facility
Net equity raise proceeds
Other movements

Net debt 31 December 20211

$ million

(1,279.7)
674.1
(51.8)
(258.6)
(74.7)
(136.7)
(62.8)
(36.4)
(29.1)
47.2
(13.5)

(1,222.0)

Note:
1  See reconciliation of alternative performance measures within the ‘Glossary 

– Non-GAAP measures’ starting on page 170

The Group’s reported net cash flows from operating activities for 
the year ended 31 December 2021 were $674.1 million, up 29.3% 
compared to 2020 ($521.4 million). The main drivers for this 
increase were materially higher oil revenue offset by lower 
production and increased decommissioning spend.

Cash outflow on capital expenditure is set out in the table below:

North Sea
Malaysia
Exploration and evaluation

Year ended 
31 December 
2021  
$ million

Year ended 
31 December 
2020  
$ million

 35.9 
 14.8 
1.1

51.8

 127.0 
 4.4 
–

131.4

Cash capital expenditure in 2021 primarily related to Magnus 
production enhancement campaigns and the PM8/Seligi 
pipeline replacement. 

Balance sheet
The Group’s total asset value has increased by $503.0 million 
to $4,365.6 million at 31 December 2021 (2020: $3,862.6 million), 
mainly due to the acquisition of Golden Eagle and an increase 
in trade and other receivables. Net current liabilities have 
decreased to $333.1 million as at 31 December 2021 (2020: $536.9 
million). Included in the Group’s net current liabilities are $30.5 
million of estimated future obligations where settlement 
is subject to the financial performance of Magnus (2020: 
$73.9 million).

Property, plant and equipment (‘PP&E’)
PP&E has increased by $188.1 million to $2,822.0 million at 
31 December 2021 from $2,633.9 million at 31 December 2020 
(see note 10). This increase encompasses the Golden Eagle 
asset acquisition of $386.2 million, other capital additions to 
PP&E of $80.7 million, and non-cash net impairment reversals of 
$39.7 million, offset by depletion and depreciation charges of 
$313.0 million and a net decrease of $2.7 million for changes in 
estimates for decommissioning and other provisions.

The PP&E capital additions during the year, including capitalised 
interest, are set out in the table below:

North Sea
Malaysia

$ million

449.5
17.4 

466.9

Trade and other receivables
Trade and other receivables increased by $177.4 million to $296.1 
million at 31 December 2021 (2020: $118.7 million). The increase is 
mainly attributable to the timing of receipts for cargoes lifted in 
December and the impact of gas prices on accrued gas sales.

Cash and net debt
The Group had $286.7 million of cash and cash equivalents at 
31 December 2021 and $1,222.0 million of net debt, including PIK of 
$225.0 million (2020: $222.8 million, $1,279.7 million and $214.2 
million, respectively).

Net debt comprises the following liabilities:
•  $256.2 million principal outstanding on the £155.0 million retail 

bond, including interest capitalised as PIK of $47.9 million 
(2020: $249.2 million and $39.4 million, respectively);

•  $827.2 million principal outstanding on the high yield bond, 

including interest capitalised as PIK of $177.2 million 
(2020: $799.2 million and $149.2 million, respectively);

•  $415.0 million drawn down on the RBL (2020: $377.3 million of 
the RCF, comprising amounts drawn down of $360.0 million 
and interest capitalised as PIK of $17.3 million); and
•  $9.9 million relating to the SVT working capital facility 

(2020: $9.2 million).

Provisions
The Group’s decommissioning provision increased by 
$57.5 million to $835.7 million at 31 December 2021 (2020: 
$778.2 million). The movement is due to $119.3 million of additions 
relating to the Golden Eagle acquisition and $15.9 million 
unwinding of discount, partially offset by utilisation of 
$55.6 million for decommissioning carried out in the year 
and a reduction in estimates of $22.1 million. 

Other provisions, including the Thistle decommissioning 
provision, decreased by $3.0 million in 2021 to $59.2 million 
(2020: $62.2 million). The Thistle decommissioning provision 
of $43.9 million (2020: $53.1 million) is in relation to EnQuest’s 
obligation to make payments to BP by reference to 7.5% of BP’s 
decommissioning costs of the Thistle and Deveron fields.

Contingent consideration
The contingent consideration related to the Magnus acquisition 
decreased by $156.7 million. In 2021, EnQuest paid $75.0 million to 
BP (2020: $74.0 million), which included the early repayment of 
the entire $74.7 million outstanding balance (including interest) 
of the 75% interest vendor loan. A change in fair value estimate 
credit of $140.1 million (2020: $138.2 million) and finance costs of 
$58.4 million (2020: $77.3 million) were recognised in the year.

The Group recognised $44.7 million contingent consideration 
payable associated with the acquisition of Golden Eagle which 
completed in October 2021. The balance increased to $45.2 
million at 31 December 2021.

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Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial review continued

Income tax
The Group had a net income tax payable of $3.6 million (2020: 
$5.6 million receivable) related to the net of corporate income 
tax on Malaysian assets and North Sea Research and 
Development Expenditure Credits.

Deferred tax
The Group’s net deferred tax asset has increased from $653.4 
million at 31 December 2020 to $699.6 million at 31 December 
2021. This is driven by non-cash recognition of undiscounted 
deferred tax assets due to increased future taxable profits 
following the acquisition of Golden Eagle. EnQuest continues to 
have unrestricted access to its UK corporate tax losses carried 
forward at 31 December 2021 amounting to $3,011.0 million 
(31 December 2020: $3,189.9 million), subject only to generating 
suitable future profits. During the year the Group restated the 
2020 deferred tax asset position, see note 2 for further details.

Trade and other payables
Trade and other payables of $420.5 million at 31 December 2021 
are $165.4 million higher than at 31 December 2020 ($255.2 
million). The full balance of $420.5 million is payable within one 
year. This increase is driven by the increase in the Group’s overlift 
position and the impact of higher market prices on UK emission 
allowances and Magnus-related gas purchases. 

Financial risk management
The Group’s activities expose it to various financial risks, 
particularly associated with fluctuations in oil price, foreign 
currency risk, liquidity risk and credit risk. The disclosures in 
relation to financial risk management objectives and policies, 
including the policy for hedging, and the disclosures in relation 
to exposure to oil price, foreign currency and credit and liquidity 
risk, are included in note 27 of the financial statements.

Going concern disclosure
The Group closely monitors and manages its funding position 
and liquidity risk throughout the year, including monitoring 
forecast covenant results, to ensure that it has access to 
sufficient funds to meet forecast cash requirements. Cash 
forecasts are regularly produced and sensitivities considered 
for, but not limited to, changes in crude oil prices (adjusted for 
hedging undertaken by the Group), production rates and costs. 
These forecasts and sensitivity analyses allow management to 
mitigate liquidity or covenant compliance risks in a timely 
manner. 

The health, safety and wellbeing of the Group’s employees is its 
top priority and it continues to monitor actively the impact on 
operations from COVID-19. The Group remains compliant with 
UK, Malaysia and Dubai government and industry policy. The 
Group has also been working with a variety of stakeholders, 
including industry and medical organisations, to ensure its 
operational response and advice to its workforce is appropriate 
and commensurate with the prevailing expert advice and level 
of risk. The Group is cognisant of the ongoing risks presented by 
the evolving situation. At the time of publication of EnQuest’s 
full-year results, the Group’s day-to-day operations continue 
without being materially affected by COVID-19. 

30

During 2021, the Group signed a new senior secured borrowing 
base debt facility (the ‘RBL’) of $600.0 million and an additional 
amount of $150.0 million for letters of credit for up to seven years, 
subject to refinancing the Group’s existing high yield bonds. The 
RBL is initially repaid based on an amortisation schedule and via 
a cash sweep mechanism, whereby any unrestricted cash in 
excess of $75.0 million is swept to repay outstanding amounts at 
calendar quarter ends. Application of the amortisation 
schedule ensures the RBL is fully repaid by June 2023. 

Upon refinancing of the Group’s High Yield Bond, the maturity of 
the RBL is extended to seven years from its signing date (11 June 
2021), or the point at which the remaining economic reserves for 
all borrowing base assets are projected to fall below 25% of the 
initial economic reserves forecast, if earlier. 

At 31 December 2021, $415.0 million was drawn on the RBL, with 
early voluntary repayments of $85.0 million made in the first 
quarter of 2022. 

The Group continues to explore options to refinance its Retail 
and High Yield Bonds ahead of maturity in October 2023. For the 
purposes of assessing going concern it is assumed that the 
refinancing of the bonds occurs outside of the going concern 
period. However, in the scenario that the Group concluded a 
successful refinancing of the bonds within the next 12 months, 
then the going concern basis at the date of release of this 
annual report would also be considered appropriate. 

The Group’s latest approved business plan underpins 
management’s base case (‘Base Case’) and is in line with the 
Group’s production guidance and uses oil price assumptions of 
$75.0/bbl for 2022 and $70.0/bbl for 2023, adjusted for hedging 
activity undertaken.

The Base Case has been subjected to stress testing by 
considering the impact of the following plausible downside risks 
(the ‘Downside Case’):
•  10.0% discount to Base Case prices resulting in Downside Case 

prices of $67.5/bbl for 2022 and $63.0/bbl for 2023; 

•  Production risking of c.5% for 2022 and 2023; and
•  2.5% increase in operating costs.

The Base Case and Downside Case indicate that the Group is 
able to operate as a going concern and remain covenant 
compliant for 12 months from the date of publication of its 
full-year results. The Directors have also performed reverse 
stress testing on the Base Case, with the liquidity breakeven 
price in the going concern period being less than $60.0/bbl in 
order to maintain a minimum unrestricted cash balance of 
above $50.0 million across all periods (as required by the RBL). 

Should circumstances arise that differ from the Group’s 
projections, the Directors believe that a number of mitigating 
actions, including asset sales or other funding options, can be 
executed successfully in the necessary timeframe to meet debt 
repayment obligations as they become due and in order to 
maintain liquidity.

After making appropriate enquiries and assessing the progress 
against the forecast, projections and the status of the mitigating 
actions referred to above, the Directors have a reasonable 
expectation that the Group will continue in operation and meet 
its commitments as they fall due over the going concern period. 
Accordingly, the Directors continue to adopt the going concern 
basis in preparing these financial statements.

Access to funding 
Prolonged low oil prices, cost increases and production delays 
or outages could threaten the Group’s liquidity and/or ability to 
refinance the bonds. 

The maturity date of the existing $827 million High Yield Bond 
and the £190 million Retail Bonds (both figures at year end 2021) 
is October 2023. The application of the current amortisation 
schedule on the RBL ensures this is fully repaid by June 2023. In 
assessing viability, the Directors recognise that refinancing 
would be required at or before the maturity date of the bonds 
and believe this would be achievable subject to market 
conditions at that time. Under the Base Case oil price 
assumptions outlined above, the total amount of the High Yield 
Bond and Retail Bonds outstanding at October 2023 would be 
unchanged from year end 2021, as interest is payable in cash if 
the average of the Daily Brent Oil Prices during the period of six 
calendar months immediately preceding the ‘Cash Payment 
Condition Determination Date’ is equal to or above $65.0/bbl. If 
oil prices were to be lower than the Group’s assumptions, then a 
refinancing may require asset sales or other financing or 
funding options.

Notwithstanding the principal risks and uncertainties described 
above, after making enquiries and assessing the progress 
against the forecast, projections and the status of the mitigating 
actions referred to above, the Directors have a reasonable 
expectation that the Group can continue in operation and meet 
its commitments as they fall due over the viability period ending 
March 2025. Accordingly, the Directors therefore support this 
viability statement.

Jonathan Swinney
Chief Financial Officer

Viability statement
The Directors have assessed the viability of the Group over a 
three-year period to March 2025. The viability assumptions are 
consistent with the going concern assessment, with the 
additional inclusion of an oil price of $70.0/bbl for the remainder 
of 2023 and 2024, a longer-term price of $60.0/bbl from 2025 
and refinancing of both the High Yield and Retail Bonds in the 
second quarter of 2023. This assessment has taken into account 
the Group’s financial position as at March 2022, its future 
projections and the Group’s principal risks and uncertainties. The 
Directors’ approach to risk management, their assessment of 
the Group’s principal risks and uncertainties, which includes 
potential impacts from climate change concerns and related 
regulatory developments, and the actions management are 
taking to mitigate these risks are outlined on pages 42 to 53. The 
period of three years is deemed appropriate as it is the time 
horizon across which management constructs a detailed plan 
against which business performance is measured and includes 
the maturation of both its High Yield and Retail bonds. Based on 
the Group’s projections, including refinancing of both the High 
Yield and Retail bonds, the Directors have a reasonable 
expectation that the Group can continue in operation and meet 
its liabilities as they fall due over the period to March 2025. 

The Base Case has further been stress tested to understand the 
impact on the Group’s liquidity and financial position of 
reasonably possible changes in these risks and/or assumptions.

For the current assessment, the Directors also draw attention to 
the specific principal risks and uncertainties (and mitigants) 
identified below, which, individually or collectively, could have a 
material impact on the Group’s viability during the period of 
review. In forming this view, it is recognised that such future 
assessments are subject to a level of uncertainty that increases 
with time and, therefore, future outcomes cannot be 
guaranteed or predicted with certainty. The impact of these risks 
and uncertainties has been reviewed on both an individual and 
combined basis by the Directors, while considering the 
effectiveness and achievability of potential mitigating actions.

Oil price volatility 
A decline in oil prices would adversely affect the Group’s 
operations and financial condition. To mitigate oil price volatility, 
the Directors have hedged a total of 8.6 MMbbls for 2022 
primarily using costless collars, with an average floor price of 
c.$63.0/bbl and an average ceiling price of c.$77.9/bbl. For 2023, 
the Group has hedged a total of 3.5 MMbbls with an average 
floor price of c.$57.5/bbl and an average ceiling of c.$77.1/bbl. 
The Directors, in line with Group policy and the terms of its RBL 
facility, will continue to pursue hedging at the appropriate time 
and price.

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Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Environmental,  
Social and Governance

An accountable and 
responsible approach 

Environmental, Social and Governance 
(‘ESG’) factors continue to grow in 
importance for companies, reflecting the 
focus on company purpose, widespread 
concerns about climate change, the 
importance of stakeholder 
considerations and the emphasis on 
long-term value enhancement. The 
identification, measurement and 
management of relevant ESG factors 
enables companies to demonstrate they 
are operating in a responsible and 
sustainable manner. EnQuest has 
reviewed the extensive ESG landscape 
and identified those factors which are 
relevant and applicable to its purpose 
and business model, ensuring its 
approach is clear, appropriate and easily 
understood by its stakeholders.

no harm to people and respect for the 
environment. This respect for the 
environment includes climate change 
and emissions reductions, which are 

“ EnQuest is an oil and gas 
company, focused on 
safely improving the 
operating, financial and 
environmental 
performance of assets 
for the benefit of its 
stakeholders.”

As a responsible oil and gas company, 
EnQuest recognises the need for a social 
licence to operate. Since its inception, 
EnQuest has prioritised SAFE Results, with 

clear areas of focus for the Group. 
EnQuest also recognises the importance 
of a diverse and inclusive culture in 
driving Group performance. 

As such, the Group’s core ESG areas of 
focus are: health and safety, including 
asset integrity; the pursuit of emission 
reduction opportunities in order to 
contribute positively towards the 
achievement of national emissions 
targets; looking after our people and 
positively impacting the communities in 
which we operate; and upholding our 
robust risk management framework while 
acting with the highest standards of 
integrity in all that we do. Performance 
against specific ESG factors is also 
included in Executive Director and 
applicable employee short-term and 
long-term reward schemes, with various 
Board Committees having responsibility 
for monitoring the Group’s progress 
against these objectives (see pages 65 to 
66 for more information).

E N Q U E S T ’ S   E S G   F O C U S   A R E A S

Environmental

Social

Governance

•  Committed to contributing positively 

•  SAFE Results with no harm to our 

•  Committed to operating with high 

towards the drive to net-zero

•  Focused on absolute Scope 1 and 2 
emission reductions in existing and 
acquired assets; three-year Group 
target linked to reward 

•  Incorporates carbon costs into 

investment evaluations

people and respect for the 
environment remains a key priority

standards of integrity in line with the 
Group’s Code of Conduct

•  Recognises our people are critical to 

EnQuest’s success

•  Committed to operating with a 

strong culture and Values, in line 
with the Group’s purpose

•  Committed to improving workforce 

diversity and inclusion

•  Aim to impact positively the 

communities in which we operate

•  Apply the Group’s established risk 
management framework and 
operate within the Board-approved 
statement of risk appetite

•  Reward is linked to ESG performance

Read more
See pages 34 to 35

Read more
See pages 36 to 41

Read more
See pages 42 to 57

32

Aerial view of the Sullom Voe Terminal

Thistle Decommissioning 
team member makes 
maintenance checks 

Group non-financial information statement

The following information is prepared 
in accordance with Section 414CB(1) 
of the Companies Act 2006. Further 
information on each of the areas set 
out below, including the Group’s policies 
where relevant, can be found in the 
following pages of this section of the 
report. The Group’s key performance 
indicators can be found on page 03.

Environment (see pages 34 to 35, and 55 
to 57)
•  EnQuest’s priority is delivering SAFE 

Results, with no harm to our people and 
respect for the environment

•  Our Environmental Management 
System ensures our activities are 
conducted in such a way that we 
manage and mitigate our impact on 
the environment, which includes 
permitted hydrocarbon releases and 
discharges. Non-compliant releases 
and discharges from the Group’s 
operations carry adverse reputational, 
financial and other consequences
•  EnQuest recognises that industry, 

alongside other key stakeholders such 
as governments, regulators and 
consumers, must contribute to 
reducing the impact on climate 
change of carbon-related emissions. 
The Group focuses on absolute Scope 1 
and 2 emission reductions. At present, 
EnQuest does not record Scope 3 
emissions given the complexity and 
scope of EnQuest’s value chain
•  EnQuest has reported on all of the 

Act 2006 (Strategic Report and 
Directors’ Reports) Regulations 2013

•  The Group continues to evolve its 

disclosures in accordance with the 
recommendations of the Task Force on 
Climate-related Financial Disclosures 

Our people (see pages 40 to 41)
•  We are committed to ensuring that 
EnQuest is a great place to work

•  Employee engagement and wellbeing 

were key focus areas throughout 2021 as 
the Group adjusted its ways of working 
in response to the ongoing COVID-19 
pandemic, continuing to inform and 
support colleagues working in offshore 
and onshore environments. The Group 
has adopted a flexible working 
approach onshore to promote strong 
productivity and business performance 
facilitated by an engaged workforce

•  EnQuest remains committed to 

improving workforce diversity and 
inclusion (‘D&I’), with the D&I strategy 
embedded in the overall strategy of the 
business. Diversity-related targets have 
been set in relation to women and 
ethnic minorities achieving senior 
management and executive leadership 
roles by 2025. In addition, EnQuest was 
short-listed as a finalist for the OEUK’s 
Diversity & Inclusion Awards for the 
commitment it has shown in this 
important area

Community (see page 39)
•  EnQuest is fully committed to active 

emission sources within its operational 
control required under the Companies 

community engagement programmes 
and encourages and supports 

charitable donations in the areas of 
improving health, education and welfare 
within the communities in which it works
•  Throughout 2021, the Group continued 
to provide support to a wide range of 
local organisations and communities 
in the UK

•  Despite the pandemic-related 

restrictions in Malaysia, our teams were 
able to support an active programme 
of local community initiatives and 
charities alongside ongoing 
sponsorship programmes for 
internships and university students
•  In addition, EnQuest has continued to 
partner with the Institute of Chemical 
Engineers to offer accreditation of the 
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia 
Chemical and Process Engineering 
Programme

Business conduct (see page 54)
•  The Group has a Code of Conduct 

that sets out the behaviour which the 
organisation expects of its Directors, 
managers and employees, and of 
our suppliers, contractors, agents 
and partners

•  This code addresses the Group’s 

requirements in a number of areas, 
including the importance of health and 
safety and environmental protection, 
compliance with applicable law, 
anti-corruption, anti-facilitation of 
tax evasion, anti-slavery, addressing 
conflicts of interest, ensuring equal 
opportunities, combatting bullying 
and harassment and the protection 
of privacy

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Environmental,  
Social and Governance continued

Environmental

Managing emissions from existing operations and 
advancing new energy opportunities.

EnQuest believes a measured approach 
to absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions 
reductions, which involves credible 
targets and the pursuit of economic 
emission reduction opportunities, is 
appropriate for its existing operated 
asset base. At present, EnQuest does 
not record Scope 3 emissions given 
the complexity and scope of EnQuest’s 
value chain. For the longer term, the 
Infrastructure and New Energy business 
is advancing renewable energy and 
decarbonisation opportunities (see 
page 22 for more information).

A clear target for the existing portfolio 
linked to reward
In 2021, the Group set a target of reducing 
its absolute Scope 1 and 2 CO2 equivalent 
emissions by 10% by 2023. This target is a 
key performance metric in the Group’s 
2021 long-term incentive scheme for 
Executive Directors and applicable 

A responsible operator with a strong 
culture and management framework
At the core of EnQuest’s Values is SAFE 
Results with no harm to people and 
respect for the environment. As an oil 
and gas company, safely improving the 
operating, financial and environmental 
performance of mature and late-life 
assets remains a key focus. EnQuest 
recognises the importance of good 
governance and transparency in relation 
to climate change and, the Group’s 
reporting against the Task Force on 
Climate-related Financial Disclosure 
recommendations can be found on 
pages 55 to 57. In addition, the Group 
outlines its assessment of associated 
potential risks to the execution of its 
strategy within the risks and uncertainties 
section of this report (see page 45).

EnQuest’s Environmental Management 
System (‘EMS’) ensures the Group’s 
activities are undertaken in such a 
way that it manages and mitigates its 
impact on the environment. The EMS 
meets the requirements of the OSPAR 
recommendation 2003/5, is aligned with 
the requirements of the International 
Organisation for Standardisation’s 
environmental management 
system standard – ISO 14001 – and is 
independently verified every two years. 
In the UK, the Group publishes its annual 
Environmental Statement in line with 
the regulatory requirement under the 
OSPAR recommendation 2003/5 (see the 
Environmental, Social and Governance 
section on the Group’s website, 
www.enquest.com). These statements are 
an open and transparent representation 
of EnQuest’s environmental 
performance across all its UK offshore 
operations. In Malaysia, environmental 
management and reporting is 
undertaken through PETRONAS 
Malaysia Petroleum Management 
(‘MPM’) and addressed as part of 

the EnQuest Malaysia Management 
System and in line with ISO 14001.

The Group has been a member of 
Oil Spill Response Limited and the 
Petroleum Industry of Malaysia Mutual 
Aid Group for several years and remains 
a supporter of Shetland Oil Terminal 
Environmental Advisory Group.

“ The Infrastructure and 
New Energy business is 
responsible for delivering 
the Group’s emission 
reduction objectives 
through optimising 
performance of existing 
assets and advancing 
renewable energy and 
decarbonisation 
opportunities.”

Salman Malik
Managing Director,  
Infrastructure and New Energy

Lowering CO2e emissions through 
the energy transition
EnQuest recognises that industry, 
alongside other key stakeholders such as 
governments, regulators and consumers, 
must contribute to reducing the impact 
on climate change of carbon-related 
emissions. The Group is committed to 
playing its part in the achievement of 
national emissions reduction targets 
and the drive to ‘net-zero’, with the 
Infrastructure and New Energy business 
having overall responsibility for delivering 
the Group’s emission reduction objectives.

34

employees and is linked to appropriate 
targets within the Group’s short-term 
incentive plan. Improving the Group’s 
environmental performance is an 
ongoing process and, as such, workforce 
engagement and development of 
technological improvements will 
continue to ensure economically viable 
emissions reduction initiatives across the 
Group are identified and implemented.

Significant reductions achieved
The Group has made good progress 
in reducing its absolute Scope 1 and 
2 emissions during the year, with CO2 
equivalent emissions reduced by 14.7%, 
reflecting operational improvements 
and increased workforce awareness 
primarily driving lower flaring and diesel 
usage. Since 2018, UK emissions have 
reduced by 43.5%, driven by the decisions 
to cease production at a number of 
the Group’s assets and the reductions 
achieved in 2021, which is significantly 
ahead of the UK Government’s North 
Sea Transition Deal target of achieving 
a 10% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 CO2 
equivalent emissions by 2025.

In addition to reducing upstream-
related emissions, the Group has 
continued to optimise sales of Kraken 
cargoes directly to the shipping fuel 
market, thereby avoiding the significant 
emissions related to refining – estimated 
to be c.32–36kgCO2e/bbl1,2 for a typical 
North Sea crude and helping to reduce 
sulphur emissions in accordance 
with the International Maritime 
Organisation (‘IMO’) 2020 regulations.

Looking to the future
As majors and other operators continue 
to shift their focus from mature basins 
within various geographies, it is expected 
there will be further opportunities for the 
Group to access additional oil and gas 
resources. However, time and careful 
consideration will be taken to find the 
right opportunities where EnQuest can 
deliver incremental emission reductions 
relative to the carbon footprint in the 
hands of the seller. The Group also 
factors in an appropriate associated 
carbon price into the acquisition 
economics, even in markets where no 
carbon trading or pricing mechanism 
exists. The Group can make a positive 
contribution towards the future of 
North Sea oil and gas through doing 
its part in ensuring that each asset 
is in the right hands. In Malaysia, the 
Group continues to limit voluntarily 
emissions below the regulatory limit.

Emissions management is an important 
feature during the decommissioning 

phase of an asset’s life-cycle. During 
this phase, wells will need to be 
plugged and abandoned, while the 
production and processing facilities 
and any relevant infrastructure will 
need to be removed. Given the extent 
of this work, it will take place over an 
extended period and require careful 
project management. EnQuest’s 
UK Decommissioning directorate 
will oversee the safe and efficient 
execution of these work programmes 
and is committed to delivering them 
in a responsible manner. This includes 
minimising emissions and maximising 
the recycle and reuse of recovered 
materials. The UK Decommissioning 
directorate continues to work with 
a variety of stakeholders to identify 
creative ways, such as alternative power 
generation options, in which emissions 
associated with decommissioning 
activities can be kept to a minimum.

EnQuest’s Infrastructure and New Energy 
business is assessing renewable energy 
and decarbonisation opportunities that 
would leverage the Group’s existing 
infrastructure at the SVT. The Group 
is working with the Shetland Islands 
Council, Project ORION, the Net Zero 
Technology Centre (‘NZTC’) and other 
stakeholders on initiatives focused 
on carbon capture and storage, 
renewable electricity and hydrogen.

EnQuest continues to engage with 
entities such as Offshore Energies UK, 
the NZTC and the North Sea Transition 
Authority, to better understand 
how it can contribute further to the 
industry approach to achieving net-
zero, whilst remaining aligned with 
EnQuest’s strategy and Values.

Atmospheric emissions
The Group seeks to use energy 
efficiently within its facilities for 
extracting, processing and exporting 
oil and gas, continually looking to 
identify opportunities that may reduce 
emissions from its operations.

“ Managing existing 
assets in a responsible 
and sustainable manner 
is a key part of the 
energy transition.”

Salman Malik
Managing Director,  
Infrastructure and New Energy

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Excellent emissions reduction performance
Group emissions reduction

15% 

2020 Balance

2021 Actual

UK NSTD emission reduction targets

10%

25%

44%

50%

2018

2021

2025

2027

2030

UK NSTD

EnQuest (UK)

Reduction in Group Scope 1 
and 2 emissions 

15%vs 2020 baseline 

Reduction in UK Scope 1  
and 2 emissions

44%

vs 2018 NSTD baseline

1  kgCO2e/bbl = kilograms of CO2 equivalent per 

produced barrel

2 Based on the University of Calgary PRELIM model 
recognised by California Air Resources Board, US 
Energy Tech. Laboratory, US DOE Office of Energy 
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Carnegie 
Endowment for International Peace and the 
US Environmental Protection Agency

Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Environmental,  
Social and Governance continued

Social

Our culture defines how we approach safety and ensures that 
our people, our most important asset, go home safe and well. 

Several other activities have been 
undertaken in 2021 that will enable further 
health and safety culture enhancements:
•  Development of a Group-wide process 
safety management policy signed by 
the Chief Executive and Managing 
Directors, supported by leadership 
training by the Institute of Chemical 
Engineers;

•  An HSEA capability review across the 
North Sea and Malaysia to align HSEA 
support across the Group to allow for 
future career development and HSEA 
process synergies;

•  Continued to contribute positively to 
the industry organisations Offshore 
Energies UK and Step Change in Safety; 
and

Health and safety
Underpinning the Group’s licence 
to operate is its health and safety 
performance. As such, the Group’s 
priority is to deliver SAFE Results without 
compromising its standards to meet 
other business objectives. To achieve 
this, the business is managed in 
accordance with the Group-wide Health, 
Safety, Environment and Assurance 
(‘HSEA’) policy, the key components of 
which can be found on the Group’s 
website, www.enquest.com, under 
Environmental, Social and Governance.

Culture
Safety is at the heart of EnQuest’s Values. 
The Group undertakes continuous 
improvement activities in support 
of the delivery of SAFE behaviours 
aligned to four key pillars of:
•  Standards - following rules and 

procedures;

•  Awareness - understanding the 

hazards and controls;

•  Fairness - adopting the correct 

behaviours; and 

•  Engagement - communicating 

effectively. 

The outcome of continuous improvement 
activities is to ensure that the Group’s 
health and safety culture continues to 
grow with a focus on the prevention 
of personal injuries, dangerous 
occurrences and hydrocarbon releases.

During 2021, a Group-wide asset 
integrity review was undertaken. The 
purpose of this review was to look at 
the way asset integrity is managed 
from a people, plant, process and 
technology perspective in order to 
identify strengths and opportunities 
for improvement. The asset integrity 
review has had independent input 
with a focus on how EnQuest manages 
risk, allocate resources and deliver via 

capable and competent people. The 
outcome is an improved approach 
to asset integrity from a visibility and 
cost allocation perspective allowing for 
improved risk-based decision making.

“ SAFE behaviours are 
fundamental to our 
safety culture and 
contribute to the delivery 
of SAFE Results. These 
behaviours map across 
all areas of health, safety, 
environment and 
assurance to ensure that 
we contribute positively 
to the business goals.”

Peter Hepburn
HSEA Director

The uncertainty and challenge of 
operating in an environment impacted 
by COVID-19 continued into 2021, with the 
Group experiencing some impacts to 
operations reflecting both the availability 
of personnel and the necessary actions 
to ensure a safe operating environment 
is maintained. The Group’s proactive 
approach in providing practical support 
and guidance to its offshore and onshore 
workforce, following best practice and 
government and industry policy has, 
however, minimised the risk in relation 
to the health and safety of its people.

The Group’s health and safety 
performance has continued to be strong 
from a leading and lagging perspective 
and there has been further development 
of the continuous improvement culture.

36

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A visit from decommissioning 
partners on the Thistle platform

Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Environmental,  
Social and Governance continued

•  Exceeded the target for site safety-
leadership visits, a leading safety 
indicator, for both physical and virtual 
engagement, while also seeing a 
reduction in high risk safety and 
environmental critical element repair 
orders, which has lowered the risk 
profile across the Group.

During 2021, the Group highlighted the 
emphasis it places on maintaining 
a strong safety culture through the 
presentation of two SAFE Results ‘Values 
awards’ and two safety observation 
card awards at Global Town Hall events.

Health
During 2021, the Group’s approach to 
COVID-19, developed upon the principles 
of safety and welfare of people and 
security of supply, has continued to 
evolve, receiving positive comments from 
regulatory bodies and from those within 
the EnQuest supply chain. The controls 
continue to be reviewed and, as such, 
there is a high level of resilience in relation 
to minimising the impact of COVID-19.

With many of the onshore team 
working from home during 2021, the 
health and wellbeing of the EnQuest 
workforce has continued to be a focus 
area, with various initiatives focused 
on both physical and mental health 
being successfully delivered (see 
pages 40 to 41 for more information).

Personal safety
Despite the challenges and uncertainties 
of 2021 and managing late-life assets 
through production operations and 
decommissioning activities, the Group’s 
Lost Time Incident (‘LTI’) performance 
remained relatively stable, with a Group 
LTI frequency1 of 0.21 (2020: 0.22). Various 
notable milestones were achieved 
across the Group’s asset base:
•  The UK North Sea recorded an LTI 

frequency rate of zero against a United 
Kingdom Continental Shelf benchmark 
of 1.45 and an International Association 
of Oil and Gas Producers benchmark of 
0.22, placing the business’ 
performance in the upper quartile;

•  One lost time injury was reported 

across the Group against a backdrop 
of 4,805,492 million hours worked; and
•  Our team at Kittiwake recorded 16 years 

LTI free.

Process safety
Process safety has been a focus 
in 2021 with a drive to bring design 
and engineering, asset integrity and 
operating integrity collectively under 
the title of process safety. In conjunction 
with the asset integrity review, there has 
been progress achieved in risk review 
processes, such as the automation of 
the major accident hazard barrier model, 
allowing for the extraction of real time 
inspection and maintenance data. This 
has been further supported by a focus at 
the monthly asset Process Safety Review 
and Improvement Boards to generate 
open and transparent discussions about 
key threats and control arrangements:
•  For those assets in a decommissioning 

phase and not processing 
hydrocarbons, asset integrity is being 
assured to deliver safe 
decommissioning activities, while the 
management of safety-critical repair 
orders is being tailored to reflect the 
specific circumstances of each asset;

•  HSEA systems have continued to be 

reviewed and the use of data 
visualisation tools is better informing 
HSEA performance and ensuring that 
any response to changing HSEA 
processes is supported by reliable data 
sources taken from automated 
systems;

•  The adoption of a learning team 

approach has allowed for similar HSE 
events to be investigated in a way that 
quickly identifies learnings and 
increases the understanding of the 
event to a wider audience, preventing 
recurrence of similar HSE events;

•  In both Malaysia and the UK, regulator 
interaction continues in an open and 
transparent manner, allowing for 
collaboration on key issues; and
•  Reportable hydrocarbon releases 

across UK operated assets decreased 
to one in 2021 (2020: four; 2019: 11), with 
those in Malaysia also decreasing to 
one in 2021 (2020: two; 2019: five).

At SVT, two improvement notices were 
issued by the Health and Safety Executive 
(‘HSE’) in relation to asset integrity issues 
in redundant pipework, one of which 
was closed in-year. At Magnus, the 
HSE issued two improvement notices 
in relation to the draining of liquid 
hydrocarbons and the asset’s assurance 
processes. All improvement notices have 
already been, or will be, complied with 
in accordance with the action plans 
and timelines agreed with the HSE. All of 
these improvement notices provide the 
Group with the opportunity to further 
improve process safety arrangements, 
prevent future hydrocarbon releases and 
increase assurance across the Group.

Top-quartile LTI frequency1 
performance 

0.21

Reportable hydrocarbon 
releases across the Group 

2

1  Lost Time Incident frequency represents the number 

of incidents per million exposure hours worked 
(based on 12 hours for offshore and eight hours 
for onshore)

38

Community 
Board committee oversight
In 2021, EnQuest extended the remit of the 
Remuneration Committee to include 
social responsibility, covering our external 
support of charitable works and 
education initiatives, and the working 
environment within EnQuest. The 
Committee will further develop its work in 
2022 to establish a more structured 
approach to budgeting for social and 
charitable projects as well as developing 
a set of principles which underpin the 
experience of employment with EnQuest 
to better support attracting and retaining 
the best talent. 

As the global COVID-19 pandemic 
continued to impact communities 
everywhere, EnQuest maintained its 
strong commitment to directly support 
the local communities in which it 
operates worldwide.

UK
•  Offshore and at the Sullom Voe 

Terminal (‘SVT’), charitable donations 
are linked to strong health and safety 
performance. Through these schemes, 
EnQuest was able to donate to a wide 
variety of charities, including Children’s 
Hospices Across Scotland (‘CHAS’), The 
Scottish Association for Mental Health, 
rural Scottish health charity, Sandpiper 
Trust, CLAN Cancer Support, Shetland 
MS Society, and Shetland Rape Crisis

•  SVT owners also sponsored Island 

events in 2021, including the Shetland 
Recreational Trust’s Outdoor Family Fun 
day, which provided an opportunity for 
all families across Shetland to socialise, 

play and reconnect with others after a 
challenging and socially isolated year

•  Commitment to our two core 

corporate charities in Aberdeen, 
Archway’s and CLAN Cancer Support, 
was maintained throughout the year, 
although our usual activities were 
necessarily curtailed by the impact of 
the pandemic

•  Separately, EnQuest in Aberdeen 
supported a wide variety of other 
charitable causes. These included a 
remarkably courageous long-time 
EnQuest contractor and prostate 
cancer sufferer, Maurice Bevin, in a 
sponsored walk from Scotland to 
Cornwall to raise awareness about this 
disease

•  With a lull in the severity of COVID-19 

over the summer months, EnQuest was 
able to offer five internship placements 
in roles from Upstream to 
Communications to young student 
engineers connected to the 
Association for Black and Minority 
Ethnic Engineers. This scheme proved 
very successful, with several 
participants having successfully found 
permanent placements in the industry
•  The Trustees of the Sullom Voe Terminal 

Participants’ Tenth Anniversary 
Education Trust, which was established 
to promote and encourage the 
education of Shetland residents who 
will be studying a discipline likely to 
contribute to the social or economic 
development of Shetland, sponsored 
ten educational awards for the 
academic year 2021/2022. Some of the 
participants were given the opportunity 
to spend time on site working on 

projects for the terminal, providing 
them with necessary experience to 
complement the degrees they are 
pursuing

Malaysia
In Malaysia, we continued to support 
a very active programme of local 
community initiatives, charitable 
donations and educational sponsorship:
•  Fundraising by EnQuest staff in 

Malaysia provided financial support for 
a number of onshore and offshore staff 
affected by the monsoon season. The 
fund was matched in full by EnQuest

•  Continued support of the Sungai 

Pergam Orang Asli Primary School in 
Terengganu focusing on a student 
bursary programme entitled ‘Love My 
School’. EnQuest Malaysia has 
supported the programme since June 
2019, providing 70 students with funds 
to pay for school meals and learning 
essentials

•  Selecting 11 local university students for 
internship placements in a variety of 
disciplines, including Operations and 
HSE, as part of a graduate recruitment 
process

•  Continuing to partner with the Institute 
of Chemical Engineers (‘IChemE’) to 
offer accreditation of the Universiti 
Kebangsaan Malaysia Chemical and 
Process Engineering Programme

•  Continuing the sponsorship by EnQuest 

and The Amjad and Suha Bseisu 
Foundation of six undergraduate 
students in geology, chemical, 
mechanical and petroleum 
engineering from Universiti Malaya  
and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia 
•  Collaborating with the Malaysian 
Institute of Engineers (‘IEM’) in 
sponsoring the IEM Science Speak Out 
2021, for a STEM (science, technology, 
engineering and mathematics) public 
speaking competition in the Selangor 
and Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur 
states for children aged between nine 
and 12 years

•  Sponsoring and participating in the 

programme to replant 380 mangrove 
trees covering an approximate wetland 
area of 900m2 within the Kuala 
Selangor Nature Park in collaboration 
with the Majilis Perbandaran Kuala 
Selangor (Kuala Selangor Town Hall) 
and Malaysian Nature Society

Charitable donations 
in 2021 
($000) 

c.184

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Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Environmental,  
Social and Governance continued

Governance and Nomination Committee 
report for our gender diversity statistics).

With D&I central to ways of working, 
the Group continues to challenge 
its recruitment, employment and 
training policies and how they attract, 
retain and develop a wide range 
of talent in the organisation.

EnQuest also remains committed to 
fair treatment of people with disabilities 
in relation to job applications. Full 
consideration is given to applications 
from disabled persons where the 
candidate’s particular aptitudes and 
abilities are consistent with adequately 
meeting the requirements of the job. 
As set out in the Equal Opportunities 
& Dignity at Work Policy, the Group 
encourages individuals with a disability, 
or who develop a disability at any time 
during their employment, to speak to 
their line manager about their condition. 
This will enable the Group to provide 
support and access to the necessary 
training for the relevant individual.

Ways of working and engagement
The restrictions imposed during 2020 
and into 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 
pandemic required EnQuest to continue 
to provide practical support and 
guidance to its offshore and onshore 
workforce, following best practice 
and government and industry policy. 
As society gradually emerges from 
restrictions, the way the Group operates 
continues to be a focus, with EnQuest 
considering the appropriate balance for 
its onshore teams between site, office 
and home working, to promote strong 
productivity and business performance 
facilitated by an engaged workforce.

To help us understand employee 
engagement levels, a Group-wide 
employee survey concluded in early 2022, 
with a participation rate of over 71%. The 
results were communicated to teams 
and managers across the business, with 
progress against existing action plans 
reviewed and updates made to those 
plans to address areas where there is 
identified scope for improvement.

Our people
Charitable donations in 2021
EnQuest remains committed to providing 
an inclusive culture that recognises 
and celebrates difference, encourages 
diversity of thought and embraces new 
ways of working to create an environment 
that enables the development of creative 
solutions to deliver performance and 
value. The Group-wide diversity and 
inclusion (‘D&I’) strategy, developed 
during the first quarter of 2021, is now 
embedded in the overall strategy of 
the business, alongside the D&I policy. 
The policy, which can be found on the 
Group’s website (www.enquest.com), 
outlines seven key commitments:
•  Challenge our personal bias;
•  Understand the diversity of our 

workforce;

•  We will resource, ensuring diversity 

matters;

•  Engage and educate our workforce on 

D&I;

•  Learn from each other by providing 

reverse mentoring;

•  Consider suppliers who are diverse and 

inclusive; and

•  Learn and continuously improve.

‘Conscious inclusion’ training has 
been provided to managers to help 
them recognise and overcome bias, 
while recruitment processes are being 
evolved to encourage a broad spectrum 
of applicants. The Group’s EnQlusion 
committee promoted a number of 
initiatives during 2021, including continued 
support for becoming an active member 
of the Association for Black and Minority 
Ethnic Engineers, International Women 
in Engineering Day and the UK’s AXIS 
Network. EnQuest was delighted to be 
nominated as one of three finalists for the 
2021 OGUK Diversity & Inclusion Award, 
from over 90 applications submitted 
from across the industry. Recognition 
as a finalist has further reinforced our 
commitment to the D&I strategy and 
our direction of travel. An employee 
‘pulse’ survey was conducted over the 
summer focusing on D&I at EnQuest. 
Metrics relating to inclusion scored more 
strongly than those directly related to 
diversity, demonstrating that a continued 
focus is required to ensure a truly diverse 
workforce. A further D&I survey is planned 
for 2022 to measure the Group’s progress.

Targets have also been set for gender 
and ethnicity representation in leadership 
with a target of 30% women in both 
leadership roles and management 
grades across the business, and 15-
20% minority ethnic representation in 
Executive leadership roles, with targets to 
be achieved by 2025 (see page 96 of the 

2025 targets:  
Women in leadership and   
management roles  

30%

Ethnic minority representation  
in Executive leadership roles 

15-20%

40

Following the rollout of our Management 
Expectations document (a set of 11 
key expectations for all managers at 
EnQuest), supervisors and leaders 
across EnQuest were offered training 
to provide them with tools to enhance 
their leadership capability. The training 
covered areas such as clear goal 
setting, motivating and communicating 
with teams, addressing increased 
workload and living and working 
with COVID-related restrictions.
In line with UK legislation, EnQuest 
contributes to the UK Apprenticeship 
Levy each year. Contributions to the Levy 
can be reclaimed for specific training 
initiatives and EnQuest has partnered 
with FutureStart to launch a Vocational 
Leadership Programme during 2021. 
Over 100 employees have expressed an 
interest, and more than 60 employees 
have commenced work on this 18-month 
programme which, once completed, 
will deliver a vocational qualification in 
leadership to participating employees. 

In Malaysia, the e-Learning platform 
was used to ensure continued learning 
and development despite in-country 
COVID-related restrictions. The platform 
registered a participation rate of 
more than 80%, with a total of 287 
courses completed, 107 in progress 
and 211 new courses registered.

In 2021, we have continued to develop 
high potential employees and 
succession planning for business-
critical roles. We have a regular 
programme of review to ensure the 
direction, focus and development of 
those identified remains relevant and 
on track. The Group has also continued 
its programme of job-specific training 
throughout 2021 to maintain levels of 
skills and competence, particularly 
in relation to safety-critical roles.

In addition to engagement surveys, 
the EnQuest global employee forum, 
chaired by two formally designated 
Non-Executive Directors (as required 
under the UK Corporate Governance 
Code), met four times throughout 
2021. Areas discussed and reviewed 
during the year included: 
•  Flexible working arrangements; 
•  Employee communications and 

recognition; 

•  Women in leadership; 
•  Mentoring programmes; 
•  Environmental responsibility; and 
•  Diversity. 

Further details of how the Company 
engages with its workforce can be 
found in the Corporate governance 
statement on page 66.

A focus on wellbeing
The mental and physical welfare of all 
employees has been, and continues 
to be, a major focus for the business. 
Mental health awareness has remained 
an important aspect of wellbeing, 
particularly in light of the changing 
landscape relating to COVID restrictions 
and safeguards. We continue to 
promote a third-party digital platform 
offering tools and techniques to support 
wellbeing and have delivered targeted 
awareness initiatives on mental 
health, stress awareness, workload 
and prioritisation, resilience, and 
suicide awareness. We use our internal 
communication channels to promote 
these initiatives alongside those targeted 
at physical health, including Pilates and 
nutrition, and those with a competitive 
aspect, like the ‘rig-run’ and ‘step count’ 
challenges, throughout the year.

Continued growth and learning 
To support our new D&I strategy, 
‘Creating an Inclusive Culture’ training 
was delivered globally to all supervisors 
and leaders. These sessions set the 
scene for the new D&I strategy and 
focused on creating a psychologically 
safe working environment, including 
recognition of microaggressions, 
privilege and unconscious bias. 

Gender pay gap
Since reporting commenced in 2017, 
there has been a significant narrowing 
of the Group’s gender pay gap statistics, 
with the gap related to the average rate 
of total pay for women reducing from 
38.7% in 2017 to 22.0% in 2021. Although 
it is disappointing that between 2020 
and 2021 the gap widened slightly, from 
20.8% to 22.0%, this was a direct result of 
the strategic business transformation 
process undertaken during 2020 and 
the resulting change in the shape of the 
workforce in line with business needs.

The Group remains committed to 
narrowing the gender pay gap and 
continues to provide equal pay for 
equal jobs. This will be achieved 
through an ongoing focus on D&I in all 
aspects of the business. In addition to 
a fair and balanced recruitment and 
promotion process with regular skills 
assessments, appropriate action is 
taken from feedback received from 
the employee forum and the global 
employee engagement survey results, 
as we continue to embed our D&I 
strategy throughout the organisation.

The Group’s people and organisational 
strategy is to ensure that it has the 
right people, in the right roles, driving 
performance and delivering efficiencies 
as it continues to pursue its strategy. 
As such, it ensures that its processes 
are open and transparent, providing 
equal opportunities for all. EnQuest 
will continue with this approach, 
recruiting individuals based on merit 
and their suitability for the role.

“ At EnQuest, we expect to 
have an inclusive culture, 
where everyone can be 
themselves, express their 
views and offer their 
opinions. Opening up the 
creativity in our Group 
will help strengthen us, 
adapt and grow.”

Janice Mair
Director People, Culture & Diversity

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Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Environmental,  
Social and Governance continued

Governance

Robust risk management framework

developing its strategy. They include, 
for example, long-term supply and 
demand trends for oil and gas and 
renewable energy, developments 
in technology, demographics, the 
financial and physical risks associated 
with climate change and how markets 
and the regulatory environment may 
respond, and the decommissioning of 
infrastructure in the UK North Sea and 
other mature basins. These themes are 
relevant to the Group’s assessments 
across a number of its principal risks. 
The Group will continue to monitor these 
themes and the relevant developing 
policy environment at an international 
and national level, adapting its strategy 
accordingly. For example, the Group has 
established an Infrastructure and New 
Energy business to assess new energy 
and decarbonisation opportunities, 
initially focused on using the existing 
infrastructure at the Sullom Voe Terminal. 
The Group is also conscious that as an 
operator of mature producing assets 
with limited appetite for exploration, it has 
limited exposure to investments which 
do not deliver near-term returns and 
is therefore in a position to adapt and 
calibrate its exposure to new investments 
according to developments in relevant 
markets. This flexibility also ensures 
the Group has mitigation against the 
potential impact of ‘stranded assets’.

Risks and uncertainties
Management of risks and uncertainties
Consistent with the Group’s purpose, 
the Board has articulated EnQuest’s 
strategic vision to be the operator of 
choice for maturing and underdeveloped 
hydrocarbon assets. EnQuest aims 
to responsibly optimise production, 
leverage existing infrastructure, 
deliver a strong decommissioning
performance and explore 
new energy and further 
decarbonisation opportunities. It
is focused on delivering on its targets, 
driving future growth and managing 
its capital structure and liquidity.

EnQuest seeks to balance its risk position 
between investing in activities that 
can achieve its near-term targets, 
including those associated with reducing 
emissions, and those which can drive 
future growth with the appropriate 
returns, including any appropriate 
market opportunities that may present 
themselves, and the continuing need 
to remain financially disciplined. This 
combination drives cost efficiency and 
cash flow generation, facilitating the 
continued reduction in the Group’s debt. 

In pursuit of its strategy, EnQuest has to 
manage a variety of risks. Accordingly, 
the Board has established a Risk 
Management Framework (‘RMF’) to 
enhance effective risk management 
within the following Board-approved 
overarching statements of risk appetite:
•  The Group makes investments and 

manages the asset portfolio against 
agreed key performance indicators 
consistent with the strategic objectives 
of enhancing net cash flow, reducing 
leverage, reducing emissions, 
managing costs and diversifying its 
asset base;

•  The Group seeks to embed a culture of 

risk management within the 

organisation corresponding to the risk 
appetite which is articulated for each 
of its principal risks;

•  The Group seeks to avoid reputational 

risk by ensuring that its operational and 
HSEA processes, policies and practices 
reduce the potential for error and harm 
to the greatest extent practicable by 
means of a variety of controls to 
prevent or mitigate occurrence; and
•  The Group sets clear tolerances for all 
material operational risks to minimise 
overall operational losses, with zero 
tolerance for criminal conduct.

The Board reviews the Group’s risk 
appetite annually in light of changing 
market conditions and the Group’s 
performance and strategic focus. 
The Executive Committee periodically 
reviews and updates the Group Risk 
Register based on the individual risk 
registers of the business. The Group 
Risk Register, along with an assurance 
mapping and controls review exercise; 
a risk report (focused on identifying 
and mitigating the most critical and 
emerging risks through a systematic 
analysis of the Group’s business, its 
industry and the global risk environment); 
and a continuous improvement plan, is 
periodically reviewed by the Board (with 
senior management) to ensure that key 
issues are being adequately identified 
and actively managed. In addition, 
the Group’s Safety, Climate and Risk 
Committee (a sub-Committee of the 
Board) provides a forum for the Board 
to review selected individual risk areas 
in greater depth (for further information, 
please see the Safety, Climate and Risk 
Committee report on pages 97 to 98).

As part of its strategic, business planning 
and risk processes, the Group considers 
how a number of macroeconomic 
themes may influence its principal 
risks. These are factors which the 
Group should be cognisant of when 

42

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Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Environmental,  
Social and Governance continued

As part of its evolution of the Group’s RMF, the Safety, 
Climate and Risk Committee has refreshed its views on 
all risk areas faced by the Group (categorising these into 
a ‘Risk Library’ of 19 overarching risks). For each risk area, 
the Committee reviewed ‘Risk Bowties’ that identified risk 
causes and impacts and mapped these to preventative 
and containment controls used to manage the risks 
to acceptable levels (see diagram to the right).

The Board, supported by the Audit Committee and the Safety, 
Climate and Risk Committee, has reviewed the Group’s system 
of risk management and internal control for the period from 
1 January 2021 to the date of this report and carried out a robust 
assessment of the Group’s emerging and principal risks and 
the procedures in place to identify and mitigate these risks. The 

Board confirms that the Group complies in this respect with the 
Financial Reporting Council’s ‘Guidance on Risk Management, 
Internal Control and Related Financial and Business Reporting’.

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E N Q U E S T   R I S K   M A N A G E M E N T   F R A M E W O R K

What we 
monitor 

Enterprise risk register
A summary of the Group’s key risks and prepared by 
combining key risks identified from the asset and functional 
risk registers with Group-level risks.

Asset and functional risk registers
A compilation of risks (including threats and opportunities) 
and mitigating controls being managed at an  
operational/functional level on a day-to-day basis.

Quarterly RMF performance report
Reviewed by leadership teams before being presented to 
the Safety, Climate and Risk Committee and uploaded to 
the Board portal.

Continuous Improvement Plan
A summary of the key actions planned for continual 
improvement of the risk management framework.

Risk landscape inputs/considerations
Comprises:
(a) long-term macro factors such as political risk; supply and 
demand trends; climate change-related financial, physical and 
transition risks; and the decommissioning of infrastructure; and 
(b) near-term, emerging and principal risks. These are considered 
holistically on a backwards and forward-looking basis, alongside 
outputs from relevant strategic reviews, and summarised in an 
annual Risk Report presented to the Safety, Climate and Risk 
Committee.

Assessment
Risk causes; likelihood and impact; gross impact; mitigating 
controls (preventative and containment); net impact; risk appetite; 
improvement actions; and risk owner.

Identified risks
14 principal risks mapped from a ‘Risk Library’ of 19 overarching risks.

How we 
monitor

Board of Directors (pages 58 to 59)
Responsible for providing oversight of the Group’s control and risk management systems, reviewing key risks and 
mitigating controls periodically. Approves the Group’s risk appetite annually and approves the Group’s going concern and viability 
statements.

Audit Committee (pages 69 to 75)
•  Reviews the effectiveness of the Group’s internal controls 

Safety, Climate and Risk Committee (pages 97 to 98)
•  Supports the implementation and progression of the Group’s 

and risk management systems;

RMF;

•  Reviews the internal audit assurance map against 

•  Monitors the adequacy of containment and mitigating controls, 

principal risks; and

and progression of mitigation of risks;

•  Reviews and recommends for approval by the Board the 

•  Undertakes in-depth analysis of specific risks and considers 

Group’s going concern and viability statements.

existing and potential new controls; and

Supported by the Group’s Internal Audit function.

•  Conducts detailed reviews of key non-financial risks not 

reviewed within the Audit Committee.

Operations Committee
•  Regularly reviews the Group’s operating 
performance against stretching targets 
and agreed KPIs; and

•  Regularly reviews the Group’s asset risk 
registers and considers the results of 
assurance audits over operational 
controls.

Executive Committee
•  Frequently reviews Group 

performance, including financial, 
operating and HSE performance; 
and 

HSEA Directorate
•  Regularly reviews the Group’s HSE 
performance against stretching 
targets, agreed KPIs and industry 
benchmarks; and 

•  Periodically reviews the Group’s 

•  Regularly reviews the HSE risk register 

risk register and RMF performance 
report.

and considers the results of 
assurance audits over HSE controls.

44

 
 
 
 
Key Performance Indicators (‘KPIs’): 

A: HSEA (LTI)  B: Production (Boepd)  C: Unit opex ($/Boe)  D: Cash generated by operations ($ million) 

E: Cash capital and abandonment expense ($ million)  F: Net debt ($ million)  G: Net 2P reserves (MMboe)  H: Emissions (tCO2e)

Near-term and emerging risks
As outlined above, the Group’s RMF is embedded in all levels of 
the organisation with asset risk registers, regional and functional 
risk registers and ultimately an enterprise-level ‘Risk Library’. This 
integration enables the Group to identify quickly, escalate and 
appropriately manage emerging risks.

During 2021, work was continued to enhance the integration of 
these risk registers and automate the process to allow 
management to understand better the various asset risks and 
how these ultimately impact on the enterprise-level risk and 
their associated ‘Risk Bowties’. In turn, this ensures that the 
preventative and containment controls in place for a given risk 
are reviewed and robust based upon the identified risk profile. It 
also drives the required prioritisation of deep dives to be 
undertaken by the Safety, Climate and Risk Committee, which 
are now integrated into the Group’s internal audit programme 
for review.

The most relevant near-term and emerging risks, along with the 
Group’s assessment of their potential impact on the business 
and associated required mitigations, have been recognised as 
follows:

Risk
COVID-19
As a responsible operator, EnQuest continues to monitor the 
evolving situation and consequent risks with regard to the 
COVID-19 pandemic, recognising it could impact a number of 
the Group’s principal risks, such as human resources and oil 
price, which are disclosed later in the key business risks section 
of this report.

At the time of publication of EnQuest’s full-year results, the 
Group’s day-to-day operations continue without being 
materially affected.

Appetite

The Group’s risk appetite for COVID-19 is reported against the 
Group’s impacted principal risks. 

Mitigation

The Group continues to work with a variety of stakeholders, 
including industry and medical organisations, to ensure its 
operational response and advice to its workforce is appropriate 
and commensurate with the prevailing expert advice and level 
of risk.

