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Serco Group
Annual Report 2010

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FY2010 Annual Report · Serco Group
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Annual report and accounts 2010

Bringing 
service to life

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Section 1
Overview

Section 2
Our business

Section 3
Our performance

Section 4
Governance

Section 5
Financial statements

01
Who we are 
02
Serco in brief 
How we performed – 2010 highlights  04

06
What we offer our customers 
07
Our business drivers 
08
Our strategy and KPIs 
10
Our business model 
A values-led and responsible business  12
14
How Serco is structured 

Chairman’s Statement 
Chief Executive’s Statement 
Market opportunities and drivers 
Operating Review 
Finance Review 
People 
Corporate responsibility 
Resources 
Principal risks and uncertainties 

Corporate Governance Report 
Directors’ Report 
Directors’ Responsibilities 
Directors’ pro(cid:192)les 
Remuneration Report 

16
18
22
26
52
60
64
68
70

80
86
89
90
92

105

104
105

Independent Auditors’ Report 
Consolidated Income Statement 
Consolidated Statement of  
Comprehensive Income 
Consolidated Statement of  
106
Changes in Equity 
107
Consolidated Balance Sheet 
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement  108
Notes to the Consolidated  
Financial Statements 
UK GAAP Audit Report –  
Parent Company 
Company Balance Sheet 
Notes to the Company  
Financial Statements 
Supplementary information 
Directors, Secretary and Advisors 
Shareholder information 
Financial calendar 

163
169
170
171
IBC

161
162

109

Serco in brief

p02-03

A values-led and 
responsible business

p12

Chief Executive’s 
Statement

p18-21

(cid:47)(cid:82)(cid:82)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:193)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)
additional content throughout the text 
to help with cross referencing. Links are 
illustrated with the following markers:

Cross reference to a page with more information

Further information available online

Operating Review

p26-51

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Section 1

Who we are

Serco delivers essential frontline services that matter to millions of people around 
the world.

Our work for national and local governments involves us in the most important 
areas of public service, including transport, defence, science, employment,  
offender management, IT, BPO and education. Our private sector customers  
are industry leaders.

We have nearly 50 years’ experience of helping our customers achieve their goals. 
Many want us to improve their productivity and service quality. Others need us  
to support their rapid growth. Governments face crucial issues such as economic 
stability and development, congestion, security, health and climate change.  
They value the innovation and passion we bring to these challenges and the 
collaborative, (cid:193)exible and imaginative way we work.

Serco is a values-led company and our culture and ethos are at the heart of 
everything we do. We give our people real responsibility, so they can put their ideas 
into practice and make a difference for our customers and the public. Our approach 
has made us one of the world’s leading service companies and our vision is to be 
the world’s greatest.

Our focus on service means that our customers come back to us again and again. 
These long-term relationships help us to meet their changing needs and to do what 
we do best...

...bringing service to life.

More information on how we bring service  
to life is available on pages 26 to 51

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  01

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Section 1

Serco in brief

What we offer
We use our core capability – people-led service delivery and change 
management – to improve the quality and ef(cid:192)ciency of essential 
frontline services. Because this capability is so widely applicable,  
we can operate in a broad and growing range of markets around 
the world.

We start by analysing a customer’s problems and producing a 
bespoke solution, with improved people management at its heart.  
This means that we design organisations to remove bureaucracy, 
enhance processes, instil our values and free people to deliver 
their best.

Building long-term customer relationships is fundamental to us.  
We devolve responsibility to our contract directors, allowing them to 
anticipate and respond to customers’ needs. The Serco Management 
System, which controls how we operate, ensures these actions are 
also in Serco’s best interests.

For more on what we offer and how we work,  
see page 6

More information on the Serco Management System  
is available on our website

Our vision and strategy
Our vision is to be the world’s greatest service company.

Everyone in Serco discovers their own interpretation of ‘greatest’, 
which supports what they do every day. However, it is not about 
revenues, pro(cid:192)tability or growth. It means being the best at what  
we do and how we do it – what we call ‘bringing service to life’.

Our strategy for achieving this vision has four elements:
1  
Building a balanced portfolio: We aim to reduce risk and increase 
opportunity by building a balanced contract portfolio, spread across 
markets. This reduces our exposure to market (cid:193)uctuations, enables  
us to select the best opportunities whichever market they are in,  
and allows us to transfer expertise from one market to another.
2  
Delivering excellent service: This means meeting – and often 
exceeding – customer expectations. We do this by having the 
responsible behaviours enshrined in our values at the heart of 
everything we do. This enables us to build long-term customer 
relationships, to expand the scope and scale of contracts during  
their life, retain contracts at rebid and win new contracts.

02 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

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3  
Making strategic acquisitions: While we are primarily focused on 
organic growth, we make acquisitions to gain skills which will be 
important for future growth and to enter markets where we see 
strong opportunities.
4  
Developing new models: We respond to emerging opportunities  
by (cid:192)nding new ways to deliver services. This may mean collaboration 
between our divisions, bringing together skills and experience which 
few other companies can replicate, or partnering with our customer  
or the voluntary sector. Our ability to lead change keeps us at the 
forefront of our markets.

For more on our strategy,  
see pages 8 and 9

Our track record of success
Implementing our strategy – and in particular our emphasis on 
bringing service to life for customers – leads directly to our (cid:192)nancial 
success. The focus on service excellence underpins our win rates  
of 90% of rebids and one in two new bids, which in turn drive our 
revenue growth.

Since we listed in 1988, we have rapidly increased our revenue, 
primarily through organic growth. By securing higher margin  
contracts and managing our cost base, we have been able  
to increase our margins. At the same time, we have delivered 
signi(cid:192)cant improvements in our free cash (cid:193)ow.

Our success is recognised by others in the many awards we win  
for operational excellence.

For more on our recent performance, see the operating review  
on pages 26 to 51 and the (cid:192)nance review on pages 52 to 59

The future
Customers around the world are looking for help in transforming  
the quality and ef(cid:192)ciency of essential frontline services. This creates 
opportunities for Serco in new and existing markets and geographies. 

Our con(cid:192)dence in our prospects is supported by the high revenue 
visibility provided by our order book, our existing pipeline of 
opportunities and the growth potential we see across our business.

For more on our markets and opportunities,  
see page 22

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Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  03

 
Section 1

How we performed – 2010 highlights

Strong performance, portfolio of growth 
opportunities ahead

(cid:54)(cid:88)(cid:69)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:192)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)
(cid:73)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:86)

£5.6bn of contract awards spread internationally

(cid:3)(cid:79) Economic environment and reform of public services create 

opportunities in new and existing markets 

(cid:3)(cid:79) Service quality supports high win rates. Continue to win one  

in two new bids and 90% of rebids and extensions

(cid:3)(cid:79) Customers seeking help to build, protect and improve frontline 

services and increase ef(cid:192)ciency 

(cid:3)(cid:79) During 2010, signed £4.2bn of contracts and appointed preferred 

bidder for £1.4bn of contracts

(cid:3)(cid:79) Headwinds in UK during 2011 as Government austerity measures 

(cid:3)(cid:79) 40% of revenue generated outside the UK, with strong growth  

in the Americas and AMEAA

and reforms are shaped 

(cid:3)(cid:79) Exposure to different economies through portfolio provides 

resilience and overall growth potential

(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:192)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)

(cid:3)(cid:79) Revenue growth of 9.0% (7.6% excluding currency)

(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)
substantial pipeline of opportunities

(cid:3)(cid:79) Ad(cid:77)usted operating pro(cid:192)t margin increase of 19 basis points to 

(cid:3)(cid:79) Order book of £16.6bn at 31 December 2010 (£17.1bn at 

6.0% (16 basis points excluding currency)

(cid:3)(cid:79) Group free cash (cid:193)ow exceptionally strong at £185.8m  

31 December 2009); visibility of 92% of planned revenue for 2011, 
77% for 2012 and 66% for 2013

(2009: £137.3m)

(cid:3)(cid:79) Substantial £29bn pipeline of identi(cid:192)ed opportunities 

(cid:3)(cid:79) Total dividend up 17.6% to 7.35p, re(cid:193)ecting growth in earnings

(cid:3)(cid:79) In 2011, expect good organic revenue growth and progress 

towards our 2012 margin guidance and continue to expect an 
increase in revenue to approximately £5bn and in Ad(cid:77)usted 
operating pro(cid:192)t margin to approximately 6.3% by the end of 2012(cid:13)

(cid:13)  excluding material acquisitions, disposals and currency effects, based on 2008 exchange rates

Note: Ad(cid:77)usted operating pro(cid:192)t and Ad(cid:77)usted earnings per share shown above are before amortisation of acquired intangibles, as shown on the face of the Group’s consolidated income 
statement and the accompanying notes. 

Group free cash (cid:193)ow is free cash (cid:193)ow from subsidiaries and dividends received from (cid:77)oint ventures and is reconciled in Section 3 of the (cid:192)nance review. 

Performance excluding currency has been calculated by translating non-Sterling revenue and earnings for the year to 31 December 2010 into Sterling at the average exchange rates for those 
currencies in 2009.

The order book is the value of future revenues based on all existing signed contracts. It excludes contracts at the preferred bidder stage and excludes Inde(cid:192)nite Delivery, Inde(cid:192)nite (cid:52)uantity 
(IDI(cid:52)) contract vehicles where we are one of a number of companies able to bid for speci(cid:192)c task orders within the IDI(cid:52).

The pipeline is the estimated value of all future potential opportunities that are clearly de(cid:192)ned and identi(cid:192)able.

News January–December

Merseyrail named  
as record breaking 
train operator

Serco partnership to 
help the UK tackle 
climate change 
through offshore 
wind energy

Serco Americas 
sends mobile 
hospital to  
support Haiti 
earthquake victims

Serco wins  
Operator and 
Service Excellence 
Award in Australia 
for Acacia Prison

National Awards for 
Outstanding Safety  
for Northern Rail  
and the National 
Nuclear Laboratory

04 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

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Revenue (2009: £3,970m) 

£4,327m 
+9.0%

Adjusted earnings per share (2009: 29.53p)  34.69p 
+17.5%

Ad(cid:77)usted operating pro(cid:192)t (2009: £229.7m)  £258.7m 
+12.6%

Earnings per share (2009: 26.76p) 

Operating pro(cid:192)t (2009: £212.1m) 

£241.3m 
+13.8%

Dividend per share (2009: 6.25p) 

31.88p 
+19.1%

7.35p 
+17.6%

Pro(cid:192)t before tax (2009: £177.1m) 

£213.9m 
+20.8%

Group free cash (cid:193)ow (2009: £137.3m)  £185.8m 
+35.3%

News July–December

Barclays Cycle Hire 
launches in London

First anniversary  
of Dubai Metro

Duncan Mackison, 
who leads our 
ACCESS joint venture 
with Glasgow City 
Council, named 
Outsourcing 
Professional of 
the Year in the UK

Serco voted UK’s 
second Most 
Admired Company 
and Most Admired 
Services Company

John Biggin,  
director of HMP  
(cid:9) YOI Doncaster, 
named Guardian 
Public Servant  
of the Year

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  05

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Section 2

What we offer our customers

Serco is able to operate in a broad and growing  
range of markets because our core capability 
– people-led service delivery and change 
management – can be applied so widely.

Our customers want more reliable, ef(cid:192)cient and 
productive services. We start by analysing their 
problems and producing a bespoke solution,  
with improved people management at its heart. 

This means that we design organisations to:

(cid:3)(cid:79) remove bureaucracy

(cid:3)(cid:79) enhance processes

(cid:3)(cid:79) instil our values, and

(cid:3)(cid:79) free people to deliver their best.

In particular, we:

(cid:3)(cid:79) use technology to increase ef(cid:192)ciency

(cid:3)(cid:79) invest throughout the contract’s life, so our services keep pace 

with developments

(cid:3)(cid:79) make the best use of our customers’ assets, so we are as cost 

effective as possible, and

(cid:3)(cid:79) share best practice and compare performance across contracts,  

to help us constantly improve.

For more on our business model,  
see pages 10 and 11

Specialist and transferable skills
We combine our core capability with the specialist skills we need  
to deliver great service in each of our markets.

For example, we know exactly what it takes to run a safe and punctual 
metro system, to keep a customer’s procurement costs on budget,  
to maximise a helicopter’s time on the frontline and to ensure a 
laboratory delivers world-leading research.

We can transfer our specialist skills between markets, so that 
customers gain from expertise we have honed elsewhere, and we 
bring together unique combinations of skills from across Serco,  
to create innovative solutions to customers’ problems.

Focus on excellent service
Our focus is always on delivering excellent service for customers.  
We devolve responsibility to our contract directors, so they can act 
quickly and decisively to meet our customers’ needs.

How we work is as important to us as what we do. The Serco 
Management System sets out our approach to everything from  
health and safety to our business ethics. And our Governing Principles 
(see page 12) underpin the thousands of decisions our people make 
each day, ensuring that we always act responsibly. Our culture and 
way of working frees our people to put their service ethos into action.

Building long-term relationships
Our focus on excellent service comes with a passion for improvement. 
We are always looking to do better, to be more productive and to (cid:192)nd 
new ways to help our customers.

We aim to build long-term and mutually bene(cid:192)cial relationships with 
our customers. The closer we are, the better we understand their 
goals. When our contracts come up for rebid or extension, we retain at 
least 90% of them, re(cid:193)ecting the value that we deliver for customers.

Our customers also frequently expand our contracts, as they see the 
bene(cid:192)ts of our work (cid:192)rst hand.

We have provided air traf(cid:192)c control services in Dubai since the 1960s.

Transferring capabilities from the UK has helped us succeed in the 
Australian home affairs market.

06 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

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Our business drivers

Improving health outcomes is a signi(cid:192)cant challenge for governments.

Our capabilities in traf(cid:192)c management help to reduce congestion.

Increasing demand for high-quality services
Governments around the world face unrelenting demand for better 
services to the public. They must also address signi(cid:192)cant challenges, 
such as economic development and stability, congestion, security, 
health and climate change. At the same time, many governments  
face budget de(cid:192)cits which will take years to rectify.

The scale of these issues is encouraging governments to make 
transformational changes, driving innovation and broadening 
our markets. 

Our private sector customers are also seeking help to improve 
their service quality, ef(cid:192)ciency and productivity.

Our competitive environment
Competition is necessary for our markets to operate, as it:

(cid:3)(cid:79) encourages customers to put services out to tender

(cid:3)(cid:79) provides a benchmark to ensure they are getting best value, and

(cid:3)(cid:79) drives innovation.

Because of the breadth of our business, we have a large number  
of competitors. However, while we see effective competitors in every 
market, no organisation competes with us in all of them and only  
a few operate in more than one.

(cid:54)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:192)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:75)
Our markets are large but still have signi(cid:192)cant scope for growth. 
For example:

Our competitors are mainly companies but they can include public-
sector bodies. We have, for example, competed against government-
owned railway companies and UK National Health Service Trusts.

(cid:3)(cid:79) in the UK, one of the world’s most developed markets, the public 
services industry accounts for only £80bn out of total government 
spending of £620bn

As we enter new markets, we meet competitors who specialise in 
those areas. Competition in our established markets has remained 
steady as our customers focus on trusted providers.

(cid:3)(cid:79) the US federal government services market accounts for around 

10% of total federal government expenditure.

The number of markets we can address also expands as we broaden 
our skills, either by combining skills from around our business, 
through acquisitions or by partnering with other companies, the 
voluntary sector or our customers.

The scale of our markets means that we can be selective about the 
opportunities we bid for. It also means that our share of any one 
market does not affect our ability to grow.

For more on our prospects in our individual markets,  
see page 22

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Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  07

 
Section 2

Our strategy and key performance indicators (KPIs)

Each element of our strategy 
contributes to reducing our 
exposure to market (cid:193)uctuations, 
strengthening our position in 
our markets and developing 
new skills and capabilities for 
the future.

Strategy

Description

Key achievements in 2010

Building a balanced portfolio

We aim to reduce risk and increase opportunities 
by building a balanced contract portfolio, spread 
across markets. This reduces our exposure to 
market (cid:193)uctuations, enables us to select the 
best opportunities whichever market they are in, 
and allows us to transfer expertise from one 
market to another.

We bene(cid:192)ted from the breadth of our portfolio 
during the year, with strong growth in AMEAA, 
the Americas and UK Civil Government offsetting 
other slower UK markets.

We continued to strengthen our portfolio with 
£4.2bn of contract wins, and were appointed 
preferred bidder for a further £1.4bn of contracts.

Transferring our skills around the world enabled 
us to enter new markets. We won our (cid:192)rst home 
affairs contract in New Zealand, to manage the 
Mt Eden and Auckland Central Remand Prison, 
and were appointed preferred bidder for our  
(cid:192)rst Australian health contract, at Fiona Stanley 
Hospital in Perth. We won a contract with a new 
customer in the US, the Department of Veterans 
Affairs, and were awarded a number of transport 
consultancy contracts in new countries, 
including Saudi Arabia.

We use the following KPIs 
to monitor our performance 
over time. They are split 
between (cid:192)nancial and 
non-(cid:192)nancial measures.

KPIs

Financial

Financial

Financial

Revenue (£m)

(cid:36)(cid:71)(cid:77)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:192)(cid:87)(cid:3)(£m)

Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) (p)

Revenue represents the amounts due for  
the services we provided during the year,  
and includes our share of revenue from 
joint ventures.

Adjusted operating pro(cid:192)t is our operating pro(cid:192)t 
before the amortisation of intangibles arising  
on acquisition. We believe it is the most 
appropriate measure for assessing the 
pro(cid:192)tability of our business.

Adjusted EPS is our pro(cid:192)t for the (cid:192)nancial year, 
excluding the post-tax charge for the 
amortisation of intangibles arising on acquisition, 
divided by the weighted average number of 
shares in issue during the year. Adjusted EPS 
provides a measure of shareholder return  
that is comparable over time. The details of  
the calculation are shown in note 12 to the 
(cid:192)nancial statements.

4,327

3,970

258.7

229.7

34.69

29.53

2,811

2,548

3,124

165.2

142.0

122.8

22.20

18.57

15.92

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

The 9% growth in the year represents good 
performance against our strategic objectives. 
Excluding currency effects, revenue growth 
was 7.6%.

Adjusted operating pro(cid:192)t increased by 12.6% 
during 2010, representing an increase in margin 
of 19 basis points to 6.0%.

Adjusted EPS increased by 17.5%, to 34.69p 
per share.

08 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

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Delivering excellent service

Making strategic acquisitions

Developing new models

Delivering excellent service means meeting – 
and often exceeding – customer expectations. 
We do this by having the responsible behaviours 
enshrined in our values at the heart of everything 
we do. 

This enables us to build long-term customer 
relationships, to expand the scope and scale  
of contracts during their life, retain contracts  
at rebid and win new contracts.

The quality of our service is re(cid:193)ected in our  
high bid win rates, which we maintained at 90% 
for rebids and extensions, and one in two for 
new bids.

During the year, we were named Britain’s 
most-admired service company and the second 
most-admired company overall by Management 
Today. Other recognition included:

(cid:135)  the Operator and Service Excellence award 

in Australia

(cid:135)  23 awards and commendations from the 

Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents 
in the UK, and

(cid:135)  the Defense Enterprise Architecture 

Achievement Award and the ‘None in  
a Million’ Federal Aviation Administration 
award in the US.

While we are primarily focused on organic 
growth, we make acquisitions to gain skills which 
will be important for future growth and to enter 
markets where we see strong opportunities.

We respond to emerging opportunities by 
(cid:192)nding new ways to deliver services. This may 
mean collaboration between our divisions, 
bringing together skills and experience which 
few other companies can replicate, or it may  
mean partnering with our customer or the 
voluntary sector. Our ability to lead change 
keeps us at the forefront of our markets.

In 2010, we acquired RB Solutions, a successful 
provider in the UK revenues and bene(cid:192)ts 
market. This strengthened our position in  
this market and enabled us to win (cid:192)ve new 
contracts, including Dacorum Borough Council  
and Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council,  
to provide bene(cid:192)ts processing services.

The partnering model we pioneered to deliver 
welfare to work services under the UK’s Flexible 
New Deal – drawing on private and voluntary 
sector providers – will form the basis for the 
Government’s new Work Programme. This is  
a tribute to the success of this model as well  
as a substantial opportunity for Serco.

We also continued to gain from the acquisitions 
we have made in recent years, which have 
provided a strong platform for organic growth. 
For example, our US business, which we 
expanded with the acquisition of SI International 
in 2008, has delivered high organic growth.

The success of the model at GSTS Pathology, 
our ground-breaking joint venture with Guy’s 
and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, was 
demonstrated when it became the UK’s largest 
provider of pathology services during 2010, with 
the addition of King’s College Hospital NHS 
Foundation Trust to the joint venture.

We also created a strategic partnership with 
Hertfordshire County Council. This will improve 
its service delivery and go beyond the scope of 
previous contracting models, by offering services 
to other public-sector bodies in the area, 
including district councils and the police authority.

Financial

(cid:49)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:16)(cid:192)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)

(cid:49)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:16)(cid:192)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)

(cid:42)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:83)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:193)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:3)(£m)

Reportable incident rate  
(per 100,000 employees)

Carbon dioxide emissions  
(tonnes of CO2/£m revenue)

Group free cash (cid:193)ow represents the free cash 
(cid:193)ow generated by our subsidiaries plus the 
dividends we receive from joint ventures. It 
represents the cash (cid:193)ow to which the Group has 
access. The calculation of Group free cash (cid:193)ow 
is shown in the (cid:192)nance review on page 54. 

Reportable incidents include work-related 
fatalities, major injuries, injuries resulting in 
absences from work of more than three days, 
work-related diseases and near-miss accidents. 
The incident rate measures our success in 
providing a safe and secure working environment.

Reducing our carbon dioxide emissions is a key 
aim for Serco. We measure our emissions in 
relation to our revenue, to take account of the 
growth in our business.

185.8

1,070

1,084

999

71.1

68.7

65.9

137.3

85.4

97.6

94.2

679

711

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2008

2009

2010

Group free cash (cid:193)ow increased by 35%.

The reportable incident rate increased slightly 
during 2010 but remained substantially below 
earlier years.

In 2010, we achieved a 7.3% reduction in  
tonnes of CO2/£m of revenue, compared to  
our 2008 baseline.

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  09

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Section 2

Our business model

The Business Lifecycle Governance Process 
formalises our approach to value creation and 
managing the associated risks. It helps us to:

1  
Selecting markets
We look for markets that:

(cid:3)(cid:79) are politically and economically stable

(cid:3)(cid:79) offer multiple contracts and good growth

(cid:3)(cid:79) provide appropriate margins and cash (cid:193)ow, and

(cid:3)(cid:79) allow us to differentiate ourselves from the competition.

We also analyse many other factors, including:

(cid:3)(cid:79) the market’s drivers

(cid:3)(cid:79) our understanding of the customers and the way they procure

(cid:3)(cid:79) ethical and human-rights issues, and

(cid:3)(cid:79) whether we can provide an attractive working environment  

for our people.

In new markets, we also consider our entry strategy and whether  
we need an innovative contracting model.

2  
Identifying opportunities
Once we know the market is attractive, we identify opportunities  
to pursue. We then test the quality of each opportunity, including:

(cid:3)(cid:79) our understanding of the customer’s business and vision

(cid:3)(cid:79) their funding for the project, and

(cid:3)(cid:79) how likely they are to procure.

We also compare opportunities against each other, to determine  
the best use of our resources.

(cid:3)(cid:79) determine the markets we want to be in

(cid:3)(cid:79) bid successfully for contracts that add most value

(cid:3)(cid:79) transition these contracts to deliver this value, and

(cid:3)(cid:79) retain and grow them.

Summary of the Business Lifecycle 
Governance Process

1 

Selecting
markets

2 

Identifying
opportunities

3 

Bidding 
selectively

4 

Transitioning
effectively

5 

Delivering operational 
excellence

6

Deciding
to rebid

Yes

No

7

Rebidding

8

Exit

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3  
Bidding selectively
Bidding can be expensive and take many months, so we only bid  
for opportunities that meet our criteria and where we have a strong 
chance of winning.

The bidding stage has numerous steps, from our initial submission,  
to being shortlisted, to our (cid:192)nal bid. During the process, we develop  
a detailed solution for the customer and test it thoroughly. At every 
step, we review the opportunity and con(cid:192)rm that we want to proceed.

Once the customer selects us, the (cid:192)nal step is to negotiate and  
sign the contract.

4  
Transitioning effectively
Effectively transitioning a new contract is vital.

We ensure that we have the right planning and controls in place to 
start work seamlessly on day one, as we implement the solution we 
developed during bidding. We also transfer knowledge from the bid 
team to the contract management, and continue to strengthen our 
customer and stakeholder relationships.

6  
Deciding to rebid
As we near the end of a contract, we decide whether or not to rebid it.

Although we usually rebid, we occasionally decide to exit a contract. 
We might do this if, for example:

(cid:3)(cid:79) the market has stopped growing or become too price  

competitive, or

(cid:3)(cid:79) we can get a greater return elsewhere.

7  
Rebidding
Our long-term relationships and service quality help us retain around 
90% of our contracts at rebid and extension.

We approach the rebid as if it were a new contract, designing ways  
to deliver even greater quality and productivity. Often the customer 
requests more services over a longer term, so a rebid can be 
considerably larger than the original contract.

Once we have secured the rebid, we return to the transition phase, 
bedding-in our innovations and any new services we have taken on.

5  
Delivering operational excellence
We aim to deliver operational excellence and continual improvement.

Devolving responsibility to our contract directors allows them to 
innovate and respond to our customers’ needs. It also makes our 
business scalable, enabling us to manage a growing contract portfolio.

The Serco Management System sets out our control framework, 
ensuring we work safely and responsibly, and safeguarding the needs 
of our stakeholders and Serco. Every decision we make must be in 
line with our Governing Principles (see page 12).

Working in the right way helps us to build long-term relationships.  
This often leads to the customer expanding our contract during its  
life, which is important for our growth. It also positions us to win the 
contract at rebid.

8  
Exit
When we (cid:192)nish a contract, we do so in the right way.

Where appropriate, we work closely with the incoming contractor  
to protect the interests of both the customer and the people who  
will transfer from us when our contract ends. This is also important 
because we may have other contracts with the customer or want  
to work with them in the future.

Serco_AR10_Section2.indd   11

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Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  11

 
Section 2

A values-led and responsible business

A values-led business
Serco could not succeed without the skill and dedication of our 
people around the world. They embody our culture and live our 
values, which truly differentiate us from our competition and underpin 
the way we run the company.

Our values, which are encapsulated in our Governing Principles, are 
central to our culture and inform every decision we make. By living 
these values, we ensure that we deliver the excellent service on which 
our success depends.

A responsible business
Our Governing Principles emphasise the importance of corporate 
responsibility to Serco. We want to be good corporate citizens but 
acting responsibly also makes sound business sense and is essential 
to our strategy. Only by working in the right way can we deliver 
excellent service, continue to build our balanced contract portfolio  
and attract the partners with whom we create new contracting models.

We divide corporate responsibility into four pillars – health and safety, 
people, community and the environment. Our work for our customers 
encompasses all four pillars, but there are many things we do which 
go beyond our contractual or legal requirements.

Pages 64 to 67 give more details about our approach to corporate 
responsibility and how we performed during the year.

Our Governing Principles

1  
We foster an entrepreneurial culture 
We are passionate about building innovative and successful Serco businesses. We succeed 
by encouraging and generating new ideas. We trust our people to deliver. We embrace 
change and, by taking measured risks, encourage creative thinking.

2  
We enable our people to excel 
Our success comes from our commitment and energy to go the extra mile. We are 
responsible to each other and can expect support when we need it most. We expect our 
people to achieve more by recognising and harnessing the power of individuals. We value 
people for their knowledge, ideas and potential to contribute.

3  
We deliver our promises 
We do what we say we will do to meet expectations. We only promise what we can deliver. 
If we make mistakes we put them right. We are clear about what we need to achieve and 
we expect to make a fair pro(cid:192)t.

4  
We build trust and respect 
We build respect by operating in a safe, socially responsible, consistent and honest manner. 
We never compromise on safety and we always operate in an ethical and responsible 
manner. We listen. In doing so, we treat others as we would wish to be treated ourselves 
and challenge when we see something is wrong. We integrate with our communities.

12 

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Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  13

 
Section 2

How Serco is structured

At the start of 2010, we created 
(cid:192)ve new divisions based around 
our principal markets, so that 
we could maximise our focus on 
growth and opportunities, and 
maintain a (cid:193)exible and devolved 
organisation which responds  
to our customers’ needs. 

Civil Government

Defence, Science and Nuclear

Revenue by division 2010

Revenue by division 2009

11%

26%

22%

21%

20%

■ Civil 
     Government
■ Defence, 
     Science 
     and Nuclear
■ Local 
     Government 
     and Commercial
■ Americas
■ AMEAA

9%

26%

22%

23%

20%

■ Civil 
     Government
■ Defence, 
     Science 
     and Nuclear
■ Local 
     Government 
     and Commercial
■ Americas
■ AMEAA

Revenue by geography 2010

Revenue by geography 2009

20%

20%

60%

■ United 
     Kingdom
■ United States
■ Other 
     countries

15%

21%

64%

■ United 
     Kingdom
■ United States
■ Other 
     countries

2010 revenue

£1,126.9m
+9.8% 2009: £1,026.3m

Civil Government includes our UK and European operations  
in home affairs (custodial, immigration and (cid:192)eld services, and 
border security and control), transport (rail, metro and roads), 
welfare to work and health. 

2010 revenue

£910.8m
–1.1% 2009: £921.2m

Defence, Science and Nuclear brings together our UK  
and European businesses providing operational support  
in the defence market, our science-based businesses,  
our energy market operations and our nuclear safety  
and assurance business. 

14 

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Local Government and Commercial

2010 revenue

Americas

AMEAA

£853.9m
+5.5% 2009: £809.2m

Local Government and Commercial incorporates our UK  
and European IT and business process outsourcing (BPO) 
operations, integrated and environmental services, leisure, 
education, consulting and commercial businesses. 

2010 revenue

£953.9m
+9.3% 2009: £872.6m

Americas provides professional, technology and management 
services focused on the US federal government, including  
every branch of the military, key civilian agencies and the 
intelligence community. 

2010 revenue

£481.2m
+41.2% 2009: £340.7m

AMEAA consists of our operations in Africa, Middle East,  
Asia (including Hong Kong and India) and Australasia, through  
which we provide a range of services including rail and metro 
transport, aviation, offender management, immigration, health, 
defence, BPO, local government and commercial. 

More information on the services provided by each of our divisions  
is included in the operating review, which begins on page 26

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  15

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Section 3

Chairman’s Statement

their values but it is much more demanding  
to ingrain these in the culture of the 
organisation, especially one employing some 
70,000 people around the world, such that 
one sees them being lived each day in the 
decisions that management make, the service 
provided to customers, and the manner in 
which the business deals with its people.

Shortly after taking the chair, I attended 
our 2009 Pulse Awards that recognised 
individuals and teams who have excelled 
during the preceding year in living our 
Governing Principles, focused on 
achievements in innovation, commitment, 
impact and leadership. Those who won 
awards were impressive testament to the 
many at Serco for whom their job is much 
more than just turning up for work each 
morning. Examples were our staff at 
Lowdham Grange prison, whose projects 
helped forge new bonds between offenders 
and their children and thereby reduce the 
probability of re-offending, and those at our 
Family Services business unit in North 
America, who gave up weekends and 
holidays to build a Licensed Clinical Social 
Worker practice to help members  
of the US armed forces cope with issues 
such as post-traumatic stress disorder. 

Complementing this ethos of public service,  
I have also found an equally strong 
entrepreneurial drive to deliver against 
objectives, create value and develop 
innovative solutions to problems. Serco has  
a ‘can do’ mentality but one built on the 
foundations of a strong management system 
that ensures rigorous analysis of potential 
opportunities and their inherent risks, 
meticulous implementation of the transition 
and transformation stages of new contracts, 
and effective governance of ongoing 
activities. In 2010 we implemented the 
Barclays Cycle Hire scheme for Transport for 
London; in just 11 months from being granted 
the contract to the launch on 30 July,  
we had 5,000 specially-designed bicycles  
in place across 315 sites, together with the 
supporting infrastructure and membership 
and billing systems. 

Serco’s breadth is, in my view, one of our 
great strengths. We now have signi(cid:192)cant 
interests outside the UK – our Americas 
business turned over £0.95bn in 2010, whilst 
in Australia we are a major employer. This 
geographic reach allows us to bene(cid:192)t from 
the strong economic growth being 
experienced in Australia, the Middle East  

In my (cid:192)rst statement since 
being appointed Chairman  
in May 2010, I thought I might 
give some initial impressions  
of our business. 

Since joining, I have sought to gain as broad 
as possible an exposure to and understanding 
of the diverse activities that now comprise 
Serco. Travelling around the United States, 
the Middle East, India and Australia, as well 
as extensively within the UK, I have visited 
over 30 of our sites across very different 
business streams such as defence, offender 
management, education, transport and 
health. Before being approached to join the 
Board of Serco, I obviously knew the name 
but had only limited awareness of the range 
of activities undertaken by the Group, from 
setting Greenwich Mean Time at the National 
Physical Laboratory to providing air traf(cid:192)c 
control services at Dubai International Airport. 

Despite this diversity, what I have found are 
very strong unifying competencies and values 
that set the company apart. Having served for 
many years as a non-executive director of 
government departments, I recognise clearly 
the public service ethos – a deep-seated 
desire to make a difference – within the Serco 
staff I have met in prisons, schools and 
hospitals to name a few. Many businesses 
talk about guiding principles and publish  

16 

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examples of the contributions that we 
make, can be found in our Corporate 
Responsibility Review on our website.  
We are also very aware of the impact  
of what we do on our environment and 
considerations as to how best to lessen 
this impact are an integral part of the 
planning of each of our activities. 

Serco is a learning organisation, seeking 
to improve what it does by listening to 
feedback from its stakeholders and its 
people. If we make mistakes, we put them 
right and learn from them. The Board is  
no exception and each year we undertake 
an evaluation of what the Board does  
and how it does it, this evaluation being 
facilitated externally every third year.  
As Chairman, I will also undertake an 
annual development review with each 
Director and my own performance will  
be appraised by my Board colleagues  
led by David Richardson, who takes over 
the role of Senior Independent Director.

May I (cid:192)nish by thanking everyone who has 
contributed to making Serco the business 
it is today: I am very proud to have been 
invited to become its Chairman. 

Alastair Lyons CBE 
Chairman

and India, to offset the more challenging 
environment of the UK and, to a lesser 
degree, the US. Equally our breadth of 
activities allows us to take advantage of 
developing thinking in different countries 
towards delivering services to the public, 
outsourcing and contracting. When 
proposing for new opportunities, we can 
reference existing successes elsewhere,  
a good example being the contribution our 
hospital services activities in the UK made  
to our selection as preferred bidder for the 
substantial Fiona Stanley hospital contract  
in Perth, Western Australia – our (cid:192)rst major 
health activity in Australia. We recognise,  
in the way in which we have designed our 
management structure, the value that can  
be created by people across different parts  
of our business working together to share 
experience, skills and ideas. When visiting 
our immigration and offender management 
sites in Australia, I met employees with 
experience in our UK prisons and detention 
centres, some on secondment, others who 
had decided to take their careers forward in 
that region. Such inter-operability played a 
signi(cid:192)cant role in Serco being awarded a 
NZ(cid:7)300m prison management contract in 
New Zealand.

Whilst the (cid:192)nancial crisis has imposed 
short-term constraints on Government 
spending in the UK, I am con(cid:192)dent in  
our substantial pipeline of identi(cid:192)ed bid 
opportunities across the world and strong 
order book, hence maintaining our forward 
guidance. We have sought to be innovative in 
our thinking as to how to derive better service 
outcomes. An example is our approach to  
the welfare to work market in the UK, in which 
we partner with small companies and 
charities with vital local knowledge and 
expertise, to deliver tailored solutions to the 
needs of individual bene(cid:192)t recipients in order 
to get them back into work quickly and 
remain off bene(cid:192)t. The underlying need to 
deliver frontline public services more 
ef(cid:192)ciently and economically will, I believe, 
create signi(cid:192)cant new opportunities for 
our business.

Our achievements in 2010, as discussed in 
detail by Chris Hyman in his Chief Executive’s 
Statement, are ones of which Chris and his 
executive team, our wider management and 
employees can be justi(cid:192)ably proud. Growing 
our business by 9.0% and our pro(cid:192)t before 
tax by 20.8% during this period demonstrates  
the resilience of our business model and  
the capability of our people. Against this 

backdrop I am pleased to be able to propose 
a (cid:192)nal dividend for 2010 of 5.15p per share, 
an increase of 17.0% on last year’s (cid:192)nal, 
which would bring our total dividend  
for 2010 to 7.35p per share, 17.6% up  
on 2009. Over the past (cid:192)ve years, Serco  
has delivered a total shareholder return 
consistently ahead of the average for  
the FTSE 100. 

Not only has the last year seen the retirement 
of Kevin Beeston, my predecessor as 
Chairman, but 2010 also marked the 
retirement of both Margaret Ford, our Senior 
Independent Director since 2003, and Tom 
Corcoran, who had been a Non-Executive 
Director for the last three years, bringing 
speci(cid:192)c US insight to the Board. We owe 
much to all three for their contribution to the 
successful progress of Serco during their 
time on the Board, and in particular to Kevin 
who started with the company in 1985 and 
was progressively Finance Director, Chief 
Executive and Executive Chairman, prior  
to his assuming the role of Non-Executive 
Chairman in 2007. May I take this opportunity 
to extend them our best wishes for the future. 

At the same time I would like to welcome  
Paul Brooks to our Board. In such a multi-
faceted business, I believe it is important  
to plan ahead for succession to key roles, 
bringing individuals on to the Board early  
to allow them to learn the business ahead  
of assuming particular functions. David 
Richardson has chaired our Audit Committee 
since 2003 and will, therefore, come to the 
end of his allotted nine years in 2012. I am 
therefore delighted that Paul has agreed  
to join us and assume the role of audit chair 
following David’s retirement. Paul is very well 
quali(cid:192)ed for this, having been Group Chief 
Financial Of(cid:192)cer of Experian, the FTSE 50 
global information services company, since 
2001. We will shortly return the Board  
to its previous size once we complete the 
current recruitment process. 

As an employer of some 70,000 people 
across the world, Serco is deeply conscious 
of its responsibilities to the communities in 
which employees live and work, and we seek 
to support them in their involvement in 
activities to help those less fortunate than 
they. In this context I would like to say how 
delighted we all were to see the recent award 
of a CBE to Chris Hyman for both his 
charitable work and his business 
achievements. A summary of our approach  
to corporate responsibility, and some 

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Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  17

 
Section 3

Chief Executive’s Statement

Overview of the year
2010 was a successful year for Serco, thanks 
to the commitment of our people to delivering 
quality essential services that matter to 
millions of people. Our continued focus  
on excellent service for our customers 
resulted in high win rates and strong 
operational and (cid:192)nancial performance in very 
challenging times. 

(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:192)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)
Serco delivered a strong (cid:192)nancial 
performance in 2010, with revenue growth of 
9.0% to £4,326.7m. Organic growth was 
7.6%, excluding currency effects.

This growth demonstrated the capability, 
resilience and bene(cid:192)ts of our portfolio,  
and our ability to develop new sectors and 
geographies as economic headwinds began 
to be felt in the UK. Revenue growth was 
particularly strong in AMEAA and we 
achieved a very good second half in the 
Americas. In the UK, good momentum from 
wins in 2009 drove growth in civil government 
markets while austerity measures began to 
be felt, particularly in the defence and local 
government markets.

Adjusted operating pro(cid:192)t rose by 12.6% to 
£258.7m, re(cid:193)ecting a 19 basis point increase 
in Adjusted operating pro(cid:192)t margin to 6.0% 
(16 basis points increase excluding currency). 

The Group delivered exceptionally strong  
free cash (cid:193)ow of £185.8m, compared with 
£137.3m in 2009. Cash bene(cid:192)ted by around 
£20m from asset sale proceeds, a particularly 
high level of joint venture dividends and low 
tax payments.

Our policy is to increase the total dividend 
each year broadly in line with the increase  
in underlying earnings. Adjusted earnings  
per share rose 17.5% to 34.69p per share. 
Re(cid:193)ecting this growth, the Board has 
proposed a (cid:192)nal dividend of 5.15p per share, 
bringing the total dividend for the year to 
7.35p, up 17.6% compared with the previous 
year. The (cid:192)nal dividend will be paid, subject 
to shareholder approval, on 17 May 2011 to 
shareholders on the register on 11 March 2011.

Our colleagues across the 
world deliver essential services 
and their achievements have 
led to a strong (cid:192)nancial 
performance in very challenging 
times. We expect Serco’s 
position in new, diverse and 
expanding international markets 
to deliver ongoing bene(cid:192)ts.  
Our agility and capacity  
to innovate underpin our 
con(cid:192)dence in continued growth 
across all our regions.

18 

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(cid:133)(cid:24)(cid:17)(cid:25)(cid:69)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:90)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:71)(cid:86)(cid:3)
(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:92)
In 2010, we signed contracts valued at 
£4.2bn across a wide range of markets,  
and were appointed preferred bidder for  
a further £1.4bn of contracts. Our wins 
included signi(cid:192)cant contract extensions  
and expansions, as well as new contracts  
in existing and new geographies and sectors. 
The value of these wins does not include  
a number of Inde(cid:192)nite Delivery, Inde(cid:192)nite 
(cid:52)uantity (IDI(cid:52)) contracts in the US, which  
we quali(cid:192)ed for and which have a combined 
ceiling value of US(cid:7)4bn. These enable us to 
compete against other appointed companies 
for one or more of the speci(cid:192)c task orders 
within the IDI(cid:52). 

Among the notable expansions and 
extensions to contracts during the year were:

(cid:3)(cid:79) a £200m, eight-year strategic partnership 
with Hertfordshire County Council, and 

(cid:3)(cid:79) a (cid:192)ve-year transportation management 
contract with the State of Georgia 
Department of Transportation, valued 
at US(cid:7)50m. 

Transferring our skills and capabilities across 
our business helps us to expand into new 
geographies and sectors, and we had further 
success during 2010. Of particular note, 
we were:

(cid:3)(cid:79) awarded our (cid:192)rst home affairs contract  
in New Zealand, to manage the Mt Eden 
and Auckland Central Remand Prison, 
valued at up to NZ(cid:7)300m (£140m) over 
ten years, and

(cid:3)(cid:79) appointed preferred bidder for our (cid:192)rst 

(cid:3)(cid:79) a two-year extension to our joint venture’s 
Northern Rail contract, valued to Serco  
at approximately £530m

contract in the Australian health market – 
a substantial ten-year contract to provide 
services at Fiona Stanley Hospital in Perth. 

(cid:3)(cid:79) a renewed and expanded ten-year £100m 
contract to provide services at RAF Halton 
and RAF High Wycombe

(cid:3)(cid:79) a renewed and expanded US(cid:7)170m, 

(cid:192)ve-year air traf(cid:192)c control contract with  
the US Federal Aviation Administration

(cid:3)(cid:79) one renewed contract and one new 
contract with the US Navy to provide 
hazardous materials management,  
valued at approximately US(cid:7)84m over 
3(cid:245) years and US(cid:7)88m over (cid:192)ve years, 
respectively, and

(cid:3)(cid:79) a renewed ten-year contract with the Royal 
Australian Navy for our 50:50 joint venture 
with P(cid:9)O, valued to Serco at A(cid:7)250m.

We had a number of important contract wins 
during 2010. These included:

(cid:3)(cid:79) a 25-year, £650m environmental services 
contract with Sandwell Metropolitan 
Borough Council

(cid:3)(cid:79) a £415m, 26(cid:245) year contract to provide 
and operate a new prison at Belmarsh 
West, London

(cid:3)(cid:79) a ten-year contract with King’s College 
Hospital NHS Foundation Trust for our 
GSTS Pathology joint venture, valued at 
around £110m to Serco

In addition there were many smaller contracts 
won by transferring capabilities, including  
a (cid:192)ve-year contract with a new US customer, 
the Department of Veterans Affairs, to provide 
human capital solutions, and transport 
consultancy including a contract for the 
Makkah Metro in Saudi Arabia. 

For more details of these and other contract 
awards, see the operating review on pages 
26 to 51

For details of some of the many smaller and 
medium-sized contract wins, see our contract 
news updates

(cid:54)(cid:88)(cid:69)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)
(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:192)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)
(cid:73)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:86)
The economic environment, reform of public 
services and nation building are driving strong 
demand for the ef(cid:192)cient delivery of essential 
frontline services, creating opportunities for 
Serco in both new and existing markets. Our 
broad capabilities and track record of delivery 
allow us to support customers as they look 
for help in transforming the quality and 
ef(cid:192)ciency of these services, and in tackling 
key challenges such as economic stability 
and development, congestion, security, 
health and climate change.

We launched the Barclays Cycle Hire 
scheme just 11 months after winning the 
contract.

We continue to grow our presence in the 
Australasian home affairs market.

Serco_AR10_Section3a.indd   19

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Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  19

 
Section 3

Chief Executive’s Statement

In the UK, the Government’s Comprehensive 
Spending Review has created a pressing 
need for public services to increase their 
ef(cid:192)ciency in the face of reduced budgets  
and our markets are not immune. We signed 
a Memorandum of Understanding with the 
Cabinet Of(cid:192)ce in November to deliver cost 
savings on a number of contracts this year, 
further developing our strong partnership  
with the UK Government. While these savings 
are not material to the Group results, they 
combine with other headwinds, including the 
cancellation of one prison, the phasing out of 
the Business Link contracts and the pending 
developments in public service reform,  
to create a challenging environment in 2011. 

The UK Government has stated that the public 
sector does not have to deliver the services  
it commissions. This is paving the way for the 
private and voluntary sectors to participate 
more fully in newer markets, such as welfare 
to work and offender rehabilitation, and for 
the development of new delivery models, 
such as mutual organisations. We also expect 
to see service providers increasingly paid for 
the results they deliver, a model with which 
we already have considerable experience, 
particularly in the Flexible New Deal contracts 
which are now planned to end in  
June 2011. These are to be replaced by the  
Work Programme framework and we have 
been selected as a bidder for contracts in 
seven of the 11 regions.

We continue to work positively with our 
customers in the UK as they look for solutions 
to their (cid:192)nancial and operational challenges. 
We are con(cid:192)dent that our opportunities to 
support those needs will become clearer later 
this year and we expect these to drive further 
growth. We are anticipating that a 
forthcoming parliamentary white paper on 
Open Public Services will outline in more 
depth how private and voluntary sector 
organisations could deliver additional UK 
public services.

Our international portfolio, spread across 
many expanding economies and markets, 
remains an important and proven element  
of our strategy. Our businesses outside the 
UK now account for 40% of our revenues  
and we are bene(cid:192)ting from the broader 
capabilities and contract portfolios we have 
developed in recent years. Our progress  
in establishing home markets in the US, 
Australia and the Middle East gives us strong 

international platforms from which to grow 
organically and bene(cid:192)t from the potential for 
rapid expansion of those markets. We also 
see signi(cid:192)cant potential in India, where we 
have recently established our presence. 

The US is the largest government contracting 
market in the world and our skills and 
capabilities, enhanced by those of our 2008 
acquisition of SI International, enable us to 
participate successfully. 

We are well positioned to grow our share  
of the addressable federal services market, 
which is valued at over US(cid:7)150bn per 
annum. While the Government is seeking  
to reduce expenditure in certain areas, such 
as large weapons programmes, we expect  
to see substantial opportunities in emerging 
priority areas such as IT infrastructure, 
cybersecurity, federal health and energy-
ef(cid:192)cient IT. 

In Asia Paci(cid:192)c, we have an active bid pipeline, 
driven by the need for better infrastructure 
and services, in a (cid:192)scally conservative 
environment. Governments in Australia  
are aiming to return their budgets to  
surplus, helping to build a solid pipeline  
of opportunities in areas such as health,  
justice and defence. 

In markets such as the Middle East and India, 
we continue to expect further opportunities 
arising from the demand for new services, 
including public transport systems, facilities 
management, education, health services  
and national security.

While we are primarily focused on organic 
growth, we will continue to acquire new  
skills and capabilities where they bring 
opportunities for growth in new markets  
and sectors, such as the US federal market 
and international BPO markets.

(cid:37)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:73)(cid:72)
During 2010, we set a new vision for Serco – 
to be the world’s greatest service company.

Being the greatest is not about the size  
of our revenues, pro(cid:192)ts or growth. It means 
being the best at what we do and how we  
do it, so we deliver maximum bene(cid:192)t for  
our customers. Everyone in Serco discovers 
their own interpretation of ‘greatest’, which 
supports what they do every day – bringing 
service to life.

We are well positioned to grow our share of 
the addressable US federal services market.

We expect further opportunities in the Middle 
East arising from the demand for new 
services.

20 

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Bringing service to life describes what we  
do in two ways. It captures how we breathe 
new life into services, transforming their 
ef(cid:192)ciency, productivity and effectiveness.  
And it recognises that the services we deliver 
make a difference to millions of lives around 
the world.

In this report, we have highlighted just  
a few examples of how we bring service  
to life. These examples typify our approach  
to service, the commitment and passion  
of our people and the outcomes we deliver 
for our customers.

People
Serco has some 70,000 people delivering 
essential services around the world. Our 
success is not only the result of their hard 
work but also their commitment to our values 
and service ethos. I thank them for their 
outstanding contribution to Serco and to  
our customers in 2010.

We have a clear strategy for managing and 
developing our people, which in turn supports 
our overall strategy and vision: to be the 
world’s greatest service company, we have  
to be the best at managing people.

Our people strategy is to:

(cid:3)(cid:79) develop leaders who are (cid:192)t for the future 

and who will thrive as Serco grows

(cid:3)(cid:79) have people who bring service to life,  
who are fully integrated and engaged  
with Serco, and whom we can develop  
to achieve their full potential, and 

(cid:3)(cid:79) make it easier to manage our people,  
by continually enhancing our systems 
and processes.

We made further good progress against each 
part of this strategy in 2010.

For more information on our people, see 
pages 60 to 63

Reiterating guidance
Our guidance re(cid:193)ects the growth potential we 
see across all our regions, supported by our 
high revenue visibility and substantial pipeline 
of opportunities. 

Our Northern Rail joint venture was 2010 Train 
Operator of the year. 

Serco’s success is a result of the hard work, 
values and service ethos of our people.

We have excellent visibility of future revenue 
due to the signed contracts that make up  
our order book, contracts we expect to 
extend and rebid, and contracts at the 
preferred bidder stage which we expect to 
sign. At 31 December 2010, our order book 
stood at £16.6bn, compared with £17.1bn  
at the end of 2009, re(cid:193)ecting our contract 
signings during year, the ending of our UK 
Flexible New Deal contracts and the cost 
savings on a number of contracts we have 
delivered to the UK Cabinet Of(cid:192)ce. We had 
visibility, at 31 December, of 92% of planned 
revenue for 2011, 77% for 2012 and 66%  
for 2013. Our pipeline of opportunities is 
currently £29bn. 

For 2011, we expect good organic revenue 
growth and progress towards our 2012 
margin guidance. Whilst this re(cid:193)ects the 
contracts we have won in 2010 and the 
opportunities we expect to see across our 
regions during 2011, we have also taken into 
account the headwinds in the UK. We expect 
the opportunities arising from the changed 
economic environment in the UK to begin  
to emerge from late 2011. 

Prospects beyond the current year are 
encouraging and we continue to expect, by 
the end of 2012, an increase in revenue to 
approximately £5bn and in Adjusted operating 
pro(cid:192)t margin to approximately 6.3%(cid:13).

Christopher Hyman CBE 
Chief Executive

Note: (cid:13)excluding material acquisitions, disposals and 
currency effects, and based on 2008 exchange rates.

We help UK councils increase recycling 
rates and reduce waste sent to land(cid:192)ll.

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Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  21

 
Section 3

Market opportunities and drivers

At the start of 2010, we created 
(cid:192)ve new divisions based  
around our principal markets. 
This allowed us to maximise  
our focus on growth and 
opportunities and maintain  
a (cid:193)exible and devolved 
organisation which responds  
to our customers’ needs.