The biggest risk related to COVID-19 is the impact on oil prices if 
movement restrictions impact the demand for oil. See ‘Oil and 
gas price’ risk on page 47 for more information on how the 
Group mitigates against price risk.

Risk
Climate change
The Group recognises that climate change concerns and 
related regulatory developments could impact a number of the 
Group’s principal risks, such as oil price, financial, reputational 
and fiscal and government take risks, which are disclosed later 
in this report.

Appetite

EnQuest recognises that the oil and gas industry, alongside 
other key stakeholders such as governments, regulators and 
consumers, must all play a part in reducing the impact of 
carbon-related emissions on climate change, and is committed 
to contributing positively towards the drive to net-zero.

The Group’s risk appetite for climate change risk is reported 
against the Group’s impacted principal risks.

Mitigation

Mitigations against the Group’s principal risks potentially 
impacted by climate change are reported later in this report.

The Group endeavours to reduce emissions through improving 
operational performance, minimising flaring and venting where 
possible, and applying appropriate and economic 
improvement initiatives, noting the ability to reduce carbon 
emissions will be constrained by the original design of later-life 
assets.

EnQuest has reported on all of the greenhouse gas emission 
sources within its operational control required under the 
Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors’ Reports) 
Regulations 2013 and The Companies (Directors’ Report) and 
Limited Liability Partnerships (Energy and Carbon Report) 
Regulations 2018 (see pages 103 to 104 for more information). 

The Group has committed to a 10% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 
emissions over three years, from a year-end 2020 baseline, with 
the achievement linked to reward. Progress is reported to the 
Safety, Climate and Risk Committee of the Board in relation to 
progress of emission reductions, identification of economically 
viable emissions savings opportunities across the Group’s 
portfolio of assets, aligned to the emissions management 
strategy.

During 2021, the Group established an Infrastructure and New 
Energy business that is responsible for delivering the Group’s 
emission reduction objectives in line with Group and industry 
targets and advancing new energy and decarbonisation 
opportunities.

The Group’s focus on short-cycle investments drives an inherent 
mitigation against the potential impact of ‘stranded assets’.

Evolving geopolitical situation
Having assessed its commercial and IT security arrangements, the Group does not consider it has a material adverse 
exposure to the geopolitical situation with respect to the sanctions imposed on Russia, although recognises the evolving 
situation is causing oil price volatility. The Group will continue to monitor its position to ensure it remains compliant with any 
sanctions in place.

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Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Environmental,  
Social and Governance continued

Appetite

The Group’s principal aim is SAFE Results with no harm to people 
and respect for the environment. Should operational results and 
safety ever come into conflict, employees have a responsibility 
to choose safety over operational results. Employees are 
empowered to stop operations for safety-related reasons.

The Group’s desire is to maintain upper quartile HSE 
performance measured against suitable industry metrics. 
In 2021, EnQuest achieved a top quartile Lost Time Incident 
frequency rate and hydrocarbon release frequency rate 
in the UK.

Mitigation

The Group maintains, in conjunction with its core contractors, a 
comprehensive programme of assurance activities and has 
undertaken a series of deep dives into the Risk Bowties that have 
demonstrated the robustness of the management process and 
identified opportunities for improvement. A Group-aligned HSE 
continuous improvement programme is in place, promoting a 
culture of engagement and transparency in relation to HSE 
matters. HSE performance is discussed at each Board meeting 
and the mitigation of HSE risk continues to be a core 
responsibility of the Safety, Climate and Risk Committee. During 
2021, the Group continued to focus on the control of major 
accident hazards and ‘SAFE Behaviours’.

In addition, the Group has positive and transparent relationships 
with the UK Health and Safety Executive and Department for 
Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, and the Malaysian 
regulator, Malaysia Petroleum Management.

EnQuest’s HSE Policy is fully integrated across its operated sites 
and this has enabled an increased focus on HSE. There is a 
strong assurance programme in place to ensure EnQuest 
complies with its Policy and principles and regulatory 
commitments.

In 2021, an independent asset integrity review was undertaken 
across the Group. This allowed for a deep review of asset 
integrity looking at people, plant and process aspects in relation 
to the management of risk. The outcome was a more 
transparent and robust approach to cost allocation to key risk 
threats that could impact asset integrity.

The Group continues to monitor the evolving situation with 
regard to the impacts of COVID-19 in conjunction with a variety 
of stakeholders, including industry and medical organisations. 
Appropriate actions will continue to be implemented in 
accordance with expert advice and the level of risk.

Key business risks
The Group’s principal risks (identified from the ‘Risk Library’) are 
those which could prevent the business from executing its 
strategy and creating value for shareholders or lead to a 
significant loss of reputation. The Board has carried out a robust 
assessment of the principal risks facing the Group, including 
those that would threaten its business model, future 
performance, solvency or liquidity.

Cognisant of the Group’s purpose and strategy, the Board is 
satisfied that the Group’s risk management system works 
effectively in assessing and managing the Group’s risk appetite 
and has supported a robust assessment by the Directors of the 
principal risks facing the Group.

Set out on the following pages are:
•  the principal risks and mitigations;
•  an estimate of the potential impact and likelihood of 

occurrence after the mitigation actions, along with how these 
have changed in the past year and which of the Group’s KPIs 
could be impacted by this risk (see page 03 for an explanation 
of the KPI symbols); and

•  an articulation of the Group’s risk appetite for each of these 

principal risks.

Amongst these, the key risks the Group currently faces are 
materially lower oil prices for an extended period (see ‘Oil and 
gas prices’ risk on page 47), which may impact our ability to 
refinance debt and/or execute growth opportunities, and/or a 
materially lower than expected production performance for a 
prolonged period (see ‘Production’ risk on pages 47 to 48 and 
‘Subsurface risk and reserves replacement’ on page 50).

Risk
Health, Safety and Environment (‘HSE’)
Oil and gas development, production and exploration activities 
are by their very nature complex, with HSE risks covering many 
areas, including major accident hazards, personal health and 
safety, compliance with regulatory requirements, asset integrity 
issues and potential environmental impacts, including those 
associated with climate change.

Potential impact
Medium (2020 Medium)

Likelihood
Medium (2020 Medium)

There has been no material change in the potential impact or 
likelihood of this risk. The Group has a strong, open and 
transparent reporting culture and monitors both leading and 
lagging indicators and incurs substantial costs in complying 
with HSE requirements. The Group’s overall record on HSE has 
been strong, albeit impacted by regulatory challenges in 
relation to the management of the annual flare consent on 
Magnus and the receipt of improvement notices from the 
Health and Safety Executive.

There remains a risk to the availability of competent people 
given the potential impacts of COVID-19.

Related KPIs – A, B, C, D, E, F, H

46

Key Performance Indicators (‘KPIs’): 

A: HSEA (LTI)  B: Production (Boepd)  C: Unit opex ($/Boe)  D: Cash generated by operations ($ million) 

E: Cash capital and abandonment expense ($ million)  F: Net debt ($ million)  G: Net 2P reserves (MMboe)  H: Emissions (tCO2e)

Risk
Oil and gas prices
A material decline in oil and gas prices adversely affects the 
Group’s operations and financial condition as the Group’s 
revenue depends substantially on oil prices.

Potential impact
High (2020 High)

Likelihood
High (2020 High)

Risk
Production
The Group’s production is critical to its success and is subject to 
a variety of risks, including: subsurface uncertainties; operating 
in a mature field environment; potential for significant 
unexpected shutdowns; and unplanned expenditure 
(particularly where remediation may be dependent on suitable 
weather conditions offshore).

Lower than expected reservoir performance or insufficient 
addition of new resources may have a material impact on the 
Group’s future growth.

The potential impact and likelihood remain high, reflecting the 
uncertain economic outlook, including possible impacts from 
COVID-19, and the potential acceleration of ‘peak oil’ demand.

The Group’s delivery infrastructure in the UK North Sea is, to a 
significant extent, dependent on the Sullom Voe Terminal.

The Group recognises that climate change concerns and 
related regulatory developments are likely to reduce demand 
for hydrocarbons over time. This may be mitigated by correlated 
constraints on the development of new supply. Further, oil and 
gas will remain an important part of the energy mix, especially 
in developing regions.

Related KPIs – B, D, E, F, G

Appetite

The Group recognises that considerable exposure to this risk is 
inherent to its business but is committed to protecting cash 
flows in line with the terms of its reserve based lending facility.

Mitigation

This risk is being mitigated by a number of measures.

As an operator of mature producing assets with limited appetite 
for exploration, the Group has limited exposure to investments 
which do not deliver near-term returns and is therefore in a 
position to adapt and calibrate its exposure to new investments 
according to developments in relevant markets.

The Group monitors oil price sensitivity relative to its capital 
commitments. The terms of the Group’s reserve based lending 
facility also requires hedging of its production (see page 157). 
The Group has a policy which allows hedging of its production 
(see page 157). As at 23 March 2022, the Group had hedged 
approximately 12.1 MMbbls for 2022 and 2023. This ensures that 
the Group will receive a minimum oil price for some of its 
production.

In order to develop its resources, the Group needs to be able to 
fund the required investment. The Group will therefore regularly 
review and implement suitable policies to hedge against the 
possible negative impact of changes in oil prices.

The Group has an established in-house trading and marketing 
function to enable it to enhance its ability to mitigate the 
exposure to volatility in oil prices.

Further, as described previously, the Group’s focus on production 
efficiency supports mitigation of a low oil price environment.

Longer-term production is threatened if low oil prices or 
prolonged field shutdowns and/or underperformance requiring 
high-cost remediation bring forward decommissioning 
timelines.

Potential impact
High (2020 High)

Likelihood
Medium (2020 Medium)

There has been no material change in the potential impact or 
likelihood. Operational issues at Magnus, which resulted in the 
Group lowering its production guidance for 2021, have been 
offset by the Group acquiring a non-operated interest in the 
Golden Eagle area in the UK North Sea.

Related KPIs – B, C, D, E, G, H

Appetite

Since production efficiency and meeting production targets are 
core to EnQuest’s business, the Group seeks to maintain a high 
degree of operational control over production assets in its 
portfolio. EnQuest has a very low tolerance for operational risks 
to its production (or the support systems that underpin 
production).

Mitigation

The Group’s programme of asset integrity and assurance 
activities provide leading indicators of significant potential 
issues, which may result in unplanned shutdowns, or which may 
in other respects have the potential to undermine asset 
availability and uptime. The Group continually assesses the 
condition of its assets and operates extensive maintenance and 
inspection programmes designed to minimise the risk of 
unplanned shutdowns and expenditure.

The Group monitors both leading and lagging KPIs in relation to 
its maintenance activities and liaises closely with its 
downstream operators to minimise pipeline and terminal 
production impacts.

Production efficiency is continually monitored with losses being 
identified and remedial and improvement opportunities 
undertaken as required. A continual, rigorous cost focus is also 
maintained.

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Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Environmental,  
Social and Governance continued

Life of asset production profiles are audited by independent 
reserves auditors. The Group also undertakes regular internal 
reviews. The Group’s forecasts of production are risked to reflect 
appropriate production uncertainties.

The Sullom Voe Terminal has a good safety record, and its safety 
and operational performance levels are regularly monitored 
and challenged by the Group and other terminal owners and 
users to ensure that operational integrity is maintained. Further, 
EnQuest is committed to transforming the Sullom Voe Terminal 
to ensure it remains competitive and well placed to maximise its 
useful economic life and support the future of the North Sea.

The Group actively continues to explore the potential of 
alternative transport options and developing hubs that may 
provide both risk mitigation and cost savings.

The Group also continues to consider new opportunities for 
expanding production.

Risk
Financial
Inability to fund financial commitments or maintain adequate 
cash flow and liquidity and/or reduce costs.

Significant reductions in the oil price or material reductions in 
production will likely have a material impact on the Group’s 
ability to repay or refinance its existing credit facilities. Prolonged 
low oil prices, cost increases, including those related to an 
environmental incident, and production delays or outages, 
could threaten the Group’s liquidity and/or ability to comply with 
relevant covenants. Similar conditions could impact the Group’s 
ability to refinance the bonds ahead of maturity in October 
2023. Further information is contained in the Financial review, 
particularly within the going concern and viability disclosures on 
pages 30 and 31.

Potential impact
High (2020 High)

Likelihood
High (2020 High)

There is no change to the potential impact or likelihood, 
reflecting the continued economic uncertainty and potential 
impact of oil price fluctuations.

The Group successfully refinanced its existing term loan and 
revolving credit facility during 2021 and completed the Golden 
Eagle area acquisition.

There is potential for the availability and cost of capital to 
increase and insurance availability to erode, as factors such as 
climate change and other ESG concerns and oil price volatility 
may reduce investors’ and insurers’ acceptable levels of oil and 
gas sector exposure, and the cost of emissions trading 
certificates may continue to trend higher along with insurers’ 
reluctance to provide surety bonds for decommissioning, 
thereby requiring the Group to fund decommissioning security 
through its balance sheet.

Related KPIs – B, C, E, F, G, H

Appetite

The Group recognises that significant leverage was required to 
fund its growth as low oil prices impacted revenues. However, it 
is intent on further reducing its leverage levels, maintaining 
liquidity, controlling costs and complying with its obligations to 
finance providers while delivering shareholder value, 
recognising that reasonable assumptions relating to external 
risks need to be made in transacting with finance providers.

Mitigation

Debt reduction is a strategic priority. During 2021, the Group 
refinanced its secured credit facility, enabling the acquisition of 
the Golden Eagle area. Strong cash generation enabled the 
Group to finance a larger portion of the Golden Eagle 
acquisition from cash flow, resulting in a lower than expected 
drawdown on the Group’s RBL facility. At 23 March 2022, the RBL 
facility was drawn to $330 million, with voluntary early 
repayments ensuring the Group remains ahead of the facility 
amortisation schedule.

Ongoing compliance with the financial covenants under the 
Group’s reserve based lending facility is actively monitored and 
reviewed.

EnQuest generates operating cash inflow from the Group’s 
producing assets. The Group reviews its cash flow requirements 
on an ongoing basis to ensure it has adequate resources for its 
needs.

Where costs are incurred by external service providers, the 
Group actively challenges operating costs. The Group also 
maintains a framework of internal controls.

The Group continues to explore options to refinance its retail and 
high yield bonds ahead of maturity in October 2023.

These steps, together with other mitigating actions available to 
management, are expected to provide the Group with sufficient 
liquidity to strengthen its balance sheet further.

Risk
Competition
The Group operates in a competitive environment across many 
areas, including the acquisition of oil and gas assets, the 
marketing of oil and gas, the procurement of oil and gas 
services and access to human resources.

Potential impact
High (2020 High)

Likelihood
High (2020 High)

The potential impact and likelihood remain unchanged, with a 
number of competitors assessing the acquisition of available oil 
and gas assets and the rising potential for consolidation (e.g. 
through reverse mergers).

Related KPIs – C, D, E, F, G

Appetite

The Group operates in a mature industry with well-established 
competitors and aims to be the leading operator in the sector.

48

Key Performance Indicators (‘KPIs’): 

A: HSEA (LTI)  B: Production (Boepd)  C: Unit opex ($/Boe)  D: Cash generated by operations ($ million) 

E: Cash capital and abandonment expense ($ million)  F: Net debt ($ million)  G: Net 2P reserves (MMboe)  H: Emissions (tCO2e)

Mitigation

The Group has strong technical, commercial and business 
development capabilities to ensure that it is well positioned to 
identify and execute potential acquisition opportunities, utilising 
innovative structures as may be appropriate.

The Group maintains good relations with oil and gas service 
providers and constantly keeps the market under review. 
EnQuest has a dedicated marketing and trading group of 
experienced professionals responsible for maintaining 
relationships across relevant energy markets, thereby ensuring 
the Group achieves the highest possible value for its production. 

In addition, the marketing and trading group is responsible for 
the Group’s commodity price risk management activities in 
accordance with the Group’s business strategy.

Risk
IT security and resilience
The Group is exposed to risks arising from interruption to, or 
failure of, IT infrastructure. The risks of disruption to normal 
operations range from loss in functionality of generic systems 
(such as email and internet access) to the compromising of 
more sophisticated systems that support the Group’s 
operational activities. These risks could result from malicious 
interventions such as cyber-attacks or phishing exercises.

Potential impact
Medium (2020 Medium)

Likelihood
Medium (2020 Medium)

Risk
Portfolio concentration
The Group’s assets are primarily concentrated in the UK North 
Sea around a limited number of infrastructure hubs and existing 
production (principally oil) is from mature fields. This amplifies 
exposure to key infrastructure (including ageing pipelines and 
terminals), political/fiscal changes and oil price movements.

Potential impact
High (2020 High)

Likelihood
High (2020 High)

The Group is currently focused on oil production and does not 
have significant exposure to gas or other sources of income.
The decisions taken to accelerate cessation of production at a 
number of the Group’s assets has further reduced the number 
of producing assets and so increased portfolio concentration.

During 2021, the Group acquired a 26.69% non-operated equity 
interest in the Golden Eagle area, a 40.81% operating interest in 
the Bressay heavy-oil field and 100.00% equity interest in the 
P1078 licence in the UK North Sea containing the proven Bentley 
heavy-oil discovery.

The Group continues to assess acquisition growth opportunities 
with a view to improving its asset diversity over time.

The Group also established an Infrastructure and New Energy 
business to unlock renewable energy and decarbonisation 
opportunities in the medium to long term.

There has been no change to the potential impact or likelihood, 
with the Group enhancing its IT security in light of the evolving 
geopolitical situation.

Related KPIs – B, C, D

Appetite

Related KPIs – A, B, H

Appetite

The Group endeavours to provide a secure IT environment that 
is able to resist and withstand any attacks or unintentional 
disruption that may compromise sensitive data, impact 
operations, or destabilise its financial systems; it has a very low 
appetite for this risk.

Mitigation

The Group has established IT capabilities and endeavours to be 
in a position to defend its systems against disruption or attack.

A number of tools to strengthen employee awareness continue 
to be utilised, including videos, presentations, ‘Yammer’ posts 
and poster campaigns.

The Safety, Climate and Risk Committee undertook additional 
analyses of cyber-security risks in 2021. The Group has a 
dedicated cyber-security manager and work on assessing the 
cyber-security environment and implementing improvements 
as necessary will continue during 2022.

Although the extent of portfolio concentration is moderated by 
production generated in Malaysia, the majority of the Group’s 
assets remain relatively concentrated in the UK North Sea and 
therefore this risk remains intrinsic to the Group.

Mitigation

This risk is mitigated in part through acquisitions. For all 
acquisitions, the Group uses a number of business development 
resources, both in the UK and internationally, to liaise with 
vendors/governments and evaluate and transact acquisitions. 
This includes performing extensive due diligence (using 
in-house and external personnel) and actively involving 
executive management in reviewing commercial, technical and 
other business risks together with mitigation measures.

The Group also constantly keeps its portfolio under rigorous 
review and, accordingly, actively considers the potential for 
making disposals and divesting, executing development 
projects, making international acquisitions, expanding hubs and 
potentially investing in gas assets, export capability or 
renewable energy and decarbonisation projects where such 
opportunities are consistent with the Group’s focus on 
enhancing net revenues, generating cash flow and 
strengthening the balance sheet.

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Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Environmental,  
Social and Governance continued

Risk
Subsurface risk and reserves replacement
Failure to develop its contingent and prospective resources or 
secure new licences and/or asset acquisitions and realise their 
expected value.

Risk
Project execution and delivery
The Group’s success will be partially dependent upon the 
successful execution and delivery of potential future projects, 
including decommissioning and Infrastructure and New Energy 
opportunities in the UK, that are undertaken.

Potential impact
High (2020 High)

Likelihood
Medium (2020 Medium)

There has been no material change in the potential impact or 
likelihood.

Low oil prices or prolonged field shutdowns requiring high-cost 
remediation which accelerate cessation of production can 
potentially affect development of contingent and prospective 
resources and/or reserves certifications.

Related KPIs – B, C, D, E, F, G

Appetite

Reserves replacement is an element of the sustainability of the 
Group and its ability to grow. The Group has some tolerance for 
the assumption of risk in relation to the key activities required to 
deliver reserves growth, such as drilling and acquisitions.

Mitigation

The Group puts a strong emphasis on subsurface analysis and 
employs industry-leading professionals. The Group continues to 
recruit in a variety of technical positions which enables it to 
manage existing assets and evaluate the acquisition of new 
assets and licences.

All analysis is subject to internal and, where appropriate, external 
review and relevant stage gate processes. All reserves are 
currently externally reviewed by a Competent Person.

The Group has material reserves and resources at Magnus, 
Kraken, Golden Eagle and PM8/Seligi that it believes can 
primarily be accessed through low-cost subsea drilling and 
tie-backs to existing infrastructure. EnQuest continues to 
evaluate the substantial 2C resources at Bressay, Bentley and 
PM409 to identify future drilling prospects. Bressay and Bentley 
are located close to the Group’s Kraken development, while 
PM409 is contiguous to the Group’s existing PM8/Seligi PSC, 
providing low-cost tie-back opportunities.

The Group continues to consider potential opportunities to 
acquire new production resources that meet its investment 
criteria.

Potential impact
Medium (2020 Medium)

Likelihood
Low (2020 Low)

The potential impact and likelihood remain unchanged. As the 
Group focuses on reducing its debt, its current appetite is to 
pursue short-cycle development projects and to manage its UK 
decommissioning and Infrastructure and New Energy projects 
over an extended period of time.

Related KPIs – A, B, D, E, F, G, H

Appetite

The efficient delivery of projects has been a key feature of the 
Group’s long-term strategy. The Group’s appetite is to identify 
and implement short-cycle development projects such as infill 
drilling and near-field tie-backs in its Upstream business, 
industrialise decommissioning projects to ensure cost efficiency 
and unlock new energy and decarbonisation opportunities 
through innovative commercial structures. While the Group 
necessarily assumes significant risk when it sanctions a new 
project (for example, by incurring costs against oil price 
assumptions), or a decommissioning programme, it requires 
that risks to efficient project delivery are minimised.

Mitigation

The Group has teams which are responsible for the planning 
and execution of new projects with a dedicated team for each 
project. The Group has detailed controls, systems and 
monitoring processes in place, notably the Capital Projects 
Delivery Process, to ensure that deadlines are met, costs are 
controlled and that design concepts and the Field Development 
Plan are adhered to and implemented. These are modified 
when circumstances require and only through a controlled 
management of change process and with the necessary 
internal and external authorisation and communication. The 
Group’s UK decommissioning programmes are managed by a 
dedicated directorate with an experienced team who are driven 
to deliver projects safely at the lowest possible cost and 
associated emissions.

In Infrastructure and New Energy, the Group intends to work with 
experienced third-party organisations and utilise innovative 
commercial structures to develop new energy and 
decarbonisation opportunities.

The Group also engages third-party assurance experts to 
review, challenge and, where appropriate, make 
recommendations to improve the processes for project 
management, cost control and governance of major projects. 
EnQuest ensures that responsibility for delivering time-critical 
supplier obligations and lead times are fully understood, 
acknowledged and proactively managed by the most senior 
levels within supplier organisations.

50

Key Performance Indicators (‘KPIs’): 

A: HSEA (LTI)  B: Production (Boepd)  C: Unit opex ($/Boe)  D: Cash generated by operations ($ million) 

E: Cash capital and abandonment expense ($ million)  F: Net debt ($ million)  G: Net 2P reserves (MMboe)  H: Emissions (tCO2e)

Risk
Fiscal risk and government take
Unanticipated changes in the regulatory or fiscal environment 
can affect the Group’s ability to deliver its strategy/business plan 
and potentially impact revenue and future developments.

Potential impact
High (2020 High)

Likelihood
Medium (2020 Medium)

Risk
International business
While the majority of the Group’s activities and assets are in the 
UK, the international business is still material. The Group’s 
international business is subject to the same risks as the UK 
business (e.g. HSEA, production and project execution); however, 
there are additional risks that the Group faces, including security 
of staff and assets, political, foreign exchange and currency 
control, taxation, legal and regulatory, cultural and language 
barriers and corruption.

There has been no material change in the potential impact or 
likelihood, although the exit of the UK from the European Union 
has impacted the regulatory environment going forward, for 
example by affecting the cost of emissions trading certificates 
through the smaller UK emissions trading scheme. 

Potential impact
Medium (2020 Medium)

Likelihood
Medium (2020 Medium)

Related KPIs – D, F

Appetite

The Group faces an uncertain macroeconomic and regulatory 
environment.

Due to the nature of such risks and their relative unpredictability, 
it must be tolerant of certain inherent exposure.

Mitigation

It is difficult for the Group to predict the timing or severity of such 
changes. However, through Offshore Energies UK and other 
industry associations, the Group engages with government and 
other appropriate organisations in order to keep abreast of 
expected and potential changes; the Group also takes an active 
role in making appropriate representations.

All business development or investment activities recognise 
potential tax implications and the Group maintains relevant 
internal tax expertise.

At an operational level, the Group has procedures to identify 
impending changes in relevant regulations to ensure legislative 
compliance.

There has been no material change in the impact or likelihood.

Related KPIs – A, B, D, E, F, G, H

Appetite

In light of its long-term growth strategy, the Group seeks to 
expand and diversify its production (geographically and in 
terms of quantum); as such, it is tolerant of assuming certain 
commercial risks which may accompany the opportunities it 
pursues.

However, such tolerance does not impair the Group’s 
commitment to comply with legislative and regulatory 
requirements in the jurisdictions in which it operates. 
Opportunities should enhance net revenues and facilitate 
strengthening of the balance sheet.

Mitigation

Prior to entering a new country, EnQuest evaluates the host 
country to assess whether there is an adequate and 
established legal and political framework in place to protect 
and safeguard first its expatriate and local staff and, second, 
any investment within the country in question.

When evaluating international business risks, executive 
management reviews commercial, technical, ethical and other 
business risks, together with mitigation and how risks can be 
managed by the business on an ongoing basis.

EnQuest looks to employ suitably qualified host country staff 
and work with good-quality local advisers to ensure it complies 
with national legislation, business practices and cultural norms, 
while at all times ensuring that staff, contractors and advisers 
comply with EnQuest’s business principles, including those on 
financial control, cost management, fraud and corruption.

Where appropriate, the risks may be mitigated by entering into a 
joint venture with partners with local knowledge and experience.

After country entry, EnQuest maintains a dialogue with local and 
regional government, particularly with those responsible for oil, 
energy and fiscal matters, and may obtain support from 
appropriate risk consultancies. When there is a significant 
change in the risk to people or assets within a country, the 
Group takes appropriate action to safeguard people and 
assets.

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Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Environmental,  
Social and Governance continued

Risk
Joint venture partners
Failure by joint venture parties to fund their obligations.

Dependence on other parties where the Group is non-operator.

Potential impact
Medium (2020 Medium)

Likelihood
Low (2020 Low)

There has been no material change in the potential impact or 
likelihood.

Related KPIs – B, C, D, E, F, G

Appetite

Risk
Reputation
The reputational and commercial exposures to a major offshore 
incident, including those related to an environmental incident, or 
non-compliance with applicable law and regulation and/or 
related climate change disclosures, are significant. Similarly, it is 
increasingly important EnQuest clearly articulates its approach 
to and benchmarks its performance against relevant and 
material ESG factors.

Potential impact
High (2020 High)

Likelihood
Low (2020 Low)

There has been no material change in the potential impact or 
likelihood.

The Group requires partners of high integrity. It recognises that it 
must accept a degree of exposure to the creditworthiness of 
partners and evaluates this aspect carefully as part of every 
investment decision.

Related KPIs – A, C, D, E, F, G, H

Appetite

Mitigation

The Group operates regular cash call and billing arrangements 
with its co-venturers to mitigate the Group’s credit exposure at 
any one point in time and keeps in regular dialogue with each of 
these parties to ensure payment. Risk of default is mitigated by 
joint operating agreements allowing the Group to take over any 
defaulting party’s share in an operated asset and rigorous and 
continual assessment of the financial situation of partners.

The Group generally prefers to be the operator. The Group 
maintains regular dialogue with its partners to ensure alignment 
of interests and to maximise the value of joint venture assets, 
taking account of the impact of any wider developments.

The Group has no tolerance for conduct which may 
compromise its reputation for integrity and competence.

Mitigation

All activities are conducted in accordance with approved 
policies, standards and procedures. Interface agreements are 
agreed with all core contractors.

The Group requires adherence to its Code of Conduct and runs 
compliance programmes to provide assurance on conformity 
with relevant legal and ethical requirements.

The Group undertakes regular audit activities to provide 
assurance on compliance with established policies, standards 
and procedures.

All EnQuest personnel and contractors are required to pass an 
annual anti-bribery, corruption and anti-facilitation of tax 
evasion course.

All personnel are authorised to shut down production for 
safety-related reasons. As an example, the Group acted 
promptly in temporarily shutting down the Magnus platform 
when it was clear its flaring consent would be breached.

The Group has a clear ESG strategy, with a focus on health and 
safety (including asset integrity), emissions reductions, looking 
after its employees, positively impacting the communities in 
which the Group operates, upholding a robust RMF and acting 
with high standards of integrity. The Group is successfully 
implementing this strategy.

52

Key Performance Indicators (‘KPIs’): 

A: HSEA (LTI)  B: Production (Boepd)  C: Unit opex ($/Boe)  D: Cash generated by operations ($ million) 

E: Cash capital and abandonment expense ($ million)  F: Net debt ($ million)  G: Net 2P reserves (MMboe)  H: Emissions (tCO2e)

The Group recognises that there is a gender pay gap within the 
organisation but that there is no issue with equal pay for the 
same tasks. EnQuest also recognises that fewer young people 
may join the industry due to climate change-related factors. 
EnQuest aims to attract the best talent, recognising the value 
and importance of diversity.

To ensure improved diversity in the Group’s leadership, various 
targets have been implemented during 2021. Further details on 
these are set out on page 40.

Executive and senior management retention, succession 
planning and development remain important priorities for the 
Board. It is a Board-level priority that executive and senior 
management possess the appropriate mix of skills and 
experience to realise the Group’s strategy.

Following its introduction in 2019, the Group’s global employee 
forum has continued to add to EnQuest’s employee 
communication and engagement strategy, improving 
interaction between the workforce and the Board.

The Group continues to monitor the evolving situation with 
regard to the impacts of COVID-19 in conjunction with a variety 
of stakeholders, including industry and medical organisations. 
Appropriate actions will continue to be implemented in 
accordance with expert advice and the prevailing level of risk.

Risk
Human resources
The Group’s success continues to be dependent upon its ability 
to attract and retain key personnel and develop organisational 
capability to deliver strategic growth. Industrial action across 
the sector, or the availability of competent people given the 
potential impacts of COVID-19, could also impact the operations 
of the Group.

Potential impact
Medium (2020 Medium)

Likelihood
Medium (2020 Medium)

There has been no material change to potential impact or 
likelihood.

Related KPIs – A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H

Appetite

As a low-cost, lean organisation, the Group relies on motivated 
and high-quality employees to achieve its targets and manage 
its risks.

The Group recognises that the benefits of a lean, flexible and 
diverse organisation requires creativity and agility to protect 
against the risk of skills shortages.

Mitigation

The Group has established an able and competent employee 
base to execute its principal activities. In addition, the Group 
seeks to maintain good relationships with its employees and 
contractor companies and regularly monitors the employment 
market to provide remuneration packages, bonus plans and 
long-term share-based incentive plans that incentivise 
performance and long-term commitment from employees to 
the Group.

The Group recognises that its people are critical to its success 
and so is continually evolving EnQuest’s end-to-end people 
management processes, including recruitment and selection, 
career development and performance management. This 
ensures that EnQuest has the right person for the job and that 
appropriate training, support and development opportunities 
are provided, with feedback collated to drive continuous 
improvement whilst delivering SAFE Results. The culture of the 
Group is an area of ongoing focus and employee surveys and 
forums have been undertaken to understand employees’ views 
on areas, including diversity and inclusion, in order to develop 
appropriate action plans.

EnQuest is considering the appropriate balance for its 
onshore teams between site, office and home working to 
promote strong productivity and business performance 
facilitated by an engaged workforce. The Group also maintains 
market-competitive contracts with key suppliers to support the 
execution of work where the necessary skills do not exist within 
the Group’s employee base.

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Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business conduct

“ We are committed to 
acting with high 
standards of integrity in 
all that we do, 
conducting our business 
in accordance with our 
Values and in 
compliance with 
applicable law.”

EnQuest has a Code of Conduct which it 
requires all personnel to be familiar with. 
The EnQuest Code of Conduct sets out 
the behaviour which the organisation 
expects of its Directors, managers 
and employees and of our suppliers, 
contractors, agents and partners. We 
are committed to conducting ourselves 
ethically, with integrity and to complying 
with all applicable legal requirements; we 
routinely remind those who work with or 
for us of our obligations in this respect.

Our employees and everyone we work 
with help to create and support our 
reputation, which in turn underpins our 
ability to succeed. This code addresses 
our requirements in a number of areas, 
including the importance of health and 
safety and environmental protection, 
compliance with applicable law, 
anti‑corruption, anti‑facilitation of tax 
evasion, anti‑slavery, addressing conflicts 
of interest, ensuring equal opportunities, 
combatting bullying and harassment 
and the protection of privacy.

The Group’s induction procedures cover 
the Code of Conduct and the Group runs 
both ad hoc and scheduled periodic 
training for personnel to refresh their 
familiarity with relevant aspects of the 
Code of Conduct and specific policies 
and procedures which support it (such as 
the Group’s anti‑corruption programme).

As part of the Group’s Risk Management 
Framework, the Board is supplied 
annually with an ‘assurance map’ that 
provides an insight into the status of the 
main sources of controls and assurance 
in respect of the Group’s key risk areas 
(see pages 42 to 53 for further information 
on how the Group manages its key 
risk areas). Whilst this provides some 
formal assurance as to how the Group 
reinforces its requirements in respect 
of business conduct, the Board also 
recognises the importance of promoting 
the right culture within the Group and this 
remains an area of focus for the Group.

The Code of Conduct also includes 
details of the independent reporting line 
through which any concerns related to 
the Group’s practices, or any suspected 
breaches of the Group’s policies and 
procedures, can be raised anonymously 
and encourages personnel to report 
any concerns to the legal department 
and/or the General Counsel. Where 
concerns are raised (whether through 
the reporting line or otherwise), the 
General Counsel, reporting for this 
purpose to the Chairman of the Audit 
Committee, is required to look into the 
relevant concern, investigate and take 
appropriate action. Concerns raised in 
relation to potential conflicts of interest 
and safety practices, as well as more 
routine interfaces with regulatory 
authorities, are also reported to the 
Board and addressed appropriately.

The Code of Conduct includes a 
confirmation of EnQuest’s commitments 
to adhere to applicable tax laws 
(including the corporate offence of failure 
to prevent the criminal facilitation of tax 
evasion) as well as the Group’s stance 
against slavery and human trafficking. 
The Group has zero tolerance for such 
practices and expects the same of all 
with whom it has business dealings; for 
example, in relation to procurement, 
by requiring suppliers to confirm their 
commitment to anti‑slavery before 
being qualified to supply the Group. The 
Group has supplemented its procedures 
to provide further assurance that it is 
able to identify and manage human 
rights risks in its supply chain. EnQuest 
publishes its modern slavery statement 
on its website at www.enquest.com, 
under the Environmental, Social and 
Governance section, where further detail 
on EnQuest’s corporate responsibility 
policies and activities, including the area 
of business conduct, is also available.

54

Task Force on Climate-related 
Financial Disclosures

The Group welcomes initiatives for increased governance and transparency in general, and specifically in relation to climate 
change. The Board recognises the societal and investor focus on climate change, and the desire to understand potential 
impacts on the oil and gas industry through improved disclosure, such as those proposed by the Task Force on Climate‑
related Financial Disclosures (‘TCFD’). EnQuest PLC has complied with the requirements of LR 9.8.6R by including climate‑related 
financial disclosures consistent with the TCFD recommendations except for in relation to the disclosure of Scope 3 emissions 
within the metrics and targets section. Scope 3 emissions are not yet measured given the uncertainty and impracticality in 
accurately measuring such emissions throughout the value chain. The Group will continue to assess how it may measure 
Scope 3 emissions for the next phase of TCFD implementation, but, until such time, will remain non‑compliant in this respect.

Reference

Pages 42 to 53, 
69 to 93, and 97 
to 98

TCFD framework

EnQuest disclosures

Governance
•  Describe the Board’s 

oversight of climate‑related 
risks and opportunities.
•  Describe management’s 
role in assessing and 
managing climate‑related 
risks and opportunities.

EnQuest’s purpose is to provide creative solutions through the energy transition. 
The Board is focused on a strategy which recognises that hydrocarbons will 
remain a key element of the global energy mix for many years and through 
which the Group can pursue a business model which helps to fulfil energy 
demand as part of the transition to a sustainable lower‑carbon world while 
reducing carbon emissions from its own business where practicable and 
ensuring a robust risk management framework (‘RMF’) is in place. As set out in 
the risk management section below, climate change is recognised as a 
standalone risk area in its own right and climate‑related issues feature within a 
number of the Group’s principal risks and are prioritised and managed 
accordingly.

Reflecting the importance the Group places on evolving climate change‑related 
matters, the RMF process is overseen by the Safety, Climate and Risk Committee, 
a dedicated sub‑Committee of the Board whose terms of reference enable it to 
support the Board with increased oversight of decarbonisation, including 
monitoring progress towards the Group’s three‑year emission reduction target 
and climate change‑related risk matters.

The Board and management keep appraised of the evolving risk and 
opportunity landscape and its potential impacts on the Company’s business. In 
doing so, they consult as appropriate with the Group’s advisers and appropriate 
third‑party institutions, including fund managers, investors and industry 
associations such as Offshore Energies UK.

During 2021, a discrete Group‑wide emissions reduction target was approved 
(see the Metrics and targets section below). In support of this, the Group has an 
energy management system governance document setting out how it 
approaches the measurement and reporting of emissions. It also sets out how 
the Group will assess and select emission reduction opportunities, with a working 
group dedicated to the identification and implementation of economically 
viable emissions savings opportunities across the Group’s portfolio of assets. 
This group reports to the Executive Committee and the Safety, Climate and Risk 
Committee on a regular basis.

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Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reference

Pages 02 to 23, 
34 to 35, and 42 
to 53

Task Force on Climate-related Financial 
Disclosures continued

TCFD framework

EnQuest disclosures

Strategy
•  Describe the climate‑related 
risks and opportunities the 
organisation has identified 
over the short, medium, 
and long term.

•  Describe the impact of 

climate‑related risks and 
opportunities on the 
organisation’s businesses, 
strategy, and financial 
planning.

•  Describe the resilience of 

the organisation’s strategy, 
taking into consideration 
different climate‑related 
scenarios, including a 2°C 
or lower scenario.

EnQuest’s business model is distinct from companies that have a material 
exploration component to their business and it is, therefore, less exposed to the 
much longer duration of exploration, discovery, development and production. 
EnQuest primarily acquires mature and underdeveloped assets from other 
industry participants and drives performance improvements, including emission 
reductions, through short‑cycle, quick payback investments. EnQuest’s UK 
Decommissioning directorate is responsible for the safe and efficient execution 
of the decommissioning work programmes and is committed to delivering them 
in a responsible manner, which also includes minimising emissions alongside 
maximising the recycle and reuse of recovered materials. EnQuest considers 
within one‑year to be short term, one to three years to be medium term (both of 
which are in line with the Group’s assessment of going concern and viability, 
respectively) and the longer term to be beyond three years.

The Group continues to assess a number of climate‑related risks and 
opportunities. As majors and other operators continue to shift their focus from 
mature basins such as the North Sea and Malaysia, there will be further 
opportunities for the Company to access additional resources. The timing of 
such events is uncertain. In 2021, the Group established an Infrastructure and 
New Energy business with responsibility for delivering the Group’s short and 
medium‑term emission reduction objectives and advancing longer‑term 
renewable energy and decarbonisation opportunities. Other financial risks of 
climate change considered include access to, and cost of, capital, insurance 
and decommissioning surety bonds as investors’ and insurers’ appetite for 
exposure to the oil and gas sector reduces across all timeframes. In addition, the 
cost of emissions trading allowances may trend higher over time. With respect to 
physical risks of climate change to EnQuest’s business, the Group is aware of 
potential longer‑term risks associated with rising sea levels, tidal impacts and 
extreme weather events which could cause damage and destruction to its 
ageing offshore assets, particularly as these events become more regular and 
extreme in nature, but considers these risks to be low given the Group’s focus on 
asset integrity and the expected remaining life of these mature assets.

The Group considers as part of its strategic, business planning and risk 
processes how a number of macroeconomic themes may influence its principal 
risks. The most material risk factor to EnQuest’s business model is the oil price, 
and climate change is one of many potential influencing factors on the oil price. 
EnQuest’s planning and investment decision processes cater for low oil price 
scenarios and include a carbon cost associated with forecast emissions. Where 
new assets are acquired, there will be a clear emissions reduction plan for any 
such asset for which EnQuest assumes operatorship, relative to the carbon 
footprint in the hands of the seller, and the Group factors in an associated 
carbon price into the acquisition economics, even in markets where no carbon 
trading or pricing mechanism exists. In the short to medium term, EnQuest 
reviews the impact of different oil prices in its going concern and viability 
statements. EnQuest is also monitoring progress against the UK NSTD goals 
which contribute to the UK Government’s target of net zero by 2050.

The Group has measured the resilience of its existing portfolio and future 
development plans using oil price and cost of emissions assumptions based on 
the International Energy Agency’s Sustainable Development (‘SDS’), and Net Zero 
Emissions (‘NZE’) Scenarios. The Group continues to generate positive free cash 
flow when using assumptions based on the SDS, although cash flow becomes 
negative when using assumptions based on the NZE. However, should oil price 
and emission costs prevail similar to those assumed under the NZE, EnQuest’s 
business model will enable it to adapt to a rapidly changing external 
environment as its short‑cycle investments reduce the risk of ‘stranded assets’. 

56

Reference

Pages 42 to 53 
and 97 to 98

Pages 03, 05, 
07, 10, 12, 14, 23, 
33 to 35, and 
103 to 104

TCFD framework

EnQuest disclosures

Risk management
•  Describe the organisation’s 
processes for identifying 
and assessing climate‑
related risks.

•  Describe the organisation’s 
processes for managing 
climate‑related risks.

•  Describe how processes for 
identifying, assessing, and 
managing climate‑related 
risks are integrated into the 
organisation’s overall risk 
management.

Metrics and targets
•  Disclose the metrics used 
by the organisation to 
assess climate‑related risks 
and opportunities in line 
with its strategy and risk 
management process.
•  Disclose Scope 1, Scope 2, 

and, if appropriate, Scope 3 
greenhouse gas (‘GHG’) 
emissions, and the 
related risks.

•   Describe the targets used 
by the organisation to 
manage climate‑related 
risks and opportunities, and 
performance against 
targets.

The Group has robust risk management and business planning processes that 
are overseen by the Board, the Safety, Climate and Risk Committee and the 
Executive Committee in order to identify, assess and manage climate‑related 
risks. The risk landscape inputs and considerations are outlined on page 45  and 
cover long‑term macro factors and near‑term and emerging risks. The Group’s 
RMF is embedded in all levels of the organisation with asset, regional and 
functional risk registers aggregating to an enterprise risk register identifying 
relevant threats and how they are mitigated, whilst the adequacy and efficacy 
of controls in place are themselves also monitored. This integration enables the 
Group to quickly identify, escalate and appropriately manage emerging risks, 
with a quarterly RMF report reviewed by leadership teams and presented to the 
Safety, Climate and Risk Committee.

The Safety, Climate and Risk Committee also provides a forum for the Board to 
review selected individual risk areas in greater depth. Climate change is 
categorised as a standalone risk area within the Group’s ‘Risk Library’ allowing 
the application of EnQuest’s RMF to underpin its approach in this important area. 
For each risk area, the Safety, Climate and Risk Committee reviews ‘Risk Bowties’ 
that identify risk causes and impacts and maps these to preventative and 
containment controls used to manage the risks to acceptable levels. Climate 
change‑related issues are also considered within the context and review of a 
number of other risk areas. 

At EnQuest, the financial or strategic impact of a risk is assessed and measured 
based on the potential net present value (‘NPV’) negative impact of the 
particular risk. Specifically, a substantive financial or strategic impact would be 
defined as a risk with a potential impact of greater than £50 million NPV, on a 
post mitigation basis. EnQuest has also defined criteria for screening and ranking 
emissions reduction opportunities, including: the potential contribution to the 
Group’s targets; economic indicators; the chance of success; time to implement; 
and any risks to the Group’s production.

EnQuest has reported on all of the emission sources within its operational control, 
as required under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors’ 
Report) Regulations 2013 and The Companies (Directors’ Report) and Limited 
Liability Partnerships (Energy and Carbon Report) Regulations 2018. This 
information can be found in the Directors report.  In the UK, EnQuest publishes its 
annual Environmental Statement in line with the regulatory requirement under 
the OSPAR recommendation 2003/5. These statements, which can be found in 
the Environmental, Social and Governance section on the Group’s website, www.
enquest.com, are an open and transparent representation of the environmental 
performance across EnQuest’s UK operations.

The Group recognises that the ability to reduce carbon emissions is constrained 
by the original design of its later‑life assets where the main sources of 
atmospheric emissions come from combustion associated with power 
generation and flaring. The Board’s goal is to be as ambitious as it can in setting 
decarbonisation targets, whilst balancing the economic realities of operating 
late life assets. As such, in 2021 the Board approved a targeted 10% reduction in 
EnQuest’s absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions from its existing portfolio over three 
years, from a year‑end 2020 baseline, with the achievement of this target linked 
to reward. In addition, the Group is committed to playing its part in delivering on 
the UK Government’s North Sea Transition Deal emission reduction targets.

Stefan Ricketts
Company Secretary

The Strategic report was approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by the Company Secretary on 23 March 2022.

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Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Board of Directors

Key strengths and experience
• In-depth knowledge of the 

energy industry and a wealth of 
board-level and international 
business experience

Martin joined BG Group plc in 
1983 and enjoyed a 32-year 
career before retiring as chief 
operating officer and a member 
of the board of directors. He 
holds, and has held, many FTSE 
and international board or senior 
advisory positions. Martin’s 
other interests include being a 

G   R   T

Martin Houston
Non-Executive Chairman
Appointed 1 October 2019

council member of the National 
Petroleum Council of the United 
States of America and a Fellow of 
the Geological Society of London.

Principal external appointments
Co-founder and vice-chairman 
of Tellurian Inc. Non-executive 
director of CC Energy (a private 
company). Non-executive 
director of BUPA Arabia, listed in 
Saudi Arabia. In an advisory 
capacity, he is the global energy 
chairman of Moelis & Company.

Key strengths and experience
• Extensive energy industry and 

leadership experience

Amjad worked for the Atlantic 
Richfield Company (‘ARCO’) 
from 1984 to 1998, eventually 
becoming president of ARCO 
Petroleum Ventures. In 1998, 
he founded and was the chief 
executive of Petrofac Resources 
International Limited which 
merged into Petrofac PLC in 
2003. In 2010, Amjad formed 
EnQuest PLC, having previously 

G

been a founding non-executive 
chairman of Serica Energy plc 
and a founding partner of Stratic 
Energy Corporation. Amjad was 
chairman of Enviromena Ltd., the 
largest solar power engineering 
company in the MENA region, 
until its sale in 2017 and was 
British Business Ambassador 
for Energy from 2013 to 2015.

Principal external appointments
Chairman of the independent 
energy community for the World 
Economic Forum since 2016. 
Director of The Amjad and Suha 
Bseisu Foundation since 2011.

Amjad Bseisu
Chief Executive
Appointed 22 February 2010

Key strengths and experience
• Significant capital markets and 

merger and acquisition 
transactional experience

Jonathan is a qualified 
chartered accountant and 
a member of the Institute of 
Chartered Accountants of 
England and Wales. He is also a 
qualified solicitor and worked in 
roles with a focus on acquisition 
finance. Jonathan’s previous 
roles include Credit Suisse 
and then Lehman Brothers, 

Key strengths and experience
• 40 years’ global experience in 

E&P, including 20 years at senior 
executive level

Howard is a petroleum engineer 
and began his professional 
career at Schlumberger 
before moving to Mobil and 
then BHP Petroleum, where 
he was regional president, 
Europe, Russia, Africa & 
Middle East, before becoming 
president, global exploration 
& alliance development. He 

Key strengths and experience
• Strong energy industry and 

financial experience, as well as 
deep insights into Malaysia

Farina is a Fellow of the Institute 
of Chartered Accountants 
Australia and New Zealand. She 
started her career in 1994 with 
Coopers & Lybrand, Australia, 
before returning to Malaysia in 
1997 to join PETRONAS, where she 
held various senior positions. 
Farina was chief financial officer 
of PETRONAS Carigali Sdn. Bhd, 

Principal external appointments
None.

advising on a wide range 
of transactions with equity 
advisory, before joining Petrofac 
Limited in April 2008 as head of 
mergers and acquisitions for 
the Petrofac Group. Jonathan 
joined EnQuest PLC in 2010 
as Chief Financial Officer.

Principal external appointments
Non-executive director of OGL 
Geothermal Ltd.

most recently served as SVP, 
strategy, commercial & business 
development at Hess, a role 
he took up in July 2013, having 
joined the company in 2000 
as SVP, north sea/international. 
Between 2005 and 2013 he 
held the position of SVP, global 
new business development.

Principal external appointments
Member of the boards of the 
following Malaysian listed 
companies: PETRONAS Gas 
Berhad, KLCC Property Holdings 
Berhad, AMMB Holdings Berhad 
and Icon Offshore Berhad.

one of the largest subsidiaries 
of PETRONAS with operations 
in over 20 countries, and has 
also been chief financial officer 
at PETRONAS Exploration and 
Production. From 2013, Farina 
was the chief financial officer 
of PETRONAS Chemical Group 
Berhad, the largest listed 
entity of PETRONAS. Farina left 
PETRONAS in 2015 to pursue 
non-executive opportunities.

Jonathan Swinney
Chief Financial Officer
Appointed 29 March 2010

R   A   G   T

Howard Paver 
Senior Independent Director
Appointed 1 May 2019

A   R

Farina Khan
Non-Executive Director
Appointed 1 November 2020

5858

 
 
 
 
Committees key

A   Audit

R   Remuneration and Social Responsibility 

T   Technical and Reserves 

G   Governance and Nomination

S   Safety, Climate and Risk

  Denotes Committee Chair

Key strengths and experience
• Significant experience in 

managing large-scale oil and 
gas projects around the globe

Philip joined Bechtel Corporation 
in 1980 and managed major 
oil and gas projects in a wide 
range of international locations. 
In 2004, he joined Shell where, 
in 2009, he became executive 
vice-president downstream 
projects in Shell’s newly formed 
projects and technology 
business. In 2010, he was 

Key strengths and experience
• Substantial audit and 

accounting experience in the 
energy sector

Carl is a Fellow of the Institute 
of Chartered Accountants in 
England and Wales, and a Fellow 
of the Energy Institute. Carl 
joined Arthur Andersen in 1983 
and became a partner in 1993. 
Throughout his professional 
career he specialised in the oil 
and gas, mining and utilities 
sectors, becoming the head of 

Key strengths and experience
• A variety of technical, project 
management and executive 
management roles in major 
energy companies across the 
globe

Rani has more than 20 years’ 
experience working within large 
multinational, independent and 
start-up energy companies. 
These include Shell International, 
Hess and Tullow and have 
involved a variety of technical, 
project management and 

appointed as project director 
for Shell’s Kashagan phase 
2 project in Kazakhstan, and 
subsequently the Shell/QP Al 
Karaana petrochemicals project. 
Since 2013, he has operated 
as an independent project 
management consultant.

Principal external appointments
Chairman of Velocys plc and 
non-executive director of 
KazMunayGas.

the UK energy and resources 
industry practice of Andersen 
in 1999 and subsequently of 
Deloitte in 2002. When Carl 
retired from the partnership of 
Deloitte in 2015, he was a vice-
chairman, senior audit partner 
and leader of the firm’s energy 
and resources business globally.

Principal external appointments
Non-executive director and 
chairman of the audit and risk 
committee of EN+ Group IPJSC. 
Member of the finance and audit 
committee of the Energy 
Institute. Board member of the 
Audit Committee Chairs’ 
Independent Forum. Member of 
the General Synod of the Church 
of England. Deputy chairman of 
the finance committee of The 
Archbishops’ Council.

executive management 
roles across Europe, Asia, the 
Americas and Africa. Between 
2017 and 2020 Rani was chief 
petroleum engineer at Tullow. 
She has led multi-billion dollar 
projects across the globe, from 
unconventional shales in the US 
to oil developments in East Africa.

Principal external appointments
CEO of OGL Geothermal Ltd., 
a geothermal development 
company focused on Europe, the 
Middle East and Africa. Fellow of 
the Institution of Mechanical 
Engineers. Trustee for the Oxford 
Food Hub, Director of South Essex 
College and the International 
Women’s Forum UK.

Principal external appointments
Partner at the Oslo-based law 
firm Selmer. Sits on a number of 
private company boards, 
industrial boards and academic 
committees, including as 
chairperson of Fortum Oslo 
Varme and Silex Gas Norway.

Principal external appointments
Non-executive director of 
CC Energy.

Key strengths and experience
• Extensive experience of the 

energy industry, public policy 
and governance

Liv Monica has 20 years’ 
experience as a corporate 
lawyer. She started her career 
as an attorney before becoming 
political adviser to the Centre 
Party Finance Parliamentary 
Group. From 1997, she spent 
two years as a legal adviser to 
an industry alliance for private 
ownership before becoming 

a partner at her original law 
firm. In 2005, Liv Monica moved 
back into politics and was 
Norway’s Deputy Minister of 
Foreign Affairs for two years, 
followed by two years as 
Deputy Minister of Petroleum 
and Energy. Liv Monica rejoined 
the private sector in 2009 and 
held four top executive industry 
positions within the Aker Group 
in Norway, including as EVP in the 
listed EPC contractor Kværner, 
before moving back into law.

Key strengths and experience
• Extensive technical leadership 

experience in global 
exploration, business 
development and asset 
management

John is a member of the 
American Association of 
Petroleum Geologists. He joined 
Occidental in 1981 as a geologist 
with the company and had a 
strong record of exploration 
success globally, with over two 
billion barrels of oil equivalent 

discovered in the Philippines, 
Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, 
Russia, the US and Yemen. After 
a 20+ year technical career, 
John moved into executive 
roles, including high-level 
executive leadership positions. 
John left Occidental in 2013 
and since then has provided 
strategic advice to international 
oil and gas companies.

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5959

Philip Holland 
Non-Executive Director
Appointed 1 August 2015

Carl Hughes
Non-Executive Director
Appointed 1 January 2017

Rani Koya
Non-Executive Director
Appointed 1 January 2022

S   T

A   S

T

A   S

Liv Monica Stubholt 
Non-Executive Director
Appointed 15 February 2021

T   S

John Winterman 
Non-Executive Director
Appointed 7 September 2017

Corporate Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Executive Committee

Director – Malaysia, leading 
the Group’s Malaysia business; 
and operations director – 
North Sea and managing 
director – Khalda JV at Apache 
Corporation, where he led the 
largest oil and gas producer 
in Egypt’s western desert.

Key strengths and experience
• Extensive international 

experience leading large 
upstream development 
projects

• Strong operational and 
engineering experience

Bob joined EnQuest in 2015 and 
is currently responsible for the 
Group’s UK North Sea business. 
He has extensive international 
experience in upstream, with 
prior roles including: Managing 

Bob Davenport
Managing Director – North Sea

Key strengths and experience
• Significant international 

experience

• Senior positions held in 

operations, field development 
and project roles for both 
operators and service 
companies

Richard rejoined EnQuest in 
December 2020 and has overall 
responsibility for EnQuest’s 
Malaysian business, having 
previously worked for EnQuest 

as part of the Executive 
Committee as Head of Major 
Capital Projects, where he was 
instrumental in taking Kraken 
from project concept stage 
through to production. Previously, 
Richard held roles at Petrofac, 
including: vice president of 
operations & developments; and 
general manager in Malaysia, 
where he started Petrofac 
Malaysia. Richard went on to 
be co-founder and CEO of 
Malaysia-focused Nio Petroleum 

and has also been chairman 
and CEO of the private equity 
backed service company Influit. 
He was also one of four founders 
and operations director of the 
service company UWG Ltd.

Richard Hall
Managing Director – Malaysia

finance and mergers and 
acquisitions. He has extensive 
experience in structured finance, 
acquisitions, post-acquisition 
management and divestitures 
across the energy value chain. 
He has also held several 
positions in the private equity 
and investment banking industry.

Prior to joining EnQuest, Janice 
was head of HR for Repsol 
Sinopec Resources. She also 
holds a masters of law degree 
in employment law and a BA 
in hospitality management.

Key strengths and experience
• Corporate strategy, corporate 

finance, investment 
management, and mergers 
and acquisitions experience 
across the energy value chain

• Chartered Financial Analyst 

Charterholder

Salman joined EnQuest in 2013 
and is responsible for the 
Infrastructure and New Energy 
business, in addition to the 
Group’s strategy, corporate 

Key strengths and experience
• Strong experience in the energy 

sector

• A Fellow of the Chartered 
Institute of Personnel and 
Development

Janice joined the Executive 
Committee in August 2020 
after two years as UK Head of 
Human Resources. She has 
held HR leadership roles in a 
variety of sectors, including oil 
and gas and transportation. 

Salman Malik
Managing Director, Corporate 
Development, Infrastructure 
and New Energy

Janice Mair
Director of People,  
Culture & Diversity

6060

previously been a partner in 
a major international law firm 
and a General Counsel in a 
FTSE 100 energy company. 
He has responsibility for the 
commercial and legal affairs of 
the Group, and holds the offices 
of General Counsel, Company 
Secretary and Chief Risk Officer.

has gained significant 
technical and commercial 
expertise in field development 
planning, project execution, 
reservoir management 
and investment assurance 
across the value chain, from 
upstream through to LNG.

Key strengths and experience
• Extensive international legal 

and commercial experience in 
energy and natural resources in 
all phases of development and 
operations

• Transaction management 

across corporate finance, debt 
finance, mergers and 
acquisitions and project 
development

Stefan joined EnQuest in 
2012. He is a solicitor and has 

Key strengths and experience
• Over 20 years’ experience in 

senior technical and 
commercial roles

• Extensive geographical 

experience

Martin joined EnQuest in 2016 and 
is responsible for all business 
development-related activities 
across the Group. He has over 
20 years of broad international 
oil and gas operator experience. 
Throughout his career he 

Stefan Ricketts
Commercial and Legal Director. 
Company Secretary

Martin Mentiply
Business Development Director

EnQuest’s Aberdeen office, Annan House

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6161

Corporate Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chairman’s letter

“ Corporate governance is an essential part of our overall framework, 
supporting both risk management and the Group’s core values.”

Martin Houston
Chairman

Dear fellow shareholder

On behalf of the Board of Directors (the ‘Board’), I am pleased to 
introduce EnQuest’s Corporate Governance Report. Due to the 
ongoing impact of COVID-19, 2021 proved to be another year 
with much work taking place virtually. However, the Board 
members were able to meet in person in October 2021 for two 
days, comprising a strategy session and a Board meeting. This 
finally allowed our new Directors to meet their fellow Board 
members in person for the first time since appointment. This 
year I hope that our shareholders will also have the opportunity 
to meet with the Directors at the Company’s Annual General 
Meeting (‘AGM’), due to be held on 19 May 2022 at Sofitel London 
St James.

A lot of the Board’s time in 2021 was spent discussing the 
acquisition of Golden Eagle and the new reserves based lending 
facility for the Group. I was impressed with the focus of our 
workforce in completing the transaction against the backdrop 
of the pandemic, which has continued to significantly impact 
working patterns. I congratulate and thank all staff involved in 
making this happen and of course my Board colleagues for 
their continued input and counsel.

The Governance and Nomination Committee, on behalf of the 
Board, has continued its work on Board composition and both 
Board and Executive succession planning over the past year. In 
January 2022 we welcomed Rani Koya to the Board. Rani has 
extensive energy industry experience and is the CEO of a 
UK-based renewable energy company, which will be of great 
help as we look at lower-carbon opportunities for EnQuest.
As reported in the 2020 Annual Report and Accounts, Laurie Fitch 
stepped down as a Director in January 2021 and Liv Monica 
Stubholt joined in the same month. 

This year, as part of our planned rotation of Directors, Philip 
Holland will be leaving the Board in May 2022 and will therefore 
not be offered for re-election at the AGM. Philip is the Chair of the 
Safety, Climate and Risk Committee, a post he has successfully 
steered since its inception in 2016. Liv Monica will be assuming 
the role of Chair. In respect of senior management succession 
planning, we held a full Board discussion in October 2021 and 
evaluated the internal talent pipeline and the capabilities within 
the organisation.

that the Board already adheres to the Parker recommendations 
and will, on Philip Holland’s departure, also be in line with the 
original Hampton-Alexander recommendations. Diversity has 
always been a key consideration for our recruitment, both at the 
workforce and Board levels, so appropriate targets have been 
set at leadership level and emerging targets, such as those of 
the FTSE Women Leaders Review, are monitored.

EnQuest was recognised for its efforts through its nomination as 
in a finalist at the 2021 OGUK awards in the category of Diversity 
and Inclusion. More details, including the results of an employee 
survey to gauge staff sentiment, can be found on page 40.

This year, the Board evaluation was facilitated externally. It 
concluded that the Board continues to be effective and 
performs well. In particular, the skills and diversity of the Board 
were highlighted as very positive. The results of the evaluation 
can be found on page 95.

Corporate governance is an essential part of our overall 
governance framework, supporting both risk management and 
the Group’s core Values. This framework also contains            
non-Board Committees which provide advice and support to 
the Chief Executive on the development, implementation and 
monitoring of the Group’s strategy. Further information relating 
to the operation of the Board and its Committees can be found 
in the following governance pages of this Annual Report and 
Accounts. Individual Committee reports are on pages 69 to 75 
(Audit), pages 76 to 93 (Remuneration and Social Responsibility), 
pages 94 to 96 (Governance and Nomination), pages 97 to 98 
(Safety, Climate and Risk) and page 99 (Technical and 
Reserves). During 2021 the Committees of the Board, which had 
expanded their remits towards the end of 2020, enhanced their 
activities in their areas of increased delegation. In particular, the 
Safety, Climate and Risk Committee had a particular focus on 
asset integrity and EnQuest’s emissions reduction efforts, while 
the Remuneration and Social Responsibility Committee oversaw 
the Group’s external engagement in the areas of sustainability 
and supporting education.

Martin Houston
Chairman
23 March 2022

With respect to diversity, the Board has formally adopted the 
recommendations of both the Hampton-Alexander and Parker 
Reviews and set targets reflecting these reports. I am pleased 

6262

Key corporate governance activities in 2021

Succession planning and Board composition

Transactional activities

Stakeholder engagement

Employee workforce and employee culture

E N Q U E S T   S T R U C T U R E

Appointments of Liv Monica Stubholt and Rani Koya
Senior leadership succession planning

Acquisitions of Golden Eagle and Bentley
New reserves based lending facility

Presentation by EnQuest charitable beneficiary to the Board
Investor perceptions study presented to the Board
Chairman meetings with shareholders

Annual survey and separate diversity survey
Streamlining staff training and staff compliance activities
Regular reports from the Employee Forum

EnQuest PLC Board  
of Directors

Safety, Climate 
and Risk 
Committee1
Philip Holland2
Carl Hughes
Liv Monica4 
Stubholt
John Winterman

Audit 
Committee
Carl Hughes2
Farina Khan
Howard Paver
Liv Monica 
Stubholt

Governance and 
Nomination 
Committee
Martin Houston2
Howard Paver
Amjad Bseisu

Remuneration  
and Social  
Responsibility  
Committee
Howard Paver2
Martin Houston
Farina Khan

Technical  
and Reserves 
Committee
John Winterman2
Philip Holland
Martin Houston
Rani Koya3
Howard Paver

Chief 
Executive

Executive 
Committee

Investment 
Committee

HSEA 
Directorate

Operations 
Committee

1  Farina Khan stepped down from the Safety, Climate and Risk Committee on 2 February 2022
2  Committee Chair
3 Rani Koya was appointed as a Non-Executive Director of the Board on 1 January 2022
4 Liv Monica Stubholt will become Chair of the Safety, Climate and Risk Committee in May 2022

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63

Corporate Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate governance statement

Statement of compliance
The Board believes that the manner in which it conducts its business is important and it is committed to delivering the highest 
standards of corporate governance for the benefit of all of its stakeholders. The Directors are cognisant of their duties to 
stakeholders under Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 and considerations related to stakeholders are reflected throughout this 
Annual Report and Accounts. The Section 172 Statement can be found on page 6. The Company complies with the principles and 
provisions of the Financial Reporting Council‘s UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 (the ‘Code’) which was effective for accounting 
periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019. The Code can be found on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at www.frc.org.uk. 
Detailed below is EnQuest’s application of, and compliance with, the Code. In order to avoid duplication, cross-references to 
appropriate sections within the Annual Report and Accounts (‘2021 ARA’) are provided.

The manner in which the Company has applied the principles of the Code can be found in the following sections:

Board leadership and company purpose

Division of responsibilities

•  Corporate Governance (page 64)
•  Strategic report (page 8)

•  Corporate Governance (page 67)

Composition, succession and evaluation

•  Governance and Nomination Committee report (page 95)

Audit, risk and internal control

•  Strategic report (page 42)
•  Audit Committee report (page 69)
•  Safety, Climate and Risk Committee report (page 97)

Remuneration

•  Directors’ Remuneration Report (page 76)

Board leadership and company purpose
The Board takes seriously its roles in promoting the long-term success of the Company, generating value for shareholders, having 
regard to the interests of other stakeholders and contributing to wider society. How the Company manages these areas can be 
found in the Strategic report, in particular on pages 4 to 10.

The Board is responsible for:
•  The Group’s overall purpose and strategy;
•  Health, safety and environmental performance;
•  Review of business plans and trading performance;
•  Approval of major capital investment projects;
•  Acquisition and divestment opportunities;
•  Review of significant financial and operational issues;
•  Review and approval of the Group’s financial statements;
•  Oversight of control and risk management systems;
•  Succession planning and appointments; and
•  Oversight of employee culture.

Board agenda and key activities throughout 2021
During 2021, the majority of Board meetings were held by videoconference. However, an in-person meeting was convened in 
October 2021.

Directors’ attendance at Board meetings in 2021

Scheduled meetings 2021

Executive Directors
Amjad Bseisu
Jonathan Swinney

Non-Executive Directors
Martin Houston
Farina Khan
Howard Paver
Philip Holland
Carl Hughes
Liv Monica Stubholt1
John Winterman

1  Liv Monica Stubholt was appointed a Director on 15 February 2021

6464

Meetings 
attended

6

6
6

6
6
6
6
6
5/5
6

The table below sets out matters that the Board discuss at each meeting and the key activities that have taken place throughout 
this period.

Matters considered  
at each meeting

•  HSEA
•  Key project status and 

progress

•  Responses to oil price 

movements

•  Strategy
•  Key transactions
•  Financial reports and 

statements
•  Production
•  Operational issues and 

highlights

•  HR issues and developments
•  Key legal updates
•  Assurance and risk 

management

•  Investor relations and capital 

markets update

•  Liquidity
•  Employee Forum activities

Strategy

Operations 

Governance 

Stakeholders

Key activities for the Board throughout 2021

•  Strategy session 
held in October

•  Growth 

opportunities
•  ESG strategy and 

emissions reduction

•  Financing
•  Golden Eagle 
transaction
•  Organisational 
effectiveness

•  COVID-19 

considerations
•  2021 performance 
and 2022 budget 
reviews

•  Compliance with 
debt covenants 
and liquidity
•  Sullom Voe 

•  Risk, going concern 

and long-term 
viability review
•  Risk Management 

Framework
•  Annual anti-

corruption review

•  Succession 
planning

Terminal operations

•  Periodic updates on 

•  Decommissioning 

•  Infrastructure and 

activities

New Energy

•  Asset integrity 

review

corporate 
regulatory changes 
and reporting 
requirements

•  Board and 

employee diversity, 
including strategy

•  S.172 principal 

decisions

•  Board evaluation
•  Board composition

•  Employee matters 
such as training, 
diversity and 
succession

•  Charitable activities
•  Shareholder 

considerations in 
relation to Golden 
Eagle

•  Structuring debt for 
banks, sureties and 
bondholders
•  Shareholder 

approval of the 
equity raise
•  Relations with 
Petronas in 
Malaysia
•  Change of 

co-venturer in 
Kraken

•  UK NSTA interactions

Committees
The Board has five Committees which meet on a regular basis and report back to the Directors at each Board meeting. This allows 
for the Board to be apprised of important Committee business and, if necessary, to discuss issues should they need to be escalated 
to Board level. There are formal terms of reference for each Committee which set out the scope of authority of the Committee, 
satisfy the requirements of the Code and are reviewed and approved on an ongoing basis by the Board. Copies of the terms of 
reference are available on the Group’s website, www.enquest.com. Membership of each Committee can be found on page 63 and 
the dedicated Committee pages, details of which are found below:

Governance and Nomination Committee
The Governance and Nomination Committee leads the process for appointments and regularly reviews the structure, size and 
composition of the Board. It also considers succession planning for the Executive Committee and has expanded its remit to cover all 
aspects of the Governance Code. The work of the Governance and Nomination Committee, including information regarding the 
Board’s diversity and associated policy, recruitment and the Board annual evaluation process, is on pages 94 to 96.

Audit Committee
The work of the Audit Committee is on pages 69 to 75.

The Audit Committee is responsible for the following internal control and risk management related tasks:
•  Reviewing the effectiveness of the Group’s internal controls and risk management systems;
•  Reviewing and approving the statements to be included in the Annual Report concerning internal controls and risk management; 

and

•  Monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of the Group’s internal audit capability in the context of the Group’s overall risk 

management system.

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6565

Corporate Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate governance statement continued

Remuneration and Social Responsibility Committee
The Remuneration and Social Responsibility Committee has assessed the Group’s performance for 2021 in determining the 
appropriate performance-related compensation and has continued its assessment of institutional shareholder guidelines. In 2021, it 
received shareholder approval for the updated Remuneration Policy. The Committee has also reviewed the Group’s social 
responsibility programme, both outward-looking (how the Group engages in its communities) and within (employee engagement 
and a positive workforce culture). The work of the Remuneration and Social Responsibility Committee is set out on pages 76 to 93.

Safety, Climate and Risk Committee
The Safety, Climate and Risk Committee continues to progress its comprehensive Risk Management Framework and has had 
oversight of the asset integrity review and conducted a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the Group; see pages 36 to 
38 of the Strategic report for further information. The work of the Committee, which includes monitoring HSEA issues and oversight of 
decarbonisation matters, is on pages 97 to 98.

Technical and Reserves Committee
The Technical and Reserves Committee provides the Board with additional technical insight when making Board decisions. The 
work of the Committee can be found on page 99.

Culture
The Board ensures that the culture of the Group is aligned with its purpose, Values and strategy. EnQuest’s Values embody the ethos 
of the Group and the Board carefully monitors and promotes a positive culture. The Board believes that engaged and committed 
employees are integral to the delivery of the Group’s business plan and, to assist this, an employee survey is held on a regular basis. 
The survey is used by the Board as a baseline from which to enhance and improve the culture of the Group. In addition, the 
Employee Forum, which was established in 2019 to ensure continued engagement with the workforce, met several times over the 
year. The Board receives updates following each Forum meeting from Farina Khan and Philip Holland, who attend as the designated 
Board representatives. In 2022, Rani Koya will replace Farina Khan as a representative. Over the past year, the Board has discussed 
return-to-work requirements and workload matters as a result of the Forum meetings, directing management to address as 
appropriate. The output from these meetings and other culture activities is reported on pages 40 to 41 of this 2021 ARA.

EnQuest’s Code of Conduct underpins the governance and ethos of the Group. All personnel are required to be familiar with the 
Code of Conduct, which sets out the behaviours that the organisation expects of those who work at and with the Group. The Group’s 
Values complement the behaviours contained within the Code and are a key part of the Group’s identity. They guide the workforce 
as they pursue EnQuest’s strategy and delivery of SAFE Results.

Workforce concerns
Through the Employee Forum, regular briefings, which include an opportunity for the workforce to ask questions to management, 
the promotion of its Code of Conduct and Values and various communication media, the Group seeks to set positive, appropriate 
standards of conduct for its people within an open, dynamic and inclusive culture. The Group encourages all employees to escalate 
any concerns and, as part of its whistleblowing procedure, provides an external ‘speak-up’ reporting line which is available to all 
employees, allowing for anonymous reporting through an independent third party. Where concerns are raised, these are 
investigated by the Group’s General Counsel and reported to the Chairman of the Audit Committee, with follow-up action taken as 
soon as practicable thereafter.

Conflicts of interest and compliance
The Group has procedures in place which identify and, where appropriate, manage conflicts or potential conflicts of interest with 
the Group’s interests. In accordance with the provisions relating to Directors’ interests in the Companies Act 2006, all Directors are 
required to submit details to the Company Secretary of any situations which may give rise to a conflict or potential conflict. The 
Board is satisfied that formal procedures are in place to ensure that authorisation for potential and actual conflicts of interest are 
operated efficiently. Directors are required to obtain Board approval before accepting any further external appointments and 
demands on a Director’s time are taken into account before approval is given.

The Group is committed to behaving fairly and ethically in all of its endeavours and has policies which cover anti-bribery, anti-
corruption and tax evasion. The anti-bribery and corruption programme is reviewed annually by the Board and a compulsory online 
anti-corruption training course is required to be completed by all staff. Additional information can be found on page 54 and in the 
Code of Conduct which is available on the Group’s website.

Board education
All Directors receive an induction pack and meet with management on joining the Company. They are also offered director training 
and memberships of organisations which deliver knowledge and training to Non-Executive Directors. Education is provided from 
time to time by the Company Secretary; for example, a session was held with external counsel to discuss the Board’s specific 
responsibilities in relation to the Golden Eagle transaction and separate training has been provided on corporate governance 
matters pertinent to the discharge of their duties.

Stakeholder engagement
As COVID-19-related restrictions have continued to impact on face-to-face meetings, engagement activities were primarily 
conducted virtually through the use of video and telephone conference calls. EnQuest continued to have an active and constructive 
dialogue with its shareholders throughout the year. 

6666

This was conducted through a planned programme of investor relations activities, including meetings with:
•  significant shareholders with regard to the Group’s acquisition of the Golden Eagle assets and associated equity fund raise and 

refinancing of its secured debt facility, performance against guidance and its overall debt management strategy;

•  several of the Group’s shareholders who were invited to participate in an independent investor perception study undertaken by 
Rothschild & Co. The findings were reported to the Board, and provided useful insights which will be incorporated into future 
programmes of investor relations activities; and

•  a selection of the Group’s larger shareholders who were invited to meet with the Group’s Chairman.

Throughout 2021, a number of equity and debt investor and research analyst engagements were undertaken. The Group also 
delivered presentations alongside its half-year and full-year results, copies of which are available on the dedicated section of the 
Group’s website, which can be found under ‘Investors’ at www.enquest.com, as well as ad hoc presentations at investor 
conferences. The Group’s results meetings are followed by investor roadshows with existing and potential new investors. These 
meetings, which take place throughout the year, other than during closed periods, are organised directly by the Company, via 
brokers and in response to direct investor requests.

EnQuest’s Investor Relations team and Company Secretarial department respond to queries from shareholders, debt holders, 
analysts and other stakeholders, all of whom can register on the website to receive email alerts of relevant Group news. EnQuest’s 
registrar, Link Group, also has a team available to answer shareholder queries in relation to technical and administrative aspects of 
their holdings. The Board is routinely kept informed of investor feedback, broker and analyst views and industry news in a paper 
submitted at each Board meeting by the Group’s Investor Relations team and as required on an ad hoc basis.

The Board is also kept informed of relevant developments relating to other stakeholder groups such as suppliers, regulators, 
partners and governments, as required by the Executive Directors and/or the appropriate functional management, and considers 
potential impacts on these groups of principal decisions made during the course of the year (see pages 06 to 07 for more details).

2021 Annual Report and Accounts
The Directors are responsible for preparing the 2021 ARA and consider that, taken as a whole, the 2021 ARA are fair, balanced and 
understandable, and provide the necessary information for shareholders to assess the Company and Group’s position and 
performance, business model and strategy.

Annual General Meeting (‘AGM’)
The Company’s AGM is ordinarily attended by the Directors and executive and senior management and is open to all EnQuest 
shareholders to attend.

Division of responsibilities
There is a clear division of responsibilities between the leadership of the Board and the executive leadership of EnQuest. The roles of 
the Chairman and Chief Executive are not exercised by the same individual.

Chairman
The Chairman is responsible for the leadership of the Board, setting the Board agenda and ensuring the overall effective working of 
the Board. The Chairman holds regular one-to-one and group meetings with the Non-Executive Directors, without the Executive 
Directors present.

Chief Executive
The Chief Executive is accountable and reports to the Board. His role is to develop strategy in consultation with the Board, to execute 
that strategy following presentation to, and consideration and approval by, the Board and to oversee the operational management 
of the business.

Senior Independent Director
The Senior Independent Director (‘SID’) is available to shareholders if they have concerns where contact through the normal 
channels of the Chairman or the Executive Directors has failed to resolve an issue, or where such contact is inappropriate. The SID 
acts as a sounding board for the Chairman and also conducts the Chairman’s evaluation on an annual basis.

Non-Executive Directors
The Non-Executive Directors combine broad business and commercial experience from oil and gas and other industry sectors. They 
bring independence, external skills and objective judgement, and constructively challenge the actions of executive and senior 
management. This is critical for providing assurance that the Executive Directors are exercising good judgement in delivery of 
strategy, risk management and decision making. They receive a monthly report on Group performance and updates on major 
projects, irrespective of a meeting taking place, which allows them to monitor performance regularly. In addition, they hold to 
account the performance of management and individual Directors against agreed objectives and assess and monitor the culture 
of the Company. All Directors of EnQuest have been determined to have sufficient time to meet their responsibilities and this is 
monitored on a regular basis. At the date of this report there are ten Directors, consisting of two Executive Directors and eight 
Non-Executive Directors (including the Chairman).

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6767

Corporate Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate governance statement continued

Company Secretary
The Company Secretary is responsible for advising the Board, through the Chairman, on all Board procedures and governance 
matters. In addition, each Director has access to the advice and services of the Company Secretary. The Company Secretary 
assists with the ongoing training and development of the Board and is instrumental in facilitating the induction of new Directors. The 
appointment and removal of the Company Secretary is a Board matter. The Company Secretary supports the Chairman in the 
provision of accurate and timely information. Board agendas are drawn up by the Company Secretary in conjunction with the 
Chairman and with agreement from the Chief Executive. All Board papers are published via an online Board portal system which 
offers a fast, secure and reliable method of distribution.

Independence
The Chairman was independent on appointment and the Board considers that all the Non-Executive Directors and newly 
appointed Directors continue to remain independent and free from any relationship that could affect, or appear to affect, their 
independent judgement. Information on the skills and experience of the Non-Executive Directors can be found in the Board 
biographies on pages 58 to 59.

6868

Audit Committee report

“ The Committee continued to focus on the integrity of the Group’s 
disclosures in light of climate change and macro-environment 
uncertainty, as well as monitoring the Group’s system of internal 
control, risk management and work of key functions.”

Carl Hughes
Chairman of the Audit Committee

Dear fellow shareholder

I am pleased to present the Audit Committee report for the year 
ended 31 December 2021, covering our activities over the course 
of the year.

The Audit Committee oversees and monitors the Group’s 
financial reporting (including reporting on the financial aspects 
related to climate change), external and internal audit, the 
effectiveness of the risk management framework and system of 
internal controls.

More information on the role and responsibilities of the 
Committee and its terms of reference can be found at www.
enquest.com/investors/corporate-governance.

In addition to the standing agenda items for the year, the 
Committee also considered a variety of other focus areas, 
including: refinancing of the Group’s senior debt facility, 
reviewing the accounting for the Golden Eagle acquisition, 
responding to the BEIS consultation ‘Restoring trust in audit and 
corporate governance’, a review of the internal control 
processes of the marketing and trading function, enhancing 
climate change disclosures in financial reporting and 
monitoring the impacts of COVID-19 on the Group’s 2021 
financial reporting. Members of the Committee carried out site 
visits to the Sullom Voe Terminal and EnQuest’s various 
operational and finance functions in London and Aberdeen. 
These site visits contribute to the Committee’s understanding of 
the risks and opportunities at key locations and provide the 
opportunity for members of the Committee to engage with a 
diverse range of EnQuest staff in each location and to hear 
directly from them.

In February 2021, we welcomed Liv Monica Stubholt to the Board 
and Committee. Liv Monica’s significant oil and gas knowledge 
from an extensive legal career is extremely beneficial to the 
Committee and EnQuest. 

Subsequent to the publication of the EnQuest Annual Report 
and Accounts 2020, EnQuest received a letter request for 
information from the Council for Swedish Financial Reporting 
Supervision (‘the Council’). The Committee considered the letter 
and EnQuest’s detailed response thereto, which enabled the 
Council to close its enquiries.

As discussed within the Corporate governance statement, the 
Committee is pleased to confirm that the actions of the 

Committee were, and continue to be, in compliance with the 
Code and that it is satisfied with the formal and transparent 
policies and procedures in place. Furthermore, the Committee 
ensured that key judgements and estimates made in the 
financial statements, such as the recoverable value of the 
Group’s assets, were carefully assessed.

Carl Hughes
Chairman of the Audit Committee
23 March 2022

Committee composition
As required by the Code published in July 2018, the Committee 
exclusively comprises Non-Executive Directors, biographies of 
whom are set out on pages 58 and 59. The Board is satisfied 
that the Chairman of the Committee, Carl Hughes, previously an 
energy and resources audit partner of Deloitte, and a Fellow of 
the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, 
meets the requirement for recent and relevant financial 
experience. 

Membership of the Committee, appointment dates and 
attendance at the four scheduled meetings held during 2021 is 
provided in the table below:

Member

Carl Hughes 
Howard Paver
Farina Khan
Liv Monica Stubholt1

Date appointed  
Committee member

Attendance at 
meetings during 
the year

1 January 2017
1 May 2019
1 November 2020
15 February 2021

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Note:
1  Liv Monica Stubholt was appointed as a Non-Executive Director on 15 February 2021, 

becoming a member of the Audit Committee 

Meetings are also normally attended by the General Counsel 
and Company Secretary, the Chief Financial Officer, the external 
auditor, the internal audit manager and other key finance team 
members as required. The Chief Executive and the Chairman of 
the Board also attend the meetings when invited to do so by the 
Committee. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (‘PwC’), who support 
the Group’s internal audit manager in certain specialist areas, 
attended the meetings as appropriate. The Chairman of the 
Committee regularly meets with the external audit partner (with 
such meetings including the independent review of the going 
concern and viability assessments) and internal audit (both the 
internal audit manager and the PwC partner) to discuss matters 
relevant to the Group.

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6969

Corporate Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Audit Committee report continued

The Committee continues to monitor its own effectiveness and that of the functions it supports on a regular basis. Through the 
review of the terms of reference of the Committee, regular meetings with the internal and external auditors and key management 
personnel, the Committee has concluded that its core duties in relation to financial reporting, internal controls and risk management 
systems, whistleblowing and fraud, internal audit, external audit and reporting responsibilities are being performed well.

Audit Committee meetings
There were four Committee meetings in 2021. All members attended each meeting. A summary of the main items discussed in each 
meeting is set out in the table below:

March  
2021

May  
2021

August  
2021

December 
2021

Agenda item

Audit Committee self-evaluation assessment of its effectiveness

Audit Committee terms of reference

Discussed significant matters arising from completed internal audits

Internal audit progress against 2021 plan, including findings since last meeting

Independence and objectivity of Internal audit

Internal audit and assurance plan for 2022

Joint venture audit plan for 2021, including summary findings since last meeting

Cyber security update

Considered the annual external audit plan

Approve external (Deloitte) audit fees subject to the audit plan

Review the level of non-audit service fees for Deloitte

Evaluate quality, independence and objectivity of Deloitte

Review the effectiveness of Deloitte as external auditors

Evaluate the viability assessment

Appropriateness of going concern assumption

Review of half-year or full-year regulatory press release and results statements

Corporate governance update

UK audit and governance environment update in context of CMA, BEIS, Kingman and 
Brydon reviews

Briefings on regulatory developments

Key risks, judgements and uncertainties, including the consideration of climate change, 
impacting the half-year or year-end financial statements (reports from both 
management and external auditor)

Bond refinancing strategy

Presentation on the reserves audit and evaluation of the Competent Person’s 
independence and objectivity

Finance strategy and organisation update

Consideration of tax strategy, policy and compliance

Assessed management’s response to significant audit findings, recommendations and 
notable control weaknesses, including potential improvements and agreed actions

Review of process and controls relating to the development of the Group’s internal control 
framework

Fair, balanced and understandable
A key requirement of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts is for the report to be fair, balanced and understandable. In addition, 
the Annual Report should contain: sufficient information to enable the position, performance, strategy and business model of the 
Company to be clearly understood, details of measurable key performance indicators and explanations of how the Company has 
engaged with all of its stakeholders (as set out in the Group’s Section 172 Statement on page 6). The Committee and the Board are 
satisfied that the Annual Report and Accounts meet these requirements, with appropriate weight being given to both positive and 
negative developments in the year.

7070

With regard to these requirements, the Committee has considered the robust process which operates when compiling the Annual 
Report and Accounts, including:
•  Clear guidance and instructions are provided to all contributors;
•  Revisions to regulatory requirements, including the Code, are communicated and monitored;
•  A thorough process of review, evaluation and verification of the content of the Annual Report and Accounts is undertaken to 

ensure accuracy and consistency;

•  External advisers, including the external auditors, provide advice to management and the Audit Committee on best practice with 

regard to the creation of the Annual Report and Accounts; and

•  A meeting of the Committee was held in March 2022 to review and recommend the approval of the draft 2021 Annual Report and 

Accounts in advance of the final sign-off by the Board.

Financial reporting and significant financial statement reporting issues
The primary role of the Committee in relation to financial reporting is to assess, amongst other things:
•  The appropriateness of the accounting policies selected and disclosures made, including whether they comply with International 

Financial Reporting Standards; and

•  Those judgements, estimates and key assumptions that could have a significant impact on the Group’s financial performance 

and position, or on the remuneration of executive and senior management.

These items are considered by the Committee, together with reports from both management and its external auditor, at each 
Committee meeting. The Committee also reviewed and approved the clarification and treatment of certain items within the 
Group’s Alternative Performance Measures (‘APMs’) to improve further the transparency and consistency of reporting. The significant 
accounting and reporting areas considered, including those related to EnQuest’s 2021 Consolidated Financial Statements, are set 
out below:

Significant financial statement reporting issue

Consideration

Acquisition of Golden Eagle
Upon acquisition, EnQuest reviewed the guidance under IFRS 3 
– Business combinations to assess whether or not the assets 
acquired and liabilities assumed met the definition of a 
business.

EnQuest determined that the acquisition of the Golden Eagle 
asset is an asset acquisition and not a business combination by 
applying the optional concentration test in IFRS 3. Under this test, 
if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is 
concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar 
identifiable assets, an entity can conclude that the acquisition is 
not a business combination. Where an asset that does not 
constitute a business is acquired (as in the case of the Golden 
Eagle acquisition), it is required to be accounted for at cost.

Going concern and viability
The Group’s assessments of the going concern assumption and 
viability are based on detailed cash flow and covenant 
forecasts. These are, in turn, underpinned by forecasts and 
assumptions in respect of:
•  Production for the next three years, based on the Group’s 

approved 2022 business plan and forecasts;

•  The oil price assumption, based on a forward curve of $75/bbl 
(2022), $70/bbl (2023), $70/bbl (2024) and $60/bbl thereafter; 
and

•  In the case of the viability statement, refinancing of both the 
High Yield and Retail Bonds in the second quarter of 2023.

The Committee received information to explain the reasoning 
for the asset acquisition basis of accounting, with a focus on the 
allocation of cost across the identifiable assets acquired and 
liabilities assumed, and supported management’s conclusions 
including the final valuation of property, plant and equipment 
recognised on acquisition.

The Committee reviewed and considered the Directors’ 
half-year and full-year statements with respect to the going 
concern basis of accounting. The Board also regularly reviews 
the liquidity projections of the Group. The detailed going 
concern and longer-term viability analysis, including sensitivity 
analysis and stress testing, along with explanations and 
justifications for the key assumptions made, were presented at 
the March 2022 meeting.

This analysis was considered and challenged by the 
Committee, including, but not limited to, the appropriateness of 
the period covered, that planning scenarios and 
macroeconomic assumptions were realistic, stress tests were 
appropriate and mitigations achievable to ensure that the 
Group has sufficient headroom to continue as a going concern. 
The Committee also considered the resilience of the Group to 
the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Committee 
supported the going concern basis of accounting. The 
disclosures in the Annual Report concerning the viability 
statement and going concern assumption (see pages 30 to 31) 
were reviewed and approved at the March 2022 meeting for 
recommendation to the Board.

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Corporate Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Audit Committee report continued

Significant financial statement reporting issue

Consideration

Potential misstatement of oil and gas reserves
The Group has total proved and probable reserves as at 
31 December 2021 of 194 MMboe. The estimation of these 
reserves is essential to:
•  The valuation of the Group;
•  The assessment of going concern and viability;
•  Impairment testing;
•  Decommissioning liability provisions; and
•  The calculation of depreciation.

During the March 2022 meeting, management presented the 
Group’s 2P reserves, together with the report from Gaffney, Cline 
& Associates, the Group’s reserves auditor.

The Committee considered the scope and adequacy of the 
work performed by Gaffney, Cline & Associates and their 
independence and objectivity and concurred that the 
estimation of reserves had been consistently applied to the 
financial statements.

Impairment of tangible and intangible assets
The recoverability of asset carrying values is a significant area of 
judgement. These impairment tests are underpinned by 
assumptions regarding:
•  2P reserves;
•  Oil price assumptions (based on an internal view of forward 
curve prices of $75/bbl (2022), $70/bbl (2023), $70/bbl (2024) 
and $60.0/bbl real thereafter);

•  Life of field production profiles and opex, capex and 

abandonment expenditure; and

•  A post-tax market discount rate derived using the weighted 

average cost of capital methodology.

At the March 2022 meeting, management presented the key 
assumptions made in respect of impairment testing and the 
result thereof to the Committee. The Committee considered 
and challenged these assumptions, including the potential 
impacts of climate change and energy transition, in line with the 
challenges performed as part of the going concern and viability 
review. The Committee considered the impacts of the global 
COVID-19 pandemic on the Group’s full-year 2021 financial 
reporting, including the implications for oil price assumptions. 
Sensitivity analysis and disclosures estimating the effect of price 
reductions were reviewed. Consideration was also given to 
Deloitte’s view of the work performed by management. 

See also note 2 Critical accounting judgements and key sources 
of estimation uncertainty: recoverability of asset carrying values, 
and notes 10, 11 and 12 for more details.

Impairment testing has been performed, resulting in a net 
pre-tax non-cash impairment reversal of $39.7 million.

Contingent consideration
Any contingent consideration included in the consideration 
payable for a business combination or asset acquisition is 
recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition. These fair 
values are generally based on risk-adjusted future cash flows 
discounted using appropriate discount rates.

The Group calculates contingent consideration payable in 
respect of its Magnus and Golden Eagle acquisitions. See note 
22 for further details.

At the March 2022 meeting, the key assumptions and results of 
the fair value calculations, along with an explanation of 
movements in the year, were presented to the Committee. 
Consideration was also given to Deloitte’s view of the work 
performed by management. It was noted that the assumptions 
are consistent with those used in the impairment assessment 
(see above).

The Committee concluded that the assumptions and inputs for 
contingent consideration payable were reasonable and the 
related liabilities recorded were appropriate. 

7272

Significant financial statement reporting issue

Consideration

Climate change in financial reporting
While the Group’s view of evolving climate risks continues to 
develop, the potential financial implications, along with 
appropriate disclosure, are an area of focus for the Committee.

The Committee was informed of and acknowledged global 
trends, including increased disclosure within financial 
statements.

Climate change and the transition to a lower-carbon economy 
may have significant impacts on the currently reported 
amounts of the Group’s assets and liabilities and on similar 
assets and liabilities that may be recognised in the future.

See note 2 Use of judgements, estimates and assumptions: 
Climate change and energy transition.

Appropriateness of the decommissioning provision
The Group’s decommissioning provision of $835.7 million at 
31 December 2021 is based upon a discounted estimate of the 
future costs and timing of decommissioning of the Group’s oil 
and gas assets. Judgement exists in respect of the estimation of 
the costs involved, the discount rate assumed, and the timing of 
decommissioning activities.

See note 2 Critical accounting judgements and key sources of 
estimation uncertainty: provisions.

Taxation
At 31 December 2021, the Group carried deferred tax balances 
comprising $703.0 million of tax assets (primarily related to 
previous years’ tax losses) and $3.4 million of tax liabilities.

The recoverability of the tax losses has been assessed by 
reference to future profit estimates derived from the Group’s 
impairment testing. Ring-fence losses totalling $2,728.1 million 
($1,091.2 million tax-effected) have been recognised. 

The Committee considered financial statement disclosures, 
including TCFD reporting, and how the Group’s climate change 
scenarios are reflected in the Group’s key judgements and 
estimates used in the preparation of the Group’s FY2021 finance 
statements. This included a review of management’s best 
estimate of oil price assumptions for fair value less cost of 
disposal (‘FVLCD’) impairment testing.

The Committee reviewed the approach proposed by 
management to provide additional disclosure in relation to the 
potential financial statement impacts of climate change, 
including testing the Group’s resilience under the International 
Energy Agency’s Sustainable Development scenario and Net 
Zero Emissions by 2050 scenario.

The Committee, recognising the evolving nature of climate 
change risks and responses, concluded that climate change 
has been appropriately considered by management in key 
judgements and estimates and concurred with the disclosures 
proposed by management.

The Committee reviewed the report by management 
summarising the key findings and their impact on the provision. 
Sensitivity analysis and disclosure estimating the effect of a 
change in discount rates was reviewed. Regard was also given 
to the observations made by Deloitte as to the appropriateness 
of the estimates made.

The Committee received a report from the Group’s Head of Tax, 
outlining all uncertain tax positions, and discussed 
management’s assumptions of future profit estimates and 
evaluated the amount of deferred tax assets recognised. It was 
noted that the assumptions are consistent with those used in 
the impairment assessment (see above). The Committee also 
took into account the views of Deloitte as to the appropriateness 
of the Group’s tax balances.

The main drivers of the tax provision are the deferred tax asset 
impairment and the Ring Fence Expenditure Supplement (‘RFES’) 
uplift. The RFES claim in 2021 is the last claim available to the 
Group.

An evaluation of the transparency of the Group’s tax exposures 
was undertaken, reviewing the adequacy and appropriateness 
of tax disclosures presented by management. Regard was also 
given to the observations made by Deloitte as to the 
appropriateness of the disclosures made.

Given the complexity of tax legislation, risk exists in respect of 
some of the Group’s tax positions.

Subsequent to the publication of the Group’s 2020 consolidated 
financial statements, the Group determined there was an 
inconsistency in the calculation of the deferred tax asset 
recognised on the balance sheet associated with Magnus 
contingent consideration and the relevant estimated future 
cash flows used in the calculation of future taxable profits to 
support the recognition of this deferred tax asset and the 
deferred tax asset associated with other available tax losses. 
This has resulted in a restatement of the 2020 financial 
statements. See note 2 Basis of preparation – Restatements.

The Committee appraised and approved the restatement of 
the prior period deferred tax balances. The Committee reviewed 
management’s analysis of the restatement and concurred with 
their recommendations. As part of the review, management has 
implemented a number of improvements in the process of 
transferring cash flows from the Group impairment model to the 
Group tax model in order to assess the amount of deferred tax 
to be recognised.

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7373

Corporate Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Audit Committee report continued

Risk management
The Code requires that the Board monitors the Company’s risk management and, at least annually, carries out and reports on the 
results of a review of their effectiveness. The Board has oversight of risk management within EnQuest for the Company’s emerging 
and principal risks. Page 44 provides more detail on how the Board, and its Safety, Climate and Risk Committee, has discharged its 
responsibility in this regard. The Audit Committee Chairman is also a member of the Safety, Climate and Risk Committee.

Internal control
Responsibility in respect of financial internal control is delegated by the Board to the Committee. The effectiveness of the Group’s 
internal control framework is reviewed continually throughout the year. Key features include:
•  Clear delegations of authority to the Board and its sub-Committees, and to each level of management;
•  Setting of HSEA, operational and financial targets and budgets which are subsequently monitored by management and the 

Board;

•  A comprehensive risk management process with clear definition of risk tolerance and appetite. This includes a review by the 

Safety, Climate and Risk Committee of the effectiveness of management controls and actions which address and mitigate the 
most significant risks;

•  An annual risk-based internal audit programme developed in conjunction with management. Findings are communicated to the 

Audit Committee and follow-up reviews are conducted where necessary; and

•  Further objective feedback provided by the external auditors and other external specialists.

Obtaining assurance on the internal control environment
The Committee received reports from internal audit at each Committee meeting in 2021 and meets privately with the internal audit 
manager from time to time. The Committee continued to review the effectiveness and capabilities of internal audit and monitor its 
independence during the year. The Group will continue to outsource to PwC or other experts specialist areas of the internal audit 
programme, such as cyber-security. The internal audit manager reports functionally to the Chair of the Committee and 
administratively to the commercial and legal director.

In 2021, internal audit established an internal audit charter, which was reviewed and approved by the Committee. The internal audit 
manager maintains an internal quality assurance and improvement programme covering all aspects of internal audit’s activities, 
and evaluates the conformance of these activities with the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors’ Standards.

The Group’s system of internal control, which is embedded in all key operations, provides reasonable rather than absolute 
assurance that the Group’s business objectives will be achieved within the risk tolerance levels defined by the Board. Regular 
management reporting, which provides a balanced assessment of key risks and controls, is an important component of assurance.

In respect of the work performed by internal audit, an internal audit plan is approved by the Committee each year. When setting the 
plan, recommendations from management and internal audit are considered, and take into account the particular risks impacting 
the Group, which are reviewed by the Board and the Safety, Climate and Risk Committee. During 2021, internal audit activities were 
undertaken for various areas, including reviews of:
•  The Group’s cyber-security; 
•  General Data Protection Regulation;
•  Maintenance of critical spares;
•  Compliance with Joint Operating Agreements;
•  Compliance with UK Anti-bribery and corruption regulations;
•  Internal control processes of the Marketing and Trading function;
•  Emissions reporting;
•  Thistle decommissioning readiness; and
•  Internal control processes of the Financial Accounting and Reporting function. 

Detailed results from internal audit were presented to management and a summary of the findings was presented to the 
Committee, together with copies of all internal audit reports. Where potential control enhancements were identified as being 
required, the Committee agreed appropriate actions with management and assessed management’s response to the findings. 

External audit
One of the Committee’s key responsibilities is to monitor the performance, objectivity and independence of the external auditor. 
Each year, the Committee ensures that the scope of the auditor’s work is sufficient and that the auditor is remunerated fairly. The 
annual process for reviewing the performance of the external audit process involves an interview or questionnaire with key 
members of the Group who are involved in the audit process to obtain feedback on the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of the 
audit. Additionally, Committee members take into account their own view of the external auditor’s performance when determining 
whether or not to recommend reappointment. The Committee also held private meetings with the external auditor during the year.

The Committee considered the external audit plan, in particular to gain assurance that it was tailored to reflect changes in 
circumstances from the prior year. The significant audit risks addressed during the course of the 2021 audit were:
•  Impairment of oil and gas assets and goodwill;
•  Contingent consideration;
•  Decommissioning provision;
•  Deferred tax;
•  Revenue recognition – crude oil cut-off; and
•  Management override of controls.

7474

Deloitte regularly updated the Committee on the status of their procedures during the year, including how they had challenged the 
Group’s assumptions. The Committee and Deloitte discussed how risks to audit quality were addressed, key accounting and audit 
judgements, material communications between Deloitte and management and any issues arising from them.

Taking into account management’s review and its own experiences with the external auditor, the Committee concluded that the 
audit team was providing the required quality in relation to the provision of audit services in its second year as auditor and has 
maintained its independence and objectivity. As required under UK auditing standards, Deloitte confirmed their independence to 
the Committee.

The Committee considers the reappointment of the external auditor each year, including consideration of the advisability and 
potential impact of conducting a tender process for the appointment of a different independent public accounting firm. The 
Committee is also responsible for making a recommendation to the Board for it to put to the Company’s shareholders for approval 
at the AGM, to appoint, reappoint or remove the external auditor. At the AGM in May 2021, the shareholders approved a resolution to 
reappoint Deloitte as external auditor. The Company has complied with the Code and FRC Guidance in respect of audit tendering 
and rotation, under which the Company will be required to tender for the audit no later than the 2030 financial year. The Committee 
regularly reviews auditor performance and may elect to carry out the tender earlier than the 2030 financial year if it determined it 
would be in the interests of the Company’s shareholders to do so. 

Use of external auditors for non-audit services
The Committee is responsible for EnQuest’s policy on non-audit services and the approval of non-audit services. The Committee 
and Board believe that the external auditor’s independence and objectivity can potentially be affected by the level of non-audit 
services to EnQuest. However, the Committee acknowledges that certain work of a non-audit nature is best undertaken by the 
external auditor given their working knowledge of the Group. To ensure objectivity and independence, and to reflect best practice in 
this area, the Company’s policy on non-audit services reflects the UK Regulations.

As part of the Committee’s process in respect of the provision of non-audit services, the external auditor provides the Committee 
with information about its policies and processes for maintaining independence and monitoring compliance with current 
regulatory requirements. 

The key features of the non-audit services policy, the full version of which is available on our website (www.enquest.com; under 
Corporate Governance within the Investors section), are as follows:
•  A pre-defined list of prohibited services has been established;
•  A schedule of services where the Group may engage the external auditor has been established and agreed by the Committee;
•  Any non-audit project work which could impair the objectivity or independence of the external auditor may not be awarded to 

the external auditor; and

•  Fees for permissible non-audit services provided by the external auditor are to be capped at no more than 70% of the average 

Group audit fee for the preceding three years. Following a change in external auditor, the 70% cap does not apply for the first two 
years.

The Committee continues to review non-audit services and, in light of the revised FRC Ethical Standards, reviews the scope of work 
to ensure its close link to audit services. 

The Committee regularly reviews reports from management on the audit and non-audit services reported in accordance with the 
policy or for which specific prior approval from the Committee is being sought.

Delegated authority by the Committee for the approval of non-audit services by the external auditor is as follows:

Authoriser

Chief Financial Officer
Chairman of the Audit Committee
Audit Committee

Value of services per 
non-audit project

Up to £50,000
Up to £100,000
Above £100,000

In each case where the audit or non-audit service contract does not exceed the relevant threshold, the matter is approved by 
management by delegated authority from the Committee and is subsequently presented for approval by the Committee at the 
next meeting.

The scope of the non-audit services contracted with the external auditor in 2021 consisted mainly of the interim review and audit-
related assurance services associated with the Golden Eagle acquisition.

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7575

Corporate Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Remuneration Report

“ The Committee’s focus remains ensuring reward for Executive 
Directors, the Executive Committee and senior managers 
incentivises the delivery of EnQuest’s strategy and performance 
goals.”

Howard Paver
Chair of the Remuneration and  
Social Responsibility Committee

Dear fellow shareholder

On behalf of the Board and my fellow members of the 
Remuneration and Social Responsibility Committee, I am 
pleased to present EnQuest’s Directors’ Remuneration Report 
(‘DRR’) for the financial year ended 31 December 2021.

Overview
Following the development of a new three-year Remuneration 
Policy (the ‘Policy’) in 2020, which was put to shareholder vote at 
the 2021 Annual General Meeting with 95.35% of votes cast in 
favour, Committee focus in 2021 has included matters of social 
responsibility, which we incorporated into the Committee terms 
of reference in December 2020, and a review of the distribution 
of PSP in the broader workforce. This was in addition to ongoing 
assessment of the appropriateness of the Group’s total 
compensation package available for Executive Directors to 
ensure it remains aligned with our agreed remuneration 
principles, and compliance with the UK Corporate Governance 
Code (the ‘Code’). The Policy is summarised on page 79; no 
amendments or revisions have been made to the Policy during 
2021.

We continue to undertake benchmarking analysis of all key 
reward components for Executive Directors and Executive 
Committee members ahead of the annual pay review. This 
benchmarking exercise, which was thoroughly debated in the 
boardroom and independently validated by our remuneration 
advisers, Mercer Kepler, satisfied the Committee that the shape 
and level of our remuneration practices are appropriately 
positioned against those of comparator companies of similar 
size and scope.

The Committee believes that the current remuneration structure 
is clear, simple and appropriately aligned with the Group’s 
strategy, risk appetite and culture, and that incentives are 
appropriately capped.

In line with the 2019 and 2020 reports, the chosen calculation for 
the 2021 CEO pay ratio was in line with single figure methodology, 
also known as ‘Option A’, resulting in a CEO pay ratio of 13:1.

Within the Strategic report, the Group has set out its intent to 
contribute positively towards the objective under the UK’s 
current legislation to achieve ‘net-zero’ emissions by 2050.
Emissions reduction targets have been included in the three-
year PSP performance conditions. 

76

The DRR has three sections:
1.  This annual summary statement;
2.  A summary of the Policy which is presented for information; 

and

3.  The Annual Report on Remuneration of the Executive 

Directors and Non-Executive Directors for 2021, which will be 
subject to an advisory shareholder vote at the 2022 AGM.

Shareholder consultation
Our programme of open and transparent shareholder dialogue 
continued to provide a valuable contribution to the Committee’s 
work in developing revisions to our Policy. We are aware of 
current institutional shareholder guidelines on executive 
remuneration, and have now aligned Executive Director pension 
contributions with those of the wider workforce and included 
greater transparency around the circumstances which will be 
subject to malus or clawback. We have further sought to 
simplify performance measures for both the annual bonus and 
PSP and to include environmental, social and governance 
measures in both.

Performance and remuneration outcomes for 2021
While production performance was disappointing, the Group 
delivered well across all other measures included in the CPC, 
with all results above target and some exceeding the stretch 
targets set. Delivery of the Golden Eagle acquisition was the 
principal driver in the strong performance against the liquidity 
management and reserves replacement measures. This was a 
very positive acquisition for the business that will, we believe, 
deliver significant shareholder value in the future. The culture, 
Values and ESG objective achieved just over the target level, with 
the creation and communication of a Group-wide Diversity and 
Inclusion Strategy that includes gender and ethnicity targets in 
leadership, stable employee engagement, and an outstanding 
emissions reduction performance all contributing. The asset 
integrity and safety plan was independently assessed as having 
achieved its stretch target, and confirmed at the Safety, Climate 
and Risk Committee meeting in January 2022. Finally, 
expenditure measures that included operating, capital and 
abandonment expenditure achieved just over the target level 
as a result of strong financial discipline across the business. 

2021 annual bonus – payable in 2022
The Executive Directors’ annual bonus awards are based on a 
combination of financial and operational results and the 
achievement of key accountability objectives. The bonus 
attainment for Amjad Bseisu (CEO) and Jonathan Swinney (CFO) 
was based solely on achievement against the CPC. The 2021 
target and maximum bonus potential for Executive Directors 
was 75% and 125% of salary, respectively. 2021 bonus awards 
equal to 81.80% of base salary (65.44% of maximum) have been 
made for both Amjad Bseisu and Jonathan Swinney. The 
Committee believes that these levels of award, which were 
generated directly from the CPC outcome, are appropriate and 
representative of the performance of senior management 
when balanced against the shareholder and employee 
experience, and that further discretionary adjustment was not 
required. Full details of how these awards were determined is 
included on pages 84 to 86 of this report.

Performance Share Plan
The 2019 PSP award made to Executive Directors will vest on 
24 April 2022. The three-year performance period ended on 
31 December 2021 and the award will vest at 43.89% of the 
original award. The Committee agreed it was appropriate that 
the performance calculation included production and reserves 
growth arising out of the non-equity funded element of the 2018 
acquisition of the additional 75.0% interest in Magnus. No benefit 
was included in relation to the portion of the acquisition funded 
from the net rights issue proceeds. A further adjustment was 
made to both targets and outturn in relation to assets 
decommissioned following the strategic decision taken in the 
second quarter of 2020 to close production early at the Heather 
and Thistle assets. This action will result in additional cash flow 
and value to shareholders in the longer term. The impact of the 
Golden Eagle acquisition, which completed in October 2021, was 
excluded from both targets and outturn for the purposes of PSP 
performance on the grounds that completion was achieved in 
month 34 of a 36-month performance period. Taking the above 
adjustments into account, the production growth and reserves 
growth targets (30% and 10% weighting, respectively) did not 
achieve threshold. Total Shareholder Return (‘TSR’) vested at 
13.89% out of a possible 30.0%, while the net debt target, with a 
weighting of 30.0%, was achieved in full. Full details of actual 
performance against the four performance conditions of TSR, 
production growth, reserves growth and net debt targets are on 
pages 86 and 87 of this report.

A PSP award calculated at 250% of salary for both Amjad Bseisu 
and Jonathan Swinney was made on 10 September 2020, based 
on a 12-month average share price. Awards are typically based 
on the three-day average share price ahead of the award date. 
The impact of this adjustment to share price was an effective 
reduction in award value of c.27%, and was applied to ensure 
that Executive Directors did not benefit from ‘windfall gains’ as a 
result of the share price impact of oil price volatility and 
COVID-19 experienced in 2020. Performance of this award will be 
measured on the basis of relative TSR over the three-year 
performance period until 31 December 2022, with the award 
vesting in September 2023.

For 2021, reflecting feedback received from shareholders and a 
stronger focus on environmental considerations, the proportion 
of award measured against relative TSR was reduced to 80% of 
the award, with the remaining 20% measured against the 
achievement of an emissions reduction target. The Committee 
approved an award of 250% of salary for both Amjad Bseisu and 
Jonathan Swinney.

Executive Director shareholding
Executive Directors are expected to build up and hold a 
shareholding of 200% of salary. Both Amjad Bseisu and 
Jonathan Swinney comfortably meet this requirement.

Change in personnel
Following year end, it was announced that Jonathan Swinney 
had tendered his resignation and would be leaving EnQuest 
after thirteen years. Jonathan will continue to work with the 
Group for a period to ensure an orderly handover to his 
successor.  

Executive Director remuneration in 2022
2022 base salaries
For 2022, the Committee has increased the Chief Executive 
Officer’s salary by 3%, in line with the UK workforce. The salary of 
the Chief Financial Officer is unchanged for the current 
incumbent. Remuneration for the incoming Chief Financial 
Officer will be agreed in due course and disclosed in the 2022 
DRR.

2022 annual bonus
For 2022, annual bonus for the Chief Executive Officer will be 
based 100% on the 2022 CPC outcome, with a target level of 75% 
of salary and a maximum of 125% of salary.

2022 PSP awards
The Committee has decided to make an award of PSP to Amjad 
Bseisu at 250% of salary, no award will be made to Jonathan 
Swinney. The 2022 award will be made in April 2022 and will be 
subject to two performance targets, relative TSR and emissions 
reduction.

We continue to appreciate the benefits of transparency and 
proactive interaction with major shareholders. We welcome 
your input and are always prepared to listen and take on board 
suggestions that help EnQuest to continue to develop and 
improve. The Committee and I wish to thank all our shareholders 
for their ongoing support over the years. I hope you will all 
support and vote for this DRR at the forthcoming AGM.

Howard Paver
Chair of the Remuneration and Social Responsibility Committee
23 March 2022

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7777

Corporate Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

Governance
General governance
The Directors’ Remuneration Report has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and 
Schedule 8 of the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 as amended in 
August 2013. It also describes the Group’s compliance with the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code (the ‘Code’) in relation to 
remuneration. The Committee has taken account of the new requirements for the disclosure of Directors’ remuneration and 
guidelines issued by major shareholder bodies when setting the remuneration strategy for the Group.

Remuneration policy
The following sections of this report set out a summary of our Directors’ Remuneration policy (the ‘Policy’), which was approved by 
shareholders at the 2021 Annual General Meeting (‘AGM’) in accordance with section 439A of the Companies Act 2006.

Remuneration principles
In determining the Policy approved at the 2021 AGM and summarised below, the Group reviewed its overall remuneration principles 
to ensure that it continues to be aligned with the Group’s strategy and stakeholder interests. EnQuest’s strategic objective is to be the 
operator of choice for maturing and underdeveloped hydrocarbon assets, focused on enhancing hydrocarbon recovery and 
extending the useful lives of these assets in a profitable and responsible manner, while exploring the opportunities presented by the 
energy transition.

EnQuest’s remuneration principles remain clear and simple: to ensure that the Group operates with the appropriate culture, 
strengthening the link between reward and performance and emphasising the importance of its Purpose and Values.
In summary, the principles underpinning the Policy are that remuneration for Executive Directors should:
•  Support alignment of executives with stakeholders;
•  Be fair, reflective of best practice, and market competitive;
•  Comprise of fixed pay set around the median and variable pay capable of delivering remuneration at upper quartile; and
•  Reward performance with a balance of short-term and long-term elements, with the emphasis on longer-term reward.

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

Alignment to culture

Remuneration for 
Executive Directors is 
comprised of distinct 
elements:

•  salary;

•  pension and other 

benefits aligned 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.

Salaries are reviewed 
annually and consider 
a variety of factors, 
including external 
benchmarking and 
salary increases 
across the wider 
workforce.

Variable pay elements 
are linked directly 
to Group performance.

Target ranges and 
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 
Group.

The Committee 
has ensured that 
appropriate 
safeguards are 
incorporated into the 
2021 Policy.