Both the sections on market opportunities 
and drivers, and the operating review,  
are presented according to these divisions:

(cid:3)(cid:79) Civil Government

(cid:3)(cid:79) Defence, Science and Nuclear

(cid:3)(cid:79) Local Government and Commercial

(cid:3)(cid:79) Americas, and

(cid:3)(cid:79) AMEAA (Africa, Middle East, Asia, 

and Australasia).

Our markets offer a broad range of 
opportunities, as governments address 
substantial budget de(cid:192)cits and face continued 
pressure to improve public services. Some 
governments are implementing de(cid:192)cit 
reduction programmes and require ongoing 
ef(cid:192)ciencies in the delivery of essential 
frontline services, which others are seeking  
to invest in creating or improving services.  
All are addressing signi(cid:192)cant challenges 
including unemployment and economic 
development, ageing and growing 
populations, migration, security, congestion 
and climate change.

Faced with this, governments are increasingly 
recognising the bene(cid:192)ts of opening new 
areas of public service to competition. 
Studies have demonstrated that competition 
can reduce the cost of public services by 
10-30% and stimulate innovation in delivery. 

UK
In the UK, the economic environment has 
created a pressing need for more ef(cid:192)cient 
public services in the face of reduced 
budgets. In its Comprehensive Spending 
Review, the Government stated its intention  
to move from being a deliverer of services  
to becoming a procurer, and is now looking 
to promote choice, increase accountability 
and devolve powers away from the centre. 

The competed public services market has 
potential to increase signi(cid:192)cantly in pursuit  
of ef(cid:192)ciency; it was estimated in 2008 to  
be valued at some £80bn, representing only  
one third of the Government’s expenditure 
on services.

We are anticipating headwinds in the current 
year whilst decisions on reform are resolved 
and customers develop their plans for future 
spending. However, a number of government 
reviews including those into defence and 
security, transport and welfare, and a 
forthcoming parliamentary white paper on 
Open Public Services, may result in new 
opportunities for the private and voluntary 
sector organisations to deliver services. We 
expect further clarity as the year progresses.

(cid:38)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:42)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)
Welfare is an area of signi(cid:192)cant UK 
Government expenditure. The Work 
Programme is Britain’s biggest employment 
programme for decades and will also be the 
(cid:192)rst major move to a system of payment by 
results. The contracts are substantially larger, 
longer and have greater scope than the 
current Flexible New Deal contracts, as they 
will extend support to other groups including 
the 2.5 million people claiming Incapacity 
Bene(cid:192)t. The Work Programme will be let 
through framework agreements to allow for 
faster and more (cid:193)exible procurement, and  
will adopt the model we have successfully 
pioneered of subcontracting frontline delivery 
to networks of providers. There is also 
potential for other employment-related 
support services contracts to be let through 
this framework over the next (cid:192)ve years, 
including subsequent contracts that attract 
European Social Fund support. 

In home affairs, the (cid:192)rst three existing 
public-sector prisons are being market-tested 
in 2011. We also see opportunities arising 
from the drive to manage the existing prison 
estate more effectively, reduce re-offending 
and improve the ef(cid:192)ciency of probation, 
where a £1.6bn market is opening up.  
In addition, we are well placed to help with 
the proposed move to more community 
sentences for offenders, for example through 
our capabilities in electronic monitoring and 
rehabilitation of offenders.

The UK health budget is approximately  
20% of government spending, at more than 
£100bn per annum, and reforms are focused 
on greater ef(cid:192)ciency and improved 

Serco has made a successful start in the 
growing welfare to work market.

We see opportunities to grow our pathology 
joint venture.

22 

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outcomes. We see opportunities to grow  
our pathology joint venture and provide 
facilities management and support services 
to healthcare establishments and GP 
commissioners. We will also look at further 
opportunities to manage NHS hospitals  
and expand in offender healthcare.

(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:49)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)
In the UK defence market, the Government 
has moved to a ‘National Security’ policy  
with the publication of the Strategic Defence 
and Security Review (SDSR) in October 2010, 
bringing together a number of markets  
in which we currently have presence and are 
increasing our potential. The SDSR also 
identi(cid:192)ed target reductions to the number  
of civil servants and the armed forces over 
the next (cid:192)ve years, involving new ways of 
working and a more radical approach to  
the delivery of both back-of(cid:192)ce services  
and procurement. Implementation of these 
changes is likely to provide opportunities  
for Serco to support the Ministry of Defence 
(MOD) in change management, transition 
and the provision of complex integrated 
services. We are one of two bidders awaiting 
the decision on the Recruiting Partnering 
Project for the Army, and one of three bidders 
on the Future Outsourced Activities 
Programme for Royal Navy recruits. 

In wider security and civil resilience markets, 
we are pursuing opportunities such as the 
long-term provision of outsourced training 
services to the London Fire and Emergency 
Planning Authority.

The UK’s scienti(cid:192)c establishments have a 
critical role in addressing challenges such  
as economic recovery, climate change and 
national and energy security. We are in a 
strong position to contribute given our 
experience of managing the National Physical 
Laboratory, the National Nuclear Laboratory, 
the Atomic Weapons Establishment and our 
nuclear assurance business. Our partnership 
with the MOD on the Chemical, Biological, 
Radiological and Nuclear Protection Delivery 
Team also enables us to bid for further 
partnerships within the MOD. 

In the energy sector, the UK Government 
faces signi(cid:192)cant challenges in securing the 
country’s long-term needs while tackling 
climate change. Our participation ranges from 
delivering regulatory and technical services in 
the nuclear new-build programme to reducing 
the radar interference of windfarms. We are 

also exploring how we can apply our 
operations and maintenance capability in 
critical national infrastructure to the wider 
renewable energy market and establishing  
a Centre for Carbon Measurement.

(cid:47)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:42)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)
In UK local government, councils are under 
signi(cid:192)cant pressure from reductions in central 
government grants, a freeze on council tax 
increases, reductions in business rates and 
increased service demands from citizens. 
This is driving interest in strategic partnering, 
service sharing, process re-engineering, 
personalisation of services and in some 
areas, engagement with the voluntary sector. 
We are currently in discussions with more 
than 20 local authorities about how we can 
help them to transform service delivery. Our 
successful bids into En(cid:192)eld Borough Council, 
Hertfordshire County Council and Sandwell 
Metropolitan Borough Council are examples 
of how we have applied our broad and deep 
capabilities. We are committed to partnering 
with the voluntary sector and small and 
medium-sized enterprises, to develop 
solutions which address our customers’ needs. 

We are also engaging actively with a number 
of local authorities to discuss models for  
the outsourcing of education and children’s 
services, in the wake of the spending review 
and Education white papers. Our partnership 
models, offering shared revenue and pro(cid:192)t, 
have been well received. We anticipate a 
number of opportunities coming to market 
in 2011.

We are seeing a revolution in the way  
health services are delivered, increased 
opportunities to build on our integrated 
facilities management offering to acute 
hospital trusts and reaching into middle of(cid:192)ce 
services such as human resources and 
(cid:192)nance. Our success in transferring these 
skills as part of our proposition for Fiona 
Stanley Hospital in Australia, where we are 
preferred bidder, demonstrates the value of 
our experience.

UK councils are looking for help with 
transforming service delivery.

The scienti(cid:192)c establishments we run will help 
the UK Government address challenges 
such as climate change and energy security.

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  23

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Section 3

Market opportunities and drivers

AMEAA
In Australia and New Zealand, there  
is a growing range of opportunities. 

In the justice sector, we are seeing a number 
of new-build and existing prisons being  
put to the market, as governments challenge 
the traditional approach. 

We also continue to pursue the emerging 
health market in both Australia and Hong 
Kong, as governments encourage the private 
and voluntary sectors to challenge traditional 
service delivery models for the build, (cid:192)nance 
and operation of hospitals. 

Our defence strategy in Australia continues  
to develop, with opportunities in areas  
such as logistics and garrison support.  
The Government’s Strategic Reform 
Programme will support the creation  
of some of these opportunities, through 
reviews of warehousing, distribution and 
equipment maintenance. 

Serco’s operations in the Middle East centre 
on the United Arab Emirates. This region 
remains buoyant for Serco as governments 
progress with infrastructure and public 
service projects in transport, education and 
health. We continue to build on our core 
markets in the region, particularly in facilities 
management, transport and aviation, and  
are well placed to move into new markets  
of health, education and defence with a 
strong pipeline of opportunities for the 
foreseeable future. 

In India, we continue to develop our presence 
in the domestic BPO market. In addition,  
our Global Transport team is shaping 
signi(cid:192)cant opportunities in both the Middle 
East and India including rail, road and traf(cid:192)c 
management, marine services and aviation.

(cid:36)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:86)
The US market, which is the largest 
government contracting market in the world, 
offers Serco opportunities in both the federal 
defense and federal civilian markets. 

In the US federal services market, of which 
our addressable share is valued at US(cid:7)150bn 
per annum out of a total of US(cid:7)300bn, we 
expect the increasing reliance on information 
technology to continue to present signi(cid:192)cant 
opportunities for Serco. IT is essential for 
successful government operations and we 
expect increasing demand in areas where  
we have strong capabilities, such as systems 
engineering, cybersecurity, program 
management, command and control,  
and logistics systems modernisation. 

Additionally, the federal government 
continues to face workforce shortages and to 
rely on contractors. Serco expects to grow in 
managed services including human capital 
management, military personnel support 
services, records management, business 
process outsourcing and logistics supply 
operations. With our scale, capabilities and 
past performance, we are well positioned to 
bid and win larger contracts. 

We quali(cid:192)ed on a number of Inde(cid:192)nite 
Delivery, Inde(cid:192)nite (cid:52)uantity (IDI(cid:52)) contract 
vehicles, where we are one of a number of 
companies able to bid for speci(cid:192)c task orders 
within the IDI(cid:52). Notable examples awarded 
during 2010 included a (cid:192)ve-year personnel 
support services IDI(cid:52) contract with the US 
Army, allowing us to compete with 16 other 
awardees for up to US(cid:7)2.6bn of task orders. 
We are also eligible to compete with 11 other 
awardees for task orders within a studies  
and analysis IDI(cid:52) contract with the US Army, 
amounting to US(cid:7)1.3bn over (cid:192)ve years. In 
addition, we, along with 13 other companies, 
are signed up to a (cid:192)ve-year Recruiting and 
Retention IDI(cid:52) contract for up to US(cid:7)274m  
of task orders, to provide program analysis, 
information technology, counselling and 
training with the US Army.

Since the year end, the US Navy’s Space and 
Naval Warfare Systems Command has 
named Serco as one of four winners for an 
IDI(cid:52) contract to support the Navy in the 
installation and testing of Command, Control, 
Communications, Computers, Intelligence, 
Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) 
systems. The contract has a ceiling value  
of US(cid:7)1.4bn over a three-year base period, 
with a two-year option period.

The US is the world’s largest government 
contracting market.

Transport is one of the markets where we 
see further opportunities in the Middle East.

24 

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Serco_AR10_Section3a.indd   25

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Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  25

 
Section 3

Operating Review   Civil Government 

Bringing service 
to life...

The Barclays Cycle Hire scheme, London

26 

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…in transport

During 2010, we launched a brand new way of travelling round 
the streets of London – the Barclays Cycle Hire scheme. In just  
a few months, the distinctive bikes have become an integral part of 
the city’s streetscape. By the end of the year, customers had made 
2.15 million journeys and the scheme had 112,000 registered 
members. In a survey, 91% of members said they were happy with 
the service, which we deliver on behalf of Transport for London.

Barclays Cycle Hire is the (cid:192)rst such scheme in the UK and 
demonstrates our ability to take on new challenges for our customers. 
We were able to draw on operational, (cid:192)nancial, commercial and 
transition expertise from around Serco to launch the service within 
just 11 months of signing the contract. This success was re(cid:193)ected  
in Serco being highly commended at the Mayor’s Procurement 
Awards 2010.

The scheme has made a big difference to the lives of those travelling 
around London but we have also been able to make life better for the 

communities we work in, by creating jobs in areas of London with 
high unemployment. We placed our call centre in En(cid:192)eld and our 
operations centre in Islington, and then recruited around three 
quarters of our 280 staff through JobCentre Plus, which helps  
people of working age get off welfare and into work.

We are also helping young people into work with our 
apprenticeships. In total, we have 27 apprentices aged 18 to 25. 
They are learning mechanical and engineering skills, undertaking 
routine maintenance and keeping our bikes roadworthy. The next 
step is for them to train to become quali(cid:192)ed mechanics.

There will be further bene(cid:192)ts for customers and more scope for  
job creation as Barclays Cycle Hire extends towards east London  
in readiness for the 2012 Olympics. The planned expansion will 
increase the area covered to 65km², with around 8,000 hire bikes 
available from 600 docking stations.

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Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  27

 
Section 3

Operating Review   Civil Government 

The operating review outlines 
contract wins which are 
signi(cid:192)cant because of their 
value or their contribution to 
our business development. 
We also won numerous other 
smaller and medium-sized 
contracts, details of some of 
which can be found on our 
website at www.serco.com.

Further information available online

We are a key provider of transport services 
in the UK including traf(cid:192)c management.

The Docklands Light Railway carried more 
than 75 million passengers in 2010.

Our work in Civil Government 
covers the home affairs,  
health, transport and welfare  
to work sectors.

employment. We have been awarded a place 
on the framework to deliver the Government’s 
new Work Programme in seven regions, the 
maximum number that could be awarded to 
one organisation.

2010 Performance
Civil Government’s revenue grew 9.8%  
to £1,126.9m (2009: £1,026.3m) and 
represented 26% of Group revenue in both 
2010 and 2009. The growth, which was 
particularly strong considering the change  
in accounting for Train Operating Company 
track access charges, which reduced 
revenue by £26.5m, derived principally from 
the large contracts awarded in 2009 which 
became operational during 2010. These 
included the Flexible New Deal contracts 
under the welfare to work programme, which 
started in October 2009, and the Barclays 
Cycle Hire scheme in London. We also 
bene(cid:192)ted from contract wins during 2010 such 
as the expansion, in September, of the GSTS 
Pathology joint venture to include King’s 
College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. 

Transport – Rail and Metro
We run three of the best performing  
train operating contracts in the UK.

Both Northern Rail and Merseyrail, joint 
ventures with Abellio, continued to deliver 
strong operating performances. 

Northern Rail achieved 90.8% punctuality  
as of the last period and overall satisfaction  
in the National Passenger Survey was 82%  
– unchanged from the previous year. It has 
recently been awarded Train Operator of the 
Year in the Rail Business Awards, recognising 
the investment made by Serco and Abellio 
above and beyond the franchise requirements. 
In addition, Northern Rail received two top 
national awards and four commendations  
in the Railway Industry Innovation Awards,  
as well as the top transport title from the 
Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents 
for the second year running.

In home affairs, we are the UK’s leading 
private provider of custodial accommodation, 
operating four prisons with a (cid:192)fth, Belmarsh 
West, under construction. We also run a 
young offender institution and a secure 
training centre. We provide court escort  
and custody services as well as electronic 
monitoring of offenders and individuals 
released on bail. We run two immigration 
removal centres and provide immigration 
control, case management, homeland 
security and technology services.

In health, our groundbreaking pathology  
joint venture with Guy’s and St Thomas’ and 
King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation 
Trusts combines their clinical excellence with 
our management expertise. We are one of the 
UK’s leading providers of occupational health 
services, supporting the health and well-
being of over 450,000 of our customers’ 
employees nationwide. We are also the 
leading independent provider of custodial 
health services, providing for thousands of 
people in custody across the UK. We deliver 
unscheduled care services in Cornwall, 
providing reliable access to doctors and 
appropriate medical assistance outside 
normal working hours.

We are a key provider of transport in the  
UK through our rail, metro, road and ferry 
services. With our partner Abellio we run  
both Northern Rail, the UK’s largest train 
franchise, and Merseyrail, the UK’s most 
punctual train operator. In London, we 
operate the Docklands Light Railway, the 
Woolwich Ferry and the East London Traf(cid:192)c 
Control System. We designed, implemented 
and operate Transport for London’s award-
winning Barclays Cycle Hire scheme.  
We deliver national motorway traf(cid:192)c 
infrastructure services, install and maintain 
road safety cameras, and run the National 
Traf(cid:192)c Control Centre.

We began operations as a leading prime 
contractor of welfare to work services in 
October 2009. Since then, our delivery 
network has helped approximately 18,000 
long-term unemployed people into 

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Merseyrail was the UK’s most punctual 
railway during 2010, with 95.2% of trains on 
time over the year, and was also the 
highest-rated train operating company, with a 
93% satisfaction rating in the independent 
National Passenger Survey. 

On the Docklands Light Railway, the roll out 
of a full three-carriage service has increased 
capacity by 50%. Customer satisfaction was 
95.4% for overall service and 96.3% for safety 
and security in the fourth quarter of 2010. 
Increased service reliability resulted in 97.1% 
of trains running to schedule, on the most 
recent (cid:192)gures. Passenger numbers grew 
again in 2010, and were 9.3% higher at 
75.2 million journeys.

Northern Rail signed a two-year extension  
to its franchise, on the same terms as its 
existing contract. Serco’s share of the 
extension to September 2013 is valued  
at approximately £530m. 

In Rail Technology, we have completed our 
contracted development work on the Asset 
Inspection Train for the London Underground 
and, following earlier delays, now look 
forward to the (cid:192)nal handover.

We launched Barclays Cycle Hire for 
Transport for London. By the end  
of the year, over 110,000 members had 
registered and the scheme is also now 
available to casual users. In total, over 
2 million journeys have been made to date  
and in a survey, 91% of members said they  
were happy with the service. The scheme’s 
success has resulted in plans to extend it 
towards east London in readiness  
for the 2012 Olympics, increasing the area 
covered to 65km². Around 8,000 hire bikes 
will be available from 14,400 docking points, 
spread across 600 docking stations.

We are the UK’s leading independent provider 
of custodial health services. 

Our Merseyrail joint venture is the UK’s most 
punctual railway.

The Barclays Cycle Hire scheme saw more 
than 2 million journeys in just (cid:192)ve months.

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

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Section 3

Operating Review   Civil Government 

Bringing service 
to life...

A theatre workshop at HMP & YOI Doncaster

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…in offender  
management

HMP & YOI Doncaster holds an offender on average for just 
12-16 weeks, making its population one of the hardest to 
rehabilitate. When John Biggin took over as the prison’s director,  
he was prepared for the challenge. “I had a vision for the prison  
and the difference it could make to people’s lives,” he says.

John sharpened the prison’s focus on reducing re-offending, 
introducing innovative schemes and a zero tolerance for violence 
and drugs. Research shows that offenders with strong family ties 
are six times less likely to re-offend, so new fathers now have a 
separate visiting area, helping them to bond with, feed and bathe 
their babies. Visits take place outside in summer and the prison 
arranges family activities.

A new directorate brings outside groups into the prison, helping 
Doncaster achieve more without extra funding. One example  
is the theatre work with the Central School of Speech and Drama. 
“Our restorative justice project gave the men a real insight into  

their impact on victims,” says John. “When they performed in the 
houseblocks, the audience also got the message.”

To help offenders re-enter the community, Doncaster’s team helps 
them access housing, bene(cid:192)ts, employment or training. Charity 
Catch22 provides round-the-clock mentoring after an offender 
leaves prison.

John’s initiatives have produced a sharp drop in violence, drug use 
and smuggling by visitors. The next step will be payment by results, 
with part of our revenue at Doncaster dependent on reduced 
re-offending six months after release. 

In recognition of his achievements, John was voted the 2010 
Guardian Public Servant of the (cid:60)ear. Underpinning his success  
is Serco’s way of working. “I was encouraged to have a vision and  
to realise it,” he says. “Serco gave me the chance to get Doncaster 
ahead of the game.” 

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Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  31

 
Section 3

Operating Review   Civil Government 

Home Affairs 
We signed a contract with the Ministry of 
Justice to provide and operate a new prison 
at Belmarsh West, London. The contract has 
a value to us of approximately £415m over 
26½ years. The prison will be built by our 
construction partner Skanska, with equity  
and debt (cid:192)nance secured from third parties, 
and is on track to be completed in the (cid:192)rst 
half of 2012. Belmarsh West is the (cid:192)rst UK 
prison contract to be awarded to an alliance 
of the private and voluntary sectors. With our 
partners, Turning Point and Catch22, we will 
focus on cost-effective care and successful 
rehabilitation, creating an environment that 
prepares those in our care for release. 

We were disappointed to be informed that, 
having been appointed preferred bidder  
to provide and operate a further prison at 
Maghull, the project would not go ahead  
as a result of the Comprehensive Spending 
Review. We fully understand the decision and 
look forward to working with the Government 
on its proposals to deliver innovative, 
effective rehabilitation to reduce re-offending.

We were awarded a number of contract 
extensions, including a two-year extension, 
valued at £38m, to our contract to run 
Colnbrook Immigration Removal Centre, and 
a three-year, £32m extension to our contract 
to manage Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal 
Centre. We were also awarded an additional 
two years for our electronic monitoring 
contract for Scotland, valued at around £10m, 
and signed a one-year extension to our 
electronic monitoring contract for England 
and Wales, valued at an additional £38m of 
revenue at current levels.

In border security and control, the Home 
Of(cid:192)ce has announced the termination of its 
e-Borders contract with Raytheon, the prime 
supplier of this advanced border control  
and security services programme to the  
UK Border Agency. As a subcontractor on  
the programme, we are continuing to ful(cid:192)l  
our obligations to operate key parts of the 
existing service, and continue to work with  
the UK Border Agency on how we can  
best support them in the future on the 
e-Borders programme. 

We were delighted that John Biggin, director 
of HMP & YOI Doncaster, was named Public 
Servant of the Year at the Guardian Public 
Service Awards. This is the (cid:192)rst time a private 
sector employee has received such an 
award. We also received a British Safety 
Council Five Star Health and Safety Audit 
Award for HMP Dovegate, and recognition  
in the Healthcare 100 awards for our work  
at Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre.

Welfare to Work 
We have made a successful start in the 
welfare to work market. As prime contractor, 
under our three Flexible New Deal (FND) 
contracts with the Department for Work and 
Pensions (DWP), we help people claiming 
Jobseeker’s Allowance, who have been 
unemployed for more than 12 months, to (cid:192)nd 
sustainable work. We achieve this through our 
unique model of subcontracting to networks 
of successful providers, including private, 
public and voluntary sector organisations. 
Since the start of these contracts in October 
2009, we have enabled nearly 18,000 people 
to move back into employment. 

These existing FND contracts, and all other 
existing back-to-work schemes, will now end 
in June 2011 and be replaced by the Work 
Programme, which will be substantially larger, 
longer and have greater scope. It will extend 
support to additional groups including those 
who have been unemployed for less than 
12 months and those claiming incapacity 
bene(cid:192)ts. Contracts are being tendered for  
in 2011 and let through a new framework on 
which we are placed in seven out of eleven 
available regions across the UK. Each region 
is made up of between one and three 
Contact Package Areas, in which there will  
be at least two suppliers. This offers the 
opportunity for us to substantially extend  
our footprint in the market. 

Our welfare to work team has expanded  
into an adjacent market, winning a number  
of contracts, valued in aggregate at around 
£19m, to implement Job Deal which helps 
ex-offenders (cid:192)nd jobs. The programme is 
jointly funded by the European Social Fund 
and the DWP, and is managed by the National 
Offender Management Service.

We extended our electronic monitoring 
contracts for England and Wales, and 
Scotland.

We have helped nearly 18,000 people into 
employment through our welfare to work 
contracts.

Serco is the UK’s leading private provider of 
custodial accommodation.

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Our joint venture is now the UK’s largest 
provider of pathology services. 

Health
King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation 
Trust (King’s) joined GSTS Pathology, our 
joint venture with Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS 
Foundation Trust, and awarded it a contract 
to provide pathology services. This will  
result in incremental revenue to Serco of 
approximately £110m over ten years. King’s 
has one of the largest integrated automated 
laboratories in Europe and will further 
enhance the range of tests available to GSTS 
Pathology’s customers. 

GSTS Pathology is now the UK’s largest 
pathology service provider and has achieved 
considerable success in improving service 
levels. Among a wide range of improvements, 
cervical cancer screening times and the 
turnaround times for some forms of diabetic 
monitoring tests have been halved. We have 
achieved even better results for HIV 
genotyping assays, reducing the time taken 
from 28 to 10 days.

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Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  33

 
Section 3

Operating Review   Defence, Science and Nuclear 

Bringing service 
to life...

The depth maintenance facility at RNAS Culdrose

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…in UK defence

Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, in Cornwall, UK, is Europe’s 
largest military helicopter unit. Serco has a crucial role, helping to 
maximise the time those helicopters are available for deployment.

We have two contracts at Culdrose. Under our multi-activity contract 
with the Fleet Air Arm of the Navy Command, our wide range of 
services includes supporting the Sea King helicopters used in search 
and rescue missions and providing jet pilots for training exercises. 
Our second contract is to provide a deep maintenance facility for 
Merlin helicopters on behalf of their manufacturer, AgustaWestland. 

Serco began operating at Culdrose in 1996. Since then, our services 
have grown substantially. From 26 employees at the start, we now 
have more than 350 at the base. As one indication of the scale of our 
work, we deliver 10 million litres of fuel each year, ensuring the 
helicopters are ready to (cid:193)y.

Our services are mission-critical, so we form a team with our 
customers, to ensure they get what they need. We then employ 
people with a real depth of knowledge and the service ethos  
to make this happen. 

We encourage innovation to overcome our customers’ issues.  
For example, Peter Morrissey, an aircraft welder on the Merlin 
support contract, invented a new way to repair Merlin exhausts  
when spare parts were in short supply. By preventing the need  
for slow and costly off-site repairs, Peter made sure the helicopters 
were available for the Royal Navy and saved more than £2.6m  
over four years.

The outcome of our approach is that helicopters spend more time  
on the frontline and we get excellent feedback from our customers. 
As well as receiving numerous awards and commendations,  
the Culdrose team scored an average of nine out of ten in a recent 
Ministry of Defence customer satisfaction survey.

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

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Section 3

Operating Review   Defence, Science and Nuclear 

Defence, Science and Nuclear 
(DSN) delivers services to the 
UK and German governments.

In the UK, we provide training, engineering 
and operational support to the Royal Air 
Force, and the aviation arms of the British 
Army and Royal Navy. We also support the 
Royal Navy’s three main UK bases and 
operate and maintain strategic assets such 
as secure satellite communications, the 
Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, 
the Emergency Planning College and the 
UK’s ballistic missile early warning system  
at RAF Fylingdales. We provide systems 
engineering, safety assurance and risk 
management services, and support the 
essential defence and force protection 
research carried out at the Defence Science 
and Technology Laboratory. 

In Germany, we have supported the German 
armed forces for over 40 years, delivering 
training, logistics and operational support 
services. We also provide facilities 
management, prison and IT services to 
commercial companies and the German 
Government.

We manage the National Physical Laboratory, 
one of the world’s major scienti(cid:192)c 
establishments. With our partners Battelle 
and the University of Manchester, we also 
manage the National Nuclear Laboratory,  
one of the UK’s leading technology service 
providers and a centre of excellence in 
nuclear non-proliferation.

We have an integral role in the UK defence 
and civil nuclear industries. Our joint  
venture with Lockheed Martin and Jacobs 
Engineering manages the UK Atomic 
Weapons Establishment (AWE), which 
provides the warheads for the UK’s nuclear 
deterrent. In addition we have provided 
nuclear safety advice to the Royal Navy’s 
submarine (cid:193)eet for nearly half a century. 

We also offer specialist technical support  
to the UK’s civil nuclear industry, providing 
safety, environmental, risk and asset 
management advice and operational 
solutions. We support the operation of  
over 20 nuclear reactors.

2010 Performance
DSN’s revenue reduced by 1.1% to £910.8m 
(2009: £921.2m) which represented 21%  
of Group revenue (2009: 23%). This decline 
re(cid:193)ected a slowdown in advance of the  
UK election and the Strategic Defence  
and Security Review during 2010, both in 
decision making and in major 
contract awards. 

Key awards last year included a renewed and 
expanded multi-activity contract valued at 
£100m over ten years, to provide services at 
RAF Halton, which we have served since 
1997, and RAF High Wycombe, the home of 
Headquarters Air Command. At RAF Brize 
Norton, the main gateway for British military 
personnel on overseas operations, the 
Ministry of Defence (MOD) awarded us a 
contract for up to six years to deliver essential 
support services, worth approximately £35m. 
We have supported the RAF there since 1997 
and this contract con(cid:192)rms and reinforces our 
position supporting the MOD’s Programme 
Future Brize, which will see RAF Brize Norton 
develop into the core Air Transport and 
Air Re-fuelling station. 

Utilising our scienti(cid:192)c capabilities, our joint 
venture to manage and operate AWE 
continues to achieve excellent delivery 
against key milestones. The AWE 
transformation programme is delivering 
signi(cid:192)cant bene(cid:192)ts, working with the MOD to 
reduce costs while maintaining performance 
levels. In addition, we have delivered the 
Project Orion laser facility, a world-leading 
high energy density physics experimental 
facility, on time and to the MOD’s 
requirements. We are delighted that  
a team from AWE has been awarded  
a Commendation by the MOD’s Chief 
Scienti(cid:192)c Advisor, for work on collaborative 
arms veri(cid:192)cation with Norway. 

Bridging the defence and energy markets,  
a new eight-year contract with the MOD, 
valued at around £20m to Serco, will help  
the UK tackle climate change through 
off-shore wind energy. As prime contractor, 
we are working with Lockheed Martin to 
introduce radar technology that resists 
interference from wind farms, removing a 
signi(cid:192)cant obstacle to the roll out of off-shore 
wind power across the UK. This new 
technology has already been commended for 
innovation at the 2010 National Buying & 
Selling Energy Awards.

Serco has supported the RAF at Brize 
Norton since 1997.

We manage scienti(cid:192)c establishments, 
including the world-leading National Physical 
Laboratory.

We enable the Royal Navy to move in and 
out of port at its three main UK bases.

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The National Physical Laboratory grew its 
commercial revenues to more than 30% of its 
overall income. 

In the civil energy market, Westinghouse 
appointed Serco as its lead nuclear safety 
advisor in the UK. Serco’s role is to lead  
a team of experts to help Westinghouse 
complete Step 4 of the Generic Design 
Assessment for the AP1000, a critical stage in 
the reactor design approval process being 
conducted by the UK Nuclear Regulators 
which is due to complete in 2011. The 
contract is strategically important for Serco, 
coming at the beginning of a new  
era for nuclear energy in the UK.

Our European defence operations secured 
over £50m in new business and renewals  
of existing contracts, including several with the 
German Ministry of Defence. This included the 
planning and installation of communications 
and laboratory equipment and a contract to 
deliver deployable network solutions.

National Physical Laboratory (NPL) 
commercial revenues have expanded and 
they now represent more than 30% of its 
overall income. This includes orders from  
the environmental and sustainability sectors, 
responding to environmental legislation  
and the growing sustainability agenda. 
Customers include E.ON, BP, Veolia 
Environment and the Department of Food 
and Rural Affairs. The business case for a 
Centre for Carbon Measurement has been 
developed and is being considered with  
our stakeholder community. It will support 
national and international efforts to 
understand and mitigate climate change 
through accelerating the development of  
the low-carbon technology sector. NPL also 
received the highest recognition after a paper 
co-authored by NPL scientists was cited in 
support of the Nobel Prize in Physics.

In the expanding training market, we secured 
a 15-year contract worth more than £55m to 
manage and operate the Emergency Planning 
College (EPC) on behalf of the Cabinet Of(cid:192)ce, 
placing us at the heart of UK civil resilience 
and positioning us well for future opportunities. 
We manage all services at the EPC, including 
training delivery and support, sales and 
marketing, (cid:192)nance, estate management, ICT 
and security. 

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Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  37

 
Section 3

Operating Review   Local Government and Commercial 

Bringing service 
to life...

…in local
government

(cid:55)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:74)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:83)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:192)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)
(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:93)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)

Serco has delivered information and communication technology 
(ICT) services to the London Borough of En(cid:192)eld since 1999. In 2010, 
we signed a new contract with En(cid:192)eld to provide ICT services for  
up to nine years. Under this contract, we provide IT support, operate 
the council’s IT network, data centre and helpdesk, and deliver 
programme management for projects.

The contract guarantees 20% cost savings for En(cid:192)eld. We will realise 
these ef(cid:192)ciencies by introducing new services, such as helping 
council employees increase their effectiveness through (cid:193)exible and 
mobile working. 

We will also help the council transform the way it interacts with the 
local community, increasing access to services and improving the 
council’s ability to offer a more focused and personalised approach.

As part of this, En(cid:192)eld – like all local authorities – wants more citizens 
to access its services online. This reduces costs and makes services 
available quickly and easily to users, at a time that suits them. 
Enabling safe and secure access is vital. That is why En(cid:192)eld has 
adopted a pioneering new service we have created in partnership  
with Microsoft and identity management specialists GB Group.

Users will only have to register their details the (cid:192)rst time they use  
the system. Once their identity has been veri(cid:192)ed, they are issued 
with a unique electronic identity (cid:182)token’ for all their online 
transactions with the council.

“We are incredibly pleased with the potential bene(cid:192)t this service 
provides to our citizens, in terms of secure access and safe 
transactions,” says Councillor Andrew Stafford, Cabinet Member  
for Finance at En(cid:192)eld. “It marks a step change in our approach to 
using technology to improve the customer experience and to save 
money, which we can use to protect frontline services.”

38 

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(cid:44)(cid:38)(cid:55)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:37)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:74)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:81)(cid:192)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:71)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

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Section 3

Operating Review   Local Government and Commercial 

In the UK, Local Government 
and Commercial (LG(cid:9)C) 
delivers essential services for 
more than 100 local authorities, 
helping them to serve their 
communities.

We improve services for our customers, 
increasing productivity and delivering better 
outcomes for them and the public. We listen, 
so we can innovate and tailor our solutions  
to meet our customers’ aspirations,  
building long-term strategic partnerships  
in the process. 

Our solutions meet a wide range of local 
government’s current and emerging needs, 
with services covering streetscene, waste 
management and recycling, e-government, 
leisure, education and children’s services, 
economic development and enterprise 
support, and information and 
communications technology (ICT).

We also implement service transformation 
programmes, employing technology  
to deliver more effective, ef(cid:192)cient and 
responsive services.

Our business in the private sector is 
dominated by multi-service facilities 
management contracts, delivering a range  
of services from helpdesk operations to 
buildings maintenance, reception services, 
catering, cleaning, chauffeur services and 
stores management – in fact, any activity  
that is non-core for our customers.

(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)
The revenue of LG&C increased by 5.5% to 
£853.9m (2009: £809.2m), which represented 
20% of Group revenue in both 2010 and 2009.

Growth was driven by a number of 2009  
wins which became operational during 2010, 
including a full range of environmental 
services for the London Borough of Bexley; 
expanding our presence in integrated 
services markets with the Plymouth Hospitals 
NHS Trust and Airbus; as well as support 
services for The European Space Agency  
and Peterborough City Council’s ICT services. 
This performance was robust given Business 
Link services, provided for the London and 

South East Regional Development Agencies, 
were reduced in scope and some customers 
delayed decisions on discretionary project 
work following the outcome of the 
Comprehensive Spending Review.

(cid:44)(cid:55)(cid:3)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:37)(cid:51)(cid:50)
We signed a new contract with Hertfordshire 
County Council to deliver a ground-breaking 
strategic partnership. The contract, due to 
commence in April 2011, is valued at up to 
£200m over eight years and will achieve 
ef(cid:192)ciency savings for the Council of at least 
£25m. We will provide front and back of(cid:192)ce 
operations including ICT services, business 
processes such as (cid:192)nance, payroll and 
human resources, and support services such 
as facilities management, customer contact 
centres and occupational health. These 
services will also be offered to other public 
sector bodies in the area, including 
Hertfordshire’s ten district councils and the 
county’s police authority. The new contract 
builds on our 18-year track record of working 
with the Council and is signi(cid:192)cantly larger 
than the existing £8m per annum service.

We successfully rebid our contract to provide 
ICT support services to the London Borough 
of En(cid:192)eld. The new contract will deliver 
guaranteed cost savings of 20% for the 
Council, improve services for its employees 
and improve communication and interaction 
with residents. The initial (cid:192)ve-year contract  
is valued at £24m, with an option to extend 
for a further four years.

The replacement of Regional Development 
Agencies with Local Enterprise Partnerships 
and related funding cuts will see our regional 
Business Link services close by the end of 
2011. Although there may be new 
opportunities with the introduction of 
business support programmes from national 
and local government, it is not yet clear when 
these will start to emerge. 

In March 2010, we acquired RB Solutions, a 
successful provider in the revenues and 
bene(cid:192)ts market. This gave us an additional 
capability in this market, enabling us to win 
(cid:192)ve new contracts including Dacorum 
Borough Council and Dudley Metropolitan 
Borough Council, to provide bene(cid:192)ts 
processing services. 

Technology helps councils improve 
ef(cid:192)ciency and service quality.

We help UK councils increase recycling 
rates and reduce the waste sent to land(cid:192)ll.

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We secured two contracts with the European 
Space Agency (ESA) valued at €35m over the 
(cid:192)rst three years, strengthening our position as 
a leading service provider to Europe’s space 
and technology agencies. Under the (cid:192)rst 
contract, we are leading a consortium to 
provide operations and maintenance to 
ESA’s Earth Observation programme.  
The second is an expansion of an existing 
contract, covering engineering and 
management support for the ESA Earth 
Observation payload data ground segment. 

We were delighted that Duncan Mackison, 
who leads our highly-successful ACCESS 
joint venture with Glasgow City Council, was 
named Outsourcing Professional of the Year 
by the National Outsourcing Association.

(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)
(cid:40)(cid:81)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:86)
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council 
awarded us its new 25-year Waste 
Improvement Plan contract, valued at  
around £650m. We are providing refuse and 
recycling collection services, street cleansing 
services and delivering waste processing and 
disposal, including the construction of  
a new waste transfer station. Our innovative 
approach will increase recycling rates and 
signi(cid:192)cantly reduce the amount of waste  
sent to land(cid:192)ll. This will help the Council  
meet Government recycling targets and 
reduce costs such as land(cid:192)ll taxes. 

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital 
extended our contract for a further (cid:192)ve years 
until 2016. The extension, under which we will 
continue to provide a full range of integrated 
non-clinical support services, is valued 
at £75m. 

We also began our contract to provide 
facilities management services to the new 
Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Scotland,  
one of the most modern and well-equipped 
hospitals in Europe. Our services include 
operating and maintaining a team of robotic 
vehicles, which help to keep patient areas 
free of trolleys and other related items, 
reduce infection risks and free up our staff  
to focus on patients’ priorities. The contract  
is valued at £600m over 30 years.

Our education contracts continue to deliver 
good results for pupils. 

We are a leading provider to Europe’s space 
and technology agencies.

(cid:40)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)
Our education services contracts in Bradford 
and Walsall continued to perform well.  
We were delighted that our Bradford contract 
continues to deliver signi(cid:192)cant improvements. 
At Key Stage two, 73% of pupils are now 
achieving Level 4 or higher in English and 
Maths (combined), equivalent to the national 
average. At GCSE level, more than twice as 
many of the district’s 16-year-olds gained 5 
A*-C grades in 2010 (71.9%) compared with 
2001 (34.3%) when Serco was asked to 
manage education services in Bradford. In 
July our ten-year contract with Bradford 
Council comes to an end and we will transfer 
the responsibility for all education services 
back to the Council. 

In Walsall we are continuing to see signi(cid:192)cant 
improvements at both Key Stage two and four. 
At Key Stage two, pupils are achieving above 
national averages in ‘Level four and above’ 
for English and Maths, and at Key Stage four, 
improvements in the most important measure 
of (cid:192)ve good GCSEs including English and 
Maths continue to outpace national 
improvements by some margin. 

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital 
extended our integrated support services 
contract for a further (cid:192)ve years.

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Section 3

Operating Review   Americas 

Bringing service 
to life...

…in US defence

(cid:58)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:56)(cid:54)(cid:3)(cid:49)(cid:68)(cid:89)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:89)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:193)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)
(cid:75)(cid:88)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)
(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:17)(cid:3)Our logistics team, based in Williamsburg, 
Virginia, works with the US Navy Expeditionary Medical Support 
Command to make this happen.

Having a clean, modern hospital for Navy doctors to work in  
means that lives are saved and communities have somewhere  
to go for their urgent medical needs. These hospitals might be 
meeting military requirements in isolated areas of Afghanistan  
or responding to humanitarian crises in the aftermath of natural 
disasters. Because they have to be prepared for many different 
situations, the equipment our team organises includes everything 
from ambulances and generators to scalpels and CT-scanners.

As well as an eye for detail, the ability to respond quickly is vital.  
Just days after the earthquake struck Haiti, our team had assembled 
16,000 items of supplies, to set up a 150-bed hospital.

We also maintain and repair the high-tech equipment used to give 
more complex medical attention. Items like life-support machines, 
laboratory equipment and refrigerators for blood all need looking 
after as they leave one (cid:192)eld hospital, pass back through our 
warehouses and then go on to their next destination.

Less than a year after our contract began we have been given a 
Bravo (cid:61)ulu award by our customer’s Commanding Of(cid:192)cer. Bravo 
(cid:61)ulu refers to the signal (cid:193)ags of the letters B and (cid:61). When (cid:193)own 
together from a Navy ship’s mast, they traditionally mean ‘well done’.

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(cid:47)(cid:82)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:58)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:74)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:57)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:68)

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Section 3

Operating Review   Americas 

We are a leading provider of 
professional, technology and 
management services focused 
on the US federal government. 
We provide mission-critical 
services to every branch of the 
US military, key federal civilian 
agencies and the intelligence 
community. We are ranked in 
the top 30 US federal 
government contractors. 

We apply our award-winning enterprise 
architecture to de(cid:192)ne, design and satisfy 
defense agencies’ Command, Control, 
Communications, Computer and Intelligence 
requirements. We provide communication 
system installations for the US Navy’s (cid:193)eet 
and are one of the largest systems 
contractors for the US Air Force Space 
Command, supporting a wide range of 
military satellite systems.  

Our support for wounded soldiers ensures 
they have the medical attention, bene(cid:192)ts and 
services they need. We help soldiers 
transition to civilian life and provide personnel 
and family services to two million soldiers and 
their families. We designed software and 
provide systems, data centers and call 
centers to support four million government 
employees with their retirement plans. We 
issue more than 1.2 million identi(cid:192)cation 
cards to defense personnel.

We process over 20 million visa transactions 
each year for the Department of State and 
manage more than 62 million active records 
and handle applications received by the 
Department of Homeland Security US 
Citizenship and Immigration Services. We 
have installed detection systems in over 100 
locations in 30 countries, to help prevent a 
nuclear threat from entering the US.

Our work includes overseeing the pre-
classi(cid:192)cation of all US patents. We also 
provide web-based support for USA.gov 
and other e-government initiatives. 

We manage 65 Federal Aviation 
Administration control towers and have 
received (cid:192)ve safety and excellence awards. 
Our transportation business includes a 
contract with the Georgia Department of 
Transportation to manage, install and 
maintain its intelligent transportation system.

2010 Performance
Revenue grew 9.3%, (8% excluding currency 
effects) to £953.9m (2009: £872.6m). This 
represented 22% of Group revenue both in 
2010 and 2009. Growth in the second half of 
the year was very strong following lower growth 
in the (cid:192)rst half, largely re(cid:193)ecting a particularly 
strong prior period. This strong organic growth 
arose from new task orders in both federal 
defence and civilian contracts, including 
program management work for an intelligence 
agency and the Canadian Driver Examination 
Services, as it recovered the backlog 
following strike action. We also bene(cid:192)ted in 
the second half from 109 task orders valued 
at US$80m under the Government-wide 
single-award IDIQ for Command, Control, 
Computer, Communications, Intelligence, 
Information Technology, Surveillance and 
Reconnaissance (C4I2TSR). 

A key focus during the year was to increase 
collaboration between our business units and 
leverage our wide range of capabilities across 
our customer base. Several of our business 
units came together to win new work with the 
Department of Veterans Affairs, valued at 
approximately US$20m over its (cid:192)rst one-year 
base period with additional funding expected 
for the four option years. We will provide 
programme management; a knowledge 
management-based web portal with job hiring 
tools, e-Learning elements and simulations, 
videos and chat rooms; mobile web technologies; 
a call centre; and career coaching. 

Other examples of integrated working include 
expanding the use of our ‘Command, Control, 
Communications and Computer’ skills across 
all branches of the military, the Department  
of Homeland Security and the intelligence 
community. We are also using our enterprise 
architecture capabilities to support more 
Department of Defense agencies and 
commands, exploring opportunities to use 
our economic cost analysis expertise with the 
US Air Force and the intelligence community, 
and looking to expand our logistics support 
to additional military customers.

Many government agencies use IDIQ 
contract vehicles, where we are one of a 
number of companies able to bid for task 
orders. To leverage our position fully, we have 
increased resources to respond to key 
opportunities under these vehicles, which 
include Alliant, HRsolutions, Seaport-e, Of(cid:192)ce 
of Personnel Management’s Training and 
Management Assistance Program and 
several General Services Administration 

Our logistics team in Williamsburg, Virginia, 
equips temporary hospitals for the US Navy.

We help the US military with its critical 
communications.

We support the US Navy’s procurement, 
handling and disposal of hazardous 
materials.

44 

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department schedules, including facilities 
management and IT. We have also 
strengthened our business development 
team, re(cid:193)ecting our greater concentration  
on larger prime contracts.

Other awards included the renewal of a  
single award IDIQ (where there are no other 
awardees) contract with the US Navy’s 
Commander, Fleet and Industrial Supply 
Centers to support the procurement, 
management, issuance and disposal of 
hazardous materials (HAZMAT). The contract 
has a six-month base period with three 
one-year option periods and is valued at 
approximately US$84m, including the options. 
We also received a new single award IDIQ 
contract to perform HAZMAT management 
services and provide consolidated HAZMAT 
reutilisation and inventory management to the 
US Navy’s Fleet and Industrial Supply Center 
Norfolk. The contract has a one-year base 
period with four one-year option periods  
and is valued at approximately US$88m,  
if all option years are exercised.

The Naval Operational Logistics Support 
Center awarded us a new single-award IDIQ 
contract to provide program management 
and technical services. The contract has  
a one-year base period and four one-year 
options, with a ceiling value of US$44m  
if all option years are exercised.

We strengthened our position on major US 
Government programs through an award by 
the US Army of an IDIQ contract to compete 
for task orders supporting the Assistant 
Secretary of the Army Manpower and Reserve 
Affairs. We are among 12 awardees on this 
US$1.3bn contract, allowing us to compete 
for work in areas such as business planning 
and research and evaluation. The contract 
has a (cid:192)ve-year term, comprising a one-year 
base period and four one-year option periods.

Within the civilian arena we were awarded  
a contract to provide air traf(cid:192)c control 
services to the Federal Aviation 
Administration Contract Tower Program, 
valued at approximately US$170m over (cid:192)ve 
years. We are also contracted to provide 
comprehensive management, installation  
and maintenance of the Georgia Department 
of Transportation’s intelligent transportation 
system, valued at approximately US$50m 
over (cid:192)ve years. 

We provide air traf(cid:192)c control services at 65 
towers for the Federal Aviation Administration. 

We were pleased to receive the 2010  
Defense Enterprise Architecture Achievement 
Award, for supporting the Air Force Space 
Command’s Joint Space Operations Center 
Mission System programme. We also won  
the ‘None in a Million’ Federal Aviation 
Administration award for achieving – for the 
second time – one million error-free 
operations at Goodyear, Arizona air traf(cid:192)c 
control, as well as the Bravo Zulu Award  
for exceptional work on behalf of the Navy 
Expeditionary Medical Support Command,  
for relief efforts in Haiti. 

We run Georgia’s intelligent transportation 
system.

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Section 3

Operating Review   AMEAA 

Bringing service 
to life...

The Dubai Metro, United Arab Emirates

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…in metro services

The Serco-run Dubai Metro launched in September 2009  
and has grown rapidly. During 2010, it carried 38.8 million 
passengers and expanded from 10 stations to 26. Despite this level 
of change, the Metro’s performance has been exceptional for a new 
system. During 2010, we achieved availability and punctuality of 
99.6% and 97.9% respectively, and in December, 100% of trains  
hit their punctuality targets.

Managing growth while delivering to the highest standards requires 
the right processes and procedures, and a partnership approach  
to working with our customer and contractors. Ultimately, though,  
it is our culture and our people’s desire to improve that make 
the difference.

Some issues may be escalated to our management forum and  
become part of broader initiatives, such as our ‘zero delay days’.  
These campaigns select one issue, such as delays caused by 
platform screen doors, and aim to have one day where none occurs. 
We then measure our performance and feed back to our people,  
so they understand that what they do has a positive impact.

We also embrace other sources of feedback. The Metro is subject to 
a number of surveys including the Government’s Dubai Excellence 
programme, which focuses on world-class customer service. We also 
ask our customer – the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority – for its 
views on how we are doing. This is essential for us to improve our 
performance further.

Our internal performance ‘attribution’ process is an important tool 
here. We investigate every train delay so we know what caused it 
and why. We then develop actions and plans to prevent a recurrence 
or reduce its impact. We repeat this process every day.

Carefully managing network projects and the system’s growth is 
vital, with a further 19 stations due in 2011. Our project team treats 
our operational team as its customer, so that everyone focuses on 
maintaining our service standards as new stations open.

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Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  47

 
Section 3

Operating Review   AMEAA 

2010 Performance
Revenue grew 41.2% to £481.2m (2009: 
£340.7m) and represented 11% of Group 
revenue, up from 9% in 2009. Excluding  
the impact of currency, particularly given  
the strong Australian dollar, growth was 26%. 

This high revenue growth re(cid:193)ects the 
contracts that became operational during  
late 2009 and early 2010, in our markets  
in Australia, the Middle East and India. 

In home affairs in Australia, we continue  
to work with the Australian Department  
of Immigration and Citizenship to transform 
its immigration services, while expanding 
capacity to support the increasing number  
of people in our care. Serco has been 
recognised for the transformation we have 
achieved, our humane approach, the 
constructive mood in the centres and the 
positive relationship between our employees 
and the people in our care.

In defence, our 50:50 joint venture with  
P&O Maritime Services renewed its contract, 
valued at A$250m to us, to provide harbour 
and offshore services to the Royal Australian 
Navy for ten years.

We expanded into a new market when  
we were appointed preferred bidder for a 
substantial ten-year contract at Fiona Stanley 
Hospital in Perth. When it opens in 2014,  
the 783-bed hospital will be a major tertiary 
hospital for the area. We will provide all 
non-clinical services, including managed 
equipment services, transport, procurement, 
sterilisation and clerical services, drawing on 
our extensive experience of hospital support 
contracts in the UK.

AMEAA includes our 
businesses in Africa, the Middle 
East, Asia and Australasia.

In Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong, 
we have contracts in defence, offender 
management, immigration, transport, health, 
infrastructure services and consulting. Our 
two defence joint ventures make us a key 
partner of the Australia Defence Force. We 
have the only contract in New Zealand for a 
privately operated prison and our two 
Australian prisons have received numerous 
awards and positive independent 
inspections. In 2010 we successfully 
transitioned additional immigration sites, with 
an increase from (cid:192)ve to 23. We own and 
operate Great Southern Rail in Australia and 
we are the largest tunnel operator in Hong 
Kong. In 2011, we will enter the Australian 
health market through a contract at Fiona 
Stanley Hospital.

The Middle East is home to some of Serco’s 
oldest contracts in aviation, which continue to 
expand as the region’s air traf(cid:192)c grows. We 
are the largest international player in surface 
transport in the region. Most notably, we 
operate the Dubai Metro, the world’s largest 
and most-advanced driverless light rail 
system and the (cid:192)rst of its kind in the Gulf and 
Middle East. Our Technology business serves 
the telecommunications, marine and 
biomedical sectors. We have also expanded 
our facilities management (FM) business, 
recently winning a contract to provide 
integrated FM services at the New York 
University in Abu Dhabi.