The annual bonus is 
directly aligned to 
Group objectives, and 
the Committee retains 
discretion to adjust 
outcomes that are 
considered 
disproportionate to the 
experience of other 
stakeholders.

The Group’s business 
performance metrics 
and remuneration 
structure is aligned to 
its culture and Values, 
with specific 
non-financial 
measures included in 
performance metrics. 

The Committee keeps 
all performance 
metrics under review 
and retains the 
flexibility to introduce 
further culture and 
Values measures into 
its annual bonus plan.

Ensure a strong link 
between pay and 
performance and that 
our remuneration 
structure is designed 
to be appropriately 
logical and 
transparent.

The Group engages 
in shareholder 
consultation when 
considering material 
changes to Policy or 
process.

The Group believes its 
remuneration 
arrangements, and 
the principles 
underpinning them, 
are clear and well 
understood by its 
stakeholders.

Executive Directors
General approach
The remuneration of the Executive Directors comprises base salary, participation in an annual bonus plan (paid partly in cash and 
partly in deferred shares), a long-term incentive plan (referred to as the Performance Share Plan (‘PSP’)), private medical insurance, 
life assurance, personal accident insurance, and a modest cash allowance in lieu of pension.

When setting remuneration for the Executive Directors, the Committee takes into account the performance and experience of the 
Director, as well as the Group performance, employment conditions for other employees in the Group, and the external 
marketplace. Comparative data for our sector is obtained from a variety of independent sources.

78

The following table summarises EnQuest’s remuneration policy which became binding on 12 May 2021 with 95.35% of votes cast in 
favour. The full policy can be viewed in the 2020 Annual Report which can be found on the Group’s website, www.enquest.com:

Component

Operation/key features

Maximum potential opportunity Applicable performance measures

Salary and fees

•  Set at or below median when compared to a 

•  Increases in excess of the 

None.

comparator group and reviewed by the 
Committee annually.

general workforce by 
exception only.

Pension and other 
benefits

•  Pension delivered as cash in lieu, with remaining 

•  Maximum pension 

None.

benefits provided by the Group.

•  Participation in Sharesave permitted.

•  Additional benefits offered when required, in line 

with local practice.

•  Reasonable business-related expenses 

permitted.

•  Benefits reviewed periodically.

allowance is lesser of 10% 
of salary or £50,0001.
•  Private medical and 
personal accident 
insurance.

•  Life assurance.

Annual bonus

•  Bonus in excess of 100% of salary deferred into 

•  Target award: 75% of 

•  Scorecard including key performance 

EnQuest shares for two years, otherwise paid in 
cash.

salary.

•  Maximum award: 125% of 

•  Committee discretion to allow dividend 

salary.

equivalent on deferrals.

•  Cash and share elements both subject to malus 

and clawback for up to three years post payment.

objectives set annually by the Committee 
and measured against threshold, target 
and stretch levels with bonuses accruing 
on a sliding scale from 0% at threshold.

Performance 
Share Plan (‘PSP’)

•  Awarded annually.

•  Three-year vesting dependent on achievement of 

•  Normal maximum: 250% 

•  A blend of measures including, but not 

of salary.

limited to, relative TSR and ESG measures.

performance conditions.

•  Exceptional maximum: 

•  Maximum of 25% vesting at threshold.

•  Further two-year holding period.

•  Awards can be conditional, nil cost options or joint 

interests in shares.

•  Dividend equivalent on unvested awards 

permitted in shares.

•  Subject to malus and clawback.

350% of salary.

•  Performance conditions detailed in the 

Annual Report on Remuneration.

•  The number, type and weighting of 

measures may vary in the future in line with 
business priorities.

•  Shareholder consultation will normally take 
place before material changes are made.

Shareholding 
requirements

•  Executive Director shareholding of at least 200% of 
salary, with a requirement this level is achieved 
within five years from appointment.

n/a

None.

•  Shareholding to be retained at the lower of actual 

shareholding or 200% of salary for two years 
post-employment, including both vested and 
unvested.

Chairman and 
Non-Executive 
Director fees

•  Reviewed annually considering comparator 

group fee levels, time commitment and 
employee salary increases.

•  Non-Executive Directors receive base fees with 

additional fees paid to Committee Chairs and the 
Senior Independent Director.

•  Additional fees can be paid if there is a material 

increase in commitment.

•  Reasonable business-related expenses are 

permitted.

•  Not eligible for Group benefits or incentive 

schemes.

•  Chairman receives an all-inclusive fee set by the 

Senior Independent Director.

•  Reviewed periodically 
and limited by the 
Company’s Articles of 
Association.

None.

Note:
1. Pension allowance for Amjad Bseisu was 104% of salary in 2021 and will be 10.1% of salary in 2022 and will continue to reduce as a percentage with normal salary increments

Changes to policy
No changes have been made to the policy since its adoption at the 2021 AGM.

Performance measures and targets
Annual bonus
The key performance indicators in the Group scorecard that also determine a significant proportion of the annual bonus of 
Executive Directors include, but are not limited to, the following categories:
•  Environment, Social and Governance (’ESG’);
•  Financial (including opex, capex and net debt);
•  Operational performance/production;
•  Growth; and
•  Financial management.

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The measures in each category are selected by the Committee to support the creation of shareholder value. These criteria are also 
aligned with the longer-term strategy of the Group and the performance conditions of the Group’s PSP. In addition to measuring 
performance against objectives, the Committee will consider the overall quality of the Group’s financial performance and other 
factors, particularly HSEA, when determining annual performance pay awards.

Bonus objectives for both Amjad Bseisu and Jonathan Swinney are normally based solely on the Company Performance Contract 
(‘CPC’) of EnQuest, but can include personal business objectives up to a maximum of 25%

Annual bonus and share deferrals
Executive Directors will normally receive any applicable annual bonus in cash or deferred shares. In particular, any amount above 
100% of salary is delivered in EnQuest shares deferred for two years. These vest subject to continued employment. In exceptional 
circumstances, bonuses may be paid entirely in cash.

Performance Share Plan
The PSP is typically awarded annually and has a minimum vesting period of three years. Awards granted from 2019 onwards are 
subject to an additional two-year holding period which, unless the Committee determines otherwise, will apply up to the fifth 
anniversary of the date of grant. The performance conditions attached to the awards granted in 2021 are relative TSR measured 
against a comparator group of oil and gas companies and absolute emissions reductions over a three-year period.

Approach to recruitment remuneration
In the event that the Company appoints a new Executive Director, either internally or externally, when determining appropriate 
remuneration arrangements, the Committee will take into consideration a number of factors including, but not limited to: quantum 
relating to prior arrangements; the remuneration of other Executive Directors in the Company; appropriate benchmarks in the 
industry; and the financial condition of the Group. On the appointment of a new Chair or Non-Executive Director, the fees will be set 
taking into account the experience and calibre of the individual. This ensures that the arrangements are in the best interests of both 
the Company and its shareholders without paying more than is necessary to recruit an executive of the required calibre.

Salaries for new hires (including internal promotions) will be set to reflect their skills and experience, the Group’s intended pay 
positioning and the market rate for the role. If it is considered appropriate to appoint a new Director on a below-market salary 
initially (for example, to allow them to gain experience in the role), their salary may be increased to a median market level over a 
period by way of increases above the general rate of wage growth in the Group and inflation.

The remuneration package for a new Executive Director would be set in accordance with the terms of the Group’s approved Policy 
at the time. Different performance objectives may be set for the year of joining the Board for the annual bonus and PSP, taking into 
account the individual’s role and responsibilities and the point in the year the executive joined.

Benefits and pensions for new appointees to the Board will be provided in line with those offered to other executives and employees 
taking into account corporate governance requirements and local market practice, with relocation expenses/arrangements 
provided for, if necessary. Tax equalisation may also be considered if an executive is adversely affected by taxation due to their 
employment with EnQuest. Legal fees and other relevant costs and expenses incurred by the individual may also be paid by the 
Group.

In the case of an internal promotion, any outstanding variable pay awarded in relation to the previous role will be allowed to 
continue according to its terms of grant.

The Committee may make additional awards on appointing an Executive Director to ‘buy-out’ remuneration arrangements 
forfeited on leaving a previous employer. Any such payments would be based solely on remuneration lost when leaving the former 
employer and would reflect (as far as practicable) the delivery mechanism, time horizons and performance requirement attached 
to that remuneration. The Group’s existing incentive arrangements, including the 2020 Restricted Share Plan (‘RSP’), will be used to 
the extent possible for any buyout (subject to the relevant plan limits), although awards may also be granted outside of these 
schemes, if necessary, and as permitted under the Listing Rules.

Service contracts
Amjad Bseisu and Jonathan Swinney entered into service agreements with the Company which are terminable by either party 
giving not less than 12 months’ written notice. The Company may terminate their employment without giving notice by making a 
payment equal to the aggregate of the Executive Director’s basic salary and the value of any contractual benefits for the notice 
period including any accrued but untaken holiday. Such payments may be paid monthly and would be subject to mitigation.

Executive Directors

Amjad Bseisu
Jonathan Swinney

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Date of appointment

Notice period

22 February 2010
29 March 2010

12 months
12 months

The Chairman and Non-Executive Directors have letters of appointment, the details of which are provided below.

Non-Executive Directors’ letters of appointment

Date of appointment

Notice period

Martin Houston
Carl Hughes
Philip Holland
John Winterman
Howard Paver
Farina Khan
Liv Monica Stubholt
Rani Koya

1 October 2019
1 January 2017
1 August 2015
7 September 2017
1 May 2019
1 November 2020
15 February 2021
1 January 2022

3 months
3 months
3 months
3 months
3 months
3 months
3 months
3 months

Initial term of 
appointment

3 years
3 years
3 years
3 years
3 years
3 years
3 years
3 years

External directorships
EnQuest recognises that its Executive Directors may be invited to become non-executive directors of companies outside the 
Company and exposure to such non-executive duties can broaden experience and knowledge, which would be of benefit to 
EnQuest. Any external appointments are subject to Board approval (which would not be given if the proposed appointment required 
a significant time commitment; was with a competing company; would lead to a material conflict of interest; or could otherwise 
have a detrimental effect on a Director’s performance). Executive Directors will be permitted to retain any fees arising from such 
appointments, details of which will be provided in the respective companies’ Annual Report on Remuneration.

Policy on payment for loss of office
The Company’s policy is for all Executive Directors to have contracts of service which can be terminated by either the Director 
concerned or the Company on giving 12 months’ notice of termination. In the event of termination by the Company (other than as a 
result of a change of control), the Executive Directors would be entitled to compensation for loss of basic salary and cash benefit 
allowance and insured benefits for the notice period up to a maximum period of 12 months. Such payments may be made monthly 
and would be subject to mitigation. The Company may also enable the provision of outplacement services to a departing Executive 
Director, where appropriate.

When Executive Directors leave the Company with good leaver status, and they have an entitlement to unvested shares granted 
under the Deferred Bonus Share Plan (‘DBSP’) and PSP, any performance conditions associated with each award outstanding would 
remain in place and be tested as normal at the end of the original performance period. Shares would also normally then vest on 
their original vesting date in the proportion to the satisfied performance conditions and are normally pro-rated for time. Awards 
held by Executive Directors who are not good leavers would lapse.

An annual bonus would not typically be paid to Executive Directors when leaving the Company. However, in good leaver 
circumstances, the Committee has the discretion to pay a pro-rated bonus in cash, in consideration for performance targets 
achieved in the year. Deferred bonus shares held by good leavers will normally vest at the normal vesting date.

Similar provisions related to the treatment of incentive awards would apply on a change of control, with performance conditions 
normally tested at the date of the change of control and with pro-rating for time, although the Remuneration and Social 
Responsibility Committee has discretion to waive pro-rating (but not the performance conditions) where it feels this is in the best 
interests of shareholders.

The Non-Executive Directors do not have service contracts but their terms are set out in a letter of appointment. Their terms of 
appointment may be terminated by either party giving three months’ notice in writing. During the notice period, Non-Executive 
Directors will continue to receive their normal fee.

Remuneration and Social Responsibility Committee discretion and determinations
The Committee will operate the annual bonus scheme, DBSP, PSP, RSP and Sharesave Scheme according to their respective rules 
and in accordance with the Listing Rules and HMRC requirements, where relevant. The Committee, consistent with market practice, 
retains discretion over a number of areas relating to the operation and administration of these arrangements. These include, but 
are not limited to, the following:
•  Who participates in the plans;
•  The timing of grant of award and/or payment;
•  The size of an award and/or payment;
•  Discretion relating to the adjudication of performance against targets in the event of a change of control or reconstruction;
•  Applying ‘good leaver’ status in circumstances such as death, ill health and other categories as the Committee determines 

appropriate and in accordance with the rules of the relevant plan;

•  Discretion to disapply time pro-rating in the event of a change of control or good leaver circumstances;
•  Discretion to settle any outstanding share awards in cash in exceptional circumstances;
•  Adjustments or variations required in certain circumstances (e.g. rights issues, corporate restructuring, change of control, special 

dividends and other major corporate events); and

•  The ability to adjust existing performance conditions and performance targets for exceptional events so that they can still fulfil 

their original purpose.

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If an event occurs which results in any applicable performance conditions and/or targets being deemed no longer appropriate (e.g. 
a material acquisition or divestment), the Committee will have the ability to adjust appropriately the measures and/or targets and 
alter weightings, provided that the revised conditions or targets are not materially less difficult to satisfy.

If tax liabilities arise from an error or omission by the Group that is outside of the control of the Executive Directors, the Committee will 
have the ability to reimburse any such tax liabilities.

Legacy awards
For the avoidance of doubt, authority is given to the Committee to honour any commitments entered into with current or former 
Directors (such as the payment of a pension or the unwind of legacy share schemes) that have been disclosed to shareholders in 
this or any previous DRRs or subsequently agreed in line with the approved Policy in force at that time. Details of any payments to 
former Directors will be set out in the Annual Report on Remuneration as they arise.

Remuneration outcomes in different performance scenarios
The charts below set out an illustration of the remuneration arrangements for 2022 in line with the Policy. These charts provide an 
illustration of the proportion of total remuneration made up of each component of the Policy and the value of each component.

In accordance with the remuneration reporting requirements, four 2022 scenarios are illustrated for each Executive Director:

Below threshold performance

Target performance

Maximum performance

Maximum performance plus 50% share appreciation

•  Fixed remuneration
•  Zero annual bonus
•  No vesting under the PSP

•  Fixed remuneration
•  75% of annual base salary as annual bonus
•  25% of maximum vesting under the PSP at threshold performance

•  Fixed remuneration
•  125% of annual base salary as annual bonus
•  Full vesting under the PSP

•  Fixed remuneration
•  Maximum payout under the annual bonus
•  Full vesting under the PSP plus assumed 50% share price appreciation at 

vesting

’

)
s
0
0
0
£
(
n
o
i
t
a
r
e
n
u
m
e
R

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

£1,223

25%

30%

45%

£545

100%

£3,012

61%

21%

18%

£2,395

51%

26%

23%

£373

100%

£838

25%

30%

45%

£1,624

51%

26%

23%

Minimum

Target

Maximum 

Maximum + 
50% share
appreciation 

Minimum

Target

Maximum 

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Financial Officer 

£2,065

61%

21%

18%

Maximum + 
50% share
appreciation 

Long-term incentives
Annual bonus
Fixed pay

Note:
For the Chief Executive Officer, fixed pay comprises salary from 1 January 2022, a pension allowance of £50,000 plus medical insurance benefit of £1,217.
For the Chief Financial Officer, the chart shown reflects the fixed pay and incentive opportunities currently provided to Jonathan Swinney.  As noted on page 77, Jonathan will 
be leaving EnQuest during the year and accordingy will not be eligible for annual bonus or PSP during 2022.

82

 
Statement of consideration of employment conditions elsewhere in the Group
The remuneration arrangements for the Executive Directors are consistent with the remuneration principles that have been 
established and are similar to those of the other employees of EnQuest.

The key differences are as follows:
•  Executive Directors and members of the Executive Committee have their fixed pay set below or at market median for the industry; 
other employees typically have their salaries positioned at market median. Specific groups of key technical employees may have 
their salaries set above median for the industry;

•  All employees are offered a non-contributory pension scheme. Executive Directors are given cash in lieu of pension.  

Non-Executive Directors do not participate in pension or benefits arrangements;

•  Non-Executive Directors do not participate in the annual bonus scheme;
•  If applicable, Executive Directors have an element of the annual bonus automatically converted to shares and deferred; and
•  All other employees may be invited to participate in the DBSP where they can elect to defer a defined proportion of their annual 
bonus and receive a matching amount of shares that vest over the following three years. Executive Directors are not eligible to 
receive matching share awards under this plan.

During the annual remuneration review, the Committee receives a report which details the remuneration arrangements of other 
executives and senior management as well as the overall spend versus budget for all employees. This report helps to act as a guide 
to the Committee as to the levels of reward being achieved across the organisation so that they can ensure the Directors’ pay does 
not fall out of line with the general trends.

Employees have not previously been directly consulted about the setting of Directors’ pay, although the Committee will take into 
consideration any developments in regulations in operating this policy.

Statement of shareholder views
The Remuneration and Social Responsibility Committee welcomes and values the opinions of EnQuest’s shareholders with regard 
to the structure and levels of remuneration for Directors. The 2020 DRR was voted on at the AGM held in May 2021, where 97.72% of the 
votes cast were in favour. The Policy, where 95.35% of votes cast at the AGM held in May 2021 were in favour, incorporated shareholder 
feedback following consultation.

Annual Report on Remuneration for 2021
Terms of reference
The Committee’s terms of reference are available either on the Group website, www.enquest.com, or by written request from the 
Company Secretariat team at the Group’s London headquarters. The remit of the Committee embraces the remuneration strategy 
and policy for the Executive Directors, the Executive Committee, senior management and, in certain matters, for the whole Group.

Meetings in 2021
The Committee has four scheduled meetings per year. During 2021, it met on four occasions as scheduled to review and discuss 
base salary adjustments for 2022, the setting of Group performance conditions and related annual bonus for 2021, PSP performance 
conditions, UK Corporate Governance Code provisions and the approval of share awards.

Committee members, attendees and advisers

Member

Howard Paver
Martin Houston
Farina Khan

Date appointed 
Committee member

Attendance at scheduled 
meetings during the year

1 May 2019
15 October 2019
1 November 2020

4
4
4

Advisers to the Remuneration and Social Responsibility Committee
The Committee invites individuals to attend meetings to provide advice so as to ensure that the Committee’s decisions are 
informed and take account of pay and conditions in the Group as a whole. These individuals, who are not members but may attend 
by invitation, include, but are not limited to:
•  The Chief Executive (Amjad Bseisu);
•  The Chief Financial Officer (Jonathan Swinney);
•  The Company Secretary (Stefan Ricketts);
•  A representative from the Group’s Human Resources department; and
•  A representative from Mercer Kepler, appointed as remuneration adviser by the Committee from 1 August 2017.

No Director takes part in any decision directly affecting their own remuneration.

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Information subject to audit
Directors’ remuneration: the ‘single figure’
In this section of the report we have set out the payments made to the Executive and Non-Executive Directors of EnQuest for the year 
ended 31 December 2021, together with comparative figures for 2020.

Single total figure of remuneration – Executive Directors

‘Single figure’ of remuneration – £’000s1

Director

Amjad Bseisu

Jonathan Swinney

Total

Year

2021
2020
2021
2020

2021
2020

Salary 
and fees2

All taxable 
benefits

Pension3

Total fixed 
pay

Annual 
bonus4

LTIP5 Total variable

Total fixed 
and variable

479
455
338
321

817
777

1
1
1
1

3
3

50
50
34
43

84
93

530
507
373
365

904
872

392
359
277
254

669
613

496
379
348
247

844
626

888
738
624
500

1,512
1,239

1,418
1,244
998
865

2,416
2,110

Notes:
1  Rounding may apply
2 Salary and fees reflect voluntary 20% salary reduction applied in April, May and June 2020
3 Cash in lieu of pension
4 The annual bonus for 2020 for Amjad Bseisu and Jonathan Swinney was based on base salary levels and payment was made in respect of the full financial year. The 
amount stated is the full amount (including any portion deferred). Any Executive Director bonus for Amjad Bseisu and Jonathan Swinney that is above 100% of their 
respective salary is paid in EnQuest PLC shares, deferred for two years, and subject to continued employment

5 PSP awarded on 24 April 2019 which will vest on 24 April 2022: the LTIP value shown in the 2021 single figure is calculated by taking the number of performance shares that 
will vest (43.89%) multiplied by the average value of the EnQuest share price between 1 October 2021 and 31 December 2021, as the share price on 24 April 2022 is not known 
at the time of this report. This number of shares has been adjusted in line with the open offer dated 26 July 2021, further details of which are included on page 88

  PSP awarded on 24 April 2018 which vested on 24 April 2021: the LTIP value shown in the 2020 single figure is calculated by taking the number of performance shares that 

vested (63.94%) multiplied by the actual share price of 16.52 pence on the next business day following the vesting date of 24 April 2021, as the vesting date was a weekend in 
the UK. The 2020 value of the vested shares in the remuneration table has been updated from last year’s value to represent the actual value received on the date of vesting

Single total figure of remuneration – Non-Executive Directors
The remuneration of the Non-Executive Directors for the year ended 31 December 2021 was as follows, together with comparative 
figures for 2020:

Director

Martin Houston
Howard Paver2
Laurie Fitch3
Carl Hughes
Philip Holland
John Winterman
Farina Khan4
Liv Monica Stubholt5
Helmut Langanger6

Total

‘Single figure’ of remuneration – £’000s

Salary  
and fees 
20211

Salary  
and fees 
20201

All taxable 
benefits 
2021

All taxable 
benefits 
2020

Total for 
2021

Total for 
2020

200
80
–
70
70
70
60
45
–

595

190
70
61
67
67
67
10
–
18

548

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

200
80
–
70
70
70
60
45
–

595

190
70
61
67
67
67
10
–
18

548

Notes:
1  Salary and fees paid in April, May and June 2020 were subject to a voluntary 20% reduction
2 Howard Paver was appointed as Senior Independent Director on 31 March 2020 and Chair of the Remuneration and Social Responsibility Committee on 21 May 2020. His fees 

were pro-rated

3 Laurie Fitch stepped down from the role of Chair of the Remuneration and Social Responsibility Committee on 21 May 2020. Her fees were pro-rated
4 Farina Khan was appointed to the Board and became a member of the Audit Committee and Safety, Climate and Risk Committee on 1 November 2020. Her fees for 2020 

were pro-rated.  Farina became a member of the Remuneration and Social Responsibility Committee in February 2021.

5 Liv Monica Stubholt was appointed to the Board on 15 February 2021. Her fees were pro-rated
6 Helmut Langanger retired from the Board on 31 March 2020. His fees were pro-rated

Annual bonus 2021 – paid in 2022
The Committee’s belief is that any short-term annual bonus should be tied to the overall performance of the Group. An Executive 
Director’s annual bonus may also be tied to additional objectives that cover their own specific area of key accountabilities and 
responsibilities. The maximum bonus entitlement for the year ended 31 December 2021 as a percentage of base salary was 125% for 
Amjad Bseisu and Jonathan Swinney.

For both Amjad Bseisu and Jonathan Swinney, the annual bonus for 2021 was wholly based on the CPC results.

Company Performance Contract
The details of the CPC for both Amjad Bseisu and Jonathan Swinney are set out in the following tables, showing the performance 
conditions and respective weightings against which the bonus outcome was assessed. 

84

Performance measure

Production2 
(Kboed)

Weighting

20.00%

Threshold: 49.3
Maximum: 53.7

Maximum bonus % 
available

Amjad Bseisu and 
Jonathan Swinney

25.00%

Performance targets and payout1

Expenditure2
Cash opex/capex/abex ($ million)

20.00%

10.00%

10.00%

Asset Integrity
Deliver AI and safety plan to the Board 
evaluated by the Safety, Climate and Risk 
Committee

Culture/Values/ESG
Design and communicate a Diversity & 
Inclusion Strategy;
Improve employee engagement as 
measured by survey outcomes; and 
Achieve progress towards three-year 
objective of 10% emissions reduction

Actual: 44.4

Threshold: 428.1
Maximum: 385.4

Actual: 397.0

Threshold: Low
Maximum: High

Actual: High

Diversity & Inclusion Strategy 
was delivered in good time 
and communicated across 
the business;
Employee engagement was 
stable;
Emissions fell by over 14%

Actual: Between target and 
stretch

Actual % payout

Maximum bonus % 
available

Actual % payout

Maximum bonus % 
available

Actual % payout

Maximum bonus % 
available

0.00%

25.00%

16.67%

12.50%

12.50%

12.50%

Actual % payout

8.75%

Liquidity Management
Deliver accretion through acquisition 
based on Gaffney, Cline & Associates 
Competent Persons Report

M&A and Reserves
Closing a transaction that delivers 
significant value and reserves 
replacement

Total bonus outturn (% of salary)

20.00%

Threshold:
$100 million NPV10

Maximum bonus % 
available

25.00%

Maximum:
$150 million NPV10

Actual: $170m NPV10

Actual % payout

20.00%

Threshold:
100% reserves replacement

Maximum bonus % 
available

Maximum:
130% reserves replacement

Actual: 117.8%

Actual % payout

25.00%

25.00%

18.88%

81.80%

Notes:
1  Rounding may apply
2 Production and Expenditure targets were adjusted to take account of the Golden Eagle acquisition which completed in October 2021. The completion date of this 

transaction could not have been foreseen when targets were initially set. The adjustment did not affect the outturn on either measure

Any payout against the CPC may be subject to an additional underpin based on the Committee’s assessment of the Group’s HSEA 
performance. Following above-target performance in relation to HSEA metrics, it was the view of the Committee that the scorecard 
outcome was a reasonable representation of Executive Director performance and did not require further adjustment. 

The annual bonus summary for the Executive Directors for 2021 is shown in the table on the following page based on the 
achievement of the performance conditions against the CPC for both Amjad Bseisu and Jonathan Swinney.

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Performance measure2

Production (Kboed)

Expenditure – opex/capex/abex ($ million)

Asset Integrity

Culture/Values/ESG

Liquidity Management ($ million)

M&A and Reserves

Sub-total

Personal objectives

Total outturn (%)

Total payout (%)

Total payout (% of maximum)

Total 2021 bonus award (£) – Amjad Bseisu

Total 2021 bonus award (£) – Jonathan Swinney

Amjad Bseisu and Jonathan Swinney

Weighting

Max

Actual outturn 
% of salary1

20.00%

20.00%

10.00%

10.00%

20.00%

20.00%

25.00%

25.00%

12.50%

12.50%

25.00%

25.00%

100.00%

125.00%

n/a

n/a

100.00%

125.00%

0.00%

16.67%

12.50%

8.75%

25.00%

18.88%

81.80%

n/a

81.80%

81.80%

65.44%

£391,910

£276,705

Notes:
1  Rounding may apply
2  In relation to the financial measures, threshold, target and stretch performance pays out at 0%, 60% and 100% of maximum respectively and on a straight-line basis in 

between threshold and target performance and between target and stretch performance

2019 PSP awards that vest in 2022
The LTIP award made to Executive Directors on 24 April 2019 was based on the performance to the year ended 31 December 2021 and 
will vest on 24 April 2022.

Targets applying to the 2019 PSP award were set at the start of the performance period and took into account both internal and 
external expectations at the time, but not the impact of early decommissioning of Heather and Thistle assets. In 2020, the Group 
decided to decommission these assets early, resulting in additional cash flow and value for shareholders in the longer term. The 
Committee considered the impact of this on outstanding PSP cycles and decided the fairest approach was to exclude the 
production and reserves growth from the decommissioned assets in both the targets and the level of performance achieved. Any 
impact from the Golden Eagle acquisition has been excluded from the performance outturn below. This acquisition completed in 
month 34 of a 36-month assessment period and, on this basis, the Committee took the decision to exclude it. 

The performance targets for this award and actual performance against those targets over the three-year financial period were 
as follows:

Vesting date

24 Apr 2022

Performance 
period

1 Jan 2019 – 
31 Dec 2021

Performance conditions and weighting

Relative TSR

Production
 growth1

Reduction in 
net debt

Reserves 
growth1

Total  
award

30.00%

30.00%

30.00%

10.00%

100.00%

Median

Upper quartile

7th position

39,158 
Boepd

52,119  

Boepd

67,665 
Boepd

38,947 
Boepd1

 $1,774.5 
million

$1,330.9 
million

$1,153.4 
million

$1,046.9 
million

195.2  

MMboe

204.8 
MMboe

214.5  

MMboe

174.7 
MMboe

13.89%

0.00%

30.00%

0.00%

43.89%

Grant date

24 Apr 2019

Below threshold

Threshold

Maximum

Actual performance 
achieved

Percentage meeting 
performance conditions 
and total vest

Note:
1  Adjusted to include the impact of the strategic decision taken early in 2020 to close the Heather and Thistle assets earlier than planned. Production and reserves relating to 

the assets closed early have been excluded from both target and achievement of these measures. Additionally, no impact of the Golden Eagle acquisition has been 
reflected in the PSP outcome. This transaction closed at the end of month 34 of a 36-month performance period, and only the non-equity funded portion of the Magnus 
acquisition has been included in production and reserves outcomes, in line with previous years.

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The table below shows the number of nil cost options awarded on 24 April 2019 that will vest on 24 April 2022 and their value as at 
31 December 2021. This figure is calculated by taking the average closing share price on each trading day of the period 1 October 
2021 to 31 December 2021 and is used as the basis for reporting the 2021 ‘single figure’ of remuneration. The actual value of these 
shares recorded in the remuneration table will be updated in 2022 to represent the actual value received on the day of vesting.

Name

Amjad Bseisu

Original  
number of 
shares

Adjusted  
number of 
shares1

Portion vesting

No. of  
shares  
vesting

Average  
share price 
£

5,215,886

5,240,006

43.89%

2,299,838

Value at  
31 Dec 2021 
£

495,845

347,770

0.2156

0.2156

Jonathan Swinney

 3,658,260

 3,675,117

43.89%

1,613,035

Note:
1  Following an adjustment made in relation to the open offer of 26 July 2021. Full details on page 88

The 2019 PSP award granted was based on the average middle market quotation of the three dealing days immediately preceding 
the date of grant of 24 April 2019 of 22.07p. Compared to the average value of the EnQuest share price between 1 October 2021 and 
31 December 2021 of 21.56p, this represents a 2.3% decrease in the share price over the period.

Should the share price be the same at vesting as at grant, with the performance outturn of 43.89%, the value would be 2.3% higher 
than currently estimated using the average value of the EnQuest share price between 1 October 2021 and 31 December 2021. The 
Committee is satisfied that the implied values vesting to Executive Directors and the overall single figures of remuneration for the 
year are appropriate taking into account the performance of the Group. No discretion has therefore been exercised in relation to this 
fall in share price.

April 2021 PSP award grant
After due consideration of business performance in 2020, the Remuneration and Social Responsibility Committee awarded the 
Executive Directors the following performance shares on 27 April 2021:

Face value  
(% of 2020 salary)

Face value at 
date of grant 
£

Original No. 
of shares1

Adjusted No. 
of shares2

Performance period

Amjad Bseisu

Jonathan Swinney

250%

250%

 1,197,840

 7,407,792

7,442,048 1 Jan 2021 – 31 Dec 2023

 845,725

 5,230,210

 5,254,396 1 Jan 2021 – 31 Dec 2023

Notes:
1  Based on the middle market quote for the three days preceding the date of grant of 22.07 pence
2 Following an adjustment made in relation to the open offer of 26 July 2021. Full details on page 88

Summary of performance measures and targets – April 2021 PSP grant
The 2021 PSP share awards granted on 27 April 2021 will be measured 80% against a relative TSR performance condition over a 
three-year financial performance period and 20% based on emissions reduction over the same period.

Vesting is determined on a straight-line basis between threshold and maximum for the performance condition.

The performance period for the award will be 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2023, with the awards vesting on 26 April 2024.

2021 PSP – schedule for vesting in 2024

Below threshold

Threshold1

Maximum1

Note:
1  Linear between threshold and maximum

Relative TSR weighting 80%

Emissions reduction weighting 20%

Performance

Vesting

Performance

Vesting

Below median

Median

Upper quartile

0%

25%

100%

<10%

10%

12% or more

0%

25%

100%

PSP measure base levels
These are the historical base levels that performance is measured from, for a three-year period for each annual PSP grant, up to 
and including the PSP award granted in 2021:

Year of grant

Production growth –  
base level

Reserves growth – 
base level

Net debt –  
base level

Emissions –  
base level

2019 – pre-adjustment for decommissioned assets
2019 – post-adjustment for decommissioned assets
2020 100% relative TSR
2021 80% relative TSR / 20% Emissions reduction

55,447 Boepd
39,158 Boepd
n/a
n/a

245.2 MMboe
195.0 MMboe
n/a
n/a

$1,774.5 million
$1,774.5 million
n/a
n/a

n/a
n/a
n/a
 1,343 ktCO2e

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Corporate Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

The comparator group companies for the TSR performance condition relating to the 2020 PSP award are as follows:

FTSE 350

FTSE All-Share

FTSE AIM – Top 100

NASDAQ OMX Stockholm

Other

Capricorn Energy1
Tullow Oil 

Harbour Energy2
Pharos Energy

Hurricane Energy 
Rockhopper Exploration 
Bowleven
Serica

Africa Oil
Lundin Petroleum
Aker BP ASA

Genel Energy

Note:
1  Capricorn Energy was previously known as Cairn Energy
2 Harbour Energy was previously known as Premier Oil

The comparator group companies for the TSR performance condition relating to the 2021 PSP award are as follows:

FTSE 250

FTSE AIM – Top 100

FTSE Small Cap

NASDAQ OMX Stockholm

Oslo Bors

Other

Capricorn Energy1
Diversified Energy 
Energean
Harbour Energy

Jadestone
Serica

Pharos Energy
Tullow Oil

Africa Oil
Lundin Petroleum

Aker BP ASA
BW Energy
DNO
Okea

Genel Energy
Hibiscus
Hurricane Energy
Kosmos
Maurel & Prom
Santos

Note:
1  Capricorn Energy was previously known as Cairn Energy

The number of PSP awards outstanding as at 31 December 2021 is as follows:

Grant date – April 2019
Amjad Bseisu
Jonathan Swinney

Grant date – September 2020
Amjad Bseisu
Jonathan Swinney

Grant date – April 2021
Amjad Bseisu
Jonathan Swinney

Total shares 
awarded

Adjusted shares 
awarded

Performance period

Performance conditions  
(and weighting)

5,215,886
3,658,260

5,240,006
3,675,177

1 Jan 2019–31 Dec 2021

TSR (30%)
Production growth (30%)
Reserves growth (10%)
Net debt reduction (30%)

Vesting date

24 Apr 2022

TSR (100%)

9 Sep 2023

7,057,406
4,949,819

7,090,042
4,972,708

1 Jan 2020–31 Dec 2022

7,407,792
5,230,210

7,442,048
5,254,396

TSR (80%)
1 Jan 2021–31 Dec 2023 Emissions reduction (20%)

26 Apr 2024

Firm placing, placing and open offer adjustment
On 30 June 2021, EnQuest PLC issued a prospectus setting out details of a firm placing, placing and open offer to qualifying 
shareholders in the Company. The open offer, having been approved by shareholders on 23 July 2021, took effect on 26 July 2021. The 
Committee subsequently exercised its discretion to make an adjustment to unexercised employee share awards. This was to 
ensure that rights under the various share schemes were not adversely affected by the open offer. In the case of the PSP, awards 
were adjusted by a factor of 1.00461 (rounded down to the nearest whole share).

Note:
1  Adjustment factor shown to four decimal places

Pension allowance
Executive Directors do not participate in the EnQuest pension plan and instead receive cash in lieu. Amjad Bseisu received £50,000 
and Jonathan Swinney received £33,829 in 2021. This was equivalent to 10.4% of Amjad Bseisu’s 2021 salary and 10.0% of Jonathan 
Swinney’s 2021 salary.

88

Statement of Directors’ shareholding and share interests
The interests of the Directors in the share capital of the Company as at 31 December 2021 are shown below:

In 2021, the following awards were granted, lapsed and adjusted for the Executive Directors

PSP

Amjad Bseisu

PSP

Jonathan Swinney

31 December 
2020

3,587,060
5,215,886
7,057,406

31 December 
2020

2,335,759
3,658,260
4,949,819

Granted

Lapsed

Adjusted1

1,293,494

10,606
24,120
32,636
34,256

7,407,792

Granted

Lapsed

Adjusted1

842,275

6,906
16,917
22,889
24,816

5,230,210

31 December  
2021

2,304,172
5,240,006
7,090,042
7,442,048

31 December  
2021

1,500,390
3,675,177
4,972,708
5,254,396

Vesting period

Expiry date

24 Apr 2018 – 24 Apr 2021
24 Apr 2019 – 24 Apr 2022
10 Sep 2020 – 9 Sep 2023
27 Apr 2021 – 26 Apr 2024

24 Apr 2028
24 Apr 2029
9 Sep 2030
26 Apr 2031

Vesting period

Expiry date

24 Apr 2018 – 24 Apr 2021
24 Apr 2019 – 24 Apr 2022
10 Sep 2020 – 9 Sep 2023
27 Apr 2021 – 26 Apr 2024

24 Apr 2028
24 Apr 2029
9 Sep 2030
26 Apr 2031

Note:
1  Adjustment relates to the open offer of 26 July 2021. Full details on page 88

The table above shows the maximum number of shares that could be released if awards were to vest in full. These awards first vest 
on the third anniversary of the award date, subject to the achievement of performance conditions (as described elsewhere in this 
report). Awards vesting from 2022 onwards will then be subject to an additional two-year holding period which, unless the 
Committee determines otherwise, will apply up to the fifth anniversary of the date of grant.

Statement of Directors’ shareholdings and share interests
Executive Directors are currently required to build up and hold shares in the Company worth 200% of salary and are expected to 
retain 50% of shares from vested awards under the PSP (other than sales to settle any tax or social security withholdings due) until 
they hold at least 200% of salary in shares (this includes shares which are beneficially owned directly or indirectly by family 
members of an Executive Director).

Legally owned 
(number of 
shares)

Value of 
legally 
owned 
shares as % 
of salary1

Unvested and 
subject to 
performance 
conditions 
under the PSP

Vested but 
not exercised 
under the PSP

Vested but 
not exercised 
under the RSP

Sharesave

Executive 
deferrals

Total at  
31 December 
2021

Value of 
shareholding 
as a % of 
salary1

Amjad Bseisu
Jonathan Swinney
Martin Houston
Howard Paver
Philip Holland
Carl Hughes
Farina Khan
Liv Monica Stubholt
John Winterman

215,823,0422
960,446
528,085
457,617
295,605
109,390
211,235
–
221,123

 9,712%
61%
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

19,772,096
2,304,172
 13,902,281 4,968,028
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

–
–
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

–
72,475  237,971,785
– 2,205,323  22,036,078
528,085
457,617
295,605
109.390
211,235
–
221,123

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

10,708%
 1,404%
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

Notes:
1  Shares are valued by taking the average closing share price on each trading day of the period 1 October 2021 to 31 December 2021
2 As at 31 December 2021, 188,833,544 shares were held by Double A Limited, a company beneficially owned by the extended family of Amjad Bseisu. 26,812,583 shares were 

also held by The Amjad and Suha Bseisu Foundation and the remaining 176,959 shares were held by Amjad Bseisu directly

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Corporate Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

Information not subject to audit
Total Shareholder Return and Chief Executive total remuneration
The following graph shows the Company’s performance, measured by TSR, compared with the performance of the FTSE AIM 
All-Share Oil & Gas, also measured by TSR. The FTSE AIM All-Share Oil & Gas index has been selected for this comparison as it is the 
index whose constituents most closely reflect the size and activities of EnQuest.

180

160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

EnQuest
FTSE AIM All-Share – Oil & Gas

06 Apr 10

06 Apr 11

06 Apr 12

06 Apr 13

06 Apr 14

06 Apr 15

06 Apr 16

06 Apr 17

06 Apr 18

06 Apr 19

06 Apr 20

31 Dec 21

Historical Chief Executive pay – single figure history
The table below sets out details of the Chief Executive’s pay for 2021 and the previous six years and the payout of incentive awards 
as a proportion of the maximum opportunity for each period. The Chief Executive’s pay is calculated as per the ‘single figure’ of 
remuneration shown elsewhere in this report. During this time, Amjad Bseisu’s total remuneration has been:

‘Single figure’ of total remuneration (£’000s)
Annual bonus (as a % of maximum)
Long-term incentive vesting rate
(as a % of maximum PSP)

2015

884
27

77

2016

941
33

56

2017

998
57

11

2018

1,306
79

2019

2020

1,275 
81

1,244 
60

56

50

64

2021

1,418
65

44

CEO pay ratio 2021
The CEO pay ratio has been calculated using the ‘Option A’ methodology which compares the single total figure of remuneration 
(‘STFR’) of the CEO to UK employees for the 12 months ending 31 December 2021 on a full-time equivalent basis. This methodology has 
been chosen as it offers the most accurate and preferred approach for companies to apply based on institutional investor 
guidelines.

Financial year

Methodology

2021
2020
2019

A

STFR

CEO pay ratio

P25  
(lower quartile)

P50  
(median)

P75  
(upper quartile)

15:1
14:1
23:1

13:1
12:1
14:1

11:1
10:1
11:1

Total remuneration is as defined in the single total figure of remuneration for Executive Directors. EnQuest has determined the P25, 
P50 and P75 individuals with reference to a ranking of total remuneration and by identifying those employees with the most typical 
pay structure of a UK-based employee. All employees have been included as at 31 December 2021, with remuneration of part-time 
employees and those employees on statutory leave included on a full-time equivalent basis.

Data points reflect the 25th, 50th and 75th percentile of all UK employees’ total remuneration as follows:

Financial year

Methodology

2021
2020
2019

2021
2020
2019

90

A

A

STFR

Base salary

UK STFR

CEO

P25  
(lower quartile)

P50  
(median)

P75  
(upper quartile)

£1,418,141
£1,118,892
£1,448,480

£479,136
£455,179
£469,741

£92,108
£78,729
£62,717

£65,500
£52,346
£51,952

£106,862
£92,508
£104,769

£69,960
£75,833
£76,503

£128,860
£110,817
£129,558

£89,920
£70,874
£87,941

In setting both the CEO remuneration and the remuneration structures for the wider UK workforce, EnQuest has adopted a 
remuneration structure which includes the same elements for employees at all levels (base pay, benefits, pension, cash bonus and 
share awards). Whilst all employees receive a base salary that is market competitive for their role and commensurate with our 
business size, differences exist in the quantum of variable pay that is achievable by the senior executive team and by individuals at 
senior management levels within the Group At these levels, where there is a greater opportunity to influence Group performance, 
there is a greater emphasis on aligning executives with shareholders. Based on this distinction, the Group believes that the median 
pay ratio is consistent with the wider pay, reward and progression policies impacting UK employees.

Relative spend on pay
The table below shows the actual expenditure of the Group on total employee pay, as well as profitability and distributions to 
shareholders, and the change between the current and previous years:

Adjusted EBITDA1
Net debt1
Distribution to shareholders
Total employee pay

2020 
$ million

2021 
$ million

551
1,280
0
118

743
1,222
0
103

Note: 
1  Adjusted EBITDA has been chosen as an appropriate measure of return to shareholders and net debt as a measure of EnQuest’s commitment to its lenders

Change in Directors’ pay relative to the workforce between 2020 and 2021

Amjad Bseisu
Jonathan Swinney
Martin Houston
Howard Paver2
Philip Holland
Carl Hughes
Farina Khan3
Liv Monica Stubholt4
John Winterman
UK employees (average)5

Base salary/fees1 

%

5
5
5
14
5
5
0
n/a
5
0

Bonus 
%

Benefits 
%

9
9
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
3

0
(20)
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
0

Notes:
UK employees have been chosen as the most appropriate comparator group as the majority of the EnQuest workforce is UK based and their pay structure is comparable to 
the Directors’ pay based on annualised actual amounts paid in 2020 and 2021. Benefits include employer pension contribution and/or allowance

1  All Directors in role during April, May and June 2020 took a voluntary 20% salary and fee reduction for that period in light of the uncertainty relating to the COVID crisis. No 

uplift to salary or fees was applied in 2021; the change shown above represents a full year without the voluntary reduction

2 Howard Paver was appointed as Senior Independent Director on 31 March 2020 and Chair of the Remuneration ans Social Responsibility Committee on 21 May 2020
3 Farina Khan was appointed to the Board and became a member of the Audit Committee and the Safety, Climate and Risk Committee on 1 November 2020. Her fees for 2020 

have been annualised. Farina became a member of the Remuneration and Social Responsibility Committee in February 2021

4 Liv Monica Stubholt was appointed to the Board on 15 February 2021
5 The vast majority of UK-based employees directly support the North Sea business and have a proportion of their bonus based on the performance of this business unit. The 

North Sea performed less well than Malaysia and overall Group performance during 2021

Statement of implementation of the remuneration policy for the year ending 31 December 2022
Base salary and 2022 pay review
As stated in the annual statement to this report, the remuneration for the Executive Directors is geared towards variable pay linked to 
long-term performance targets, with base salaries currently set in relation to benchmarks for the oil and gas industry and 
comparable sized companies. In the view of the Committee, it is therefore important to ensure that the base salaries of the 
Executive Directors are reviewed annually and that any increase reflects the change in scale and complexity of the role as the 
Group grows, as well as the performance of the Executive Director. The table below shows the changes applied to salaries for 2022.

Name

Amjad Bseisu
Jonathan Swinney

Salary for 2021 
£

Salary for 2022 
£

Increase 
%

479,136 
338,290

493,500
338,290

3
0

The average salary uplift for Group employees was 3%, although individual uplifts varied according to market position, and 
individual experience and performance. In light of his resignation, Jonathan Swinney will not receive a base salary increase for 2022.

Pension and other benefits
The Group will continue to pay a cash benefit in lieu of pension of the lesser of 10% of salary or £50,000 (the CEO continues to receive 
pension benefit at the capped level). The Group will also continue to pay private medical insurance, life assurance and personal 
accident insurance, the costs of which are determined by third-party providers.

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Corporate Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

Annual bonus
For the year ended 31 December 2022, the target and maximum annual bonus opportunities for the Chief Executive Officer will 
continue to be 75% of salary at target and 125% of salary at maximum.

The annual bonus scheme for 2022 is structured as follows:
•  Awards will be determined based on a balanced combination of financial and operational performance measures;
•  Executive Directors (and other executive management) will have threshold, target and stretch performance levels attributed to 

key performance objectives;

•  Executive Directors’ bonuses will be determined predominantly by the performance of the Group;
•  Each part of the bonus will represent a discrete element which will be added together to determine the performance award for 

the year; and

•  Stretching targets will continue to apply to achieve maximum payout.

The 2022 metrics and weightings, which will determine the level of short-term incentive awards for the CEO, are set out below.

Group 2022 performance measures scorecard

Metric

Production
Expenditure
ESG, Culture and D&I
Liquidity Management
Growth - Organic and Inorganic

Weighting

25%
15%
15%
25%
20%

Notes:
Precise targets are commercially sensitive and are not being disclosed in advance at this time
Performance in HSEA is central to EnQuest’s overall results. This category may be used as an overlay on overall Group performance

Maximum bonus will only be payable when performance significantly exceeds expectations. To the extent that the targets are no 
longer commercially sensitive, they will be disclosed in next year’s report.

Any amount of bonus earned above 100% of salary will be deferred into EnQuest shares for two years, subject to continued 
employment.

In light of his resignation, Jonathan Swinney will not earn bonus during 2022.

Performance share awards
2022 PSP awards
After due consideration of business performance in 2021 and the performance of the Executive Directors, as well as other factors, the 
Remuneration and Social Responsibility Committee decided to award a grant equal to 250% of salary to Amjad Bseisu, to be 
granted in April 2022.  In light of his resignation, Jonathan Swinney wil not receive a PSP award in 2022.

Summary of 2022 PSP performance measures and targets
The PSP share awards granted in 2022 will have two performance metrics, both measured over a three-year financial period:
•  80% of the award relates to relative TSR against a comparator group of 20 oil and gas companies; and
•  20% relates to emissions reduction over three years.

2022 PSP – schedule for 2025 vesting

Below threshold

Threshold

Maximum

2022 PSP award TSR comparator group

Relative TSR

Emissions reduction

Performance

Vesting

Performance

Vesting

Below median

Median

Upper quartile (or better)

0%

25%

100%

<10%

10%

12% (or better)

0%

25%

100%

Africa Oil
Aker BP
BW Energy
Capricorn Energy
Diversified Oil and Gas
DNO
Energean

92

Genel Energy
Harbour Energy
Hibiscus
Hurricane Energy
Jadestone
Kosmos
Lundin

Maurel & Prom
Okea
Pharos Energy
Santo
Serica Energy
Tullow Oil

Non-Executive Directors
The fees for the Non-Executive Directors with effect from 1 January 2022 are:

Chairman
Director
Senior Independent Director
Committee Chair

Fee

£200,000
£60,000
£10,000
£10,000

External benchmarking of Non-Executive Directors is carried out on an annual basis. The decision was taken not to increase Director 
fees in 2022 following the benchmark review.

Advisers to the Committee
Mercer Kepler provided advice to the Remuneration and Social Responsibility Committee.

The Committee satisfied itself that the advice given was objective and independent by reviewing it against other companies in 
EnQuest’s comparator group. Mercer Kepler are signatories to the Remuneration Consultants Group Code of Conduct which sets 
out guidelines for managing conflicts of interest. Mercer Kepler do not provide any other services to the Group.

The fees in respect of 2021 paid to Mercer Kepler totalled £57,040 (excluding VAT). These fees were charged on the basis of the 
number of hours worked.

Statement of voting at the Annual General Meeting
The table below summarises the voting at the AGM held on 12 May 2021 in respect of the Remuneration Policy and the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report. The Group is committed to ongoing shareholder dialogue and takes an active interest in voting outcomes. 
Where there are substantial votes against resolutions in relation to Directors’ remuneration, the reasons for any such vote will be 
sought, and any actions in response will be detailed here.

Remuneration Policy (2021)
Remuneration Report (2021)

741,982,160
755,467,860

95.35%
97.72%

36,162,580
17,623,710

4.65%
2.28%

778,144,740
773,091,570

23,130,306
28,183,476

Number of  
votes cast for

Percentage of 
votes cast for

Number of votes 
cast against

Percentage of 
votes cast 
against

Total  
votes cast

Number of  
votes withheld

The Directors’ Remuneration Report was approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by Howard Paver.

Howard Paver
Chair of the Remuneration and Social Responsibility Committee
23 March 2022

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Corporate Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance and Nomination  
Committee report

“ Good governance is more than a requirement, it is the key 
to business success.”

Martin Houston
Chairman of the Governance and Nomination Committee

Dear fellow shareholder

In 2021, the Committee focused on Board composition and 
tenure. We recommended to the Board that Rani Koya be invited 
to join the Company as a Non-Executive Director and also as a 
member of the Technical and Reserves Committee. The 
recruitment process relating to her appointment can be found 
below. Rani has worked extensively in major energy companies 
in a variety of technical, project management and executive 
management roles across the globe and is currently the CEO of 
a renewable energy company. Her extensive technical 
experience will be of great value to our team and her 
experiences running a renewable energy company will deepen 
our Board capabilities in this crucial area.

Additional changes, which I highlighted in the 2020 Annual 
Report and Accounts, are that Liv Monica Stubholt was 
appointed to the Board in January 2021, while Laurie Fitch 
stepped down from the Board in the same month.

As mentioned in my letter on page 62, Philip Holland, currently 
Chairman of the Safety, Climate and Risk Committee, has 
served on the Board of the Company for six years and will be 
stepping down as a Director at the Company’s 2022 Annual 
General Meeting. I thank Philip for his valuable contributions over 
the years and excellent steering of the Safety, Climate and Risk 
Committee, which has significantly increased in scope since its 
inception. Liv Monica Stubholt will replace Philip as Chair of the 
Committee in May 2022.

The Board evaluation for 2021 was conducted externally by 
Grant Thornton and BoardClic using both traditional methods 
and online questionnaires, more information on which can be 
found in the main body of this report. I am encouraged by their 
findings which, as with all such processes, illuminated where we 
can improve. Our Board has made great strides in the past two 
years and I believe we now have a very good mix of diversity 
and skills.

Martin Houston
Chairman of the Governance and Nomination Committee
23 March 2022

Governance and Nomination Committee membership
The Governance and Nomination Committee comprises the 
Chairman of the Company, the SID and the Chief Executive. Both 
the Chairman and SID are deemed independent. Appointment 
dates and attendance at the five scheduled meetings are set 
out below:

Member

Martin Houston
Amjad Bseisu
Howard Paver

Date appointed  
Committee member

Attendance at 
meetings during 
the year

1 October 2019
22 February 2010
15 October 2019

5
5
5

Main responsibilities
The core work of the Governance and Nomination Committee is 
to ensure that the Board and its Committees support the 
strategy of the Group. Currently, the Board consists of eight 
Non-Executive Directors and two Executive Directors, who 
collectively bring a diverse mix of skills and experience to the 
Company, collaborating with each other to provide strong 
leadership.

The main responsibilities of the Committee are to:
•  Review the size, structure and composition (including the skills, 
experience, independence, knowledge and diversity) of the 
Board and its Committees;

•  Ensure the orderly succession of Executive Directors, 
Non-Executive Directors and executive and senior 
management;

•  Identify, evaluate and recommend candidates for 

appointment or reappointment as Directors or Company 
Secretary, taking into account diversity, including gender, 
social and ethnic backgrounds, cognitive and personal 
strengths and the balance of knowledge, skills and experience 
required to serve the Board;

•  Review the outside directorships/commitments of 

Non-Executive Directors; and

•  Exercise oversight of the compliance of the Company with the 

Corporate Governance Code (the ‘Code’).

The Committee’s full terms of reference can be found on the 
Group’s website, www.enquest.com, under Corporate 
Governance.

9494

Committee activities during the year
The Governance and Nomination Committee met five times in 
2021. Its key activities included:

Appointment of Non-Executive Director
The Committee launched a Board search process in 2021 to 
recruit an additional Director. The Company appointed 
Ridgeway, who were cognisant of the Company’s Board 
diversity policy, to lead the process. A skills matrix mapping the 
experience of the existing Directors was prepared to identify the 
requirements for a new Director. The Committee met to review 
the longlist of candidates, before selecting a shortlist to 
interview. Interviews were mainly conducted over Microsoft 
Teams and, after a successful selection process, Rani Koya was 
invited to meet Board members. Following discussion at the 
December 2021 Board meeting there was unanimous approval 
for Rani to join the Board as a Director and she was appointed 
on 1 January 2022. Rani was deemed independent on 
appointment.

In making an appointment, the Committee actively considers 
Board diversity in all its forms as part of its thorough review of 
each candidate, including the balance of skills, knowledge and 
level of independence they would bring to the Board, and 
screens for potential conflicts of interest. The Committee also 
gives careful consideration to other existing commitments a 
candidate may have and whether they will be able to devote 
the appropriate amount of time in order to fully meet what is 
expected of them.

Structured Board succession planning
Succession planning is an important part of both the 
Committee and the Board’s deliberations. This includes for both 
senior management and the wider organisation, such as 
individuals who are considered as having high potential. This 
ensures that the Board has oversight of the Group’s talent 
pipeline and future leaders and can progress and support 
development within the organisation. A workforce succession 
framework has been developed and this will be reviewed on an 
annual basis.

In considering the composition of the Board which will best 
serve the strategy, Values and purpose of the Company into the 
future, the Board has adopted diversity targets. Its membership 
represents a spread of experience which covers the oil and gas 
and other industries, including diverse approaches to the 
energy transition. See pages 58 to 59 for Board biographies. 

Development and employee succession planning
The Board and the Governance and Nomination Committee 
remain satisfied that the individuals currently fulfilling key 
executive and senior management positions in the Group have 
the requisite depth and breadth of skills, knowledge and 
experience, to ensure that orderly succession to the Board and 
Executive Committee can take place. Over the course of the 
year, the Committee has considered executive and senior 
management development and succession planning is 
regularly discussed. The Board has also discussed such matters 
at the recommendation of the Committee, including 
particularly at the Board’s annual Strategy Day. The Group 
continues to work to identify capability strengths and 
development gaps and to develop the process for encouraging 
and supporting high-potential employees.

Annual evaluation
During 2021, an external Board evaluation was held in 
accordance with the requirements of the Corporate 
Governance Code. In line with the Chartered Governance 
Institute’s voluntary principles of good practice, the Governance 
and Nomination Committee convened to choose a provider 
and after meeting with individuals and companies providing 
such services, agreed to appoint Grant Thornton in association 
with BoardClic. Grant Thornton was deemed independent on 
appointment and prior to this evaluation had not been 
previously used for evaluation purposes. BoardClic’s online 
survey was previously used in 2020 to facilitate the Company’s 
internal annual Board review.