India is the second fastest growing economy 
in the world and presents opportunities for 
Serco. Our BPO operation delivers value-
driven products in the banking, insurance, 
telecom and retail sectors. We also see 
demand for new services in India, particularly 
in transport and healthcare as we leverage 
our global experience to build local capability 
for these markets. 

We expanded our air traf(cid:192)c control and 
airside engineering services in Dubai.

Our joint venture with P&O Maritime Services 
renewed its contract with the Royal 
Australian Navy.

In India, our BPO operation is developing 
products for banking, insurance, telecom 
and retail customers.

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Great Southern Rail runs The Ghan, Australia’s 
iconic transcontinental railway 

We were delighted to win the Operator and 
Service Provider Excellence Award at the 
prestigious National Infrastructure Awards. 
The award recognises our high standards  
at Acacia, Western Australia’s only privately-
operated prison. Borallon Correctional Centre 
was awarded two Minister’s Awards for 
Excellence for its innovative recycling project 
and health initiatives.

We were delighted to play our part in  
the opening of Dubai’s second airport, Dubai 
World Central – Al Maktoum International, 
where we provide air traf(cid:192)c control and 
airside engineering services. This is an 
addition, valued at around £3.5m per annum, 
to our existing contract with Dubai Airports 
Company, which dates back to the 1960s,  
with a value of approximately £250m.

Elsewhere in the Middle East, we won  
a one-year, £10.5m contract to deliver 
operations and maintenance consultancy 
services to the Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah 
Metro Southern Line in Makkah, Kingdom  
of Saudi Arabia. 

India continues to present excellent 
opportunities for the future. Our BPO 
operation is developing value-driving 
products for banking, insurance, telecom  
and retail customers.

The Dubai Metro delivered exceptional 
service levels in 2010.

In December, we entered another new  
market when we were appointed preferred 
bidder to manage the Mt Eden and Auckland 
Central Remand Prison in New Zealand.  
The contract, signed in February 2011  
to commence in August 2011, includes 
rehabilitation and reintegration programmes 
for prisoners, as well as logistics and 
infrastructure management. The six-year 
contract has an option for a further four years, 
and is valued at around NZ$300m over the 
full ten years. 

In the Middle East, the Dubai Metro has 
continued to achieve high levels of service, 
with availability and punctuality at 99.6%  
and 97.9% respectively for the year. 
38.8 million passengers used the Metro 
during 2010 and a further 16 stations opened, 
bringing the total to 26. We also expanded 
our presence in Dubai through a (cid:192)ve-year, 
£15m contract to operate and maintain the 
5.4km Palm Jumeirah Monorail. 

We focus on the dignity, respect and 
well-being of everyone we care for in 23 
Australian immigration centres.

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Section 3

Operating Review   AMEAA 

Bringing service 
to life...

…in immigration
management

Controlling borders is a key task for governments. In Australia, 
we support the Department of Immigration and Citizenship through 
our contract to manage immigration centres throughout the country.

The number of people we employ has also risen sharply, requiring 
us to spend more than A$1m on training. We have lived up to  
our commitment to employ local people, including more  
Indigenous Australians. 

Unrest in countries such as Afghanistan, Iran and Sri Lanka has  
seen the number of people in our care surge to unprecedented 
levels. At the end of 2010, there were around 6,500 people in 
detention, more than four times the number when we began the 
contract. The (cid:192)ve facilities we ran have expanded to 23.

Coping with this increase in demand for our services has required 
(cid:193)exibility, innovation and plenty of hard work. We created a 
commissioning team, so we could react quickly when new facilities 
were opened, and called on the support of our Civil Government 
colleagues in the UK. This allowed our contract management team 
to concentrate on the smooth operation of all the centres. 

Working in the right way has always been a fundamental part of  
what we do, so we ensured that we did not compromise on our 
decency agenda – focusing on the dignity, respect and well-being  
of the people in our care. For example, every client is allocated a 
client support of(cid:192)cer to look after their needs while they stay with us. 
We also provide activities such as English lessons, sport, art and 
living skills classes. Serco exceeds the contract’s requirements for 
providing these activities and programmes.

We have received recognition from visitors for the transformation  
we have achieved, along with our humane approach, the 
constructive mood and the positive relationship between our 
employees and the people in our care.

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Immigration services, Australia

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

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Section 3

Finance Review

Overview 
Our business delivered 
a strong (cid:192)nancial 
performance in 2010, with 
revenue growing 9.0% and 
adjusted operating pro(cid:192)t 
increasing by 12.6%. Our 
adjusted operating margin 
increased by 19 basis 
points. Adjusted EPS grew 
by 17.5% to 34.69p. Free 
cash (cid:193)ow grew by 35.3% 
to £185.8m, and Group 
recourse net debt reduced 
by £84.1m to £303.6m. 

1. Income statement
Serco’s income statement for the year is summarised in Figure 1 below. This includes the 
results of joint ventures which are proportionately consolidated. 

Figure 1: Income statement

Year ended 31 December 

Revenue 

Gross pro(cid:192)t 
Administrative expenses 

Adjusted operating pro(cid:192)t 
Investment revenue and (cid:192)nance costs 

Adjusted pro(cid:192)t before tax 
Amortisation of acquired intangibles 

Pro(cid:192)t before tax 
Tax  

Pro(cid:192)t for the year 

Effective tax rate 
Adjusted earnings per share 
Earnings per share  
Dividend per share 

2010 
£m 

2009 
£m 

Increase

4,326.7 

3,970.0 

644.3 
(385.6) 

258.7 
(27.4) 

231.3 
(17.4) 

213.9 
(57.1) 

156.8 

26.7% 
34.69p 
31.88p 
7.35p 

586.8 
(357.1) 

229.7 
(35.0)

194.7 
(17.6)

177.1 
(46.9) 

130.2 

26.5%
29.53p 
26.76p 
6.25p 

9.0%

9.8%
8.0%

12.6%

18.8%

20.8%
21.7%

20.4%

17.5%
19.1%
17.6%

52 

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1.1 Revenue
Revenue grew by 9.0% to £4,326.7m (7.6% excluding currency effects). Organic revenue 
growth, excluding currency effects, was 7.6% and re(cid:193)ects the growth of existing contracts  
and the contribution of new contracts started in 2009 and 2010. 

1.(cid:21) (cid:36)(cid:71)(cid:77)uste(cid:71) o(cid:83)erating (cid:83)ro(cid:192)t
Adjusted operating pro(cid:192)t increased by 12.6% to £258.7m representing an adjusted operating 
pro(cid:192)t margin of 6.0%. Adjusted operating pro(cid:192)t margin increased by 19 basis points (16 basis 
points excluding currency effects). 

1.(cid:22) Investment revenue an(cid:71) (cid:192)nance costs
Investment revenue and (cid:192)nance costs totalled a net cost of £27.4m (2009: £35.0m),  
a decrease of £7.6m. The decrease excluding currency effects was £7.4m. The principal 
reasons for this decrease were reduced average borrowings during the year, lower interest 
rates and a decrease in the net pension (cid:192)nance cost.

1.(cid:23) (cid:36)(cid:71)(cid:77)uste(cid:71) (cid:83)ro(cid:192)t (cid:69)e(cid:73)ore ta(cid:91)
Adjusted pro(cid:192)t before tax was £231.3m, an increase of 18.8%. Excluding currency effects  
the adjusted pro(cid:192)t before tax margin was 5.3%, an increase of 40 basis points.

1.(cid:24) (cid:55)a(cid:91)
The tax charge of £57.1m (2009: £46.9m) represents an effective rate of 26.7%, compared with 
26.5% in 2009. The slight increase in the rate is principally due to changes in the mix of taxable 
pro(cid:192)ts across the Group.

1.6 Earnings per share (EPS)
Adjusted EPS rose by 17.5% to 34.69p. EPS grew by 19.1% to 31.88p. EPS and adjusted  
EPS are calculated on an average share base of 491.5m during the year (2009: 486.6m).  
The increase in the average share base principally resulted from a full weighting of shares 
issued during 2009.

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Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  53

 
Section 3

Finance Review

2. Dividend
Serco’s policy is to increase the total dividend each year broadly in line with the increase  
in underlying earnings. The Board has proposed a (cid:192)nal dividend of 5.15p per share, 
representing an increase on the 2009 (cid:192)nal dividend of 17.0%, and bringing the total dividend 
for the year to 7.35p, a growth of 17.6%. The (cid:192)nal dividend will be paid, subject to shareholder 
approval, on 17 May 2011 to shareholders on the register as at 11 March 2011.

(cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:193)(cid:82)(cid:90)
The Group generated an exceptionally strong free cash performance with an in(cid:193)ow of £185.8m 
(2009: £137.3m), an increase of 35.3%. This included bene(cid:192)ts of around £20m from asset 
sales proceeds, a particularly high level of joint venture dividends and low tax payments.

Figure 2 analyses the cash (cid:193)ow. As in previous years, we have designed the analysis to show 
the underlying cash performance of the Group – the cash (cid:193)ows generated by subsidiaries  
plus the dividends received from joint ventures. It therefore differs from the consolidated  
cash (cid:193)ow on page 108, which proportionately consolidates the cash (cid:193)ows of joint ventures. 
The adjustment line in Figure 2 reconciles the movement in Group cash to the consolidated 
cash (cid:193)ow.

Figure (cid:21): (cid:38)ash (cid:193)o(cid:90) 

Year ended 31 December 

Operating pro(cid:192)t excluding joint ventures 
Non cash items 

Group EBITDA 
Working capital movement 

Group operating cash (cid:193)ow 
Interest 
Tax  
Net expenditure on tangible and intangible assets 
Dividends from joint ventures 

(cid:42)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:83)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:193)(cid:82)(cid:90) 
Disposal of investments/subsidiaries 
Acquisition of subsidiaries 
Financing 
Special pension contribution 
Dividends paid 

Group net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents 
Adjustment to include joint venture cash impacts 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents 

2010 
£m 

176.7 
79.2 

255.9 
(30.6) 

225.3 
(25.2) 
(24.0) 
(41.8) 
51.5 

185.8 
– 
(2.3) 
(188.1) 
(20.0) 
(32.3) 

(56.9) 
8.7 

(48.2) 

2009 
£m

150.6
75.4

226.0
(27.2)

198.8
(31.5)
(26.5)
(49.8)
46.3

137.3
0.6
(15.4)
(36.8)
–
(25.9)

59.8
14.1

73.9

Note: Group EBITDA is earnings from subsidiaries (excluding joint ventures) before interest, tax, depreciation, intangible 
amortisation and other non cash items.

54 

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(cid:22).1 (cid:42)roup operating cash (cid:193)o(cid:90)
Group operating cash (cid:193)ow of £225.3m (2009: £198.8m) re(cid:193)ects a conversion of Group  
EBITDA into cash of 88.0% (2009: 88.0%). The working capital movement of £30.6m  
re(cid:193)ects the requirements of a growing business.

3.2 Interest
Net interest paid was £25.2m, compared to £31.5m in 2009 re(cid:193)ecting the reduction in Group 
recourse net debt since 2009 and lower interest rates.

3.3 (cid:55)a(cid:91)
Tax paid was £24.0m (2009: £26.5m). The reduction in tax paid during 2010 is due to increases 
in accelerated capital allowances and other timing differences in the period, additional tax relief 
on the December 2010 special pension contribution and tax refunds received during the year. 
In 2011, we expect the cash tax rate to trend closer to our effective tax rate. This is principally 
as a result of a higher proportion of overseas taxable pro(cid:192)ts which more than offsets the 
bene(cid:192)t of the tax relief on the special pension contribution.

3.(cid:23) (cid:49)et e(cid:91)pen(cid:71)iture on tangi(cid:69)(cid:79)e an(cid:71) intangi(cid:69)(cid:79)e assets
Net expenditure on tangible and intangible assets in the year was £41.8m (2009: £49.8m). 
Gross expenditure, excluding disposals, was £51.1m (2009: £52.3m) representing 1.4%  
of Group revenue excluding joint ventures (2009: 1.6%). 

On 30 June 2010, as part of forming a strategic partnership with Patni Computer Systems Ltd. 
(Patni), a leading global provider of Information Technology services and business solutions,  
to provide services in education and e-learning in the UK and Irish markets, we disposed  
of a Learning software product to Patni. Cash realised from the sale was £7.0m and pro(cid:192)t  
on disposal of this asset was £1.4m.

In 2011, we are planning to invest around £20m in the implementation of SAP for HR across 
the Group.

3.(cid:24) (cid:39)ivi(cid:71)en(cid:71)s (cid:73)rom (cid:77)oint ventures
Dividends received from joint ventures totalled £51.5m (2009: £46.3m), re(cid:193)ecting an 
uncharacteristically high conversion rate of joint ventures’ pro(cid:192)t after tax and non controlling 
interests into dividends. This high rate re(cid:193)ected the impairment charge of £4.2m resulting  
from our exit from the non-core South African joint venture Equity Aviation. Excluding this,  
the conversion rate of dividends from joint ventures was approximately 95%. In 2011,  
we expect the conversion rate to be closer to the normal rate of 80-90%.

3.6 Financing
The movement in (cid:192)nancing resulted primarily from repayments on our bank facilities and  
non recourse debt. 

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Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  55

 
Section 3

Finance Review

4. Net debt
Figure 3 analyses Serco’s net debt. 

Figure 3: (cid:49)et (cid:71)e(cid:69)t

At 31 December 

Group – cash and cash equivalents 
Group – loans 
Group – obligations under (cid:192)nance leases 

Group recourse net debt 
Joint venture recourse net cash 

Total recourse net debt 
Group non recourse debt  

Total net debt 

2010 
£m 

204.0 
(482.6) 
(25.0) 

(303.6) 
66.1 

(237.5) 
(23.7) 

(261.2) 

2009 
£m

253.7
(619.1)
(22.3)

(387.7)
58.2

(329.5)
(29.0)

(358.5)

(cid:23).1 (cid:42)roup recourse net (cid:71)e(cid:69)t
Group recourse net debt decreased by £84.1m to £303.6m. 

Cash and cash equivalents includes encumbered cash of £10.9m (2009: £11.2m). This is cash 
securing credit obligations and customer advance payments.

(cid:23).2 (cid:42)roup non recourse (cid:71)e(cid:69)t
The Group’s debt is non recourse if no Group company other than the relevant borrower has 
an obligation to repay the debt under a guarantee or other arrangement. The debt is excluded 
from all of our credit agreements and other covenant calculations, and therefore has no impact 
on the Group’s ability to borrow. 

Group non recourse debt reduced by £5.3m to £23.7m, as a result of £7.6m payments  
made in line with the debt repayment schedule on debt relating to our Driver Examination 
Services contract in Canada, offset by £2.3m increase in non recourse debt due to 
exchange movements.

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5. Pensions
The Group operates a number of de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t schemes and de(cid:192)ned contribution schemes. 

At 31 December 2010, the net liability included in the balance sheet arising from our de(cid:192)ned 
bene(cid:192)t pension scheme obligations was £83.0m (2009: £113.6m), on a pension scheme asset 
base of £1.5bn. 

Figure (cid:23): (cid:39)e(cid:192)ne(cid:71) (cid:69)ene(cid:192)t pension schemes

At 31 December 

Group schemes – non contract speci(cid:192)c  
Contract speci(cid:192)c schemes: 
– reimbursable 
– not certain to be reimbursable 

Net retirement bene(cid:192)t liability  
Intangible assets arising from rights to operate  

franchises and contracts  
Reimbursable rights debtor  
Deferred tax assets 

Net balance sheet liabilities 

2010 
£m 

2009 
£m

(76.1) 

(120.0)

(123.4) 
(26.7) 

(226.2) 

8.9 
123.4 
10.9 

(144.3)
(29.9)

(294.2)

11.4
144.3
24.9

(83.0) 

(113.6)

The total pension charge included in operating pro(cid:192)t for the year ended 31 December 2010, 
including the proportionate share of joint ventures, increased to £106.5m (2009: £92.4m). 
Within this charge, the Group’s contributions to UK and other de(cid:192)ned contribution pension 
schemes increased to £76.0m (2009: £64.8m). The service charge relating to the Group’s 
de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t schemes was £30.5m (2009: £27.6m), and the movement was principally  
as a result of changes to the discount rate and in(cid:193)ation assumptions as at the end of 2009  
and increases in payroll.

Serco has three main types of scheme which are accounted for as de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t pension 
schemes. Each type has its own accounting treatment under International Financial Reporting 
Standards. These are:

(cid:3)(cid:79) Non contract speci(cid:192)c – schemes which do not relate to speci(cid:192)c contracts or franchises.  
For these schemes, we charge the actuarial gain or loss for the year to the consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income (the SOCI);

(cid:3)(cid:79) Reimbursable – schemes where we have a right of full cost reimbursement and therefore 
include both the pension scheme de(cid:192)cit and offsetting reimbursable rights debtor in the 
balance sheet; and

(cid:3)(cid:79) Not certain to be reimbursable – schemes relating to speci(cid:192)c contracts or franchises,  

where the de(cid:192)cit will pass back to the customer or on to the next contractor at the end of 
the contract. For these schemes, we charge the actuarial gain or loss on our share of the 
de(cid:192)cit for the year to the SOCI, recognise a recoverable intangible asset on the balance 
sheet at the start of the contract or franchise and amortise the intangible asset to the 
income statement over the contract or franchise life.

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Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  57

 
 
 
 
Section 3

Finance Review

Serco has limited commercial risk in relation to the contract speci(cid:192)c schemes, due to either  
the right of cost reimbursement or because the de(cid:192)cit will, in general, pass back to the 
customer or on to the next contractor at the end of the contract. Among our non contract 
speci(cid:192)c schemes, the largest is the Serco Pension and Life Assurance Scheme (SPLAS).  
At 31 December 2010, SPLAS had a de(cid:192)cit of £16.4m (2009: de(cid:192)cit of £54.7m). This de(cid:192)cit, 
which is calculated under IAS 19 using market rates at the period end, re(cid:193)ects  
the effect of the market conditions on investment returns in the year and the net impact of  
a decrease in in(cid:193)ation assumptions offset by a decrease in the applicable discount rate.

We have now completed the regular triennial review of SPLAS. The actuarial de(cid:192)cit of SPLAS 
used in the review and calculated using prudent long-term valuation assumptions, was £141m 
at 6 April 2009 and was approximately £93m at 31 December 2010. Following this review,  
the Group agreed with the Trustees to make a cash contribution of £60m to the scheme,  
with £20m paid in December 2010 and £40m in January 2011. We continue to review the  
level of bene(cid:192)ts and contributions under the scheme in the light of our business needs and 
changes to pension legislation. 

Figure 5 shows the sensitivity of the liabilities of our pension schemes to changes in discount 
rates and to adjustments in the actuarial assumptions for the rate of in(cid:193)ation, members’ salary 
increases and life expectancies. 

Figure 5: Pension assumption sensitivities 

Discount rate 

Assumption 

5.4% 

Price in(cid:193)ation 

3.1% (RPI) and 2.6% (CPI) 

Change in  
assumption 

Change in 
liability

+0.5% 
– 0.5% 

+0.5% 
– 0.5% 

+0.5% 
– 0.5% 

3.5% 

20.8 – 24.5* 

Increase by  
one year 

– 9%
+10%

+8%
– 7%

+2%
– 2%

+3%

Salary 

Longevity 

* Post retirement mortality range for male and female, current and future pensioners.

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6. Treasury 
The Group’s bank credit facilities comprise a £400.0m syndicated revolving credit facility, a 
syndicated amortising term loan for US Dollar 396.4m and bilateral revolving credit facilities  
for £35.0m and EUR 12.5m. The syndicated revolving credit facility matures in September 2013 
whilst the syndicated term loan is repayable between September 2011 and September 2013. 
The bilateral facilities mature in December 2011 and April 2012 respectively. In relation to the 
syndicated term loan, the next scheduled repayment of US Dollar 138m is due in September 
2011. As at 31 December 2010, £329.8m had been drawn down on these combined facilities 
(2009: £457.7m). Excluding the effects of currency on the US Dollar denominated debt, the 
equivalent draw down would have been £320m. 

In addition to the bank credit facilities, Serco has loan notes in issue under a private placement 
of £117.7m, which will be repaid evenly from 2011 to 2015. All of the credit facilities of the 
Group detailed above are unsecured.

7. Going concern
The directors have acknowledged the guidance ‘Going Concern and Liquidity Risk: Guidance 
for Directors of UK Companies 2009’, published by the Financial Reporting Council in October 
2009. Whilst the current economic environment remains uncertain, the broad base of our 
contract portfolio and with over 90% of our customers being government bodies, the Group  
is well placed to manage its business risks (as discussed in the section ‘Principal Risks and 
Uncertainties’) successfully and has adequate resources to continue in operational existence 
for the foreseeable future. 

The Group’s revenues are largely derived from long-term contracts with governments which, 
historically, have been largely unaffected by changes in the general economy. The contract 
portfolio is spread across a number of markets, sectors and geographies such that a downturn 
in any one segment is unlikely to affect the Group as a whole. In addition, with an order book  
of £16.6bn and high visibility of future revenue streams (92% in 2011; 77% in 2012 and 66%  
in 2013), the Group is well placed to manage its business risks despite the current uncertain 
economic climate.

In September 2008, the Group secured medium-term (cid:192)nancing by entering into a (cid:192)ve year 
syndicated revolving credit facility and bilateral facilities. Including the term loan and US  
private placements, the Group has in excess of £816m of committed credit facilities. As at 
31 December 2010, the headroom on the facilities was approximately £369m. The next 
repayment on these facilities falls due in September 2011 for an amount of US Dollar 138m. 
The Group fully expects to meet this repayment through internally generated cash (cid:193)ows.  
Based on the information set out above, the Directors believe that it is appropriate to prepare 
the (cid:192)nancial statements on a going concern basis. 

Andrew Jenner 
Finance Director

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  59

 
Section 3

People

Serco’s rapid growth means 
that we have a continually 
increasing number of 
employees around the world. 
We have therefore created a 
clear framework for managing 
and developing our people,  
so that we can help them be as 
good as they can be and deliver 
great service to our customers.

Our people strategy has three main 
components. We want to:

(cid:3)(cid:79) develop leaders who are (cid:192)t for the future 

and who will thrive as Serco grows

(cid:3)(cid:79) have people who bring service to life,  
who are fully integrated and engaged  
with Serco, and who we can develop  
to achieve their full potential, and 

(cid:3)(cid:79) make it easier to manage our people,  
by continually enhancing our systems 
and processes.

Developing our leaders
As a devolved and fast-growing organisation, 
Serco has a high demand for capable and 
motivated leaders who have the potential  
to grow with us. They are responsible for 
managing operations, securing our growth 
and creating the environment in which our 
people can do what they do best: serve 
customers with passion and skill. The way 
they lead is as important as what they deliver.

We have created a leadership model known 
as H³ – Heart, Head and Hands. These 
components describe how great leaders  
in Serco behave, with an emphasis on our 
Governing Principles and our customers.  
The components of the model are 
summarised below:

Heart. This covers our leaders’ motives and 
demonstration of our Governing Principles. 
We want them to create our culture through 
personal example and have the courage to 
stand by their convictions.

Head. This relates to intellectual and personal 
capacity. We want leaders who can solve 
complex problems, take a long-term view, 
inspire and in(cid:193)uence others, focus on 
outcomes, innovate, be resilient and be 
adaptable to a situation’s needs.

Hands. This covers skills, knowledge and 
experience. We want our leaders to be skilled 
at shaping and delivering the plans and 
capabilities that will drive our performance 
and growth.

Behind each of these components is a further 
set of criteria, which explain the desired 
behaviours and the standards against which 
we appraise our leaders’ performance. 

During 2010, we extended the H³ model  
to managers beyond our leadership group. 
We also completed our global talent review, 
which we began in 2009. This involved every 
business unit around the world identifying its 
current and future leaders, enabling us to 
create comprehensive succession plans and 
talent pipelines to support our growth. As part 
of this, we have built a customised talent 
database and established cross-divisional 
talent pools in our corporate functions. For 
example, we have a global talent pool in 
(cid:192)nance and a UK-wide pool in business 
development.

2010 also saw us introduce or expand a 
range of other initiatives to help our leaders 
develop. For example, we rolled out the 
Management Foundations programme, 
developed by our Civil Government business, 
to other parts of our business, initially the UK 
divisions and corporate functions. 
Management Foundations will be accredited 
by the Chartered Management Institute and 
helps our people to be values-led managers. 

We also introduced a broad range of toolkits 
for talent and performance management, 
which are available through the online Serco 
Business Academy. The Business Academy 
aims to make learning accessible to all of 
our people.

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Integrating, engaging and 
developing our people
We are dependent on the skill and 
enthusiasm of our people. They enable us  
to deliver great service to our customers  
and are ultimately responsible for the strength 
of our reputation and our ability to grow.  
We therefore need to integrate new joiners, 
effectively engage with all our people and 
help them achieve their potential. We also 
recognise outstanding achievements through 
our global Pulse Awards.

Integrating ne(cid:90) peop(cid:79)e
Serco’s growth means that several thousand 
people join us every year. We typically (cid:192)nd 
that they bring with them a service ethos  
that matches our own, given that a large 
proportion of our employees also began  
their careers delivering services in the  
public sector. Our approach to managing 
contracts liberates our people to put this 
ethos into action.

The best method of spreading our values  
is for our people to see them in action.  
Our leaders have a key role to play, by 
making decisions in accordance with our 
values. We also prioritise communication with 
our people, particularly in the transition phase 
after we have won a contract, so that they 
understand Serco and the way we work.

Our approach – and the outcome – is the 
same around the world. While there are 
always cultural differences between countries, 
our values are universal and our people 
embrace them wherever they are based.

To help new joiners become part of Serco,  
we have developed the Welcome Experience. 
This is a range of materials and events which 
ensure that joining Serco is welcoming and 
engaging, and is in addition to any induction 
at a local level.

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  61

 
Section 3

People

The new materials we have created include:

(cid:3)(cid:79) Discover Serco Passports, which help 
guide and direct new people. We have 
one for leaders and another for managers, 
with a third version being developed for 
all employees

(cid:3)(cid:79) the People Pack, which helps new leaders 
understand the importance of their role 
and the tools available to enable them to 
be a great leader

(cid:3)(cid:79) Discover Serco e-learning, which is 

available for any new employee through 
the Serco Business Academy, and

(cid:3)(cid:79) Discover Serco contract visits.

Engaging (cid:90)ith our peop(cid:79)e
We once again undertook our annual global 
employee survey, called Viewpoint. This gives 
us important insights into how we can run 
Serco better, particularly at a local level, 
resulting in greater engagement with our 
people and enhanced service for customers. 
We were pleased that the response rate to the 
survey rose and are working to drive actions 
that arise from the feedback we receive.

We introduced a number of innovations in 
2010 to improve engagement with existing 
and potential new employees, such as:

(cid:3)(cid:79) our US Serco Scholars program, which 
provides educational grants to the 
children of employees

(cid:3)(cid:79) payroll giving in North America and India

(cid:3)(cid:79) the UK Bike4work scheme, to encourage 
people to use environmentally friendly 
forms of transport when travelling to and 
from work, as well as getting (cid:192)tter, and

(cid:3)(cid:79) enhancing the recruitment section of our 
website, both to raise the calibre of 
recruits and to improve the visitor 
experience.

We continued our relationship with David 
MacLeod and Nita Clarke, following the 2009 
launch of their review Engaging for Success, 
which examined employee engagement  
and how to enable it. Our Civil Government 
division has also carried out research  
on establishing links between employee 
engagement and business performance.

(cid:39)eve(cid:79)oping our peop(cid:79)e
Enabling our people to excel is one of  
our Governing Principles, meaning their 
development is key. That development ranges 
from informal on-the-job training through to 
specialist and technical training. Increasingly 
we are moving to a “blended learning” 
approach, with an appropriate balance  
of face-to-face and web-based learning.

During the year, we enhanced our 
performance management process, creating 
new toolkits for managers and leaders to 
enable them to become even better at setting 
objectives, creating development plans and 
reviewing performance. This will allow us to 
set individual objectives for our people and  
to manage them in line with those objectives. 
We have also developed a performance 
calibration process, enabling us to identify 
high achievers and those who need help  
to improve their performance.

Recognising achievement
Our Pulse Awards are designed to celebrate 
the very best qualities and achievements of 
Serco people, our customers and partners. 
The awards are closely linked to our 
Governing Principles. They recognise people 
who excel at innovation, inspire through  
their leadership, demonstrate outstanding 
commitment and make an exceptional  
impact on communities, the environment  
or in areas such as safety and ethics. In 2010, 
we recognised 152 individuals and teams 
with an award.

Managing our people
We continually look to improve our ef(cid:192)ciency, 
including the ways we manage our people. 
Our aim is to have intuitive, easy to use tools, 
processes and systems which make it easier 
to manage our growing workforce and deliver 
even higher levels of productivity and service 
as a result. 

We are therefore developing a new platform, 
called ‘Empower – Transforming People 
Management’, which will transform how we 
manage people across our business. This is 
our (cid:192)rst ever global change programme and 
builds on a successful pilot we undertook in 
our Dubai Metro contract. The programme 
commenced in January 2011 and will 
complete in 2012.

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Objectives and performance

2010 Objective

Result

Comment

To develop leaders 
who are (cid:192)t for 
the future

Ongoing

To engage and 
motivate employees 
to bring service 
to life

Ongoing

We pro(cid:192)led 200 of our most senior leaders. 
Career and development planning is under 
way and will be incorporated into the 2011 
objective setting and appraisal process. 
This process has been extended to our 
emerging leaders. We undertook 
succession planning across the whole 
business and our divisions have focused 
on developing their talent pipeline.

An online module called ‘Discover Serco’ 
was launched company-wide during 2010. 
We have also developed an online induction 
toolkit which launched on our internet in 
January 2011. The company-wide 
Viewpoint Survey was conducted again in 
2010 and 78% of employees responded, an 
increase of 2 percentage points over 2009. 
Work has progressed to link engagement 
to performance and contributed to the UK 
Government-sponsored task force on 
employee engagement.

To make it easier 
to manage people

Ongoing

We invested in a new platform, as 
described in ‘Managing our people’ above

2011 Objectives
(cid:3)(cid:79) To make it easier to manage people. The 

focus will be to develop and implement the 
programme called ‘Empower – Transforming 
People Management’.

(cid:3)(cid:79) To develop leaders who are (cid:192)t for the 

future. We will be looking to further embed 
the talent review and succession-planning 
process across a wider proportion of our 
management population.

(cid:3)(cid:79) To engage and motivate employees to 
bring service to life. We will continue to 
research and analyse the link between 
engagement and performance.

The new platform will give us a standard 
approach to managing people, with a 
common set of processes for each part of  
the employee lifecycle. This is supported  
by a suite of self-service online tools for both 
managers and employees, such as starters 
and leavers forms, annual leave requests and 
rostering tools for shift working, which  
will enable us to plan more ef(cid:192)ciently and 
increase utilisation but also take into account 
each employee’s preferences. The platform 
will also streamline and standardise our 
approach to recruitment and help us to 
manage absenteeism in a more consistent 
and effective way.

The outcome will be a simpler and more 
effective system, freeing up time for our 
managers to focus on delivering to 
customers. The platform will also support  
our growth, for example by enabling  
us to transition contracts more quickly 
and effectively.

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Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  63

 
Section 3

Corporate responsibility

Achieving our vision to be  
the world’s greatest service 
company requires us to work in 
the right way and to meet our 
responsibilities to our 
customers, the public, our 
employees, our partners and 
suppliers. As a result, corporate 
responsibility (CR) is part of 
who we are and how we 
behave.

We divide our approach into four pillars – 
people, health and safety, community  
and the environment. Our work for our 
customers encompasses all of these areas, 
but there are many things we do which go 
beyond our contractual or legal requirements. 

Our approach to managing our 
responsibilities is summarised below.  
We also publish a Corporate Responsibility 
Review each year, which gives more details of 
our activities and the way we embed CR in 
our business.

Our people
Pages 60 to 63 explain our people strategy, 
our 2010 initiatives to improve the ways in 
which we develop, engage, motivate and 
manage them, and our objectives for 2011.

Health and safety
Our aspiration is zero harm to our people  
and customers. This means we set high 
standards – often above our legal 
requirements – so that we do everything  
we can to prevent incidents. 

Embedded in the Serco Management 
System, our framework for how we manage 
our business, are our health and safety 
policies and standards. We audit ourselves 
against these standards, building on good 
practice and addressing performance that 
falls short.

Some of the biggest challenges we face  
are routine risks to health and safety.  
Slips, trips and falls are the most common 
incidents and prevention requires diligence 
and dedication. This year saw a number of 
notable achievements. 

The UK’s National Physical Laboratory, for 
example, logged more than 1.6 million 
working hours without a reportable injury. 
Our contract at BlueScope Steel in Illawarra, 
Australia, reported 1.1 million such hours. 
In the Americas, our Lost Days Incident Rate 
has dropped 10% year-on-year, continuing 
our strong and improving safety record in 
the region.

Serious incidents are rare. When they do 
happen, we learn from them. In April 2010, 
Serco was found guilty of breaching the 
Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, for 
failing to ensure that automatic trains did not 
hit unauthorised persons on the tracks  
at the Docklands Light Railway in London. This 
(cid:192)nding followed the death of Robert Carter at 
All Saints Station in 2007. Immediately after 
the incident, we undertook thorough reviews 
of the circumstances and implemented new 
procedures so that this particular type of 
accident could be avoided in the future. 

Looking forward, we will continue to 
strengthen our safety culture through 
leadership, oversight, stakeholder 
engagement and effective policies, systems 
and processes. To support the achievement 
of our safety targets, our priorities are:

(cid:3)(cid:79) to reduce the amount of lost time due  

to incidents, through active rehabilitation

(cid:3)(cid:79) offering a consistent level of occupational 
health support to all Serco employees

(cid:3)(cid:79) monitoring KPIs for muscoskeletal, mental 
and behavioural and reportable diseases

(cid:3)(cid:79) a continued focus on reducing 

reportable incidents

(cid:3)(cid:79) developing systems and processes  
to manage and monitor near-misses

(cid:3)(cid:79) embedding a single health, safety and 

environmental management system and 
standard operating procedures across  
all of our operations, and

(cid:3)(cid:79) ensuring competency in health and  
safety management and consistent 
training standards. 

Our contract at BlueScope Steel, Australia, 
logged 1.1 million working hours without a 
reportable injury.

Apprentices at our contract with the London 
Borough of Newham learn new skills which 
prepare them for the future.

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Objectives and performance

2010 Objective

Result

Comment

Our RI rate was 711 per 100,000 
employees. This achieves our 2010 target 
and is only 1.2% short of our 2012 target. 
It also demonstrates good performance 
against external benchmarks. The UK’s 
Labour Force Survey for all-industries 
benchmark is 820 per 100,000.

At an average of 18.6 days in 2010 we 
are not on track, having shown a year  
on year increase in lost time. This partly 
re(cid:193)ects an increase in higher-risk 
business operations. Signi(cid:192)cant 
management effort is being put in  
to redress this situation, with a focus  
on: early intervention to rehabilitate 
employees and help them back to work; 
more timely handling of long-term 
disability cases; and root-cause analysis.

Work is ongoing to establish the systems 
and processes to deliver this.

To continue focusing on 
reducing reportable incidents, 
(RIs) to achieve our target of 
a 30% reduction in our staff 
RI rate by the end of 2012 
against the 2008 benchmark 
of 998. The target for 2010 
was a 20% reduction to 799.

To reduce the amount of lost 
time as a result of incidents, 
through active rehabilitation. 
Our challenging target is for 
a 50% reduction by the end 
of 2012 against 2008 
baseline (average 15 days).

Target  
met

Target  
off 
track

To develop systems and 
processes to manage and 
monitor near-miss events 
more effectively. Our target  
is to establish a baseline for 
future improvements for 2012.

Target  
on 
plan

2011 Objectives
(cid:3)(cid:79) To continue focusing on reducing the 
amount of time lost as a result of 
incidents, to achieve our target. We aim to 
be back on trajectory to reach our target 
of a 50% reduction in lost time per incident 
(against the 2008 benchmark) by 2012.

(cid:3)(cid:79) To continue focusing on reducing 

reportable incidents. Based on current 
performance, we have revised our target 
to 599 to re(cid:193)ect a 40% reduction in staff RI 
rate by 2012 against the 2008 benchmark.

(cid:3)(cid:79) To develop systems and processes to 
manage and monitor near-miss events 
more effectively. Our target remains to 
establish a baseline for future 
improvements for 2012.

Divers inspecting pontoons at our marine 
services contract in Davenport, UK.

Fire training delivered by Serco at the 
International Fire Training Centre in the UK.

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Section 3

Corporate responsibility

Community
The work we do often directly serves our  
local communities. Many of our people 
also live in these communities and we 
want them to be proud of what we give 
back to society. Whether it is money or 
management skills, work experience or 
interview training to help young people 
(cid:192)nd jobs, there are hundreds of projects 
run by Serco people that enhance our 
reputation as an organisation and,  
quietly and without fanfare, improve  
life for local people.

How we offer support is largely down to 
our divisions and contracts. They are in 
the best position to understand the needs 
of their communities, how those needs 
align with our customers’ objectives and 
how they relate to our employees. 

The result is a wide range of activities, from 
fundraising for the Royal Flying Doctor 
Service in Australia or for orphans in India, 
to providing student work placements at 
HMP & YOI Doncaster in the UK. 

We also encourage our businesses to think 
long-term. For example, in the US we have 
worked with the Military Child Education 
Coalition since 2007 and in the UK we  
have supported Project Search since 2008.  
Project Search, which involves our customer 
– the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital 
– and other organisations, helps people  
with learning dif(cid:192)culties to develop their 
con(cid:192)dence and skills in the workplace.  

During the last three years we have provided 
work placements to 35 students and 9 people 
have found employment in the hospital.  
We have now expanded the programme  
to three more of our UK hospital contracts. 

Overall, we are committed to investing 1%  
of our pre-tax pro(cid:192)ts every year in projects  
to help our communities. This year we have 
donated £2,271,575, which represents 1.1%.

Objectives and performance

2010 Objective

Result

Comment

To provide employment 
opportunities for the 
long-term unemployed and 
young people.

On 
plan

To build trust in the 
communities in which we 
operate, through responsible 
business operations and 
behaviour.

On 
plan

We expanded Project Search from one 
UK hospital to four. This is a partnership 
with the National Health Service and 
other organisations to help people with 
learning dif(cid:192)culties into the workplace. 
We initiated a project in our UK divisions 
to identify work placement opportunities 
for students and to encourage the 
creation of new and meaningful 
opportunities. A survey identi(cid:192)ed current 
practice and data to help future planning. 
This will be an ongoing objective.

During 2010 we were able to better 
identify our current UK practices in 
relation to working with the voluntary 
sector. In December 2010, we 
participated in a pilot project to help build 
the capacity of Black and Asian Minority 
organisations in Manchester (see case 
study in the Marketplace section of our 
2010 Corporate Responsibility Review).

At HMP & YOI Doncaster, we help offenders 
strengthen bonds with their families.

To continue to invest in the 
communities in which we 
work and serve.

Target 
met

We invested £2,271,575 into society, 
which equates to 1.1% of our pre-tax 
pro(cid:192)ts in 2010.

2011 Objectives
(cid:3)(cid:79) To continue to invest 1% of our pre-tax  

pro(cid:192)ts into society

(cid:3)(cid:79) To continue to promote the theme  

of employability

(cid:3)(cid:79) To continue to develop our relationships 
with charities, social enterprise and 
community organisations 

(cid:3)(cid:79) To promote employee volunteering

(cid:3)(cid:79) To promote payroll giving.

We encourage offenders to take part in 
community projects at Acacia Prison, 
Australia.

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It was a considerable task, but in January 
2011 we reached our target. This makes 
us one of only 530 companies so far – of 
around 5,000 required to participate in the 
Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy 
Ef(cid:192)ciency Scheme (CRC) – to have 
Carbon Trust Standard certi(cid:192)cation. 

The certi(cid:192)cation covers all of Serco’s UK 
sites required to participate in the CRC, 
and will enhance our score and placement 
in the CRC Performance League Table, to 
be published by the Environment Agency 
in October 2011. 

One challenge in meeting our aspirations 
is that we often share our customers’ 
facilities. Without full control over our 
workplace, we are unable to capture 
information relating to our impact and  
we are limited in the measures we can  
put in place to reduce our footprint.  
In those instances, we work with our 
customers to reduce impact. 

Improvement does not come overnight or  
by edict, but gradually, through the efforts  
of thousands of people around the world, 
united by the conviction that this is worth 
doing – and doing well. 

Environment
Our zero-harm aspiration applies as much  
to the environment as it does to health and 
safety. Our policy places a clear responsibility 
on everyone in Serco to minimise our 
environmental impact.

This policy has three drivers. The (cid:192)rst is 
ethical: safeguarding the planet for current 
and future generations is the right thing  
to do. Second, irreproachable environmental 
credentials are now a commercial imperative. 
The third driver is (cid:192)nancial. 

Re(cid:193)ecting our devolved nature, the best 
place to manage our impact is locally.  
For example, in the United Arab Emirates we 
are a member of the Emirates Environmental 
Group, which encourages tree planting and 
recycling. In Australia, through our actions, 
use of potable water in Melbourne’s parks 
and gardens dropped by 75%. 

However, as we have developed our Group 
strategy we have had to understand our 
overall impact as a business. Given the sheer 
range and diversity of our work this has been 
a challenge. To address it, in 2010 we 
introduced Acco2unt carbon management 
software. This gives us the data we need  
and helped us to join the best-performing 
10% of FTSE 350 organisations, according  
to the Carbon Disclosure Project. 

We can now see where we generate  
carbon dioxide emissions, which helps us  
to prioritise areas for action. We set ourselves 
the objective of achieving Carbon Trust 
Standard certi(cid:192)cation, which required us  
to demonstrate:

(cid:3)(cid:79) a minimum of 2.5% year-on-year reduction 
in our carbon footprint relative to revenue, 
for two consecutive years

(cid:3)(cid:79) effective carbon measurement, and

(cid:3)(cid:79) effective carbon management at all sites.

Objectives and performance

2010 Objective

Result

Comment

To achieve a 10% reduction 
in CO² tonnes/£m revenue 
by end 2010, against the 
2008 benchmark.

To embed a single 
environmental management 
system and operating 
procedures across 
all operations.

To implement a carbon 
accounting system to ensure 
accurate consumption 
reporting on energy, fuel 
used for business, travel, 
waste and water.

Target 
missed

Target 
met

Target 
met

In the UK, we achieved a reduction of 
7.26% in CO² tonnes/£m against 2008. 
We were pleased to achieve the UK’s 
Carbon Trust Standard, requiring a 2.5% 
year-on-year reduction in CO² emissions.

The environmental management system 
is an integral part of our revised Serco 
Management System (launched 2011) 
and applies globally.

The Greenstones Acco2unt enterprise 
system went live in the UK in 2010 and 
will be implemented across the rest of 
our business in 2011.

2011 Objectives
(cid:3)(cid:79) To achieve a 15% reduction in CO² 

tonnes/£m revenue against the 2008 
benchmark by end of 2012 

(cid:3)(cid:79) To retain the Carbon Trust Standard.

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Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  67

 
Section 3

Resources

Business relationships
Customers
Our ability to develop long-term relationships 
with our customers is a central part of our 
business model. Day-to-day responsibility for 
meeting our customers’ needs lies with our 
contract directors. Our approach to working 
with our customers is set out in our Governing 
Principles (see page 12), which aim to 
empower our contract directors and ensure 
that we deliver high-quality service.

We maintain relationships at all levels with  
our customers, so they are aware of how we 
can help them and we can anticipate their 
changing needs and identify opportunities  
at an early stage. These relationships lie with 
our divisional and Group leaders.

Our reputation with our existing customers is 
also vital in winning new work. Many factors 
in(cid:193)uence our reputation, including:

(cid:3)(cid:79) the quality of our service

(cid:3)(cid:79) our values and public-service ethos

(cid:3)(cid:79) our capacity to innovate, and

(cid:3)(cid:79) our engagement with our employees  
and other stakeholders, such as 
local communities.

We believe that our high rebid and new bid 
win rates demonstrate the strength of our 
reputation with new and existing customers.

Suppliers
Effective procurement signi(cid:192)cantly 
contributes to achieving our vision and 
delivering effective service to our customers. 
We aim to be professional in all our dealings 
with suppliers and to establish mutually 
bene(cid:192)cial relationships, in which suppliers 
want repeat business with us and have us  
as their ‘customer of choice’. 

We have a dedicated procurement and supply 
chain team which is responsible for putting 
this approach into practice. As part of this, 
they continue to enhance our systems and 
processes for choosing and managing our 
suppliers. This helps us to maximise the value 
of our supplier relationships, makes it quicker 
and cheaper for us to transact with them, and 
assists with understanding and monitoring 
areas such as environmental impact before 
our people make a decision to buy.

Our businesses have many common 
purchasing needs. For this reason, we aim  
to work with carefully chosen preferred 
suppliers, enabling us to achieve better terms 
and conditions and make the most of our 
economies of scale. Our teams are also able 
to procure locally when appropriate, drawing 
on the expertise of our divisional procurement 
specialists to manage the process effectively.

We continue to focus on developing our 
relationships with all of our suppliers, 
including small and medium-sized 
enterprises (SMEs). In 2011, we will  
be looking at ways to enhance this further.  
We have a longstanding programme in  
place to improve the way we work with  
our suppliers. Following the public attention  
on our relationships with our suppliers in 
November 2010, we looked again at the 
improvement programme we had in place 
and introduced a number of additional steps, 
including support to SMEs who often supply 
the specialist or local knowledge we need to 
deliver services to our customers. 

Serco is a member of Minority Supplier 
Development UK, a not-for-pro(cid:192)t organisation 
which provides a direct link between 
companies and ethnic-minority businesses, 
to enable the building of mutually bene(cid:192)cial 
business relationships.

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Strategic partners
We often deliver services as part of a 
consortium, either as prime contractor or  
as a subcontractor. This allows us to bring 
together companies with the skills to meet  
the precise requirements of a bid.

Our values and the open and honest way  
in which we work also make us an attractive 
partner for voluntary-sector organisations, 
who often lack the scale and experience  
to access major government programmes. 
Examples include:

(cid:3)(cid:79) our model for providing welfare to work 
services in the UK, which utilises a 
network of commercial and voluntary-
sector partners, and

(cid:3)(cid:79) our contract to run Belmarsh West prison, 
in alliance with voluntary-sector partners 
Turning Point and Catch22.

Responsibility for relationships with our 
strategic partners lies with the relevant 
contract and divisional management.

Joint venture partners
Serco has a number of joint ventures with 
commercial partners and customers. 

Our joint ventures with Abellio run Northern 
Rail, which is the country’s largest train 
franchise, and Merseyrail, the UK’s most 
punctual train operator.

AWE Management Limited, our highly 
successful joint venture with Lockheed  
Martin and Jacobs Engineering Group  
Inc., manages the UK’s Atomic Weapons 
Establishment. 

In Australia, DMS Maritime, our joint venture 
with P&O Maritime Services, is a key partner 
for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and 
other agencies. In partnership with Sodexo, 
we also deliver garrison support services  
to the ADF through Serco Sodexo Defence 
Services Pty Limited.

We also have successful joint ventures with 
customers. We created GSTS Pathology with 
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, 
to transform its pathology services. In 2010, 
King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation 
Trust also became a partner in the joint 
venture. ACCESS is our joint venture with 
Glasgow City Council, designed to streamline 
and maximise the use of the Council’s 
property and ICT assets.

Strong relationships, based on mutual  
trust and respect and clarity of roles,  
are essential ingredients if a joint venture  
is to deliver excellent customer service.  
Our divisional management teams are 
responsible for relationships with our joint 
venture partners, supported by members  
of the Group Executive Committee and Board 
as appropriate. This includes holding regular 
strategy and review meetings with our 
partners.

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Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  69

 
Section 3

Principal risks and uncertainties

Serco has a well-established  
and embedded system of 
internal control, including 
(cid:192)nancial, operational and 
compliance controls and risk 
management, designed to 
safeguard shareholders’ 
investments and our assets 
and reputation. 

The Board has overall responsibility for  
our internal control system and for reviewing 
its effectiveness, and has delegated to 
management the implementation of policies 
on risk and control. 

Risk management is fundamental to how we 
manage the business. We have developed 
robust systems and processes to identify  
and manage the key risks facing each of  
our businesses and the Group as a whole, 
and all parts of the business have appropriate 
risk and crisis management plans that meet 
de(cid:192)ned policy standards. 

During the year we have implemented the 
recommendations resulting from the risk 
management review completed in 2009.  
This has seen the establishment of the Group 
Risk Management Committee, a formal 
Committee of the Executive Committee, 
which provides governance and oversight of 
risk. Further, we have changed and improved 
the approach to the assessment of risk as 
well as standardising and enhancing the 
reporting format. 

These enhancements to our risk management 
processes have been incorporated within  
our risk management policies, systems and 
processes which conform to the Combined 
Code’s requirements and form part  
of the Serco Management System (SMS).  
A comprehensive review of the SMS was 
completed in 2010. The revised SMS has 
been approved and reissued by the Board.

Such systems and processes, however,  
can only be designed to mitigate, rather  
than eliminate, the risk of failure to achieve 
business objectives, and can only provide 
reasonable and not absolute assurance, 
against misstatement or loss. The Board 
con(cid:192)rms that this process has been in place 
for the year under review and up to the date of 
approval of the annual report and accounts.

Our approach to risk within the  
Serco Management System
The SMS sets out policy standards,  
systems and processes that identify, review 
and report risks at all levels of our business 
and in the Group as a whole with the aim of 
safeguarding our shareholders’ investments 
and our assets and reputation. At each level 
within our business, risk management 
processes re(cid:193)ect the nature of the activities 
being undertaken and the business and 
operational risks inherent in them, and 
therefore the level of control considered 
necessary to protect our interests and those 
of our stakeholders. 

These risk management processes were 
subject to comprehensive review during 
2010, as part of a broader review of the SMS. 
This ensures that they re(cid:193)ect the nature of  
the activities we undertake and the business 
and operational risks inherent in them, and 
therefore the level of control we consider 
necessary to protect our interests and those 
of our stakeholders.

These controls and processes fall into  
four main areas: Identi(cid:192)cation, Assessment, 
Planning and Control, and Monitoring,  
so that we:

(cid:3)(cid:79) identify business objectives that re(cid:193)ect  
the interests of all stakeholders, and the 
risks associated with the achievement  
of these objectives

(cid:3)(cid:79) regularly assess our exposure  

to risk, including through the regular 
measurement of key risk indicators

(cid:3)(cid:79) control and reduce risk as far  
as reasonably practicable or  
achievable through cost-effective  
risk treatment options 

(cid:3)(cid:79) identify new risks as they arise and remove 
those risks that are no longer relevant

Ris(cid:78) i(cid:71)enti(cid:192)cation
In identifying the potential risks associated 
with the achievement of our business 
objectives, we consider both external factors 
arising from the environment within which  
we operate, and internal risks arising from  
the nature of our business, its controls and 
processes, and our management decisions. 

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Once identi(cid:192)ed, we document risks in risk 
registers, which are maintained at a contract, 
business unit, programme, divisional and 
Group level. These risk registers change as 
new risks emerge and existing risks diminish, 
so that the registers re(cid:193)ect the current key 
risks. We review risk registers at least 
quarterly and more frequently as required. 
The Group Risk Management Committee 
reviews the Group risk register quarterly 
ahead of formal review by the Board.

Risk assessment
We assess the potential effect of each 
identi(cid:192)ed risk on the achievement of our 
business objectives and wider stakeholder 
interests. To do so, we use a risk scoring 
system based on our assessment of the 
probability of a risk materialising and the 
effect if it does. This is assessed from 
three perspectives:

(cid:3)(cid:79) the risk’s signi(cid:192)cance to the achievement 

of our business objectives

(cid:3)(cid:79) the risk’s signi(cid:192)cance to society, including 
on public safety and the environment, and

(cid:3)(cid:79) our ability to in(cid:193)uence, control and 

mitigate the risk.

Analysis of our key risks allows us to assess 
the probability of disruption to our business 
objectives, and highlights critical areas that 
require management attention. In 2010 an 
updated risk assessment matrix has been 
implemented, providing improved clarity in 
the de(cid:192)nition of probability assessment.

Risk planning and control
We assign each identi(cid:192)ed and assessed  
risk to a risk owner, who is responsible for 
controlling and managing it and developing a 
robust and effective plan to reduce or mitigate 
the risk. Risk owners are required to report to 
the Board on speci(cid:192)c risks. The Board may 
ask for additional information or request an 
audit to provide additional assurance. 

Risk reduction involves taking early 
management action to remove or reduce 
identi(cid:192)ed risks before they can affect the 
contract or project. We consider options to 
eliminate, reduce or control the risks as part 
of the risk identi(cid:192)cation and analysis process. 

Risk mitigation involves us identifying 
appropriate measures, including contingency 
plans, to reduce the severity of the impact  
of the risks, should they occur. This includes 
developing crisis management plans in 
response to risks whose potential impact 
warrants a speci(cid:192)c management process.

The SMS requires every contract to develop  
a risk management plan re(cid:193)ecting assessed 
risks and supported by appropriate measures 
and contingency plans to mitigate the impact 
of the risks.

Risk monitoring
Changes in our external environment, internal 
structures, and management decisions may 
all affect the nature and extent of the risks  
to which the Group is exposed. 

Our risk monitoring process therefore 
regularly monitors changes to our business 
and the external environment, to ensure that 
we respond appropriately to reduce the 
impact of emerging risks. 

Principal risks
The Group risk register identi(cid:192)es the principal 
risks facing the business, including those  
that are managed directly at a Group level. 
They are managed through a formal process. 
This identi(cid:192)es the business objectives and 
the interests of shareholders and other 
stakeholders that are likely, directly or 
indirectly, to in(cid:193)uence the business’s 
performance and its value.

The Group’s key stakeholders include, but 
are not limited to, shareholders, customers, 
suppliers, staff, trade unions, government, 
regulators, banks and insurers. The way  
we operate as a responsible company 
recognises the interests of the community  
in areas such as social, environmental and 
ethical impact, as described under Corporate 
Responsibility on pages 64 to 67.

The most signi(cid:192)cant risks relate to our 
reputation, and to operational and (cid:192)nancial 
performance. A number of our risks re(cid:193)ect 
social, environmental and ethical issues, but 
these do not currently represent signi(cid:192)cant 
threats to our strategy. 

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  71

 
Section 3

Principal risks and uncertainties

Summarised on the following pages are  the 
key risks we have identi(cid:192)ed that could have a 
material impact on our reputation, our 
operations, or our (cid:192)nancial performance.

We also have material investments in a 
number of joint ventures, where we have  
joint control over management practices.  
Our representatives within these companies 
ensure that their processes and procedures 
for identifying and managing risk are 
appropriate and that internal controls exist 
and are regularly monitored. 

We keep reputational and emerging risks 
under active review and inform the Board of 
changes. Emerging risks cover longer-term 
risks that could represent a threat to our 
activities but which are not yet suf(cid:192)ciently 
de(cid:192)ned to be included as active risks. 
Examples of these risks include climate 
change and changes in key markets.

Managing and mitigating risk
Our risk management process enables us  
to understand our operational risk pro(cid:192)le. 
While operational risk can never be 
eliminated, we endeavour to minimise the 
impact by the consistent implementation  
of the SMS, ensuring that appropriate 
infrastructure, controls, systems, staff  
and processes are in place.

Some of our key management and control 
techniques de(cid:192)ned in the SMS are set 
out below:

(cid:3)(cid:79) our operating processes fully re(cid:193)ect the 
principles of clear delegation of authority 
and segregation of duties

(cid:3)(cid:79) our Group Risk Management Committee 
meets quarterly to ensure that risks, 
internal control and business assurance  
are effectively managed and reviewed

(cid:3)(cid:79) comprehensive business review 

processes ensure we meet customer 
expectations, regulatory requirements, 
and performance criteria including 
operational effectiveness, investment 
returns, cash (cid:193)ow requirements 
and pro(cid:192)tability

(cid:3)(cid:79) we monitor and regularly review key 

performance indicators. These include 
analysis of business performance and 
variances from plan, occupational health 
and safety incidents, and error and 
exception reporting

(cid:3)(cid:79) selective recruitment, succession  

planning and other human resource 
policies and practices ensure that staff 
skills are aligned with Serco’s current  
and future needs

(cid:3)(cid:79) we maintain insurance policies against 
losses arising from circumstances such 
as damage or destruction of physical 
assets, theft, legal liability for third-party 
loss and professional advice. We review 
the adequacy of our insurance cover at 
regular intervals

(cid:3)(cid:79) our Investment Committee meets regularly 
to ensure appropriate governance and the 
management of risk associated with larger 
or higher risk bids, acquisitions, disposals 
and areas of signi(cid:192)cant capital expenditure

(cid:3)(cid:79) we apply robust project management  

and change implementation disciplines to 
all major projects including new contract 
transitions, acquisitions, new technology 
applications, change programmes and 
other major initiatives

(cid:3)(cid:79) the Directors’ Report describes  

our approach to health, safety and 
environmental protection. Quali(cid:192)ed and 
experienced staff in each business unit 
provide advice and support on health, 
safety and environmental issues and 
undertake regular audits

(cid:3)(cid:79) we have safety specialists in our aviation, 

rail, defence, nuclear and marine 
businesses who report to the Board and 
maintain and further develop the very high 
standards expected in these industries

(cid:3)(cid:79) the Chief Information Of(cid:192)cer is responsible 
for ensuring that systems and processes 
are in place to ensure the con(cid:192)dentiality, 
integrity and availability of sensitive 
information and the associated 
information systems that support our 
business activities

72 

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In addition to these programmes, each 
operating division maintains a divisional risk 
register, from which we develop a divisional 
internal audit programme. This programme 
selects a number of contracts for review 
based on certain key risks. These reviews  
are completed through a self-assessment 
programme focused on testing the controls 
which manage and mitigate these key risks. 
Divisional audit committees, which track  
and report on the progress of the divisional 
internal audit programme, meet three times 
a year.

The Head of Internal Audit oversees the 
internal audit process, as well as acting as 
the conduit for sharing best practice, and 
(cid:193)agging emerging risks to ensure each part 
of the business bene(cid:192)ts from the wider scale 
of the Group’s assurance activity. 

In addition to internal audit, many parts of our 
business are subject to other reviews of their 
controls by third parties, including industry 
regulators, ISO Standards, customers and 
other external audits. This third-party scrutiny 
signi(cid:192)cantly increases the scope of auditing 
conducted across the Group each year. 

The Board con(cid:192)rms that the actions it 
considers necessary are being taken to 
remedy the failings and weaknesses which  
it has determined to be signi(cid:192)cant from its 
review of the internal controls across the 
Group. The Board con(cid:192)rms that it has not 
been advised of material weaknesses in 
(cid:192)nancial reporting as part of the review  
of the internal control system.

(cid:3)(cid:79) our Ethics Committee has responsibility 
for the review of ethical issues that may 
arise from our current and future activities

(cid:3)(cid:79) the Company Secretary manages a 

con(cid:192)dential reporting service, to which 
staff can report illegal, dangerous, 
dishonest or unethical activities. This 
process was enhanced and relaunched  
at the end of 2010

(cid:3)(cid:79) we have crisis and business continuity 
plans in place to manage crisis events, 
both within divisions and the Group.

Internal audit
An integral part of risk management is 
assurance that the controls identi(cid:192)ed to 
manage risks are operating and effective.  
The Head of Internal Audit is responsible for 
delivery of the assurance strategy, ensuring 
our assurance programme remains aligned 
to test the key controls managing the Group’s 
risks. Internal audit is delivered at three levels 
across the business:

(cid:3)(cid:79) Group internal audit

(cid:3)(cid:79) functional internal audit, and

(cid:3)(cid:79) divisional internal audit.

The Head of Internal Audit leads the  
Group internal audit programme, which  
is independently delivered by KPMG LLP.  
Its (cid:192)ndings are reported directly to the Group 
Audit Committee. In addition to the audits 
conducted by KPMG, the Head of Internal 
Audit supplements the programme by 
conducting periodic special reviews as 
requested by the Serco Group plc Board  
or Executive Committee from time to time. 

The functional internal audit programme 
supplements the Group internal audit 
programme. It addresses (cid:192)nance processes 
and controls, through a centrally provided 
audit programme delivered by divisional 
management on a peer to peer basis, as well 
as audit programmes completed by Group 
functional specialists covering health, safety 
and environment, and IT systems and 
security policy compliance. 

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Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  73

 
Section 3

Principal risks and uncertainties

Market risks

Risk

(cid:54)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:192)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:42)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)

Description/Comment

Impact

Mitigation

As a major proportion of Serco’s customers are governments and 
governmental agencies, a substantial part of the business is dependent  
on government policies, budget priorities and regulatory or political 
constraints, in particular those regarding maintaining and improving public 
infrastructure, which could have a signi(cid:192)cant impact on the size, scope, 
timing and duration of contracts and orders under them and therefore  
on the level of business that we may win. As such, these businesses  
are susceptible to changes in government, government policy, budget 
allocations and the political environment, primarily in the UK and the US. 
Any reduction in such government expenditure and funding could result  
in a suspension, cancellation, termination or non-renewal of contracts. 
Revenues may also be adversely affected by changes to the UK 
Government’s or US Government’s policy in respect of outsourcing.

(cid:3)(cid:79) Reduction in market opportunities
(cid:3)(cid:79) Changes to terms of existing  

or new contracts

(cid:3)(cid:79) Failure to meet growth  
or pro(cid:192)t expectations

(cid:3)(cid:79) Business strategy
(cid:3)(cid:79) Diverse business across 
geographies and markets
(cid:3)(cid:79) Business signi(cid:192)cantly focused 
on developed markets with 
strong and established legal 
systems providing protection  
to changes in contract terms

Risk

(cid:41)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:192)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:71)

Description/Comment

Impact

Mitigation

Failure to win material bids or renew material contracts could restrict 
growth opportunities for the future or have an adverse impact on Serco’s 
business, (cid:192)nancial condition and results of operations. Further, a 
signi(cid:192)cant number of Serco’s contracts with the UK Government, the US 
Government and other public sector customers, including renewals and 
extensions of previous contracts, are awarded through formal competitive 
bidding processes. Competitive bidding processes present a number  
of risks, including substantial cost and management time and effort to 
prepare bids and proposals for contracts that may not be won. In addition, 
there is often a long period between a successful competition tender offer 
and entering into de(cid:192)nitive contractual documentation and (cid:192)nancial close, 
and in some cases (cid:192)nancial close may not occur. 

(cid:3)(cid:79) Failure to meet growth  
or pro(cid:192)t expectations
(cid:3)(cid:79) Signi(cid:192)cant (cid:192)nancial loss  

or cost overrun

(cid:3)(cid:79) Damage to reputation  

resulting in loss of existing  
or new business

(cid:3)(cid:79) Impact on strategic objectives

(cid:3)(cid:79) Business Lifecycle Governance 
process embedded in SMS
(cid:3)(cid:79) Governance structure managed 
through Investment Committee, 
programme and project boards, 
divisional and contract boards
(cid:3)(cid:79) Business strategy and targets 

managed through internal boards

(cid:3)(cid:79) Regular review and monitoring 

of risk registers

(cid:3)(cid:79) Gate review and formal  

sign-off process

74 

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Operational risks

Risk

Any harm to the Company’s reputation could adversely impact business

Description/Comment

Impact

Mitigation

The Company is dependent on maintaining its reputation in each 
jurisdiction in which it operates in order to maintain and grow its business. 
It is exposed to the risk that litigation, misconduct, operational failures and 
negative publicity could harm its reputation. In addition, the Company’s 
reputation could also be adversely affected if its services, or the services 
performed by its subcontractors, do not perform as expected. Any harm  
to its reputation could have a material adverse effect on its business, 
(cid:192)nancial condition and results of operations.

(cid:3)(cid:79) Failure to meet growth  
or pro(cid:192)t expectations
(cid:3)(cid:79) Signi(cid:192)cant (cid:192)nancial loss  

or cost overrun

(cid:3)(cid:79) Loss of contract revenue  
related to operations and 
service charges

(cid:3)(cid:79) Damage to reputation  

resulting in loss of existing  
or new business

(cid:3)(cid:79) Robust bidding and contract 
review process including 
(cid:192)nancial, technical and 
commercial reviews

(cid:3)(cid:79) Governance structure managed 
through Investment Committee, 
programme and project boards, 
divisional and contract boards
(cid:3)(cid:79) Business strategy and targets
(cid:3)(cid:79) Regular review and monitoring 

(cid:3)(cid:79) Impact on strategic objectives

of risk registers

(cid:3)(cid:79) Gate review and formal  

sign-off process

(cid:3)(cid:79) Quality management systems

Risk

(cid:41)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:192)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:192)(cid:91)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:86)

Description/Comment

Impact

Mitigation

Serco has a number of complex programmes which it is contracted  
to deliver for the customer. These are often let on a (cid:192)xed price basis 
irrespective of the actual costs incurred, and therefore if costs exceed  
the contract ceiling the Company may not be able to obtain full 
reimbursement. Further, some projects require delivery in accordance  
with speci(cid:192)ed milestones on agreed dates. Signi(cid:192)cant adverse (cid:192)nancial 
consequences can be imposed where milestones are not met or a project 
is not delivered on time. The length and complexity of such projects mean 
that management estimates can be particularly dif(cid:192)cult to make and could 
turn out to be inaccurate.

(cid:3)(cid:79) Failure to meet growth  
or pro(cid:192)t expectations
(cid:3)(cid:79) Signi(cid:192)cant (cid:192)nancial loss  

or cost overrun

(cid:3)(cid:79) Loss of contract revenue  
related to operations and 
service charges

(cid:3)(cid:79) Damage to reputation  

resulting in loss of existing  
or new business

(cid:3)(cid:79) Impact on strategic objectives

(cid:3)(cid:79) Robust bidding and contract 
review process including 
(cid:192)nancial, technical and 
commercial reviews

(cid:3)(cid:79) Governance structure managed 
through Investment Committee, 
programme and project boards, 
divisional and contract boards

(cid:3)(cid:79) Robust cost accounting
(cid:3)(cid:79) Internal audit
(cid:3)(cid:79) Business strategy and targets
(cid:3)(cid:79) Regular review and monitoring 

of risk registers

(cid:3)(cid:79) Gate review and formal  

sign-off process

(cid:3)(cid:79) Quality management systems

Risk

(cid:41)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:192)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:92)

Description/Comment

Impact

Mitigation

To deliver our commitments we must ensure that we have ef(cid:192)cient 
operations. Our operational ef(cid:192)ciency programme facilitates delivery  
of operational change and sustainable margin improvement. Failure to 
deliver may impact our ability to deliver business commitments.

(cid:3)(cid:79) Erosion of pro(cid:192)t
(cid:3)(cid:79) Impact on competitiveness
(cid:3)(cid:79) Damage to reputation  

resulting in loss of existing  
or new business

(cid:3)(cid:79) Failure to meet customer 

expectations and 
business strategy

(cid:3)(cid:79) Business strategy and 

supporting plans

(cid:3)(cid:79) Internal governance structure
(cid:3)(cid:79) Business review
(cid:3)(cid:79) Internal audit
(cid:3)(cid:79) LEAN/Continuous Improvement 

programme

(cid:3)(cid:79) Quarterly management reporting

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Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  75

 
Section 3

Principal risks and uncertainties

Operational risks continued

Risk

Major information security breach 

Description/Comment

Impact

Mitigation

Serco must comply with restrictions on the use of con(cid:192)dential and 
classi(cid:192)ed data and provide for secure transmission of such information. 
This is a heightened risk particularly with respect to government  
contracts due to the sensitive and con(cid:192)dential nature of government  
data. Despite controls to ensure the con(cid:192)dentiality of such information, 
Serco may breach restrictions or be subject to attack from computer 
programmes that attempt to penetrate its network security and 
misappropriate con(cid:192)dential information.

(cid:3)(cid:79) Damage to reputation resulting 

in loss of existing or new 
business (disquali(cid:192)cation from 
future tenders, contract 
termination, etc.)

(cid:3)(cid:79) Impact on strategic objectives
(cid:3)(cid:79) Costly to rectify and potential for 
dilution of shareholder returns

(cid:3)(cid:79) Criminal and civil action
(cid:3)(cid:79) Contract and business external 

accreditations withdrawn
(cid:3)(cid:79) Signi(cid:192)cant media attention  

and future scrutiny

(cid:3)(cid:79) Information Systems policy, 
systems and embedded 
governance structure

(cid:3)(cid:79) Think Privacy campaign to raise 

awareness and strengthen 
control processes

(cid:3)(cid:79) User and data management 
including data encryption, 
information classi(cid:192)cation,  
data cleansing and 
password controls
(cid:3)(cid:79) ISO 27000 certi(cid:192)cation
(cid:3)(cid:79) Internal and external audit

Risk

Major IT failure or prolonged loss of critical IT systems

Description/Comment

Impact

Mitigation

The IT Strategy is focused on standardising common processes, 
establishing common business systems and enabling ways of working by 
providing and embedding tools that support what we do. Within this the 
Company has de(cid:192)ned enterprise applications. These are key information 
technology based business systems within Serco. They include SAP for 
Finance, Procurement and Human Resources; Payroll, Risk Management, 
Safety Assurance, email, intranet and Nimbus Control for Process 
Excellence systems. Failings in the systems have the potential to seriously 
impact the management of the business.

(cid:3)(cid:79) Damage to reputation  

resulting in loss of existing  
or new business

(cid:3)(cid:79) Impact on strategic objectives
(cid:3)(cid:79) Inability to meet contract 

requirements or perform core 
business processes

(cid:3)(cid:79) Costly to rectify and potential for 
dilution of shareholder returns
(cid:3)(cid:79) Signi(cid:192)cant media attention and 

future scrutiny

(cid:3)(cid:79) Information policies and 

systems and governance 
structure

(cid:3)(cid:79) Data recovery capability 
designed into systems  
and periodically tested
(cid:3)(cid:79) Design out single points 

of failure

(cid:3)(cid:79) Server and system performance 

monitoring and reporting

(cid:3)(cid:79) Capacity management
(cid:3)(cid:79) Data back-up and business 
continuity plans in place

Governance risks

Risk

(cid:54)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:192)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:88)(cid:83)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:72)

Description/Comment

Impact

Mitigation

Serco’s operations are principally in the UK, the US, Europe, the UAE, 
Australia and India. Certain of our businesses carry out work in other 
countries such as Canada, Costa Rica, Hong Kong, Afghanistan, Iraq  
and China. Operating in international markets brings with it inherent risks 
including bribery and corruption, particularly in certain developing nations. 
We recognise that proposed UK legislation around bribery and corruption  
will establish more stringent legal requirements.

(cid:3)(cid:79) Legal action and (cid:192)nes against 

(cid:3)(cid:79) Policies and systems embedded 

the Company

(cid:3)(cid:79) Disbarment from tender lists
(cid:3)(cid:79) Damage to reputation  

resulting in loss of existing  
or new business

(cid:3)(cid:79) Signi(cid:192)cant media attention  

and future scrutiny

in SMS

(cid:3)(cid:79) Code of Conduct
(cid:3)(cid:79) Ethics Committee
(cid:3)(cid:79) Speak Up process
(cid:3)(cid:79) Ethics and compliance 
programme and training

(cid:3)(cid:79) Risk assessment
(cid:3)(cid:79) Third-party contracts

76 

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Risk

Major accident or incident

Description/Comment

Impact

Mitigation

It is possible that a major catastrophic event, such as a major train 
derailment or air traf(cid:192)c accident, could occur at one of the projects in 
relation to which Serco has provided professional design, construction,  
engineering or support services. Such a catastrophic event could result  
in the personal injury or death of one or more employees of the Company, 
employees of other subcontractors working on the project or members  
of the public, signi(cid:192)cant, actionable environmental harm, and/or extensive 
damage to third-party property. In the event that such a catastrophic event 
is found or perceived to be caused by the negligence of Serco, it could 
subject the Company to claims for personal injury, wrongful death, 
property damage by customers, subcontractors, governments, employees 
or members of the public, which could lead to the payment of extensive 
damages and result in signi(cid:192)cant adverse publicity and reputational  
harm. Such adverse publicity and reputational harm could lead to a loss 
of business.

(cid:3)(cid:79) Deaths or serious injuries to 
employees or third parties
(cid:3)(cid:79) Major environmental damage
(cid:3)(cid:79) Severe (cid:192)nancial impact  

((cid:192)ne by regulators, suspension 
of operating licence, 
compensation, clean up, etc.)
(cid:3)(cid:79) Loss of business (disquali(cid:192)cation 
from future tenders, contract 
termination, etc.)

(cid:3)(cid:79) Robust management systems 
subject to external, regulatory 
and internal audit

(cid:3)(cid:79) System certi(cid:192)cation and 

regulatory approval

(cid:3)(cid:79) Formal oversight through Group 
Risk Management Committee, 
Health Safety and Environment 
Oversight Group, divisional  
and internal boards

(cid:3)(cid:79) Contract and business external 

(cid:3)(cid:79) Crisis management and business 

accreditations withdrawn
(cid:3)(cid:79) Signi(cid:192)cant media attention/

future scrutiny

continuity plans in place

(cid:3)(cid:79) Insurance
(cid:3)(cid:79) Strategy, objectives, targets  

(cid:3)(cid:79) Criminal and civil action against 

and regular reporting

Company or individuals

(cid:3)(cid:79) Formal assurance structure 
operating within de(cid:192)ned 
competencies

(cid:3)(cid:79) Staff induction and training

Risk

(cid:54)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:192)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:74)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:69)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)

Description/Comment

Impact

Mitigation

We must understand our environmental impacts, manage them and 
measure our performance to demonstrate improvement. Fuel poverty  
is likely to signi(cid:192)cantly impact energy prices. Increases in energy costs  
are conservatively estimated at 10% per year for many years to come.  
We need to make sure we are managing our consumption to minimise  
the cost and reduce our carbon emissions. We also need to recognise  
and respond to increasing legislation. For example the UK Government’s 
Carbon Reduction Commitment.

(cid:3)(cid:79) Legal action and (cid:192)nes against 

(cid:3)(cid:79) Environmental policy 

the Company

(cid:3)(cid:79) Signi(cid:192)cant (cid:192)nancial loss
(cid:3)(cid:79) Disbarment from tender lists
(cid:3)(cid:79) Damage to reputation  

resulting in loss of existing  
or new business

(cid:3)(cid:79) Signi(cid:192)cant media attention  

and future scrutiny

and systems 

(cid:3)(cid:79) Environment Oversight Group
(cid:3)(cid:79) Aspects and impacts 

assessment

(cid:3)(cid:79) ISO 14001
(cid:3)(cid:79) Carbon Trust Standard
(cid:3)(cid:79) Reporting methodology 

and systems

(cid:3)(cid:79) Environmental strategy 
objectives and targets 

Risk

(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:90)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)

Description/Comment

Impact

Mitigation

Serco must comply with laws and regulations relating to the formation, 
administration and performance of government contracts that affect  
how it does business and may impose added costs. Further, it is required 
to obtain environmental and safety permits from various government 
authorities which require periodic renewal or review of their conditions. 
Failure to comply with any of these regulations could result in civil and 
criminal penalties and administrative sanctions, including termination  
of contracts, forfeiture of pro(cid:192)ts, harm to its reputation, suspension of 
payments, (cid:192)nes and suspension or debarment from doing business 
with government.

(cid:3)(cid:79) Substantial monetary damages 

(cid:3)(cid:79) Policies and systems embedded 

or criminal violations
(cid:3)(cid:79) Damage to reputation  

resulting in loss of existing  
or new business

(cid:3)(cid:79) Disbarment from tender lists
(cid:3)(cid:79) Signi(cid:192)cant media attention  

and future scrutiny

in SMS

(cid:3)(cid:79) Code of Conduct
(cid:3)(cid:79) Risk assessment
(cid:3)(cid:79) Third-party contracts
(cid:3)(cid:79) System certi(cid:192)cation and 

regulatory approval
(cid:3)(cid:79) Internal board and 

governance structure

(cid:3)(cid:79) Staff induction and training

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Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  77

 
Section 3

Principal risks and uncertainties

People risks

Risk

Failure to attract and retain senior management and other key employees

Description/Comment

Impact

Mitigation

The success of the Company depends on the efforts, abilities, experience 
and expertise of the senior management teams and on recruiting, 
retaining, motivating, effectively communicating with and developing  
highly skilled and competent people at all levels of the organisation.  
There can be intense competition for personnel from other companies and 
organisations and there may at any time be shortages in the availability of 
appropriately skilled people at all levels within Serco. Further, the Company 
cannot guarantee the retention of such key executives and technical 
personnel. The failure of the Company to retain and/or recruit additional  
or substitute senior managers and/or other key employees could have  
a material adverse effect on its business. 

(cid:3)(cid:79) Increased cost in recruitment 
activity and time taken to 
(cid:192)ll roles

(cid:3)(cid:79) Instability and loss of 
business continuity

(cid:3)(cid:79) Dilution of brand and values
(cid:3)(cid:79) Reduced employee 

engagement through loss  
of compelling leadership
(cid:3)(cid:79) Strengthen competitors  
(loss of leaders to them)

(cid:3)(cid:79) Impact on business –  

risk of not achieving level  
of planned growth

(cid:3)(cid:79) People policies and  

systems, strategy and targets 
supported by governance 
structure including 
Remuneration Committee

(cid:3)(cid:79) Succession planning
(cid:3)(cid:79) Leadership model
(cid:3)(cid:79) Annual external (independent) 

remuneration review

(cid:3)(cid:79) Job structure and 
grading system

(cid:3)(cid:79) Talent database and leadership 

development programme
(cid:3)(cid:79) Employment engagement 
strategy including annual 
staff survey

Risk

Failure to manage union/industrial relations

Description/Comment

Impact

Mitigation

A signi(cid:192)cant number of Serco’s employees are members of trade unions  
in the United Kingdom and a number are members of trade unions in the 
United States and other countries. These include operations where a 
failure to manage relationships may result in industrial action by Serco  
staff in high-pro(cid:192)le business operations, i.e. where there will be signi(cid:192)cant 
reputational damage, client or media attention. Some sectors of the 
business are subject to union recognition agreements. The Company 
maintains a number of relationships with trade unions and staff through 
work councils and other bodies.

(cid:3)(cid:79) Failure to deliver contractual 

(cid:3)(cid:79) Policies and systems embedded 

requirements

(cid:3)(cid:79) Instability and loss of 
business continuity

(cid:3)(cid:79) Dilution of brand and values
(cid:3)(cid:79) Reduced employee 

engagement 

(cid:3)(cid:79) Damage to reputation  

resulting in loss of existing  
or new business

(cid:3)(cid:79) Signi(cid:192)cant media attention  

and future scrutiny

in SMS

(cid:3)(cid:79) Industrial Relations strategy
(cid:3)(cid:79) Industrial Relations 
Working Group 

(cid:3)(cid:79) Stakeholder management  

of key relationships

(cid:3)(cid:79) Annual external (independent) 

remuneration review

(cid:3)(cid:79) Job structure and 
grading system

(cid:3)(cid:79) Employment engagement 

strategy

Finance risks

Risk

The impairment of goodwill could adversely impact reported results

Description/Comment

Impact

Mitigation

Goodwill accounts for approximately one-third of the Serco Group’s 
recorded total assets as at 31 December 2010. Serco evaluates goodwill 
for impairment annually, or more frequently when evidence of potential 
impairment exists. Any decrease in expected cash (cid:193)ows or a deterioration 
in market conditions could require Serco to record future impairment 
charges that could have a material impact on the (cid:192)nancial position and 
results of operations.

(cid:3)(cid:79) Inability to meet pro(cid:192)t 

expectations

(cid:3)(cid:79) Damage to reputation and 
shareholder con(cid:192)dence

(cid:3)(cid:79) Impact on strategic objectives

(cid:3)(cid:79) Internal board and 

governance structure

(cid:3)(cid:79) Strategic plans
(cid:3)(cid:79) Business plans
(cid:3)(cid:79) Business Lifecycle 

Governance process

(cid:3)(cid:79) Financial review and reporting

78 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

Serco_AR10_Section3g.indd   78

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Risk

(cid:36)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:86)

Description/Comment

Impact

Mitigation

Serco operates de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t pension schemes for qualifying employees 
of its subsidiaries in the UK and other European countries. In addition,  
we have interests in joint ventures, which operate de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t schemes 
for qualifying employees. The nature of a de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t scheme means 
that the funding levels of the schemes are subject to factors outside 
Serco’s control which could create or impact a de(cid:192)cit in the scheme at 
future actuarial valuations. If the de(cid:192)cit in the scheme increases at future 
actuarial valuations, the Group may be required to make additional cash 
contributions to the schemes in the future, preventing the use of cash  
for other purposes, which could have a material impact on the Group’s 
business, (cid:192)nancial condition and results of operations over the long term.

(cid:3)(cid:79) Inability to meet pro(cid:192)t 

expectations

(cid:3)(cid:79) Actuarial assessment of 

scheme liabilities

(cid:3)(cid:79) Increase in cash contributions  

(cid:3)(cid:79) Appropriate investment 

to our pension schemes

management

(cid:3)(cid:79) HR policy, systems and 

governance structure including 
Remuneration Committee  
and Board of Pension Trustees
(cid:3)(cid:79) Annual external (independent) 

remuneration review

(cid:3)(cid:79) Industrial Relations strategy
(cid:3)(cid:79) Independent measurement  

of asset returns

(cid:3)(cid:79) Internal audit

Risk

(cid:41)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:71)

Description/Comment

Impact

Mitigation

The international nature of Serco’s business means it is exposed to 
(cid:193)uctuations in foreign currency exchange rates in relation to various 
currencies, primarily the US dollar, the Australian dollar and the Euro, 
arising from the translation of earnings. In addition, some of Serco’s  
bank debt is denominated in currencies other than pound Sterling.

(cid:3)(cid:79) Material effect on the Group’s 
future results of operations  
and (cid:192)nancial position

(cid:3)(cid:79) The Group hedges short-term 

transaction risks that are 
material in value

(cid:3)(cid:79) Management of translational risk 
by the part currency matching  
of borrowings with the net 
assets of overseas subsidiaries

Risk

Fluctuations in interest rates

Description/Comment

Impact

Mitigation

Historically, Serco has (cid:192)nanced its operations partly through cash (cid:193)ow 
generated by bank debt. Adverse movements in interest rates could 
therefore impact pro(cid:192)tability and net assets.

(cid:3)(cid:79) Inability to meet 

pro(cid:192)t expectations 

(cid:3)(cid:79) Impact on competitiveness
(cid:3)(cid:79) Impact net assets

(cid:3)(cid:79) Fixed rate debt instruments  
and interest rate derivatives  
that swap (cid:193)oating for (cid:192)xed rates 

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Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  79

 
Section 4

Corporate Governance Report 

Introduction
In managing the affairs of the Group, the Board of Serco Group plc is committed to achieving high standards of corporate governance, integrity 
and business ethics for all its activities around the world. A fundamental part of the Group’s corporate governance processes is the Business 
Conduct and Ethics Standard that the Company and Group have adopted. 

Throughout 2010 Serco Group plc complied fully with the provisions of Section 1 of the 2008 Combined Code on Corporate Governance issued 
by the Financial Reporting Council (the Code). The paragraphs below, together with the ‘Our performance’ section on pages 16 to 79 and the 
Remuneration Report on pages 92 to 103, provide details of how the Company has applied the principles and complies with the provisions of  
the Code. 

In May 2010 the Financial Reporting Council published a new code, the UK Corporate Governance Code (the Governance Code) which 
replaces the Code for (cid:192)nancial years beginning on or after 29 June 2010. The FRC has stated that changes have been made to help company 
boards to become more effective and more accountable to shareholders. In light of the Governance Code we are reviewing and will introduce 
additional elements of governance and internal control processes as appropriate. For example, the Board has decided that all Directors should 
stand for re-election on an annual basis, commencing at the Company’s Annual General Meeting in May 2011.

The Board of Directors

Board composition
Currently the Board has six members: the Chairman, two Executive Directors and three Non-Executive Directors. Two Non-Executive Directors 
retired at the end of 2010; as at the date of this report one new Non-Executive Director has been appointed and an externally-led recruitment 
process is ongoing for at least one other. No individual or group of individuals dominates the Board’s decision-making. The Board considers  
all of the Non-Executive Directors to be independent. In coming to this conclusion the Board has determined that each Director is independent 
in character and judgement and there are no relationships or circumstances which are likely to affect, or could appear to affect, the  
Directors’ judgements.

Each Director brings a valuable range of experience and expertise to the Board. The pro(cid:192)les of all Directors can be found on pages 90 and 91. 

The role of the Board
The Board has responsibility for the overall management and performance of the Group, the approval of its long-term objectives and 
commercial strategy and for ensuring that any necessary corrective action is taken promptly. Reporting to the Board, the Governance function is 
tasked by the Group to develop and oversee corporate processes for the identi(cid:192)cation and management of business risks and the appropriate 
application of the Serco Management System (SMS) and corporate responsibility activities throughout the Group. The ‘Our performance’ section 
on pages 16 to 79 details the internal control and risk policies, procedures and management framework adopted by the Group. The Corporate 
Responsibility Review is available online at www.serco.com and illustrates how Serco’s approach to corporate assurance and responsibility 
translates from the Board into everyday working practices. 

Con(cid:193)icts of interest
The Company’s Articles of Association, as approved by shareholders at the Company’s 2010 annual general meeting, include provisions 
re(cid:193)ecting recommended practice concerning con(cid:193)icts of interest. The Board has in place procedures for Directors to report any potential 
or actual con(cid:193)icts to the other members of the Board for their authorisation where appropriate. In deciding whether to authorise a con(cid:193)ict or 
potential con(cid:193)ict of interest only non-interested Directors (i.e. those that have no interest in the matter under consideration) will be able to 
take the relevant decision; in taking the decision the Directors must act in a way they consider, in good faith, will be most likely to promote the 
Company’s success. In addition, the Directors may impose conditions or limitations when giving authorisation if they think this is appropriate. 

The process of reviewing con(cid:193)icts disclosed, and authorisations given, is repeated at least annually. Any con(cid:193)icts or potential con(cid:193)icts 
considered by the Board and any authorisations given are recorded in the Board minutes and in a Register of Directors’ Con(cid:193)icts which is 
maintained by the Company Secretary.

Reserved and delegated authorities
There is a formal schedule of matters reserved to the Board. This schedule, which is reviewed annually, includes approval of: 

(cid:79)(cid:3) Group strategy 
(cid:79)(cid:3) Annual (cid:192)nancial and operating plans
(cid:79)(cid:3) Major capital expenditure, acquisitions or divestments
(cid:79)(cid:3) Annual and half-year (cid:192)nancial results
(cid:79)(cid:3) Satisfying itself as to the integrity of (cid:192)nancial information
(cid:79)(cid:3) Dividend policy
(cid:79)(cid:3) Ensuring adequate succession planning for the Board and senior management and appointing and removing Directors, the Company 

Secretary and Committee members

(cid:79)(cid:3) Treasury policy
(cid:79)(cid:3) Review of the effectiveness of the Group’s system of internal control and risk management process
(cid:79)(cid:3) Training and development of the Board and the Company Secretary.

Other speci(cid:192)c responsibilities are delegated to Board Committees which operate within clearly de(cid:192)ned terms of reference. Details of the 
responsibilities delegated to the Committees are given on pages 83 and 84.

80 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:27)(cid:19)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

Information (cid:193)o(cid:90)
Senior executives below Board level attend certain Board meetings at which they make presentations on the results and strategies of their 
divisional units and functional areas of the Group. Board members are given appropriate documents in advance of each Board meeting and 
each Committee meeting, as appropriate. 

Historically, Board meetings have been held four times a year over two days at a time; from 2011 onwards an additional two Board meetings will 
be held for one day each which will focus on strategy development for both the Group and individual divisions. Board meetings are structured 
to allow open discussion of the strategy, trading and (cid:192)nancial performance and risk management of the Group. Board and Committee meetings 
are held at varying locations and the opportunity is used to combine the formal business of the Board with site visits and divisional presentations 
and discussions. Additional Board meetings are scheduled as required.

The attendance of individual Directors at Board meetings held during the year is shown in the table on page 82.

Company Secretary and independent advice
The Company Secretary is responsible for advising the Board on all corporate governance matters, ensuring both that all Board procedures are 
followed and good information (cid:193)ow and facilitating induction programmes for Directors. All Directors have access to the advice and services of 
the Company Secretary. 

The Board has approved a procedure for Directors to take independent professional advice, if necessary, at the Company’s expense.

Chairman and Chief Executive
The roles of the Chairman and the Chief Executive are separately held and the division of their responsibilities is clearly established, set out in 
writing, and agreed by the Board.

As Chairman, Alastair Lyons is responsible for: 

(cid:79)(cid:3) Ensuring the effectiveness and successful operation of the Board, its agenda and processes 
(cid:79)(cid:3) Promoting the highest standards of corporate governance and ensuring appropriate communication with shareholders on these standards 

and the Group’s overall performance

(cid:79)(cid:3) Ensuring appropriate Director training and development takes place 
(cid:79)(cid:3) Board succession planning.

The Chief Executive, Christopher Hyman, is responsible for: 

(cid:79)(cid:3) The formation and implementation of the Group’s global strategy 
(cid:79)(cid:3) Delivery of the Group’s business plan
(cid:79)(cid:3) Providing motivation and leadership to the operating divisions, chairing the Executive Committee and setting its style and tone
(cid:79)(cid:3) Setting the overall policy and direction of Serco’s business operations, investments and other activities within a framework of prudent and 

effective risk management and ensuring that divisions and functions control those risks satisfactorily

(cid:79)(cid:3) Providing leadership and representation of the Group with major customers, shareholders and industry organisations.

Senior Independent Director
Following the retirement of Margaret Ford, who served as Senior Independent Director throughout 2010, David Richardson was appointed to 
that role in January 2011. As part of this role, David is available to shareholders if they have any issues or wish to discuss any aspects of the 
Company’s business without the Executive Directors or Chairman present. 

External directorships for Executive Directors
The Board considers that Executive Directors can gain valuable experience and knowledge through appropriate and limited non-executive 
appointments in other listed companies or independent sector organisations. The Board is careful to ensure that any such appointments do not 
compromise the effective management of the Group and that these are approved in advance of any appointments being taken up. Details of the 
fees received by Executive Directors for external appointments can be found in the Remuneration Report on page 96. 

Signi(cid:192)cant other commitments of the Chairman
Alastair Lyons is non-executive Chairman of Admiral Group plc, Deputy Chairman and Senior Independent Director of Bovis Homes Group PLC, 
Senior Independent Director of Phoenix Group Holdings, and a non-executive director of the Towergate Insurance Group.

The Board believes that Alastair holds a well-balanced portfolio of positions which allow him to perform his duties as Chairman appropriately.

Re-election of Directors
The Company’s Articles of Association stipulate that each Director shall retire (but be eligible for re-election) at the annual general meeting 
held in the third calendar year following the year in which he or she was elected or last re-elected by the Company. Any Directors appointed by 
the Board since the last annual general meeting must stand for re-election at the next annual general meeting. Any Non-Executive Directors, 
excluding the Chairman, who have served for more than nine years will be subject to annual re-election.

In accordance with provisions contained within the Governance Code and applying to the Company from 2011, all Directors will be retiring and 
standing for re-election at the 2011 Annual General Meeting. Their names are set out in the Notice of Annual General Meeting. Furthermore, all 
Directors standing for re-election will do so on an annual basis at each subsequent annual general meeting.

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  81

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:27)(cid:20)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

 
 
Section 4

Corporate Governance Report 

The Non-Executive Directors 
Independence
All the Non-Executive Directors are independent of management and have no cross-directorships or signi(cid:192)cant links which could materially 
interfere with the exercise of independent judgement. 

Term of appointment
All Non-Executive Directors are appointed for an initial term of three years. Thereafter, subject to satisfactory performance, they may serve one or 
two additional three-year terms, with a thorough review of their continued independence and suitability to continue as Non-Executive Directors 
being undertaken if they are to remain on the Board for more than nine years. The terms and conditions of the appointment of the Directors are 
summarised in the Remuneration Report on page 97 and are available on request from the Company Secretary. 

Meetings of Non-Executive Directors
Non-Executive Directors meet separately (without the Chairman or Executive Directors being present) at least once a year principally to appraise 
the Chairman’s performance. This meeting is chaired by the Senior Independent Director. This took place in 2010 in respect of Kevin Beeston’s 
tenure as Chairman of the Company. The performance of the current Chairman will be assessed on completion of his (cid:192)rst year in position  
in 2011.

Board meetings and attendance
From 2011 the Board will hold its meetings on a bi-monthly basis with ad hoc meetings in between if required. The frequency and content of 
Board meetings are reviewed by the Board annually. 

The attendance of the individual Directors at Board and Committee meetings of which they were members during 2010 was as follows:

Kevin Beeston 
Alastair Lyons 
Tom Corcoran 
Christopher Hyman 
Andrew Jenner 
Leonard V. Broese van Groenou  
Margaret Ford 
David Richardson 

Board 

(5 meetings)  

Audit 
(3 meetings) 

Remuneration 
(4 meetings) 

Nomination
(2 meetings)

2 (2) 
4 (4) 
5 
5 
5 
5 
5 
5 

n/a 
n/a 
3 
n/a 
n/a 
3 
3 
3 

n/a 
n/a 
3 
n/a 
n/a 
4 
4 
4 

- (1)
1 (1)
2
n/a
n/a
2
2
2

Notes:
1.  n/a means that the speci(cid:192)ed Director is not a member of that Committee, although he or she may attend meetings at the invitation of the Chairman of  

the Committee.

2.  Where a number is given in brackets against a Director’s attendance, this is the number of meetings which took place during their tenure. 

Board effectiveness
Induction
On joining the Board, Directors are given background information describing the Company and its activities. They receive an induction pack 
which includes information on all the governance processes of the Group, the roles and responsibilities of the Board, Committees and other 
management teams and a range of other appropriate information about the Group, its activities and its advisors. Meetings are arranged with a 
range of key people from across the Group on a structured basis to assist with a Director’s induction. Visits are also arranged, where possible, 
to a number of contracts around the country. In 2010 Alastair Lyons completed an exceptionally thorough programme of meetings and site 
visits, both in the UK and overseas, meeting management and employees of the Group as well as other key external stakeholders such as the 
external auditors and Company brokers. 

Continued professional development
During 2010 the Board members were all engaged in a range of training and professional development activities. In October 2010, the Audit 
Committee attended an internal workshop to gain an in depth understanding of the Group-wide Internal Audit approach, its effectiveness and 
relationship with the wider governance framework including the SMS and Risk Management methodology.

The Board considers the training needs of the Executive and Non-Executive Directors plus the Company Secretary. All Board members 
are encouraged to attend relevant training courses at the Company’s expense. The development needs of the Directors and the Company 
Secretary fall within the remit of the Chairman who reviews and agrees these individually.

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Performance evaluation 
The Group recognises the importance of a comprehensive evaluation process for the Board and ensures that comments and recommendations 
are considered carefully and implemented where appropriate to ensure its continued development. A formal evaluation has been undertaken 
of the performance of the Board and its Committees during 2010. The evaluation was performed in November 2010 by all Directors through 
the completion of an evaluation questionnaire followed by one-to-one meetings as appropriate. Matters covered by the Board questionnaire 
included: the effectiveness and frequency of board meetings; risk and risk management; Group strategy; the structure and composition 
of the Board including diversity and the skill-set and experience of its members; stakeholder engagement; and a traditional analysis of its 
strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats.  There was general agreement that, overall, the Board and its Committees continued to operate 
effectively throughout the period. It was noted that the Board was in a transitional period, both in terms of being led by a new Chairman and 
the recruitment of new Non-Executive Directors following retirements, and the effective induction and integration of the latter were cited as key 
determinants of the continuing successful operation of the Board.

The Directors continue to believe the openness and experience of the Board members are key strengths. Directors feel well informed and 
believe that key issues such as risk and strategy are very well managed within rigorous processes, with suf(cid:192)cient opportunity for challenge and 
debate. The increased number of Board meetings proposed from 2011 onwards was noted as a development that would further strengthen the 
robustness of the Company’s stewardship and deepen the understanding by, and communication between, Board members. 

The gender imbalance of the Board, following the retirement of Margaret Ford, was noted as part of the evaluation. The Board is fully supportive 
of the emphasis placed on diversity, in particular gender diversity, within the Governance Code and this is a focus in the current recruitment of 
Non-Executive Directors to the Board.

The use of an external facilitator was considered for the evaluation of the Board and all its Committees. However, as the Board had undergone  
a number of changes during 2010 it was considered to be more appropriate to undertake an externally facilitated evaluation in 2011.  Further, it 
is the Board’s intention to comply with the requirements of the Governance Code and carry out such an external evaluation at least once every 
three years. 

In addition, an evaluation of the Chairman’s performance led by the Senior Independent Director (taking into account the views of both the  
Non-Executive and Executive Directors) was carried out during the year for Kevin Beeston and will be for the new Chairman, Alastair Lyons, 
during 2011. 

Board Committees
The Board has delegated authority to a number of permanent Committees to deal with matters in accordance with written terms of reference. 
The terms of reference for all Committees are reviewed on a regular basis by the Board to ensure they are still appropriate and re(cid:193)ect any 
changes in good practice and governance; these are available online at www.serco.com. 

Committees are authorised to obtain outside legal or other independent professional advice if they consider it necessary. 

The Audit Committee and Audit Committee Report
Membership: The Audit Committee consists solely of independent Non-Executive Directors. It is chaired by David Richardson and comprises 
Leonard V. Broese van Groenou and, since February 2011, Paul Brooks. Margaret Ford and Tom Corcoran served on the Committee  
throughout 2010. 

The Chairman of the Committee has recent and relevant experience for this role. The Audit Committee met three times during the year. At the 
invitation of the Committee, the Finance Director, the Head of Internal Audit, KPMG LLP (the Group’s internal audit providers), and Deloitte LLP 
(the external auditor) attend meetings. The Committee meets with each of the internal auditors, external auditor and the Head of Internal Audit 
separately at least once a year. All Directors have access to the minutes of the Audit Committee meetings. 

Responsibilities: The main responsibilities of the Audit Committee are: 

(cid:79)(cid:3) To monitor the integrity of the (cid:192)nancial statements of the Company, including interim management statements, and any formal 

announcements relating to the Company’s (cid:192)nancial performance, reviewing signi(cid:192)cant (cid:192)nancial reporting judgements contained in them
(cid:79)(cid:3) To monitor and review the internal audit programme and ensure that the internal audit function is adequately resourced and has appropriate 

standing with the Company 

(cid:79)(cid:3) To review management’s and the internal auditors’ reports on the effectiveness of systems for internal (cid:192)nancial control, (cid:192)nancial reporting and 

risk management

(cid:79)(cid:3) To consider the appointment, reappointment and removal of the external auditor and assess independence and objectivity of the external 
auditor, ensuring that key partners are rotated at appropriate intervals and relevant UK professional and regulatory requirements are taken 
into account

(cid:79)(cid:3) To recommend the audit fee to the Board and pre-approve any fees in respect of non-audit services provided by the external auditor and to 

ensure that the provision of non-audit services does not impair the external auditor’s independence or objectivity

(cid:79)(cid:3) To discuss with the external auditor, before the audit commences, the nature and scope of the audit and to review the auditor’s quality control 

procedures and steps taken by the auditor to respond to changes in regulatory and other requirements

(cid:79)(cid:3) To oversee the process for selecting the external auditor and make appropriate recommendations through the Board to the shareholders to 

consider at the annual general meeting.

Additionally, in accordance with the Combined Code, the Committee is responsible for a formal whistle-blowing policy and procedure which 
applies throughout the Group. Responsibility for the operation of this policy has been delegated to the Company Secretary. 

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

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Section 4

Corporate Governance Report 

Members of the Audit Committee have received updates on accounting standards and generally accepted accounting practice on a quarterly 
basis as part of the Finance Director’s report to the Board, and also on a half-yearly basis from the external auditor.

During 2010 the Audit Committee discharged fully its responsibilities listed above and, in doing so, considered the following:

(cid:79)(cid:3) Corporate Governance Report and statement of Directors’ Responsibilities for inclusion in the 2009 Annual Review and Accounts
(cid:79)(cid:3) 2010 Half-year Report and Auditor’s report thereon
(cid:79)(cid:3) 2010 external audit fees
(cid:79)(cid:3) Review of and enhancement to the whistle-blowing process
(cid:79)(cid:3) Assessment of the Audit Committee 
(cid:79)(cid:3) 2010 internal audit programme and the proposed 2011 programme 
(cid:79)(cid:3) The continuing independence of the external auditor.

Non-audit services: The Committee has recon(cid:192)rmed its policy on the provision of audit and non-audit services by Deloitte LLP. It determined 
three categories of services: Approved (e.g. audit and related assurance services), Permitted (e.g. tax compliance and due diligence) and Not 
Permitted (e.g. design/implementation of (cid:192)nancial information systems and quasi management services). The Committee, the Company, and 
Deloitte LLP all monitor compliance with the policy and review at each meeting the fees earned and the estimates for the year. 

The Group has complied with the policy throughout the year. Where appropriate, non-audit services have been provided by companies other 
than Deloitte LLP to safeguard auditor objectivity and independence. 

Auditor’s independence: The independence, objectivity and effectiveness of the external auditor have been examined by the Committee and 
discussions were held regarding their terms of engagement and remuneration. The appointment of Senior Statutory Auditor is rotated every 
(cid:192)ve years. As such the 2010 audit will be the (cid:192)rst of Richard Knights’ tenure following his appointment to the role at the end of Nigel Mercer’s 
in 2010. There are no contractual obligations that restrict the Company’s current choice of external auditor. The Committee recommended to 
the Board that Deloitte LLP be proposed for reappointment at the forthcoming 2011 Annual General Meeting. This recommendation has been 
accepted and will be proposed to shareholders.

The Nomination Committee
Membership: The Nomination Committee is chaired by Alastair Lyons and comprises David Richardson, Leonard V. Broese van Groenou and 
Paul Brooks. The Committee met twice during 2010. Margaret Ford and Tom Corcoran served on the Committee throughout 2010 and Kevin 
Beeston was also a member during his tenure in 2010.

Responsibilities: Matters considered during the year included succession and contingency planning, Board structure and composition and the 
appointment of successors to Kevin Beeston, Margaret Ford and Tom Corcoran.  

The Committee has responsibility for the identi(cid:192)cation and nomination, for the approval of the Board, of candidates to (cid:192)ll board vacancies as 
and when they arise, engaging external search consultants as and when necessary. 

The Nominations Committee completed a robust tender process which resulted in relevant (cid:192)rms of external executive search consultants being 
engaged for the appointment of the new Chairman and new Non-Executive Directors. In consultation with the chosen search consultants, 
speci(cid:192)cations were drawn up of the roles and attributes were identi(cid:192)ed that were felt to be essential for their effective performance, including 
what would be considered acceptable in terms of time commitment.   

The Remuneration Committee
Details of the Remuneration Committee and its policies together with the Directors’ remuneration, emoluments and interests in the Company’s 
share capital are set out in the Remuneration Report on pages 92 to 103.

Executive Committees
Throughout 2010, a new Executive Committee has operated, which is chaired by the Chief Executive and comprises 11 other members, 
including the Group Finance Director, Regional Chief Executives and other selected Corporate function heads. The Committee has delegated 
responsibility from the Board to ensure the effective direction and control of the business and to deliver the Group’s long-term strategy 
and goals. The Committee met ten times during the year to review the Group’s activities and discuss management and operational issues. 
Representatives from across the Serco business were invited to the meetings, as appropriate, to discuss aspects of their business or give 
presentations on speci(cid:192)c topics. 

Relationship with shareholders
The Company’s relationship with shareholders is given a high priority. The Annual report and accounts is available to all shareholders both in 
hard copy and online at www.serco.com.

We no longer produce a printed report of our half-year results. Instead, a letter summarising these results is issued to shareholders and a copy 
of the full stock exchange announcement is available on request. 