The evaluation comprised of a review of the Board papers for 
2021, an online survey facilitated by BoardClic and one-to-one 
interviews. Interviews were held with each Director and, to gain 
an additional perspective, interviews were also held with the 
Company’s management team, brokers, auditor and a major 
shareholder. Grant Thornton, who conducted the interviews, also 
observed the December 2021 Board and Committee meetings. 
The final results of the evaluation were reported to the Board at 
the February 2022 Board meeting.
It was concluded that the Board was well-performing and that it 
benefited from a strong group of individuals who brought 
significant subject matter expertise and corporate experience 
to the table. Increasing diversity in the Board’s composition was 
providing fresh perspectives, technical expertise and market 
knowledge which added value to the Board’s thinking around 
strategy, sustainability and ESG. 

Following the results of the evaluation it was agreed that the 
areas of key focus for 2022 would include reviewing the Board 
dynamics to optimise the individual Board members’ strengths; 
to continue to refine the Group’s strategy; and to provide 
oversight of the evolving organisational culture.

While Grant Thornton took into account the Chairman’s 
performance as part of its broader Board evaluation, the SID 
also conducted a formal performance review following 
consultation with all other Directors; their observations were 
subsequently provided by the SID to the Chairman. It was 
concluded that the Chairman exercises his role and carries out 
his duties in a first-rate manner.

Progress against the 2020 internal evaluation was reviewed 
during the year and matters such as diversity were addressed 
through the appointment of additional Board members in 2021 
and the planned retirement by Philip Holland. Strategic matters 
were discussed in the October Strategy Day, which was 
attended by the Executive Committee and Directors. The results 
of the previous evaluation were also provided to Grant Thornton 
to provide them with context when conducting their external 
review.

Re-election to the Board
Following a review of the effectiveness of the Board, the 
Governance and Nomination Committee confirms that it is 
satisfied with both the performance and the time commitment 
of each Director throughout the year. The Committee also 
remains confident that each of them is in a position to 
discharge their duties to the Company in the coming year and 
that together they continue to bring the necessary skills required 
to the Board. Board approval is required should a Director wish 
to accept a further external role. Detailed biographies for each 
Director, including their skills and external appointments, can be 
found on pages 58 to 59.

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9595

Corporate Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance and Nomination  
Committee report continued

Priorities for the coming year
As well as addressing those issues highlighted in the annual 
evaluation, the main focus of the Committee in 2022 will be to 
consider the optimal structure for leadership of operational 
matters across the Group and succession planning to best 
match such a structure.

Boardroom diversity
Much work over the year has been on enhancing the Group’s 
diversity strategy in order to have the most effective Board 
possible and to be able to discharge its duties and 
responsibilities to the highest standard. The Board is absolutely 
committed to recruiting a diverse boardroom and therefore the 
Committee recommended, with the approval of the Board, that 
the Hampton-Alexander Review target of 33% representation of 
women on FTSE 350 Boards and that the Parker Review target of 
at least one director of colour both be met. The Company has 
met the Parker Review target and will reach the Hampton-
Alexander Review’s target on Philip Holland’s departure in May 
2022. While the Company is outside the FTSE 350, the Committee 
is mindful of the recently released targets of the FTSE Women 
Leaders Review and will be reviewing them as a continuing 
element of the Board’s sucession planning process.

The Board has also agreed diversity targets for leadership roles 
(including the Executive Committee, Aberdeen Leadership Team 
and Malaysia Leadership Team) by 2025 of: 30% of 
management roles to be occupied by women and 15-20% of 
management roles to be occupied by ethnic minorities. The 
Group’s diversity policy can be found on the Group’s website at 
www.enquest.com/environmental-social-and-governance/
social/people.

In addition, the EnQuest-wide Diversity and Inclusion Policy 
aligns with the Company’s Values, which incorporate both 
respect and openness. The Group seeks diversity in its employee 
base, recognising that those from different backgrounds, 
experience and abilities can bring fresh ideas, perspectives and 
innovation to improve the business and working practices. 
Activities within the Group to encourage awareness of diversity 
considerations include a staff-wide diversity survey and 
education of the workforce. 

The chart below illustrates gender breakdown among EnQuest’s 
Directors and workforce as at 31 December 20211.

100

80

60

40

20

0

22.2%

23.4%

18.0%

77.8%

76.6%

82.0%

Directors

Senior managers

Employees 

Female
Male

Note:
1 Breakdown of percentages: Directors (2 female, 7 male), Senior managers (15 

female, 49 male), employees (129 female, 587 male)

On 1 January 2022, Rani Koya was appointed as a Director; the 
breakdown of the Directors is therefore now 30% female and 70% 
male. 

Senior management and total employee figures include 
EnQuest’s employees in Dubai, Malaysia and the UK.

9696

Safety, Climate and Risk  
Committee report

“ The Group continues to positively evolve its processes for identifying 
and managing risks and mitigating their impact.”

Philip Holland
Chairman of the Safety, Climate and Risk Committee

Dear fellow shareholder

On behalf of the Board and my fellow Committee members, I 
am pleased to present EnQuest’s Safety, Climate and Risk 
Committee report. During 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic and 
climate change have been high on the agenda for everyone, 
particularly with the 26th Conference of the Parties being hosted 
in Scotland. 

As always, the health and safety of our personnel remained our 
key priority and we achieved ‘LTI free’ status for the entire year in 
the North Sea, which is an impressive performance. Accordingly, 
as outlined in this report, throughout 2021, we continued to 
undertake detailed analysis of specific risk areas and 
associated controls.

In conjunction with a variety of stakeholders, including industry 
and medical organisations, the Group continued to monitor the 
evolving situation with regard to the potential impact of 
COVID-19 on its workforce and operations. Appropriate actions, 
including practical support and guidance, were implemented in 
accordance with expert advice and the level of risk (please see 
pages 36 to 38 for more details), in particular, as the ‘Omicron’ 
variant of COVID-19 was understood to be more transmissible 
and therefore could have presented additional challenges for 
the Group. Clearly, this will remain an ever-evolving focus area 
for the organisation in 2022.

Throughout 2021, the Committee continued to consider the 
impact of the energy transition on the Group, particularly given 
the changing regulatory environment reflected in the UK 
Government’s North Sea Transition Deal (‘NSTD’) requiring the 
industry to deliver material, progressive CO2 equivalent 
reductions by 2025, 2027 and 2030 against a 2018 baseline. 
Progress was reported to the Committee in relation to the 
Group’s own emissions reduction performance and the 
identification of economically viable emissions savings 
opportunities that are aligned to EnQuest’s emission 
management strategy. These initiatives facilitate the delivery of 
the Group’s own emission reduction target and those set out by 
the NSTD. A deep dive of the Group’s standalone ‘climate 
change’ risk to assess that the controls and risks associated with 
it remain accurate was undertaken in the year, with the results to 
be reported to the Committee in early 2022.

In 2021, an independent asset integrity review was undertaken 
across the Group looking at people, plant and process aspects 
in relation to the management of risk. The outcome was a more 

transparent and robust approach to cost allocation in key risk 
areas that could impact asset integrity. EnQuest received 
improvement notices at the Sullom Voe Terminal (‘SVT’) and 
Magnus in relation to the management of deadlegs and the 
manual draining of a relief valve that contained liquid 
hydrocarbons, respectively. The Committee will continue to 
ensure that the Group strives for continuous improvement, such 
that personal integrity and asset integrity are never 
compromised and that personnel are not exposed to any 
danger to life or liberty. Throughout the year, the Committee has 
continued to receive regular HSEA reports. Although 
disappointed with the improvement notices, I am pleased that 
the HSEA key performance indicators that were evolved in early 
2021 have contributed to an improvement in overall HSEA 
performance in terms of preventing injuries and hydrocarbon 
releases. Good progress has continued to be made with HSEA 
arrangements in place across the Group and a capability 
review has provided greater capability, particularly for 
assurance and career progression. This has been achieved 
through better structural alignment internally across the North 
Sea and Malaysia HSEA functions.

The Committee has determined that the Group continues to 
positively evolve its processes for identifying and managing risks 
and mitigating their impact, which in turn supports the Group in 
achieving its strategy. Further, continuing to undertake in-depth 
analysis of specific risk areas (as described below) has allowed 
the Committee to mitigate any potential deficiencies and refine 
existing controls for reviewed risk areas. The Committee remains 
confident that these exercises will be critical in achieving 
excellence and robustness in the Group’s risk management 
processes.

The report also looks ahead to those matters that I expect the 
Committee will be considering in the forthcoming year, 
including further detailed analysis of key risk areas, and 
continuous improvement in the evolution and application of our 
Risk Management Framework.

Philip Holland
Chairman of the Safety, Climate and Risk Committee
23 March 2022

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9797

Corporate Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Safety, Climate and Risk  
Committee report continued

Safety, Climate and Risk Committee membership
Membership of the Committee and attendance at the four 
meetings held during 2021 is provided in the table below:

Member

Philip Holland
Carl Hughes
Farina Khan1
John Winterman
Liv Monica Stubholt2

Date appointed  
Committee member

Attendance at 
meetings during 
the year

25 January 2016
1 January 2017
1 November 2020
9 December 2020
15 February 2021

4
4
4
4
3/3

Notes:
1  Farina Khan stepped down from her position on the Committee on 2 February 2022
2 Liv Monica Stubholt became a member of the Committee at the same time as her 

appointment to the Board on 15 February 2021

Safety, Climate and Risk Committee responsibilities
The main responsibilities of the Committee are to:
•  Undertake in-depth analysis of specific risks, including 

emerging risks, in relation to the Group and consider existing 
and potential new controls;

•  Support the implementation and progression of the Group’s 

Risk Management Framework;

•  Review the Group’s HSEA performance and the effectiveness 
of its policies and guidelines in managing HSEA risks and 
reporting;

•  Conduct detailed reviews of key non-financial risks not 

reviewed within the Audit Committee;

•  Assess the Group’s exposure to managing risks from ‘climate 
change’ (including assessing emissions updates) and review 
actions to mitigate these risks in line with its assessment of 
other risks;

•  Review and monitor the Group’s decarbonisation activities, 

including reviewing the adequacy of the associated 
framework; and

•  Review targets and milestones for the achievement of 

decarbonisation objectives.

The Committee’s full terms of reference can be found on the 
Group’s website, www.enquest.com, under Corporate 
Governance.

Committee activities during the year
During 2021, the Committee:
•  Considered the impact of COVID-19 on HSEA processes and 

culture and the Group’s Risk Management Framework;

•  Continued to refine the Group’s Risk Management Framework 

and continuous improvement planning;

•  Reviewed the Group Risk Register, assurance map and risk 

report (focusing on the most critical risks and emerging and 
changing risk profiles. This included obtaining assurance that 
the risks associated with climate change are appropriately 
assessed and incorporated within relevant risk areas);

•  Undertook deep-dive reviews of ‘human resources’, ‘project 

execution and delivery’ and ‘HSEA’ risks, in each case 
identifying improvements to certain controls; and

•  Received routine updates on HSEA (including reviewing the 

Group’s performance along with ongoing and planned HSEA 
activities) and cyber-security risk (covering the evolving key 
risks and the remedial solutions such as disaster recovery 
plans and technical design standards), both of which 
continue to be key focus areas for the Committee.

For further information on these risks, please see the Risks and 
uncertainties section on pages 42 to 53.

Priorities for the coming year
In 2022, the Committee is continuing its focus on undertaking 
detailed analysis of key risk areas, including those relating to 
HSEA, the results of the asset integrity review and ‘climate 
change’, in particular emissions reductions. Ongoing 
assessment of existing and emerging risks, and the associated 
controls in place, will ensure that their potential effects continue 
to be identified, considered and risk assessed appropriately 
within the Group’s Risk Management Framework. Additionally, 
the Committee will monitor progress of the project to further 
automate the Group’s Risk Management Framework.

9898

Technical and Reserves  
Committee report

“ The Committee remains focused on providing technical expertise to 
the Board to assist in its decisions.”

John Winterman
Chairman of the Technical and Reserves Committee

Dear fellow shareholder

On behalf of the Board and my fellow Committee members, I 
am pleased to present the Technical and Reserves Committee 
report. The Committee was established in October 2019 and 
since then has continued to support management and the 
wider Board in their decision making in relation to technical 
matters. As in 2020, much employee and Committee interaction 
over 2021 has necessarily been virtual, but this has not impacted 
on the quality of the discussions that have taken place.

As highlighted in my 2020 report, for confidentiality reasons I am 
unable to report on the details of the various business 
development opportunities which have been recommended to 
the Committee for further in-depth discussion over the year, 
however they did include the agreement to purchase Suncor’s 
entire 26.69% non-operated equity interest in the Golden Eagle 
area. The Committee also held several deep dives on existing 
assets into various aspects of the business, including on Kraken 
and also on the 2022 drilling and workover programmes in both 
Malaysia and at Magnus.

Finally, I would like to welcome Rani Koya, our most recently 
appointed Board member, to the Committee, and also give my 
thanks to Philip Holland who will be stepping down as a Board 
member in May 2022. Rani’s previous experience of working 
within large multinational, independent and start-up energy 
companies will both enhance and complement the existing 
skills of the Committee members and will ensure that on Philip’s 
departure the effectiveness of the Committee remains robust.  
Philip has been a member of the Committee since it was 
established in 2019 and I thank him for his valuable work and 
contribution during his tenure.

John Winterman
Chairman of the Technical and Reserves Committee
23 March 2022

Technical and Reserves Committee responsibilities
The main responsibility of the Committee is to provide the Board 
with additional technical insight when making Board decisions. 
The Committee’s full terms of reference can be found on the 
Group’s website, www.enquest.com, under Corporate 
Governance.

Technical and Reserves Committee membership
Membership of the Committee and attendance at the five 
meetings held during 2021 is provided in the table below. 
Rani Koya joined the Committee on 1 January 2022.

Member

John Winterman 
Philip Holland
Martin Houston
Howard Paver

Date appointed  
Committee member

15 October 2019
15 October 2019
15 October 2019
15 October 2019

Attendance at 
meetings during 
the year

5
5
5
5

Committee activities during the year
During 2021, the Committee:
•  Reviewed the Group’s annual reserves report;
•  Provided input into the 2021 Business Plan;
•  Considered business development opportunities; and
•  Held several deep dives.

Priorities for the coming year
In 2022, the Committee is will continue to focus on supporting 
the business, in particular when assessing new opportunities, 
reserve and resource maturation and asset integrity 
management across its assets. Deep dives with presentations 
by asset personnel will remain a key part of this process.

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9999

Corporate Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ report

“ The Directors of EnQuest present their Annual Report together with 
the Group and Company audited financial statements for the year 
ended 31 December 2021.”

Stefan Ricketts
Company Secretary

Directors
The Directors’ biographical details are set out on pages 58 to 59. Rani Koya will offer herself for election at the Annual General 
Meeting (‘AGM’) on 19 May 2022, with the other Directors, with the exception of Philip Holland who will step down from the Board 
following the AGM, offering themselves for re‑election.

Directors’ indemnity provisions
Under the Company’s Articles, the Directors of the Company may be indemnified out of the assets of the Company against certain 
costs, charges, expenses, losses or liabilities which may be sustained or incurred in or about the execution of their duties. Such 
qualifying third‑party indemnity provision remains in force as at the date of approving the Directors’ report. Such indemnities are in 
a form consistent with the limitations imposed by law.

Substantial interests in shares
The table below shows the holdings in the Company’s issued share capital, which had been notified to the Company in accordance 
with Chapter 5 of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules (‘DTR’):

Name

Bseisu consolidated interests1
Aberforth Partners LLP
Baillie Gifford & Co Ltd
Schroders Plc
Hargreaves Lansdown Asset Management
Cobas Asset Management 
Dimensional Fund Advisors
Avanza Fonder AB

Number of 
Ordinary shares 
held at  
31 December  
2021

% of issued  
share capital 
held at  
31 December 
20212

Number of 
Ordinary shares 
held as at  
23 March  
2022

% of issued  
share capital 
held as at  
23 March 
20222

215,823,042
159,159,438
114,661,665
105,391,117
87,594,029
74,925,880
65,677,293
58,166,854

11.44
8.44
6.08
5.59
4.64
4.97
3.48
3.08

215,823,042
156,238,438
111,347,662
104,271,672
88,699,742
80,235,468
65,886,272
55,361,355

11.44
8.28
5.90
5.53
4.70
4.25
3.49
2.94

Notes:
1  188,833,544 shares are held by Double A Limited, a company beneficially owned by the extended family of Amjad Bseisu. 26,812,539 shares are also held by The Amjad & 

Suha Bseisu Foundation and 176,959 shares are held directly by Amjad Bseisu

2  Rounding applies

100100

Directors’ interests
The interests of the Directors in the Ordinary shares of the Company are shown below:

Name

Amjad Bseisu1
Martin Houston
Carl Hughes
Philip Holland
Farina Khan
Rani Koya
Howard Paver
Liv Monica Stubholt
Jonathan Swinney
John Winterman

At  
31 December  
2021

At  
23 March  
2022

215,823,042
528,085
109,390
295,605
211,235
n/a
457,617
0
960,446
21,123

215,823,042
528,085
109,390
295,605
211,235
0
457,617
0
960,446
221,123

Note:
1  188,833,544 shares are held by Double A Limited, a company beneficially owned by the extended family of Amjad Bseisu. 26,812,539 shares are also held by The Amjad & 

Suha Bseisu Foundation and 176,959 shares are held directly by Amjad Bseisu

Share capital
The Company’s share capital during the year consisted of Ordinary shares of £0.05 each (‘Ordinary shares’). Each Ordinary share 
carries one vote. Prior to the shareholder‑approved firm placing, placing and open offer, there were 1,695,801,955 Ordinary shares in 
issue. Following admission to the market of an additional 190,122,384 Ordinary shares on 26 July 2021, there were 1,885,924,339 
Ordinary shares in issue. No further shares have been issued subsequent to that date. All of the Company’s issued Ordinary shares 
have been fully paid up. Further information regarding the rights attaching to the Company’s Ordinary shares can be found in note 
20 to the financial statements on page 149. No person has any special rights with respect to control of the Company.

The Company did not purchase any of its own shares during 2021 or up to and including 23 March 2022, being the date of this 
Directors’ report. At the 2022 AGM, shareholders will be asked to renew authorities relating to the issue and purchase of Company 
shares. Details of the resolutions are contained in the Notice of AGM, which can be found on the Company’s website www.enquest.
com/shareholder‑information/annual‑general‑meetings.

Company share schemes
The trustees of the Employee Benefit Trust (‘EBT’) did not purchase any Ordinary shares in the Company during 2021, except for 
2,159,903 Ordinary shares which were acquired through the open offer, having been funded by a loan from EnQuest Britain Limited of 
£410,382. At year end, the EBT held 2.14% of the issued share capital of the Company (2020: 2.8%) for the benefit of employees and 
their dependants. The voting rights in relation to these shares are exercised by the trustees.

Employee engagement
EnQuest operates a framework for employee information and consultation which complies with the requirements of the Information 
and Consultation of Employees Regulations 2005. Employees are informed about significant business issues and other matters of 
concern via regular business briefings, country‑level Town Hall meetings, Global Town Hall meetings (whereby staff in all geographic 
locations are invited to attend), email and other electronic communications, particularly the Company’s intranet and internal 
‘Yammer’ channel. Face‑to‑face briefing meetings would also normally take place; however, during the continuing COVID‑19 
pandemic, reliance has through necessity been placed on virtual communications. Appropriate consultations take place with 
employees when business change is undertaken. An Employee Forum, to allow for direct employee engagement with the Board of 
Directors, was established in early 2019 in line with the Corporate Governance Code and information on its activities can be found on 
page 41. EnQuest offers employees the opportunity to participate directly in the success of the Company through participation in 
share schemes, such as the Save As You Earn (‘SAYE’) Share Scheme. 70% of eligible employees currently participate in SAYE. Eligibility 
for participation in other share schemes depends on a number of factors, such as seniority.

Articles of Association
The Company’s Articles of Association may only be amended by special resolution at a General Meeting of shareholders. The 
Company’s Articles, found on the Company’s website at www.enquest.com/corporate‑governance, contain provisions on the 
appointment, retirement and removal of Directors, along with their powers and duties. While there are no specific restrictions, the 
transfer of shares in the Company is also provided for in the Articles.

Annual General Meeting
The Company’s AGM will be held at Sofitel London St James, 6 Waterloo Place, London SW1Y 4AN on 19 May 2022. Formal notice of the 
AGM, including details of special business, is set out in the Notice of AGM which is due to be published in April 2022. It will be available 
on the Group’s website at www.enquest.com/shareholder‑information/annual‑general‑meetings.

Registrars
In connection with the Ordinary shares traded on the London Stock Exchange, the Company’s share registrar is Link Asset Services. 
For the Ordinary shares traded on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm, the Company’s share registrar is Euroclear Sweden. Full details of both 
registrars can be found in the Company information section on page 174.

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Corporate Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ report continued

Political donations
At the 2021 AGM, a resolution was passed giving the Company authority to make political donations and/or incur political 
expenditure as defined in Sections 362 to 379 of the Companies Act 2006. Although the Company does not make and does not 
intend to make political donations or to incur political expenditure, the legislation is very broadly drafted and may catch such 
activities as funding seminars or functions to which politicians are invited, or may extend to bodies concerned with policy review, 
law reform and representation of the business community that the Company and its subsidiaries might wish to support.

No political donations were made in 2021 by the Company, or any of its subsidiaries.

Dividends
The Company has not declared or paid any dividends since incorporation and does not plan to pay dividends in the immediate 
future. However, the Board anticipates reviewing the policy when appropriate, the timing of which will be subject to the earnings and 
financial condition of the Company meeting the conditions for dividend payments which the Company has agreed with its lenders 
and such other factors as the Board of Directors of the Company consider appropriate, including the Company’s expected future 
cash flows.

Change of control agreements 
The Company (or other members of the Group) are not party to any significant agreements which take effect, alter or terminate 
upon a change of control of the Company following a takeover bid, except in respect of:
(a) the senior facility agreement, which includes provisions that, upon a change of control, permit each lender not to provide certain 
funding under that facility and to cancel its commitment to provide that facility and to require repayment of the credit which 
may already have been advanced to the Company and the other borrowers under the facility;

(b) the working capital facility, originally dated 1 December 2017, in respect of the operation of the Sullom Voe Terminal, which 

includes provisions that upon a change of control, permit the lender not to provide certain funding under that facility and to 
cancel its commitment to provide that facility and to require repayment of the credit which may already have been advanced 
to the borrower (EnQuest Heather Limited) under the facility;

(c) the deeds of indemnity, originally dated 10 June 2021, pursuant to which the sureties have agreed to consider requests to issue, 

procure or participate in surety bonds, each include provisions that, upon a change of control, permit each surety to require the 
indemnitors to provide cash cover in respect of the liability assumed by the sureties (and costs and fees of the sureties) in 
relation to the Company and the other indemnitors under the deeds;

(d) the Company’s Euro Medium Term Note Programme (under which the Company has in issue Euro Medium Term Notes originally 
due 2022 with an aggregate nominal amount of approximately £190.5 million, including capitalised interest, at the date of this 
report), pursuant to which, if there is a change of control of the Company, a holder of a note has the option to require the 
Company to redeem such note at its principal amount, together with any accrued interest thereon; and

(e) under the indenture governing the Company’s high yield notes originally due 2022, which at the date of this report have an 

aggregate nominal amount of approximately $827.2 million, including capitalised interest, if the Company undergoes certain 
events defined as constituting a change of control, each holder of the high yield notes may require the Company to repurchase 
all or a portion of its notes at 101% of their principal amount, plus any accrued and unpaid interest.

Directors’ statement of disclosure of information to auditor
The Directors in office at the date of the approval of this Directors’ report have each confirmed that, so far as they are aware, there is 
no relevant audit information (as defined by Section 418 of the Companies Act 2006) of which the Company’s auditor is unaware, 
and each of the Directors has taken all the steps he/she ought to have taken as a Director to make himself/herself aware of any 
relevant audit information and to establish that the Company’s auditor is aware of that information. This confirmation is given and 
should be interpreted in accordance with the provisions of Section 418 of the Companies Act 2006.

Responsibility statements under the DTR
The Directors who held office at the date of the approval of the Directors’ report confirm that, to the best of their knowledge, the 
financial statements, prepared in accordance with UK‑adopted IFRS, 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; and the Directors’ 
report, Operating review and Financial review include 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.

Independent auditor
Having reviewed the independence and effectiveness of the auditor, the Audit Committee has recommended to the Board that the 
existing auditor, Deloitte, be reappointed. Deloitte has expressed its willingness to continue as auditor. An ordinary resolution to 
reappoint Deloitte as auditor of the Company and authorising the Directors to set its remuneration will be proposed at the 
forthcoming AGM. Information on the Company’s policy on audit tendering and rotation is found on page 74 to 75.

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 2 to 57. The financial position of the Group, its cash flow, liquidity position and borrowing facilities are 
described in the Financial review on pages 26 to 31. The Board’s assessment of going concern and viability for the Group is set out 
on pages 30 to 31. In addition, note 27 to the financial statements on pages 157 to 159 includes: the Group’s objectives, policies and 
processes for managing its capital; its financial risk management objectives; details of its financial instruments and hedging 
activities; and its exposures to credit risk and liquidity risk.

102

Greenhouse gas (‘GHG’) emissions
EnQuest has reported on all of the emission sources within its operational control required under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic 
report and Directors’ reports) Regulations 2013 and The Companies (Directors’ Report) and Limited Liability Partnerships (Energy and 
Carbon Report) Regulations 2018. These sources fall within the EnQuest consolidated financial statements. EnQuest has used the 
principles of the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard (revised edition), ISO 14064‑1 and data gathered to 
fulfil the requirements under the ‘Environmental Reporting Guidelines: Including streamlined energy and carbon reporting guidance 
March 2019’. The Streamlined Energy & Carbon Reporting (‘SECR’) report includes assets which are in the operational control 
of EnQuest.

Emissions

Scope 1 
Scope 2

Scope 1
Scope 2

Energy 
Consumption4

Scope 1
Scope 2

Scope 1
Scope 2

Total Emissions tCO2e2
Extraction Emissions tCO2e2
Extraction Emissions tCO2e2
Extraction Intensity ratio kgCO2e/Boe2

Terminal (SVT) Emissions tCO2e2, 3
Terminal (SVT) Emissions tCO2e2, 3
Terminal (SVT) Intensity ratio kgCO2e/
Boe2 throughput3

Total kWh
Extraction kWh
Extraction kWh
Extraction Intensity ratio kWh/Boe2

Terminal (SVT) kWh2, 3
Terminal (SVT) kWh2, 3
Terminal (SVT) Intensity ratio kWh/Boe2 
throughput3

UK & Overseas Breakdown

Scope 1

Scope 2

Scope 1

Scope 2

UK On‑shore tCO2e
UK Off‑Shore tCO2e
Non‑UK tCO2e
UK On‑shore tCO2e
UK Off‑Shore tCO2e
Non‑UK tCO2e

UK On‑shore kWh
UK Off‑shore kWh
Non‑UK kWh
UK On‑shore kWh
UK Off‑shore kWh
Non‑UK kWh

2021

2020

20151

SECR (Operational 
Control) Scope

ISO‑14064  
Verified Scope

SECR (Operational 
Control) Scope

ISO‑14064  
Verified Scope

1,145,273
1,046,579
787
48.21

29,296
68,612
2.09

733,043
634,700
435
35.18

29,296
68,612
2.09

1,342,765
1,232,911
1,394
40.63

31,125
77,335
4.31

921,804
812,750
594
31.69

31,125
77,335
4.31

Baseline

1,149,743
868,287
1,405
45.65

152,191
127,680
6.87

2021

2020

SECR (Operational 
Control) Scope

ISO‑14064  
Verified Scope

SECR (Operational 
Control) Scope

ISO‑14064  
Verified Scope

4,819,664,098
4,290,105,255
2,446,472
197.60

3,107,301,989
2,578,230,766
1,958,852
142.93

5,594,120,915 3,856,964,264
5,019,083,379 3,283,035,465
2,468,762
128.01

3,577,499
165.34

143,280,355
383,832,016
11.24

143,280,355
383,832,016
11.24

151,047,275
420,412,762
22.70

151,047,275
420,412,762
22.70

2021

2020

SECR (Operational 
Control) Scope

ISO‑14064  
Verified Scope

SECR (Operational 
Control) Scope

ISO‑14064  
Verified Scope

29,318
634,678
411,878
69,019
0
380

143,390,072
2,578,121,049
1,711,874,489
385,749,524
0
528,964

29,318
634,678
0
69,019
0
28

31,146
812,730
420,160
77,901
0
828

31,146
812,730
0
77,901
0
28

151,149,442

143,390,072

151,149,442
2,578,121,049 3,282,933,298 3,282,933,298
1,736,047,914
0
422,840,180
422,840,180
0
0
41,344
1,150,081

0
385,749,524
0
41,344

Notes: 
1  When it is considered that the portfolio of assets under a Company’s operational control has changed significantly, the baseline, which is based on Verified Scope data, 

is recalculated to an appropriate comparative period for which good data is available. As such, the baseline is currently 2015

2  tCO2e = tonnes of CO2 equivalent. kgCO2e = kilogrammes of CO2 equivalent. Boe = barrel of oil equivalent. EnQuest is required to report the aggregate gross (100%) 

emissions for those assets over which it has operational control. As such, the extraction intensity ratio is calculated by taking the aggregate gross (100%) reported Scope 1 
and 2 kgCO2e from those assets divided by the aggregate gross (100%) hydrocarbon production from the same assets. The throughput ratio is calculated by taking the 
aggregate gross (100%) reported Scope 1 and 2 kgCO2e from SVT divided by the aggregate total throughput at the terminal

3 Note on uncertainty: The uncertainty for total emissions within the verified scope is calculated as 3.95%. SVT emissions in isolation are not with 5% due to the steam and 

electricity meters for SVT not having supportable uncertainties

4 Kilo‑watt hour (kWh) data is reported on a net calorific value basis throughout

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Corporate Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ report continued

Energy efficiency strategy
A number of emission reduction opportunities have previously been identified via energy saving workshops and developed as 
projects. These include compressor remapping on Kittiwake and the commissioning of Waste Heat Recovery Units on Kraken, both 
completed during 2020 with ongoing reductions achieved in 2021. It is recognised that improved environmental performance is a 
continuous process, and during 2021, the Group established an Infrastructure and New Energy business with overall responsibility for 
delivering the Group’s emission reduction and other decarbonisation ambitions. A number of projects, which range from minor 
modifications, such as ‘right‑sizing’ export pumps, to material technical alterations, such as flaring reconfiguration, are currently 
being assessed against a range of criteria. Additional workshops will be scheduled to ensure the correct projects continue to be 
identified, shortlisted and progressed to realise further emission reduction opportunities across the Group’s portfolio of assets.

SECR (Operational Control) scope
EnQuest has a number of financial interests, e.g. joint ventures and joint investments, as covered in this Annual Report, for which it 
does not have operational control. In line with SECR and ISO 14064‑1 guidance, only those assets where EnQuest has operational 
control greater than 50% are captured within the SECR reporting boundary. Where EnQuest has less than 50% operational control of 
an asset, it is not included within the SECR reporting boundary. Hence, the SECR operational control boundary is different to 
EnQuest’s financial boundary. In line with SECR guidance, this is fully disclosed.

ISO-14064 verified scope
EnQuest has again voluntarily opted to have its 2021 emissions reported within the SECR scope verified to the internationally 
recognised ISO 14064‑1 standard by a UKAS accredited verification body. This verification, dated 3 March 2022, was conducted to a 
reasonable level of assurance and increases the robustness of the reported emissions and provides the reader with more 
confidence in the stated figures. This goes beyond the minimum requirements of the SECR guidance. Some data for the Group’s 
Malaysian assets (Seligi and associated land‑based offices) do not currently meet ISO 14064‑1 requirements, and so are excluded 
from the ISO 14064‑1 reported figures. Efforts are being made to improve data quality with the objective of including these assets 
within the ISO 14064‑1 verified scope in future years.

Further disclosures
The Company has set out disclosures in the Strategic report in accordance with Section 414C(11) of the Companies Act (2006) 
information required by Schedule 7 to the Accounting Regulations to be contained in the Directors’ report. These disclosures and 
any further disclosure requirements as required by the Companies Act 2006, Schedule 7 of the Large and Medium‑sized Companies 
and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, The Companies (Miscellaneous Reporting) Regulations 2018 and the FCA’s 
Listing Rules and DTR are found on the following pages of the Company’s Annual Report and are incorporated into the Directors’ 
report by reference:

Disclosure

Future developments
Acquisitions and disposals
Fair treatment of disabled employees
Anti‑slavery disclosure
Corporate governance statement
Gender diversity
Financial risk and financial instruments
Important events subsequent to year end
Branches outside of the UK
s.172 statement and stakeholder engagement
Research and development
Related party transactions

Page number

15
24‑25, 139
40
54
64‑68
40‑41, 96
157‑159
n/a
160
6‑7
n/a
156

The Directors’ report was approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by the Company Secretary on 23 March 2022.

Stefan Ricketts
Company Secretary

104

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 
for the Group Financial Statements

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report 
and the Group financial statements in accordance with 
applicable United Kingdom law and regulations. Company law 
requires the Directors to prepare Group financial statements for 
each financial year. Under that law, the Directors are required to 
prepare Group financial statements under International 
Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’) as adopted by the UK.

Under Company law the Directors must not approve the Group 
financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a 
true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and of the 
profit or loss of the Group for that period. In preparing the Group 
financial statements, International Accounting Standard 1 (‘IAS’) 
requires that the Directors:
•  Properly select and apply accounting policies; 
•  Present information, including accounting policies, in a 

manner that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and 
understandable information;

•  Provide additional disclosures when compliance with the 

specific requirements in IFRS is insufficient to enable users to 
understand the impact of particular transactions, other 
events and conditions on the Group’s financial position and 
financial performance; and

•  Make an assessment of the Group’s ability to continue as a 

going concern.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any 
time the financial position of the Group and enable them to 
ensure that the Group financial statements comply with the 
Companies Act 2006 and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. They are 
also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Group and 
hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and 
detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Directors are also responsible for preparing the Strategic 
Report, Directors’ Report, the Directors’ Remuneration Report 
and the Corporate Governance Statement in accordance with 
the Companies Act 2006 and applicable regulations, including 
the requirements of the Listing Rules and the Disclosure and 
Transparency Rules.

Fair, balanced and understandable
In accordance with the principles of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code, the Directors are responsible for establishing 
arrangements to evaluate whether the information presented in 
the Annual Report, 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, and making a statement to that 
effect. This statement is set out on page 70 of the Annual Report.

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105105

Corporate Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report
To the Members Of EnQuest PLC

Report on the audit of the financial statements

1. Opinion

In our opinion:
•  the financial statements of EnQuest PLC (the ‘parent company’) and its subsidiaries (together the ‘group’) give a true and fair 
view of the state of the group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at 31 December 2021 and of the group’s profit for the 
year then ended;

•  the group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom adopted international 
accounting standards and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as issued by the International Accounting 
Standards Board (IASB);

•  the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally 

Accepted Accounting Practice, including Financial Reporting Standard 101 “Reduced Disclosure Framework”; and
•  the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

We have audited the financial statements which comprise:
•  the Group Income Statement;
•  the Group and Company Balance Sheets;
•  the Group and Company Statements of Changes in Equity;
•  the Group Statement of Cash Flows;
•  the related notes 1 to 29 to the Group financial statements; and
•  the related notes 1 to 11 to the Company financial statements. 

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the group financial statements is applicable law, 
United Kingdom adopted international accounting standards and IFRSs as issued by the IASB. The financial reporting framework that 
has been applied in the preparation of the parent company financial statements is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting 
Standards, including FRS 101 “Reduced Disclosure Framework” (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

2. Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our 
responsibilities under those standards are further described in the auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements 
section of our report. 

We are independent of the group and the parent company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our 
audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the Financial Reporting Council’s (the ‘FRC’s’) Ethical Standard as applied to listed 
public interest entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. The non-audit 
services provided to the group and parent company for the year are disclosed in note 5(g) to the financial statements. We confirm 
that we have not provided any non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard to the group or the parent company.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

3. Summary of our audit approach

Key audit matters

The key audit matters that we identified in the current year were:
•  Valuation of oil and gas related assets and liabilities; and
•  Valuation of decommissioning liability.

Within this report, key audit matters are identified as follows:

  Newly identified

Increased level of risk

  Similar level of risk

  Decreased level of risk

Materiality

The materiality that we used for the group financial statements was $20m which was determined on the 
basis of 3% of adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and exceptional 
items).
Our materiality represents 5.7% of reported profit before tax. 

Scoping

EnQuest PLC has two significant operating segments, being the North Sea and Malaysia. They accounted for 
100% of the group’s revenue, 100% of the group’s adjusted EBITDA and 100% of the group’s net assets. 

Significant changes 
in our approach

Going concern has been removed as a key audit matter. In the prior year, there was a material uncertainty 
related to going concern due to the Revolving Credit Facility expiring and the new facility not being signed at 
the time of the publication of the group’s results. In June 2021 a new long term Reserves Base Lending Facility 
of $600 million was signed, as such we do not consider there to be a material uncertainty in relation to going 
concern at the date of this opinion. 

106

 
4. Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the 
preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Our evaluation of the directors’ assessment of the group’s and parent company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern 
basis of accounting included:
•  we obtained an understanding of the relevant controls relating to the going concern assumption; 
•  we have tested the clerical accuracy of the model used to prepare the going concern forecasts;
•  we have assessed the historical accuracy of forecasts prepared by management;
•  we have evaluated the consistency of key inputs relating to future costs, hedging and production to other financial and 

operational information obtained during our audit;

•  we have challenged management as to the reasonableness of commodity pricing assumptions applied, based on 

benchmarking to market data;

•  we have agreed the available facilities to underlying agreements and external confirmation from debt providers and tested 

covenant calculation forecasts performed by management;

•  we have assessed the reasonableness of management’s sensitivity analysis on the forecast, including the downside scenarios 

such as lower oil prices and reduced production, and considered the mitigating actions highlighted by management in the event 
that they were required; and

•  we have assessed the adequacy of disclosures made in the Annual Report and Accounts.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, 
individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group’s and parent company’s ability to continue as a going concern 
for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

In relation to the reporting on how the group has applied the UK Corporate Governance Code, we have nothing material to add or 
draw attention to in relation to the directors’ statement in the financial statements about whether the directors considered it 
appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of 
this report.

5. Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the financial 
statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to 
fraud) that we identified. These matters included 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.

These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion 
thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

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107

Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.1. Valuation of oil and gas related assets and liabilities 

Key audit matter 
description

We identified a key audit matter in relation to the valuation of oil and gas related assets and liabilities. More 
specifically we identified this around the forecast significant assumptions and estimates, such as commodity 
prices and discount rate, that impact the forecast future cash flows used for valuation purposes. These 
impact the following as part of this key audit matter: 
•  Impairment charge and reversal on oil and gas assets;
•  Potential impairment of goodwill; 
•  Valuation of Magnus contingent consideration; 
•  Impairment of the parent company investment; and
•  Valuation of the deferred tax asset. 

Management performed an impairment assessment for oil and gas assets and goodwill carrying value, by 
reference to IAS36. As at 31 December 2021, the net book value of oil and gas assets was $2,347 million (2020: 
$2,124 million) and management have recorded a pre-tax impairment reversal of $40 million (2020: $422 
million impairment charge) against oil and gas assets, including related right of use assets, as disclosed in 
note 10. 

As at 31 December 2021, the net book value of goodwill was $134 million (2020: $134 million). No goodwill 
impairment charge has been recorded, as disclosed in note 11. 

The valuation of Magnus contingent consideration was $366 million (2020: $522 million) as at 31 December 
2021, based on the fair value of the future cash flows for the Magnus asset, as disclosed in note 22. The 
acquisition of Magnus resulted in the recognition of contingent consideration for both the initial 25% 
acquisition in 2017 and the subsequent 75% acquisition in 2018. 

Management also performed an assessment of the parent company investment carrying value by reference 
to IAS 36 Impairment of Assets and IFRS 9 Financial Instruments. As at 31 December 2021, the net book value of 
investments in the parent company was $397 million (2020: $71 million) and management have recorded an 
impairment reversal of $319 million (2020: $1,072 million impairment charge), as disclosed in note 3 to the 
parent company financial statements.

As at 31 December 2021, a deferred tax asset of $703m (2020: $660m) was recognised, based on the expected 
utilisation of historical tax losses, underpinned by the future profitability. Management identified an 
inconsistency in the prior year in the calculation of the deferred tax asset associated with the Magnus 
contingent consideration and the relevant estimated future cash flows used in the calculation of future 
taxable profits.  As a result, the prior year deferred tax asset was restated. Further details are as disclosed in 
note 2.

The oil and gas assets are required to be reviewed for indicators of impairment, and then tested for 
impairment where indicators are identified. Goodwill is required to be tested for impairment at least annually.

Oil and gas assets and goodwill are subject to significant estimation uncertainty, as set out below and further 
disclosed in note 2. Consequently, they represent a high risk of impairment charge or reversal. There is a risk 
that these oil and gas assets and goodwill are not recoverable, or the reversal of previous impairments of oil 
and gas assets is required. The impairment reversal recorded in the year on oil and gas assets was primarily 
because of a change in the future commodity price assumptions. There was no impairment recognised on 
goodwill as the recoverable amount of estimated North Sea future cash flows was higher than its book value, 
including the carrying value of goodwill. 

The impairment assessment involves management judgement in considering whether the carrying value of 
those assets or cash generating units are recoverable. The key assumptions and judgements underpinning 
the impairment assessments include: 
•  forecast future commodity prices, including the potential impact of climate change on those prices; 
•  forecast future production; and
•  determining appropriate discount rates.

The group’s accounting policies are detailed in notes 2, 10 and 11, these notes also include details of the 
sensitivity to changes in assumptions. 

Consistent assumptions are used in the impairment assessments, the valuation of the Magnus contingent 
consideration and the deferred tax assets. 

The group’s Audit Committee has included this key audit matter in their Audit Committee Report for the year 
ended 31 December 2021 on pages 72 and 73.

108

Independent Auditor’s Report continuedTo the Members Of EnQuest PLCHow the scope of 
our audit 
responded to the 
key audit matter

Procedures on the overall impairment review, Magnus contingent consideration valuation and valuation of 
the group’s deferred tax asset
•  we have understood management’s process for identifying indicators of impairment and for performing 

their impairment assessment and related valuations;

•  we obtained an understanding of the relevant controls and then evaluated the associated design and 

implementation of such controls relating to the impairment assumptions, the Magnus contingent 
consideration modelling, deferred tax asset modelling and reviews; 

•  we evaluated and challenged the key assumptions and inputs into the impairment and valuation models, 

which included performing sensitivity analysis, to evaluate the impact of selecting alternative assumptions. 

•  we evaluated the reasonableness and supportability of current year changes to the key assumptions;
•  we worked with our modelling specialists to evaluate the arithmetical accuracy of the impairment and 

valuation models. We recalculated the impairment charges and headroom, as well as valuation changes, 
and agreed these to financial records;

•  we challenged management’s cash generating unit determination and considered whether there was 

any contradictory evidence present;

•  we evaluated the impairment and valuation judgements taken, with reference to our assessment of the 

key assumptions as outlined above and the outcome of the sensitivities performed; and

•  we evaluated and challenged management’s disclosures including in relation to the sensitivity on oil and 
gas assets and goodwill, Magnus contingent consideration and deferred tax assets for oil and gas price 
assumptions to reduced demand scenarios, whether due to climate change or other reasons.

Procedures relating to oil and gas prices
•  we independently developed a reasonable range of forecasts based on external data, against which we 

compared the group’s future oil and gas price assumptions in order to challenge whether they are 
reasonable;

•  in developing this range we obtained a variety of reputable third party forecasts, peer information and 

market data; 

•  we performed sensitivity analysis on the pricing assumptions to determine the impact on the impairment 
conclusion and amount and the related changes to valuations of reasonably possible changes in the 
assumption; and

•  in challenging management’s price assumptions, we considered the extent to which they and each of the 
forecast pricing scenarios obtained from third parties reflect the impact of lower oil and gas demand due 
to climate change.

Procedures relating to forecast future cash flows and reserves estimates
•  we assessed whether forecast cash flows were consistent with Board approved forecasts, and analysed 

reasonably possible downside sensitivities;

•  we evaluated production profiles by reference to external reserve estimates and agreed these to the cash 

flow forecast assumptions with involvement from our petroleum engineering experts;

•  we compared hydrocarbon production forecasts used in impairment tests to estimates and reports and 

our understanding of the life of fields;

•  we agreed estimates of oil and gas reserves to third party reserve reports, assessing the competence, 

objectivity and capability of those third-party experts, using our own internal specialists; and

•  we challenged and evaluated the adequacy of the operating and capital cost assumptions within the 

model.

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Procedures relating to the discount rate
•  we independently evaluated the group’s discount rates used in impairment tests, valuations and cash flow 

analysis with input from our valuation specialists; and 

•  we assessed whether country risks and tax adjustments were appropriately reflected in the group’s 

discount rates. 

Procedures relating to the impairment of parent company investments
•  we evaluated the methodology applied in reviewing the investments for impairment and assessing the 
recoverability of intercompany balances, with reference to the requirements of IAS 36 ‘Impairment of 
Assets’ and IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ respectively; 

•  we challenged the key assumptions within management’s cash flow forecasts as described in this key 

audit matter; 

•  we tested the mechanical accuracy of the model; and
•  we evaluated the adequacy of the parent company’s disclosures regarding the investment impairment 

and intercompany recoverability in notes 3 and 4 of the Financial Statements.

Procedures relating to the carrying value of the deferred tax asset
•  we evaluated the methodology applied in calculating the group’s deferred tax assets and liabilities;
•  we agreed the deferred tax balances relating to assets and liabilities recognised on the group’s balance 

sheet to those assets and liabilities, applying the relevant tax rates;

•  we agreed the inputs used in the group’s calculations of tax losses to be recognised to the group’s cash 
flow forecasts used for the purposes of impairment testing, as discussed further within this key audit 
matter; and

•  we assessed the appropriateness of the carrying value of the closing deferred tax asset.

Key observations

•  The group’s future commodity price assumptions are within our acceptable range from external sources 

for the period to 2024. The commodity price assumptions from 2025 onwards are lower than our 
acceptable range, but this does not result in a material change in the impairment charge when 
considering the range of pricing assumptions for the life of each CGU;

•  The group’s discount rate is within the acceptable range calculated by our internal valuation specialists;
•  From the work performed, we are satisfied that the impairment reversal recorded and the carrying value of 

the investments in subsidiaries are appropriate; 

•  The carrying value of the Magnus contingent consideration is reasonable. The significant assumptions and 

cash flows are consistent with the impairment model; 

•  The deferred tax asset recognition is appropriate and the carrying value is appropriate; 
•  We are satisfied that the prior year deferred tax restatement appropriately corrects the 2020 position; and
•  Based on the procedures performed we are satisfied that the group’s impairment and reversals are 

appropriately estimated in accordance with the requirements of IAS 36 ‘Impairment of Assets’, and the 
carrying value of the Magnus contingent consideration and deferred tax assets are appropriate.

5.2. Valuation of decommissioning liability 

Key audit matter 
description

The decommissioning provision at 31 December 2021 was $880 million (2020: $831 million). The provision 
represents the present value of decommissioning costs which are expected to be incurred up to 2048, 
assuming no further development on the group’s assets. Further details on the key sources of estimation 
uncertainty underpinning the valuation of decommissioning provisions can be found in note 2. Details on the 
sensitivity to changes in key assumptions such as discount rates are disclosed in note 23.

Decommissioning liabilities are inherently judgemental areas, in particular in relation to cost estimates. The 
key assumptions and judgements underpinning the provision include: 
•  cessation of production dates;
•  post cessation-of-production operating cost estimates;
•  rates and norms assumptions;
•  discount rate; and
•  inflation rate.

The two key management estimates that have an increased likelihood of resulting in a material 
misstatement within the estimation are:
•  internal well cost estimates (rig services; vessels; onshore time-writing costs) included in the 

decommissioning model; and

•  internal cost reduction factors applied to the gross decommissioning cost estimates. 

The Group’s Audit Committee has included this key audit matter in their Audit Committee Report for the year 
ended 31 December 2021 on page 73.

110

Independent Auditor’s Report continuedTo the Members Of EnQuest PLCHow the scope of 
our audit 
responded to the 
key audit matter

Procedures relating to internal control
•  we assessed management’s decommissioning processes, and the oversight and governance of those 

processes in relation to decommissioning; and

•  we obtained an understanding of the relevant controls and then evaluated the associated design and 

implementation of such controls relating to the decommissioning provision.

General procedures relating to the decommissioning model
•  we held meetings with the group’s internal experts responsible for determining the 2021 decommissioning 

estimates to understand the key changes in underlying assumptions and methodology applied;
•  we assessed the technical competence, objectivity and capability of internal and external experts;
•  we assessed decommissioning calculations for clerical accuracy and compliance with IAS 37 ‘Provisions, 

Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets’;

•  we challenged the group’s key assumptions, outlined above, for reasonableness and consistency with the 
external market expectations (see below for procedures on internal well cost estimates and internal cost 
reduction factors);

•  tested the mechanical accuracy of the cost estimate;
•  we tested for actual decommissioning costs incurred during the period and recognised against the 

provision; and

•  we evaluated management’s disclosures including in the sensitivity of decommissioning assumptions.

Procedures on internal well cost estimates
•  we challenged the group’s rate assumptions within the cost estimate and benchmarked to peer and 

market rates; and

•  we assessed the duration assumptions for plug and abandonment of wells, by comparison to available 
benchmarking data and contradictory evidence available from active decommissioning projects or 
operator estimates. 

Procedures on internal cost reduction factors 
•  we challenged the group’s cost reduction factors applied to the decommissioning model through 

obtaining supporting evidence for the factors applied; and

•  benchmarking and considering contradictory evidence from peers. 

Key observations

•  We have not identified any material errors in the decommissioning estimates and concluded that the 

inputs and key assumptions used to estimate the future costs were reasonable;

•  We are satisfied that the group’s decommissioning provision is appropriately estimated in accordance 

with the requirements of IAS 37 ‘Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets’; and 

•  We are satisfied the disclosures in the financial statements are appropriate.

6. Our application of materiality
6.1. Materiality
We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement in the financial statements that makes it probable that the economic 
decisions of a reasonably knowledgeable person would be changed or influenced. We use materiality both in planning the scope 
of our audit work and in evaluating the results of our work.

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:

Group financial statements

Parent company financial statements

Materiality

$20 million (2020: $16.5 million)

$10.3 million (2020: $1.1 million)

Basis for 
determining 
materiality

We determined group materiality on the basis of 3% 
of adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, 
depreciation, amortisation, remeasurements and 
exceptional items) (2020: 3% of adjusted EBITDA). 

We determined the parent company materiality 
based on 3% of net assets (2020: 3% of net assets).

Management has presented a reconciliation of $743 
million adjusted EBITDA to profit from continuing 
activities in the glossary to the financial statements 
on page 170.

Rationale for the 
benchmark applied

Adjusted EBITDA was considered to be the most 
relevant benchmark as it is of most interest to 
stakeholders and is a key performance measure 
used by investors.

The parent company acts principally as a holding 
company and therefore net assets is a key measure 
for this business.

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group materiality $20 million

Component materiality range  $8.5 million to $15 million
Audit Committee reporting threshold $1 million

  Adjusted EBITDA $743 million

  Group materiality

6.2. Performance materiality
We set performance materiality at a level lower than materiality to reduce the probability that, in aggregate, uncorrected and 
undetected misstatements exceed the materiality for the financial statements as a whole. 

Performance 
materiality

Basis and rationale 
for determining 
performance 
materiality

Group financial statements

Parent company financial statements

60% (2020: 60%) of group materiality

60% (2020: 60%) of parent company materiality 

In determining performance materiality, we considered factors including the size and nature and volume of 
uncorrected and corrected misstatements identified in the previous audit, the quality of the control 
environment, the stability of the finance team following restructuring in 2020, macro-economic factors such 
as commodity price volatility and geo-political instability, and management’s willingness to correct errors 
identified in the prior year and current year.

6.3. Error reporting threshold
We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to the Committee all audit differences in excess of $1m (2020: $0.8m), as 
well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds. We also report to the Audit 
Committee on disclosure matters that we identified when assessing the overall presentation of the financial statements.

7. An overview of the scope of our audit
7.1. Identification and scoping of components
Our audit was scoped by obtaining an understanding of the group and its environment, including group-wide controls, and 
assessing the risks of material misstatement at the group level. In the current year we performed full scope audit procedures on the 
North Sea and Malaysia components. Audit procedures were performed by the group audit team or the North Sea component and 
by the Malaysia component team for the Malaysia component.

The materiality applied by the Malaysia component for the 2021 year-end was $8.5 million (2020: $7.5m). The materiality applied by 
the UK component for the 2021 year-end was $15 million (2020: $12.5m). 

In the current year the North Sea and Malaysia components, where we performed full scope audit procedures, accounted for 100% 
of the group’s revenue, 100% of the group’s adjusted EBITDA and 100% of the group’s net assets, consistent with the prior year. The 
Malaysia component contributed 7% of the group’s revenue, 7% of the group’s adjusted EBITDA and 6% of the group’s total assets 
(2020: 7% of the group’s revenue, 4% of the group’s adjusted EBITDA and 6% of the group’s total assets). 

7.2. Our consideration of the control environment
We obtained an understanding of the relevant controls in relation to key business processes as well as IT systems that were relevant 
to the audit, being the financial reporting system. We worked with our IT specialists to test the operating effectiveness of the general 
environment.

We have not relied on the operation of controls in the current year.

112

Independent Auditor’s Report continuedTo the Members Of EnQuest PLC   
7.3. Our consideration of climate-related risks
We performed enquiries of management to understand the impact of climate-related risks and controls relevant to the group. We 
performed a review of the climate change risk assessment and related documentation prepared by management and considered 
the completeness and accuracy of the climate-related risks identified and summarised in the Task Force on Climate-related 
Financial Disclosures report on page 55.

Management identified key judgements and estimates with elevated climate-related risk, relating to impairment of oil and gas 
assets, valuation of contingent consideration, valuation of the decommissioning provision, valuation of deferred tax assets, and 
estimation of oil and gas reserves. 

We considered whether the risks identified by management within their climate change risk assessment and related 
documentation were complete and challenged assumptions impacting the financial statements. The key piece of climate-related 
regulation enacted to date and impacting the group related to carbon costs and emission allowances. The key market-related 
matter which could have a material impact on the valuation of the items noted above is in respect of future demand for, and 
pricing of, oil and gas as the energy mix evolves in response to climate change risk and other matters. 

We also performed a review of the disclosures within the Annual Report, with the involvement of our Environmental, Social and 
Governance specialists, and considered whether these were materially consistent with the financial disclosures, complete and 
consistent with our understanding of the climate-related risks, assumptions and judgements during the year. Both of our key audit 
matters are considered to contain climate-related risks, being the key market-related matter which could have a material impact 
on the valuation of oil and gas related assets and liabilities and valuation of the decommissioning provision. The procedures 
performed for these key audit matters are discussed in detail in the key audit matters section above. 

7.4. Working with other auditors
The North Sea component was audited by the group audit team and we oversaw the Malaysia component audit through regular 
meetings and direct supervision. We organised planning and working meetings virtually, led by the audit partner or other senior 
members of the engagement team. Throughout the year, the group audit team has been directly involved in overseeing the 
component audit planning and execution, through frequent conversations, team meetings, debate, challenge and review of 
reporting and underlying work papers. In addition to our direct interactions, we sent detailed instructions to the component audit 
team and attended audit closing meetings. We are satisfied that the level of involvement of the lead audit partner and team in the 
component audit has been extensive and has enabled us to conclude that sufficient appropriate audit evidence has been 
obtained in support of our opinion on the group financial statements as a whole.

8. Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our 
auditor’s report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. 

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in 
our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent 
with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.

If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives 
rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that 
there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

9. Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial 
statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is 
necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or 
error.

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the group’s and the 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 the directors either intend to liquidate the group or the parent company or to cease operations, or have no 
realistic alternative but to do so.

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10. Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
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 error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a 
high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material 
misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the 
aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial 
statements.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the FRC’s website at: 
www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

11. Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our 
responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our 
procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below. 

11.1. Identifying and assessing potential risks related to irregularities
In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with 
laws and regulations, we considered the following:
•  the nature of the industry and sector, control environment and business performance including the design of the Group’s 

remuneration policies, key drivers for directors’ remuneration, bonus levels and performance targets;

•  results of our enquiries of management, internal audit and the Audit Committee about their own identification and assessment of 

the risks of irregularities; 

•  any matters we identified having obtained and reviewed the group’s documentation of their policies and procedures relating to:

–  identifying, evaluating and complying with laws and regulations and whether they were aware of any instances of non-

compliance;

–  detecting and responding to the risks of fraud and whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud; 

and

–  the internal controls established to mitigate risks of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations.

•  the matters discussed among the audit engagement team including significant component audit team and relevant internal 
specialists, including tax, valuations, IT, modelling, and oil and gas reserves specialists regarding how and where fraud might 
occur in the financial statements and any potential indicators of fraud.

As a result of these procedures, we considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and 
identified the greatest potential for fraud in the following areas: 
•  valuation of oil and gas related assets and liabilities; 
•  valuation of decommissioning provision; and 
•  crude oil revenue recognition – cut off.

In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of 
management override.

We also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework that the group operates in, focusing on provisions of 
those laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial 
statements. The key laws and regulations we considered in this context included the UK Companies Act 2006, the UK Corporate 
Governance Code and the Listing Rules of the UK Listing Authority and the relevant tax compliance regulations in the jurisdictions in 
which the group operates.

In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but 
compliance with which may be fundamental to the group’s ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty. These included Market 
Abuse Regulation, environmental laws and regulations in the countries in which the group operates.

114

Independent Auditor’s Report continuedTo the Members Of EnQuest PLC11.2. Audit response to risks identified
As a result of performing the above, we identified the valuation of oil and gas related assets and liabilities and the valuation of the 
decommissioning provision as key audit matters related to the potential risk of fraud. The key audit matters section of our report 
explains the matters in more detail and also describes the specific procedures we performed in response to those key audit 
matters.

In addition to the above, our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following:
•  reviewing the financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with provisions of 

relevant laws and regulations described as having a direct effect on the financial statements;

•  enquiring of management, the Audit Committee and in-house and external legal counsel concerning actual and potential 

litigation and claims;

•  performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material 

misstatement due to fraud;

•  reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance, reviewing internal audit reports and reviewing correspondence 

with relevant authorities where matters identified were significant; 

•  for revenue recognition associated with the cut-off of crude oil sales, we tested a sample of invoices from a population of 

December 2021 and January 2022 sales invoices; and

•  in addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls, testing the appropriateness of journal entries and other 
adjustments, assessing whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias, and 
evaluating the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business.

We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members 
including internal specialists and significant component audit teams, and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-
compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit.

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Report on other legal and regulatory requirements

12. Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the 
Companies Act 2006.

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
•  the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the financial statements 

are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

•  the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent company and their environment obtained in the 
course of the audit, we have not identified any material misstatements in the Strategic Report or the Directors’ Report.

13. Corporate Governance Statement
The Listing Rules require us to review the directors’ statement in relation to going concern, longer-term viability and that part of the 
Corporate Governance Statement relating to the group’s compliance with the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code 
specified for our review.

Based on the work undertaken as part of our audit, we have concluded that each of the following elements of the Corporate 
Governance Statement is materially consistent with the financial statements and our knowledge obtained during the audit: 
•  the directors’ statement with regards to the appropriateness of adopting the going concern basis of accounting and any 

material uncertainties identified set out on page 30 and 31;

•  the directors’ explanation as to its assessment of the group’s prospects, the period this assessment covers and why the period 

is appropriate set out on page 30 and 31;

•  the directors’ statement on fair, balanced and understandable set out on page 70 and 71;
•  the board’s confirmation that it has carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and principal risks set out on pages 42 to 

53;

•  the section of the annual report that describes the review of effectiveness of risk management and internal control systems 

set out on page 74; and

•  the section describing the work of the audit committee set out on page 70 to 73.

14. Matters on which we are required to report by exception
14.1. Adequacy of explanations received and accounting records
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
•  we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
•  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 are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns.

We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.

14.2. Directors’ remuneration
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are also required to report if in our opinion certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration have 
not been made or the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited is not in agreement with the accounting records 
and returns.

We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.

116

Independent Auditor’s Report continuedTo the Members Of EnQuest PLC15. Other matters which we are required to address
15.1. Auditor tenure
Following the recommendation of the audit committee, we were appointed by shareholders on 21 May 2020 to audit the financial 
statements for the year ending 31 December 2020 and subsequent financial periods. The period of total uninterrupted engagement 
including previous renewals and reappointments of the firm is two years, covering the years ended 31 December 2020 and 
31 December 2021.

15.2. Consistency of the audit report with the additional report to the audit committee
Our audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the Audit Committee we are required to provide in accordance with ISAs 
(UK).

16. Use of our report
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. 

As required by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rule (DTR) 4.1.14R, these financial 
statements form part of the European Single Electronic Format (ESEF) prepared Annual Financial Report filed on the National Storage 
Mechanism of the UK FCA in accordance with the ESEF Regulatory Technical Standard (‘ESEF RTS’). This auditor’s report provides no 
assurance over whether the annual financial report has been prepared using the single electronic format specified in the ESEF RTS. 

James Leigh FCA (Senior statutory auditor)
For and on behalf of Deloitte LLP
Statutory Auditor
London, United Kingdom
23 March 2022

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Income Statement
For the year ended 31 December 2021

2021 

Business 
performance
$’000

Notes

Remeasurements 
and exceptional 
items (note 4)
$’000

Reported in 
year
$’000

Business 
performance
$’000

2020 restated(i)

Remeasurements 
and exceptional 
items (note 4)
$’000

Reported in 
year
$’000

Revenue and other operating income
Cost of sales

5(a) 1,320,265
5(b) (900,433)

(54,451)
(7,201)

1,265,814
(907,634)

 855,074 
(785,455) 

8,778 
(13,626) 

863,852
(799,081) 

Gross profit/(loss)
Net impairment reversal/(charge) 
to oil and gas assets
General and administration expenses
Other income
Other expenses 

Profit/(loss) from operations before 
tax and finance income/(costs)
Finance costs
Finance income

Profit/(loss) before tax
Income tax

Profit/(loss) for the year attributable 
to owners of the parent 

Total comprehensive profit/(loss) 
for the year, attributable to owners 
of the parent

419,832

(61,652)

358,180

 69,619 

(4,848) 

64,771

4
5(c)
5(d)
5(e)

–
(363)
30,990
(7,278)

39,715
–
162,647
(3,832)

39,715
(363)
193,637
(11,110)

 – 
(6,105) 
 18,100 
(101,633) 

(422,495) 
 – 
 138,249 
(956) 

(422,495) 
(6,105) 
 156,349 
(102,589) 

443,181
(169,451)
228

273,958
(53,674)

6
6

7

136,878
(58,395)
–

580,059
(227,846)
228

(20,019) 
(179,818) 
 1,171 

(290,050) 
(77,259) 
 – 

(310,069) 
(257,077) 
 1,171 

78,483
78,221

352,441
24,547

(198,666) 
 172,479 

(367,309) 
(76,449) 

(565,975) 
96,030

220,284

156,704

376,988

(26,187) 

(443,758) 

(469,945)

376,988

(469,945)

(i)  The comparative information has been restated as a result of change in accounting policy and prior period error. For more information, see note  2 Basis of preparation 

– Restatements

There is no comprehensive income attributable to the shareholders of the Group other than the profit for the period. Revenue and 
operating (loss)/profit are all derived from continuing operations.

Earnings per share
Basic 
Diluted 

8

$
 0.127
0.125 

$
0.217
0.214

$
 (0.016)
 (0.016) 

$

(0.290) 
(0.290) 

The attached notes 1 to 29 form part of these Group financial statements.

118

Group Balance Sheet
At 31 December 2021

ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Goodwill
Intangible assets
Deferred tax assets
Other financial assets

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables 
Current tax receivable
Cash and cash equivalents
Other financial assets

TOTAL ASSETS

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity
Share capital and premium
Share-based payment reserve
Retained earnings

TOTAL EQUITY

Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
Bonds
Leases liabilities
Contingent consideration
Provisions
Deferred tax liabilities

Current liabilities
Borrowings
Leases liabilities
Contingent consideration
Provisions
Trade and other payables
Other financial liabilities
Current tax payable

TOTAL LIABILITIES

TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

Notes

2021 
$’000

2020 

restated(i) 
$’000

10 2,821,998
11
134,400
12
47,667
7(c)
702,970
19
6 

2,633,917
 134,400 
 27,546 
659,803
 7 

3,707,041 3,455,673

13
16

14
19

73,023 
296,068
2,368 
286,661
472

 59,784 
118,715
 5,601 
 222,830 
 – 

658,592

 406,930 

4,365,633 3,862,603

20

20

392,196
6,791
121,769

 345,420 
 1,016 
(255,219) 

520,756

91,217

18
191,109 
18 1,081,596
24
442,500
22
380,301
23
754,266
7(c)
3,418

 37,854 
 1,045,041 
 548,407 
 448,384 
 741,453
6,385

2,853,190 2,827,524

18
24
22
23
17
19

210,505
128,281
30,477
140,676
420,544
55,247
5,957 

414,430
 99,439 
73,877
 98,954
255,155
 2,007 
 – 

991,687

943,862

3,844,877

3,771,386

4,365,633 3,862,603

(i)  The comparative information has been restated as a result of change in accounting policy and prior period error. For more information, see note  2 Basis of preparation 

– Restatements

The attached notes 1 to 29 form part of these Group financial statements. 

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 23 March 2022 and signed on its 
behalf by: 

Jonathan Swinney
Chief Financial Officer

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 December 2021

Balance at 1 January 2020
Profit/(loss) for the year (restated)(ii)

Total comprehensive loss for the year (restated)(ii)
Share-based payment (see note 21)
Shares purchased on behalf of Employee Benefit Trust
Write down of oil and gas assets

Balance at 31 December 2020 (restated)(ii)
Profit/(loss) for the year

Total comprehensive profit for the year
Issue of share capital, net of expenses
Share-based payment (see note 21)
Shares purchased on behalf of Employee Benefit Trust
Balance at 31 December 2021

Share capital 
and share 
premium
$’000

Merger 
Reserve(i)
$’000

Share-based 
payments 
reserve
$’000

Retained 
earnings 
$’000

Total
$’000

345,420
– 

662,855 
– 

(1,085)
– 

(448,129)
(469,945)  (469,945) 

559,061

– 
– 
– 
–

– 
–
– 
(662,855)

– 
3,401
(1,300) 
– 

(469,945)  (469,945) 

–
– 
662,855

3,401
(1,300) 
– 

 345,420 
– 

– 
46,200
– 
576 
392,196

–
–

– 
–
–
– 
– 

1,016 
– 

(255,219)
376,988 

91,217
376,988

– 
–
6,351
(576)
6,791

376,988
–
– 
–
121,769

376,988
46,200
6,351
–
520,756

In 2020, the merger reserve was released to retained earnings as the assets which gave rise to its original recognition were fully written down

(i) 
(ii)  The comparative information has been restated as a result of change in accounting policy and prior period error. For more information, see note 2 Basis of preparation 

– Restatements

The attached notes 1 to 29 form part of these Group financial statements.

120

Group Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended 31 December 2021

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Cash generated from operations
Cash received from insurance
Cash received/(paid) on sale/(purchase) of financial instruments
Decommissioning spend
Income taxes paid

Net cash flows from/(used in) operating activities

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of intangible oil and gas assets
Purchase of other intangible assets
Net cash received on termination of Tanjong Baram risk service contract 
Repayment of Magnus contingent consideration – Profit share
Acquisitions
Interest received

Net cash flows (used in)/from investing activities

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net proceeds of share issue
Proceeds of loans and borrowings
Repayment of loans and borrowings
Repayment of Magnus contingent consideration – Vendor loan
Shares purchased by Employee Benefit Trust
Repayment of obligations under financing leases
Interest paid
Other finance costs paid

Net cash flows from/(used in) financing activities

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Net foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT 31 DECEMBER

Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents
Total cash at bank and in hand
Restricted cash

Cash and cash equivalents per balance sheet

Notes

29

12

22

22

24

2021 
$’000

2020
restated(i) 
$’000

756,928
674
(277)
(65,791)
(17,396)

567,165
–
 6,226 
(41,605) 
(10,366) 

674,138

521,420

(43,712)
(8,127)
(10,052)
–
(968)
(258,627)
256

(131,376) 
 – 
–
 51,054 
(41,071) 

–
 796 

(321,230)

(120,597) 

47,782
125,000
(184,276)
(73,728)
(576)
(136,651)
(63,025)
–

–
–
(210,671)
(20,702)
(1,153)
(123,001)
(42,961)
(2,526)

(285,474)

(401,014)

67,434
(3,603)
222,830

(191) 
 2,566 
 220,455 

286,661

 222,830 

14
14

276,970
9,691

 221,155 
 1,675 

286,661

 222,830 

(i)  The comparative information has been restated as a result of change in accounting policy and prior period error. For more information, see note 2 Basis of preparation 

– Restatements

The attached notes 1 to 29 form part of these Group financial statements.

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121

Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Group Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2021

1. Corporate information 
EnQuest PLC (‘EnQuest’ or the ‘Company’) is a public company limited by shares incorporated in the United Kingdom under the 
Companies Act and is registered in England and Wales and listed on the London Stock Exchange and on the Stockholm NASDAQ 
OMX. The address of the Company’s registered office is shown on page 174.

The principal activities of the Company and its subsidiaries (together the ‘Group’) are to responsibly optimise production, leverage 
existing infrastructure, deliver a strong decommissioning performance and explore new energy and further decarbonisation 
opportunities.

The Group’s financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2021 were authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of 
the Board of Directors on 23 March 2022.

A listing of the Group’s companies is contained in note 28 to these Group financial statements.

2. Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards 
and International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the IASB and in conformity with the requirements of the Companies 
Act 2006. The accounting policies which follow set out those policies which apply in preparing the financial statements for the year 
ended 31 December 2021.

The Group financial information has been prepared on an historical cost basis, except for the fair value remeasurement of certain 
financial instruments, including derivatives and contingent consideration, as set out in the accounting policies. The presentation 
currency of the Group financial information is US Dollars (‘$’) and all values in the Group financial information are rounded to the 
nearest thousand ($’000) except where otherwise stated.

The Group’s results on an IFRS basis are shown on the Group Income Statement as ‘Reported in the year’, being the sum of its 
Business performance results and its Remeasurements and exceptional items as permitted by IAS 1 (Revised) Presentation of 
Financial Statements. Remeasurements and exceptional items are items that management considers not to be part of underlying 
business performance and are disclosed separately in order to enable shareholders to understand better and evaluate the Group’s 
reported financial performance. For further information see note 4. 

Restatements
Presentation of rental income
EnQuest receives rental income for sub-leasing space in its corporate offices. The Group previously presented the rental income 
associated with office sub-leases within revenue and other operating income in the income statement. The Group has determined 
that the revenue derived from this income is not related to the principal activities of the Group and should be presented within other 
income in the income statement. Comparative information has been restated, resulting in a $1.8 million reduction in revenue and 
other operating income and a $1.8 million increase in other income. There is no impact on comparative information for profit/(loss) 
from operations before tax and finance income/(costs) or earnings per share.

Presentation of Group Statement of Cash Flows
Following a review of the Group’s primary statements, the Group has updated the presentation of the Group Statement of Cash 
Flows to reconcile to cash and cash equivalents per the balance sheet. In previous years, the Group Statement of Cash Flows was 
reconciled to cash and cash equivalents excluding restricted cash. Following this change, the presentation of the Group Statement 
of Cash Flows in 2020 has been restated, which has resulted in a $0.7 million reduction in cash flows from operating activities.

Deferred tax asset restatement
Subsequent to the publication of the Group’s 2020 consolidated financial statements and as part of the preparation of its interim 
report, the Group determined there was an inconsistency in the calculation of the deferred tax asset recognised on the balance 
sheet associated with Magnus contingent consideration and the relevant estimated future cash flows used in the calculation of 
future taxable profits to support the recognition of this deferred tax asset and the deferred tax asset associated with other available 
tax losses. This inconsistency resulted in excess deferred tax being derecognised within Remeasurements and exceptional items of 
$155.9 million with respect to the year ended 31 December 2020. There are no changes to the underlying amounts recognised in 
relation to contingent consideration or to amounts recognised in respect of deferred tax in earlier periods. The tables below reflect 
the corrections to the comparative periods which are disclosed in these Group financial statements.

122

Group Income Statement(i)

Profit/(loss) before tax
Income tax
Profit/(loss) for the year attributable 
to owners of the parent 

Total comprehensive profit/(loss) for 
the period, attributable to owners of 
the parent

2020  
(as previously reported)

Restatement 
adjustment

Business 
performance
$’000

Remeasurements 
and exceptional 
items (note 4)
$’000

Reported in 
period
$’000

Business 
performance
$’000

$’000

2020 restated

Remeasurements 
and exceptional 
items (note 4)
$’000

Reported in 
year
$’000

(198,666) 
 172,479 

(367,309) 
(232,306)

(565,975) 
(59,827)

155,857

(198,666) 
 172,479 

(367,309) 
(76,449) 

(565,975) 
96,030 

 (26,187) 

(599,615) 

(625,802) 

155,857

 (26,187) 

(443,758) 

(469,945) 

(625,802)

155,857

(469,945)

Earnings per share
Basic 
Diluted 

$
 (0.016)
 (0.016) 

$

(0.378) 
(0.378) 

0.088
0.088

$
 (0.016)
 (0.016) 

$
(0.290)
(0.290)

(i)  Only the impact of the material deferred tax asset restatement presented

Group Balance Sheet(i)

ASSETS
Non-current assets
Deferred tax assets

TOTAL ASSETS

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity
Retained earnings

TOTAL EQUITY

TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

2020  
(as previously 
reported)
$’000

Restatement 
adjustment
$’000

2020  
restated 
$’000

503,946

155,857

 659,803 

3,706,746

155,857  3,862,603 

(411,076) 

155,857

(255,219) 

(64,640) 

155,857

 91,217 

3,706,746

155,857  3,862,603 

(i)  Only the impact of the material deferred tax asset restatement presented 

Going concern
The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis. 

The Group closely monitors and manages its funding position and liquidity risk throughout the year, including monitoring forecast 
covenant results, to ensure that it has access to sufficient funds to meet forecast cash requirements. Cash forecasts are regularly 
produced and sensitivities considered for, but not limited to, changes in crude oil prices (adjusted for hedging undertaken by the 
Group), production rates and costs. These forecasts and sensitivity analyses allow management to mitigate liquidity or covenant 
compliance risks in a timely manner. 

The health, safety and wellbeing of the Group’s employees is its top priority and it continues to monitor actively the impact on 
operations from COVID-19. The Group remains compliant with UK, Malaysia and Dubai government and industry policy. The Group 
has also been working with a variety of stakeholders, including industry and medical organisations, to ensure its operational 
response and advice to its workforce is appropriate and commensurate with the prevailing expert advice and level of risk. The 
Group is cognisant of the ongoing risks presented by the evolving situation. At the time of publication of EnQuest’s full-year results, 
the Group’s day-to-day operations continue without being materially affected by COVID-19. 

During 2021, the Group signed a new senior secured borrowing base debt facility (the ‘RBL’) of $600.0 million and an additional 
amount of $150.0 million for letters of credit for up to seven years, subject to refinancing the Group’s existing high yield bonds.. The 
RBL is initially repaid based on an amortisation schedule and via a cash sweep mechanism, whereby any unrestricted cash in 
excess of $75.0 million is swept to repay outstanding amounts at calendar quarter ends. Application of the amortisation schedule 
ensures the RBL is fully repaid by June 2023.

Upon refinancing of the Group’s High Yield Bond, the maturity of the RBL is extended to seven years from its signing date (11 June 
2021), or the point at which the remaining economic reserves for all borrowing base assets are projected to fall below 25% of the 
initial economic reserves forecast, if earlier. 

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123

Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2. Basis of preparation continued
At 31 December 2021, $415.0 million was drawn on the RBL, with early voluntary repayments of $85.0 million made in the first quarter of 
2022. 

The Group continues to explore options to refinance its Retail and High Yield Bonds ahead of maturity in October 2023. For the 
purposes of assessing going concern it is assumed that the refinancing of the bonds occurs outside of the going concern period. 
However, in the scenario that the Group concluded a successful refinancing of the bonds within the next 12 months, then the going 
concern basis at the date of release of this annual report would also be considered appropriate. 

The Group’s latest approved business plan underpins management’s base case (‘Base Case’) and is in line with the Group’s 
production guidance and uses oil price assumptions of $75.0/bbl for 2022 and $70.0/bbl for 2023, adjusted for hedging
activity undertaken.

The Base Case has been subjected to stress testing by considering the impact of the following plausible downside risks (the 
‘Downside Case’):

•  10.0% discount to Base Case prices resulting in Downside Case prices of $67.5/bbl for 2022 and $63.0/bbl for 2023;
•  Production risking of c.5.0% for 2022 and 2023; and
•  2.5% increase in operating costs.

The Base Case and Downside Case indicate that the Group is able to operate as a going concern and remain covenant compliant 
for 12 months from the date of publication of its full-year results. The Directors have also performed reverse stress testing on the Base 
Case, with the liquidity break-even price in the going concern period being less than $60.0/bbl in order to maintain a minimum 
unrestricted cash balance of above $50.0 million across all periods (as required by the RBL). 

Should circumstances arise that differ from the Group’s projections, the Directors believe that a number of mitigating actions, 
including asset sales or other funding options, can be executed successfully in the necessary timeframe to meet debt repayment 
obligations as they become due and in order to maintain liquidity.

After making appropriate enquiries and assessing the progress against the forecast, projections and the status of the mitigating 
actions referred to above, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group will continue in operation and meet its 
commitments as they fall due over the going concern period. Accordingly, the Directors continue to adopt the going concern basis 
in preparing these financial statements.

New standards and interpretations
The following new standards became applicable for the current reporting period. No material impact was recognised upon 
application: 
•  Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – Phase 2 (Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16)
•  COVID-19-Related Rent Concessions beyond 30 June 2021 (Amendment to IFRS 16)

Standards issued but not yet effective
At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the Group has not applied the following new and revised IFRS Standards 
that have been issued but are not yet effective:

IFRS 17
IFRS 10 and IAS 28 (amendments)
Amendments to IAS 1

Amendments to IAS 8
Amendments to IFRS 3
Amendments to IAS 12
Amendments to IAS 16
Amendments to IAS 37
Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 
2018–2020 Cycle

Insurance Contracts
Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture
Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current and Disclosure 
of Accounting Policies
Disclosure of Accounting Policies
Reference to the Conceptual Framework
Deferred Tax related to Assets and Liabilities arising from a Single Transaction
Property, Plant and Equipment – Proceeds before Intended Use
Onerous Contracts – Cost of Fulfilling a Contract 
Amendments to IFRS 1 First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards, 
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, IFRS 16 Leases, and IAS 41 Agriculture

The Directors do not expect that the adoption of the Standards listed above will have a material impact on the financial statements 
of the Group in future periods.

Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of EnQuest PLC and entities controlled by the Company 
(its subsidiaries) made up to 31 December each year. Control is achieved when the Company:
•  has power over the investee;
•  is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and
•  has the ability to use its power to affect its returns.

124

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2021The Company reassesses whether or not it controls an investee if facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to one 
or more of the three elements of control listed above. Consolidation of a subsidiary begins when the Company obtains control over 
the subsidiary and ceases when the Company loses control of the subsidiary. Specifically, the results of subsidiaries acquired or 
disposed of during the year are included in profit or loss from the date the Company gains control until the date when the Company 
ceases to control the subsidiary.

Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into line 
with the Group’s accounting policies. All intra-Group assets and liabilities, equity, income, expenses and cash flows relating to 
transactions between the members of the Group are eliminated on consolidation.

Joint arrangements
Oil and gas operations are usually conducted by the Group as co-licensees in unincorporated joint operations with other 
companies. Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing of control of an arrangement, which exists only when decisions about 
the relevant activities require the consent of the relevant parties sharing control. The joint operating agreement is the underlying 
contractual framework to the joint arrangement, which is historically referred to as the joint venture (‘JV’). The Annual Report and 
Accounts therefore refers to ‘joint ventures’ as standard terms used in the oil and gas industry, which is used interchangeably with 
joint operations.

Most of the Group’s activities are conducted through joint operations, whereby the parties that have joint control of the 
arrangement have the rights to the assets, and obligations for the liabilities relating to the arrangement. The Group recognises its 
share of assets, liabilities, income and expenses of the joint operation in the consolidated financial statements on a line-by-line 
basis. During 2021, the Group did not have any material interests in joint ventures or in associates as defined in IAS 28.

Foreign currencies
Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic 
environment in which the entity operates (‘functional currency’). The Group’s financial statements are presented in US Dollars, the 
currency which the Group has elected to use as its presentation currency.

In the financial statements of the Group and its individual subsidiaries, transactions in currencies other than a company’s functional 
currency are recorded at the prevailing rate of exchange on the date of the transaction. At the year end, monetary assets and 
liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates of exchange prevailing at the balance sheet date. 
Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured at historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the rate of 
exchange at the dates of the initial transactions. Non-monetary assets and liabilities measured at fair value in a foreign currency 
are translated using the rate of exchange at the date the fair value was determined. All foreign exchange gains and losses are taken 
to profit and loss in the Group income statement. 

Emissions liabilities 
The Group operates in an energy intensive industry and is therefore required to partake in emission trading schemes (‘ETS’) (2021: UK 
ETS, 2020: EU ETS). The Group recognises an emission liability in line with the production of emissions that give rise to the obligation. To 
the extent the liability is covered by allowances held, the liability is recognised at the cost of these allowances held and if insufficient 
allowances are held, the remaining uncovered portion is measured at the spot market price of allowances at the balance sheet 
date. The expense is presented within ‘production costs’ under ‘cost of sales’ and the accrual is presented in ‘trade and other 
payables’. Any allowance purchased to settle the Group’s liability is recognised on the balance sheet as an intangible asset. Both 
the emission allowances and the emission liability are derecognised upon settling the liability with the respective regulator.

Use of judgements, estimates and assumptions
The preparation of the Group’s consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and 
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities, and the accompanying disclosures, at 
the date of the consolidated financial statements. Estimates and assumptions are continuously evaluated and are based on 
management’s experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the 
circumstances. Uncertainty about these assumptions and estimates could result in outcomes that require a material adjustment to 
the carrying amount of assets or liabilities affected in future periods.

The accounting judgements and estimates that have a significant impact on the results of the Group are set out below and should 
be read in conjunction with the information provided in the Notes to the financial statements. Judgements and estimates, not all of 
which are significant, made in assessing the impact of climate change and the transition to a lower carbon economy on the 
consolidated financial statements are also set out below. Where an estimate has a significant risk of resulting in a material 
adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year, this is specifically noted.

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2. Basis of preparation continued
Climate change and energy transition
As covered in our principal risks on oil and gas prices on page 47, the Group recognises that the energy transition is likely to impact 
the demand, and hence the future prices, of commodities such as oil and natural gas. This in turn may affect the recoverable 
amount of property, plant and equipment, and goodwill in the oil and gas industry. The Group acknowledges that there are a range 
of possible energy transition scenarios that may indicate different outcomes for oil prices. There are inherent limitations with 
scenario analysis and it is difficult to predict which, if any, of the scenarios might eventuate.

The Group has assessed the potential impacts of climate change and the transition to a lower carbon economy in preparing the 
consolidated financial statements, including the Group’s current assumptions relating to demand for oil and natural gas and their 
impact on the Group’s long-term price assumptions. See Recoverability of asset carrying values: Oil prices. 

While the pace of transition to a lower carbon economy is uncertain, oil and natural gas demand is expected to remain a key 
element of the energy mix for many years based on stated policies, commitments and announced pledges to reduce emissions. 
Therefore, given the useful lives of the Group’s current portfolio of oil and gas assets, a material adverse change is not expected to 
the carrying values of EnQuest’s assets and liabilities as a result of climate change and the transition to a lower carbon economy. 

Management will continue to review price assumptions as the energy transition progresses and this may result in impairment 
charges or reversals in the future.

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The Group has considered its critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty, and these are set out 
below.

Recoverability of asset carrying values
Judgements: The Group assesses each asset or cash-generating unit (‘CGU’) (excluding goodwill, which is assessed annually 
regardless of indicators) in each reporting period to determine whether any indication of impairment exists. Assessment of 
indicators of impairment or impairment reversal and the determination of the appropriate grouping of assets into a CGU or the 
appropriate grouping of CGUs for impairment purposes require significant management judgement. For example, individual oil and 
gas properties may form separate CGUs whilst certain oil and gas properties with shared infrastructure may be grouped together 
to form a single CGU. Alternative groupings of assets or CGUs may result in a different outcome from impairment testing. See note 11 
for details on how these groupings have been determined in relation to the impairment testing of goodwill.

Estimates: Where an indicator of impairment exists, a formal estimate of the recoverable amount is made, which is considered to 
be the higher of the fair value less costs to dispose (‘FVLCD’) and value in use (‘VIU’). The assessments require the use of estimates 
and assumptions such as the effects of inflation and deflation on operating expenses, discount rates, capital expenditure, 
production profiles, reserves and resources, and future commodity prices, including the outlook for global or regional market 
supply-and-demand conditions for crude oil and natural gas. 

As described above, the recoverable amount of an asset is the higher of its VIU and its FVLCD. When the recoverable amount is 
measured by reference to FVLCD, in the absence of quoted market prices or binding sale agreement, estimates are made 
regarding the present value of future post-tax cash flows. These estimates are made from the perspective of a market participant 
and include prices, future production volumes, operating costs, capital expenditure, decommissioning costs, tax attributes, risking 
factors applied to cash flows and discount rates. Reserves and resources are included in the assessment of FVLCD to the extent that 
it is considered probable that a market participant would attribute value to them.

Details of impairment charges and reversals recognised in the income statement and details on the carrying amounts of assets 
are shown in note 10, note 11 and note 12. 

The estimates for assumptions made in impairment tests in 2021 relating to discount rates and oil prices are discussed below. 
Changes in the economic environment or other facts and circumstances may necessitate revisions to these assumptions and 
could result in a material change to the carrying values of the Group’s assets within the next financial year.

Discount rates
For discounted cash flow calculations, future cash flows are adjusted for risks specific to the CGU. Fair value less costs of disposal 
discounted cash flow calculations use the post-tax discount rate. The discount rate is derived using the weighted average cost of 
capital methodology. The discount rates applied in impairment tests are reassessed each year and, in 2021, the post-tax discount 
rate was 10% (2020: 10%).

Oil prices
The price assumptions used for FVLCD impairment testing were based on latest internal forecasts as at 31 December 2021, which 
assume short-term market prices will revert to the Group’s assessment of long-term price. These price forecasts reflect EnQuest’s 
long-term views of global supply and demand, including the potential financial impacts on the Group of climate change and the 
transition to a low carbon economy as outlined in the Basis of Preparation, and are benchmarked with external sources of 
information such as analyst forecasts. The Group’s price forecasts are reviewed and approved by management and challenged by 
the Audit Committee. 

126

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2021EnQuest revised its oil price assumptions for FVLCD impairment testing compared to those used in 2020. The assumptions up to 2024 
were increased to reflect an improved demand outlook as at the end of 2021. Oil prices rose 51% in 2021 from 2020 due to a strong 
rebound in oil demand as the impact of COVID-19 eased and there were measured increases in OPEC+ supply combined with 
continued capital discipline across the industry impacting supply. A summary of the Group’s revised price assumptions is provided 
below. These assumptions, which represent management’s best estimate of future prices, sit within the range of external forecasts 
and are considered by EnQuest to be broadly in line with a range of transition paths consistent with the Paris climate goals. However, 
they do not correspond to any specific Paris-consistent scenario. An inflation rate of 2% (2020: 2%) is applied from 2025 onwards to 
determine the price assumptions in nominal terms. Discounts or premiums are applied to price assumptions based on the 
characteristics of the oil produced and of the terms of the relevant sales contracts.

Brent oil ($/bbl)

2022 

75.0 

 2023 

70.0 

2024

70.0

 2025> 

60.0 

The increase in oil prices in the first quarter of 2022 relating to the Russia-Ukraine conflict is a result of conditions that arose after the 
balance sheet date. As such, the Group’s future oil price assumptions used in impairment tests to assess the recoverable amount of 
assets at the balance sheet date have not been adjusted.

A net impairment reversal was recognised in 2021. See note 10 for further information.

The price assumptions used in 2020 were $47.0/bbl (2021), $55.0/bbl (2022), $60.0/bbl (2023) and $60.0/bbl real thereafter, inflated at 
2.0% per annum from 2024.

Oil and natural gas reserves
Hydrocarbon reserves are estimates of the amount of hydrocarbons that can be economically and legally extracted from the 
Group’s oil and gas properties. The business of the Group is to enhance hydrocarbon recovery and extend the useful lives of mature 
and underdeveloped assets and associated infrastructure in a profitable and responsible manner. Factors such as the availability 
of geological and engineering data, reservoir performance data, acquisition and divestment activity and drilling of new wells all 
impact on the determination of the Group’s estimates of its oil and gas reserves and result in different future production profiles 
affecting prospectively the discounted cash flows used in impairment testing and the calculation of contingent consideration, the 
anticipated date of decommissioning and the depletion charges in accordance with the unit of production method, as well as the 
going concern assessment. Economic assumptions used to estimate reserves change from period to period as additional 
technical and operational data is generated. This process may require complex and difficult geological judgements to interpret the 
data. 

The Group uses proven and probable (‘2P’) reserves (see page 24) as the basis for calculations of expected future cash flows from 
underlying assets because this represents the reserves management intends to develop and it is probable that a market 
participant would attribute value to them. Third-party audits of EnQuest’s reserves and resources are conducted annually.

Sensitivity analyses
Management tested the impact of a change in cash flows in FVLCD impairment testing arising from a 10% reduction in price 
assumptions.

Price reductions of this magnitude in isolation could indicatively lead to a reduction in the carrying amount of EnQuest’s oil and gas 
properties by approximately $283.5 million, which is approximately 10% of the net book value of property, plant and equipment as at 
31 December 2021.

The oil price sensitivity analysis above does not, however, represent management’s best estimate of any impairments that might be 
recognised as they do not fully incorporate consequential changes that may arise, such as reductions in costs and changes to 
business plans, phasing of development, levels of reserves and resources, and production volumes. As the extent of a price 
reduction increases, the more likely it is that costs would decrease across the industry. The oil price sensitivity analysis therefore 
does not reflect a linear relationship between price and value that can be extrapolated.

Management also tested the impact of a one percentage point change in the discount rate used for FVLCD impairment testing of 
oil and gas properties. If the discount rate was one percentage point higher across all tests performed, the net impairment reversal 
recognised in 2021 would have been approximately $35.1 million lower. If the discount rate was one percentage point lower, the net 
impairment reversal recognised would have been approximately $38.3 million higher.

Goodwill
Irrespective of whether there is any indication of impairment, EnQuest is required to test annually for impairment of goodwill 
acquired in business combinations. The Group carries goodwill of approximately $134.4 million on its balance sheet (2020: $134.4 
million), principally relating to the Magnus oil field transactions. Sensitivities and additional information relating to impairment 
testing of goodwill are provided in note 11.

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Deferred tax
The Group assesses the recoverability of its deferred tax assets at each period end. Sensitivities and additional information relating 
to deferred tax assets/liabilities are provided in note 7(d).

127

Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2. Basis of preparation continued
75% Magnus acquisition contingent consideration
Sensitivities and additional information relating to the 75% Magnus acquisition contingent consideration are provided in note 22.

Provisions
Estimates: Decommissioning costs will be incurred by the Group at the end of the operating life of some of the Group’s oil and gas 
production facilities and pipelines. The Group assesses its decommissioning provision at each reporting date. The ultimate 
decommissioning costs are uncertain and cost estimates can vary in response to many factors, including changes to relevant legal 
requirements, estimates of the extent and costs of decommissioning activities, the emergence of new restoration techniques and 
experience at other production sites. The expected timing, extent and amount of expenditure may also change, for example, in 
response to changes in oil and gas reserves or changes in laws and regulations or their interpretation. Therefore, significant 
estimates and assumptions are made in determining the provision for decommissioning. As a result, there could be significant 
adjustments to the provisions established which would affect future financial results. 

The timing and amount of future expenditures relating to decommissioning and environmental liabilities are reviewed annually. The 
interest rate used in discounting the cash flows is reviewed half-yearly. The nominal interest rate used to determine the balance 
sheet obligations at the end of 2021 was 2% (2020: 2%). The weighted average period over which decommissioning costs are 
generally expected to be incurred is estimated to be approximately ten years. Costs at future prices are determined by applying an 
inflation rate of 2% (2020: 2%) to decommissioning costs.

Further information about the Group’s provisions is provided in note 23. Changes in assumptions in relation to the Group’s provisions 
could result in a material change in their carrying amounts within the next financial year. A 0.5 percentage point decrease in the 
nominal discount rate applied could increase the Group’s provision balances by approximately $40.9 million (2020: $38.4 million). 
The pre-tax impact on the Group income statement would be a charge of approximately $5.9 million.

Intangible oil and gas assets
Judgements: The application of the Group’s accounting policy for exploration and evaluation expenditure requires judgement to 
determine whether future economic benefits are likely from either exploitation or sale, or whether activities have not reached a 
stage which permits a reasonable assessment of the existence of reserves. 

3. Segment information
The Group’s organisational structure reflects the various activities in which EnQuest is engaged. Management has considered the 
requirements of IFRS 8 Operating Segments in regard to the determination of operating segments and concluded that at 
31 December 2021, the Group had two significant operating segments: the North Sea and Malaysia. Operations are managed by 
location and all information is presented per geographical segment. The Group’s segmental reporting structure remained in place 
throughout 2021. The North Sea’s activities include Upstream operations, Decommissioning and Infrastructure & New Energy. 
Malaysia’s activities include Upstream operations. The Group’s reportable segments may change in the future depending on the 
way that resources may be allocated and performance assessed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker, who for EnQuest is the 
Chief Executive. The information reported to the Chief Operating Decision Maker does not include an analysis of assets and liabilities, 
and accordingly this information is not presented.

Year ended 31 December 2021 
$’000

Revenue:
Revenue from contracts with customers
Other operating income

North Sea

Malaysia

All other 
segments

Total
segments

Adjustments 
and 

eliminations(i) Consolidated

1,283,939
3,811

99,959
–

– 1,383,898
4,046

235

– 1,383,898
(118,084)

(122,130)

Total revenue and other operating income

1,287,750

99,959

235 1,387,944

(122,130) 1,265,814

Income/(expenses) line items:
Depreciation and depletion
Net impairment (charge)/reversal to oil and gas assets
Segment profit/(loss)(ii)

(299,324)
39,715
 653,301 

(13,612)
–
 35,625 

(134)
–
(291) 

(313,070)
39,715
 688,635 

–
–

(313,070)
39,715
(108,576)  580,059

Other disclosures: 
Capital expenditure(iii)

459,302

17,419

314

477,035

–

477,035

128

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2021Restated Year ended 31 December 2020(iv)
$’000

Revenue:
Revenue from contracts with customers
Other operating income

North Sea

Malaysia

All other 
segments

Total
segments

Adjustments 
and 

eliminations(i) Consolidated

 792,508 
 5,428 

 62,917 
– 

– 
 280 

 855,425 
 5,708 

– 
 2,719 

 855,425 
 8,427 

Total revenue and other operating income

 797,936 

 62,917 

 280 

 862,929 

 2,719 

 863,852 

Income/(expenses) line items:
Depreciation and depletion
Net impairment (charge)/reversal to oil and gas assets
Segment profit/(loss)(ii)

Other disclosures:
Capital expenditure(iii)

(430,169) 
(422,495)
(318,952) 

(15,638) 
– 
4,153

(56)  (445,863) 
(422,495)
(311,427) 

– 
 3,372 

–
–
 1,358 

(445,863) 
(422,495)
(310,069) 

 81,504 

 2,144 

–

 83,648

–

 83,648 

(i)  Finance income and costs and gains and losses on derivatives are not allocated to individual segments as the underlying instruments are managed on a Group basis
(ii)  Inter-segment revenues are eliminated on consolidation. All other adjustments are part of the reconciliations presented further below
(iii)  Capital expenditure consists of property, plant and equipment and intangible exploration and appraisal assets
(iv)   Comparative information for 2020 has been restated for the changes to the presentation of rental income effective 1 January 2021. For more information, see note 2 Basis 

of preparation – Restatements 

Reconciliation of profit/(loss):

Segment profit/(loss)
Finance costs
Finance income
Gain/(loss) on oil and foreign exchange derivatives(i)

Profit/(loss) before tax

Year ended
31 December
2021
 $’000

Year ended 
31 December
 2020 
$’000

688,635
(227,846)
228
(108,576)

(311,427)
(257,077) 
 1,171 
 1,358 

352,441

(565,975)

(i) 

Includes $54.6 million realised losses on derivatives and $54.0 million unrealised losses on derivatives 

Revenue from two customers relating to the North Sea operating segment each exceeds 10% of the Group’s consolidated revenue 
arising from sales of crude oil, with amounts of $241.7 million and $150.6 million per each single customer (2020: four customers; 
$188.9 million, $143.4 million, $113.1 million and $84.9 million per each single customer).  

4. Remeasurements and exceptional items
Accounting policy
As permitted by IAS 1 (Revised) Presentation of Financial Statements, certain items of income or expense which are material are 
presented separately. Additional line items, headings, sub-totals and disclosures of the nature and amount are presented to 
provide relevant understanding of the Group’s financial performance. 

Remeasurements and exceptional items are items that management considers not to be part of underlying business performance 
and are disclosed in order to enable shareholders to understand better and evaluate the Group’s reported financial performance. 
The items that the Group separately presents as exceptional on the face of the Group income statement are those material items of 
income and expense which, because of the nature or expected infrequency of the events giving rise to them, merit separate 
presentation to allow shareholders to understand better the elements of financial performance in the year, so as to facilitate 
comparison with prior periods and to better assess trends in financial performance. Remeasurements relate to those items which 
are remeasured on a periodic basis and are applied consistently year-on-year. If an item is assessed as a remeasurement or 
exceptional item, then subsequent accounting to completion of the item is also taken through remeasurement and exceptional 
items. Management has exercised judgement in assessing the relevant material items disclosed as exceptional. 

The following items are classified as remeasurements and exceptional items (‘exceptional’):
•  Unrealised mark-to-market changes in the remeasurement of open derivative contracts at each period end are recognised 

within remeasurements, with the recycling of realised amounts from remeasurements into Business performance income when 
a derivative instrument matures;

•  Impairments on assets, including other non-routine write-offs/write-downs where deemed material, are remeasurements and 

are deemed to be exceptional in nature; 

•  Fair value accounting arising in relation to business combinations is deemed as exceptional in nature, as these transactions do 
not relate to the principal activities and day-to-day Business performance of the Group. The subsequent remeasurements of 
contingent assets and liabilities arising on acquisitions, including contingent consideration, are presented within 
remeasurements and are presented consistently year-on-year; and

•  Other items that arise from time to time that are reviewed by management as non-Business performance and are disclosed 

further below.

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4. Remeasurements and exceptional items continued

Year ended 31 December 2021 
$’000

Revenue and other operating income
Cost of sales
Net impairment (charge)/reversal on oil and gas assets
Other income 
Other expense
Finance costs

Tax on items above
Recognition of undiscounted deferred tax asset(iv)

Restated Year ended 31 December 2020 
$’000

Revenue and other operating income
Cost of sales
Net impairment (charge)/reversal on oil and gas assets
Other income 
Other expenses 
Finance costs

Tax on items above
Derecognition of undiscounted deferred tax asset (restated)(iv)

Fair value

Impairments
 and

remeasurement(i)

write offs(ii)

Other(iii)

Total

(54,451)
472
–
140,079
–
–

86,100
(36,518)
–

–
–
39,715
–
–
–

39,715
(14,722)
104,546

–
(7,673)
–
22,568
(3,832)
(58,395)

(47,332)
24,915
–

(54,451)
(7,201)
39,715
162,647
(3,832)
(58,395)

78,483
(26,325)
104,546

 49,582 

 129,539 

(22,417) 

 156,704 

Fair value

Impairments
 and

remeasurement(i)

write offs(ii)

Other(iii)

Total

 8,778 
(1,932) 
– 
 138,249
– 
– 
 145,095 

– 
– 
(422,495)
– 
– 
– 
(422,495)

– 
(11,694) 
– 
– 
(956)
(77,259) 
(89,909) 

 8,778 
(13,626) 
(422,495)
 138,249
(956)
(77,259) 
(367,309)

(57,687) 
–

 163,267 
(215,204) 

 33,175 
–

 138,755 
(215,204) 

 87,408 

(474,432) 

(56,734) 

(443,758) 

(i)  Fair value remeasurements include unrealised mark-to-market movements on derivative contracts and other financial instruments and the impact of recycled realised 
gains and losses out of ‘Remeasurements and exceptional items’ and into Business performance profit or loss of $(54.0) million. Other income relates to the fair value 
remeasurement of contingent consideration relating to the acquisition of Magnus and associated infrastructure of $140.1 million (note 22) (2020: $138.2 million)

(ii)  Impairments and write offs include a net impairment reversal of tangible oil and gas assets and right-of-use assets totalling $39.7 million (note 10) (2020: impairment of 

$422.5 million)

(iii)  Other items are made up of the following: Cost of sales includes $7.7 million mainly related to a provision for a dispute with a third party contractor. In 2020 cost of sales 
included $11.7 million for the provision on the PM8/Seligi riser repair and redundancy costs in relation to the Group’s transformation programme. Other income in 2021 of 
$22.6 million (2020: nil) includes the finalisation of previous asset acquisitions, $12.0 million, and the recognition of insurance income, $9.0 million, related to the PM8/Seligi 
riser incident. Other expense $3.8 million relates to expenses incurred on the repayment of the BP vendor loan and Finance costs relates to Magnus contingent 
consideration of $58.3 million (note 22) (2020: $77.3 million). These are largely non-cash items.

(iv)  Non-cash deferred tax recognition (2020 restated see note 2 Basis of preparation – Restatements) following the Group’s acquisition of Golden Eagle and the Group’s 

higher oil price assumptions

5. Revenue and expenses 
(a) Revenue and other operating income
Accounting policy 
Revenue from contracts with customers
The Group generates revenue through the sale of crude oil, gas and condensate to third parties, and through the provision of 
infrastructure to its customers for tariff income. Revenue from contracts with customers is recognised when control of the goods or 
services is transferred to the customer at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled to in 
exchange for those goods or services. The Group has concluded that it is the principal in its revenue arrangements because it 
typically controls the goods or services before transferring them to the customer. The normal credit term is 30 days or less upon 
performance of the obligation. 

Sale of crude oil, gas and condensate
The Group sells crude oil, gas and condensate directly to customers. The sale represents a single performance obligation, being the 
sale of barrels equivalent to the customer on taking physical possession or on delivery of the commodity into an infrastructure. At 
this point the title passes to the customer and revenue is recognised. The Group principally satisfies its performance obligations at a 
point in time; the amounts of revenue recognised relating to performance obligations satisfied over time are not significant. 
Transaction prices are referenced to quoted prices, plus or minus an agreed fixed discount rate to an appropriate benchmark, if 
applicable.

130

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2021Tariff revenue for the use of Group infrastructure 
Tariffs are charged to customers for the use of infrastructure owned by the Group. The revenue represents the performance of an 
obligation for the use of Group assets over the life of the contract. The use of the assets is not separable as they are interdependent 
in order to fulfil the contract and no one item of infrastructure can be individually isolated. Revenue is recognised as the 
performance obligations are satisfied over the period of the contract, generally a period of 12 months or less, on a monthly basis 
based on throughput at the agreed contracted rates.

Other operating income
Other revenue includes rental income from vessels, which is recognised to the extent that it is probable economic benefits will flow 
to the Group and the revenue can be reliably measured. 

The Group enters into oil derivative trading transactions which can be settled net in cash. Accordingly, any gains or losses are not 
considered to constitute revenue from contracts with customers in accordance with the requirements of IFRS 15 and are included 
within other operating income (see note 19). 

Revenue from contracts with customers:
Revenue from crude oil sales
Revenue from gas and condensate sales(i)
Tariff revenue

Total revenue from contracts with customers

Rental income from vessels(ii)
Realised (losses)/gains on oil derivative contracts (see note 19)
Other 

Business performance revenue and other operating income
Unrealised (losses)/gains on oil derivative contracts(iii) (see note 19)

Total revenue and other operating income

Year ended
31 December
2021 
$’000

Year ended
31 December
2020
restated
$’000

1,139,171
244,073
654

 779,865 
 60,486 
 15,074 

1,383,898

 855,425 

702
(67,679)
3,344

3,910 
(6,059) 
 1,798 

1,320,265
(54,451)

 855,074 
 8,778 

1,265,814

 863,852 

Includes onward sale of third-party gas purchases not required for injection activities at Magnus

(i) 
(ii)  Comparative information for 2020 has been restated for the changes to the presentation of rental income effective 1 January 2021. For more information, see note 2 Basis 

of preparation – Restatements

(iii)   Unrealised gains and losses on oil derivative contracts are disclosed as fair value remeasurement items in the income statement (see note 4)

Disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers

Revenue from contracts with customers:
Revenue from crude oil sales
Revenue from gas and condensate sales(i)
Tariff revenue

Total revenue from contracts with customers

(i) 

Includes onward sale of third-party gas purchases not required for injection activities at Magnus

Year ended 
31 December 2021  
$’000

Year ended 
31 December 2020  
$’000

North Sea

Malaysia

North Sea

Malaysia

1,040,577
242,708
654

98,594
1,365
–

 719,504 
 57,930 
 15,074 

 60,361 
 2,556 
 – 

1,283,939

99,959

 792,508 

 62,917 

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131

Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5. Revenue and expenses continued
(b) Cost of sales
Accounting policy
Production imbalances, movements in under/over-lift and movements in inventory are included in cost of sales. The over-lift liability 
is recorded at the cost of the production imbalance to represent a provision for production costs attributable to the volumes sold in 
excess of entitlement. The under-lift asset is recorded at the lower of cost and net realisable value, consistent with IAS 2, to represent 
a right to additional physical inventory. An under-lift of production from a field is included in current receivables and an over-lift of 
production from a field is included in current liabilities.

Production costs
Tariff and transportation expenses
Realised loss/(gain) on derivative contracts related to operating costs (see note 19)
Change in lifting position
Crude oil inventory movement 
Depletion of oil and gas assets(i) 
Other cost of operations(ii)

Business performance cost of sales
Unrealised (gains)/losses on derivative contracts related to operating costs(iii) (see note 19)
Movement in other provisions 

Total cost of sales

Year ended
31 December
2021 
$’000

Year ended
31 December
2020 
$’000

292,252
39,414
(10,693)
62,868
(561)
305,578
211,575

 265,529 
 63,685 
(572) 
(31,508) 
(3,293) 
 438,247 
 53,367 

900,433
(472)
7,673

 785,455 
 1,932 
11,694

907,634

 799,081

(i) 

Includes $45.7 million (2020: $68.5 million) Kraken FPSO right-of-use asset depreciation charge and $14.3 million (2020: $10.5 million) of other right-of-use assets 
depreciation charge

(ii)  Includes $199.6 million of purchases and associated costs of third-party gas not required for injection activities at Magnus which is sold on (2020: $24.7 million of inventory 

provisions and also includes purchases of third-party gas not required for injection activities at Magnus which is sold on)

(iii)  Unrealised gains and losses on derivative contracts are disclosed as fair value remeasurement in the income statement (see note 4)

(c) General and administration expenses

Staff costs (see note 5(f))
Depreciation(i) 
Other general and administration costs
Recharge of costs to operations and joint venture partners

Total general and administration expenses

(i) 

Includes $4.0 million (2020: $3.7 million) right-of-use assets depreciation charge on buildings

(d) Other income

Net foreign exchange gains
Gain on termination of Tanjong Baram risk service contract
Change in decommissioning provisions
Rental income from office sublease(i)
Other 

Business performance other income
Fair value changes in contingent consideration (see note 22)
Other non-business performance 

Total other income

Year ended
31 December
2021 
$’000

Year ended
31 December
2020
$’000

80,098
7,492
21,322
(108,549)

85,813
7,616
21,831
(109,155)

363

6,105

Year ended
31 December
2021 
$’000

Year ended
31 December

restated(i)
2020 
 $’000

391
–
19,327
1,702
9,570

30,990
140,079
22,568

–
10,209
–
1,796
6,095

18,100
138,249
–

193,637

156,349

(i)  Comparative information for 2020 has been restated for the changes to the presentation of rental income effective 1 January 2021. For more information, see note 2 Basis 

of preparation – Restatements

132

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
(e) Other expenses

Net foreign exchange losses
Change in decommissioning provisions 
Change in Thistle decommissioning provisions (note 23)
Other

Business performance other expenses
Loss on derecognition of assets related to the Seligi riser detachment
Other non-Business performance

Total other expenses

Year ended 
31 December 
2021 
$’000

Year ended 
31 December 
2020 
$’000

–
–
6,184
1,094

7,278
–
3,832

 4,625 
 83,199 
 11,998 
1,811

101,633
956
– 

11,110

102,589

(f) Staff costs
Accounting policy 
Short-term employee benefits, such as salaries, social premiums and holiday pay, are expensed when incurred. 

The Group’s pension obligations consist of defined contribution plans. The Group pays fixed contributions with no further payment 
obligations once the contributions have been paid. The amount charged to the Group income statement in respect of pension 
costs reflects the contributions payable in the year. Differences between contributions payable during the year and contributions 
actually paid are shown as either accrued liabilities or prepaid assets in the balance sheet.

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Defined contribution pension costs
Expense of share-based payments (see note 21)
Other staff costs

Total employee costs
Contractor costs

Total staff costs

General and administration staff costs (see note 5(c))
Non-general and administration costs

Total staff costs

Year ended 
31 December 
2021 
$’000

Year ended 
31 December 
2020 
$’000

71,391
7,120
5,464
6,351
12,475

102,801
33,871

85,913
9,118
6,871
3,401
12,781

118,084
39,371

136,672

157,455

80,098
56,574

85,813
71,642

136,672

157,455

The average number of persons, excluding contractors, employed by the Group during the year was 734, with 339 in the general 
and administration staff costs and 395 directly attributable to assets (2020: 885 of which 383 in general and administration and 502 
directly attributable to assets). Compensation of key management personnel is disclosed in note 26 and in the remuneration report 
on page 76.

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5. Revenue and expenses continued
(g) Auditor’s remuneration 
The following amounts for the year ended 31 December 2021 and for the comparative year ended 31 December 2020 were payable 
by the Group to Deloitte: 

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the parent company and Group financial statements
The audit of the Company’s subsidiaries

Total audit
Audit-related assurance services(i)

Total audit and audit related assurance services
Tax services 

Total auditor’s remuneration

Year ended 
31 December 
2021 
$’000

Year ended 
31 December 
2020 
$’000

847
145

992
1,419

2,411
– 

2,411

649
178

827
180

1,007
10

1,017

(i)  Audit-related assurance services include the review of the Group’s interim results and audit and assurance work in respect of the Group’s Golden Eagle acquisition

6. Finance costs/income
Accounting policy 
Borrowing costs are recognised as interest payable within finance costs in accordance with the effective interest method.

Finance costs:
Loan interest payable 
Bond interest payable
Unwinding of discount on decommissioning provisions (see note 23)
Unwinding of discount on other provisions (see note 23)
Finance charges payable under leases
Amortisation of finance fees on loans and bonds
Other financial expenses

Business performance finance expenses
Finance costs on Magnus-related contingent consideration (see note 22)

Total finance costs

Finance income:
Bank interest receivable
Unwinding of discount on financial asset (see note 19(f))

Total finance income

Year ended 
31 December 
2021 
$’000

Year ended 
31 December 
2020 
$’000

20,206
69,085
15,856
1,061
45,359
13,623
4,261

169,451
58,395

 32,791 
73,476
 14,512 
796
 50,851 
 5,417 
 1,975 

 179,818
 77,259 

227,846

 257,077

228
–

228

 896 
 275 

 1,171 

7. Income tax 
(a) Income tax
Accounting policy 
Current tax assets and liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities, 
based on tax rates and laws that are enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

The Group’s operations are subject to a number of specific tax rules which apply to exploration, development and production. In 
addition, the tax provision is prepared before the relevant companies have filed their tax returns with the relevant tax authorities and, 
significantly, before these have been agreed. As a result of these factors, the tax provision process necessarily involves the use of a 
number of estimates and judgements including those required in calculating the effective tax rate. In considering the tax on 
exceptional items, the Group applies the appropriate statutory tax rate to each item to calculate the relevant tax charge on 
exceptional items.

Deferred tax is provided in full on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying 
amounts in the Group financial statements. However, deferred tax is not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset 
or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor 
taxable profit or loss. Deferred tax is measured on an undiscounted basis using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or 
substantively enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the related deferred tax asset is realised or the 
deferred tax liability is settled. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be 
available against which the temporary differences can be utilised. 

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, except where the 

134

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
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.

The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date. Deferred income tax assets and 
liabilities are offset only if a legal right exists to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities, the deferred income taxes relate 
to the same taxation authority and that authority permits the Group to make a single net payment.

Production taxes
In addition to corporate income taxes, the Group’s financial statements also include and disclose production taxes on net income 
determined from oil and gas production. 

Production tax relates to Petroleum Revenue Tax (‘PRT’) within the UK and is accounted for under IAS 12 Income Taxes since it has the 
characteristics of an income tax as it is imposed under government authority and the amount payable is based on taxable profits 
of the relevant fields. Current and deferred PRT is provided on the same basis as described above for income taxes. 