Regular trading updates are published ahead of close periods and before the annual general meeting by press release. In addition, press 
releases and stock exchange announcements are made regarding signi(cid:192)cant contracts or transactions. All trading announcements are also 
posted on the Group’s website www.serco.com.

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Annual general meeting
Individual shareholders have the opportunity at the annual general meeting to question the Chairman and, through him, the Chairs of the various 
Board Committees and other Directors. Details of the meeting are set out in the notice of annual general meeting which is sent to shareholders 
and which contains the text of the resolutions to be proposed and explanatory notes. For the (cid:192)rst time, in 2010 shareholders attending the 
AGM were invited to vote by means of a poll. A poll re(cid:193)ects the number of voting rights exercisable by each member and is considered by the 
Board to be a more democratic method of voting. Such poll voting will again take place at the 2011 AGM. Shareholders are advised of the total 
number of votes lodged for each resolution, in the categories ‘for’ and ‘against’ together with the number of ‘votes withheld’. This information is 
also posted on the Group’s website www.serco.com. 

Institutional investors
The Chief Executive and Finance Director have regular dialogue with institutional investors. The Chairman also meets with institutional investors 
from time to time as appropriate. The Company’s investor relations programme and day-to-day activities are managed by the Head of Investor 
Relations. As part of the role of Senior Independent Director, David Richardson is also available to meet shareholders, as Margaret Ford was 
throughout her tenure, should it be required.

The Board receives an investor relations report at each meeting. This reviews share price movements and valuation, changes in the share 
register, the Company’s recent and planned investor relations activities, communication with shareholders, analyst recommendations and 
signi(cid:192)cant news from the market and support services sector. The report ensures that the Board has a clear understanding of the Company’s 
investor relations performance. 

Group website
The Group website www.serco.com is a primary source of information on the Group. The site includes an area tailored for investors, including 
information such as an archive of all reports, announcements, presentations and webcasts, share price tools, the terms of reference for all 
Board Committees, the Corporate Responsibility Review, and information on voting at the annual general meeting. It also has a link directly to 
the Company’s registrars, allowing shareholders to view their shareholding online and to vote on the resolutions set out in the notice of annual 
general meeting.

Business conduct
Serco Group operates within a management system that de(cid:192)nes the policies, standards and processes to be applied wherever we operate. 
Integral to this is our policy on Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all business divisions, operating companies and business units 
throughout the world. This policy outlines the Group’s position on a wide range of ethical and legal issues including con(cid:193)icts of interest, (cid:192)nancial 
inducements, human rights and legal and regulatory compliance. It applies to Directors and to all employees regardless of their position or 
location. Recognising that ethical dilemmas may arise in a growing company the Group has an ethics consultation process that is to be followed 
to determine the Group’s position on particular issues. To support this process an Ethics Committee, comprising members of the executive 
team with a quorum of three and chaired by the Marketing Director, meets as required, usually monthly. As the leadership of the Company, the 
executive team will make any (cid:192)ne judgements about what it considers acceptable or otherwise. 

In 2010 Serco undertook a review of its whistle-blowing service and introduced a new, outsourced, Ethics Hotline for employees to report any 
concerns they may have, or report any wrongdoing, that they do not feel able to raise with their line manager, human resources colleagues or 
through other reporting channels. In addition to the Hotline, which is available toll-free worldwide in several languages, employees can also 
make reports via email or the internet. The Company Secretary investigates independently any issues raised and reports back to the Board. 
Reports can be made anonymously and without fear of retaliation. The Group maintains a position of impartiality with respect to party politics. 
Accordingly, it does not contribute funds to any political party. It does, however, contribute to the public debate of policy issues that may affect it 
in the countries in which it operates. 

Internal control and risk management
Further to the comments above regarding Governance, details of the Group’s internal control and risk management processes are  
contained in pages 70 to 79 of the ‘Our performance’ section. The Board con(cid:192)rms that the actions it considers necessary have been taken 
to remedy any failings and weaknesses which it has determined to be signi(cid:192)cant from its review of the Group’s internal controls and risk 
management processes.

Going concern
The Directors have acknowledged the guidance on going concern and (cid:192)nancial reporting published by the Financial Reporting Council in 
October 2009. This is discussed in the Finance Review starting on page 52. 

Approved by the Board of Directors and signed on its behalf by:

Joanne Roberts
Secretary
1 March 2011

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Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  85

 
Section 4

Directors’ Report 

Annual report and accounts
The Directors have pleasure in presenting the Annual report and accounts of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2010. Comparative 
(cid:192)gures used in this report are for the year ended 31 December 2009. The Corporate Governance Report set out on pages 80 to 85 forms part of 
the Statutory Directors’ Report.

Activities
Serco Group plc is a holding company which operates via its subsidiaries and its joint ventures to improve services by managing people, 
processes, technology and assets more effectively. Serco supports governments, agencies and companies who seek a trusted partner with a 
solid track record of providing assured service excellence. Our people offer operational, management and consulting expertise in the aviation, 
BPO, defence, education, environmental services, facilities management, health, home affairs, information and communications technology, 
knowledge services, local government, science and nuclear, transport, welfare to work and the commercial sectors.

The Chairman’s Statement and the remainder of the ‘Our performance’ section on pages 16 to 79 report on the activities during the year, post 
balance sheet events, and likely future developments. The information in these reports which is required to ful(cid:192)l the requirements of the Business 
Review is incorporated in this Directors’ Report by reference. 

Share capital
The issued share capital of the Company, together with the details of shares issued during the year is shown in note 28 to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

The powers of the Directors to issue or buy back shares are restricted to that approved at the Company’s annual general meeting.

The rules relating to the appointment and replacement of Directors are contained in the Company’s Articles of Association. Changes to the 
Articles of Association must be approved by the shareholders in accordance with the legislation in force from time to time.

Dividends 
An interim dividend of 2.20p (2009: 1.85p) per ordinary share was paid on 15 October 2010. The Directors recommend a (cid:192)nal dividend of 
5.15p (2009: 4.40p) per ordinary share which, if approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting, will be paid on 17 May 2011 to those 
shareholders on the register at the close of business on 11 March 2011. 

Substantial shareholdings
As at the date of this Report the Company had been noti(cid:192)ed under Rule 5 of the Disclosure Rules and Transparency Rules of the Financial 
Services Authority of the following holdings of voting rights in its shares: 

Morstan Nominees Limited 
Capital Research and Management Company 
A(cid:59)A S.A. 
Lloyds Banking Group plc 
Fidelity International Limited 
Baillie Gifford & Co 
Newton Investment Management Limited 
Legal & General Group plc 
Ignis Investment Services Limited 

 Number of shares

(millions) 

% held

25.1 
25.0 
25.0 
24.2 
23.9 
24.0 
23.6 
19.5 
15.5 

5.11
5.08
5.07
4.96 
4.93 
4.92
  4.85
3.99
3.15

The Directors are unaware of any restrictions on transfer of securities in the Company or on voting rights. There are also no known agreements 
between holders of the Company’s securities which may result in such restrictions. 

Directors
The current members of the Board together with biographical details of each Director are set out on pages 90 and 91.

At the conclusion of the Company’s annual general meeting in May 2010, Kevin Beeston retired from the Board and Alastair Lyons was 
appointed Non-Executive Chairman of Serco Group plc.

On 31 December 2010 Margaret Ford and Tom Corcoran retired from their positions as Non-Executive Directors of the Company.  

On 26 January 2011, the Company announced the appointment of Paul Brooks as a Non-Executive Director of the Company with effect from  
1 February 2011. Paul’s experience and knowledge will complement the skills and knowledge of the other Board members. It is the intention that 
Paul will take over as Audit Committee Chairman on the eventual retirement of David Richardson.  

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Directors’ interests
With the exception of the Executive Directors’ service contracts and the Non-Executive Directors’ letters of appointment, there are no contracts 
in which any Director has an interest.

Certain change in control conditions are included in the service contracts of Directors which provide compensation or reduction of notice 
periods in the event of a change in control of the Company.

Details of the Directors’ interests in the ordinary shares and options over the ordinary shares of the Company are set out in the Remuneration 
Report on pages 92 to 103.

Annual general meeting
The Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Savoy Place, London  
WC2R 0BL on 9 May 2011 at 11.00am.

The Notice of Annual General Meeting together with explanatory notes is sent to shareholders with this Report.

Financial risk policies
A summary of the Group’s treasury policies and objectives relating to (cid:192)nancial risk management, including exposure to associated risks, is on 
pages 136 to 142.

Employment policies
The Board is committed to maintaining a working environment where staff are individually valued and recognised. Group companies and 
divisions operate within a framework of human resources policies, practices and regulations appropriate to their own market sector and country 
of operation, whilst subject to Group-wide principles.

The Group is committed to ensuring equal opportunity, honouring the rights of the individual and fostering partnership and trust in every working 
relationship. Policies and procedures for recruitment, training and career development promote equality of opportunity regardless of gender, 
sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, race, religion or other beliefs and ethnic or national origin. 

The Group gives full consideration to applications for employment, career development and promotion received from the disabled and offers 
employment when suitable opportunities arise. If employees become disabled during their service with the Group arrangements are made 
wherever practicable to continue their employment and training.

The Group remains proud of its record of managing employee relations and continues to believe that the structure of individual and collective 
consultation and negotiation are best developed at a local level. 

Over the years, the Group has demonstrated that working with trade unions and creating effective partnerships allows improvements to be 
delivered in business performance as well as terms and conditions of employment. Where employees choose not to belong to a trade union, 
employee communication forums such as works councils exist to ensure involvement of staff within the business.

Participation by staff in the success of the Group is encouraged by the availability of sharesave schemes, a share option scheme and a long 
term incentive plan for senior management, which effectively aligns their interests with those of shareholders by requiring that performance 
criteria are achieved prior to exercise.

Corporate responsibility 
The Group maintains a focus on corporate responsibility through a structure model that is applied across the business. Our corporate 
responsibility model focuses on our people, safety, the environment and the communities we serve. This model forms an integral part of our 
management system and is supported by de(cid:192)ned policies in all of the areas it covers. These are applied within the context of our policies on 
Business Conduct and Ethics. Activities are reported quarterly as part of our internal assurance reporting process.

Further information on our approach to corporate responsibility and how we have delivered our commitments is contained in the Corporate 
Responsibility Review which is available online at www.serco.com. This site also provides an overview of our approach to corporate 
responsibility, our management system and our policies.

Creditor payment policies
The Group requires each of its business units to negotiate and agree terms and conditions for payment for the supply of capital and revenue 
items just as keenly as they negotiate prices and other commercial matters. 

Suppliers are made aware of the terms and the way in which disputes are to be settled. Payment is then made in accordance with those terms.

The Group’s average creditor payment terms in 2010 were 31 days (2009: 32 days). 

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Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

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Section 4

Directors’ Report 

Donations 
The Group continues to encourage all staff to participate in their local communities and has a process to assess both the value and type of 
investment on a worldwide basis. This measure is based upon the Business in The Community (BiTC) reporting format.

The value of this investment in 2010 at £2,271,575 (2009: £1,746,261) represents 1.06% of the Group’s pre-tax pro(cid:192)t. 

During the year neither the Company nor the Group made political donations and they intend to continue with this policy. Within the US business 
there exists a Political Action Committee (PAC), which is funded entirely by employees and their spouses. The Serco PAC and its contributions 
are administered in strict accordance with regulatory requirements. Employee contributions are entirely voluntary and no pressure is placed on 
employees to participate. Under US law, an employee-funded PAC must bear the name of the employing company.

Financial statements
At the date of this report, as far as each Director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Group’s auditors are unaware. Each 
Director has taken all the steps that he ought to have taken as a Director in order to make himself aware of any relevant audit information and to 
establish that the Group’s auditors are aware of that information.

Auditors
Deloitte LLP have expressed their willingness to continue in of(cid:192)ce as auditors and a resolution to reappoint them will be proposed at the 
forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

Approved by the Board of Directors and signed on its behalf by:

Joanne Roberts
Secretary
1 March 2011

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Directors’ Responsibilities

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual report, Directors’ Report, Directors’ Remuneration Report and the (cid:192)nancial statements in 
accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare (cid:192)nancial statements for each (cid:192)nancial year. Under that law the Directors are required by the 
International Accounting Standard (IAS) Regulation to prepare the Group (cid:192)nancial statements under International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRS) as adopted by the European Union. The Group (cid:192)nancial statements are also required by law to be properly prepared in accordance with 
the Companies Act 2006 and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. 

IAS 1 requires that IFRS (cid:192)nancial statements present fairly for each (cid:192)nancial year the Group’s (cid:192)nancial position, (cid:192)nancial performance and cash 
(cid:193)ows. This requires the faithful representation of the effects of transactions, other events and conditions in accordance with the de(cid:192)nitions and 
recognition criteria for assets, liabilities, income and expenses set out in the International Accounting Standards Board’s ‘Framework for the 
Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements’. In virtually all circumstances, a fair presentation will be achieved by compliance with all 
applicable IFRSs. 

This requires Directors to:

(cid:79)(cid:3) properly select and apply accounting policies;
(cid:79)(cid:3) present information, including accounting policies, in a manner that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and understandable information; 
(cid:79)(cid:3) provide additional disclosures when compliance with the speci(cid:192)c requirements in IFRSs are insuf(cid:192)cient to enable users to understand the 

impact of particular transactions, other events and conditions on the Group’s (cid:192)nancial position and (cid:192)nancial performance; and

(cid:79)(cid:3) make an assessment of the company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

The Directors have elected to prepare the parent company (cid:192)nancial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice (UK Accounting Standards and applicable law). The parent company (cid:192)nancial statements are required by law to give 
a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the pro(cid:192)t or loss of the company for that period. In preparing these (cid:192)nancial 
statements, the Directors are required to:

(cid:79)(cid:3) select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
(cid:79)(cid:3) make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
(cid:79)(cid:3) state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed; and
(cid:79)(cid:3) prepare the (cid:192)nancial 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 proper accounting records that are suf(cid:192)cient to show and explain the company’s transactions and 
disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the (cid:192)nancial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the parent company 
(cid:192)nancial 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.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and (cid:192)nancial information included on the Company’s website. 
Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of (cid:192)nancial statements may differ from legislation in other 
jurisdictions.

Responsibility Statement
We con(cid:192)rm to the best of our knowledge:

(cid:79)(cid:3) the (cid:192)nancial statements, prepared in accordance with the applicable set of accounting standards, give a true and fair view of the assets, 
liabilities, (cid:192)nancial position and pro(cid:192)t or loss of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole; and
(cid:79)(cid:3) the management report, which is incorporated into the Directors’ Report, includes a fair review of the development and performance of the 

business and the position of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of 
the principal risks and uncertainties they face. 

Approved by the Board of Directors and signed on its behalf by:

Joanne Roberts
Secretary
1 March 2011

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(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

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Section 4

Directors’ profiles

Alastair Lyons

Christopher Hyman

Andrew Jenner

David Richardson

Leonard V. Broese van Groenou

Paul Brooks

Alastair Lyons CBE (57)
Job title: Chairman

Appointment: Alastair was appointed a Non-Executive Director of Serco Group plc in March 2010, becoming Chairman at the conclusion of the 
Company’s AGM in May 2010.

Responsibilities: Alastair is responsible for the effective operation of the Board and oversight of corporate governance. He is Chair of the 
Nomination Committee.

Experience: In his executive career Alastair was Group Finance Director and subsequently Chief Executive of the National & Provincial Building 
Society. When the society was acquired in 1996 by Abbey National he joined the Abbey National main Board as Managing Director of its 
Insurance Division.

In 1997 he became Chief Executive of the pensions specialist NPI where he led its demutualisation and acquisition by AMP, subsequent to which 
he joined NatWest in 1999 as Director of Corporate Projects.

A chartered accountant with an MA in economics from Trinity College Cambridge, Alastair has been a non-executive director of, successively, 
the Department for Work & Pensions and the Department for Transport.

External appointments: Alastair has been Chairman of Admiral Group plc, the direct motor insurer, since 2000; in 2008 he was appointed 
Deputy Chairman of Bovis Homes Group PLC, one of the UK’s leading quoted house builders; in March 2010 he was appointed Senior 
Independent Director and Audit Chair of Phoenix Group Holdings, the UK’s largest closed life and pension fund consolidator; and in February 
2011 he was appointed Non-Executive Director of the Towergate Insurance Group.

Christopher Rajendran Hyman CBE (47)
Job title: Chief Executive

Appointment: Christopher was appointed Chief Executive of Serco Group plc in 2002.

Responsibilities: Christopher is responsible for the formation and implementation of the Group’s global strategy, as well as the day-to-day 
management of the business operations and our relationship with the City and key stakeholders. He provides leadership and representation of 
the Group with major customers, shareholders and industry organisations.

Experience: Christopher graduated from Natal University in Durban, South Africa and quali(cid:192)ed as a chartered accountant, serving with Arthur 
Andersen and Ernst & Young before joining Serco in 1994 as the European Finance Director. He was appointed Group Company Secretary in 
1996, Corporate Finance Director in 1997 and Group Finance Director in April 1999.

External appointments: Christopher is chairman of the Prince of Wales’ charity In Kind Direct, and a Trustee of the Africa Foundation. He is also 
a Trustee Director of the Board for Business in the Community, a member of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills and is Chairman 
of The Prince’s Seeing is Believing Programme. In the 2010 Queen’s Birthday Honours Christopher was awarded a CBE for his services to 
Business and Charity.

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(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:24)(cid:29)(cid:24)(cid:20)

Andrew Mark Jenner (42)
Job title: Finance Director

Appointment: Andrew was appointed Group Finance Director in May 2002.

Responsibilities: Andrew is responsible for the Group’s (cid:192)nancial management, reporting and control, operational ef(cid:192)ciency and risk 
management and assurance. He shares responsibility with the Chief Executive for our relationship with our key stakeholders and the City.

Experience: Andrew, a chartered accountant, joined Serco in 1996 as Group Financial Controller, having previously worked for Unilever and 
Deloitte & Touche LLP. He became Corporate Finance Director with additional responsibility for treasury activities in 1999 before joining the 
Board in 2002.

External appointments: Andrew is a Non-Executive Director of Galliford Try plc, one of the UK’s leading construction and house-building groups 
and is Chairman of its Audit Committee.

David Richardson (59)
Job title: Senior Independent Director

Appointment: David joined Serco as a Non-Executive Director in June 2003. 

Responsibilities: David is Chair of the Audit Committee and a member of the Remuneration and Nomination Committees.

Experience: David, a chartered accountant, has previously held the position of Finance Director of Whitbread, where his roles in a 20-year 
career have included eight years as Strategy Director. David was instrumental in transforming Whitbread from a brewing and pubs company into 
a market leader in hotels, restaurants and leisure clubs. Until September 2010 David also served as a Non-Executive Director of Tomkins plc.

External appointments: David is the Chairman of Forth Ports plc and Director of the Supervisory Board of World Hotels AG.

Leonard V. Broese van Groenou (64)
Job title: Non-Executive Director

Appointment: Leonard joined Serco as a Non-Executive Director in April 2006.

Responsibilities: Leonard is Chair of the Remuneration Committee and a member of the Audit and Nomination Committees.

Experience: Leonard was previously Vice-President Human Resources and member of the corporate executive committee of Pennsylvania-
based Air Products, a New York listed company serving customers in technology, energy, healthcare and industrial markets worldwide where 
he served for nearly 30 years. His career at Air Products spanned numerous international roles including (cid:192)nancial control, business planning, 
operational management and human resources.

External appointments: Leonard is the Chairman of the Netherlands Benevolent Society.

Paul Brooks (57)
Job title: Non-Executive Director

Appointment: Paul joined Serco as a Non-Executive Director in February 2011.

Responsibilities: Paul is a member of the Audit and Nomination Committees.

Experience: Paul quali(cid:192)ed as a chartered accountant with KPMG, having graduated from Cambridge University with an economics degree. He 
joined Experian in 1999 as Finance Director of its former International Division and has been Chief Financial Of(cid:192)cer of Experian since October 
2001. He was appointed to its board of directors in July 2006.

External appointments: Paul is an Executive Director of Experian plc. 

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:28)(cid:20)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  91

 
Section 4

Remuneration Report

Introduction
The following report details the remuneration policy and the actual remuneration of the Directors of the Group for the year ended  
31 December 2010. In preparing this report, consideration has been given to the disclosure requirements of the 2008 Combined Code  
and of the Companies Act 2006. A resolution to approve this report will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting on 9 May 2011.

The Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee (the Committee) consists solely of independent Non-Executive Directors. It is chaired by Leonard V. Broese van 
Groenou and through 2010 comprised Margaret Ford, David Richardson and Tom Corcoran. Margaret Ford and Tom Corcoran retired from the 
Board along with the Committees of Serco Group plc on 31 December 2010.

The Chairman of the Company and the Executive Directors may attend meetings of the Committee at its discretion and as appropriate. They are 
not in attendance when their own remuneration arrangements are discussed.

The Committee met four times during the year. The terms of reference of the Committee, a copy of which can be found on the Group’s website, 
are reviewed annually to ensure that they meet best practice. Details of the Directors’ attendance at the Committee meetings can be found in 
the Corporate Governance Report on page 82.

The Committee determines the overall remuneration policy for senior management and the individual remuneration of the Chairman and the 
Executive Directors. This includes base salary, bonus, long-term incentives, pensions, bene(cid:192)ts and terms of employment (including those terms 
on which service may be terminated). 

Advisors to the Remuneration Committee
The Committee has been advised by Towers Watson (originally appointed in May 2008). They have provided advice to the Committee 
throughout the year on the overall remuneration policy and philosophy. Consulting services have also been provided to the Group by Towers 
Watson in relation to retirement bene(cid:192)ts and pay data. In this regard the Committee is satis(cid:192)ed that any potential con(cid:193)icts are appropriately 
managed. The Committee has also carefully reviewed the voluntary code of conduct in relation to executive consulting in the UK. Fees paid to 
Towers Watson during the period totalled £122,000, the majority of which related to services provided for executive remuneration. During the 
year the Committee considered and approved the terms of engagement and remuneration of the advisors.

The Group Human Resources Director, Geoff Lloyd, also provides advice and guidance to the Committee.

Remuneration policy
In 2008 the Committee carried out a comprehensive triennial review of executive remuneration and of the principles which form the basis of 
the Company’s remuneration policy. As a result of the review, changes were made to both the structure and the levels of remuneration for the 
Executive Directors. These were detailed in the 2009 Annual Review and Accounts. During 2011 a further triennial review will be carried out and 
any changes will be set out in detail in next year’s report.

Serco’s remuneration policy adopts the following principles which are that executive remuneration should:

(cid:79)(cid:3) Support Serco’s long-term future growth, strategy and values;
(cid:79)(cid:3) Align the (cid:192)nancial interests of executives and shareholders;
(cid:79)(cid:3) Provide market competitive reward opportunities for performance in line with expectations and deliver signi(cid:192)cant (cid:192)nancial rewards for 

sustained out-performance;

(cid:79)(cid:3) Enable Serco to recruit and retain the best in all our chosen markets; 
(cid:79)(cid:3) Be based on a clear rationale which participants, shareholders and other stakeholders are able to understand and support.

In setting the remuneration of the Executive Directors, in particular the non-(cid:192)nancial objectives relating to the annual bonus scheme, the 
Remuneration Committee is able to consider corporate performance on safety, environmental, social and corporate governance matters. The 
Committee retains discretion to reduce bonuses or the vesting of awards under the share plans if performance in these areas is unsatisfactory.

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(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

The elements of remuneration
Composition
The remuneration package for Executive Directors consists of base salary, annual bonus, long-term share-based incentives, pension and other 
bene(cid:192)ts. The Group’s policy is to ensure that a signi(cid:192)cant proportion of the package is related to performance.

The relative proportions of the performance-related and (cid:192)xed elements of remuneration (excluding pension and other bene(cid:192)ts) for Executive 
Directors - assuming ‘on-target’ remuneration - is shown below. 

Remuneration for Chief Executive

Remuneration for Finance Director

41%

34%

39%

37%

25%

24%

Base salary 
Performance-related annual bonus
Performance-related long-term incentives (expected value)

Base salary
The Committee’s policy is to set the base salaries of the Executive Directors so as to ensure that total target remuneration is competitive. Base 
salaries are normally reviewed annually. The Committee takes note of relative pay and employment conditions within the comparator group and 
the Company when determining salaries.

The Committee is satis(cid:192)ed that the size pro(cid:192)le of the companies in Towers Watson’s database is representative of the companies in the  
FTSE 51 to 130. It also believes that it is important that the same sources of market data are used across the Company to ensure consistency. 

The Committee considered carefully whether base salaries for Christopher Hyman and Andrew Jenner should be increased in 2010, having 
particular regard to the following:

(cid:79)(cid:3) Serco’s continuing strong performance in 2009 and 2010 including its growth in international markets, since salaries were last increased with 

effect from September 2008. In 2009 earnings per share increased by 30.6% and in the (cid:192)rst half of 2010 by 19.9%;

(cid:79)(cid:3) the strong personal contribution of both individuals towards the creation of value for shareholders;
(cid:79)(cid:3) the current dif(cid:192)cult economic environment;
(cid:79)(cid:3) relative salary levels in the comparator group;
(cid:79)(cid:3) the increased scope of the role of the Finance Director resulting from an internal reorganisation that means he is now also responsible for the 

Group’s operational ef(cid:192)ciency agenda.

A comprehensive explanation of the business performance during the year has been provided in the ‘Our performance’ section on  
pages 16 to 79.

With effect from 1 September 2010, the salaries of the Executive Directors were increased to £700,000 and £412,500 respectively, an increase of 
8.5% in both cases. 

To ensure that pay and conditions across the Group are taken into account when making decisions on Executive Directors’ pay, the 
Remuneration Committee was briefed about the overall decisions on base salaries and pay bill increases for Serco’s Executive Committee 
and employees across the Group. The Remuneration Committee is satis(cid:192)ed that the principles and considerations that were applied to 
Executive Directors are, as far as possible, applied to all employees. Pay levels are designed to be competitive, fair and to re(cid:193)ect the skills and 
performance of individual employees. Individual pay increases in excess of those granted to the Executive Directors were awarded to various 
employees for reasons including promotion and increased scope of role.

The impact of these increases on the competitive market position of total remuneration (including pension) is to maintain the competitive 
position established at the time of the last triennial review.

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(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

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Section 4

Remuneration Report

Annual bonus
Bonus is earned on the basis of achievement of a mix of (cid:192)nancial and non-(cid:192)nancial objectives which are weighted 80% and 20% respectively. 
Payment for target performance is at 75% of base salary for the Chief Executive and 65% of base salary for the Finance Director.

Financial measures are based on the Serco Group results and the non-(cid:192)nancial measures are individually set. The three (cid:192)nancial measures for 
2010 were based on turnover, adjusted pro(cid:192)t before tax and amortisation, and cash conversion. These measures re(cid:193)ect the growth and margin 
improvement strategies of the business. The standards of performance set are designed to be stretching. The non-(cid:192)nancial goals set for 2010 
assessed performance against a number of strategically important objectives for each individual.

The maximum annual bonus opportunity is 150% of base salary for the Chief Executive and 130% of base salary for the Finance Director. On 
the basis of Serco’s performance in 2010, annual awards of 136.8% and 117.52% of salary have been determined. The Executive Directors 
delivered a (cid:192)nancial performance that exceeded each of the quantitative targets. Serco’s (cid:192)nancial performance for the year is described in more 
detail in the ‘Our performance’ section starting on page 16. The Executive Directors also delivered strongly against their personal objectives to 
implement the Group’s strategy, introduce new management structures and ensure performance of key contracts. Further, the new Chairman 
was inducted into the business during the period.

The bonus objectives for 2011 have been set on a similar basis.

Annual bonuses are not pensionable.

Share-based remuneration
Long-term share incentives are awarded to Executive Directors under the Serco Group plc Deferred Bonus Plan (DBP) and the Serco Group plc 
Performance Share Plan (PSP). All grants and awards are made pursuant to the rules of the applicable plans and in accordance with the Model 
Code and policies in relation to the treatment of leavers have been adopted. The measurement of the performance targets is undertaken by 
Mercer for the DBP and the PSP, and in relation to the Earnings Per Share (EPS) element of the targets, is audited by Deloitte LLP. The conditions 
relating to the plans are detailed below. 

Deferred Bonus Plan
Executive Directors can elect to defer, for three (cid:192)nancial years, up to 50% of the bonus earned by purchasing shares in the Company pursuant 
to the terms of the DBP. The shares purchased will be matched by the Company if stretching performance targets are met.

The two performance measures are independent and each determines the vesting of half of the matching shares. The measures are TSR 
compared to the companies in the FTSE 51 to 130 (excluding investment trusts) and EPS growth. Relative TSR and EPS growth carry equal 
weight in respect of the matching shares awarded under the DBP. The structure for vesting is the same for both measures.

TSR element:
(cid:79)(cid:3) No matching shares will be awarded if the Group does not meet or exceed the median TSR of the comparator group
(cid:79)(cid:3) An award of matching shares of one half of the gross value of the bonus deferred will vest for median or threshold performance 
(cid:79)(cid:3) An award of matching shares with a value of two times the gross value of the deferred bonus vest for upper quartile or superior performance 

at the top end of the range.

EPS element:
(cid:79)(cid:3) If the annual compound growth in EPS does not meet 9% (threshold) then no matching shares will vest
(cid:79)(cid:3) If compound growth in EPS is at 9% (threshold) then 25% of this part of the matching award will vest 
(cid:79)(cid:3) For compound growth in EPS of between 9% (threshold) and 14% (maximum) then this part of the award will vest on a straight line basis 

to 100%.

For the award made under the DBP and the PSP in 2009, the structure for vesting for the (cid:192)rst year of the performance period is annual growth in 
EPS of 13% at threshold to 19% at maximum.

The de(cid:192)nition of EPS is basic EPS excluding material acquisitions, disposals, currency movements and before amortisation of acquired 
intangibles.

The Committee has discretion to vary the proportion of awards that vest under the DBP to ensure that the outcomes are fair and appropriately 
re(cid:193)ect the underlying (cid:192)nancial performance of the Group.

In 2010 both the Chief Executive and the Finance Director elected to defer 50% of their earned bonus into the DBP.

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Performance Share Plan
The PSP awards granted to the Executive Directors are calculated at a face value on grant of 200% of base salary for the Chief Executive and 
175% of base salary for the Finance Director. 

The shares will normally only vest at the end of a three-year period, if the Executive Directors are still in employment with Serco and two 
performance measures have been met. The two measures, which are independent, are TSR compared to the companies in the FTSE 51 to 
130 (excluding investment trusts) and EPS growth. Relative TSR performance determines the vesting of 70% of the shares and EPS growth 
the remainder. Greater weight has been placed on relative TSR to underscore the importance of longer term alignment with shareholders’ 
interests. The structure for vesting is the same for both measures. The shares will vest in full only if Serco’s performance is upper quartile or, in 
the case of EPS growth, superior and at the top end of the range. Median or threshold performance will trigger the vesting of 25% of the award. 
Performance between median/threshold and upper quartile/superior will be on a straight-line basis.

Dividends will be reinvested and distributed under both plans only in respect of shares that vest at the end of the performance period.

The Committee has discretion to vary the proportion of awards that vest under the Plans, to ensure that the outcomes are fair and appropriately 
re(cid:193)ect the underlying (cid:192)nancial performance of the Group.

The Committee considered the ongoing appropriateness of relative TSR and EPS as the performance measures for long-term share-based 
plans and agreed that no changes should be made at this point in time. This will be reviewed once again as part of the triennial review for 
executive remuneration which, as referenced above, will commence in 2011. 

Prior to 2009 share-based incentive awards were made under the Serco Group plc 2006 Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) and the Serco Group 
plc 2005 Executive Option Plan (EOP); the conditions relating to these plans are detailed below.

Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)
The LTIP awards granted to Executive Directors were calculated at 100% of salary at the time of grant. The vesting of awards depends on the 
Group’s TSR measured relative to the top 250 companies in the FTSE, as ranked by market capitalisation, excluding those in certain sectors 
such as oil and gas and (cid:192)nancial services.

The Committee has discretion to vary the proportion of awards that vest if it considers that the TSR performance measure does not 
appropriately re(cid:193)ect the underlying (cid:192)nancial performance of the Group.

The (cid:192)nal award under this plan completed its performance period on 31 December 2010, the Group’s TSR performance relative to its 
comparator group was between median and upper quartile, and therefore 68.77% of the awards will vest.

There is no re-testing under the LTIP.

Executive Option Plan (EOP)
Options granted under the EOP may be exercised after the third anniversary of grant, depending upon the achievement of a (cid:192)nancial 
performance target over three years. The options are granted at market value and awards made to Executive Directors were based on 100% of 
salary as at the 31 December prior to grant.

Achievement of the performance is measured by reference to the Group’s EPS performance relative to the Retail Price Index (RPI) over the 
three-year performance period. 

The vesting of the grants is based on the following schedule:

(cid:79)(cid:3) If the level of EPS growth is less than RPI + 5% per annum, none of the options may be exercised
(cid:79)(cid:3) If the level of EPS growth is equal to RPI + 5% per annum, 40% of the options may be exercised
(cid:79)(cid:3) If the level of EPS growth is equal to RPI + 10% per annum, all of the options may be exercised
(cid:79)(cid:3) For an EPS growth of between RPI + 5% and RPI + 10% per annum, a proportion of the options between 40% and 100% may be exercised.

For the (cid:192)nal option grant under this plan which completed its performance period on 31 December 2010, the Group’s EPS growth was 22.73% 
per annum over the three-year performance period which resulted in all options vesting. The level at which maximum vesting would occur was 
12.69% per annum.

Sharesave Scheme
The Group operates a Sharesave Scheme. No performance conditions are attached to options granted under the Scheme as it is an all-
employee scheme. Options granted to Scheme participants are normally set at a discount of 10% to the market value of shares at grant. None 
of the Directors participate in the Sharesave Scheme. 

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:28)(cid:24)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  95

 
Section 4

Remuneration Report

Share ownership policy
The share ownership requirement for the Chief Executive is two times base salary and one times base salary for the Finance Director. Executive 
Directors are required to retain in shares 50% of the net value of any performance shares or options exercised until they satisfy the shareholding 
requirement.

At the end of the year, by reference to the share price at that date, Executive Directors’ share ownership levels were as follows:

o

Chief Executive 
Finance Director 

Ordinary shareholding at 
31 December 2010 (555.5p) 

Ordinary shareholding at
31 December 2009 (530p)

No. of shares 

% of salary 

No. of shares 

% of salary

777,889 
289,574 

617% 
390% 

735,510 
198,075 

604%
276%

(cid:51)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:192)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)
Serco operates both de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t and de(cid:192)ned contribution pension schemes. The Executive Directors participate in the Serco Pension and 
Life Assurance Scheme (SPLAS). This is a funded, de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t scheme, which provides for a target pension of two-thirds of pensionable 
salary following a full career. Members contribute to the scheme at rates varying according to the section of the scheme.

From 1 January 2007 Serco also introduced SMART whereby all members were given the option to have their pension contributions paid by 
salary sacri(cid:192)ce. Under this arrangement the member makes no normal pension contributions, Serco makes additional contributions to SPLAS 
equal to those that the member would otherwise have made and the member’s contractual pay is reduced by the amount of these contributions. 
Both Christopher Hyman and Andrew Jenner opted to have their contributions paid by SMART. 

Kevin Beeston’s pension bene(cid:192)ts accrued prior to 6 April 2006 exceeded the new Lifetime Allowance, which came into force at that date, and he 
opted to cease paying contributions and accruing bene(cid:192)ts in the pension scheme after 6 April 2006. Kevin Beeston retired at the conclusion of 
the Company’s 2010 AGM on 11 May 2010.

Christopher Hyman opted to cease accruing bene(cid:192)ts in the pension scheme after 1 April 2010 and Andrew Jenner has opted to cease accrual 
after 31 December 2010.

Since 1 April 2010 Christopher Hyman has been in receipt of a cash allowance equal to 33% of his base salary in lieu of further pension 
provision. From 1 January 2011 Andrew Jenner will also receive a cash allowance equal to 33% of his base salary in lieu of pension provision. 
The Executive Directors remain entitled to lump sum and widow’s pension bene(cid:192)ts should they die before retirement and while still employed by 
Serco.

The Executive Directors receive a range of other bene(cid:192)ts which comprise 25 days’ holiday per year, a car, private medical insurance, private 
health insurance, life cover, an annual allowance for independent (cid:192)nancial advice, and voluntary health checks every two years.

Service contracts and compensation
Each Executive Director has a rolling service contract and these contracts will be available for inspection prior to the start of and after the 
Company’s annual general meeting. 

The service contracts have a notice period of 12 months. The Company reserves the right to make a payment in lieu of notice. In addition, where 
a Director leaves the Company following a change of control, whether or not he is dismissed or he elects to leave on notice, he will be entitled 
to receive a payment equivalent to up to one year’s remuneration. The service contracts do not provide for termination payments to be made in 
any other circumstances.

There have been no payments made during the year in relation to compensation for loss of of(cid:192)ce.

A summary of details relating to each Director who served during the year is provided below:

Name of Director 

Christopher Hyman 

Andrew Jenner 

Date joined 
Company 

Date of 
appointment to 
the Board 

Date of 
contract 

Unexpired term at
31 December
2010

 30 August 1994 

1 April 1999  10 June 2009  Rolling contract of 12 months’
notice period
 4 November 1996  3 May 2002  10 June 2009  Rolling contract of 12 months’
notice period

External appointments
The Board believes that the Group can bene(cid:192)t from its Executive Directors holding appropriate non-executive directorships of companies or 
independent bodies. Such appointments are subject to the approval of the Board. Fees are retained by the Executive Director concerned.

Andrew Jenner served as a non-executive director of Galliford Try plc during the year. Fees payable in the year were £38,000.

No other fee-paying external positions were held by any of the Executive Directors.

96 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:28)(cid:25)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Chairman and Non-Executive Directors
The Group’s policy is that the fees of the Chairman and the Non-Executive Directors, which are determined by the Board, are set at a level which 
will attract individuals with the necessary experience and ability to make a substantial contribution to the Group’s affairs.

Non-Executive Directors of the Group are initially appointed for a three-year term, and that appointment may be terminated on three months’ 
written notice. The renewal of appointments is not automatic, and Non-Executive Directors are required to retire and stand for re-election in 
accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association and the UK Corporate Governance Code (and formerly the Combined Code).

As at 31 December 2010, the Non-Executive Directors of the Group had no personal (cid:192)nancial interest in the matters determined by the Board, 
there are no con(cid:193)icts of interest arising from cross-directorships and no involvement in the day-to-day running of the Group. The Non-Executive 
Directors do not participate in the Group’s incentive or pension schemes, or receive other bene(cid:192)ts except as described. 

Current fee structure
Non-Executive Directors’ remuneration consists of cash fees paid monthly with increments for positions of additional responsibility. In addition, 
reasonable travel and related business expenses are paid. No bonuses are paid to Non-Executive Directors. Non-Executive Directors’ fees are 
not performance related.

Non-Executive Directors are encouraged to hold shares in the Group but are not subject to a shareholding requirement. 

The fees and terms of engagement of Non-Executive Directors are reviewed on an annual basis, taking into consideration market practice and 
are approved by the Board. 

The standard annual fees payable for the Chairman and Non-Executive Directors during the (cid:192)nancial year under review are shown in the table 
below. 

Chairman (1) 

Chairman (2) 

Board member 
Senior Independent Director 

Audit Committee Chairmanship 
Remuneration Committee Chairmanship 

1 January 2010 to 11 May 2010
£

230,000

11 May 2010 to date
£

250,000

1 January 2010 to date
£

50,000
10,000

1 January to 30 June 2010  
£ 

1 July 2010 to date
£

10,000 
10,000 

12,500
10,000

(1) Prior to leaving Kevin Beeston received a range of other bene(cid:192)ts which included a car, private medical insurance, private health insurance, life cover, an annual 

allowance for independent (cid:192)nancial advice, and voluntary health checks every two years.

(2) Alastair Lyons’ remuneration consists of cash fees paid monthly. In addition, reasonable travel and related business expenses are paid. No bonuses are payable.

A summary of details relating to each Non-Executive Director who served during the year is provided below:

Chairman:
Kevin Beeston (1) 
Alastair Lyons (2) (4) 

Non-Executive Directors (4):
Margaret Ford (5) 
Leonard V. Broese van Groenou 
David Richardson 
Tom Corcoran (5) 

Date of appointment 
to the Board 

Date of letter 
of appointment 

Unexpired term at 
31 December 2010 (3)

29 February 1996 
16 March 2010 

1 September 2007 
15 March 2010 

8 October 2003 
3 April 2006 
2 June 2003 
3 December 2007 

7 October 2003 
20 February 2006 
29 May 2003 
3 December 2007 

-
28 months

-
15 months
17 months
-

(1) Kevin Beeston retired from the Board of Serco Group plc at the conclusion of the Company’s 2010 annual general meeting on 11 May 2010. 
(2) Alastair Lyons was appointed as Chairman at the conclusion of the annual general meeting on 11 May 2010, and up until this date served as a 

Non-Executive Director.

(3) The unexpired term relates to the current contract and is subject to shareholder approval. 
(4) Non-Executive Directors have a three-month notice period and no compensation or other bene(cid:192)ts are payable on early termination.
(5) Margaret Ford and Tom Corcoran retired from the Board of Serco Group plc on 31 December 2010.

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  97

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:28)(cid:26)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 4

Remuneration Report

Directors’ remuneration
This section has been audited by Deloitte LLP.
The remuneration of the Directors for the year ended 31 December 2010 was as follows:

  Remuneration 
£ 

Note 

Kevin Beeston 
Alastair Lyons 
Christopher Hyman 
Andrew Jenner 
Leonard V. Broese van Groenou 
Margaret Ford 
David Richardson 
Tom Corcoran 

1,2 
6 
1,3,4,5 
1,3,4 
6 
6,7 
6 
6,7 

162,378 
Nil 
663,333 
390,833 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 

Fees 
£ 

Nil 
199,038 
Nil 
Nil 
60,000 
60,000 
61,250 
50,000 

Bonus 
£ 

Nil 
Nil 
957,600 
484,770 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 

Total 
estimated 
value of any 
non cash 
bene(cid:192)ts 
£ 

23,898 
Nil 
72,279 
72,692 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 

Total 
remuneration 
excluding 
pensions 
2010 
£ 

Total 
remuneration 
excluding 
pensions 
2009
£

186,276 
199,038 
1,858,900 
948,295 
60,000 
60,000 
61,250 
50,000 

286,693
Nil
1,578,682
887,843
56,700
56,700
56,700
46,700

Allowance 
£ 

Nil 
Nil 
165,688 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 

Total 

1,216,544 

430,288 

1,442,370 

168,869 

165,688 

3,423,759 

2,970,018

Notes:
1. The value of the non cash bene(cid:192)ts relates to the provision of a car allowance (fully inclusive of all scheme costs including insurance and maintenance) and  

private healthcare.

2. Kevin Beeston retired from the Board of Serco Group plc at the conclusion of the Company’s 2010 annual general meeting on 11 May 2010.
3. The bonuses shown include performance bonuses earned in the period under review, but not paid until the following (cid:192)nancial year.
4. Remuneration is shown gross of salary sacri(cid:192)ced under the SMART scheme. See page 96.
5. The allowance comprises payments made to Christopher Hyman in lieu of pension, calculated as a percentage of base salary, from which he makes his own 

pension arrangements. (See page 96 for further details.)

6. In addition, reasonable travel and related business expenses are paid but are not subject to UK income tax.
7. Margaret Ford and Tom Corcoran retired from the Board of Serco Group plc on 31 December 2010.

Directors’ shareholdings
The Directors’ interests in the shares of the Company are detailed in the following table. 

Kevin Beeston 
Alastair Lyons 
Leonard V. Broese van Groenou 
Margaret Ford 
Christopher Hyman 
Andrew Jenner 
David Richardson 
Tom Corcoran 

Note 
1 

2 

3 
4,5 
4 

3 

Ordinary shares of 2p each fully  

Ordinary shares of 2p each fully
paid at 31 December 2010   paid at 1 January 2010 or if later the
date of appointment as Director

or date of cessation if earlier 

25 
15,000 
5,375 
1,766 
777,889 
289,574 
15,000 
4,000 

293,925
Nil
5,375
14,841
735,510
198,075
15,000
4,000

Notes:
1. Ordinary shares are bene(cid:192)cial holdings which include the Directors’ personal holdings and those of their spouses and minor children.
2. Kevin Beeston retired from the Board of Serco Group plc at the conclusion of the Company’s 2010 annual general meeting on 11 May 2010.
3. Margaret Ford and Tom Corcoran retired from the Board of Serco Group plc on 31 December 2010.
4. 80,682 of Christopher Hyman’s and 43,969 of Andrew Jenner’s shares are held in trust on their behalf under the terms of their participation in the Deferred 

Bonus Plan. Provided such shares remain in trust for three years and subject to certain performance conditions, they are also granted an award over matching 
shares equivalent to two times the gross bonus initially used for the share purchase.

5. Security has been granted to Christopher Hyman’s bank over 85,564 ordinary shares held in his name.

98 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:28)(cid:27)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Share-based incentives
This section has been audited by Deloitte LLP. 

The total share options granted to each person who has served as a Director of the Company at any time in the (cid:192)nancial year were as follows:

(i) Serco Group plc Deferred Bonus Plan (DBP)
Conditional rights to receive matching shares over Serco Group plc’s ordinary shares under the DBP held by Directors at 31 December 2010 
were as follows:

Awards 
held at 
1 January 
2010 

Market 
price 
at award 
(pence) 

Awards 
Granted  held at 31 
during  December
2010 

the period 

Date of 
award 

Performance period 

Vesting date

Christopher Hyman 

Andrew Jenner 

130,754 
- 

12 Jun 2009 
29 Mar 2010 

76,232 
- 

11 Jun 2009 
29 Mar 2010 

404 
602 

408 
602 

- 
144,666 

130,754  1 Jan 2009 – 31 Dec 2011 
144,666  1 Jan 2010 – 31 Dec 2012 

12 Jun 2012
29 Mar 2013

- 
73,865 

76,232  1 Jan 2009 – 31 Dec 2011 
73,865  1 Jan 2010 – 31 Dec 2012 

11 Jun 2012
29 Mar 2013

Notes:
1. The awards shown in the table are the maximum number of shares that can vest under the performance conditions.
2. The performance conditions attached to the awards are described on page 94.
3. No awards vested or were exercised during the period.

(ii) Serco Group plc Performance Share Plan (PSP)
The conditional rights to Serco Group plc ordinary shares under the PSP held by Directors at 31 December 2010 were as follows:

Awards 
held at 
1 January 
2010 

Market 
price 
at award 
(pence) 

Date of 
award 

Granted 

Awards 
held at 31 
during  December 
2010 

the period 

Performance period 

Earliest 
vesting date 

Latest
exercise date

Christopher Hyman 

Andrew Jenner 

315,789  22 Jun 2009 
6 Apr 2010 

- 

162,790  22 Jun 2009 
6 Apr 2010 

- 

408 
604 

408 
604 

- 
213,750 

- 
110,190 

315,789  1 Jan 2009 – 31 Dec 2011  22 Jun 2012  21 Jun 2019
5 Apr 2020
213,750  1 Jan 2010 – 31 Dec 2012 

6 Apr 2013 

162,790  1 Jan 2009 – 31 Dec 2011  22 Jun 2012  21 Jun 2019
5 Apr 2020
110,190  1 Jan 2010 – 31 Dec 2012 

6 Apr 2013 

Notes:
1. Awards take the form of nominal cost options.
2. Awards made are calculated at a face value on grant of 200% and 175% of base salary for the Chief Executive and Finance Director respectively.
3. The performance conditions attached to the awards are described on page 95.
4. No awards vested or were exercised during the period.

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:28)(cid:28)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  99

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 4

Remuneration Report

(iii) Serco Group plc 2006 Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)
The LTIP has been replaced by the PSP. The last award under the LTIP was made in November 2007. The conditional rights to Serco Group plc 
ordinary shares under the LTIP held by Directors at 31 December 2010 were as follows:

Awards 
held at 
1 January 
2010 

Market 
price 
Date of  on grant 
(pence) 
award 

Vested 
during 
the period 

Awards 
  held at 31 
  December
2010 or 
Market 
price on 
date of 
vesting  cessation 
(pence) 
if earlier 

Performance period 

Earliest 

Latest
vesting date  exercise date

Kevin Beeston 

145,205  29 Nov 2006 

373  283,760 

565 

-  1 Jan 2007 – 31 Dec 2009  31 Dec 2009  28 Nov 2016

Christopher Hyman  145,205  29 Nov 2006 
122,874  12 Nov 2007 

373  283,760 
- 
456 

565 

-  1 Jan 2007 – 31 Dec 2009  31 Dec 2009  28 Nov 2016
-  122,874  1 Jan 2008 – 31 Dec 2010  31 Dec 2010  11 Nov 2017

Andrew Jenner 

89,589  29 Nov 2006 
75,699  12 Nov 2007 

373  175,075 
- 
456 

565 
- 

-  1 Jan 2007 – 31 Dec 2009  31 Dec 2009  28 Nov 2016
75,699  1 Jan 2008 – 31 Dec 2010  31 Dec 2010  11 Nov 2017

Notes:
1. Awards take the form of nominal cost options.
2. Awards made are calculated at 100% of salary at the time of grant.
3. The TSR performance condition is measured relative to the top 250 companies in the FTSE, as ranked by market capitalisation, excluding those in certain sectors 

which are not comparable with the Group.

4. No awards were granted or lapsed during the period.
5. The performance conditions attached to the awards which vested on 31 December 2009 achieved performance between upper quartile and upper decile resulting 

in 195.42% of the award vesting.

6. On 31 December 2010 the performance conditions attached to the awards made on 12 November 2007 were satis(cid:192)ed. Performance between median and upper 

quartile was achieved resulting in 68.77% of the award vesting.

7. Awards held by Kevin Beeston relate to his tenure as an Executive Director prior to September 2007. Kevin Beeston retired from the Board of Serco Group plc at 

the conclusion of the Company’s 2010 annual general meeting on 11 May 2010.

8. The aggregate of the total theoretical gains on options exercised by Directors during 2010 amounted to £4.19 million. This is calculated by reference to the 

difference between the closing mid-market price of the shares on the date of exercise and the exercise price of the options, disregarding whether such shares 
were sold or retained on exercise, and is stated before tax. Of the 742,595 options exercised, 103,042 shares were retained.

100 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:19)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(iv) Serco Group plc 1998 and 2005 Executive Option Plan (EOP)
Options over Serco Group plc ordinary shares granted under the EOP and held by Directors at 31 December 2010 were as follows:

Awards 
held at 
1 January 
2010 

  Awards held at 
31 December
2010 or date 
of cessation 
if earlier 

Exercised 
during period 

Market price
on exercise 
date (pence) 

Exercise price  Date from which 
exercisable 

(pence) 

Date of expiry 
of options

Kevin Beeston 

120,798 

120,798 

- 

591 

439 

19 Mar 2010 

18 Mar 2017

Christopher Hyman 

Andrew Jenner 

78,275* 
116,373* 
289,515* 
219,320* 
183,404 
147,492 
120,798 
123,076 

18,524* 
69,824* 
173,709* 
133,178* 
116,885 
88,495 
74,530 
75,824 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

18,524 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

78,275 
116,373 
289,515 
219,320 
183,404 
147,492 
120,798 
123,076 

- 
69,824 
173,709 
133,178 
116,885 
88,495 
74,530 
75,824 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

574 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

435 
264 
153 
217 
235 
339 
439 
455 

435 
264 
153 
217 
235 
339 
439 
455 

28 Mar 2004 
3 May 2005 
6 May 2006 
3 Mar 2007 
29 Apr 2008 
5 May 2009 
19 Mar 2010 
27 Feb 2011 

28 Mar 2004 
3 May 2005 
6 May 2006 
3 Mar 2007 
29 Apr 2008 
5 May 2009 
19 Mar 2010 
27 Feb 2011 

27 Mar 2011
2 May 2012
5 May 2013
2 Mar 2014
28 Apr 2015
4 May 2016
18 Mar 2017
26 Feb 2018

27 Mar 2011
2 May 2012
5 May 2013
2 Mar 2014
28 Apr 2015
4 May 2016
18 Mar 2017
26 Feb 2018

Notes:
1.   The (cid:192)nal award to Executive Directors under this plan was made in February 2008.
2.   The awards shown in the table are the maximum number of shares that can vest under the performance conditions.
3.   The extent to which an award will vest is measured by reference to the Group’s Earnings Per Share (EPS) performance relative to the Retail Price Index (RPI) over 

the three-year performance period.