Investment allowance
The UK taxation regime provides for a reduction in ring-fence supplementary charge tax where investment in new or existing UK 
assets qualify for a relief known as investment allowance. Investment allowance must be activated by commercial production from 
the same field before it can be claimed. The Group has both unactivated and activated investment allowances which could reduce 
future supplementary charge taxation. The Group’s policy is that investment allowance is recognised as a reduction in the charge to 
taxation in the years claimed.

The major components of income tax (credit)/expense are as follows:

Current UK income tax
Current income tax charge
Adjustments in respect of current income tax of previous years
Current overseas income tax
Current income tax charge
Adjustments in respect of current income tax of previous years

Total current income tax

Deferred UK income tax
Relating to origination and reversal of temporary differences
Adjustments in respect of changes in tax rates
Adjustments in respect of deferred income tax of previous years
Deferred overseas income tax
Relating to origination and reversal of temporary differences
Adjustments in respect of deferred income tax of previous years

Total deferred income tax

Income tax (credit)/expense reported in profit or loss

Year ended 
31 December 
2021 
$’000

Year ended 
31 December 
2020  
restated 
$’000

3,559 
199

 – 
 140 

18,050
(221)

 2,424 
(295) 

21,587

2,269

(43,325)
– 
157

 (97,673) 
 1 
 2,660 

(5,320)
2,354

(5,135)
1,848

(46,134)

(98,299)

(24,547)

(96,030)

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7. Income tax continued
(b) Reconciliation of total income tax charge
A reconciliation between the income tax charge and the product of accounting profit multiplied by the UK statutory tax rate is as 
follows:

Profit/(loss) before tax

UK statutory tax rate applying to North Sea oil and gas activities of 40% (2020: 40%)
Supplementary corporation tax non-deductible expenditure
Petroleum revenue tax (net of income tax benefit)
Non-deductible expenditure/income
North Sea tax reliefs
Tax in respect of non-ring-fence trade
Deferred tax asset (recognition)/impairment in respect of non-ring-fence trade
Deferred tax asset (recognition)/impairment in respect of ring-fence trade
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Overseas tax rate differences
Share-based payments
Other differences

At the effective income tax rate of 7% (2020: 17%)

(c) Deferred income tax
Deferred income tax relates to the following:

Deferred tax liability
Accelerated capital allowances

Deferred tax asset
Losses
Decommissioning liability
Other temporary differences

Net deferred tax (assets)

Reflected in the balance sheet as follows:
Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities

Net deferred tax (assets)

Reconciliation of net deferred tax assets/(liabilities)

At 1 January
Tax income/(expense) during the period recognised in profit or loss

At 31 December 

Year ended 
31 December 
2021 
$’000

Year ended 
31 December 
2020 

restated(i) 
$’000

352,441

(565,975)

140,976
4,331
2,548 
(1,442) 
(113,593) 
23,378
21,241
(104,546)
2,489
(594)
1,526
(861)

(226,390) 
 17,761 
(2,548)
(3,449) 
(106,685) 
3,222 
3,515 
215,204
4,352 
(1,250) 
 1,097 
(859) 

(24,547)

(96,030)

Group balance sheet

(Credit)/charge for the year 
recognised in profit or loss 

2021 
$’000

2020 

restated(i) 
$’000

2021 
$’000

2020 

restated(i) 
$’000

768,630

 821,253 

(52,623)

(236,551)

768,630

 821,253 

(1,017,107)
(286,045)
(165,030)

(981,445) 
(310,697) 
(182,529) 

(35,653)
24,652
17,490

 121,089 
(26,640) 
 43,803 

(1,468,182)

(1,474,671) 

(46,133)

(98,299)

(699,552)

(653,418)

(702,970)
3,418

(659,803)
6,385

(699,552)

(653,418)

2021 
$’000

2020 

restated(i) 
$’000

653,418 
46,134

 555,119 
98,299

699,552

653,418

(i)  Comparative information for 2020 has been restated for the changes to the presentation of rental income effective 1 January 2021. For more information, see note 2 Basis 

of preparation – Restatements

136

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
(d) Tax losses
The Group’s deferred tax assets at 31 December 2021 are recognised to the extent that taxable profits are expected to arise in the 
future against which tax losses and allowances in the UK can be utilised. A $127.6 million tax credit has been recognised as an 
exceptional item, reflecting the reversal of the previous deferred tax asset derecognition. In accordance with IAS 12 Income Taxes, the 
Group assesses the recoverability of its deferred tax assets at each period end. Sensitivities have been run on the oil price 
assumption, with a 10% change being considered a reasonable possible change for the purposes of sensitivity analysis (see note 2). 
A 10% reduction in oil price would result in a deferred tax asset derecognition of $318.6 million and a 10% increase in oil price would 
result in an increase in deferred tax asset recognition of $107.9 million.

The Group has unused UK mainstream corporation tax losses of $431.7 million (2020: $320.7 million), and ring-fence tax losses of 
$957.8 million associated with the Bentley acquisition, for which no deferred tax asset has been recognised at the balance sheet 
date as recovery of these losses is to be established. In addition, the Group has not recognised a deferred tax asset for the 
adjustment to bond valuations on the adoption of IFRS 9. The benefit of this deduction is taken over ten years, with a deduction of 
$2.2 million being taken in the current period and the remaining benefit of $12.9 million (2020: $15.1 million) remaining unrecognised.

The Group has unused overseas tax losses in Canada of approximately CAD$13.5 million (2020: CAD$13.5 million) for which no 
deferred tax asset has been recognised at the balance sheet date. The tax losses in Canada have expiry periods of 20 years, none 
of which expire in 2021, and which arose following the change in control of the Stratic Group in 2010. 

The Group has unused Malaysian income tax losses of $15.7 million (2020: $14.3 million) arising in respect of the Tanjong Baram RSC 
for which no deferred tax asset has been recognised at the balance sheet date due to uncertainty of recovery of these losses.

No deferred tax has been provided on unremitted earnings of overseas subsidiaries. The Finance Act 2009 exempted foreign 
dividends from the scope of UK corporation tax where certain conditions are satisfied.

(e) Changes in legislation
The Finance Act 2020 enacted a change in the mainstream corporation tax rate to 19% with effect from 1 April 2020. As all UK 
mainstream corporation tax losses are not recognised there is minimal impact in 2020 resulting from this change. In the Budget 
statement on 3 March 2021, it was announced that the corporation tax rate will increase to 25% from 1 April 2023. This change is 
expected to have no impact.

8. Earnings per share
The calculation of earnings per share is based on the profit after tax and on the weighted average number of Ordinary shares in 
issue during the period. Diluted earnings per share is adjusted for the effects of Ordinary shares granted under the share-based 
payment plans, which are held in the Employee Benefit Trust, unless it has the effect of increasing the profit or decreasing the loss 
attributable to each share.

Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated as follows:

Profit/(loss) after tax

Weighted average number 
of Ordinary shares

Earnings per share

Year ended 31 December

Year ended 31 December

Year ended 31 December

2021 
$’000

 2020 
restated(ii)
$’000

2021  
million

2020  
million

2021  
$

2020 

restated(ii) 

$

376,988

(469,945)

1,736.4

 1,655.0 

0.217

(0.290)

Basic
Dilutive potential of Ordinary shares granted under 
share-based incentive schemes

Diluted(i) 

–

 – 

24.7

 15.1 

 376,988 

(469,945)

1,761.1

 1,670.1 

Basic (excluding remeasurements and exceptional items) 

 220,284 

(26,187) 

1,736.4

 1,655.0 

Diluted (excluding remeasurements and exceptional items)(i)

 220,284 

(26,187) 

1,761.1

 1,670.1 

(i)  Potential Ordinary shares are not treated as dilutive when they would decrease a loss per share
(ii)  2020 comparative restated, see note 2 Basis of preparation – Restatements

–

 0.214 

 0.127 

 0.125 

 – 

(0.290)

(0.016) 

(0.016) 

9. Dividends paid and proposed
The Company paid no dividends during the year ended 31 December 2021 (2020: none). At 31 December 2021, there are no proposed 
dividends (2020: none).

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10. Property, plant and equipment
Accounting policy 
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment charges. 

Cost
Cost comprises the purchase price or cost relating to development, including the construction, installation and completion of 
infrastructure facilities such as platforms, pipelines and development wells and any other costs directly attributable to making that 
asset capable of operating as intended by management. The purchase price or construction cost is the aggregate amount paid 
and the fair value of any other consideration given to acquire the asset. 

The carrying amount of an item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised on disposal or when no future economic benefits 
are expected from its use. The gain or loss arising from the derecognition of an item of property, plant and equipment is included in 
the other operating income or expense line item in the Group income statement when the asset is derecognised.

Development assets
Expenditure relating to development of assets including the construction, installation and completion of infrastructure facilities such 
as platforms, pipelines and development wells, is capitalised within property, plant and equipment.

Carry arrangements
Where amounts are paid on behalf of a carried party these are capitalised. Where there is an obligation to make payments on 
behalf of a carried party and the timing and amount are uncertain, a provision is recognised. Where the payment is a fixed 
monetary amount, a financial liability is recognised.

Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs directly attributable to the construction of qualifying assets, which are assets that necessarily take a substantial 
period of time to prepare for their intended use, are capitalised during the development phase of the project until such time as the 
assets are substantially ready for their intended use. 

Depletion and depreciation 
Oil and gas assets are depleted, on a field-by-field basis, using the unit of production method based on entitlement to proven and 
probable reserves, taking account of estimated future development expenditure relating to those reserves. Changes in factors 
which affect unit of production calculations are dealt with prospectively. Depletion of oil and gas assets is taken through cost of 
sales. 

Depreciation on other elements of property, plant and equipment is provided on a straight-line basis, and taken through general 
and administration expenses, at the following rates:

Office furniture and equipment 
Fixtures and fittings
Right-of-use assets*

Five years
Ten years
Lease term

* 

Excludes Kraken FPSO which is depleted using the unit of production method in accordance with the related oil and gas assets

Each asset’s estimated useful life, residual value and method of depreciation is reviewed and adjusted if appropriate at each 
financial year end. No depreciation is charged on assets under construction. 

Impairment of tangible and intangible assets (excluding goodwill)
At each balance sheet date, the Group assesses assets or groups of assets, called cash-generating units (‘CGUs’), for impairment 
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or CGU may not be recoverable. If any 
such indication exists, the Group makes an estimate of the asset’s recoverable amount. An asset’s recoverable amount is the higher 
of its fair value less costs of disposal and its value in use. Discounted cash flow models comprising asset-by-asset life of field 
projections and risks specific to assets, using Level 3 inputs (based on IFRS 13 fair value hierarchy), have been used to determine the 
recoverable amounts. The life of a field depends on the interaction of a number of variables such as the recoverable quantity of 
hydrocarbons, the production profile of the hydrocarbons, the capex necessary to recover the hydrocarbons, production costs and 
the selling price of the hydrocarbons produced. Estimated production volumes and cash flows up to the date of cessation of 
production on a field-by-field basis, including operating and capital expenditure, are derived from the Group’s business plan. Oil 
price assumptions and discount rate assumptions used were as disclosed in note 2. If the recoverable amount of an asset is 
estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its recoverable amount. An 
impairment loss is recognised immediately in the Group income statement.

138

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2021Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to the revised estimate of its 
recoverable amount, but only so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been 
determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised 
immediately in the Group income statement.

Cost:
At 1 January 2020
Additions
Change in decommissioning provision 
Disposals and termination of Tanjong Baram risk service contract 

At 1 January 2021 
Acquisition
Additions
Change in decommissioning provision 
Disposal 

At 31 December 2021 

Accumulated depreciation, depletion and impairment:
At 1 January 2020
Charge for the year
Disposals and termination of Tanjong Baram risk service contract 
Impairment charge for the year

At 1 January 2021
Charge for the year
Net impairment reversal for the year
Disposal
Other

At 31 December 2021 

Net carrying amount:
At 31 December 2021 

At 31 December 2020 

At 1 January 2020 

Office 
furniture, 
fixtures and 
fittings  
$’000

Right-of-use 
assets  
(note 24) 
$’000

 Total 
$’000 

62,453
 1,910 
 – 
 (143)

 64,220 
–
1,165
–
–

857,089
 2,812 
 – 
 (1,412)

 9,467,311
 83,648 
 10,200 
 (86,279)

 858,489   9,474,880 
386,210
80,684
(2,732)
(8,411)

–
17,815
–
(8,411)

Oil and gas 
assets  
$’000

8,547,769
 78,926 
 10,200 
 (84,724)

 8,552,171 
386,210
61,704
(2,732)
–

8,997,353

65,385

867,893 9,930,631

5,797,924 
 359,258
 (42,958) 
314,335

46,568 
 3,902

 (113) 
 – 

171,890  6,016,382
 445,863
 82,703
 (43,777)
 (706)
422,495
 108,160

6,428,559
245,645
(24,046)
–
146

50,357
3,472
–
–
–

362,047 6,840,963
313,070
(39,715)
(5,831)
146

63,953
(15,669)
(5,831)
–

6,650,304

53,829

404,500 7,108,633

2,347,049

11,556

463,393 2,821,998

2,123,612

 13,863 

 496,442 

 2,633,917

 2,749,845 

 15,885 

 685,199   3,450,929 

The amount of borrowing costs capitalised during the year ended 31 December 2021 was nil (2020: nil).

Acquisitions
The Group acquired a 26.69% non-operated interest in the producing Golden Eagle area from Suncor Energy UK on 22 October 2021. 
The Group applied the optional concentration test for this transaction in accordance with IFRS 3. Accordingly, it has been concluded 
that as substantially all of the value arising from the transaction relates to the producing oil and gas asset, the acquired assets do 
not represent a business and therefore the transaction has been accounted for as an asset acquisition at cost. Consideration 
included cash of $249.7 million and a contingent payment based on the average oil price between July 2021 and June 2023. The Net 
Present Value of the contingent payment has been valued at $44.7 million and has been included within contingent consideration 
(see note 22). Other directly attributable costs of $10.4 million were also included in the cost of the acquisition. The total oil and gas 
asset recognised in relation to the acquisition is $386.2 million. A decommissioning liability of $119.3 million was also recognised as 
part of the acquisition (see note 23).

Impairments
Impairments to the Group’s producing assets and reversals of impairments are set out in the table below:

North Sea
Net pre-tax impairment reversal/(charge)

Impairment  
(charge)/reversal

Recoverable amount(i)

Year ended 
31 December 
2021 
$’000

Year ended 
31 December 
2020 
$’000

39,715
39,715

(422,495)
(422,495)

31 December 
2021 
$’000

31 December 
2020 
$’000

1,496,219

1,518,832

(i)  Recoverable amount has been determined on a fair value less costs of disposal basis (see note 2 for further details of judgements, estimates and assumptions made in 
relation to impairments). The amounts disclosed above are in respect of assets where an impairment (or reversal) has been recorded. Assets which did not have any 
impairment or reversal are excluded from the amounts disclosed

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10. Property, plant and equipment continued
For information on judgements, estimates and assumptions made in relation to impairments see ‘Use of judgements, estimates 
and assumptions’ within note 2.

The 2021 net impairment reversal of $39.7 million relates to producing assets in the UK North Sea. Impairment reversals were primarily 
driven by an increase in EnQuest’s near-term future oil price assumptions. The CGUs on which impairment reversals relate were 
$53.7 million for Kraken and $6.1 million for Alba. In addition, impairment losses of $20.1 million were incurred relating to the GKA and 
Scolty/Crathes CGU, primarily as a result of forecast increased costs and lower production.

The 2020 impairment charge of $422.5 million related to producing assets in the UK North Sea. Impairment losses were primarily 
driven by a reduction in EnQuest’s future oil price assumptions and the decision to cease production at Dons. The principal CGUs on 
which significant impairment losses were incurred in 2020 were $380.3 million for Kraken, $28.2 million for Alba and $14.6 million for 
Dons.

11. Goodwill
Accounting policy
Cost
Goodwill arising on a business combination is initially measured at cost, being the excess of the cost of the business combination 
over the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the entity at the date of acquisition. If the fair 
value of the net assets acquired is in excess of the aggregate consideration transferred, the Group reassesses whether it has 
correctly identified all of the assets acquired and all of the liabilities assumed and reviews the procedures used to measure the 
amounts to be recognised at the acquisition date. If the reassessment still results in an excess of the fair value of net assets 
acquired over the aggregate consideration transferred, the gain is recognised in profit or loss.

Impairment of goodwill
Following initial recognition, goodwill is stated at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. In accordance with IAS 36 
Impairment of Assets, goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances 
indicate the recoverable amount of the CGU to which the goodwill relates should be assessed. 

For the purposes of impairment testing, goodwill acquired is allocated to the CGU that is expected to benefit from the synergies of 
the combination. Each unit or units to which goodwill is allocated represents the lowest level within the Group at which the goodwill 
is monitored for internal management purposes. Impairment is determined by assessing the recoverable amount of the CGU to 
which the goodwill relates. Where the recoverable amount of the CGU is less than the carrying amount of the CGU containing 
goodwill, an impairment loss is recognised. Impairment losses relating to goodwill cannot be reversed in future periods. For 
information on significant estimates and judgements made in relation to impairments see Use of judgements, estimates and 
assumptions: recoverability of asset carrying values within note 2.

A summary of goodwill is presented below:

Cost and net carrying amount

At 1 January
At 31 December 

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

134,400
134,400

 134,400 
 134,400 

The majority of the goodwill, $94.6 million, relates to the 75% acquisition of the Magnus oil field and associated interests. The 
remaining goodwill balance arose from the acquisition of Stratic and PEDL in 2010 and the Greater Kittiwake Area asset in 2014. 

Impairment testing of goodwill 
Goodwill, which has been acquired through business combinations, has been allocated to the UK North Sea segment CGU, and this 
is therefore the lowest level at which goodwill is reviewed. The UK North Sea is a combination of oil and gas assets, as detailed within 
property, plant and equipment (note 10). 

The recoverable amounts of the CGU and fields have been determined on a fair value less costs of disposal basis. Discounted cash 
flow models comprising asset-by-asset life of field projections, based on current estimates of reserves and resources, and risks 
specific to assets, using Level 3 inputs (based on IFRS 13 fair value hierarchy), have been used to determine the recoverable amounts. 
The life of a field depends on the interaction of a number of variables such as the recoverable quantity of hydrocarbons, the 
production profile of the hydrocarbons, the capex necessary to recover the hydrocarbons, production costs and the selling price of 
the hydrocarbons produced. Estimated production volumes and cash flows up to the date of cessation of production on a field-by-
field basis, including operating and capital expenditure, are derived from the Group’s business plan. Oil price assumptions and 
discount rate assumptions used were as disclosed in note 2. An impairment charge of nil was taken in 2021 (2020: nil) based on a fair 
value less costs to dispose valuation of the North Sea CGU, as described above.

140

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2021Sensitivity to changes in assumptions
The Group’s recoverable value of assets is highly sensitive, inter alia, to oil price achieved and production volumes. A sensitivity has 
been run on the oil price assumption, with a 10% change being considered to be a reasonable possible change for the purposes of 
sensitivity analysis (see note 2). A 10% reduction in oil price would result in a net impairment of $54.7 million (2020: 10% reduction 
would result in a net impairment of $14.0 million). A 20% reduction in oil price would fully impair goodwill (2020: 13%).

12. Intangible assets
Accounting policy 
Exploration and appraisal assets
Exploration and appraisal assets have indefinite useful lives and are accounted for using the successful efforts method of 
accounting. Pre-licence costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. Expenditure directly associated with 
exploration, evaluation or appraisal activities is initially capitalised as an intangible asset. Such costs include the costs of acquiring 
an interest, appraisal well drilling costs, payments to contractors and an appropriate share of directly attributable overheads 
incurred during the evaluation phase. For such appraisal activity, which may require drilling of further wells, costs continue to be 
carried as an asset whilst related hydrocarbons are considered capable of commercial development. Such costs are subject to 
technical, commercial and management review to confirm the continued intent to develop, or otherwise extract value. When this is 
no longer the case, the costs are written off as exploration and evaluation expenses in the Group income statement. When 
exploration licences are relinquished without further development, any previous impairment loss is reversed and the carrying costs 
are written off through the Group income statement. When assets are declared part of a commercial development, related costs 
are transferred to property, plant and equipment. All intangible oil and gas assets are assessed for any impairment prior to transfer 
and any impairment loss is recognised in the Group income statement. 

During the year ended 31 December 2021, there was no impairment of historical exploration and appraisal expenditures (2020: nil). 

Other intangibles
UK emissions allowances (‘UKAs’) purchased to settle the Group’s liability related to emissions are recognised on the balance sheet 
as an intangible asset at cost. The UKAs will be derecognised upon settling the liability with the respective regulator. 

Cost:
At 1 January 2020
Write-off of relinquished licences previously impaired
Other

At 1 January 2021 
Additions
Write-off of relinquished licences previously impaired

At 31 December 2021 

Accumulated impairment:
At 1 January 2020
Write-off of relinquished licences previously impaired

At 1 January 2021

At 31 December 2021 

Net carrying amount:
At 31 December 2021 

At 31 December 2020 

At 1 January 2020 

Exploration 
and 
appraisal 
assets  
$’000

UK emissions 
allowances 
$’000

 Total  
$’000 

174,964
(12,645) 
(7) 

 162,312 
 10,141 
(72) 

–
–
–

–
10,052
–

174,964
(12,645) 
(7) 

 162,312 
20,193 
(72) 

172,381

10,052

182,433

(147,411) 
 12,645 

(134,766) 

(134,766) 

–
–

–

–

(147,411) 
 12,645 

(134,766) 

(134,766) 

37,615

10,052

47,667

27,546

27,553

–

–

27,546

27,553

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13. Inventories
Accounting policy
Inventories of consumable well supplies and inventories of hydrocarbons are stated at the lower of cost and NRV, cost being 
determined on an average cost basis.

Hydrocarbon inventories
Well supplies

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000 

22,835
50,188

 20,509 
 39,275 

73,023

 59,784 

During 2021, a net gain of $0.4 million was recognised within cost of sales in the Group income statement relating to inventory (2020: 
charge of $21.6 million).

The inventory valuation at 31 December 2021 is stated net of a provision of $43.2 million (2020: $56.7 million) to write down well 
supplies to their estimated net realisable value. During the year a portion of the provided for well supplies was disposed of, resulting 
in a net charge to the income statement of $0.2 million (2020: $24.9 million).

14. Cash and cash equivalents
Accounting policy
Cash and cash equivalents includes cash at bank, cash in hand, outstanding bank overdrafts and highly liquid interest-bearing 
securities with original maturities of three months or fewer.

Available cash
Restricted cash

Cash and Cash Equivalents

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

276,970
9,691

 221,155 
1,675 

286,661

22,830 

The carrying value of the Group’s cash and cash equivalents is considered to be a reasonable approximation to their fair value due 
to their short-term maturities.

Restricted cash
Included within the cash balance at 31 December 2021 is restricted cash of $9.7 million. This includes $8.2 million on deposit relating 
to bank guarantees for the Group’s Malaysian assets and $1.5 million related to cash collateralised letters of credit. In 2020, the 
restricted cash balance of $1.7 million related to cash held in escrow in respect of the unwound acquisition of the Tunisian assets of 
PA resources. This balance was fully collected in 2021. 

15. Financial instruments and fair value measurement
Accounting policy 
A financial instrument is any contract that gives rise to a financial asset of one entity and a financial liability or equity instrument of 
another entity. Financial instruments are recognised when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the financial 
instrument.

Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and the net amount is reported in the Group balance sheet if there is a currently 
enforceable legal right to offset the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis.

Financial assets 
Financial assets are classified, at initial recognition, as amortised cost, fair value through other comprehensive income (‘FVOCI’), or 
fair value through profit or loss (‘FVPL’). The classification of financial assets at initial recognition depends on the financial assets’ 
contractual cash flow characteristics and the Group’s business model for managing them. The Group does not currently hold any 
financial assets at FVOCI, i.e. debt financial assets.

Financial assets are derecognised when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire, or when the 
financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards are transferred. 

142

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2021Financial assets at amortised cost
Trade receivables, other receivables and joint operation receivables are measured initially at fair value and subsequently recorded 
at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate (‘EIR’) method, and are subject to impairment. Gains and losses are recognised in 
profit or loss when the asset is derecognised, modified or impaired and EIR amortisation is included within finance costs.
The Group measures financial assets at amortised cost if both of the following conditions are met:
•  The financial asset is held within a business model with the objective to hold financial assets in order to collect contractual cash 

flows; and 

•  The contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and 

interest on the principal amount outstanding.

Prepayments, which are not financial assets, are measured at historical cost.

Impairment of financial assets
The Group recognises a provision for expected credit loss (‘ECL’), where material, for all financial assets held at the balance sheet 
date. ECLs are based on the difference between the contractual cash flows due to the Group, and the discounted actual cash flows 
that are expected to be received. Where there has been no significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, the loss 
allowance is equal to 12-month expected credit losses. Where the increase in credit risk is considered significant, lifetime credit 
losses are provided. For trade receivables, a lifetime credit loss is recognised on initial recognition where material.

The provision rates are based on days past due for groupings of customer segments with similar loss patterns (i.e. by geographical 
region, product type, customer type and rating) and are based on historical credit loss experience, adjusted for forward-looking 
factors specific to the debtors and the economic environment. The Group evaluates the concentration of risk with respect to trade 
receivables and contract assets as low, as its customers are joint venture partners and there are no indications of change in risk. 
Generally, trade receivables are written off when they become past due for more than one year and are not subject to enforcement 
activity. 

Financial liabilities 
Financial liabilities are classified, at initial recognition, as amortised cost or at fair value through profit or loss. 

Financial liabilities are derecognised when they are extinguished, discharged, cancelled or they expire. When an existing financial 
liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are 
substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as the derecognition of the original liability and the recognition 
of a new liability. The difference in the respective carrying amounts is recognised in the Group income statement.

Financial liabilities at amortised cost
Loans and borrowings, trade payables and other creditors are measured initially at fair value net of directly attributable transaction 
costs and subsequently recorded at amortised cost, using the EIR method. Loans and borrowings are interest bearing. Gains and 
losses are recognised in profit or loss when the liability is derecognised and EIR amortisation is included within finance costs. 

Financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss
The Group holds derivative financial instruments classified as held for trading, not designated as effective hedging instruments. The 
derivative financial instruments include forward currency contracts and commodity contracts, to address the respective risks; see 
note 27. Derivatives are carried as financial assets when the fair value is positive and as financial liabilities when the fair value is 
negative.

Financial instruments at FVPL are carried in the Group balance sheet at fair value with net changes in fair value recognised in the 
Group income statement. Unrealised mark-to-market changes in the remeasurement of open derivative contracts at each period 
end are recognised within remeasurements, with the recycling of realised amounts from remeasurements into Business 
performance income when a derivative instrument matures. Option premium received or paid for commodity derivatives are 
recognised in remeasurements.

Financial assets with cash flows that are not solely payments of principal and interest are classified and measured at fair value 
through profit or loss, irrespective of the business model. All financial assets not classified as measured at amortised cost or FVOCI 
as described above are measured at FVPL. Financial instruments with embedded derivatives are considered in their entirety when 
determining whether their cash flows are solely payment of principal and interest.

The Group also holds contingent consideration (see note 22) and a listed equity investment (see note 19). The movements of both 
are recognised within remeasurements in the Group income statement.

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15. Financial instruments and fair value measurement continued
Fair value measurement
The following table provides the fair value measurement hierarchy of the Group’s assets and liabilities:

31 December 2021

Financial assets measured at fair value: 
Derivative financial assets measured at FVPL
Forward UKAs contracts 
Forward foreign currency contracts
Other financial assets measured at FVPL
Quoted equity shares 

Total financial assets measured at fair value

Liabilities measured at fair value:
Derivative financial liabilities measured at FVPL 
Oil commodity derivative contracts
Other financial liabilities measured at FVPL
Contingent consideration

Total liabilities measured at fair value

Liabilities measured at amortised cost for which fair values are 
disclosed below:
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Obligations under leases
Retail bond
High yield bond

Total liabilities measured at amortised cost for which fair values are 
disclosed

31 December 2020

Financial assets measured at fair value: 
Other financial assets at FVPL 
Quoted equity shares

Total financial assets measured at fair value

Liabilities measured at fair value:
Derivative financial liabilities at FVPL 
Oil commodity derivative contracts
Other financial liabilities measured at FVPL
Contingent consideration

Total liabilities measured at fair value

Liabilities measured at amortised cost for which fair values are 
disclosed below:
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Obligations under leases
Retail bond
High yield bond

Total liabilities measured at amortised cost for which fair values are 
disclosed

Quoted 
prices 
in active 
markets 
(Level 1) 
 $’000

Significant 
observable 
inputs  
(Level 2)  
$’000

Significant 
unobservable  
inputs  
(Level 3)  
$’000

Notes

Total  
$’000

90
382

6

478

55,247

410,778

466,025

–
–

6

6

–

–

–

90
382

–

472

55,247

–
–

–

–

–

–

410,778

55,247

410,778

424,864
570,781
244,387
773,499

–
–
244,387
773,499

 2,013,531 

 1,017,886 

–
–
–
–

–

424,864
570,781
–
–

995,645

19

22

18
24
18
18

Quoted 
prices 
in active 
markets 
(Level 1)  
$’000

Significant 
observable 
inputs  
(Level 2)  
$’000

Significant 
unobservable 
inputs  
(Level 3)  
$’000

 7 

7

 – 

 – 

–

–

–

–

 2,007 

 – 

 – 

522,261

2,007

522,261

Notes

Total  
$’000

 7 

7

19

 2,007 

22

 522,261

524,268

18
24
18
18

 454,209 
 647,846 
 225,943 
 537,602 

 – 
 – 
 225,943 
 537,602 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 454,209 
 647,846 
 – 
 – 

1,865,600

763,545

–

1,102,055

144

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2021Fair value hierarchy
All financial instruments for which fair value is recognised or disclosed are categorised within the fair value hierarchy, based on the 
lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole, as follows:

Level 1:  Quoted (unadjusted) market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2: 

 Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is directly (i.e. as 
prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices) observable;

Level 3:  Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is unobservable.

Derivative financial instruments are valued by counterparties, with the valuations reviewed internally and corroborated with readily 
available market data (Level 2). Contingent consideration is measured at FVPL using the Level 3 valuation processes disclosed in 
note 22. There have been no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the period (2020: no transfers). 

For the financial liabilities measured at amortised cost but for which fair value disclosures are required, the fair value of the bonds 
classified as Level 1 was derived from quoted prices for that financial instrument. Both interest-bearing loans and borrowings and 
obligations under finance leases were calculated using the discounted cash flow method to capture the present value (Level 3).  

16. Trade and other receivables

Current
Trade receivables
Joint venture receivables
Under-lift position
VAT receivable
Other receivables

Prepayments and accrued income

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

94,992
68,157
35,769
–
11,703

210,621
85,447

 24,604 
 53,121 
 15,690 
 10,307 
 1,441 

105,163
 13,552 

296,068

118,715

The carrying values of the Group’s trade, joint venture and other receivables as stated above are considered to be a reasonable 
approximation to their fair value largely due to their short-term maturities. Under-lift is valued at the lower of cost or NRV at the 
prevailing balance sheet date (note 5(b)). 

Trade receivables are non-interest-bearing and are generally on 15 to 30-day terms. Joint venture receivables relate to amounts 
billable to, or recoverable from, joint venture partners. Receivables are reported net of any ECL with no losses recognised as at 
31 December 2021 or 2020. The Group’s ECL estimates were not significantly impacted by COVID-19 during 2021.

17. Trade and other payables

Current
Trade payables
Accrued expenses
Over-lift position
Joint venture creditors
VAT payable
Other payables

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

49,701
297,744
53,742
10,852
7,561
944

41,090
179,590
12,732
16,647
–
5,096 

420,544

255,155

The carrying value of the Group’s trade and other payables as stated above is considered to be a reasonable approximation to 
their fair value largely due to the short-term maturities. Certain trade and other payables will be settled in currencies other than the 
reporting currency of the Group, mainly in Sterling. Trade payables are normally non-interest-bearing and settled on terms of 
between 10 and 30 days.

Accrued expenses include accruals for capital and operating expenditure in relation to the oil and gas assets and interest accruals.

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18. Loans and borrowings

Borrowings
Bonds

(a) Borrowings
The Group’s borrowings are carried at amortised cost as follows:

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

401,614
1,081,596

 452,284 
1,045,041 

1,483,210

1,497,325

RBL
Credit facility
Sculptor Capital facility
SVT working capital facility

Total borrowings

Due within one year
Due after more than one year

Total borrowings

2021 

2020 

Principal 
$’000

415,000
–
–
9,864

Fees  
$’000

Total  
$’000

Principal 
$’000

(23,250)
–
–
–

391,750
–
–
9,864

–
 377,270 
 67,701 
 9,238 

Fees  
$’000

–
 – 
(1,925) 

–

Total  
$’000

–
 377,270 
 65,776 
 9,238 

424,864

(23,250)

401,614

 454,209 

(1,925) 

 452,284 

210,505
191,109

401,614

 414,430 
 37,854 

 452,284 

See liquidity risk – note 27 for the timing of cash outflows relating to loans and borrowings.

RBL facility
On 11 June 2021, the Group signed a new RBL facility of approximately $600.0 million and an additional amount of $150.0 million for 
letters of credit for up to seven years. Upon refinancing of the Group’s existing high yield bonds, the maturity of the new facility is 
extended to the earlier of seven years from its signing date, or the point at which the remaining economic reserves for all borrowing 
base assets are projected to fall below 25% of the initial economic reserves forecast. In the event the maturity of the new facility is 
not extended, any amounts drawn amortise such that they are fully repaid by the end of September 2023. In 2021 interest accrued at 
a rate of 4.25% plus USD LIBOR. From 1 January 2022, following the IBOR transition, interest will accrue at a rate of 4.25% plus a margin. 
The margin will be a combination of a fixed rate based on the interest period and SOFR. From October 2022, the fixed rate 
percentage will increase from 4.25% to 4.50%.  

During 2021 the Group utilised $485.0 million of the RBL, $360.0 million in July and $125.0 million in October. In December 2021, the 
Group voluntarily repaid $70.0 million ahead of the planned amortisation schedule. As at 31 December 2021, the carrying value of the 
facility was $391.8 million, comprising the principal of $415.0 million and unamortised fees of $23.3 million. 

At 31 December 2021, after allowing for letter of credit utilisation of $53.0 million, $32.0 million remained available for drawdown under 
the credit facility.

Credit facility
During the period, the Group repaid its outstanding debt on the Credit facility of $378.1 million. 

Sculptor Capital facility 
During the period, the Group repaid its outstanding debt on the Sculptor Capital facility of $67.7 million. 

SVT working capital facility
On 1 December 2020, EnQuest extended, for a further three years, the £42.0 million revolving loan facility with a joint operator partner 
to fund the short-term working capital cash requirements on the acquisition of SVT and associated interests. The facility is 
guaranteed by BP EOC Limited. The facility is able to be drawn down against, in instalments, and accrues interest at 1.0% per annum 
plus GBP LIBOR. 

(b) Bonds 
The Group’s bonds are carried at amortised cost as follows:

High yield bond
Retail bond

2021 

2020

Principal 
$’000

827,166
256,574

Fees 
$’000

Total 
$’000

Principal 
$’000

Fees 
$’000

Total 
$’000

(1,725)
(419)

825,441
256,155

 799,194 
 249,161 

(2,666) 
(648) 

 796,528 
 248,513 

Total bonds due after more than one year

1,083,740

(2,144) 1,081,596  1,048,355 

(3,314) 

 1,045,041

146

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2021High yield bond
In April 2014, the Group issued a $650.0 million high yield bond. On 21 November 2016, the high yield bond was amended pursuant to 
a scheme of arrangement whereby all existing notes were exchanged for new notes. The new high yield notes continue to accrue a 
fixed coupon of 7.0% payable semi-annually in arrears. The interest is only payable in cash if the ‘Cash Payment Condition’ is 
satisfied, being the average of the Daily Brent Oil Prices during the period of six calendar months immediately preceding the ‘Cash 
Payment Condition Determination Date’ is equal to or above $65/bbl. The ‘Cash Payment Condition Determination Date’ is the date 
falling one calendar month prior to the relevant interest payment date. If the ‘Cash Payment Condition’ is not satisfied, interest will 
not be paid in cash but instead will be capitalised and satisfied through the issue of additional high yield notes (‘Additional HY 
Notes’). $27.5 million of accrued, unpaid interest as at the restructuring date was capitalised and added to the principal amount of 
the new high yield notes issued pursuant to the scheme. 

During 2020, the maturity date of the new high yield notes was automatically extended to 15 October 2023 as the credit facility had 
not been repaid or refinanced in full prior to 15 October 2020.

The above carrying value of the bond as at 31 December 2021 is $825.4 million (2020: $796.5 million). This includes bond principal of 
$827.2 million (2020: $799.2 million) less unamortised fees of $1.7 million (2020: $2.7 million). The high yield bond does not include 
accrued interest of $12.2 million (2020: $11.8 million) and liability for the IFRS 9 Financial Instruments loss on modification of $2.6 million 
(2020: $4.6 million), which are reported within trade and other payables. The fair value of the high yield bond is disclosed in note 15.

Retail bond
In 2013, the Group issued a £155.0 million retail bond. On 21 November 2016, the retail bond was amended pursuant to a scheme of 
arrangement whereby all existing notes were exchanged for new notes. The new retail notes continue to accrue a fixed coupon of 
7.0% payable semi-annually in arrears. The interest is only payable in cash if the ‘Cash Payment Condition’ is satisfied, being the 
average of the Daily Brent Oil Prices during the period of six calendar months immediately preceding the ‘Cash Payment Condition 
Determination Date’ is equal to or above $65/bbl. The ‘Cash Payment Condition Determination Date’ is the date falling one calendar 
month prior to the relevant interest payment date. If the ‘Cash Payment Condition’ is not satisfied, interest will not be paid in cash but 
instead will be capitalised and satisfied through the issue of additional retail notes (‘Additional Retail Notes’). 

During 2020, the maturity date of the new high yield notes was automatically extended to 15 October 2023 as the credit facility had 
not been repaid or refinanced in full prior to 15 October 2020.

The above carrying value of the bond as at 31 December 2021 is $256.2 million (2020: $248.5 million). This includes bond principal of 
$256.6 million (2020: $249.2 million) less unamortised fees of $0.4 million (2020: $0.6 million). The retail yield bond does not include 
accrued interest of $6.2 million (2020: $6.3 million) and liability for the IFRS 9 Financial Instruments loss on modification of $7.4 million 
(2020: $11.9 million), which are reported within trade and other payables. The fair value of the retail bond is disclosed in note 15.

19. Other financial assets and financial liabilities
(a) Summary as at year end

Fair value through profit or loss:
Derivative commodity contracts
Derivative foreign exchange contracts
Commodity futures
Derivative UKAs contracts

Total current

Fair value through profit or loss:
Quoted equity shares

Total non-current

2021 

2020 

Assets  
$’000

Liabilities 
$’000

Assets  
$’000

Liabilities 
$’000

–
382
–
90

472

6

6

55,245
–
2
–

55,247

–

–

–
–
–
–

–

 7

 7 

2,007
–
–
–

 2,007 

–

– 

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
19. Other financial assets and financial liabilities continued
(b) Income statement impact
The income/(expense) recognised for derivatives are as follows:

Year ended 31 December 2021 

Commodity options
Commodity swaps
Commodity futures
Foreign exchange contracts
UKA contracts

Year ended 31 December 2020

Commodity options
Commodity swaps
Commodity futures
Foreign exchange contracts

Revenue and other 
operating income

Cost of sales

Realised 
$’000

Unrealised 
$’000

Realised 
$’000

Unrealised 
$’000

(62,016)
(4,258)
985
–
–

(55,570)
1,121
(2)
–
–

–
–
–
(4)
10,697

(65,289)

(54,451)

10,693

–
–
–
382
90

472

Revenue and other  
operating income

Cost of sales

Realised 
$’000

Unrealised 
$’000

Realised 
$’000

Unrealised 
$’000

 24,659 
(36,912) 
 6,194 
–

(136) 
 8,941 
(27) 
–

(6,059) 

 8,778 

–
–
–
 572 

 572 

–
–
–

(1,932) 

(1,932) 

(c) Commodity contracts
The Group uses derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to the oil price, including put and call options, swap 
contracts and futures. 

For the year ended 31 December 2021, losses totalling $119.7 million (2020: gains of $2.7 million) were recognised in respect of 
commodity contracts designated as FVPL. This included losses totalling $65.3 million (2020: losses of $6.1 million) realised on 
contracts that matured during the year, and mark-to-market unrealised losses totalling $54.5 million (2020: gains of $8.8 million). Of 
the realised amounts recognised during the year, a loss of $1.0 million (2020: gain of $6.2 million) was realised in Business 
performance revenue in respect of the premium expense received on sale of these options. 

The mark-to-market value of the Group’s open commodity contracts as at 31 December 2021 was a liability of $55.2 million (2020: 
liability of $2.0 million).

(d) Foreign currency contracts
The Group enters into a variety of foreign currency contracts, primarily in relation to Sterling. During the year ended 31 December 
2021, gains totalling $0.4 million (2020: losses of $1.4 million) were recognised in the Group income statement. This included realised 
gains totalling $0.1 million (2020: gains of $0.6 million) on contracts that matured in the year.

The mark-to-market value of the Group’s open contracts as at 31 December 2021 was $0.4 million (2020: nil).

(e) UK emissions allowance forward contracts 
The Group enters into forward contracts for the purchase of UKAs to manage its exposure to price. In 2020 these contracts were 
treated as own use contracts and not accounted for as derivatives. During 2021 a number of open contracts were closed out early. 
The result of this was the Group no longer being able to account for UKAs forwards as own use and recognising them as derivatives. 
During the year ended 31 December 2021, gains totalling $10.8 million (2020: nil) were recognised in the income statement. This 
included realised gains totalling $10.7 million (2020: nil) on contracts that matured in the year.

The mark-to-market value of the Group’s open contracts as at 31 December 2021 was $0.1 million (2020: nil).

148

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2021(f) Other receivables 

At 1 January 
Change in fair value
Utilised during the year
Unwinding of discount

At 31 December 

Non-current

2021 
$’000

7
(1)
–
–

6

6

6

2020 
$’000

 6,874 
(4) 
(7,138) 
 275 

 7

 7

 7

20. Share capital and premium
Accounting policy
Share capital and share premium
The balance classified as equity share capital includes the total net proceeds (both nominal value and share premium) on issue of 
registered share capital of the parent company. Share issue costs associated with the issuance of new equity are treated as a 
direct reduction of proceeds. The share capital comprises only one class of Ordinary share. Each Ordinary share carries an equal 
voting right and right to a dividend.

Retained earnings
Retained earnings contain the accumulated profits/(losses) of the Group. 

Share-based payments reserve
Equity-settled share-based payment transactions are measured at the fair value of the services received, and the corresponding 
increase in equity is recorded. EnQuest PLC shares held by the Group in the Employee Benefit Trust are recognised at cost and are 
deducted from the share-based payments reserve. Consideration received for the sale of such shares is also recognised in equity, 
with any difference between the proceeds from the sale and the original cost being taken to reserves. No gain or loss is recognised 
in the Group income statement on the purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of equity shares.

Authorised, issued and fully paid

At 1 January 2021 

Issuance of equity shares
Expenses of issuance of equity shares

At 31 December 2021

Ordinary shares 
of £0.05 each 
Number

Share  
capital  
$’000

Share  
premium  
$’000

Total 
$’000

 1,695,801,955

 118,271 

 227,149 

 345,420

190,122,384
–

13,379
–

37,346
(3,949)

50,725
(3,949)

1,885,924,339

131,650

260,546

392,196

At 31 December 2021, there were 39,718,323 shares held by the Employee Benefit Trust (2020: 46,492,546). On 26 July 2021, 2,159,903 
shares were acquired by the Employee Benefit Trust pursuant to the firm placing, placing and open offer. The remaining movement 
in the year was due to shares used to satisfy awards made under the Company’s share-based incentive schemes.

On 26 July 2021, the Group completed a firm placing, placing and open offer pursuant to which 190,122,384 new Ordinary shares 
were issued at a price of £0.19 per share, generating gross aggregate proceeds of $50.7 million. Following the admission to the 
market of an additional 190,122,384 Ordinary shares on 26 July 2021, there were 1,885,924,339 Ordinary shares in issue at the end of 
the year.

21. Share-based payment plans
Accounting policy
Eligible employees (including Directors) of the Group receive remuneration in the form of share-based payment transactions, 
whereby employees render services in exchange for shares or rights over shares of EnQuest PLC.

Information on these plans for Directors is shown in the Directors’ remuneration report on pages 86 to 88.

The cost of these equity-settled transactions is measured by reference to the fair value at the date on which they are granted. The 
fair value of awards is calculated in reference to the scheme rules at the market value, being the average middle market quotation 
of a share for the three immediately preceding dealing days as derived from the Daily Official List of the London Stock Exchange, 
provided such dealing days do not fall within any period when dealings in shares are prohibited because of any dealing restriction. 

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
21. Share-based payment plans continued
The cost of equity-settled transactions is recognised over the vesting period in which the relevant employees become fully entitled 
to the award. The cumulative expense recognised for equity-settled transactions at each reporting date until the vesting date 
reflects the extent to which the vesting period has expired and the Group’s best estimate of the number of equity instruments that 
will ultimately vest. The Group income statement charge or credit for a period represents the movement in cumulative expense 
recognised as at the beginning and end of that period.

In valuing the transactions, no account is taken of any service or performance conditions, other than conditions linked to the price of 
the shares of EnQuest PLC (market conditions) or ‘non-vesting’ conditions, if applicable. No expense is recognised for awards that do 
not ultimately vest, except for awards where vesting is conditional upon a market or non-vesting condition, which are treated as 
vesting irrespective of whether or not the market or non-vesting condition is satisfied, provided that all other performance 
conditions are satisfied. Equity awards cancelled are treated as vesting immediately on the date of cancellation, and any expense 
not previously recognised for the award at that date is recognised in the Group income statement.

The Group operates a number of equity-settled employee share plans under which share units are granted to the Group’s senior 
leaders and certain other employees. These plans typically have a three-year performance or restricted period. Leaving 
employment will normally preclude the conversion of units into shares, but special arrangements apply for participants that leave 
for qualifying reasons.

The share-based payment expense recognised for each scheme was as follows:

Performance Share Plan
Other performance share plans
Sharesave Plan

2021 
$’000

5,241
 135 
975

6,351

2020 
$’000

 3,277 
 364 
(240) 

 3,401 

The following table shows the number of shares potentially issuable under equity-settled employee share plans, including the 
number of options outstanding and the number of options exercisable at the end of each year.

Share plans

Outstanding at 1 January 
Granted during the year
Exercised during the year
Forfeited during the year

Outstanding at 31 December

Exercisable at 31 December

2021  
Number

2020  
Number

110,263,670
35,552,383
(8,056,525)
(12,265,533)

77,374,961
53,223,408
(6,288,132)
(14,046,567)

125,493,995

110,263,670

14,249,920

11,894,904

In addition, the Group operates an approved savings-related share option scheme (the Sharesave Plan). The plan is based on 
eligible employees being granted options and their agreement to opening a Sharesave account with a nominated savings carrier 
and to save over a specified period, either three or five years. The right to exercise the option is at the employee’s discretion at the 
end of the period previously chosen, for a period of six months.

The following table shows the number of shares potentially issuable under equity-settled employee share option plans, including 
the number of options outstanding, the number of options exercisable at the end of each year and the corresponding weighted 
average exercise prices. 

Share options

Outstanding at 1 January
Granted during the year
Exercised during the year
Forfeited during the year

Outstanding at 31 December 

Exercisable at 31 December

150

2021

2020

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price  
$

0.13
0.25
0.10
0.15

0.14

0.16

Number

 42,589,522 
 34,719,941 
(452,545) 
(34,473,264) 

 42,383,654 

 449,912 

Weighted 
average 
exercise  
price  
$

0.16
0.13
0.14
0.17

0.13

0.15

Number

42,383,654
1,370,748
(885,646)
(5,349,829)

37,518,927

422,981

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 202122. Contingent consideration
Accounting policy
When the consideration transferred by the Group in a business combination includes a contingent consideration arrangement, the 
contingent consideration is measured at its acquisition-date fair value and included as part of the consideration transferred in a 
business combination. Changes in fair value of the contingent consideration that qualify as measurement period adjustments are 
adjusted retrospectively, with corresponding adjustments against goodwill. Measurement period adjustments are adjustments that 
arise from additional information obtained during the ‘measurement period’ (which cannot exceed one year from the acquisition 
date) about facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date.

The subsequent accounting for changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration that do not qualify as measurement 
period adjustments depends on how the contingent consideration is classified. Contingent consideration that is classified as equity 
is not remeasured at subsequent reporting dates and its subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity. Other contingent 
consideration is remeasured to fair value at subsequent reporting dates with changes in fair value recognised in profit or loss.

Any contingent consideration included in the consideration payable for an asset acquisition is recorded at fair value at the date of 
acquisition and included in the initial measurement of cost. Subsequent measurement changes relating to the variable 
consideration are capitalised as part of the asset value if it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the asset will 
flow to the Group and can be measured reliably.

At 31 December 2020
Additions
Change in fair value (see note 5(d))
Unwinding of discount (see note 6)
Interest on vendor loan (see note 6)
Utilisation

At 31 December 2021 

Classified as:
Current
Non-current

Magnus 
decommissioning-
linked liability  
$’000

14,601
–
5,194
 1,460
–
(279)

 Golden 
Eagle  
$’000

–
44,668
–
507
–
–

Total  
$’000

522,261
44,668
(140,079)
52,733
6,169
(74,974)

20,976

45,175

410,778

4,252
16,724

–
45,175

30,477
380,301

20,976

45,175

410,778

Magnus 75% 
$’000

507,660
–
(145,273)
50,766
6,169
(74,695)

344,627

26,225
318,402

344,627

75% Magnus acquisition contingent consideration
On 1 December 2018, EnQuest completed the acquisition of the additional 75% interest in the Magnus oil field (‘Magnus’) and 
associated interests (collectively the ‘Transaction assets’) which was part funded through a vendor loan and profit share 
arrangement with BP. This acquisition followed on from the acquisition of initial interests completed in December 2017. 

The consideration for the acquisition was $300.0 million, consisting of $100.0 million cash contribution, paid from the funds received 
through the rights issue undertaken in October 2018, and $200.0 million deferred consideration financed by BP. The deferred 
consideration financed by BP was fully settled in June 2021. The consideration also included a contingent profit-sharing 
arrangement whereby EnQuest and BP share the net cash flow generated by the 75% interest on a 50:50 basis, subject to a cap of $1 
billion received by BP. Together, the deferred consideration and contingent profit-sharing arrangement are known as contingent 
consideration. The contingent consideration is a financial liability classified as measured at fair value through profit or loss. The fair 
value of contingent consideration has been determined by calculating the present value of the future expected cash flows 
expected to be paid and is considered a level 3 valuation under the fair value hierarchy. Future cash flows are estimated based on 
inputs including future oil prices, production volumes and operating costs. Oil price assumptions and discount rate assumptions 
used were as disclosed in Use of judgements, estimates and assumptions within note 2. The contingent consideration was fair 
valued at 31 December 2021, which resulted in a decrease in fair value of $145.3 million (2020: decrease of $137.4 million). The 
decrease in fair value in 2021 is a result of revised operating cost assumptions. The decrease in 2020 reflected the change in oil price 
assumptions. The fair value accounting effect and finance costs of $57.0 million (2020: $77.3 million) on the contingent consideration 
were recognised through remeasurements and exceptional items in the Group income statement. The contingent profit-sharing 
arrangement cap of $1 billion was not met in 2021 in the present value calculations (2020: cap was not met). Within the statement of 
cash flows the profit share element of the repayment, $1.0 million (2020: $41.1 million), is disclosed separately under investing 
activities; the repayment of the vendor loan, $73.7 million (2020: $20.7 million), is disclosed under financing activities; and the interest 
paid on the vendor loan, $6.2 million (2020: $10.3 million), is included within interest paid under financing activities. As part of the 
Golden Eagle area transaction, the repayment of the vendor loan was completed in July 2021. At 31 December 2021, the contingent 
consideration for Magnus was $344.6 million (31 December 2020: $507.7 million).

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
22. Contingent consideration continued
Management has considered alternative scenarios to assess the valuation of the contingent consideration including, but not 
limited to, the key accounting estimate relating to the oil price and the interrelationship with production and the profit share 
arrangement. As detailed in key accounting estimates, a reduction or increase in the price assumptions of 10% are considered to be 
reasonably possible changes, resulting in a reduction of $85.1 million or an increase of $85.1 million to the contingent consideration, 
respectively (2020: reduction of $91.7 million and increase of $91.7 million, respectively). The change in value represents a change in 
timing of cash flows, with the contingent profit-sharing arrangement cap of $1 billion not met in either sensitivity.

The payment of contingent consideration is limited to cash flows generated from Magnus. Therefore, no contingent consideration is 
payable if insufficient cash flows are generated over and above the requirements to operate the asset. By reference to the 
conditions existing at 31 December 2021, the maturity analysis of the loan is disclosed in Risk management and financial instruments 
– liquidity risk (note 27).

Magnus decommissioning-linked contingent consideration
As part of the Magnus and associated interests acquisition, BP retained the decommissioning liability in respect of the existing wells 
and infrastructure and EnQuest agreed to pay additional consideration in relation to the management of the physical 
decommissioning costs of Magnus. At 31 December 2021, the amount due to BP calculated on an after-tax basis by reference to 30% 
of BP’s decommissioning costs on Magnus was $21.0 million (2020: $14.6 million). 

Golden Eagle contingent consideration
On 22 October 2021, the Group completed the acquisition of the entire 26.69% non-operated working interest in the Golden Eagle 
Area Development, comprising the producing Golden Eagle, Peregrine and Solitaire fields (see note 10). The consideration for the 
acquisition included an amount that was contingent on the average oil price between July 2021 and June 2023. The contingent 
consideration is payable in the second half of 2023, if between July 2021 and June 2023 the Dated Brent average crude price equals 
or exceeds $55/bbl, upon which $25.0 million is payable, or if the Dated Brent average crude price equals or exceeds $65/bbl, upon 
which $50.0 million is payable. The contingent consideration liability is discounted at 7% and is calculated principally based on the 
oil price assumptions as disclosed in note 2. At 31 December 2021, the contingent consideration was valued at $45.2 million. 

23. Provisions
Accounting policy
Decommissioning
Provision for future decommissioning costs is made in full when the Group has an obligation: to dismantle and remove a facility or 
an item of plant; to restore the site on which it is located; and when a reasonable estimate of that liability can be made. The Group’s 
provision primarily relates to the future decommissioning of production facilities and pipelines. 

A decommissioning asset and liability are recognised, within property, plant and equipment and provisions respectively, at the 
present value of the estimated future decommissioning costs. The decommissioning asset is amortised over the life of the 
underlying asset on a unit of production basis over proven and probable reserves, included within depletion in the Group income 
statement. Any change in the present value of estimated future decommissioning costs is reflected as an adjustment to the 
provision and the oil and gas asset for producing assets. For assets that have ceased production, the change in estimate is 
reflected as an adjustment to the provision and the Group Income Statement, via other income or expense. The unwinding of the 
decommissioning liability is included under finance costs in the Group income statement.

These provisions have been created based on internal and third-party estimates. Assumptions based on the current economic 
environment have been made which management believes are a reasonable basis upon which to estimate the future liability. 
These estimates are reviewed regularly to take into account any material changes to the assumptions. However, actual 
decommissioning costs will ultimately depend upon future market prices for the necessary decommissioning works required, which 
will reflect market conditions at the relevant time. Furthermore, the timing of decommissioning liabilities is likely to depend on the 
dates when the fields cease to be economically viable. This in turn depends on future oil prices, which are inherently uncertain. See 
Use of judgements, estimates and assumptions: provisions within note 2.

152

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2021Other
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events; it is probable that 
an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation; and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the 
obligation.

At 31 December 2020
Additions during the year
Changes in estimates
Unwinding of discount
Utilisation
Foreign exchange

At 31 December 2021 

Classified as:
Current
Non-current

Decommissioning 
provision  
$’000

Thistle 
decommissioning 
provision  
$’000

 778,204 
119,312 
(22,059)
15,856
(55,594)
2

835,721

116,229
719,492

835,721

53,066
–
6,184
1,061
(16,553)
172

43,930

9,156
34,774

43,930

Other  
provisions  
$’000

 9,137
13,390
(264)
–
(6,970)
(2)

Total  
$’000

 840,407
132,702
(16,139)
16,917
(79,117)
172

15,291

894,942

15,291
–

15,291

140,676
754,266

894,942

Decommissioning provision
The Group’s total provision represents the present value of decommissioning costs which are expected to be incurred up to 2048, 
assuming no further development of the Group’s assets. Additions during the year relate to the decommissioning provision 
recognised as part of the Golden Eagle acquisition. At 31 December 2021, an estimated $409.6 million is expected to be utilised 
between one and five years (2020: $329.2 million), $81.4 million within six to ten years (2020: $145.1 million), and the remainder in later 
periods.