4.   For those options marked with an (*) approximately 14.67% (13.50% for prior year grants) of the options granted under the Plan represent supplementary 

options, granted for the sole purpose of compensating participants for agreeing to bear the Company’s liability to employers’ National Insurance Contributions 
upon the exercise of the underlying Plan awards. These options can only be exercised in conjunction with and to the extent of the underlying option.

5.   No payment was made for the grant of the awards.
6.   Grants of options under the EOP are calculated at 100% of salary at the time of grant. 
7.   The market price of the Company’s ordinary shares at the close of business on 31 December 2010 was 555.5p and the range during the year to 31 December 

2010 was 493.9p to 651p.

8.   No grants were made during the year.
9.   For options granted which completed their performance period on 31 December 2010, the Group’s EPS growth was 22.73% per annum over the three-year 

performance period which resulted in 100% options vesting. The level at which maximum vesting would occur was 12.69% per annum.

10. Awards held by Kevin Beeston relate to his tenure as an Executive Director prior to September 2007. Kevin Beeston retired from the Board of Serco Group plc at 

the conclusion of the Company’s 2010 annual general meeting on 11 May 2010.

11. The aggregate of the total theoretical gains on options exercised by Directors during 2010 amounted to £0.2 million. This is calculated by reference to the 

difference between the closing mid-market price of the shares on the date of exercise and the exercise price of the options, disregarding whether such shares 
were sold or retained on exercise, and is stated before tax. The 139,322 options exercised, were all sold.

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:20)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  101

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 4

Remuneration Report

Comparison of total shareholder returns 
Serco Group plc total shareholder return (TSR) vs FTSE 100 Total Return Index
Value of investment of £100 on 31 December 2005

225

200

175

150

125

100

75

31 Dec 05

31 Dec 06

31 Dec 07

31 Dec 08

31 Dec 09

31 Dec 10

Serco

FTSE 100 Index

In drawing this graph, it has been assumed that all dividends paid have been reinvested. The TSR level shown at 31 December each year is the 
average of the closing daily TSR levels for the 30-day period up to and including that date. The Company’s TSR is compared to that of the FTSE 
100 Index, which is a broad equity market index of which it is a constituent.

As detailed earlier, TSR is de(cid:192)ned as the return shareholders would receive if they held a notional number of shares, and received dividends on 
those shares over a period of time. It measures the percentage growth in the Company’s share price together with the value of any dividends 
paid, assuming that the dividends are reinvested into the Company’s shares.

102 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:21)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

Pensions and life assurance
This section has been audited by Deloitte LLP.

The Directors receive pension and life assurance bene(cid:192)ts consistent with those provided by other leading companies.

The details of the de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t schemes operated by the Group are set out in the note on page 143. In the event of death in service, the Serco 
Supplementary Death Bene(cid:192)t Scheme provides for a lump sum payment.

The accrued pension bene(cid:192)ts of all Directors under the Serco Pension and Life Assurance Scheme, which is a de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t scheme, are as 
follows:

Transfer  
value of  
accrued  
bene(cid:192)ts at  

Transfer 
value of 
accrued 
bene(cid:192)ts at 
31 December   31 December 
2009 
(2) 
£ 

2010 
(1) 
£ 

Kevin Beeston 

3,659,422 

3,564,341 

Christopher Hyman 

1,744,001 

1,702,542 

Andrew Jenner 

929,133 

857,573 

Director’s 
contributions 
for the 
year 
(3) 
£ 

- 

- 

- 

Increase 
in transfer 
value during 
the year 
(4) (cid:32) 
(1)-(2)-(3) 
£ 

95,081 

41,459 

71,560 

Gross 
increase 
in accrued 
pension 
during 
the year 
(5) 
£ p.a. 

8,000 

14,536 

14,893 

Increase
in accrued 
pension 
during the 
year, net 
of in(cid:193)ation 
(6) 
£ p.a. 

Value of
increase 
in accrual 
over the 
year 
(7) 
£ 

Total
accrued
pension at
year end
(8)
£ p.a.

- 

- 

287,460

9,626 

134,386 

121,268

12,141 

148,113 

74,730

Notes:
a   The total accrued pension shown is that which would be paid annually on retirement, based on pensionable service to the end of this year for Andrew Jenner, 

or to the date of ceasing accrual in the scheme for Kevin Beeston and Christopher Hyman. The increase in accrued pension during the year is shown both as a 
gross increase and excluding any increase in respect of in(cid:193)ation.

b   The increase in the accrued pension of Andrew Jenner allows for both the increase in his (cid:192)nal pensionable salary over the year and for the accrual of a further 

year’s pensionable service as a result of a further year’s active membership of the scheme.

c   The increase in accrued pension for Christopher Hyman allows for the increase in his (cid:192)nal pensionable salary and the accrual of an extra three months’ 

pensionable service until 1 April 2010 when he ceased accruing bene(cid:192)ts in the scheme.

d   With effect from 1 April 2010 Christopher Hyman opted to receive a cash alternative equal to 33% of his base pay (excluding bonuses) in lieu of any further 
pension provision. Christopher remains entitled to lump sum and widow’s pension bene(cid:192)ts should he die before retirement and whilst employed by Serco.
e   The pension of Kevin Beeston increased in line with in(cid:193)ation until his retirement from the Board at the conclusion of the Company’s AGM on 11 May 2010. The 

increase net of in(cid:193)ation shown in (6) is therefore zero.

f   Transfer values have been calculated in accordance with the current transfer value regulations. The assumptions to be used for calculating transfer values have 

been reviewed by the Trustees during the year and updated to re(cid:193)ect changes in long term expectations for in(cid:193)ation and improvements in life expectancy. The net 
impact of these changes has resulted in lower transfer values than would have applied with the previous assumptions. However, market movements over the year 
have acted to increase transfer values. The difference between the transfer values at the beginning and end of the year, shown in (4), includes not only the effect 
of the increase in accrual and salaries and changes in the transfer value assumptions, but also the effect of (cid:193)uctuations in the transfer value due to factors beyond 
the control of the Company and the Directors, such as stock market movements.

g   The value of the net increase in accrual represents the incremental value to the Director of his service during the year or the date the Director left the scheme. In 

the case of Andrew Jenner the value of the net increase is calculated on the assumption that his service terminated at the year end. It is based on the increase in 
the accrued pension, net of in(cid:193)ation based on the increase in Retail Prices Index.

h  The transfer values disclosed do not represent the sum paid or payable to the individual Director. Instead, they represent a potential liability of the  

pension scheme.

i   Both Directors who were active members of the scheme have opted to have their contributions paid by the Company under a salary sacri(cid:192)ce arrangement and 

hence no contributions were paid by the Directors during the year.

j   Kevin Beeston left Serco employment and ceased being a Director on 11 May 2010. His total accrued pension is his deferred pension at that date.
k  Andrew Jenner ceased to be a member of the pension scheme with effect from 31 December 2010, opting to receive a cash alternative equal to 33% of his 

base pay (excluding bonuses) in lieu of any further pension provision. Andrew remains entitled to lump sum and widow’s pension bene(cid:192)ts should he die before 
retirement and whilst employed by Serco.

Share dilution
Awards granted under the Serco Group plc share plans are met either by the issue of new shares or by shares held in trust when awards vest. 
The Committee monitors the number of shares issued under its various share plans and their impact on dilution limits. The relevant dilution limits 
established by the Association of British Insurers in respect of all share plans (10% in any rolling ten year period) and discretionary share plans 
(5% in any rolling ten-year period) were, based on the Company’s issued share capital at 31 December 2010, 5.95% and 4.61% respectively.

The Group has an employee bene(cid:192)t trust which is administered by an independent trustee and which holds ordinary shares in the Company to 
meet various obligations under the share plans. In April 2010 a loan of £23 million was made to the Employee Bene(cid:192)t Trust in order to (cid:192)nance 
the purchase of shares to satisfy the ongoing liabilities under the Company’s employee share plans.

The Trust held 3,436,547 and 4,710,201 ordinary shares at 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2010 respectively.

Approved by the Board of Directors and signed on its behalf by:

Joanne Roberts
Secretary
1 March 2011

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  103

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:22)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 5

Independent Auditor’s Report

Independent Auditor’s Report to the members of Serco Group plc
We have audited the Group Financial Statements of Serco Group plc for the year ended 31 December 2010 which comprise the Consolidated 
Income Statement, the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, the Consolidated 
Balance Sheet, the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement and the related notes 1 to 36. The (cid:192)nancial reporting framework that has been applied in 
their preparation is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.

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.

Respective responsibilities of Directors and Auditor
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the Group (cid:192)nancial 
statements and for being satis(cid:192)ed that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the Group (cid:192)nancial 
statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply 
with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.

(cid:54)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:192)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the (cid:192)nancial statements suf(cid:192)cient to give reasonable assurance 
that the (cid:192)nancial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: whether 
the accounting policies are appropriate to the Group’s circumstances and have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the 
reasonableness of signi(cid:192)cant accounting estimates made by the Directors; and the overall presentation of the (cid:192)nancial statements.

Opinion on the Group Financial Statements
In our opinion the Group Financial Statements:
(cid:79)(cid:3) give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s affairs as at 31 December 2010 and of its pro(cid:192)t for the year then ended;
(cid:79)(cid:3) have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union; and
(cid:79)(cid:3) have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion the information given in the Directors’ Report for the (cid:192)nancial year for which the (cid:192)nancial statements are prepared is consistent 
with the Group Financial Statements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following:

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
(cid:79)(cid:3) certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration speci(cid:192)ed by law are not made; or
(cid:79)(cid:3) we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review:
(cid:79)(cid:3) the Directors’ statement contained within the Corporate Governance Report in relation to going concern; and
(cid:79)(cid:3) the part of the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the company’s compliance with the nine provisions of the June 2008 Combined 

Code speci(cid:192)ed for our review; and

(cid:79)(cid:3) certain elements of the report to shareholders by the Board on Directors’ remuneration.

Other matter
We have reported separately on the parent Company Financial Statements of Serco Group plc for the year ended 31 December 2010 and on 
the information in the Directors’ Remuneration Report that is described as having been audited. 

Richard Knights (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of Deloitte LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor 
London, United Kingdom
1 March 2011

104 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:23)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

Consolidated Income Statement
For the year ended 31 December  

Continuing operations
Revenue  
Cost of sales 

(cid:42)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:192)(cid:87) 
Administrative expenses 

(cid:36)(cid:71)(cid:77)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:192)(cid:87)(cid:3)- before amortisation of intangibles arising on acquisition 
Other expenses - amortisation of intangibles arising on acquisition 

(cid:50)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:192)(cid:87) 
Investment revenue 
Finance costs 

(cid:51)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:192)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:91) 
Tax 

(cid:51)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:192)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85) 

Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent 

Non-controlling interest 

(cid:40)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:40)(cid:51)(cid:54)(cid:12)
Basic EPS 

Diluted EPS 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended 31 December

Note 

4,5 

14 

5,6 
8 
9 

10 

2010 
£m 

2009
£m

4,326.7 
(3,682.4) 

644.3 
(385.6) 

3,970.0
(3,383.2)

586.8
(357.1)

258.7 
(17.4) 

241.3 
3.9 
(31.3) 

213.9 
(57.1) 

156.8 

156.7 

0.1 

229.7
(17.6)

212.1
2.7
(37.7)

177.1
(46.9)

130.2

130.2

-

12 

12 

31.88p 

31.35p 

26.76p

26.45p

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:51)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:192)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)
(cid:50)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:29)
Net actuarial gain/(loss) on de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t pension schemes1 
Actuarial (loss)/gain on reimbursable rights1  
Net exchange gain/(loss) on translation of foreign operations2 
Fair value gain/(loss) on cash (cid:193)ow hedges during the year2   
Tax (charge)/credit on items taken directly to equity3 
Recycling of cumulative net hedging reserve2 

(cid:55)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)

(cid:3)

Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent 

Non-controlling interest 

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

Note 

(cid:3)

26 
26 

10 

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

2010 
£m 

(cid:20)(cid:24)(cid:25)(cid:17)(cid:27) 

49.9 
(38.4) 
19.0 
1.7 
(1.7) 
0.3 

(cid:20)(cid:27)(cid:26)(cid:17)(cid:25) 

187.5 

0.1 

2009
£m

130.2

(259.0)
117.1
(9.9)
(6.3)
45.2
0.2

17.5

17.5

-

1  Recorded in Retirement bene(cid:192)t obligations reserve in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity.
2  Recorded in Hedging and translation reserve in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity.
3  Of the tax (charge)/credit, a debit of £4.3m (2009: credit of £39.6m) was recorded in the Retirement bene(cid:192)t obligations reserve; a debit of £0.6m (2009: credit of 

£1.4m) was recorded in the Hedging and translation reserve; a credit of £3.2m (2009: £4.2m) was recorded in the Share-based payment reserve.

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:24)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  105

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 5

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 December  

(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:54)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)

Share- 
(cid:69)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)
(cid:54)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3) (cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:76)(cid:88)(cid:80)(cid:3) (cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3) (cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3) (cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3) (cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:92)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)
(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)
(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3) (cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:86)(cid:3)
(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:83)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)
£m 
£m 
£m 

  Retirement 
(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:192)(cid:87)(cid:3)
(cid:3)

(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)
£m 

(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)
£m 

(cid:38)(cid:68)(cid:83)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)

£m 

(cid:50)(cid:90)(cid:81)(cid:3)
(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)
(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)
£m 

Hedging
(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)
(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)
(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)
£m 

(cid:3)

(cid:49)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:16)
(cid:55)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3) (cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)
(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)
£m

(cid:72)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)
£m 

At 1 January 2009 

9.7 

301.1 

0.1 

339.8 

(47.7) 

40.0 

(19.7) 

61.9 

685.2 

0.1

Total comprehensive income  
for the year 

- 

- 

Shares transferred to option  
holders on exercise of share options  0.1 

3.0 

Dividends paid  

Expense in relation to share-based 
payment 

Purchase of own shares for  
employee bene(cid:192)t trust (ESOP) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

130.2 

(102.3) 

4.2 

- 

(14.6) 

17.5 

- 

(25.9) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(1.8) 

9.1 

- 

7.2 

- 

- 

- 

(2.4) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

10.4 

(25.9) 

7.2 

(2.4) 

-

-

-

-

-

(cid:36)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:45)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:3)

(cid:28)(cid:17)(cid:27)(cid:3)

(cid:22)(cid:19)(cid:23)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)

(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)

(cid:23)(cid:23)(cid:23)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)

(cid:11)(cid:20)(cid:24)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:19)(cid:12)(cid:3)

(cid:23)(cid:28)(cid:17)(cid:25)(cid:3)

(cid:11)(cid:20)(cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:19)(cid:12)(cid:3)

(cid:23)(cid:26)(cid:17)(cid:22)(cid:3) (cid:25)(cid:28)(cid:21)(cid:17)(cid:19)(cid:3)

(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:20)

Total comprehensive income  
for the year 

(cid:16)(cid:3)

(cid:16)(cid:3)

Shares transferred to option  
holders on exercise of share options  (cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)

(cid:21)(cid:17)(cid:25)(cid:3)

Dividends paid  

Expense in relation to share-based 
payment 

Purchase of own shares for  
employee bene(cid:192)t trust (ESOP) 

(cid:16)(cid:3)

(cid:16)(cid:3)

(cid:16)(cid:3)

(cid:16)(cid:3)

(cid:16)(cid:3)

(cid:16)(cid:3)

(cid:16)(cid:3)

(cid:16)(cid:3)

(cid:16)(cid:3)

(cid:16)(cid:3)

(cid:16)(cid:3)

(cid:20)(cid:24)(cid:25)(cid:17)(cid:26)(cid:3)

(cid:26)(cid:17)(cid:21)(cid:3)

(cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:21)(cid:3)

(cid:16)(cid:3)

(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:23)(cid:3) (cid:20)(cid:27)(cid:26)(cid:17)(cid:24)(cid:3)

(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:20)

(cid:16)(cid:3)

(cid:11)(cid:22)(cid:21)(cid:17)(cid:22)(cid:12)(cid:3)

(cid:16)(cid:3)

(cid:16)(cid:3)

(cid:16)(cid:3)

(cid:16)(cid:3)

(cid:16)(cid:3)

(cid:16)(cid:3)

(cid:11)(cid:21)(cid:17)(cid:28)(cid:12)(cid:3)

(cid:27)(cid:17)(cid:24)(cid:3)

(cid:16)(cid:3)

(cid:27)(cid:17)(cid:27)(cid:3)

(cid:16)(cid:3)

(cid:16)(cid:3)

(cid:16)(cid:3)

(cid:16)(cid:3)

(cid:16)(cid:3)

(cid:27)(cid:17)(cid:27)(cid:3)

(cid:27)(cid:17)(cid:22)(cid:3)

(cid:16)

(cid:11)(cid:22)(cid:21)(cid:17)(cid:22)(cid:12)(cid:3)

(cid:11)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:21)(cid:12)

(cid:16)(cid:3)

(cid:11)(cid:21)(cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:19)(cid:12)(cid:3)

(cid:16)(cid:3)

(cid:11)(cid:21)(cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:19)(cid:12)(cid:3)

(cid:16)

(cid:16)

(cid:16)

(cid:36)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:22)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:3)

(cid:28)(cid:17)(cid:28)(cid:3)

(cid:22)(cid:19)(cid:25)(cid:17)(cid:26)(cid:3)

(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)

(cid:24)(cid:25)(cid:27)(cid:17)(cid:24)(cid:3)

(cid:11)(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:21)(cid:17)(cid:27)(cid:12)(cid:3)

(cid:24)(cid:27)(cid:17)(cid:26)(cid:3)

(cid:11)(cid:21)(cid:26)(cid:17)(cid:24)(cid:12)(cid:3)

(cid:25)(cid:26)(cid:17)(cid:26)(cid:3) (cid:27)(cid:23)(cid:20)(cid:17)(cid:22)(cid:3)

106 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:25)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet
At 31 December

Non-current assets
Goodwill 
Other intangible assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Trade and other receivables 
Deferred tax assets 
Derivative (cid:192)nancial instruments  

Current assets
Inventories 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Derivative (cid:192)nancial instruments 

Total assets 

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 
Current tax liabilities 
Obligations under (cid:192)nance leases 
Loans 
Derivative (cid:192)nancial instruments 

Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables 
Obligations under (cid:192)nance leases 
Loans 
Derivative (cid:192)nancial instruments 
Retirement bene(cid:192)t obligations 
Provisions 
Deferred tax liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Equity
Share capital 
Share premium account 
Capital redemption reserve 
Retained earnings 
Retirement bene(cid:192)t obligations reserve 
Share-based payment reserve 
Own shares reserve 
Hedging and translation reserve 

Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent 
Non-controlling interest 

Total equity 

Note 

13 
14 
16 
19 
22 
25 

18 
19 
20 
25 

24 

23 
21 
25 

24 
23 
21 
25 
26 
27 
22 

28 
29 

30 
30 
30 
30 

2010 
£m 

899.5 
145.0 
135.4 
156.7 
38.1 
3.5 

2009
£m

898.4
164.4
129.2
181.4
48.0
2.5

1,378.2 

1,423.9

65.4 
790.2 
279.3 
3.9 

1,138.8 

2,517.0 

(805.5) 
(19.5) 
(7.1) 
(159.5) 
(2.4) 

(994.0) 

(22.2) 
(19.3) 
(354.6) 
(5.2) 
(226.2) 
(39.6) 
(14.6) 

(681.7) 

65.9
720.9
319.4
1.4

1,107.6

2,531.5

(771.6)
(14.1)
(6.0)
(110.7)
(5.5)

(907.9)

(23.1)
(18.0)
(543.2)
(1.7)
(294.2)
(42.3)
(9.0)

(931.5)

(1,675.7) 

(1,839.4)

841.3 

692.1

9.9 
306.7 
0.1 
568.5 
(142.8) 
58.7 
(27.5) 
67.7 

841.3 
- 

841.3 

9.8
304.1
0.1
444.1
(150.0)
49.6
(13.0)
47.3

692.0
0.1

692.1

The Financial Statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 1 March 2011 and signed on its behalf by: 

Christopher Hyman 
Chief Executive 

Andrew Jenner
Finance Director

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:26)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  107

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 5

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
For the year ended 31 December

(cid:49)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:193)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86) 

(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)
Interest received 
Disposal of investments/business undertakings 
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment 
Proceeds from disposal of intangible assets  
Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired 
Purchase of other intangible assets  
Purchase of property, plant and equipment   

(cid:49)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:193)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86) 

(cid:41)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)
Interest paid 
Dividends paid 
Non-controlling interest dividends paid 
Cash in(cid:193)ow from matured derivative (cid:192)nancial instruments 
Repayment of loans 
Repayment of non recourse loans 
New loan advances 
Capital element of (cid:192)nance lease repayments 
Purchase of own shares for employee bene(cid:192)t trust (ESOP) 
Proceeds from issue of share capital and exercise of share options 

(cid:49)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:193)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:192)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86) 

(cid:49)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:12)(cid:18)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)   
(cid:38)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85) 
Net exchange gain/(loss) 

(cid:38)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85) 

Note 

31 

15 

11 

20 

2010 
£m 

241.0 

3.3 
- 
6.1 
7.3 
(2.1) 
(20.9) 
(35.4) 

(41.7) 

(27.9) 
(32.3) 
(0.2) 
1.6 
(167.8) 
(7.6) 
10.1 
(8.7) 
(23.0) 
8.3 

(247.5) 

(48.2) 
319.4 
8.1 

279.3 

2009
£m

235.1

2.1
0.6
3.7
-
(14.7)
(17.3)
(38.9)

(64.5)

(33.6)
(25.9)
-
-
(66.8)
(6.5)
33.8
(5.7)
(2.4)
10.4

(96.7)

73.9
250.8
(5.3)

319.4

108 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:27)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 1. General information

Serco Group plc (the Group) is a company incorporated in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act 2006. The address of the registered 
of(cid:192)ce is Serco House, 16 Bartley Wood Business Park, Bartley Way, Hook, Hampshire, RG27 9UY. 

These Consolidated Financial Statements (the Financial Statements) are presented in pounds Sterling because this is the currency of the 
primary economic environment in which the Group operates. Foreign operations are included in accordance with the policies set out in note 2.

 2. Significant accounting policies

Basis of accounting
These Financial Statements on pages 105 to 160 have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) 
adopted for use in the European Union and therefore the Group (cid:192)nancial statements comply with Article 4 of the EU IAS regulation.

The Financial Statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis. The following principal accounting policies adopted have been 
applied consistently in the current and preceding (cid:192)nancial year except as stated below.

As discussed in more detail in the Finance Review, these Financial Statements have been prepared on the going concern basis.

Adoption of new and revised Standards
In the current year, the following new and revised Standards and Interpretations have been adopted and have affected the amounts reported  
in these Financial Statements.

IFRS 3 (2008) Business Combinations
IFRS 3 (2008) includes a number of signi(cid:192)cant changes to the accounting for business combinations. All acquisition costs are now required 
to be expensed as incurred, rather than capitalised as part of the cost of acquisitions. Any changes to the cost of an acquisition resulting from 
an event taking place after the date of acquisition, including those arising from adjustments to contingent consideration, are required to be 
recognised in the income statement rather than in goodwill. Any adjustments to contingent consideration in respect of acquisitions made prior 
to 1 January 2010 will continue to be accounted for under IFRS 3 (2004).

Amendments to IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements
The amendments to IAS 27 affect the treatment of acquisitions and disposals achieved in stages, and focus on whether or not this results in 
a change in control. Acquisitions and disposals that do not result in a change in control are accounted for within reserves, and goodwill is not 
re-measured. Where control is lost, all assets, liabilities and non-controlling interests are derecognised, and the resulting gain or loss, after any 
proceeds, is recognised in pro(cid:192)t or loss.

The following new and revised Standards and Interpretations have been adopted in the current year. Their adoption has not had any signi(cid:192)cant 
impact on the amounts reported in these Financial Statements but may impact the accounting for future transactions and arrangements. 

IAS 28 (2008) Investments in Associates
The revisions to IAS 28 require that where there is a loss of signi(cid:192)cant in(cid:193)uence over an associate, the investor measures any investment 
retained in the former associate at fair value, with any consequential gain or loss recognised in the income statement.

Amendment to IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement: Eligible Hedged Items
This amendment provides clari(cid:192)cation on two aspects of hedge accounting: identifying in(cid:193)ation as a hedged risk or portion, and hedging  
with options.

IFRS 1 (revised) First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards and Amendments to IFRS 1 Additional Exemptions for 
First-time Adopters
These amendments provide additional exemptions on (cid:192)rst-time adoption of IFRS, in relation to oil and gas assets and leases.

Amendments to IFRS 2 Group Cash-settled Share-based Payment Transactions
These amendments provide clari(cid:192)cation on the scope of IFRS 2, as well as the accounting for group cash-settled share-based payment 
transactions in the separate (cid:192)nancial statements of the entity receiving the goods or services when another group entity of shareholder has  
the obligation to settle the award.

IFRIC 17 Distribution of Non-cash Assets to Owners
This Interpretation provides guidance on the appropriate accounting treatment when an entity distributes assets other than cash as dividends  
to its shareholders.

IFRIC 18 Transfers of Assets from Customers
This Interpretation addresses the accounting by recipients for transfers of property, plant and equipment from customers and concludes that 
when the item of property, plant and equipment transferred meets the de(cid:192)nition of an asset from the perspective of the recipient, the recipient 
should recognise the asset at its fair value on the date of the transfer, with the credit being recognised as revenue in accordance with IAS 18.

Improvements to IFRSs (April 2009)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  109

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:28)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

 
Section 5

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 2. Significant accounting policies (continued) 

Basis of consolidation
The consolidated (cid:192)nancial statements incorporate the (cid:192)nancial statements of the Company, entities controlled by the Company (its subsidiaries) 
and entities jointly controlled by the Company (its joint ventures) made up to 31 December each year. Control is achieved where the Company 
has the power to govern the (cid:192)nancial and operating policies of an investee entity so as to obtain bene(cid:192)ts from its activities.

The results of subsidiaries and joint ventures acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated income statement from 
the effective date of acquisition or up to the effective date of disposal as appropriate.

Where necessary, adjustments are made to the (cid:192)nancial statements of subsidiaries and joint ventures to bring accounting policies used into line 
with those used by the Group.

All intra-Group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.

Non-controlling interests represent the portion of pro(cid:192)t or loss and net assets in subsidiaries that is not held by the Group and is presented 
within equity in the consolidated balance sheet, separately from parent shareholders’ equity.

Changes in segmental information
From the start of 2010 the Group repositioned its business to maximise the focus on growth and opportunities and to ensure that it maintains  
a (cid:193)exible and devolved organisation which is responsive to its customers’ needs. From 1 January 2010, the Group reorganised its business into  
(cid:192)ve new divisions, focused on the Group’s principal markets: Civil Government; Local Government and Commercial; Defence, Science and 
Nuclear; Americas; and AMEAA. The key changes arising from its previous segments are as follows:

Civil Government, the UK and Europe Healthcare, Home Affairs and Welfare to Work business, is included in the new Civil Government division; 
the UK and Europe Consulting, Education, Integrated Services, IT and BPO businesses are part of the new Local Government and Commercial 
division; and the Civil Government businesses in North America and the rest of the world are allocated to the Americas and AMEAA  
divisions respectively. 

Defence has transferred to Defence, Science and Nuclear, with the exception of those businesses operating in the geographical regions of 
Americas and AMEAA. 

Transport has been transferred to Civil Government, with the exception of businesses operating in the geographical regions of Americas  
and AMEAA. 

Science has transferred to Defence, Science and Nuclear.

As a consequence of these changes, previously published (cid:192)nancial information has been restated.

Business combinations
Acquisitions of subsidiaries and businesses are accounted for using the acquisition method. The consideration for each acquisition is measured 
at the aggregate of the fair values, at the date of exchange, of assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed, and equity instruments issued by the 
Group in exchange for control of the acquiree. Acquisition related costs are recognised in pro(cid:192)t or loss as incurred.

Where applicable, the consideration for the acquisition includes any asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement, 
measured at its acquisition date fair value. Subsequent changes in fair values are adjusted against the cost of acquisition where they qualify 
as measurement period (which is subject to a maximum of one year) adjustments. All other subsequent changes in the fair value of contingent 
consideration classi(cid:192)ed as an asset or liability are accounted for in accordance with the relevant accounting standards. Changes in the fair value 
of contingent consideration classi(cid:192)ed as equity are not recognised.

The acquiree’s identi(cid:192)able assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities that meet the conditions for recognition under IFRS 3 Business 
Combinations are recognised at their fair value at the acquisition date, except where a different treatment is mandated by another standard.

Goodwill arising on acquisition is recognised as an asset at the date that control is acquired. Goodwill is measured as the excess of the sum of 
the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interest and the fair value of any previously held equity interest in the acquired 
entity, over the net of the acquisition date amounts of the identi(cid:192)able assets and liabilities acquired.

If, after reassessment, the Group’s interest in the net fair value of the acquiree’s identi(cid:192)able net assets exceeds the sum of the consideration 
transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interest and the fair value of any previously held equity interest in the acquired entity, the excess  
is recognised immediately in the income statement.

Any adjustments to contingent consideration in respect of acquisitions made prior to 1 January 2010 will continue to be re(cid:193)ected in goodwill  
in accordance with IFRS 3 (2004).

110 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:19)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

 2. Significant accounting policies (continued) 

Goodwill
Goodwill arising on consolidation represents the excess of the cost of acquisition over the Group’s interest in the fair value of the identi(cid:192)able 
assets and liabilities of a subsidiary, associate or jointly-controlled entity, at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is initially recognised as an asset at 
cost and is subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill which is recognised as an asset is reviewed for 
impairment at least annually. Any impairment is recognised immediately in pro(cid:192)t or loss and is not subsequently reversed. 

For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to each of the Group’s cash-generating units (CGUs) expected to bene(cid:192)t from the 
synergies of the combination. CGUs to which goodwill has been allocated are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently when there is 
an indication that the unit may be impaired. If the recoverable amount of the CGU is less than the carrying amount of the unit, the impairment 
loss is allocated (cid:192)rst to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the other assets of the unit pro-rata on the 
basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the unit. An impairment loss recognised for goodwill is not reversed in a subsequent period.

On disposal of a subsidiary, associate or jointly-controlled entity, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination of the pro(cid:192)t 
or loss on disposal.

Goodwill arising on acquisitions before the date of transition to IFRS has been retained at the previous UK GAAP amounts subject to being 
tested for impairment at that date. Goodwill written off to reserves under UK GAAP prior to 1998 has not been reinstated and is not included  
in determining any subsequent pro(cid:192)t or loss on disposal.

Investments in joint ventures
The Group’s investments in joint ventures are reported in the (cid:192)nancial statements using the proportionate consolidation method, whereby 
the Group’s share of each of the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of its joint ventures is combined line by line with similar items in the 
Group’s (cid:192)nancial statements or reported as separate line items within the Group’s (cid:192)nancial statements.

Property, plant and equipment
Assets held for use in the rendering of services, or for administrative purposes, are stated in the balance sheet at cost, net of accumulated 
depreciation and any provision for impairment.

Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis at rates designed to reduce the assets to their residual value over their estimated useful lives.

The principal annual rates used are:

Freehold buildings 

2.5%

Short-leasehold building improvements 

The higher of 10% or the rate produced by the lease term

Machinery 

Motor vehicles 

Furniture 

Of(cid:192)ce equipment 

Leased equipment 

15% - 20%

10% - 50%

10%

20% - 33%

The higher of the rate produced by the lease term or useful life

The gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an asset is determined as the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying 
amount of the asset and is recognised in the income statement.

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:20)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  111

 
Section 5

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 2. Significant accounting policies (continued) 

Other intangible assets
Customer relationships represent the value of contracts acquired on the acquisition of subsidiaries and are amortised over the average length  
of contracts.

Development expenditure is capitalised as an intangible asset only if all of the following conditions are met:
(cid:79)(cid:3) an asset is created that can be separately identi(cid:192)ed;
(cid:79)(cid:3) it is probable that the asset created will generate future economic bene(cid:192)ts; and
(cid:79)(cid:3) the development cost of the asset can be measured reliably.

Purchased software and development expenditure is amortised over the period in which the Group is expected to bene(cid:192)t. This period is 
between three to eight years, or the length of the contract if longer. Provision is also made for any impairment. All other development expenditure 
is written off as incurred. Assets under the course of construction are not depreciated.

Licences comprise premiums paid for the acquisition of licences, which are amortised on a straight-line basis over the life of the licence.

Franchises represent costs incurred in obtaining franchise rights and franchise goodwill arising on the acquisition of franchises. These are 
amortised on a straight-line basis over the life of the franchise.

Pension related intangibles represent assets arising in relation to the Group’s right to manage and operate contracts where there is a  
de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t pension scheme and it is not virtually certain that contributions will be recovered from the customer but where the  
Group’s obligation to contribute to the scheme ends when the contract ends. The intangible assets represent the Group’s share of  
scheme net liabilities on the date that contracts commence and are amortised on a straight-line basis over the contract life.

Impairment of tangible and intangible assets
Annually, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those 
assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine 
the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where the asset does not generate cash (cid:193)ows that are independent from other assets, the Group 
estimates the recoverable amount of the CGU to which the asset belongs. A CGU is the smallest group of assets that generates cash in(cid:193)ows 
from continuing use that are largely independent of the cash (cid:193)ows of other assets or groups of assets. For the purpose of impairment testing, 
the goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated to cash-generating units that are expected to bene(cid:192)t from the synergies of  
the combination. 

Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash (cid:193)ows are 
discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that re(cid:193)ects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks 
speci(cid:192)c to the asset for which the estimates of future cash (cid:193)ows have not been adjusted.

If the recoverable amount of an asset (or CGU) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or CGU) is 
reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised as an expense immediately. Impairment losses recognised in respect of 
CGUs are allocated (cid:192)rst to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the units and then to reduce the carrying amount of the other 
assets in the unit (group of units) on a pro-rata basis.

An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed. In respect of other assets, impairment losses recognised in prior periods are 
assessed at each reporting date for indications that the loss has decreased or no longer exists. Where an impairment loss subsequently 
reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or CGU) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased 
carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, had no impairment 
loss been recognised for the asset (or CGU) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised as income immediately.

Impairment losses and reversals are included within administrative expenses within the consolidated income statement.

Revenue recognition
Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents amounts due for goods and services provided 
in the normal course of business, net of discounts, VAT and other sales related taxes.

Sales of goods are recognised when goods are delivered and title has passed.

Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable, which is the 
rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the (cid:192)nancial asset to that asset’s net carrying amount.

Dividend income from investments is recognised when the shareholders’ rights to receive payment have been established.

Revenue on repeat service-based contracts is recognised as services are provided.

Revenue from long-term project-based contracts is recognised in accordance with the Group’s accounting policy below.

112 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:21)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

 2. Significant accounting policies (continued) 

Long-term project-based and repeat service contracts
The Group has a number of long-term contracts for the provision of complex, project-based services. Where the outcome of such long-term 
project-based contracts can be measured reliably, revenue and costs are recognised by reference to the stage of completion of the contract 
activity at the balance sheet date in accordance with IAS 18 Revenue and IAS 11 Construction Contracts. This is measured by the proportion 
of contract costs incurred for work performed to date compared to the estimated total contract costs, except where this would not be 
representative of the stage of completion. Variations in contract work, claims and incentive payments are included to the extent that they have 
been agreed with the customer, or are virtually certain of being received.

Where the outcome of a long-term project-based contract cannot be estimated reliably, contract revenue is recognised to the extent of contract 
costs that are probable to be recovered. Contract costs are recognised as expenses in the period in which they are incurred.

When it is probable that the total contract costs will exceed total contract revenue, the expected loss is recognised as an expense immediately.

All bid costs are expensed through the income statement up to the point where contract award (or full recovery of costs) is virtually certain. Bid 
costs incurred after this point are then capitalised within trade and other receivables. On contract award these bid costs are amortised through 
the income statement over the contract period by reference to the stage of completion of the contract activity at the balance sheet date. Phase 
in costs directly related to phase in programmes of contracts are treated as an integral part of contract costs and are recognised on a straight-
line basis over the life of the contract.

Segmental information
Segmental information is based on internal reports about components of the Group that are regularly reviewed by the Group’s Chief Operating 
Decision Maker in order to allocate resources to the segments and to assess their performance.

Items excluded from segments comprise corporate expenses. Speci(cid:192)c corporate expenses are allocated to the corresponding segments. 
Segment assets comprise goodwill, other intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, inventories, trade and other receivables (excluding 
corporation tax recoverable) and any retirement bene(cid:192)t asset. Liabilities comprise trade and other payables and retirement bene(cid:192)t obligations. 

Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value and comprise service spares, parts awaiting installation and long-term 
project-based contract balances. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs that have been incurred in bringing 
the inventories to their present location and condition. 

Leases
Leases are classi(cid:192)ed as (cid:192)nance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the 
lessee. All other leases are classi(cid:192)ed as operating leases.

Assets held under (cid:192)nance leases are recognised as assets of the Group at fair value or, if lower, at the present value of minimum lease 
payments determined at the inception of the lease. The corresponding liability to the lessor is included in the balance sheet as a (cid:192)nance lease 
obligation. Lease payments are apportioned between (cid:192)nance charges and reduction of the lease obligation so as to achieve a constant rate  
of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance charges are charged directly against income, unless they are directly attributable  
to a qualifying asset, in which case they are capitalised in accordance with the Group’s general policy on borrowing costs (see below).

Total rentals payable under operating leases are charged to income on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease.

Foreign currencies
Transactions in currencies other than Sterling are recorded at the rates of exchange on the dates of the transactions. At each balance sheet 
date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the balance sheet 
date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities carried at fair value that are denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rate prevailing on 
the date when the fair value was determined. Gains and losses arising on retranslation are included in the net pro(cid:192)t or loss for the period, except 
for exchange differences arising on non-monetary assets and liabilities where the changes in fair value are recognised directly in equity in the 
consolidated statement of comprehensive income (SOCI).

On consolidation, the assets and liabilities of the Group’s overseas operations are translated at exchange rates prevailing on the balance 
sheet date. Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates for the period. Exchange differences arising, if any, are 
recognised directly within equity in the Group’s hedging and translation reserve. Such translation differences are recognised as income or 
expenses in the period in which the operation is disposed of.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity and 
translated at the closing rate.

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:22)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  113

 
Section 5

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 2. Significant accounting policies (continued) 

Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets, which are assets that necessarily take 
a substantial period of time to get ready for their intended use or sale, are added to the cost of those assets, until such time as the assets are 
substantially ready for their intended use or sale. 

All other borrowing costs are recognised as an expense in the period in which they are incurred.

(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:192)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:86)
Payments to de(cid:192)ned contribution pension schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

For de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t pension schemes, the cost of providing bene(cid:192)ts is determined using the projected unit credit actuarial cost method, with 
actuarial valuations being carried out at each balance sheet date. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised in full in the period in which they 
occur. They are recognised outside the income statement and are presented in the SOCI.

The current service cost represents the increase in the present value of the plan liabilities expected to arise from employee service in the  
current period.

Past service cost is recognised immediately to the extent that the bene(cid:192)ts are already vested, and is amortised on a straight-line basis over the 
average period until the bene(cid:192)t becomes vested. Gains and losses on curtailments or settlements are recognised in the period in which the 
curtailment or settlement occurs.

The retirement bene(cid:192)t obligation recognised in the balance sheet represents the present value of the de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t obligation as adjusted for 
unrecognised past service costs, and as reduced by the fair value of scheme assets. Any asset resulting from this calculation is limited to past 
service cost, plus the present value of available refunds and reductions in future contributions to the plan.

The economic bene(cid:192)t from refunds is only recognised to the extent that the Group has an unconditional right to receive a refund.

To the extent that an economic bene(cid:192)t is available as a reduction in contributions and there is a minimum funding requirement, the economic 
bene(cid:192)t available as a reduction in contributions is calculated at the present value of:
a)  the estimated future service cost in each year; less
b)  the estimated minimum funding contributions required in respect of the future accrual and bene(cid:192)ts in that year.

De(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t obligations arising from contractual obligations
Where the Group takes on a contract and assumes the obligation to contribute variable amounts to the de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t pension scheme 
throughout the period of the contract and it is not virtually certain that the contributions will be recovered from the customer, the Group’s share 
of the de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t obligation less its share of the pension scheme assets that it will fund over the period of the contract is recognised as a 
liability at the start of the contract with a corresponding amount being recognised as an intangible asset. The intangible asset, which re(cid:193)ects 
the Group’s right to manage and operate the contract, is amortised over the contract period. The Group’s share of the scheme assets and 
liabilities is calculated by reducing the scheme assets and liabilities by a franchise adjustment. The franchise adjustment represents the amount 
of scheme de(cid:192)cits that will be funded outside the contract period. Subsequent actuarial gains and losses in relation to the Group’s share of 
pension obligations are recognised outside the income statement and are presented in the SOCI.

Where the Group takes on a contract and assumes the obligation to contribute variable amounts to the de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t pension scheme 
throughout the period of the contract and it is virtually certain that the contributions will be recovered from the customer, the Group’s share 
of the de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t obligation less its share of the pension scheme assets are recognised as a liability at the start of the contract with a 
corresponding amount being recognised as a (cid:192)nancial asset at fair value, being the fair value of the reimbursable rights. In the consolidated 
income statement, the expense relating to the de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t plan is presented net of the amount recognised for reimbursement. Subsequent 
actuarial gains and losses in relation to the Group’s share of pension obligations are recognised outside the income statement and are 
presented in the SOCI. The change in fair value of the reimbursable rights that is not presented in the income statement is reported in the SOCI.

Multi-employer pension schemes
Multi-employer pension schemes are classi(cid:192)ed as a de(cid:192)ned contribution pension scheme or a de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t pension scheme under the terms 
of the scheme.

When suf(cid:192)cient information is not available to use de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t accounting for a multi-employer de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t pension scheme, the Group 
accounts for the scheme as if it were a de(cid:192)ned contribution scheme.

114 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:23)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

 2. Significant accounting policies (continued) 

Tax
The tax expense represents the sum of current tax expense and deferred tax expense.

Current tax expense is based on taxable pro(cid:192)t for the year. Taxable pro(cid:192)t differs from net pro(cid:192)t as reported in the income statement because 
it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or 
deductible. The Group’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance 
sheet date.

Deferred tax is provided, using the liability method, on temporary differences at the balance sheet date between the tax bases of assets and 
liabilities and their carrying amounts for accounting purposes.

Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences. Deferred tax assets are generally recognised for all 
deductible temporary differences, carry forward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses, to the extent that it is probable that taxable  
pro(cid:192)ts will be available against which these items can be utilised.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition of an 
asset and liability in a transaction other than a business combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the tax pro(cid:192)t nor the 
accounting pro(cid:192)t.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures, except where 
the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the 
foreseeable future.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that 
suf(cid:192)cient taxable pro(cid:192)ts will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be utilised.

Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised, based upon 
tax rates and legislation that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the 
income statement, except where it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also recognised  
in equity.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and 
when they relate to income taxes levied by the same tax authority where the Group intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a  
net basis.

Research and development costs
Expenditure on research is recognised as an expense in the period in which it is incurred. Development costs are expensed in the period in 
which the costs are incurred unless the criteria for capitalisation is met (see other intangible assets policy).

Share-based payment
The Group has applied the requirements of IFRS 2 Share-based Payment (amended January 2008). In accordance with the transitional 
provisions, IFRS 2 has been applied to all grants of equity instruments after 7 November 2002 that were not fully vested as of 1 January 2005.

The Group makes equity-settled share-based payments to certain employees and operates an HMRC approved Save As You Earn (SAYE) share 
option scheme open to eligible employees which allows the purchase of shares at a discount. These are measured at fair value at the date of 
grant. The fair value is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate of shares that will eventually 
vest. SAYE options are treated as cancelled when employees cease to contribute to the scheme, resulting in an acceleration of the remainder  
of the related expense.

Where the fair value of share options requires the use of a valuation model, fair value is measured by use of the Binomial Lattice or Monte Carlo 
Simulation models depending on the type of scheme, as set out in note 33. The expected life used in the models has been adjusted, based 
on management’s best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions, and behavioural considerations. Where relevant, the 
value of the option has also been adjusted to take account of market conditions applicable to the option.

Trade receivables
Trade receivables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less 
provision for impairment. A provision for impairment of trade receivables is established when there is objective evidence that the Group will not 
be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the contract. Signi(cid:192)cant (cid:192)nancial dif(cid:192)culties of the debtor, probability that the 
debtor will enter bankruptcy or (cid:192)nancial reorganisation, and default or delinquency in payments are considered indicators that a trade receivable 
is impaired. The amount of the provision is based on management’s best estimate of the likelihood of the recoverable amount. The carrying 
amount of the asset is reduced through the use of an allowance for doubtful debts and the amount of the loss is recognised in the income 
statement within administrative expenses. When a trade receivable is uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance for doubtful debts. 
Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against administrative expenses.

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:24)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  115

 
Section 5

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 2. Significant accounting policies (continued) 

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand and balances with banks and similar institutions, which are readily convertible to known 
amounts of cash and which are subject to insigni(cid:192)cant changes in value and have a maturity of three months or less. This de(cid:192)nition is also  
used for the consolidated cash (cid:193)ow statement.

Dividends
Dividends are recorded in the Group’s consolidated (cid:192)nancial statements in the period in which they are declared, appropriately authorised and 
no longer at the discretion of the Company.

Loans
Loans are initially stated at the amount of the net proceeds after deduction of issue costs. The carrying amount of loans hedged by derivatives 
is increased by the (cid:192)nance cost in respect of the accounting period and reduced by payments made in the period. Loans which are unhedged 
are stated at amortised cost using the effective interest-rate method. Accrued interest is recorded separately from the associated borrowings 
within current liabilities.

Loans are described as non recourse loans and classi(cid:192)ed as such only if no Group company other than the relevant borrower has an obligation, 
under a guarantee or other arrangement, to repay the debt.

(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:192)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:88)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)
The Group enters into a variety of derivative (cid:192)nancial instruments to manage the exposure to interest rate and foreign exchange risk, including 
foreign exchange forward contracts and interest rate swaps. Further details of derivative (cid:192)nancial instruments are given in note 25.

Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value at the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured to their fair 
value at each balance sheet date. A derivative with a positive fair value is recognised as a (cid:192)nancial asset whereas a derivative with a negative 
fair value is recognised as a (cid:192)nancial liability. The resulting gain or loss is recognised in pro(cid:192)t or loss immediately unless the derivative is 
designated and effective as a hedging instrument, in which event the timing of the recognition in pro(cid:192)t or loss depends on the nature of 
the hedge relationship. The Group designates certain derivatives as either hedges of the fair value of recognised assets or liabilities or (cid:192)rm 
commitments (fair value hedges), hedges of highly probable forecast transactions or hedges of foreign currency risk of (cid:192)rm commitments  
(cash (cid:193)ow hedges), or hedges of net investments in foreign operations.

A derivative is presented as a non-current asset or a non-current liability if the remaining maturity of the instrument is more than 12 months and  
it is not expected to be realised or settled within 12 months. Other derivatives are presented as current assets or current liabilities.

Embedded derivatives
Derivatives embedded in other (cid:192)nancial instruments or other host contracts are treated as separate derivatives when their risks and 
characteristics are not closely related to those of the host contracts and the host contracts are not measured at fair value through pro(cid:192)t or loss. 

Hedge accounting
The Group designates certain hedging instruments, which include derivatives, embedded derivatives and non-derivatives in respect of foreign 
exchange risk, as either fair value hedges, cash (cid:193)ow hedges, or hedges of net investments in foreign operations. Hedges of foreign exchange 
risk on (cid:192)rm commitments are accounted for as cash (cid:193)ow hedges.

At the inception of the hedge relationship, the entity documents the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item, along 
with its risk management objectives and its strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. Furthermore, at the inception of the hedge and 
on an ongoing basis, the Group documents whether the hedging instrument that is used in a hedging relationship is highly effective in offsetting 
changes in fair values or cash (cid:193)ows of the hedged item. 

Details of the fair values of the derivative instruments used for hedging purposes and movements in the hedging and translation reserve in 
equity are detailed in the SOCI and described in note 25. 

Fair value hedges
Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges are recorded in pro(cid:192)t or loss immediately, together 
with any changes in the fair value of the hedged item that is attributable to the hedged risk. The change in the fair value of the hedging 
instrument and the change in the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognised in the line of the income statement relating to the 
hedged item. 

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the Group revokes the hedging relationship, the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated, 
exercised, or no longer quali(cid:192)es for hedge accounting. The adjustment to the carrying amount of the hedged item arising from the hedged risk 
is amortised to pro(cid:192)t or loss from that date. 

116 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:25)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

 2. Significant accounting policies (continued) 

Cash (cid:193)ow hedges
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash (cid:193)ow hedges are deferred in equity.  
The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in pro(cid:192)t or loss. 

Amounts deferred in equity are recycled to pro(cid:192)t or loss in the periods when the hedged item affects pro(cid:192)t or loss, in the same line of the 
income statement as the recognised hedged item. However, when the forecast transaction that is hedged results in the recognition of a non-
(cid:192)nancial asset or a non-(cid:192)nancial liability, the gains and losses previously deferred in equity are transferred from equity and included in the initial 
measurement of the cost of the non-(cid:192)nancial asset or non-(cid:192)nancial liability.

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the Group revokes the hedging relationship, the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated, 
exercised, or no longer quali(cid:192)es for hedge accounting. Any cumulative gain or loss deferred in equity at that time remains in equity and is 
recognised when the forecast transaction is ultimately recognised in pro(cid:192)t or loss. When a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, 
the cumulative gain or loss that was deferred in equity is recognised immediately in pro(cid:192)t or loss. 

Hedges of net investments in foreign operations
Hedges of net investments in foreign operations are accounted for similarly to cash (cid:193)ow hedges. Any gain or loss on the hedging  
instrument relating to the effective portion of the hedge is recognised in equity and accumulated in the hedging and translation reserve.  
The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in pro(cid:192)t or loss and is included in the ‘net exchange gain/loss  
on translation of foreign operations’ line item. 

Gains and losses on the hedging instrument relating to the effective portion of the hedge accumulated in the foreign currency translation reserve 
are reclassi(cid:192)ed to pro(cid:192)t or loss in the same way as exchange differences relating to the foreign operations.

Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation as a result of a past event, and it is probable that the Group will be required 
to settle that obligation. Provisions are measured at the Directors’ best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation at the 
balance sheet date.

New standards and interpretations not applied
At the date of authorisation of these Financial Statements, the following Standards and Interpretations which have not been applied in these 
Financial Statements were in issue but not yet effective (and in some cases had not yet been adopted by the EU):
(cid:79)(cid:3) IAS 24 (revised) Related Party Disclosures
(cid:79)(cid:3) Amendment to IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation: Classi(cid:192)cation of Rights Issues
(cid:79)(cid:3) Amendments to IFRS 1 Limited Exemption from Comparative IFRS 7 Disclosures for First-time Adopters
(cid:79)(cid:3) Amendments to IFRS 7 Financial Instruments Disclosures
(cid:79)(cid:3) IFRS 9 Financial Instruments
(cid:79)(cid:3) Amendment to IFRIC 14 Prepayment of a Minimum Funding Requirement
(cid:79)(cid:3) IFRIC 19 Extinguishing Financial Liabilities with Equity Instruments
(cid:79)(cid:3) Improvements to IFRSs (May 2010)

The Directors do not anticipate that the adoption of these standards and interpretations will have a material impact on the Group’s (cid:192)nancial 
statements in the period of initial application, with the exception of amounts reported and disclosures in respect of the Group’s (cid:192)nancial assets 
and (cid:192)nancial liabilities on adoption of IFRS 9. However, it is not practicable at this stage to provide a reasonable estimate of the effect.

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:26)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  117

 
Section 5

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 3. Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

Critical judgements in applying the Group’s accounting policies
In the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies, which are described in note 2 above, management has made the following 
judgements that have the most signi(cid:192)cant effect on the amounts recognised in the (cid:192)nancial statements (apart from those involving estimations 
which are dealt with below).

Revenue and pro(cid:192)t recognition of long-term project-based contracts
Revenue and pro(cid:192)t is recognised for certain long-term project-based contracts based on the stage of completion of the contract activity. This is 
measured by the proportion of costs incurred to estimated whole-life contract costs except where this would not be representative of the stage 
of completion. 

Key sources of estimation uncertainty
The key assumptions concerning the future, and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the balance sheet date, that have a signi(cid:192)cant 
risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next (cid:192)nancial year, are discussed below.

Impairment of goodwill
Determining whether goodwill is impaired requires an estimation of the value in use of the cash-generating units to which goodwill has been 
allocated. The value in use calculation involves an estimation of the future cash (cid:193)ows of cash-generating units and also the selection of 
appropriate discount rates, which involves judgement, to calculate present values (see note 13). The carrying value of goodwill is £899.5m 
(2009: £898.4m) at the balance sheet date.

Retirement bene(cid:192)t obligations
The calculation of retirement bene(cid:192)t obligations is dependent on material key assumptions including discount rates, future returns on assets and 
future contribution rates (see note 26). The value of retirement bene(cid:192)t obligations at the balance sheet date is £226.2m (2009: £294.2m). Details 
of the impact of changes in assumptions relating to retirement bene(cid:192)t obligations are disclosed in the Finance Review (page 52).

 4. Revenue

An analysis of the Group’s revenue is as follows:

Rendering of services 
Revenue from long-term project-based contracts 

Revenue as disclosed in the Consolidated Income Statement 
Investment revenue (note 8) 

Total revenue as de(cid:192)ned in IAS 18 

 5. Segmental information

2010 
£m 

4,103.5 
223.2 

4,326.7 
3.9 

4,330.6 

2009
£m

3,824.0
146.0

3,970.0
2.7

3,972.7

Information reported to the Chief Operating Decision Maker for the purposes of resource allocation and assessment of segment performance 
focuses on the categories of customer identi(cid:192)ed using their respective markets. Details of the different products and services provided by 
each operating segment are included in the Our business and Our performance sections of this report. From 1 January 2010, the Group has 
reapportioned its business into (cid:192)ve new divisions. The Group’s reportable operating segments under IFRS 8 Operating Segments are:

Reportable Segments 
Civil Government  

Operating Segments
UK and Europe civil government and transport; 

Defence, Science and Nuclear 

UK and Europe defence and science-based businesses;

Local Government and Commercial 

UK and Europe IT and BPO, integrated services, education and commercial businesses;

Americas 

AMEAA 

US defence, intelligence and federal civil government agencies operations, 
and Canadian operations; and

Africa, Middle East, Asia (including Hong Kong and India) and Australasia.

The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as the Group’s accounting policies described in note 2. 

118 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:27)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 5. Segmental information (continued)

The following is an analysis of the Group’s revenue and results by operating segment in the year ended 31 December 2010. 

Reportable segments
Year ended 31 December 2010 

Revenue  

Result
Segment result 
Corporate expenses 

(cid:50)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:192)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:3)
Investment revenue 
Finance costs 

(cid:51)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:192)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:91)(cid:3)
Tax 

(cid:51)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:192)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:3)

(cid:38)(cid:68)(cid:83)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:13)
Goodwill 

Property, plant and equipment: segments 
Property, plant and equipment: corporate 

Intangible assets: segments  
Intangible assets: corporate  

Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation: segments 
Depreciation: corporate 

Civil  
Government 
£m 

Defence,  
Science 
and Nuclear 
£m 

Local
Government 
and
Commercial 
£m 

Americas 
£m 

AMEAA 
£m 

Total
£m

1,126.9 

910.8 

853.9 

953.9 

481.2 

4,326.7

66.4 

77.3 

53.1 

64.0 

32.0 

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

- 

3.7 

- 

8.4 

1.9 

11.3 

- 

1.4 

1.2 

10.4 

0.2 

1.3 

1.8 

4.9 

3.5 

7.2 

2.6 

15.1 

4.8 

9.1 

Amortisation of intangibles arising on acquisition: 
segments 
Amortisation – other: segments 
Amortisation – other: corporate 

0.2 
3.6 

- 
1.7 

2.7 
5.3 

13.9 
1.3 

0.6 
1.2 

Segment assets
Reportable segment assets 
Corporate assets 

Segment liabilities
Reportable segment liabilities 
Corporate liabilities 

292.2 

408.0 

533.5 

694.5 

251.0 

(243.0) 

(313.3) 

(176.0) 

(133.5) 

(85.8) 

* stated on a cash basis: including acquisitions but excluding (cid:192)nance leases

292.8
(51.5)

(cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:20)(cid:17)(cid:22)
3.9
(31.3)

(cid:21)(cid:20)(cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:28)
(57.1)

(cid:20)(cid:24)(cid:25)(cid:17)(cid:27)

3.1

35.2
0.2

35.4

11.7
9.2

20.9

38.8
0.6

39.4

17.4
13.1
13.1

43.6

2,179.2
9.0

2,188.2

(951.6)
(102.3)

(1,053.9)

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:28)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  119

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 5

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 5. Segmental information (continued)

Reportable segments
Restated 
Year ended 31 December 2009 

Civil  
Government 
£m 

Defence,  
Science 

Local 
Government
and Nuclear  and Commercial 
£m 

£m 

Americas 
£m 

1,026.3 

921.2 

809.2 

872.6 

AMEAA 
£m 

340.7 

Total
£m

3,970.0

Revenue  

Result
Segment result  
Corporate expenses 

(cid:50)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:192)(cid:87)(cid:3) 
Investment revenue 
Finance costs 

(cid:51)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:192)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:91) 
Tax 

(cid:51)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:192)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3) 

(cid:38)(cid:68)(cid:83)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:13)

Goodwill 

Property, plant and equipment: segments 
Property, plant and equipment: corporate 

Intangible assets: segments  
Intangible assets: corporate  

(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)

Depreciation: segments 
Depreciation: corporate 

45.0 

77.9 

47.0 

61.8 

24.1 

5.1 

9.4 

- 

2.2 

1.1 

13.2 

- 

3.9 

- 

8.9 

2.0 

0.9 

2.5 

4.1 

1.1 

8.3 

2.7 

12.7 

7.1 

2.8 

Amortisation of intangibles arising on acquisition: 
segments 
Amortisation – other: segments 
Amortisation – other: corporate 

0.3 
3.7 

- 
1.7 

2.6 
5.3 

14.2 
1.3 

0.5 
1.2 

Segment assets
Reportable segment assets 
Corporate assets 

Segment liabilities
Reportable segment liabilities 
Corporate liabilities 

284.4 

447.4 

538.7 

661.2 

197.2 

(242.2) 

(340.6) 

(207.8) 

(105.7) 

(54.0) 

* stated on a cash basis: including acquisitions but excluding (cid:192)nance leases

255.8
(43.7)

212.1
2.7
(37.7)

177.1
(46.9)

130.2

6.2

37.6
2.4

40.0

10.6
6.9

17.5

33.6
0.8

34.4

17.6
13.2
9.7

40.5

2,128.9
30.0

2,158.9

(950.3)
(138.6)

(1,088.9)

120 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:19)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 5. Segmental information (continued)

Segment assets comprise:
Goodwill 
Other intangible assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Trade and other receivables – non-current 
Inventories 
Trade and other receivables – current excluding Corporation tax recoverable (note 19) 

Segment liabilities comprise:
Trade and other payables – current 
Trade and other payables – non-current 
Retirement bene(cid:192)t obligations 

Geographic information

United Kingdom 
United States 
Other countries 

Total 

2010 
£m 

899.5 
145.0 
135.4 
156.7 
65.4 
786.2 

2009
£m

898.4
164.4
129.2
181.4
65.9
719.6

2,188.2 

2,158.9

2010 
£m 

(805.5) 
(22.2) 
(226.2) 

2009
£m

(771.6)
(23.1)
(294.2)

(1,053.9) 

(1,088.9)

Revenue 
2010 
£m 

2,586.4 
880.3 
860.0 

4,326.7 

Non-current 
assets* 
2010 
£m 

707.9 
463.2 
165.5 

1,336.6 

Revenue 
2009 
£m 

2,541.9 
819.2 
608.9 

3,970.0 

Non-current

assets*
2009
£m

734.9
404.8
233.7

1,373.4

* Non-current assets exclude (cid:192)nancial instruments and deferred tax assets

Revenues from external customers are attributed to individual countries on the basis of the location of the customer.

Information about major customers
The Group has two major governmental customers which each represent more than 10% of Group revenues. The customers’ revenues were 
respectively £2,418.3m (2009: £2,351.6m) across all reported segments other than Americas and AMEAA and £850.5m (2009: £796.1m) within 
the Americas segment.

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:20)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  121

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 5

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 6. Operating profit

Operating pro(cid:192)t is stated after charging/(crediting):

Net foreign exchange losses/(gains) 
Research and development costs 
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment 
Depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment (note 16) 
Amortisation of intangible assets – arising on acquisition (note 14) 
Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets – other (note 14) 
Impairment of goodwill (note 13) 
Staff costs (note 7) 
Allowance for doubtful debts charged to income statement (note 19) 
Fair value adjustment on (cid:192)nancial instruments
- recycling of amounts on discontinued cash (cid:193)ow hedges (note 25(d)) 
- forward foreign exchange contracts: non-designated hedges (note 25(a)) 
Operating lease payments 
Operating lease income 

2010 
£m 

1.8 
62.3 
0.8 
39.4 
17.4 
26.2 
4.2 
1,837.3 
2.2 

0.3 
(1.4) 
128.6 
- 

2009
£m

(3.4)
47.1
2.0
34.4
17.6
22.9
-
1,694.0
1.4

0.2
3.0
104.5
(0.1)

Amounts payable to Deloitte LLP and their associates by the Company and its subsidiary undertakings in respect of audit and non-audit 
services are shown below.

Fees payable to the Company’s Auditor for the audit of the Company’s annual accounts 

Fees payable to the Company’s Auditor and their associates for other services to the Group:   
- audit of the Company’s subsidiaries pursuant to legislation  

Total audit fees 

Other services pursuant to legislation 
- tax services 
- other services 

Total non-audit fees 

Other services relate to consulting services provided to the Group.

2010 
£m 

0.9 

0.7 

1.6 

0.1 
0.2 
0.3 

0.6 

2009
£m

0.9

0.7

1.6

0.1
0.2
0.3

0.6

122 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:21)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 7. Staff costs

The average monthly number of employees (including Executive Directors) was:

Civil Government 
Defence, Science and Nuclear 
Local Government and Commercial 
Americas 
AMEAA 
Unallocated 

Total 

2010 
 Number 

11,313 
8,516 
11,477 
10,192 
17,014 
287 

58,799 

Average monthly numbers of employees for joint ventures are included on a proportionately consolidated basis in the table above.

Aggregate remuneration comprised:

Wages and salaries 
Social security costs 
Other pension costs (note 26) 

Share-based payment expense (note 33) 

Total 

 8. Investment revenue

Interest receivable on other loans and deposits 

 9. Finance costs

Interest payable on non recourse loans 
Interest payable on obligations under (cid:192)nance leases 
Interest payable on other loans 
Movement in discount on provisions and deferred consideration 
Net interest payable on retirement bene(cid:192)t obligations (note 26) 

2010 
£m 

1,582.9 
139.1 
106.5 

1,828.5 
8.8 

1,837.3 

2010 
£m 

3.9 

3.9 

2010 
£m 

1.4 
2.2 
23.7 
1.2 
2.8 

31.3 

2009
Number

11,540
9,182
11,400
10,286
15,036
266

57,710

2009
£m

1,467.7
126.7
92.4

1,686.8
7.2

1,694.0

2009
£m

2.7

2.7

2009
£m

1.6
1.8
26.8
1.2
6.3

37.7

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:22)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  123

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 5

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 10. Tax

10 (a) Income tax recognised in the income statement

Current income tax
Current income tax expense 
Adjustments in respect of prior years 
Deferred tax
Current year 
Adjustments in respect of prior years 

The tax expense for the year can be reconciled to the pro(cid:192)t in the Consolidated Income Statement as follows:

(cid:51)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:192)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:91) 

Tax calculated at a rate of 28% (2009: 28%)   
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 
Unrelieved tax losses  
Effect of the use of unrecognised tax losses  
Impact of changes in statutory tax rates 
Untaxed income 
Overseas rate differences 
Tax incentives 
Adjustments in respect of prior years 

Tax charge 

10 (b) Income tax recognised in the SOCI

Current tax
Relating to cash (cid:193)ow hedges 
Taken to Retirement bene(cid:192)t obligations reserve 
Taken to Share-based payment reserve 
Deferred tax
Relating to cash (cid:193)ow hedges 
Taken to Retirement bene(cid:192)t obligations reserve 
Taken to Share-based payment reserve 

2010 
£m 

63.3 
(8.1) 

2.5 
(0.6) 

57.1 

2010 
£m 

213.9 

59.9 
3.6 
2.5 
- 
0.8 
- 
3.2 
(4.2) 
(8.7) 

57.1 

2010 
£m 

- 
(9.7) 
(2.7) 

0.6 
14.0 
(0.5) 

1.7 

2009
£m

56.2
(9.1)

(2.0)
1.8

46.9

2009
£m

177.1

49.6
3.8
2.1
(0.4)
-
(0.9)
3.4
(3.4)
(7.3)

46.9

2009
£m

0.3
(0.5)
(3.2)

(1.7)
(39.1)
(1.0)

(45.2)

The income tax expense for the year is based on the UK statutory rate of corporation tax for the period of 28% (2009: 28%). The impact of 
changes in statutory tax rates relates principally to the reduction of the UK corporation tax rate from 28% to 27% from 1 April 2011, which was 
enacted on 27 July 2010. This change has resulted in a deferred tax charge arising from the reduction in the balance sheet carrying value of 
deferred tax assets to re(cid:193)ect the anticipated rate of tax at which those assets are expected to reverse. The UK Government has also indicated 
that it intends to enact future reductions in the main tax rate of 1% each year down to 24% by 1 April 2014. We estimate that the future rate 
changes would further reduce the UK deferred tax assets and liabilities recognised but the actual impact will be dependent on the deferred  
tax position at that time.

124 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:23)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 11. Dividends

Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders in the year:
Final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2009 of 4.40p per share on 490.5 million ordinary shares 
(2009: Final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2008 of 3.52p per share on 481.1million ordinary shares) 

Interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2010 of 2.20p per share on 488.2 million ordinary shares 
(2009: Interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2009 of 1.85p per share on 489.0 million ordinary shares) 

Proposed (cid:192)nal dividend for the year ended 31 December 2010 of 5.15p per share on 488.5 million 
ordinary shares (2009: 4.40p on 490.5 million ordinary shares) 

2010 
£m 

2009
£m

21.6 

16.9

10.7 

32.3 

25.2 

9.0

25.9

21.6

The proposed (cid:192)nal dividend for 2010 is subject to approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting and has not been included as  
a liability in these Financial Statements. A dividend waiver is effective for those shares held on behalf of the Company by its Employee Share 
Ownership Trust (note 30).

 12. Earnings per share

Basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share (EPS) have been calculated in accordance with IAS 33 Earnings per Share. EPS is shown both 
before and after amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisition (note 14) to assist in the understanding of the underlying performance  
of the business.

The calculation of the basic and diluted EPS is based on the following data:

Number of shares

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purpose of basic EPS 
Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares: share options 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purpose of diluted EPS   

Earnings per share

2010 
Millions 

491.5 
8.4 

499.9 

Earnings 
2009 
£m 

2009
Millions

486.6
5.6

492.2

Per share
amount
2009
Pence

Earnings 
2010 
£m 

Per share  
amount  
2010 
Pence 

Earnings for the purpose of basic EPS being net pro(cid:192)t attributable to the 
equity holders of the parent  
Add back:
Amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisition, net of tax 
of £3.6m (2009: £4.1m) 

Adjusted earnings before amortisation of intangible assets arising 
on acquisition 

Earnings for the purpose of basic EPS 
Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares 

Diluted EPS 

156.7 

31.88 

130.2 

26.76

13.8 

2.81 

13.5 

2.77

170.5 

156.7 
- 

156.7 

34.69 

31.88 
(0.53) 

31.35 

143.7 

130.2 
- 

130.2 

29.53

26.76
(0.31)

26.45

At 31 December 2010 options over nil (2009: 894,000) shares were excluded from the weighted average number of shares used for calculating 
diluted earnings per share because their exercise price was above the average share price for the year and they were, therefore, anti-dilutive.

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:24)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  125

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 5

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 13. Goodwill

At 1 January 2009 
Additions 
Reduction in deferred consideration payable on Infovision 
Exchange differences 

At 1 January 2010 
Additions 
Impairment 
Reduction in deferred consideration payable on Infovision 
Reduction in deferred consideration payable on Sandrunner  
Exchange differences 

At 31 December 2010 

£m

963.2
6.2
(16.5)
(54.5)

898.4
3.1
(4.2)
(12.7)
(1.0)
15.9

899.5

Goodwill is attributable to the excess of consideration over the fair value of net assets acquired and includes expected synergies, existing 
contracts, future growth prospects, staff knowledge, expertise and customer contacts.

Additions during the year include goodwill in respect of the acquisitions of RB Solutions Limited and the trade and liabilities of HyIT Knowledge 
Systems Private Limited (note 15).

During the year, the Group exited its remaining business in the non-core South African market, a joint venture providing aviation ground handling 
services, following the non-renewal of its license. Accordingly, an impairment charge of £4.2m has been recognised in the Consolidated Income 
Statement as an administrative expense. The recoverable amount is based on fair value less costs to sell. The impairment expense attributable 
to the joint venture’s goodwill is allocated to Corporate Expenses in the Group’s segmental information (note 5).

The goodwill acquired in business combinations is allocated, at acquisition, to the cash-generating units (CGUs) that are expected to bene(cid:192)t 
from that business combination. At the start of the (cid:192)nancial year a group restructuring took place, including a combination of certain business 
units, triggering a re-assessment of the level at which cash in(cid:193)ows are largely independent of each other. Therefore, in accordance with IAS 36, 
the Group’s CGUs were rationalised and this process incorporated the reallocation of some immaterial goodwill balances to the revised CGUs. 
Goodwill has been allocated to CGUs in the following operating segments:

Civil Government 
Defence, Science and Nuclear 
Local Government and Commercial 
Americas 
AMEAA 

At 31 December  

2010 
£m 

62.1 
105.5 
295.5 
408.2 
28.2 

899.5 

Restated
2009
£m

61.2
106.9
295.3
395.7
39.3

898.4

The Group tests goodwill annually for impairment or more frequently if there are indications that goodwill might be impaired. The recoverable 
amount of each CGU is based on value in use calculations.

Key assumptions
The value in use calculations use risk-adjusted cash (cid:193)ow projections based on (cid:192)nancial plans approved by senior management covering  
a (cid:192)ve-year period, and include a terminal value based on the projections for the (cid:192)nal year of that plan, with an in(cid:193)ationary growth rate 
assumption applied. The key assumptions affecting the CGUs are discussed below.

Short-term growth rates
Short-term revenue growth rates used in each CGU (cid:192)ve-year plan are based on internal data regarding the current pipeline of opportunities  
and published industry forecasts for the relevant market. Further discussion of the Group’s order book and pipeline is provided in the  
Our business and Our performance sections.

126 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:25)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 13. Goodwill (continued)

Terminal growth rates
The cash (cid:193)ows subsequent to the (cid:192)ve-year period are based upon management’s estimate of the growth rates of the sectors in which the CGUs 
operate. Where possible these have been derived with reference to external sources. The range of terminal growth rates applied to the CGUs 
within each operating segment are set out below:

Civil Government 
Defence, Science and Nuclear 
Local Government and Commercial 
Americas 
AMEAA 

%

2.5
2.5
2.5
3.0
2.5 - 7.0

These rates do not exceed the average long-term growth rates forecast for the individual market sectors.

Discount rate
Pre-tax discount rates, derived from the Group’s post-tax weighted average cost of capital have been used in discounting the projected 
risk-adjusted cash (cid:193)ows. These rates are adjusted for risks speci(cid:192)c to the market in which the CGU operates, including but not limited to: 
geographic and economic risks, contract length and customer type.

The range of pre-tax discount rates applied to the CGUs within each operating segment are disclosed below:

Civil Government 
Defence, Science and Nuclear 
Local Government and Commercial 
Americas 
AMEAA 

%

9.2
9.1 - 9.2
9.1
9.9
9.6 - 12.9

Sensitivity analysis
Sensitivity analysis has been performed for each key assumption and the Directors have not identi(cid:192)ed any reasonably possible material 
changes in the key assumptions that would cause the carrying value of goodwill to exceed the recoverable amount.

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:26)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  127

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 5

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 14. Other intangible assets

o

Cost 
At 1 January 2010  
Additions 
Disposals 
Exchange differences 

At 31 December 2010 

Amortisation and impairment
At 1 January 2010 
Charge for the year 
Disposals 
Exchange differences 

At 31 December 2010 

Net book value
At 31 December 2010 

o

Cost
At 1 January 2009  
Arising on acquisition of a company 
Additions 
Disposals 
Reclassi(cid:192)cations to tangible assets 
Exchange differences 

At 31 December 2009 

Amortisation and impairment
At 1 January 2009 
Charge for the year 
Disposals 
Exchange differences 

At 31 December 2009 

Net book value
At 31 December 2009 

Acquisition related 

Other

Customer  
relationships 
£m 

Licences and 
franchises 
£m 

Software and 
development 
expenditure 
£m 

Pension
related
intangibles 
£m 

71.7 
- 
- 
1.7 

73.4 

22.5 
9.9 
- 
0.3 

32.7 

69.5 
2.9 
- 
5.9 

78.3 

44.1 
7.5 
- 
3.9 

55.5 

133.9 
22.8 
(23.2) 
1.0 

134.5 

55.5 
23.7 
(17.4) 
0.1 

61.9 

26.6 
- 
- 
- 

26.6 

15.2 
2.5 
- 
- 

17.7 

Total
£m

301.7
25.7
(23.2)
8.6

312.8

137.3
43.6
(17.4)
4.3

167.8

40.7 

22.8 

72.6 

8.9 

145.0

Acquisition related 

Other

Customer  
relationships 
£m 

Licences and 
franchises 
£m 

Software and 
development 
expenditure 
£m 

Pension
related
intangibles 
£m 

77.5 
0.2 
- 
- 
- 
(6.0) 

71.7 

12.1 
10.9 
- 
(0.5) 

22.5 

68.1 
- 
- 
(1.8) 
- 
3.2 

69.5 

36.9 
6.7 
(1.8) 
2.3 

44.1 

120.8 
- 
17.3 
(4.2) 
(0.5) 
0.5 

133.9 

39.1 
19.9 
(4.2) 
0.7 

55.5 

26.7 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(0.1) 

26.6 

12.3 
3.0 
- 
(0.1) 

15.2 

Total
£m

293.1
0.2
17.3
(6.0)
(0.5)
(2.4)

301.7

100.4
40.5
(6.0)
2.4

137.3

49.2 

25.4 

78.4 

11.4 

164.4

Customer relationships are amortised over the average length of contracts acquired.

Amortisation of intangibles arising on acquisition consists of amortisation in relation to Customer relationships and Licences and franchises  
and totals £17.4m (2009: £17.6m).

The Group is carrying £72.6m (2009: £78.4m) in relation to Software and development expenditure which includes assets relating to the Group’s 
SAP (cid:192)nance-related systems, of £42.7m (2009: £32.8m). The average amortisation period of these assets has six years (2009: (cid:192)ve years) 
remaining. The Group is carrying £40.7m (2009: £49.2m) in relation to customer relationships of which the principal component is £34.0m (2009: 
£39.2m) relating to SI International, Inc. The remaining average life of these customer relationship intangible assets is approximately (cid:192)ve years 
(2009: six years).

128 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:27)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 15. Acquisitions

During the year, the Group completed the following acquisitions which have been accounted for in accordance with IFRS 3 Business 
Combinations (2008).

15 (a) RB Solutions Limited:

On 17 February 2010, the Group acquired 100% of the share capital in RB Solutions Limited. Net assets acquired total £0.1m purchased for 
consideration of £1.5m of cash and £0.5m in deferred consideration paid on 17 August 2010.

The acquisition gives rise to £1.9m of goodwill relating to future opportunities in Local Government business process outsourcing. None of the 
goodwill recognised is expected to be deductible for corporate income tax purposes.

RB Solutions Limited is based in the UK and provides remote processing services to Local Government. 

Costs of £0.3m have been expensed in relation to the acquisition and integration of RB Solutions Limited.

15 (b) HyIT Knowledge Systems Private Limited:

On 28 August 2010, the Group acquired the trade and liabilities of HyIT Knowledge Systems Private Limited. Net liabilities acquired were 
INR3,000 (£0.0m) for a purchase consideration of INR15.0m (£0.2m) of cash and INR77.2m (£1.0m) in deferred consideration to be paid 
contingent on future performance of the acquired trade and liabilities.

The acquisition gives rise to £1.2m of goodwill relating to future opportunities in the local Geo-Informatics market. None of the goodwill 
recognised is expected to be deductible for corporate income tax purposes.

HyIT Knowledge Systems Private Limited is based in Hyderabad, India providing client-site Geo-Informatics and technical support  
staf(cid:192)ng services. 

Due to the small size of the acquisitions, full IFRS 3 disclosures have not been presented.

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:28)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  129

 
Section 5

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 16. Property, plant and equipment

Cost
At 1 January 2010 
Additions 
Disposals 
Exchange differences 

At 31 December 2010 

Accumulated depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2010 
Charge for the year 
Disposals 
Exchange differences 

At 31 December 2010 

Net book value
At 31 December 2010 

Cost
At 1 January 2009 
Additions 
Reclassi(cid:192)cation from intangible assets 
Disposals 
Arising on acquisition of subsidiaries 
Exchange differences 

At 31 December 2009 

Accumulated depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2009 
Charge for the year 
Disposals 
Exchange differences 

At 31 December 2009 

Net book value
At 31 December 2009 

Freehold  
land and  
buildings 
£m 

7.4 
- 
- 
(0.2) 

7.2 

3.3 
0.2 
- 
- 

3.5 

3.7 

Freehold  
land and  
buildings 
£m 

7.6 
0.1 
- 
- 
- 
(0.3) 

7.4 

3.3 
0.2 
- 
(0.2) 

3.3 

Short- 

Machinery, 
 leasehold  motor vehicles,
furniture
improvements  and equipment 
£m 

building 

£m 

47.1 
2.4 
(0.1) 
1.4 

50.8 

20.2 
5.6 
- 
0.5 

26.3 

265.2 
44.5 
(22.2) 
10.2 

297.7 

167.0 
33.6 
(15.4) 
5.3 

190.5 

Total
£m

319.7
46.9
(22.3)
11.4

355.7

190.5
39.4
(15.4)
5.8

220.3

24.5 

107.2 

135.4

Short- 

Machinery, 
 leasehold  motor vehicles,
furniture
and equipment 
£m 

building 
improvements 
£m 

39.0 
11.0 
- 
(2.6) 
- 
(0.3) 

47.1 

17.9 
4.9 
(2.0) 
(0.6) 

20.2 

246.4 
39.6 
0.5 
(32.7) 
1.1 
10.3 

265.2 

156.4 
29.3 
(27.6) 
8.9 

167.0 

Total
£m

293.0
50.7
0.5
(35.3)
1.1
9.7

319.7

177.6
34.4
(29.6)
8.1

190.5

4.1 

26.9 

98.2 

129.2

The carrying amount of the Group’s Machinery, motor vehicles, furniture and equipment includes an amount of £23.9m (2009: £22.1m) in 
respect of assets held under (cid:192)nance leases.

The carrying amount of the Group’s Short-leasehold building improvements includes an amount of £2.3m (2009: £3.0m) in respect of assets 
held under (cid:192)nance leases.

130 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 17. Joint ventures

The Group’s interests in joint ventures are reported in the consolidated (cid:192)nancial statements using the proportionate consolidation method.

The effect of the Group’s joint ventures on the Consolidated Income Statement and Consolidated Balance Sheet is as follows:

Income statement

Revenue 
Expenses 

Operating pro(cid:192)t 
Investment revenue 
Finance costs 

Pro(cid:192)t before tax 
Tax 

Share of post-tax results of joint ventures 

Operating pro(cid:192)t is after allocating £0.7m (2009: £2.8m) of costs incurred by Group.

Balance sheet

Non-current assets 
Current assets 
Current liabilities 
Non-current liabilities 

Net assets 

 18. Inventories

Service spares 
Parts awaiting installation 
Long-term project-based contract balances  

2010 
£m 

794.1 
(729.5) 

64.6 
2.2 
(0.5) 

66.3 
(17.2) 

49.1 

2010 
£m 

156.7 
173.4 
(146.0) 
(141.1) 

43.0 

2010 
£m 

29.8 
7.4 
28.2 

65.4 

2009
£m

786.0
(724.5)

61.5
1.0
(0.5)

62.0
(14.9)

47.1

2009
£m

186.4
145.4
(129.8)
(162.5)

39.5

2009
£m

22.6
18.0
25.3

65.9

As at 31 December 2010, £nil (2009: £nil) of advances received from customers were included within Long-term project-based contract 
balances. As at 31 December 2010, the Group had £nil (2009: £nil) of contract retentions held by customers.

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:22)(cid:20)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  131

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 5

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 19. Trade and other receivables

Trade and other receivables: non-current
Amounts owed by joint ventures 
Amounts recoverable on retirement bene(cid:192)t obligations (note 26) 
Other debtors 

Trade and other receivables: current
Trade receivables 
Other amounts recoverable on contracts 
Prepayments and accrued income 
Other debtors 

Corporation tax recoverable 

2010 
£m 

4.7 
123.4 
28.6 

156.7 

2010 
£m 

579.4 
64.9 
96.7 
45.2 

786.2 

4.0 

790.2 

2009
£m

2.7
144.3
34.4

181.4

2009
£m

514.7
65.2
81.4
58.3

719.6

1.3

720.9

As of 31 December 2010, trade receivables of £4.2m (2009: £4.6m) were considered to be impaired. Impairments to trade receivables  
are based on speci(cid:192)c estimated irrecoverable amounts and provisions on outstanding balances greater than a year old unless there is (cid:192)rm 
evidence that the balance is recoverable. The amount of the provision was £4.2m as of 31 December 2010 (2009: £3.4m) primarily because  
our customers either have a sovereign credit rating being Government organisations or are blue chip private sector companies. 

The ageing of trade receivables is as follows:

Neither impaired nor past due 
Not impaired but overdue by less than 30 days 
Not impaired but overdue by between 30 and 60 days 
Not impaired but overdue by more than 60 days 
Impaired 
Allowance for doubtful debts 

Movements on the Group allowance for doubtful debts are as follows:

At 1 January  
Charged to income statement  
Utilised 
Exchange differences 

At 31 December 

2010 
£m 

488.0 
56.9 
14.0 
20.5 
4.2 
(4.2) 

579.4 

2010 
£m 

3.4 
2.2 
(1.4) 
- 

4.2 

2009
£m

438.5
40.9
11.8
22.3
4.6
(3.4)

514.7

2009
£m

2.7
1.4
(0.6)
(0.1)

3.4

The maximum exposure to credit risk in relation to trade receivables at the reporting date is the fair value of trade receivables. The Group does 
not hold any collateral as security.

132 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:22)(cid:21)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 20. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash of project companies securing 
credit obligations* 
Customer advance payments* 
Other cash and short-term deposits 

Total cash and cash equivalents 

Sterling  
2010 
£m 

- 
- 
108.5 

108.5 

Other 
currencies 
 2010 
£m 

7.3 
3.6 
159.9 

170.8 

Total 
2010 
£m 

7.3 
3.6 
268.4 

279.3 

Sterling  
2009 
£m 

- 
- 
200.8 

200.8 

Other
currencies 
2009 
£m 

4.3 
6.9 
107.4 

118.6 

Total
2009
£m

4.3
6.9
308.2

319.4

* Cash of project companies and customer advance payments totalling £10.9m (2009: £11.2m) are encumbered cash balances.

Cash and cash equivalents (which are presented as a single class of assets on the face of the balance sheet) comprise cash at bank and other 
short-term highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less.

 21. Loans

Loans are repayable as follows:
On demand or within one year 
Between one and two years 
Between two and (cid:192)ve years 
After (cid:192)ve years 

Less: amount due for settlement within one year 
(shown within current liabilities) 

Amount due for settlement after one year 

Non  
recourse  
loans 
2010 
£m 

8.0 
7.9 
7.8 
- 

23.7 

(8.0) 

15.7 

Other 
loans 
2010 
£m 

151.5 
114.3 
224.2 
0.4 

490.4 

Total 
2010 
£m 

159.5 
122.2 
232.0 
0.4 

514.1 

(151.5) 

(159.5) 

338.9 

354.6 

Non

recourse  
loans 
2009 
£m 

7.2 
7.3 
14.5 
- 

29.0 

(7.2) 

21.8 

Other
loans 
2009 
£m 

103.5 
145.8 
351.4 
24.2 

624.9 

Total
2009
£m

110.7
153.1
365.9
24.2

653.9

(103.5) 

521.4 

(110.7)

543.2

The carrying amounts and fair values of the loans are as follows:

Non recourse loans 
Other loans 

Carrying  
amount 
2010 
£m 

23.7 
490.4 

514.1 

Fair value 
2010 
£m 

25.3 
506.8 

532.1 

Carrying
amount 
2009 
£m 

29.0 
624.9 

653.9 

Fair value
2009
£m

31.3
638.8

670.1

The fair values are based on cash (cid:193)ows discounted using a rate based on the borrowing rate associated with the loan. All loans are held at 
amortised cost.

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:22)(cid:22)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  133

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 5

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 22. Deferred tax

Deferred income taxes are calculated in full on temporary differences under the liability method using local substantively enacted tax rates. 

The gross movement on the deferred income tax account is as follows:

At 1 January – (asset)/liability 
Income statement charge/(credit) (note 10)   
Items recognised in equity and in other comprehensive income (note 10) 
Exchange differences 

At 31 December – asset 

2010 
£m 

(39.0) 
1.9 
14.1 
(0.5) 

(23.5) 

The movement in deferred tax assets and liabilities during the year was as follows:

(cid:3)
(cid:3)

Temporary  
differences  
(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:18)(cid:3)
(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)
£m 

Share-based
payment and 
(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:3)
(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:192)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)
£m 

(cid:3)
(cid:3)

Retirement 
(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:192)(cid:87)(cid:3)
(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)
£m 

Derivative 
(cid:192)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)
(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:88)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)
£m 

Other
(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:92)(cid:3)
(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:73)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)
£m 

At 1 January 2010 
(Credited)/charged to income statement 
Items recognised in equity and in other 
comprehensive income 
Exchange differences 

At 31 December 2010 

22.6 
(5.6) 

- 
0.3 

17.3 

(17.8) 
(8.7) 

(0.5) 
(0.1) 

(27.1) 

(25.4) 
(2.1) 

14.0 
- 

(13.5) 

(1.0) 
0.1 

0.6 
- 

(0.3) 

(17.4) 
18.2 

- 
(0.7) 

0.1 

The movement in deferred tax assets and liabilities during the previous year was as follows:

At 1 January 2009 
(Credited)/charged to income statement 
Items recognised in equity and in other 
comprehensive income 
Exchange differences 

At 31 December 2009 

Temporary  
differences  
on assets/ 
intangibles 
£m 

Share-based
payment and 
employee 
bene(cid:192)ts 
£m 

26.5 
(0.5) 

- 
(3.4) 

22.6 

(18.7) 
1.5 

(1.0) 
0.4 

(17.8) 

Retirement 
bene(cid:192)t 
schemes 
£m 

Derivative 
(cid:192)nancial 
instruments 
£m 

Other
temporary 
differences 
£m 

7.5 
6.2 

(39.1) 
- 

(25.4) 

0.6 
0.1 

(1.7) 
- 

(1.0) 

(10.0) 
(7.5) 

- 
0.1 

(17.4) 

2009
£m

5.9
(0.2)
(41.8)
(2.9)

(39.0)

(cid:55)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:79)
£m

(39.0)
1.9

14.1
(0.5)

(23.5)

Total
£m

5.9
(0.2)

(41.8)
(2.9)

(39.0)

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax 
liabilities and when the deferred income taxes relate to the same (cid:192)scal authority. The following is the analysis of the deferred tax balances  
(after offset) for (cid:192)nancial reporting purposes:

Deferred tax liabilities 
Deferred tax assets 

2010 
£m 

14.6 
(38.1) 

(23.5) 

2009
£m

9.0
(48.0)

(39.0)

At the balance sheet date, the Group did not recognise deferred tax assets of £9.7m (2009: £5.6m) which principally relate to unused tax losses 
of £31.8m (2009: £26.1m). Losses of £1.3m (2009: £1.3m) expire within (cid:192)ve years, losses of £11.0m (2009: £2.1m) expire within 6-10 years, 
losses of £12.6m (2009: £11.6m) expire within 15-20 years and losses of £6.9m (2009: £11.1m) may be carried forward inde(cid:192)nitely.

At the balance sheet date, the aggregate amount of temporary differences associated with undistributed earnings of subsidiaries for which 
deferred tax liabilities have not been recognised was £0.1m (2009: £0.4m). No liability has been recognised in respect of these differences 
because the Group is in a position to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that such differences  
will not reverse in the foreseeable future. 

134 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:22)(cid:23)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 23. Obligations under finance leases

Minimum 
lease 
payments 
2010 
£m 

Present value  
of minimum  
lease  
payments  
2010  
£m 

Minimum 
lease 
payments 
2009 
£m 

Present value
of minimum
lease
payments
2009
£m

Amounts payable under (cid:192)nance leases:
Within one year 
Between one and (cid:192)ve years 
After (cid:192)ve years 

Less: future (cid:192)nance charges 

Present value of lease obligations 
Less: amount due for settlement within one year (shown under current liabilities) 

Amount due for settlement after one year 

Finance lease obligations are secured by the lessors’ title to the leased assets.

8.8 
20.5 
1.3 

30.6 
(4.2) 

26.4 
(8.8) 

17.6 

7.1 
18.2 
1.1 

26.4 
- 

26.4 
(7.1) 

19.3 

The Directors estimate that the fair value of the Group’s lease obligations approximates their carrying amount.

 24. Trade and other payables

Trade and other payables: current
Trade creditors 
Other creditors 
Accruals and deferred income 
Amounts owed to joint ventures 

The average credit period taken for trade purchases is 31 days (2009: 32 days).

Trade and other payables: non-current
Other creditors 

7.5 
17.6 
3.0 

28.1 
(4.1) 

24.0 
(7.5) 

16.5 

2010 
£m 

203.8 
152.4 
449.2 
0.1 

805.5 

2010 
£m 

22.2 

22.2 

6.0
15.3
2.7

24.0
-

24.0
(6.0)

18.0

2009
£m

197.7
126.4
447.0
0.5

771.6

2009
£m

23.1

23.1

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:22)(cid:24)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  135

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 5

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 25. Financial risk management

25 (a) Fair value of (cid:192)nancial instruments

(i) Hierarchy of fair value
The Group held the following (cid:192)nancial instruments which fall within the scope of IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement  
at 31 December:

Carrying amount  
(measurement basis) 

Comparison 
fair value 

Carrying amount  
(measurement basis) 

Comparison
fair value

Loans and receivables:
Trade receivables (note 19) 
Other (cid:192)nancial assets (note 25(e)) 

(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:192)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:29)
Derivative (cid:192)nancial instruments: current 
Derivative (cid:192)nancial instruments: non-current  

Financial liabilities at amortised cost:
Trade payables (note 24) 
Loans (note 21) 

(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:192)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:29)
Derivative (cid:192)nancial instruments: current 
Derivative (cid:192)nancial instruments: non-current  

Amortised  
Cost 
2010 
£m 

579.4 
0.8 

(203.8) 
(514.1) 

Fair value 
hierarchy 
 - Level 2 
2010 
£m 

3.9 
3.5 

(2.4) 
(5.2) 

Amortised  
Cost 
2009 
£m 

514.7 
0.8 

2010 
£m 

579.4 
0.8 

(203.8) 
(532.1) 

(197.7) 
(653.9) 

Fair value
hierarchy
 - Level 2
2009 
£m 

1.4
2.5

(5.5)
(1.7)

2009
£m

514.7
0.8

(197.7)
(670.1)

The Directors estimate that the carrying amounts of trade receivables and trade payables approximate to their fair value.

The fair values of loans are based on cash (cid:193)ows discounted using a rate based on the borrowing rate associated with the loan. All loans are 
held at amortised cost.

The fair values of derivative (cid:192)nancial instruments are calculated based on a discounted cash (cid:193)ow analysis using appropriate quoted interest 
rates for the duration of the instruments as noted below:
(cid:79)(cid:3) Currency swaps and interest rate swaps are measured at the present value of estimated future cash (cid:193)ows. The present value of foreign 

currency balances are converted at the year end exchange rate.

(cid:79)(cid:3) Forward foreign exchange contracts are measured using quoted forward exchange rates matching the maturities of the contracts. 
(cid:79)(cid:3) Commodity contracts are measured at the present value of estimated cash (cid:193)ows with reference to quoted forward prices for Gas Oil. 

The classi(cid:192)cation of the fair value measurement falls into three levels, based on the degree to which the fair value is observable. The levels are 
as follows:

Level 1: derived from unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2: derived from other observable market data for the assets or liabilities; and
Level 3: derived from valuation techniques using data that is not based on observable market data.

Based on the above, the derivative (cid:192)nancial instruments held by the Group at 31 December 2010, are considered to fall into Level 2. There were 
no transfers between Level 1 and 2 during the year.

136 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:22)(cid:25)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 25. Financial risk management (continued)

25 (a) Fair value of (cid:192)nancial instruments (continued)

(ii) Fair value of derivative (cid:192)nancial instruments
The fair valuation of derivative (cid:192)nancial instruments results in a net liability of £0.2m (2009: £3.3m), comprising non-current assets of £3.5m 
(2009: £2.5m), current assets of £3.9m (2009: £1.4m), current liabilities of £2.4m (2009: £5.5m) and non-current liabilities of £5.2m  
(2009: £1.7m).

(cid:3)
(cid:3)

(cid:3)
(cid:3)

(cid:3)
(cid:3)

(cid:3)
(cid:3)

(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:45)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:92)(cid:3)
(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:3)
£m 

Movement 
in fair value 
(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:193)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:3)
(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)
£m 

Movement 
in fair value 
of non-

(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)
£m 

(cid:22)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:85)
(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:19)
£m

Currency swaps 
Forward foreign exchange contracts 
Interest rate swaps 
Commodity futures contracts 

Currency swaps 
Forward foreign exchange contracts 
Interest rate swaps 
Commodity futures contracts 

25 (b) Financial risk

(0.5) 
(cid:11)(cid:21)(cid:17)(cid:22)(cid:12)(cid:3)
(cid:11)(cid:21)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:12)(cid:3)
(cid:20)(cid:17)(cid:25)(cid:3)

(cid:11)(cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:22)(cid:12)(cid:3)

1.5 
(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:26)(cid:3)
(cid:11)(cid:20)(cid:17)(cid:24)(cid:12)(cid:3)
(cid:20)(cid:17)(cid:19)(cid:3)

(cid:20)(cid:17)(cid:26)(cid:3)

- 
(cid:20)(cid:17)(cid:23)(cid:3)
(cid:16)(cid:3)
(cid:16)(cid:3)

(cid:20)(cid:17)(cid:23)(cid:3)

1.0
(cid:11)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:21)(cid:12)
(cid:11)(cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:25)(cid:12)
(cid:21)(cid:17)(cid:25)

(cid:11)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:21)(cid:12)

Movement 
in fair value 
of cash (cid:193)ow 
hedges 
£m 

Movement 
in fair value 
of non-

designated  
hedges 
£m 

31 December
 2009
£m

(4.7) 
(1.5) 
(2.1) 
2.0 

(6.3) 

- 
(3.0) 
- 
- 

(3.0) 

(0.5)
(2.3)
(2.1)
1.6

(3.3)

1 January 
 2009 
£m 

4.2 
2.2 
- 
(0.4) 

6.0 

The Board is ultimately responsible for ensuring that (cid:192)nancial and non-(cid:192)nancial risks are monitored and managed within acceptable and 
known parameters. The Board delegates authority to the executive team to manage (cid:192)nancial risks. The Group’s treasury function acts as a 
service centre and operates within clearly de(cid:192)ned guidelines and policies that are approved by the Board. The guidelines and policies de(cid:192)ne 
the (cid:192)nancial risks to be managed; specify the objectives in managing these risks; delegate responsibilities to those managing the risks; and 
establish a control framework to regulate treasury activities to minimise operational risk.

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:22)(cid:26)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  137

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 5

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 25. Financial risk management (continued)

25 (c) Liquidity risk

(i) Credit facilities
The Group maintains committed credit facilities to ensure that it has suf(cid:192)cient liquidity to maintain its ongoing operations. As at 31 December, 
the Group’s committed credit facilities and corresponding borrowings were as follows:

Syndicated revolving credit facility 
Syndicated term loan facility 
Bilateral revolving credit facility 
Bilateral revolving credit facility 

Syndicated revolving credit facility 
Syndicated term loan facility 
Bilateral revolving credit facility 
Bilateral revolving credit facility 

Currency 

GBP 
USD 
GBP 
EUR 

Currency 

GBP 
USD 
GBP 
EUR 

Amount 
2010 
Millions 

400.0 
396.4 
35.0 
12.5 

Amount 
2009 
Millions 

400.0 
488.0 
35.0 
12.5 

Drawn 
2010 
£m 

76.6 
253.2 
- 
- 

329.8 

Drawn 
2009 
£m 

120.5 
302.2 
35.0 
- 

457.7 

Undrawn 
2010 
£m 

Total facility
2010
£m

323.4 
- 
35.0 
10.7 

369.1 

400.0
253.2
35.0
10.7

698.9

Undrawn 
2009 
£m 

Total facility
2009
£m

279.5 
- 
- 
10.7 

290.2 

400.0
302.2
35.0
10.7

747.9

The Group’s bank credit facilities comprise a £400.0m syndicated revolving credit facility, a syndicated amortising term loan for  
US Dollar 396.4m and bilateral revolving credit facilities for £35.0m and Euro 12.5m. The syndicated revolving facility matures in  
September 2013 whilst the syndicated term loan is repayable between September 2011 and September 2013. The bilateral facilities  
mature in December 2011 and April 2012 respectively.

The banking facilities are unsecured and have (cid:192)nancial and non-(cid:192)nancial covenants and obligations typical of these arrangements.

The Group has outstanding private placements of £117.7m which amortise in equal annual instalments from 2011 to 2015. The private 
placements comprise a tranche of £83.0m and a tranche of US Dollar 55.0m, which is hedged by two cross currency swaps (note 25(d)).

138 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:22)(cid:27)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 25. Financial risk management (continued)

25 (c) Liquidity risk (continued)

(ii) Maturity of (cid:192)nancial liabilities
The Group’s (cid:192)nancial liabilities will be settled on a net basis based on the remaining period at the balance sheet to the contractual maturity date. 
The amounts disclosed below are the contractual undiscounted cash (cid:193)ows based on the earliest date on which the Group can be required to pay.

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

Trade creditors 
Obligations under (cid:192)nance leases 
Loans 
Future loan interest 
Derivative (cid:192)nancial liabilities 

At 31 December 2010 

Trade creditors 
Obligations under (cid:192)nance leases 
Loans 
Future loan interest 
Derivative (cid:192)nancial liabilities 

At 31 December 2009 

On demand  
or within 
(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)
£m 

Between 
one and  
(cid:87)(cid:90)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)
£m 

Between
two and 
(cid:192)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)
£m 

After
(cid:192)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)
£m 

203.8 
8.8 
159.5 
16.0 
5.4 

393.5 

- 
6.1 
122.2 
11.4 
0.9 

140.6 

On demand  
or within 
one year 
£m 

Between 
one and  
two years 
£m 

197.7 
7.5 
110.7 
26.0 
5.7 

347.6 

- 
7.8 
153.1 
20.5 
1.2 

182.6 

- 
14.4 
232.0 
11.2 
0.1 

257.7 

Between
two and 
(cid:192)ve years 
£m 

- 
9.8 
365.9 
28.3 
0.4 

404.4 

- 
1.3 
0.4 
0.3 
- 

2.0 

After
(cid:192)ve years 
£m 

- 
3.0 
24.2 
1.2 
- 

28.4 

(cid:55)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:79)
£m

203.8
30.6
514.1
38.9
6.4

793.8

Total
£m

197.7
28.1
653.9
76.0
7.3

963.0

The Group’s derivative (cid:192)nancial liabilities are settled on both a net and gross basis depending upon the terms of each derivative (cid:192)nancial 
instrument. The maturity of the Group’s undiscounted derivative (cid:192)nancial liabilities is as follows:

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

On demand or within one year 
Between one and two years 
Between two and (cid:192)ve years 

At 31 December 2010 

On demand or within one year 
Between one and two years 
Between two and (cid:192)ve years 

At 31 December 2009 

Currency  
(cid:86)(cid:90)(cid:68)(cid:83)(cid:86)(cid:3)
£m 

  Forward foreign
exchange 
(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)
£m 

Interest
(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:90)(cid:68)(cid:83)(cid:86)(cid:3)
£m 

- 
- 
- 

- 

(2.4) 
(0.4) 
(0.1) 

(2.9) 

(3.0) 
(0.5) 
-  

(3.5) 

Currency  
swaps 
£m 

  Forward foreign
exchange 
contracts 
£m 

Interest
rate swaps 
£m 

(0.1) 
- 
(0.1) 

(0.2) 

(1.9) 
(0.6) 
(0.6) 

(3.1) 

(3.7) 
(0.6) 
0.3  

(4.0) 

(cid:55)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:79)
£m

(5.4)
(0.9)
(0.1)

(6.4)

Total
£m

(5.7)
(1.2)
(0.4) 

(7.3)

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:22)(cid:28)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  139

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 5

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 25. Financial risk management (continued)

25 (d) Foreign exchange risk

(i) Transactional
The Group’s business does not involve a signi(cid:192)cant amount of cross-border trade, and therefore, the Group is not exposed to substantial 
foreign currency transaction risk as sales and costs are closely matched within each overseas operation. Any material transactional exposures 
that do arise are hedged by Group treasury using forward foreign exchange contracts.

(ii) Translational
The foreign exchange exposure on the US Dollar tranche of the private placements has been fully hedged into Sterling. The exposure on  
US Dollar drawings under the bank facilities is hedged against the net investment in our US business.

Central funding of individual businesses gives rise to monetary assets and liabilities. The currency of funding is selected to ensure that any 
foreign exchange risk resides with Group. This risk is then managed by the Group’s treasury function, using forward foreign exchange contracts 
and any natural hedge positions that may exist.

(iii) Forward foreign exchange contracts and currency swaps
The Group utilises currency derivatives to hedge signi(cid:192)cant future transactions and cash (cid:193)ows. The Group is party to a variety of foreign 
currency forward contracts and swap contracts in the management of its exchange rate exposures. These contracts are primarily denominated 
in the currencies of the Group’s principal markets.

At 31 December 2010, the net total notional amount of outstanding forward foreign exchange and currency swap contracts to which the Group 
is committed is negative £59.6m (2009: positive £74.8m). These arrangements are mainly designed to address signi(cid:192)cant exchange exposures 
for the next (cid:192)ve years (2009: six years).