The Group enters into surety bonds principally to provide security for its decommissioning obligations. The surety bond facilities 
which expired in December 2020 were renewed for 12 months, subject to ongoing compliance with the terms of the Group’s 
borrowings. At 31 December 2021, the Group held surety bonds totalling $240.8 million (2020: $151.7 million).

Thistle decommissioning provision 
In 2017, EnQuest had the option to receive $50.0 million from BP in exchange for undertaking the management of the physical 
decommissioning activities for Thistle and Deveron and making payments by reference to 7.5% of BP’s share of decommissioning 
costs of Thistle and Deveron fields. The option was exercised in full during 2018 and the liability recognised within provisions. At 
31 December 2021, the amount due to BP by reference to 7.5% of BP’s decommissioning costs on Thistle and Deveron was $43.9 
million (2020: $53.1 million). Unwinding of discount of $1.1 million is included within finance income for the year ended 31 December 
2021 (2020: $0.8 million).

Other provisions 
During 2020, a riser at the Seligi Alpha platform which provides gas lift and injection to the Seligi Bravo platform detached. A 
provision with respect to required repairs to remedy the damage caused was established. During 2021, $4.4 million was utilised and 
at 31 December 2021, the provision was $1.5 million (31 December 2020: $5.9 million). 

During 2021, the Group recognised $8.2 million in relation to disputes with third-party contractors. The Group expects the dispute to 
be settled in 2022. 

Other provisions from 31 December 2020 were fully utilised in the year. These included a redundancy provision in relation to the 
transformation programme undertaken during 2020/2021 (31 December 2020: $1.2 million) and payment of partners’ share of 
pipeline oil stock following cessation of production at Heather (31 December 2020: $1.5 million).

24. Leases 
Accounting policy 
As a lessee
The Group recognises a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date. 

The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, 
discounted by using the rate implicit in the lease, or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the Group uses its incremental 
borrowing rate. 

The incremental borrowing rate is the rate that the Group would have to pay for a loan of a similar term, and with similar security, to 
obtain an asset of similar value. The incremental borrowing rate is determined based on a series of inputs including: the term, the 
risk-free rate based on government bond rates and a credit risk adjustment based on EnQuest bond yields.

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
24. Leases continued
Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise:
•  fixed lease payments (including in-substance fixed payments), less any lease incentives;
•  variable lease payments that depend on an index or rate, initially measured using the index or rate at the commencement date;
•  the exercise price of purchase options, if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise the options; and
•  payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the exercise of an option to terminate the lease.

The lease liability is subsequently recorded at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method. The liability is remeasured 
when there is a change in future lease payments arising from a change in an index or rate or if the Group changes its assessment 
of whether it will exercise a purchase, extension or termination option. When the lease liability is remeasured in this way, a 
corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset, or is recorded in profit or loss if the carrying 
amount of the right-of-use asset has been reduced to zero. The Group did not make any such adjustments during the periods 
presented.

The right-of-use asset is measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments 
made at or before the commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred and an estimate of costs to dismantle and 
remove the underlying asset or to restore the underlying asset or the site on which it is located, less any lease incentives received. 
Right-of-use assets are depreciated over the shorter period of lease term and useful life of the underlying asset. If a lease transfers 
ownership of the underlying asset or the cost of the right-of-use asset reflects that the Group expects to exercise a purchase option, 
the related right-of-use asset is depreciated over the useful life of the underlying asset. The depreciation starts at the 
commencement date of the lease. 

The Group applies the short-term lease recognition exemption to those leases that have a lease term of 12 months or less from the 
commencement date. It also applies the low-value assets recognition exemption to leases of assets below £5,000. Lease payments 
on short-term leases and leases of low-value assets are recognised as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

The Group applies IAS 36 Impairment of Assets to determine whether a right-of-use asset is impaired and accounts for any 
identified impairment loss as described in the ‘property, plant and equipment’ policy. 

Variable rents that do not depend on an index or rate are not included in the measurement of the lease liability and the right-of-use 
asset. The related payments are recognised as an expense in the period in which the event or condition that triggers those 
payments occurs and are included within ‘cost of sales’ or ‘general and administration expenses’ in the Group income statement. 

For leases within joint ventures, the Group assesses on a lease-by-lease basis the facts and circumstances. This relates mainly to 
leases of vessels. Where all parties to a joint operation jointly have the right to control the use of the identified asset and all parties 
have a legal obligation to make lease payments to the lessor, the Group’s share of the right-of-use asset and its share of the lease 
liability will be recognised on the Group balance sheet. This may arise in cases where the lease is signed by all parties to the joint 
operation or the joint operation partners are named within the lease. However, in cases where EnQuest is the only party with the 
legal obligation to make lease payments to the lessor, the full lease liability and right-of-use asset will be recognised on the Group 
balance sheet. This may be the case if, for example, EnQuest, as operator of the joint operation, is the sole signatory to the lease. If 
the underlying asset is used for the performance of the joint operation agreement, EnQuest will recharge the associated costs in line 
with joint operating agreement.

As a lessor 
When the Group acts as a lessor, it determines at lease inception whether each lease is a finance lease or an operating lease. 
Whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee, the contract is classified 
as a finance lease. All other leases are classified as operating leases.

When the Group is an intermediate lessor, it accounts for the head-lease and the sub-lease as two separate contracts. The 
sub-lease is classified as a finance or operating lease by reference to the right-of-use asset arising from the head-lease.

Rental income from operating leases is recognised on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease. Initial direct costs 
incurred in negotiating and arranging an operating lease are added to the carrying amount of the leased asset and recognised on 
a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Amounts due from lessees under finance leases are recognised as receivables at the amount of the Group’s net investment in the 
leases. Finance lease income is allocated to reporting periods so as to reflect a constant periodic rate of return on the Group’s net 
investment outstanding in respect of the leases.

When a contract includes lease and non-lease components, the Group applies IFRS 15 to allocate the consideration under the 
contract to each component.

154

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2021Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities
Set out below are the carrying amounts of the Group’s right-of-use assets and lease liabilities and the movements during the 
period:

As at 31 December 2019
Additions in the period
Depreciation expense 
Impairment 
Disposal 
Interest expense
Payments
Foreign exchange movements

As at 31 December 2020

Additions in the period (see note 10)
Depreciation expense (see note 10)
Impairment reversal (see note 10)
Disposal 
Interest expense
Payments
Foreign exchange movements

As at 31 December 2021

Current
Non-current

Right-of-use 
assets  
$’000

685,199
2,812
(82,703)
(108,160)
(706)
–
–
–

Lease 
liabilities 
$’000

716,166
2,812
–
–
(726)
50,851
(123,001)
1,744

496,442

647,846

17,815
(63,953)
15,669
(2,580)
–
–
–

17,815
–
–
(3,121)
45,359
(136,651)
(467)

463,393

570,781

128,281
442,500

570,781

The Group leases assets including the Kraken FPSO, property and oil and gas vessels, with a weighted average lease term of five 
years. The maturity analysis of lease liabilities is disclosed in note 27.

Amounts recognised in profit or loss

Depreciation expense of right-of-use assets 
Interest expense on lease liabilities 
Rent expense – short-term leases 
Rent expense – leases of low-value assets 

Total amounts recognised in profit or loss 

Amounts recognised in statement of cash flows 

Total cash outflow for leases

Year ended 
31 December 
2021  
$’000

Year ended 
31 December 
2020 
$’000

63,953
45,359
1,028
5

 82,703 
 50,851 
 12,736 
 43 

110,345

146,333

Year ended 
31 December 
2021  
$’000

Year ended 
31 December 
2020 
$’000

136,651

123,001

Leases as lessor 
The Group sub-leases part of Annan House, the Aberdeen office. The sub-lease is classified as an operating lease, as all the risks 
and rewards incidental to the ownership of the right-of-use asset are not all substantially transferred to the lessee. Rental income 
recognised by the Group during 2021 was $1.7 million (2020: $1.7 million).

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
24. Leases continued
The following table sets out a maturity analysis of lease payments, showing the undiscounted lease payments to be received after 
the reporting date:

Less than one year
One to two years
Two to three years
Three to four years
Four to five years
More than five years

Total undiscounted lease payments

2021 
$’000

2,206
2,206
2,206
2,206
2,206
1,204

2020 
$’000

 2,211 
 2,211 
 2,211 
 2,211 
 1,508 
 1,093 

12,234

 11,444 

25. Commitments and contingencies
Capital commitments
At 31 December 2021, the Group had capital commitments amounting to $1.9 million (2020: nil).

Other commitments
In the normal course of business, the Group will obtain surety bonds, letters of credit and guarantees. At 31 December 2021, the 
Group held surety bonds totalling $240.8 million (2020: $151.7 million) to provide security for its decommissioning obligations. See note 
23 for further details.

Contingencies
The Group becomes involved from time to time in various claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of its business. The 
Group is not, nor has been during the past 12 months, involved in any governmental, legal or arbitration proceedings which, either 
individually or in the aggregate, have had, or are expected to have, a material adverse effect on the Group balance sheet or 
profitability, nor, so far as the Group is aware, are any such proceedings pending or threatened. 

26. Related party transactions
The Group financial statements include the financial statements of EnQuest PLC and its subsidiaries. A list of the Group’s principal 
subsidiaries is contained in note 28 to these Group financial statements.

Balances and transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, have been eliminated on 
consolidation and are not disclosed in this note. 

All sales to and purchases from related parties are made at normal market prices and the pricing policies and terms of these 
transactions are approved by the Group’s management. With the exception of the transactions disclosed below, there have been 
no transactions with related parties who are not members of the Group during the year ended 31 December 2021 (2020: none).

Office sub-lease
During the year ended 31 December 2021, the Group recognised nil (2020: $0.1 million) rental income in respect of an office sub-lease 
arrangement with Levendi Investment Management Limited, a company where 72% of the issued share capital is held by Amjad 
Bseisu.

Compensation of key management personnel
The following table details remuneration of key management personnel of the Group. Key management personnel comprise of 
Executive and Non-Executive Directors of the Company and the Executive Committee.

Short-term employee benefits
Share-based payments
Post-employment pension benefits

156

2021 
$’000

6,890
810
215

7,915

2020 
$’000

 7,576 
 107 
 224 

 7,907 

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 202127. Risk management and financial instruments
Risk management objectives and policies
The Group’s principal financial assets and liabilities comprise trade and other receivables, cash and cash equivalents, interest-
bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases, derivative financial instruments and trade and other payables. The main purpose of 
the financial instruments is to manage short-term cash flow and raise finance for the Group’s capital expenditure programme.

The Group’s activities expose it to various financial risks particularly associated with fluctuations in oil price, foreign currency risk, 
liquidity risk and credit risk. Management reviews and agrees policies for managing each of these risks, which are summarised 
below. Also presented below is a sensitivity analysis to indicate sensitivity to changes in market variables on the Group’s financial 
instruments and to show the impact on profit and shareholders’ equity, where applicable. The sensitivity has been prepared for 
periods ended 31 December 2021 and 2020, using the amounts of debt and other financial assets and liabilities held at those 
reporting dates.

Commodity price risk – oil prices
The Group is exposed to the impact of changes in Brent oil prices on its revenues and profits generated from sales of crude oil. 

The Group’s policy is to have the ability to hedge oil prices up to a maximum of 75% of the next 12 months’ production on a rolling 
annual basis, up to 60% in the following 12-month period and 50% in the subsequent 12-month period. On a rolling quarterly basis, 
under the RBL, the Group is required to hedge a minimum of 60% of volumes of net entitlement production expected to be produced 
in the next 12 months, 40% of volumes of net entitlement produced expected for following 12 months and 10% of volumes of net 
entitlement production expected to be produced in the subsequent period. This requirement ceases at the end date of the facility.

Details of the commodity derivative contracts entered into during and open at the end of 2021 are disclosed in note 19. As of 
31 December 2021, the Group held financial instruments (options and swaps) related to crude oil that covered 8.0 MMbbls of 2022 
production and 3.5 MMbbls of 2023 production. The instruments have an effective average floor price of around $62.5/bbl in 2022 
and $57.5/bbl in 2023. The Group utilises multiple benchmarks when hedging production to achieve optimal results for the Group. No 
derivatives were designated in hedging relationships at 31 December 2021.

The following table summarises the impact on the Group’s pre-tax profit of a reasonably possible change in the Brent oil price, on 
the fair value of derivative financial instruments, with all other variables held constant. The impact in equity is the same as the 
impact on profit before tax.

31 December 2021

31 December 2020

Pre-tax profit 

+$10/bbl 
increase 
$’000

-$10/bbl 
decrease 
$’000

(91,755)

55,267

(8,020) 

 1,365 

Foreign exchange risk
The Group is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from movements in currency exchange rates. Such exposure arises from sales 
or purchases in currencies other than the Group’s functional currency and the retail bond which is denominated in Sterling. To 
mitigate the risks of large fluctuations in the currency markets, the hedging policy agreed by the Board allows for up to 70% of the 
non-US Dollar portion of the Group’s annual capital budget and operating expenditure to be hedged. For specific contracted 
capital expenditure projects, up to 100% can be hedged. Approximately 18% (2020: 8%) of the Group’s sales and 89% (2020: 86%) of 
costs (including operating and capital expenditure and general and administration costs) are denominated in currencies other 
than the functional currency. 

The Group also enters into foreign currency swap contracts from time to time to manage short-term exposures. The following tables 
summarise the Group’s financial assets and liabilities exposure to foreign currency.

Year ended 31 December 2021 

Total financial assets
Total financial liabilities

Year ended 31 December 2020 

Total financial assets
Total financial liabilities

GBP  
$’000

MYR 
$’000

Other  
$’000

Total  
$’000

103,253
635,840

34,255
21,058

3,967
839

141,475
657,737

GBP 
$’000

32,150
519,060

MYR  
$’000

11,735
23,931

Other  
$’000

Total  
$’000

2,777
869

46,662
543,860

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157

Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
27. Risk management and financial instruments continued
The following table summarises the sensitivity to a reasonably possible change in the US Dollar to Sterling foreign exchange rate, 
with all other variables held constant, of the Group’s profit before tax due to changes in the carrying value of monetary assets and 
liabilities at the reporting date. The impact in equity is the same as the impact on profit before tax. The Group’s exposure to foreign 
currency changes for all other currencies is not material:

31 December 2021 
31 December 2020

Pre-tax profit 

+$10% rate 
increase 
$’000

-$10% rate 
decrease 
$’000

(50,695)
(46,183)

50,695
46,183

Credit risk
Credit risk is managed on a Group basis. Credit risk in financial instruments arises from cash and cash equivalents and derivative 
financial instruments where the Group’s exposure arises from default of the counterparty, with a maximum exposure equal to the 
carrying amount of these instruments. For banks and financial institutions, only those rated with an A-/A3 credit rating or better are 
accepted. Cash balances can be invested in short-term bank deposits and AAA-rated liquidity funds, subject to Board-approved 
limits and with a view to minimising counterparty credit risks.

In addition, there are credit risks of commercial counterparties including exposures in respect of outstanding receivables. The Group 
trades only with recognised international oil and gas companies, commodity traders and shipping companies and at 31 December 
2021 there were $0.2 million of trade receivables past due (2020: $2.6 million) and nil of joint venture receivables past due (2020: $2.5 
million) but not impaired. Subsequent to the year end, $0.1 million of these outstanding balances have been collected (2020: $4.4 
million). Receivable balances are monitored on an ongoing basis with appropriate follow-up action taken where necessary. The 
impact of ECL is disclosed in note 16.

Ageing of past due but not impaired receivables

Less than 30 days
30–60 days
60–90 days
90–120 days
120+ days

2021 
$’000

–
30
146
– 
–

176

2020 
$’000

 2,974 
 1,335 
164
 271 
 383 

 5,127 

At 31 December 2021, the Group had one customer accounting for 84% of outstanding trade receivables (2020: three customers, 77%) 
and one joint venture partner accounting for 20% of outstanding joint venture receivables (2020: one joint venture partner, 16%).

Liquidity risk
The Group monitors its risk of a shortage of funds by reviewing its cash flow requirements on a regular basis relative to its existing 
bank facilities and the maturity profile of its borrowings. Specifically, the Group’s policy is to ensure that sufficient liquidity or 
committed facilities exist within the Group to meet its operational funding requirements and to ensure the Group can service its 
debt and adhere to its financial covenants. At 31 December 2021, $32.0 million (2020: $61.2 million) was available for drawdown under 
the Group’s facilities (see note 18). 

The following tables detail the maturity profiles of the Group’s non-derivative financial liabilities including projected interest thereon. 
The amounts in these tables are different from the balance sheet as the table is prepared on a contractual undiscounted cash flow 
basis and includes future interest payments.

The payment of contingent consideration is limited to cash flows generated from Magnus (see note 22). Therefore, no contingent 
consideration is payable if insufficient cash flows are generated over and above the requirements to operate the asset and there is 
no exposure to liquidity risk. By reference to the conditions existing at the reporting period end, the maturity analysis of the loan is 
disclosed below. All of the Group’s liabilities, except for the RBL, are unsecured.

Year ended 31 December 2021 

Loans and borrowings
Bonds(i)
Contingent considerations
Obligations under finance leases 
Trade and other payables

158

On  
demand 
$’000

Up to 
 1 year 
$’000

1 to 2 years 
$’000

2 to 5 years 
$’000 

Over 
5 years  
$’000 

Total  
$’000

–
–
–
–
–

–

241,937
75,862
26,225
125,374
420,543

204,081
1,162,595
 68,947 
95,464
–

–
–
 115,485 
311,276
–

–
446,018
– 1,238,457
 394,626 
567,958
420,543

 183,969 
35,844
–

 889,941 

 1,531,087 

 426,761 

 219,813 

 3,067,602 

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2021Year ended 31 December 2020

Loans and borrowings
Bonds(i)
Contingent considerations
Obligations under finance leases 
Trade and other payables

On  
demand 
$’000

Up to  
1 year  
$’000

1 to 2 years 
$’000

2 to 5 years 
$’000 

 430,289 
–
 78,219 
 133,765 
 249,111 

 39,778 

–
–  1,255,474 
 254,319 
 337,177 
–

 77,055 
 130,667 
 117 

–
–
–
–
–

–

Over  
5 years  
$’000 

Total  
$’000

–
 470,067 
–  1,255,474 
 810,852 
 818,622 
 249,228 

 401,259
 217,013 
–

 891,384 

 247,617 

1,846,970

 618,272   3,604,243

(i)  Maturity analysis profile for the Group’s bonds includes semi-annual coupon interest. This interest is only payable in cash if the average dated Brent oil price is equal to or 

greater than $65/bbl for the six months preceding one month before the coupon payment date (see note 18)

The following tables detail the Group’s expected maturity of payables for its derivative financial instruments. The amounts in these 
tables are different from the balance sheet as the table is prepared on a contractual undiscounted cash flow basis. When the 
amount receivable or payable is not fixed, the amount disclosed has been determined by reference to a projected forward curve at 
the reporting date.

Year ended 31 December 2021 

Commodity derivative contracts

Year ended 31 December 2020

Commodity derivative contracts

On  
demand 
$’000

Less than 
3 months 
$’000

4,450
4,450

17,288
17,288

3 to 12 
months 
$’000

24,035
24,035

1 to 2 years 
$’000

15,746
15,746

On  
demand 
$’000

 3,108 
 3,108 

Less than 
3 months 
$’000

 2,007 
 2,007 

3 to 12 
months  
$’000

 – 
 – 

1 to 2 years 
$’000

 – 
 – 

Over  
2 years  
$’000

–
–

Over  
2 years  
$’000

 – 
 – 

Total  
$’000

61,519
61,519

Total  
$’000

 5,115 
 5,115 

Capital management
The capital structure of the Group consists of debt, which includes the borrowings disclosed in note 18, cash and cash equivalents 
and equity attributable to the equity holders of the parent company, comprising issued capital, reserves and retained earnings as 
in the Group statement of changes in equity.

The primary objective of the Group’s capital management is to optimise the return on investment, by managing its capital structure 
to achieve capital efficiency whilst also maintaining flexibility. The Group regularly monitors the capital requirements of the business 
over the short, medium and long term, in order to enable it to foresee when additional capital will be required.

The Group has approval from the Board to hedge external risks, see Commodity price risk – oil prices and Foreign exchange risk. This 
is designed to reduce the risk of adverse movements in exchange rates and market prices eroding the return on the Group’s 
projects and operations.

The Board regularly reassesses the existing dividend policy to ensure that shareholder value is maximised. Any future payment of 
dividends is expected to depend on the earnings and financial condition of the Company and such other factors as the Board 
considers appropriate.

The Group monitors capital using the gearing ratio and return on shareholders’ equity as follows. Further information relating to the 
movement year-on-year is provided within the relevant notes and within the Financial review (pages 26 to 31).

2021  
$’000

2020  
restated 
$’000

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Loans, borrowings and bond(i) (A) (see note 18)
Cash and short-term deposits (see note 14)
Net debt (B)
Equity attributable to EnQuest PLC shareholders (C)
Profit/(loss) for the year attributable to EnQuest PLC shareholders (D)
Profit/(loss) for the year attributable to EnQuest PLC shareholders excluding exceptionals (E)
Adjusted EBITDA (F)
Gross gearing ratio (A/C)
Net gearing ratio (B/C)
Net debt/Adjusted EBITDA (B/F)
Shareholders’ return on investment (D/C)
Shareholders’ return on investment excluding exceptionals (E/C)

(i)  Principal amounts drawn, excludes netting off of fees (see note 18)

1,508,604  1,502,564 
(222,830) 
 1,279,734 
(207,377) 
(469,927) 
(26,187) 

(286,661)
1,221,943
 543,766 
 376,988 
 220,284 
742,868
 2.8 
 2.2 
1.6
74%
41%

550,606
n/a
n/a
 2.3 
n/a
n/a

159

Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
28. Subsidiaries
At 31 December 2021, EnQuest PLC had investments in the following subsidiaries:

Name of company

Principal activity

Proportion 
of nominal 
value of 
issued shares 
controlled by 
the Group

Country of 
incorporation

EnQuest Britain Limited 

EnQuest Heather Limited(i)
EnQuest Thistle Limited(i)
Stratic UK (Holdings) Limited(i)
Grove Energy Limited1
EnQuest ENS Limited(i)
EnQuest UKCS Limited(i)
EnQuest Heather Leasing Limited(i)
EQ Petroleum Sabah Limited(i)
EnQuest Dons Leasing Limited(i)
EnQuest Energy Limited(i)
EnQuest Production Limited(i)
EnQuest Global Limited 
EnQuest NWO Limited(i)
EQ Petroleum Production Malaysia 
Limited(i)
NSIP (GKA) Limited2
EnQuest Global Services Limited(i)3

EnQuest Marketing and Trading Limited
NorthWestOctober Limited(i)
EnQuest UK Limited(i)
EnQuest Petroleum Developments 
  Malaysia SDN. BHD(i)4
EnQuest NNS Holdings Limited(i)
EnQuest NNS Limited(i)
EnQuest Advance Holdings Limited(i)
EnQuest Advance Limited(i)
EnQuest Forward Holdings Limited(i)
EnQuest Forward Limited(i)
EnQuest Progress Limited(i)
North Sea (Golden Eagle) Resources Ltd

(i)  Held by subsidiary undertaking

Intermediate holding company and provision of Group 
manpower and contracting/procurement services
Exploration, extraction and production of hydrocarbons
Exploration, extraction and production of hydrocarbons
Intermediate holding company
Intermediate holding company
Exploration, extraction and production of hydrocarbons
Exploration, extraction and production of hydrocarbons
Leasing
Exploration, extraction and production of hydrocarbons
Dormant
Exploration, extraction and production of hydrocarbons
Exploration, extraction and production of hydrocarbons
Intermediate holding company
Exploration, extraction and production of hydrocarbons

Exploration, extraction and production of hydrocarbons
Construction, ownership and operation of an oil pipeline
Provision of Group manpower and contracting/procurement 
services for the international business
Marketing and trading of crude oil
Dormant
Dormant

Exploration, extraction and production of hydrocarbons
Intermediate holding company
Exploration, extraction and production of hydrocarbons
Intermediate holding company
Exploration, extraction and production of hydrocarbons
Intermediate holding company
Exploration, extraction and production of hydrocarbons
Exploration, extraction and production of hydrocarbons
Exploration, extraction and production of hydrocarbons

England
England
England
England
Canada
England
England
England
England
England
England
England
England
England

England
Scotland

Jersey
England
England
England

Malaysia
England
England
England
England
England
England
England
England

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%

The Group has two branches outside the UK (all held by subsidiary undertakings): EnQuest Global Services Limited (Dubai) and 
EnQuest Petroleum Production Malaysia Limited (Malaysia).

Registered office addresses:
1 
Suite 2200, 1055 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 2E9
2  Annan House, Palmerston Road, Aberdeen, Scotland, AB11 5QP, United Kingdom
3  Ground Floor, Colomberie House, St Helier, JE4 0RX, Jersey
4  c/o TMF, 10th Floor, Menara Hap Seng, No. 1 & 3, Jalan P. Ramlee 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

160

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 202129. Cash flow information
Cash generated from operations

Profit/(loss) before tax
Depreciation 
Depletion
Net impairment (reversal)/charge to oil and gas assets
Write down of inventory
Change in fair value of investments
Share-based payment charge
Gain on termination of Tanjong Baram risk service contract
Loss on derecognition of assets related to the Seligi riser detachment
Change in Magnus related contingent consideration
Change in provisions
Other non-cash income
Other expense on final settlement relating to the Magnus acquisition
Change in Golden Eagle related contingent consideration
Option premiums
Unrealised (gain)/loss on commodity financial instruments
Unrealised (gain)/loss on other financial instruments
Unrealised exchange loss/(gain)
Net finance expense 

Operating profit before working capital changes
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables
(Increase)/decrease in inventories
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables

Cash generated from operations

(i)  2020 comparative restated. See note 2 Basis of preparation – Restatements

Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities 

At 1 January 2020

Cash movements:
Repayments of loans and borrowings 
Repayment of lease liabilities
Cash interest paid in year
Non-cash movements:
Additions
Interest/finance charge payable
Fee amortisation

Foreign exchange adjustments
Disposal
Other non-cash movements

At 31 December 2020

Cash movements:
Repayments of loans and borrowings 
Drawdowns of loans and borrowings 
Repayment of lease liabilities
Cash interest paid in year
Non-cash movements:
Additions
Interest/finance charge payable
Fee amortisation
Disposal
Foreign exchange and other non-cash movements

At 31 December 2021

Year ended 
31 December 
2021 
$’000

Year ended 
31 December 
2020 

restated(i) 
$’000

Notes

5(c)
5(b)
4

5(f)
5(d)
5(e)
22
23
5(d)
5(e)
22
19
5(a)
5(b)

352,441
7,492
305,578
(39,715)
151
1
6,351
–
–
(81,684)
16,900
(22,568)
3,832
507
1,030
54,451
(472)
(425)
152,306

(565,975)
 7,616 
 438,247 
 422,495
 24,940 
4
3,401
(10,209)
956
(60,991)
119,642
–
–
–

(6,226) 
(8,778) 
 1,932 
 5,067 
 163,339 

756,176
(171,946) 
(13,496) 
 186,194 

 535,460
 184,560 
(5,438) 
(147,417) 

 756,928 

 567,165 

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Loans and 
borrowings 
$’000

Bonds  
$’000

Lease 
liabilities 
$’000

Total  
$’000

(661,282)

(995,983)

(716,166) (2,373,431)

 210,671 
–
31,056

–
–
–

–
 123,001 
–

 210,671 
 123,001 
31,056

–

(32,791) 
(849) 

–
(73,476)
(2,261)

(77) 
–
 498 

(7,923)
–
(49) 

(2,812) 
(50,851) 

–

(1,744) 
 726 
– 

(2,812) 
(157,118)
(3,110) 

(9,744) 
 726 
 449 

(452,774) (1,079,692) (647,846) (2,180,312)

184,276 
(125,000)
–
19,428

–

–

–
38,154

136,651
–

184,276 
(125,000)
136,651
57,582

2,082
(20,206)
(9,857)
–
(14)

–
(69,085)
(1,173)
–
1,876

(17,815)
(45,359)
–
3,121
467

(15,733)
(134,650)
(11,030)
3,121
2,329

(402,065) (1,109,920)

(570,781) (2,082,766)

161

Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
29. Cash flow information continued
Reconciliation of carrying value

Principal
Unamortised fees
Accrued interest (note 17)

At 31 December 2020

Principal
Unamortised fees
Accrued interest (note 17)

At 31 December 2021

Loans and 
borrowings 
(see note 18) 
$’000

Bonds  
(see note 18)  
$’000

Lease 
liabilities 
(see note 24) 
$’000

Total  
$’000

(454,209)  (1,048,355) 

(647,846)  (2,150,410) 

1,925
(490) 

3,314
(34,651) 

–
–

5,239
(35,141) 

(452,774)  (1,079,692) 

(647,846)

(2,180,312) 

(424,864) (1,083,740)
2,144
(28,324)

23,250
(451)

(570,781) (2,079,385)
25,394
(28,775)

–
–

(402,065) (1,109,920)

(570,781) (2,082,766)

162

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 
for the Parent Company Financial Statements

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Directors’ report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law 
and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have 
elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United 
Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). 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 Company and of the profit or loss of the 
Company for that period. In preparing the parent company financial statements, the Directors are required to:

•  Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
•  Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
•  State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and 

explained in the financial statements; and

•  Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue 

in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure 
that the Company financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the 
assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company Balance Sheet (Registered number: 07140891)
At 31 December 2021 

Fixed assets
Investments
Current assets
Trade and other receivables
– due within one year
– due after one year
Cash at bank and in hand 

Trade and other payables: amounts falling due within one year

Net current assets

Total assets less current liabilities

Trade and other payables: amounts falling due after one year

Net assets

Share capital and reserves
Share capital and premium
Other reserve
Share-based payment reserve
Profit and loss account

Shareholders’ funds

Notes

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

3

4
4

6

396,731 

71,351

9
1,178,379
317

7,340
1,046,013
140 

1,178,705
(35,472)

1,053,493
(42,204)

1,143,233

1,011,289

1,539,964 

1,082,640

7 (1,081,596) (1,045,041)

458,368 

37,599

8

392,196
40,143 
6,791
19,238 

345,420 
40,143 
1,016 
(348,980)

458,368 

37,599

The attached notes 1 to 11 form part of these Company financial statements. 

The Company reported a profit for the financial year ended 31 December 2021 of $368.2 million (2020: loss of $1,121.5 million). There 
were no other recognised gains or losses in the period (2020: $nil).

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 23 March 2022 and signed on its 
behalf by:

Jonathan Swinney
Chief Financial Officer

164

Company Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 December 2021

At 31 December 2019
Profit/(loss) for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year
Share-based payment charge
Shares purchased on behalf of Employee Benefit Trust
Impairment of subsidiary undertakings

At 31 December 2020
Profit/(loss) for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year
Issue of share capital net of expenses
Share-based payment charge
Shares purchased on behalf of Employee Benefit Trust

At 31 December 2021 

Share  
capital 
and share 
premium 
$’000

345,420
–

–
–
–
–

345,420
–

–
46,200
–
576

392,196

Merger 
reserve  
$’000

661,817
–

–
–
–
(661,817)

–
–

–
–
–
–

–

Share-
based 
payments 
reserve  
$’000

Profit and 
loss account 
$’000

Total  
$’000

(1,085) 

–

110,732
(1,121,529)

1,157,027
(1,121,529)

–
3,401
(1,300)
–

(1,121,529)
–
–
661,817

(1,121,529)
3,401
(1,300)
–

Other  
reserve  
$’000

40,143 
–

–
–
–
–

40,143 
–

1,016 
–

(348,980)
368,218 

37,599 
368,218 

–
–
–
–

–
–
6,351
(576)

368,218 
–
–
–

368,218 
46,200
6,351
–

40,143

6,791

19,238 

458,368 

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165

Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2021 

1. Corporate information
The separate parent company financial statements of EnQuest PLC (the ‘Company’) for the year ended 31 December 2021 were 
authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the Directors on 23 March 2022.

EnQuest PLC (‘EnQuest’ or the ‘Company’) is a public limited company incorporated and registered in England and is the holding 
company for the Group of EnQuest subsidiaries (together the ‘Group’). The Company address can be found on page 174. 

2. Summary of significant accounting policies
Basis of preparation
These separate financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101, ‘Reduced Disclosure 
Framework’ (‘FRS 101’) and the Companies Act 2006. The Company meets the definition of a qualifying entity under FRS 100, 
‘Application of Financial Reporting Requirements’ as issued by the Financial Reporting Council. The Company has previously notified 
its shareholders in writing about, and they do not object to, the use of the disclosure exemptions used by the Company in these 
financial statements.

These financial statements are prepared under the historical cost basis, except for the fair value remeasurement of certain financial 
instruments as set out in the accounting policies below. The functional and presentation currency of the separate financial 
statements is US Dollars and all values in the separate financial statements are rounded to the nearest thousand ($’000) except 
where otherwise stated.

As permitted by FRS 101, the Company has taken advantage of the disclosure exemptions available under that standard in relation 
to share-based payments, financial instruments, fair value measurement, capital management, presentation of comparative 
information in respect of certain assets, presentation of a cash flow statement, standards not yet effective, impairment of assets 
and related party transactions. Where relevant, equivalent disclosures have been given in the Group accounts.

The Directors have taken advantage of the exemption available under Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and not presented 
an income statement or a statement of comprehensive income for the parent company. The parent company’s accounts present 
information about it as an individual undertaking and not about its Group.

Going concern 
The Directors’ assessment of going concern concludes that the use of the going concern basis is appropriate and the Directors 
have a reasonable expectation that the Group, and therefore the Company, will be able to continue in operation and meet its 
commitments as they fall due over the going concern period. See note 2 of the Group financial statements for further details.

The accounting policies which follow set out those policies which apply in preparing the financial statements for the year ended 
31 December 2021.

Critical accounting estimates and judgements
The management of the Group has to make estimates and judgements when preparing the financial statements of the Group. 
Uncertainties in the estimates and judgements could have an impact on the carrying amount of assets and liabilities and the 
Group’s results. The most important estimates in relation thereto are:

Impairment of investments in subsidiaries
Determination of whether investments have suffered any impairment requires an estimation of the assets’ recoverable value. The 
recoverable value is based on the discounted cash flows expected to arise from the subsidiaries’ oil and gas assets, using asset-by-
asset life of field projections as part of the Group’s assessment for the impairment of the oil and gas assets. The Company’s 
investment in subsidiaries is tested for impairment annually. See Group critical accounting estimates and judgements.

Foreign currencies
Transactions in currencies other than the Company’s functional currency are recorded at the prevailing rate of exchange on the 
date of the transaction. At the year end, monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the 
rates of exchange prevailing at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured at historical cost in a 
foreign currency are translated using the rate of exchange as at the dates of the initial transactions. Non-monetary assets and 
liabilities measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the rate of exchange at the date the fair value was 
determined. All foreign exchange gains and losses are taken to the statement of comprehensive income.

3. Investments
Accounting policy
Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for at cost less any provision for impairment.
(a) Summary

Subsidiary undertakings
Other financial assets at FVPL

Total 

166

2021 
$’000

396,725 
6

396,731 

2020 
$’000

71,344
7

71,351

(b) Subsidiary undertakings

Cost
At 1 January 2020
Additions 

At 31 December 2020
Additions 

At 31 December 2021

Provision for impairment
At 1 January 2020
Impairment charge/(reversal) for the year

At 31 December 2020
Impairment charge/(reversal) for the year

At 31 December 2021

Net book value
At 31 December 2021

At 31 December 2020

At 31 December 2019

Subsidiary 
undertakings 
$’000

1,385,024
2,783 

1,387,807 
6,350

1,394,157

244,073
1,072,390

1,316,463
(319,031) 

997,432 

396,725 

71,344

1,140,951

The Company has recognised an impairment reversal of its investment in subsidiary undertakings of $319.0 million (2020: 
impairment of $1,072.4 million). The impairment reversal for the year ended 31 December 2021 is primarily attributable to the value 
added from the Golden Eagle acquisition and the change in oil price assumptions during the year. 

The Group’s recoverable value of its investments is highly sensitive, inter alia, to oil price achieved. A sensitivity has been run on the oil 
price assumption, with a 10.0% change being considered to be a reasonable possible change for the purposes of sensitivity analysis 
(see note 2 of the Group accounts). A 10.0% decrease in oil price would have decreased the impairment reversal by $285.1 million.

The oil price sensitivity analysis does not, however, represent management’s best estimate of any impairments that might be 
recognised as they do not fully incorporate consequential changes that may arise, such as reductions in costs and changes to 
business plans, phasing of development, levels of reserves and resources, and production volumes. As the extent of a price 
reduction increases, the more likely it is that costs would decrease across the industry. The oil price sensitivity analysis therefore 
does not reflect a linear relationship between price and value that can be extrapolated.

Details of the Company’s subsidiaries at 31 December 2021 are provided in note 28 of the Group financial statements.

(c) Other financial assets at FVPL
The interest in other listed investments at the end of the year is part of the Group’s investment in the Ordinary share capital of Ascent 
Resources plc, which is incorporated in the United Kingdom and registered in England and Wales. 

4. Trade and other receivables
Financial assets 
Financial assets are classified, at initial recognition, as amortised cost, fair value through other comprehensive income (‘FVOCI’), or 
fair value through profit or loss (‘FVPL’). The classification of financial assets at initial recognition depends on the financial asset’s 
contractual cash flow characteristics and the Group’s business model for managing them. The Company does not currently hold 
any financial assets at FVOCI, i.e. debt financial assets.

Financial assets are derecognised when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire, or when the 
financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards are transferred. 

Financial assets at amortised cost
Trade receivables, other receivables and joint operation receivables are measured initially at fair value and subsequently recorded 
at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate (‘EIR’) method, and are subject to impairment. Gains and losses are recognised in 
profit or loss when the asset is derecognised, modified or impaired and EIR amortisation is included within finance costs.

The Company measures financial assets at amortised cost if both of the following conditions are met:
•  The financial asset is held within a business model with the objective to hold financial assets in order to collect contractual cash 

flows; and 

•  The contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and 

interest on the principal amount outstanding.

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4. Trade and other receivables continued
Prepayments, which are not financial assets, are measured at historical cost.

Impairment of financial assets
The Company recognises a provision for expected credit loss (‘ECL’), where material, for all financial assets held at the balance sheet 
date. The measurement of expected credit losses is a function of the probability of default, loss given default and exposure at 
default. ECLs are based on the difference between the contractual cash flows due to the Company, and the discounted actual cash 
flows that are expected to be received. Where there has been no significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, the loss 
allowance is equal to 12-month expected credit losses. Where the increase in credit risk is considered significant, lifetime credit 
losses are provided. For trade receivables, a lifetime credit loss is recognised on initial recognition where material.

The provision rates are based on days past due for groupings of customer segments with similar loss patterns (i.e. by geographical 
region, product type, customer type and rating) and are based on their historical credit loss experience, adjusted for forward-
looking factors specific to the debtors and the economic environment. The Company evaluates the concentration of risk with 
respect to intercompany receivables as low, as its customers are intercompany ventures, and has considered the risk relating to the 
probability of default on loans that are repayable on demand. The Company has evaluated an expected credit loss of $2.8 million 
for the year ended 31 December 2021, as required by IFRS 9’s expected credit loss model (2020: $46.7 million). 

Due within one year
Amounts due from subsidiaries
Prepayments

Due after one year
Amounts due from subsidiaries

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

–
9

9

7,290
50

7,340

1,178,379 

1,046,013

Included within the amounts due from Group undertakings are balances of $1,138.1 million (2020: $1,031.3 million) on which interest 
was charged at between 7.0-7.12% (2020: 7.0-7.7%). All other balances are interest free.

All amounts owed by Group undertakings are unsecured and repayable on demand. However, the company does not expect such 
amounts to be repaid within one year from the balance sheet date.

5. Deferred tax
The Company has unused UK mainstream corporation tax losses of $57.1 million (2020: $63.3 million) for which no deferred tax asset 
has been recognised at the balance sheet date due to the uncertainty of recovery of these losses.

6. Trade and other payables: amounts falling due within one year
Accounting policy 
Financial liabilities 
Financial liabilities are classified, at initial recognition, as amortised cost or at fair value through profit or loss. 

Financial liabilities are derecognised when they are extinguished, discharged, cancelled or they expire. When an existing financial 
liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are 
substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as the derecognition of the original liability and the recognition 
of a new liability. The difference in the respective carrying amounts is recognised in the Group income statement.

Financial liabilities at amortised cost
Loans and borrowings, trade payables and other creditors are measured initially at fair value net of directly attributable transaction 
costs and subsequently recorded at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method. Loans and borrowings are interest 
bearing. Gains and losses are recognised in profit or loss when the liability is derecognised and EIR amortisation is included within 
finance costs. 

Bond interest
Other interest
Amounts due to subsidiaries
Accruals

2021 
$’000

18,658
9,959
6,699
156

2020 
$’000

18,105 
16,569 
7,345
185 

35,472

42,204

All amounts owed to Group undertakings are unsecured and repayable on demand. No interest was paid on short-term amounts 
due to subsidiaries (2020: nil)

168

Notes to the Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
7. Trade and other payables: amounts falling due after one year 

Bonds

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

1,081,596

1,045,041

At 31 December 2021, bonds comprise a high yield bond with principal of $825.4 million (2020: $799.1 million) and a retail bond with 
principal of $256.2 million (2020: $249.2 million). The bonds mature in October 2023 and pay a coupon of 7.0% bi-annually. See note 18 
of the Group financial statements. The maturity profile of the bonds is disclosed in note 27 of the Group financial statements.

8. Share capital and share premium
The movement in the share capital and share premium of the Company was as follows:

Authorised, issued and fully paid

At 1 January 2021 

Issuance of equity shares
Expenses of issuance of equity shares

At 31 December 2021

Ordinary  
shares of  
£0.05 each  
Number

Share  
capital  
$’000

Share 
premium 
$’000

Total  
$’000

 1,695,801,955

 118,271 

 227,149 

 345,420

190,122,384
–

13,379
–

37,346
(3,949)

50,725
(3,949)

1,885,924,339

131,650

260,546

392,196

The share capital comprises only one class of Ordinary share. Each Ordinary share carries an equal voting right and right to a 
dividend.

At 31 December 2021, there were 39,718,323 shares held by the Employee Benefit Trust (2020: 46,492,546). On 26 July 2021, 2,159,903 
shares were acquired by the Employee Benefit Trust pursuant to the firm placing, placing and open offer. The remaining movement 
in the year was due to shares used to satisfy awards made under the Company’s share-based incentive schemes.

On 26 July 2021, the Company completed firm placing, placing and open offer pursuant to which 190,122,384 new Ordinary shares 
were issued at a price of £0.19 per share, generating gross aggregate proceeds of $50.7 million. Following the admission to the 
market of an additional 190,122,384 Ordinary shares on 26 July 2021, there were 1,885,924,339 Ordinary shares in issue at the end of 
the year.

9. Reserves
Share capital and share premium
The balance classified as equity share capital includes the total net proceeds (both nominal value and share premium) on issue of 
registered share capital of the parent company. Share issue costs associated with the issuance of new equity are treated as a 
direct reduction of proceeds. The share capital comprises only one class of Ordinary share. Each Ordinary share carries an equal 
voting right and right to a dividend.

Other reserve
The other reserve is used to record any other transactions taken straight to reserves as non-distributable.

Share-based payments reserve
The reserve for share-based payments is used to record the value of equity-settled share-based payments awards to employees 
and the balance of the shares held by the Company’s Employee Benefit Trust. Transfers out of this reserve are made upon vesting of 
the original share awards. Share-based payment plan information is disclosed in note 21 of the Group financial statements.

10. Auditor’s remuneration
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the Company and Group financial statements are disclosed in note 5(g) of 
the Group financial statements.

11. Directors’ remuneration
The emoluments of the Directors are paid to them in their capacity as Directors of the Company for qualifying services to the 
Company and the EnQuest Group. Further information is provided in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 76 and 93.

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Glossary – Non-GAAP measures

The Group uses Alternative Performance Measures (‘APMs’) when assessing and discussing the Group’s financial performance, 
balance sheet and cash flows that are not defined or specified under IFRS. The Group uses these APMs, which are not considered to 
be a substitute for or superior to IFRS measures, to provide stakeholders with additional useful information by adjusting for 
exceptional items and certain remeasurements which impact upon IFRS measures or, by defining new measures, to aid the 
understanding of the Group’s financial performance, balance sheet and cash flows. 

The use of the business performance APM is explained in note 2 of the Group’s consolidated financial statements on page 122.

Business performance net profit attributable to EnQuest PLC shareholders

Reported net profit/(loss) (A)
Adjustments – remeasurements and exceptional items (note 4):
Unrealised (losses)/gains on derivative contracts (note 19)
Net impairment (charge)/reversal to oil and gas assets (note 10, note 11 and note 12)
Finance costs on Magnus contingent consideration (note 6)
Change in Magnus contingent consideration (note 5(d))
Movement in other provisions 
Loss on derecognition of assets related to the Seligi riser detachment (note 5(e))
Other exceptional income (note 5(d))
Other exceptional expenses (note 5(e))

Pre-tax remeasurements and exceptional items (B)
Tax on remeasurements and exceptional items (C)

Post-tax remeasurements and exceptional items (D = B + C)

Business performance net profit attributable to EnQuest PLC shareholders (A – D)

2021 
$’000

2020 restated 
$’000

376,988

(469,945) 

(53,979)
39,715
(58,395)
140,079
(7,673)
–
22,568
(3,832)

 6,846 
(422,495) 
(77,259) 
 138,249 
(11,694)
(956)
 – 
–

78,483
78,221

(367,309) 
(76,449) 

156,704

(443,758) 

220,284

(26,187) 

Adjusted EBITDA is a measure of profitability. It provides a metric to show earnings before the influence of accounting (i.e. depletion 
and depreciation) and financial deductions (i.e. borrowing interest). For the Group, this is a useful metric as a measure to evaluate 
the Group’s underlying operating performance and is a component of a covenant measure under the Group’s RBL facility. It is 
commonly used by stakeholders as a comparable metric of core profitability and can be used as an indicator of cash flows 
available to pay down debt. Due to the adjustment made to reach adjusted EBITDA, the Group notes the metric should not be used 
in isolation. The nearest equivalent measure on an IFRS basis is profit or loss before interest and tax.

Adjusted EBITDA

Reported profit/(loss) from operations before tax and finance income/(costs)
Adjustments:
Remeasurements and exceptional items (note 4)
Depletion and depreciation (note 5(b) and note 5(c))
Inventory revaluation
Change in provision (note 5(d) and note 5(e))
Net foreign exchange (gain)/loss (note 5(d) and note 5(e))

Adjusted EBITDA (E)

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

580,059

(310,069) 

(136,878)
313,070
151
(13,143)
(391)

 290,050 
 445,863 
 24,940 
 95,197 
 4,625 

742,868

550,606

Total cash and available facilities is a measure of the Group’s liquidity at the end of the reporting period. The Group believes this is a 
useful metric as it is an important reference point for the Group’s going concern and viability assessments, see page 30 to 31. 

Total cash and available facilities

Available cash
Restricted cash

Total cash and cash equivalents (F) (note 14)

Available credit facilities 
Credit facility – drawn down 
Letter of credit (note 18)

Available undrawn facility (G)

Total cash and available facilities (F + G)

170

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

276,970
9,691

 221,155
 1,675 

286,661

 222,830 

500,000
(415,000)
(53,000)

450,000
(360,000) 
(28,778) 

32,000

 61,222 

318,661

 284,052 

Net debt is a liquidity measure that shows how much debt a company has on its balance sheet compared to its cash and cash 
equivalents. With de-leveraging a strategic priority, the Group believes this is a useful metric to demonstrate progress in this regard. 
It is also an important reference point for the Group’s going concern and viability assessments, see page 30 to 31.

Net debt

Borrowings (note 18):
RBL
Credit facility 
Sculptor Capital facility
SVT working capital facility
Borrowings (H)

Bonds (note 18):
High yield bond
Retail bond

Bonds (I)

Non-cash accounting adjustments (note 18):
Unamortised fees on loans and borrowings
Unamortised fees on bonds

Non-cash accounting adjustments (J)

Debt (H + I + J) (K)

Less: Cash and cash equivalents (note 14) (E)

Net debt/(cash) (K – F) (L)

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

391,750
–
–
9,864
401,614

–
 377,270
 65,776 
 9,238 
452,284

825,441
256,155

796,528 
248,513 

1,081,596

 1,045,041 

23,250
2,144

25,394

 1,925 
 3,314 

 5,239 

1,508,604  1,502,564 

286,661

222,830 

1,221,943

 1,279,734 

The Net debt/Adjusted EBITDA metric is a ratio that provides management and users of the Group’s Consolidated financial 
statements with an indication of how many years it would take to service the Group’s debt. This is a helpful metric to monitor the 
Group’s progress against its strategic objective of de-leveraging. 

Net debt/Adjusted EBITDA

Net debt (L)
Adjusted EBITDA (E) 

Net debt/Adjusted EBITDA (L/E)

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

1,221,943
742,868

 1,279,734 
550,606

1.6

 2.3 

Cash capex monitors investing activities on a cash basis, while cash abandonment monitors the Group’s cash spend on investing 
and decommissioning activities. The Group provides guidance to the financial markets for both these metrics given the focus on 
the Group’s liquidity position and ability to reduce its debt.

Cash capex and Cash capital and abandonment expense

Reported net cash flows (used in)/from investing activities
Adjustments:
Purchase of other intangible assets
Repayment of Magnus contingent consideration – Profit share
Net cash received on termination of Tanjong Baram risk service contract
Acquisition costs
Interest received

Cash capex

Decommissioning spend

Cash capital and abandonment expense

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

(321,230)

(120,597)

10,052
968
–
258,627
(256)

–
 41,071 
(51,054) 

–
(796) 

(51,839)

(131,376) 

(65,791)

(41,605)

(117,630)

(172,981)

Free cash flow (‘FCF’) represents the cash a company generates, after accounting for cash outflows to support operations, to 
maintain its capital assets. Currently this metric is useful to management and users to assess the Group’s ability to reduce its debt.

During 2021, the Group updated the definition of FCF to adjust for the impact of share issues and acquisitions. The definition of free 
cash flow is now net cash flow adjusted for net repayment/proceeds of loans and borrowings, net proceeds of share issues and 
cost of acquisitions. 

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In 2021, the Group made an accelerated repayment of the Magnus Vendor loan of $58.7 million. As the repayment was made out of 
Group cash flows rather than as part of the Magnus-related waterfall mechanism, the Group has adjusted for this accelerated 
repayment for the purpose of calculating FCF.

Free cash flow 

Net cash flows from/(used in) operating activities
Net cash flows from/(used in) investing activities
Net cash flows from/(used in) financing activities
Adjustments:
Proceeds of loans and borrowings
Repayment of loans and borrowings
Acquisitions
Repayment of Magnus contingent consideration – Vendor loan(i)
Net proceeds from share issue
Shares purchased by Employee Benefit Trust

Free cash flow 

(i)  Related to the accelerated vendor loan repayment

Revenue sales

Revenue from crude oil sales (note 5(a)) (M)
Revenue from gas and condensate sales (note 5(a)) (N)
Realised (losses)/gains on oil derivative contracts (note 5(a)) (P)

Barrels equivalent sales 

Sales of crude oil (Q)
Sales of gas and condensate(i)

Total sales (R)

2021 
$’000

2020  
restated 
$’000

674,138
(321,230)
(285,474)

 521,420 
(120,597) 
(401,014) 

(125,000)
184,276
258,627
58,668
(47,782)
576

–
210,671 
–
–
–
–

396,799

 210,480 

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

1,139,171
244,073
(67,679)

 779,865 
 60,486 
(6,059) 

2021  
kboe

15,609
2,829

2020  
kboe

 18,758 
 3,471 

18,438

 22,229 

(i) 

Includes volumes related to onward sale of third-party gas purchases not required for injection activities at Magnus 

Average realised price is a measure of the revenue earned per barrel sold. The Group believes this is a useful metric for comparing 
performance to the market and to give the user, both internally and externally, the ability to understand the drivers impacting the 
Group’s revenue.

Average realised prices

Average realised oil price, excluding hedging (M/Q)
Average realised oil price, including hedging ((M + P)/Q)
Average realised blended price, excluding hedging ((M + N)/R)
Average realised blended price, including hedging ((M + N + P)/R)

2021  
$/Boe

73.0
68.6
75.0
71.4

2020  
$/Boe

 41.6 
 41.3 
 37.8 
 37.5 

Operating costs (‘opex’) is a measure of the Group’s cost management performance. Opex is a key measure to monitor the Group’s 
alignment to its strategic pillars of financial discipline and value enhancement and is required in order to calculate opex per barrel 
(see below). 

Operating costs 

Reported cost of sales (note 5(b))
Adjustments:
Remeasurements and exceptional items (note 5(b))
Depletion of oil and gas assets (note 5(b))
(Credit)/charge relating to the Group’s lifting position and inventory (note 5(b))
Other cost of operations (note 5(b))

Operating costs
Less realised (gain)/loss on derivative contracts (S) (note 5(b))

Operating costs directly attributable to production 

Comprising of: 
Production costs (T) (note 5(b))
Tariff and transportation expenses (U) (note 5(b))

172

Operating costs directly attributable to production

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

907,634

799,081

(7,201)
(305,578)
(62,307)
(211,575)

(13,626) 
(438,247) 
 34,801 
(53,367) 

320,973
10,693

328,642
 572 

331,666

 329,214

292,252
39,414

 265,529 
 63,685 

331,666

 329,214

Glossary – Non-GAAP measures continuedBarrels equivalent produced 

Total produced (working interest) (V)

2021  
kboe

2020  
kboe

16,211

21,636

Unit opex is the operating expenditure per barrel of oil equivalent produced. This metric is useful as it is an industry standard metric 
allowing comparability between oil and gas companies. Unit opex including hedging includes the effect of realised gains and 
losses on derivatives related to foreign currency and emissions allowances. This is a useful measure for investors because it 
demonstrates how the Group manages it’s risk to market price movements. 

Unit opex 

Production costs (T/V)
Tariff and transportation expenses (U/V)

Total unit opex ((T + U)/V)

Realised (gain)/loss on derivative contracts (S/V)

Total unit opex including hedging ((S + T+ U)/V)

2021  
$/Boe

18.1
2.4

20.5

(0.7)

19.8

2020  
$/Boe

 12.3 
 2.9 

 15.2 

–

 15.2 

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company information

Registered office
5th Floor, Cunard House
15 Regent Street
London
SW1Y 4LR

Corporate brokers
J.P. Morgan Cazenove
25 Bank Street
London
E14 5JP

BofA Securities
2 King Edward Street
London
EC1A 1HQ

Auditor
Deloitte LLP
Hill House
1 Little New Street
London
EC4A 3TR

Legal adviser
Ashurst LLP
London Fruit & Wool Exchange
1 Duval Square
London
E1 6PW

Corporate and financial public relations
Tulchan Communications LLP 
85 Fleet Street
London 
EC4Y 1AE

EnQuest PLC shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange 
and on the NASDAQ OMX Stockholm, in both cases using the 
code ‘ENQ’.

Registrar
Link Group
10th Floor
Central Square
29 Wellington Street
Leeds
LS1 4DL

Swedish registrar 
Euroclear Sweden AB 
Box 191
SE-101 23 Stockholm 
Sweden

Financial calendar
19 May 2022: Annual General Meeting
06 September 2022: Half year results (subject to change)

More information at
www.enquest.com

Forward-looking statements: 
This announcement may contain certain forward-looking statements with respect to EnQuest’s expectations and plans, strategy, 
management’s objectives, future performance, production, reserves, costs, revenues and other trend information. These statements 
and forecasts involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend upon circumstances that may occur in the 
future. There are a number of factors which could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from those expressed or 
implied by these forward-looking statements and forecasts. The statements have been made with reference to forecast price 
changes, economic conditions and the current regulatory environment. Nothing in this announcement should be construed as a 
profit forecast. Past share performance cannot be relied upon as a guide to future performance.

174

Notes

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Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes

176

London, England
5th Floor, Cunard House 
15 Regent Street 
London, SW1Y 4LR 
United Kingdom

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Level 12, Menara Maxis 
Kuala Lumpur City Centre 
50088 Kuala Lumpur 
Malaysia

T +44 (0)20 7925 4900

T +60 3 2783 1888

Aberdeen, Scotland
Annan House 
Palmerston Road 
Aberdeen, AB11 5QP 
United Kingdom

Dubai, UAE
1st Floor, Office #102 
Emaar Square Building #2 
Downtown Dubai 
Dubai, UAE

T +44 (0)1224 975 000

T +971 4 550 7100

More information at 
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