(cid:38)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:193)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:86)
At 31 December 2010, the Group held a number of currency swaps designated as cash (cid:193)ow hedges against US Dollar private placements. 
Fixed interest cash (cid:193)ows denominated in US Dollars are exchanged for (cid:192)xed interest cash (cid:193)ows denominated in Sterling. The pro(cid:192)le of these 
currency swaps held by the Group is as follows:

(cid:48)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)

August 2015 
August 2015 

(cid:3)
(cid:49)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)
(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)
2010 
(cid:56)(cid:54)(cid:39)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:3)

35.0 
20.0 

(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)
(cid:56)(cid:54)(cid:39)(cid:3)
(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3)
2010 
(cid:8)(cid:3)

(cid:51)(cid:68)(cid:92)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:72) 
(cid:42)(cid:37)(cid:51) 
(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72) 
2010 
(cid:8)(cid:3)

5.7 
5.7 

5.7 
5.7 

(cid:3)

Notional 
amount 
2009 
USD m 

35.0 
20.0 

Receivable 
USD 
interest rate 
2009 
% 

5.7 
5.7 

Payable
GBP
interest rate
2009
%

5.7
5.7

The Group also held a number of forward foreign exchange contracts designated as cash (cid:193)ow hedges with a notional amount of £29.5m  
(2009: £21.3m).

All currency derivatives designated as cash (cid:193)ow hedges are highly effective and the fair value gain of £2.2m (2009: £6.2m loss) has been 
deferred in equity. No balances in relation to ineffectiveness have been recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement. Amounts in the 
hedging reserve are recycled to the income statement as the hedged transactions affect the income statement. A loss of £0.3m (2009: £0.2m) 
has been included in the Consolidated Income Statement, and the remaining loss of £0.1m (2009: £0.4m) is expected to be recognised in the 
Consolidated Income Statement in future periods.

(iv) Hedges of net investments in foreign entities
The Group has US Dollar denominated borrowings, some of which have been designated as a hedge of part of the net investment in its 
acquired subsidiaries in the US, and Euro denominated borrowings, some of which have been designated as a hedge of part of the net 
investment in its subsidiaries in Europe. The carrying value of the designated borrowings was £338.5m (2009: £386.2m). The foreign exchange 
loss of £12.1m (2008: £47.0m gain) on translation into Sterling of the borrowings has been recognised within the Group’s hedging and 
translation reserve. The hedge is highly effective. No amounts have been recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement.

(v) Currency sensitivity
The Group’s currency exposures that result in net currency gains and losses in the income statement and equity arise principally from US Dollar 
and Canadian Dollar (cid:192)nancial instruments. At 31 December 2010, if the US Dollar had weakened by 10% against Sterling, with all other variables 
held constant, post-tax pro(cid:192)t for the year would have been £0.1m lower (2009: £0.1m) mainly as a result of movements on working capital. Equity 
would have been £30.6m higher (2009: £31.2m) mainly due to exchange gains on net investment hedges denominated in US Dollars. However, 
this would be predominantly offset by exchange losses on the retranslation of the net assets of the US subsidiaries. At 31 December 2010,  
if the US Dollar had weakened by 10% against the Canadian Dollar, with all other variables held constant, post-tax pro(cid:192)t for the year would have 
been unaffected (2009: unaffected). Equity would have been £0.6m higher (2009: £0.6m) due to Canadian Dollar denominated non-current 
intercompany borrowings.

140 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:19)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 25. Financial risk management (continued)

25 (e) Interest rate risk

The Group’s policy is to hedge core borrowing requirements to protect against adverse interest rate movements. Exposure to interest rate risk 
arises principally on changes to US Dollar and Sterling interest rates.

(i) Interest rate management
An analysis of (cid:192)nancial assets and liabilities exposed to interest rate risk is set out below:

Financial assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Other (cid:192)nancial assets 

Financial liabilities 

Non recourse Canadian Dollar loans 
Sterling loans 
US Dollar loans 
Other loans 

(cid:41)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)
rate 
2010 
£m 

279.3 
0.2 

279.5 

(cid:41)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)
rate 
2010 
£m 

- 
19.2 
106.3 
22.8 

148.3 

Weighted  
(cid:68)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:192)(cid:91)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3) 
(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3) 
received 
2010 
% 

6.00 

Weighted  
(cid:68)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:192)(cid:91)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3) 
(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3) 
paid 
2010 
% 

5.27 
5.83 
2.53 
9.1 

(cid:3)
(cid:41)(cid:76)(cid:91)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)
rate 
2010 
£m 

- 
0.6 

0.6 

(cid:3)
(cid:41)(cid:76)(cid:91)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)
rate 
2010 
£m 

23.7 
118.6 
223.5 
- 

365.8 

Floating 
rate 
2009 
£m 

319.4 
0.2 

319.6 

Floating 
rate 
2009 
£m 

- 
71.1 
144.2 
12.2 

227.5 

Weighted
average (cid:192)xed
interest rate
received
2009
%

6.00

Weighted
average (cid:192)xed
interest rate
paid
2009
%

5.27
5.83
3.20
12.00

Fixed 
rate 
2009 
£m 

-
0.6 

0.6

Fixed 
rate 
2009 
£m 

29.0 
118.6 
278.7 
0.1 

426.4

Exposure to interest rate (cid:193)uctuations is mitigated through the use of interest rate derivatives. Excluded from the above analysis is £26.4m of 
amounts payable under (cid:192)nance leases, which are subject to (cid:192)xed rates of interest (2009: £24.0m).

(ii) Interest rate swaps
During 2009 the Group entered into interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to interest rate risk on US Dollar 450m debt by swapping 
(cid:193)oating for (cid:192)xed interest rates. The pro(cid:192)le of the interest rate swaps is as follows:

Maturity 

March 2011 

March 2012 

Maturity 

March 2011 

March 2012 

Payable USD
weighted 
average  
interest rate 
2010 
% 

Receivable
USD
interest rate
2010
%

1.60 

1.83 

3 month USD LIBOR

3 month USD LIBOR

Payable USD
weighted 
average  
interest rate 
2009 
% 

Receivable
USD
interest rate
2009
%

1.60 

1.83 

3 month USD LIBOR

3 month USD LIBOR

Notional 
value 
2010 
USD m 

150 

300 

Notional 
value 
2009 
USD m 

150 

300 

The swaps were designated as cash (cid:193)ow hedges and are highly effective. The fair value loss of £1.5m has therefore been deferred within equity 
(2009: £2.1m loss). 

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:20)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  141

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 5

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 25. Financial risk management (continued)

25 (e) Interest rate risk (continued)

(iii) Interest rate sensitivity
The sensitivity analysis below shows the exposure to interest rates for both derivative and non-derivative (cid:192)nancial liabilities at the balance sheet 
date and on average balances held throughout the past year. A 100 basis point increase in interest rates with all other variables held constant 
would have resulted in a gain on post-tax pro(cid:192)t for the year to 31 December 2010 of £0.7m (2009: £0.3m). The gain on equity due to a 100 basis 
point movement would have been £2.1m (2009: £4.3m) due to movements in the fair value of derivative (cid:192)nancial instruments held as  
cash (cid:193)ow hedges.

25 (f) Price risk 

The Group is exposed to commodity price risk through its joint venture rail operations due to the volatility in the price of fuel. 

The maturity pro(cid:192)le of the three (2009: two) commodity derivatives used by the joint ventures to reduce this risk is as follows:

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)(cid:3)

(cid:48)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)

January 2011 - September 2011 

January 2011 - September 2011 

January 2011 - September 2013 

Maturity 

January 2010 - September 2010 

January 2010 - September 2011 

Notional 
(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:3)
2010 
(cid:48)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

18.5 

10.8 

74.2 

Notional 
value 
2009 
Million litres 

9.4 

44.9 

Payable
(cid:192)(cid:91)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)
2010
(cid:83)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:72)

28.95

39.70

42.96

Payable
(cid:192)xed rate
2009
p per litre

33.80

28.95

All commodity derivatives were designated as cash (cid:193)ow hedges and were highly effective. During the year a gain of £1.0m (2009: £2.0m) has 
therefore been deferred within equity.

(i) Price risk sensitivity
An increase of US Dollar 0.2 per litre in the price of fuel at the balance sheet date would result in a gain of £7.1m in equity (2009: £3.5m). The 
sensitivity to changes in fuel prices resulting from changes in exchange rates is included within the currency sensitivity analysis (see note 25(d)). 

25 (g) Credit risk

The Group’s principal (cid:192)nancial assets are cash and cash equivalents and trade and other receivables.

The Group’s credit risk is relatively low because a high proportion of our customers have a sovereign or sovereign-like credit rating and the 
Group has a large number of counterparties and customers. External credit checks are completed for all new non Government customers 
before signing a contract above £100,000. Credit vetting for new Government body customers is performed by an internal review of the client’s 
ability to pay and timeliness of payment. The review includes a consideration of the expected contract budget as well as economic and industry 
factors and the budget holders’ position within the Government body. At quarterly intervals, a management credit worthiness review for all 
ongoing customers with material outstanding balances is undertaken, including an assessment to determine if there has been any deterioration 
in the customer’s payment history and a review of the total credit authorised to the customer throughout the Group.

The Group’s treasury function only transacts with counterparties that have, as a minimum, a long-term public rating from two recognised credit 
rating agencies of ‘Single A’. It also ensures that no exposure to any one institution at any given time exceeds a pre-approved exposure limit.

25 (h) Capital risk 

The Group’s key objectives when managing capital are to ensure the Group has suf(cid:192)cient funds to meet current and future business 
requirements, to provide returns for shareholders and bene(cid:192)ts for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure. 

Access to capital takes many forms and includes access to the equity market, debt capital market, and bank market. During 2010, the Group 
maintained suf(cid:192)cient debt facilities that ensured its objectives were met.

142 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:21)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 26. Retirement benefit schemes

The Group has accounted for pensions in accordance with IAS 19 Employee Bene(cid:192)ts. The Group operates a number of de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t 
schemes and de(cid:192)ned contribution schemes. The pension charge for the year ended 31 December 2010, including the proportionate share  
of joint ventures, was £106.5m (2009: £92.4m).

26 (a) De(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t schemes

The Group operates de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t schemes for qualifying employees of its subsidiaries in the UK and Europe. In addition, the Group has 
interests in joint ventures, which operate de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t schemes for qualifying employees.

The assets of the funded schemes are held independently of the Group’s assets in separate trustee administered funds. The Group’s major 
schemes are valued by independent actuaries annually using the projected unit credit actuarial cost method. This re(cid:193)ects service rendered by 
employees to the dates of valuation and incorporates actuarial assumptions primarily regarding discount rates used in determining the present 
value of bene(cid:192)ts, projected rates of salary growth, and long-term expected rates of return for scheme assets. Discount rates are based on  
the market yields of high-quality corporate bonds in the country concerned. Long-term expected rates of return for scheme assets are based  
on published brokers’ forecasts for each category of scheme assets. Pension assets and liabilities in different de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t schemes are not 
offset unless the Group has a legally enforceable right to use the surplus in one scheme to settle obligations in the other scheme and intends  
to exercise this right.

(i) Balance sheet values
The amounts recognised in the balance sheet are grouped together as follows:

Contract speci(cid:192)c (cid:178) (cid:57)irtually certain costs reimbursed
The Group has an obligation to contribute to the pension scheme over the term of the contract. At rebid any de(cid:192)cit or surplus would transfer to 
the next contractor. Throughout the contract, it is virtually certain that the Group will be reimbursed the expenditure required to settle the de(cid:192)ned 
bene(cid:192)t obligation. The Group’s share of the de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t obligation less its share of the fair value of scheme assets that it will fund over the 
period of the contract has been recognised as a liability. The Group has recognised the right to reimbursement as a separate asset.

In the income statement, the expense relating to this de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t plan has been presented net of the amount recognised for the 
reimbursement, resulting in a nil charge to the income statement.

Contract speci(cid:192)c (cid:178) Not certain costs reimbursed
These are pre-funded de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t schemes. The Group has obligations to contribute variable amounts to the pension schemes over the 
terms of the related contracts. At rebid any de(cid:192)cit or surplus would transfer to the next contractor. The Group has recognised as a liability the 
de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t obligation less the fair value of scheme assets that it will fund over the period of the contracts with a corresponding amount 
recognised as intangible assets at the start of the contracts. Subsequent actuarial gains and losses in relation to the Group’s share of the 
pension obligations have been recognised in the SOCI. The intangible assets are amortised over the term of the contracts.

Non contract speci(cid:192)c
These consist of a pre-funded de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t scheme which does not relate to any speci(cid:192)c contract (the funding policy is to contribute such 
variable amounts, on the advice of the actuary, as will achieve 100% funding on a projected salary basis) and an unfunded de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t 
scheme, both of which do not relate to any speci(cid:192)c contract. Any liabilities arising are recognised in full.

(ii) Triennial funding valuation
Among our non contract speci(cid:192)c schemes, the largest is the Serco Pension and Life Assurance Scheme (SPLAS). The most recent full actuarial 
valuation of this scheme was undertaken as at 6 April 2009 and resulted in an actuarially assessed de(cid:192)cit of £141m. Following this review, the 
Group agreed with the Trustees to make cash contributions of 30% of members’ pensionable salaries until 2019, plus lump sum payments 
of £20m, which was paid in December 2010 and £40m, which was paid in January 2011. We continue to review the level of bene(cid:192)ts and 
contributions under the scheme in light of our business needs and changes to pension legislation.

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:22)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  143

 
Section 5

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 26. Retirement benefit schemes (continued)

26 (a) De(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t schemes (continued)

The assets and liabilities of the schemes at 31 December are: 

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

Virtually 
certain costs  
(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)
2010 
£m 

Not certain
costs 
(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)
2010 
£m 

Non contract
(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:192)(cid:70)(cid:3)
2010 
£m 

Scheme assets at fair value
Equities 
Bonds except LDI 
Liability driven investments (LDI) 
Gilts 
Property 
Cash and other 
Annuity policies 

Fair value of scheme assets 
Present value of scheme liabilities 

Net amount recognised 
Members’ share of de(cid:192)cit 
Franchise adjustment 
Effect of IFRIC 14  

Net pension liability 

Related assets

Intangible assets (note 14) 
Trade and other receivables (note 19) 

Scheme assets at fair value
Equities 
Bonds except LDI 
Liability driven investments (LDI) 
Gilts 
Property 
Cash and other 
Annuity policies 

Fair value of scheme assets 
Present value of scheme liabilities 

Net amount recognised 
Members’ share of de(cid:192)cit 
Franchise adjustment 
Effect of IFRIC 14  

Net pension liability 

Related assets

Intangible assets (note 14) 
Trade and other receivables (note 19) 

875.1 
(951.5) 

1,533.2
(1,840.1)

(cid:55)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:79)
2010
£m

424.0
117.8
660.6
34.9
53.8
216.0
26.1

(306.9)
28.2
53.7
(1.2)

(226.2)

8.9
123.4

132.3

Total
2009
£m

415.0
88.8
493.6
55.3
45.7
231.3
27.2

1,356.9
(1,744.4)

(387.5)
36.8
58.0
(1.5)

(294.2)

36.6 
16.6 
651.3 
1.1 
9.5 
134.9 
25.1 

(76.4) 
1.5 
- 
(1.2) 

(76.1) 

- 
- 

- 

41.4 
15.2 
493.6 
0.9 
8.9 
193.2 
24.3 

777.5 
(899.3) 

(121.8) 
3.3 
- 
(1.5) 

(120.0) 

- 
- 

- 

11.4
144.3

155.7

132.2 
56.1 
- 
- 
17.8 
48.7 
- 

254.8 
(378.2) 

(123.4) 
- 
- 
- 

(123.4) 

- 
123.4 

123.4 

255.2 
45.1 
9.3 
33.8 
26.5 
32.4 
1.0 

403.3 
(510.4) 

(107.1) 
26.7 
53.7 
- 

(26.7) 

8.9 
- 

8.9 

143.6 
52.7 
- 
- 
16.4 
11.8 
- 

224.5 
(368.8) 

(144.3) 
- 
- 
- 

(144.3) 

- 
144.3 

144.3 

230.0 
20.9 
- 
54.4 
20.4 
26.3 
2.9 

354.9 
(476.3) 

(121.4) 
33.5 
58.0 
- 

(29.9) 

11.4 
- 

11.4 

Virtually 
certain costs  
reimbursed 
2009 
£m 

Not certain
costs 
reimbursed 
2009 
£m 

Non contract
speci(cid:192)c 
2009 
£m 

Liabilities in relation to unfunded schemes included above amount to £48.7m (2009: £48.7m).

Certain of the Group’s non contract speci(cid:192)c schemes have a Liability Driven Investment (LDI) strategy which aims to reduce volatility risk by 
better matching assets to liabilities. The main asset classes that make up the LDI investments are gilts and corporate bonds with in(cid:193)ation and 
interest swap overlays. The assumed expected rate of return is taken to be gilts +0.7% (2009: gilts +0.7%).

144 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:23)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 26. Retirement benefit schemes (continued)

26 (a) De(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t schemes (continued)

In some schemes, employee contributions vary over time to meet a speci(cid:192)ed proportion of the overall costs, including a proportion of any 
de(cid:192)cit. The liabilities recognised in the balance sheet for these schemes are net of the proportion attributed to employees. In addition, the 
amounts charged to the income statement for these schemes are net of the proportion attributed to employees. The amounts attributed to 
employees are shown separately in the reconciliation of changes in the fair value of scheme assets and liabilities.

The amounts recognised in the Financial Statements for the year are analysed as follows:

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

Recognised in the income statement
Current service cost – employer 
Past service cost 
Reimbursed to employer 

(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:74)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:192)(cid:87)(cid:3)

Expected return on scheme assets – employer 
Interest on franchise adjustment 
Interest cost on scheme liabilities – employer 
Reimbursed to employer 

Finance (income)/cost 

Included within the SOCI
Actual return on scheme assets 
Less: expected return on scheme assets 

Other actuarial gains/(losses) 

Actuarial gains recognised in the SOCI   

Change in IFRIC 14 
Change in franchise adjustment 
Change in members’ share 
Reimbursed to employer 

Actuarial losses on reimbursable rights  

(cid:55)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:12)(cid:18)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:74)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:50)(cid:38)(cid:44)(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

Virtually 
certain costs  
(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)
2010 
£m 

Not certain
costs 
(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)
2010 
£m 

Non contract
(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:192)(cid:70)(cid:3)
2010 
£m 

9.7 
- 
(9.7) 

(cid:16)(cid:3)

(16.6) 
- 
21.5 
(4.9) 

- 

24.1 
(16.6) 

7.5 
13.8 

21.3 

- 
- 
- 
(21.3) 

(21.3) 

(cid:16)(cid:3)

15.5 
- 
- 

(cid:20)(cid:24)(cid:17)(cid:24)(cid:3)

(18.4) 
(3.4) 
20.4 
- 

(1.4) 

35.7 
(25.3) 

10.4 
3.7 

14.1 

- 
(7.7) 
(8.0) 
- 

(15.7) 

(cid:11)(cid:20)(cid:17)(cid:25)(cid:12)(cid:3)

14.7 
0.3 
- 

(cid:20)(cid:24)(cid:17)(cid:19)(cid:3)

(46.0) 
- 
50.2 
- 

4.2 

81.7 
(47.4) 

34.3 
(19.8) 

14.5 

0.3 
- 
(1.7) 
- 

(1.4) 

(cid:20)(cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)

(cid:55)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:79)
2010
£m

39.9
0.3
(9.7)

(cid:22)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:24)

(81.0)
(3.4)
92.1
(4.9)

2.8

141.5
(89.3)

52.2
(2.3)

49.9

0.3
(7.7)
(9.7)
(21.3)

(38.4)

(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:17)(cid:24)

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:24)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  145

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 5

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 26. Retirement benefit schemes (continued)

26 (a) De(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t schemes (continued)

Recognised in the income statement
Current service cost – employer 
Past service cost 
Reimbursed to employer 

(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:74)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:192)(cid:87) 

Expected return on scheme assets – employer 
Interest on franchise adjustment 
Interest cost on scheme liabilities – employer 
Reimbursed to employer 

Finance cost 

Included within the SOCI
Actual return on scheme assets 
Less: expected return on scheme assets 

Other actuarial gains and losses 

Actuarial losses recognised in the SOCI  

Change in IFRIC 14 
Change in franchise adjustment 
Change in members’ share 
Reimbursed to employer 

Actuarial gains on reimbursable rights 

Total pension cost recognised in the SOCI 

Virtually 
certain costs  
reimbursed 
2009 
£m 

Not certain
costs 
reimbursed 
2009 
£m 

Non contract
speci(cid:192)c 
2009 
£m 

7.0 
- 
(7.0) 

- 

(12.2) 
- 
16.1 
(3.9) 

- 

38.3 
(12.3) 

26.0 
(85.2) 

(59.2) 

- 
- 
- 
59.2 

59.2 

- 

12.2 
- 
- 

12.2 

(14.3) 
(1.1) 
15.6 
- 

0.2 

42.5 
(19.9) 

22.6 
(89.4) 

(66.8) 

- 
39.3 
16.7 
- 

56.0 

14.7 
0.7 
- 

15.4 

(35.3) 
- 
41.4 
- 

6.1 

60.9 
(36.3) 

24.6 
(157.6) 

(133.0) 

0.1 
- 
1.8 
- 

1.9 

(10.8) 

(131.1) 

Total
2009
£m

33.9
0.7
(7.0)

27.6

(61.8)
(1.1)
73.1
(3.9)

6.3

141.7
(68.5)

73.2
(332.2)

(259.0)

0.1
39.3
18.5
59.2

117.1

(141.9)

146 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:25)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 26. Retirement benefit schemes (continued)

26 (a) De(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t schemes (continued)

Cumulative actuarial losses recognised since 1 January 2004 are £42.0m (2009: losses of £53.5m).

Changes in the fair value of scheme liabilities are analysed as follows:

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

At 1 January 2009 
Current service cost – employer 
Current service cost – employee 
Past service costs 
Scheme participants’ contributions 
Interest cost – employer 
Interest cost – employee 
Bene(cid:192)ts paid 
Actuarial gains and losses 
Exchange differences 

At 1 January 2010 
Current service cost – employer 
Current service cost – employee 
Past service costs 
Scheme participants’ contributions 
Interest cost – employer 
Interest cost – employee 
Bene(cid:192)ts paid 
Actuarial gains and losses 
Exchange differences 

At 31 December 2010 

Changes in the fair value of plan assets are analysed as follows:

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

At 1 January 2009 
Expected return on scheme assets – employer 
Expected return on scheme assets – employee 
Employer contributions 
Contributions by employees 
Bene(cid:192)ts paid 
Actuarial gains and losses 
Exchange differences 

At 1 January 2010 
Expected return on scheme assets – employer 
Expected return on scheme assets – employee  
Employer contributions 
Contributions by employees 
Bene(cid:192)ts paid 
Actuarial gains and losses 
Exchange differences 

At 31 December 2010 

Virtually 
certain costs  
(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)
£m 

Not certain
costs 
(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)
£m 

Non contract
(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:192)(cid:70)(cid:3)
£m 

267.2 
7.0 
- 
- 
2.5 
16.1 
- 
(9.2) 
85.2 
- 

368.8 
9.7 
- 
- 
3.1 
21.5 
- 
(11.1) 
(13.8) 
- 

378.2 

356.4 
12.2 
4.8 
- 
0.7 
15.6 
6.0 
(8.8) 
89.4 
- 

476.3 
15.5 
6.2 
- 
0.6 
20.4 
7.6 
(12.5) 
(3.7) 
- 

510.4 

719.8 
14.7 
0.6 
0.7 
1.1 
41.4 
1.1 
(33.4) 
157.6 
(4.3) 

899.3 
14.7 
0.5 
0.3 
0.9 
50.2 
1.3 
(33.7) 
19.8 
(1.8) 

951.5 

Virtually 
certain costs  
(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)
£m 

Not certain
costs 
(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)
£m 

Non contract
(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:192)(cid:70)(cid:3)
£m 

177.6 
12.2 
- 
15.4 
2.5 
(9.2) 
26.0 
- 

224.5 
16.6 
- 
14.1 
3.2 
(11.1) 
7.5 
- 

254.8 

297.3 
14.3 
5.6 
17.9 
6.0 
(8.8) 
22.6 
- 

354.9 
18.4 
6.9 
18.9 
6.3 
(12.5) 
10.4 
- 

403.3 

719.2 
35.3 
1.0 
29.1 
1.6 
(33.4) 
24.6 
0.1 

777.5 
46.0 
1.4 
48.3 
1.3 
(33.7) 
34.3 
- 

875.1 

(cid:55)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:79)
£m

1,343.4
33.9
5.4
0.7
4.3
73.1
7.1
(51.4)
332.2
(4.3)

1,744.4
39.9
6.7
0.3
4.6
92.1
8.9
(57.3)
2.3
(1.8)

1,840.1

(cid:55)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:79)
£m

1,194.1
61.8
6.6
62.4
10.1
(51.4)
73.2
0.1

1,356.9
81.0
8.3
81.3
10.8
(57.3)
52.2
-

1,533.2

Employer contributions for non contract speci(cid:192)c schemes in 2010 include a £20m special contribution paid in December 2010.

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:26)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:27)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  147

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 5

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 26. Retirement benefit schemes (continued)

26 (a) De(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t schemes (continued)

History of experience gains and losses

Experience adjustments arising on scheme assets:
Amount (£m) 
Percentage of the fair value of scheme assets 

Experience adjustments arising on scheme liabilities:
Amount (£m) 
Percentage of the present value of scheme liabilities 

2010 

2009 

2008 

2007 

52.2 
3% 

4.2 
0% 

73.2 
5% 

(58.2) 
(3)% 

(263.7) 
(22)% 

0.1 
0% 

1.4 
0% 

(5.1) 
0% 

Fair value of scheme assets (£m) 
Present value of scheme liabilities (£m) 

1,533.2 
(1,840.1) 

1,356.9 
(1,744.4) 

1,194.1 
(1,343.4) 

1,342.8 
(1,500.9) 

2006

45.8
4%

(13.1)
(1)%

1,186.8
(1,465.1)

De(cid:192)cit (£m) 

(306.9) 

(387.5) 

(149.3) 

(158.1) 

(278.3)

The normal contributions expected to be paid during the (cid:192)nancial year ending 31 December 2011 are £59.6m ((cid:192)nancial year ended 31 December 
2010 £60.7m).

Assumptions in respect of the expected return on scheme assets are based on market expectations of returns over the life of the related 
obligation. Due consideration has been given to current market conditions as at 31 December 2010 in respect to in(cid:193)ation, interest, bond yields 
and equity performance when selecting the expected return on assets assumptions.

The expected yield on bond investments with (cid:192)xed interest rates is derived from their market value. The yield on equity investments contains an 
additional premium (an ‘equity risk premium’) to compensate investors for the additional anticipated returns of holding this type of investment, 
when compared to bond yields. Management have concluded that an appropriate equity risk premium is 4.1% (2009: 4.1%). 

The overall expected return on assets is calculated as the weighted average of the expected returns for the principal asset categories held  
by scheme.

Main assumptions:
Rate of salary increases 
Rate of increase in pensions in payment 
Rate of increase in deferred pensions 
In(cid:193)ation assumption 
Discount rate 
Expected rates of return on scheme assets:

Equities 
Bonds except LDI 
LDI 
Gilts 
Property 
Cash and other 
Annuity policies 

Post-retirement mortality:

Current pensioners at 65   – male 
Current pensioners at 65   – female 
Future pensioners at 65  
Future pensioners at 65  

– male 
– female 

2010 
% 

3.50 
2.60 (CPI) and 3.10 (RPI) 
2.60 (CPI) and 3.10 (RPI) 
2.60 (CPI) and 3.10 (RPI) 
5.40 

8.30 
5.40 
4.90 
4.20 
5.45 
0.50 
5.40 

2010 
Years 

20.8 
23.3 
22.4 
24.5 

2009
%

3.70
3.30
3.30
3.30
5.80

8.60
5.80
5.20
4.50
5.75
0.50
5.80

2009
Years

20.3
23.2
21.6
24.4

148 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:27)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:28)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
 26. Retirement benefit schemes (continued)

26 (a) De(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t schemes (continued)

(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:192)(cid:87)(cid:86)
The UK Government announced in its June 2010 budget that when they publish the statutory increase (cid:192)gure in the future they will use the CPI 
measure of in(cid:193)ation rather than RPI. This was con(cid:192)rmed on 8 December 2010. 

Certain of the Group’s pension schemes re(cid:193)ect the lower liability where bene(cid:192)ts are explicitly based on statutory increases in the Rules in  
31 December 2010 pension liability (cid:192)gures. If this change had not occurred, the net liability of the pension schemes on the Group balance sheet 
would have been £59.2m greater. There is no impact on the operating pro(cid:192)t of the current year due to applying  
the change. 

26 (b) De(cid:192)ned contribution schemes

The Group paid employer contributions of £61.9m (2009: £49.4m) into UK and other de(cid:192)ned contribution schemes, foreign state pension 
schemes and multi-employer schemes, including those of joint ventures.

Pre-funded de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t schemes treated as de(cid:192)ned contribution
Serco accounts for certain pre-funded de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t schemes relating to contracts as de(cid:192)ned contribution schemes because the contributions 
are (cid:192)xed until the end of the current concession and at rebid any surplus or de(cid:192)cit would transfer to the next contractor. Cash contributions are 
recognised as pension costs and no asset or liability is shown on the balance sheet. 

 27. Provisions

At 1 January 2009 
Charged to income statement 
Released to income statement 
Utilised during the year 
Unwinding of discount 
Exchange differences 

At 1 January 2010 
Charged to income statement 
Released to income statement 
Utilised during the year 
Unwinding of discount 
Exchange differences 

At 31 December 2010 

Employee
related 
£m 

Property 
£m 

Contract 
£m 

Other 
£m 

5.9 
2.4 
- 
(0.6) 
- 
- 

7.7 
3.5 
- 
(0.6) 
- 
0.4 

11.0 

9.8 
- 
- 
(1.2) 
0.4 
(1.0) 

8.0 
0.1 
(0.9) 
(1.2) 
0.3 
0.3 

6.6 

11.2 
0.9 
(0.5) 
(0.7) 
0.3 
(0.8) 

10.4 
0.2 
(0.9) 
(2.2) 
0.3 
0.2 

8.0 

19.0 
1.9 
- 
(2.8) 
- 
(1.9) 

16.2 
2.3 
(2.7) 
(2.7) 
- 
0.9 

14.0 

Total
£m

45.9
5.2
(0.5)
(5.3)
0.7
(3.7)

42.3
6.1
(4.5)
(6.7)
0.6
1.8

39.6

Employee related provisions relate to long-term service awards and terminal gratuities liabilities which have been accrued and are based on 
contractual entitlement together with an estimate of the probabilities that employees will stay until retirement and receive all relevant amounts.

Property provisions relate to leased properties which are either under utilised or vacant and where the unavoidable costs associated with the 
lease exceed the economic bene(cid:192)ts expected to be required. Management has calculated the provision based on the discounted cash out(cid:193)ows 
required to settle the lease obligations. 

Contract provisions primarily relate to SI International, Inc. where, as required under IAS 37, a provision has been taken for a loss making 
onerous contract. Management has used the present value of the estimated future cash out(cid:193)ows required to settle the contract obligations  
in determining the provision.

Other provisions are held for legal and other costs that the Group expects to incur over an extended period. These costs are based on past 
experience of similar items and other known factors and represent management’s best estimate of the likely outcome.

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:28)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:28)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  149

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 5

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 28. Share capital

Issued and fully paid:
490,912,075 (2009: 486,764,440) ordinary shares of 2p each at 1 January 
Issued on the exercise of share options 

493,220,805 (2009: 490,912,075) ordinary shares of 2p each at 31 December 

The Company has one class of ordinary shares which carry no right to (cid:192)xed income.

2010 
£m 

9.8 
0.1 

9.9 

Number  
2010 
Millions 

490.9 
2.3 

493.2 

2009 
£m 

9.7 
0.1 

9.8 

Number
2009
Millions

486.8
4.1

490.9

During the year 2,308,730 (2009: 4,147,635) ordinary shares of 2p each were allotted to the holders of share-based awards or their personal 
representatives using newly listed shares.

 29. Share premium account

At 1 January  
Premium on shares issued 

At 31 December  

 30. Reserves

2010 
£m 

304.1 
2.6 

306.7 

2009
£m

301.1
3.0

304.1

30 (a) Retirement bene(cid:192)t obligations reserve

The retirement bene(cid:192)t obligations reserve represents the actuarial gains and losses recognised in respect of annual actuarial valuations for 
de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t retirement schemes, the fair value adjustments on reimbursable rights and the related movements in deferred tax balances.

30 (b) Share-based payment reserve

The share-based payment reserve represents credits relating to equity-settled share-based payment transactions granted after  
7 November 2002, but not fully vested as of 1 January 2005, and any gain or loss on the exercise of share options satis(cid:192)ed by own shares.

30 (c) Own shares reserve

The own shares reserve represents the cost of shares in Serco Group plc purchased in the market and held by the Serco Group plc Employee 
Share Ownership Trust (ESOP) to satisfy options under the Group’s share options schemes. At 31 December 2010, the ESOP held 4,710,201 
(2009: 3,436,547) shares equal to 1.0% of the current allotted share capital (2009: 0.7%). The market value of shares held by the ESOP as at  
31 December 2010 was £26.2m (2009: £18.2m).

30 (d) Hedging and translation reserve

The hedging and translation reserve represents foreign exchange differences arising on translation of the Group’s overseas operations and 
movements relating to cash (cid:193)ow hedges.

150 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:24)(cid:19)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:28)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 31. Notes to the consolidated cash flow statement

(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:192)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:193)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:50)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:192)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)
Adjustments for:
Share-based payment expense 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 
Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets 
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment 
Pro(cid:192)t on disposal of intangible assets 
Impairment of goodwill 
Movement in provisions 

(cid:50)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:193)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:83)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)
Decrease/(increase) in inventories 
Increase in receivables 
Increase in payables 
Special contribution to de(cid:192)ned bene(cid:192)t pension scheme (note 26) 

(cid:38)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:3)
Tax paid 

(cid:3)

(cid:49)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:193)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

2010 
(cid:133)(cid:80) 

(cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:20)(cid:17)(cid:22) 

(cid:27)(cid:17)(cid:27) 
(cid:22)(cid:28)(cid:17)(cid:23) 
(cid:23)(cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:25) 
(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:27) 
(cid:11)(cid:20)(cid:17)(cid:24)(cid:12) 
(cid:23)(cid:17)(cid:21) 
(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:12) 

(cid:22)(cid:22)(cid:20)(cid:17)(cid:24) 
(cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:24) 
(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:23)(cid:12) 
(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:19) 
(cid:11)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:19)(cid:12) 

(cid:21)(cid:27)(cid:20)(cid:17)(cid:25) 
(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:25)(cid:12) 

(cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:20)(cid:17)(cid:19) 

2009
£m

212.1

7.2
34.4
40.5
2.0
-
-
(0.6)

295.6
(15.1)
(31.1)
24.8
-

274.2
(39.1)

235.1

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

Additions to (cid:192)xtures and equipment during the year amounting to £10.0m (2009: £11.9m) were (cid:192)nanced by new (cid:192)nance leases.

(cid:36)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:69)(cid:87)

(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)

Cash and cash equivalents 
Non recourse loans 
Other loans 
Obligations under (cid:192)nance leases 

(cid:3)

(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)

(cid:3)

Cash and cash equivalents 
Non recourse loans 
Other loans 
Obligations under (cid:192)nance leases 

At  
(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:45)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:3)
(cid:133)(cid:80)(cid:3)

(cid:22)(cid:20)(cid:28)(cid:17)(cid:23)(cid:3)
(cid:11)(cid:21)(cid:28)(cid:17)(cid:19)(cid:12)(cid:3)
(cid:11)(cid:25)(cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:17)(cid:28)(cid:12)(cid:3)
(cid:11)(cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:17)(cid:19)(cid:12)(cid:3)

(cid:11)(cid:22)(cid:24)(cid:27)(cid:17)(cid:24)(cid:12)(cid:3)

At  
1 January  
2009 
£m 

250.8 
(34.1) 
(713.6) 
(17.2) 

(514.1) 

(cid:3)
(cid:38)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:193)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:3)
(cid:133)(cid:80)(cid:3)

(cid:3)
(cid:36)(cid:70)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:13)(cid:3)
(cid:133)(cid:80)(cid:3)

(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:3)
(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:73)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)
(cid:133)(cid:80)(cid:3)

(cid:49)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:3)
(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)
(cid:133)(cid:80)(cid:3)

At
(cid:22)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:85)
(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:19)
(cid:133)(cid:80)

(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:27)(cid:17)(cid:22)(cid:12)(cid:3)
(cid:26)(cid:17)(cid:25)(cid:3)
(cid:20)(cid:24)(cid:26)(cid:17)(cid:26)(cid:3)
(cid:27)(cid:17)(cid:26)(cid:3)

(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:24)(cid:17)(cid:26)(cid:3)

(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)
(cid:16)(cid:3)
(cid:16)(cid:3)
(cid:16)(cid:3)

(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)

(cid:27)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:3)
(cid:11)(cid:21)(cid:17)(cid:22)(cid:12)(cid:3)
(cid:11)(cid:21)(cid:20)(cid:17)(cid:27)(cid:12)(cid:3)
(cid:11)(cid:20)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:12)(cid:3)

(cid:11)(cid:20)(cid:26)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:12)(cid:3)

(cid:16)(cid:3)
(cid:16)(cid:3)
(cid:11)(cid:20)(cid:17)(cid:23)(cid:12)(cid:3)
(cid:11)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:19)(cid:12)(cid:3)

(cid:11)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:17)(cid:23)(cid:12)(cid:3)

(cid:21)(cid:26)(cid:28)(cid:17)(cid:22)
(cid:11)(cid:21)(cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:26)(cid:12)
(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:28)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:23)(cid:12)
(cid:11)(cid:21)(cid:25)(cid:17)(cid:23)(cid:12)

(cid:11)(cid:21)(cid:25)(cid:20)(cid:17)(cid:21)(cid:12)

Cash (cid:193)ow 
£m 

Acquisitions* 
£m 

Exchange 
differences 
£m 

Non cash 
movements 
£m 

73.0 
6.5 
33.0 
5.7 

118.2 

0.9 
- 
(2.5) 
- 

(1.6) 

(5.3) 
(1.4) 
58.2 
(0.6) 

50.9 

- 
- 
- 
(11.9) 

(11.9) 

At
31 December
2009
£m

319.4
(29.0)
(624.9)
(24.0)

(358.5)

* Acquisitions represent the net cash/(debt) acquired on acquisition.

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:24)(cid:20)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:28)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  151

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 5

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 32. Capital and other commitments

Capital expenditure contracted but not provided:

- Property, plant and equipment 

2010 
£m 

1.7 

2009
£m

5.5

Included within the balances above is joint venture capital expenditure contracted but not provided in relation to property, plant and equipment 
of £nil (2009: £1.2m).

At the balance sheet date, the Group had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating 
leases, which fall due as follows:

Within one year 
Between one and (cid:192)ve years 
After (cid:192)ve years 

2010 
£m 

112.0 
240.6 
129.3 

481.9 

2009
£m

106.7
207.3
123.5

437.5

Principal lease commitments are within the Civil Government segment, with future minimum lease payments totalling £231.1m (2009: £181.0m). 
These leases relate primarily to administrative and operational buildings, track and rolling stock within the train operating companies.  
The length of the leases is concurrent with the period of the franchises and the terms of the leases are (cid:192)xed during this period.

152 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:24)(cid:21)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:28)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 33. Share-based payment expense

The Group recognised the following expenses related to equity-settled share-based payment transactions:

Executive Option Plan 
Long Term Incentive Scheme and Plan 
Sharesave 2008 
Transformational Share Scheme 
Performance Share Plan 
Deferred Bonus Plan 

2010 
£m 

0.2 
2.5 
1.0 
0.2 
4.4 
0.5 

8.8 

2009
£m

0.5
4.5
1.8
0.1
0.2
0.1

7.2

Executive Option Plan (EOP)
Options granted under the EOP may be exercised after the third anniversary of grant, dependent upon the achievement of a (cid:192)nancial 
performance target over three years. The options are granted at market value and awards made to eligible employees are based on between 
50% and 100% of salary as at 31 December prior to grant. If the options remain unexercised after a period of ten years from the date of grant, 
the options expire. Furthermore, options may be forfeited if the eligible employee leaves the Group before the options vest. Details of the 
movement in all EOP options are as follows:

Outstanding at 1 January  
Granted during the year 
Exercised during the year 
Lapsed during the year 

Outstanding at 31 December  

Number of  
options 
2010 
Thousands 

6,857 
- 
(2,620) 
(280) 

3,957 

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price 
2010 
£ 

2.72 
- 
2.79 
3.47 

2.63 

Number of  
options 
2009 
Thousands 

10,948 
88 
(3,634) 
(545) 

6,857 

Weighted
average
exercise
price
2009
£

2.65
3.88
2.50
2.98

2.72

Of these options 3,534,982 (2009: 5,992,295) were exercisable at the end of the year, with a weighted average exercise price of £2.42  
(2009: £2.48).

The options outstanding at 31 December 2010 had a weighted average contractual life of 3.2 years (2009: 3.7 years). 

The exercise prices for options outstanding at 31 December 2010 ranged from £1.39 to £4.55 (2009: £1.39 to £4.90).

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise approximates to the weighted average share price during the year, which was £5.81 
(2009: £4.41).

The fair value of options granted under the EOP is measured by use of the Binomial Lattice model. The Binomial Lattice model is considered to 
be most appropriate for valuing options granted under this scheme as it allows exercise over a longer period of time between the vesting date 
and the expiry date. 

There were no new options granted under Executive Option Plans during the year.

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:24)(cid:22)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:28)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  153

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 5

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 33. Share-based payment expense (continued)

Long Term Incentive Scheme (LTIS) and Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)
Awards made to eligible employees under the above schemes are structured as options with a zero exercise price and may be exercised after 
the third anniversary of grant. The extent to which an award vests (and therefore becomes exercisable) is measured by reference to the growth 
in the Group’s earnings per share (EPS) or total shareholder return (TSR) over the performance period of three (cid:192)nancial years. 

If the options remain unexercised after a period of ten years from the date of grant, the options expire. Furthermore, options may be forfeited if 
the eligible employee leaves the Group before the options vest. Details of the movement in all LTIS and LTIP options are as follows:

Outstanding at 1 January 
Granted during the year 
Exercised during the year 
Lapsed during the year 

Outstanding at 31 December 

Number of  
options 
2010 
Thousands 

5,623 
- 
(1,786) 
(146) 

3,691 

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price 
2010 
£ 

Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 

Nil 

Number of  
options 
2009 
Thousands 

8,214 
351 
(2,383) 
(559) 

5,623 

Weighted
average
exercise
price
2009
£

Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil

Nil

Of these options, 1,544,054 (2009: 896,487) were exercisable at the end of the year.

The options outstanding at 31 December 2010 had a weighted average contractual life of 6.8 years (2009: 7.6 years).

There were no grants of LTIP options during the year. During the prior year, two grants of LTIP options were made: one grant with TSR 
performance conditions, the other with EPS growth performance conditions. The Monte Carlo Simulation model is considered to be the most 
appropriate for valuing options granted under schemes where there are changes in performance conditions by which the options are measured, 
such as for the TSR-based awards.

Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Group’s share price over the previous three years. The expected 
life used in the model has been adjusted, based on management’s best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions, and 
behavioural considerations.

For the LTIP options with EPS growth performance conditions, the fair value is considered to be their face value less the present value of any 
dividend payments not paid over the vesting period. 

154 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:24)(cid:23)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:28)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 33. Share-based payment expense (continued)

Transformational Share Scheme
Awards made to eligible employees under the Transformational Share Scheme are structured as options with a £nil exercise price and are 
exercisable after the third anniversary of the grant. 

The employee must exercise the options no later than 30 days after the vesting date. Furthermore, if the eligible employee leaves the Group 
before the options vest, the options may be forfeited.

Outstanding at 1 January 
Granted during the year 
Exercised during the year 
Lapsed during the year 

Outstanding at 31 December 

Number of  
options 
2010 
Thousands 

86 
33 
- 
- 

119 

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price 
2010 
£ 

Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 

Nil 

Number of  
options 
2009 
Thousands 

39 
53 
- 
(6) 

86 

Weighted
average
exercise
price
2009
£

Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil

Nil

None of these options were exercisable at the end of the year (2009: none).

The options outstanding at 31 December 2010 had a weighted average contractual life of 0.8 years (2009: 1.3 years).

The fair value of options granted under the Transformational Share Scheme is considered to be equal to their face value as at the grant date 
less the present value of any dividend payments over the vesting period. This model is considered to be most appropriate for valuing options 
granted under this scheme as the options have a £nil exercise price and are not subject to any performance conditions.

The assumptions for determining the face value less any dividends are:

Weighted average share price 
Weighted average exercise price 
Expected volatility 
Expected life 
Risk free rate 
Expected dividends 

2010 

590p 
Nil 
N/A 
3 years 
N/A 
1.0% 

2009

366p
Nil
N/A
2 years
N/A
1.4%

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:24)(cid:24)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:28)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  155

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 5

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 33. Share-based payment expense (continued)

Performance Share Plan (PSP)
Under the PSP, eligible employees have been granted options with an exercise price of two pence. Awards vest after the performance period 
of three years and are subject to the achievement of two performance measures. The primary performance measure is TSR and the second 
performance measure is based on EPS growth.

Outstanding at 1 January 
Granted during the year 
Exercised during the year 
Lapsed during the year 

Outstanding at 31 December 

Number of  
options 
2010 
Thousands 

479 
3,523 
- 
(58) 

3,944 

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price 
2010 
£ 

Nil 
0.02 
Nil 
Nil 

0.02 

Number of  
options 
2009 
Thousands 

- 
479 
- 
- 

479 

Weighted
average
exercise
price
2009
£

Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil

Nil

None of these options were exercisable at the end of the year (2009: none).

The options outstanding at 31 December 2010 had a weighted average contractual life of 9.2 years (2009: 9.5 years).

In the year, four grants were made with 70% of the options granted subject to TSR performance conditions and 30% subject to EPS growth 
performance conditions.

The options subject to TSR performance conditions were valued using the Monte Carlo Simulation model. The options subject to EPS growth 
performance conditions were deemed to have fair values equal to their face value less the present value of any dividend payments not received 
over the vesting period.

The Monte Carlo Simulation model is considered to be the most appropriate for valuing options granted under schemes where there are 
changes in performance conditions by which the options are measured, such as for the TSR-based awards.

The inputs into the Monte Carlo Simulation model for options granted during the year with TSR performance conditions are:

Weighted average share price 
Weighted average exercise price 
Expected volatility 
Expected life 
Risk free rate 
Expected dividends 

2010 

615p 
2p 
28.9% 
3 years 
1.9% 
- 

2009

406p
Nil
28.8%
3 years
2.2%
1.2%

Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Group’s share price over the previous three years. The expected 
life used in the model has been adjusted, based on management’s best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions, and 
behavioural considerations. 

The assumptions for options granted during the year with EPS growth performance conditions are:

Weighted average share price 
Weighted average exercise price 
Expected volatility 
Expected life 
Risk free rate 
Expected dividends 

2010 

615p 
2p 
N/A 
3 years 
N/A 
- 

2009

406p
Nil
N/A
3 years
N/A
1.2%

156 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:24)(cid:25)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:28)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 33. Share-based payment expense (continued)

Deferred Bonus Plan (DBP)
Under the DBP, eligible employees are entitled to use up to 50% of their earned annual bonus to purchase shares in the Group at market price. 
Provided they remain in employment for this period, the shares are retained for that period and the two performance measures (which are the 
same as the PSP scheme, being TSR and EPS growth) have been met, the Group will make a matching share award. For shares purchased by 
employees in 2010 the match was on a basis of two times the gross bonus deferred.

Outstanding at 1 January 
Granted during the year 
Exercised during the year 
Lapsed during the year 

Outstanding at 31 December 

Number of  
options 
2010 
Thousands 

207 
219 
- 
- 

426 

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price 
2010 
£ 

Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 

Nil 

Number of  
options 
2009 
Thousands 

28 
207 
(28) 
- 

207 

Weighted
average
exercise
price
2009
£

Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil

Nil

None of these options were exercisable at the end of the year (2009: none).

The options outstanding at 31 December 2010 had a weighted average contractual life of 1.9 years (2009: 2.5 years).

In the year, one grant was made with 50% of the deferred bonus subject to TSR performance conditions and 50% subject to EPS growth 
performance conditions. 

The portion subject to TSR performance conditions was valued using the Monte Carlo Simulation model. The portion subject to EPS growth 
performance conditions was deemed to have a fair value equal to their face value less the present value of any dividend payments not received 
over the vesting period.

The Monte Carlo Simulation model is considered to be the most appropriate for valuing options granted under schemes where there are 
changes in performance conditions by which the options are measured, such as for the TSR-based awards.

The inputs into the Monte Carlo Simulation model for options granted during the year with TSR performance conditions are:

Weighted average share price 
Weighted average exercise price 
Expected volatility 
Expected life 
Risk free rate 
Expected dividends 

2010 

2009

602p 
Nil 
28.9% 
3 years 
1.8% 
- 

404p
Nil
28.9%
3 years
1.8% to 2.4%
1.2%

Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Group’s share price over the previous three years. The expected 
life used in the model has been adjusted, based on management’s best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions, and 
behavioural considerations. 

The assumptions for options granted during the year with EPS growth performance conditions are:

Weighted average share price 
Weighted average exercise price 
Expected volatility 
Expected life 
Risk free rate 
Expected dividends 

2010 

602p 
Nil 
N/A 
3 years 
N/A 
- 

2009

404p
Nil
N/A
3 years
N/A
1.2%

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:24)(cid:26)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:28)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  157

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 5

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 33. Share-based payment expense (continued)

Sharesave 2008
The Sharesave 2008 scheme provides for a purchase price equal to the daily average market price on the date of grant less 10%. The options 
can be exercised for a period of six months following their vesting. Details of the movement in Sharesave 2008 options are as follows:

Outstanding at 1 January 
Granted during the year 
Exercised during the year 
Lapsed during the year 

Outstanding at 31 December 

Number of  
options 
2010 
Thousands 

6,106 
- 
(248) 
(379) 

5,479 

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price 
2010 
£ 

4.0 
Nil 
4.0 
4.0 

4.0 

Number of  
options 
2009 
Thousands 

6,760 
- 
(5) 
(649) 

6,106 

Weighted
average
exercise
price
2009
£

4.0
Nil
4.0
4.0

4.0

Of these options, 16,278 (2009: none) were exercisable at the end of the year. 

The options outstanding at 31 December 2010 had a weighted average contractual life of 1.2 years (2009: 2.1 years). Given that options granted 
under the Sharesave plan can be exercised at any time after vesting, management consider the Binomial Lattice model to be appropriate to 
value the options granted under this scheme. The Binomial Lattice model allows exercise over a window in time, from vesting date to expiry 
date, and assumes option holders make economically rational exercise decisions.

158 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:24)(cid:27)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:28)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 34. Related party transactions

Transactions between the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, which are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation and are 
not disclosed in this note. Transactions between the Group and its joint venture undertakings are disclosed below, with the relevant proportion 
being eliminated on consolidation. 

Trading transactions
During the year, Group companies entered into the following material transactions with joint ventures:

Royalties and management fees receivable   
Dividends receivable 

The following receivable balances relating to joint ventures were included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:

Current:
Loans 

Non-current:
Loans 

2010 
£m 

2.0 
51.5 

53.5 

2010 
£m 

0.1 

2010 
£m 

3.5 

2009
£m

1.6
46.3

47.9

2009
£m

0.6

2009
£m

2.2

Joint venture receivable and loan amounts outstanding have arisen from transactions undertaken during the general course of trading, are 
unsecured, and will be settled in cash. Interest arising on loans is based on LIBOR, or its equivalent, with an appropriate margin. No guarantee 
has been given or received. No provisions are required for doubtful debts in respect of the amounts owed by the joint ventures.

Remuneration of key management personnel
The Directors of Serco Group plc had no material transactions with the Group during the year other than service contracts and Directors’ liability 
insurance. 

The remuneration of the key management personnel of the Group is set out below in aggregate for each of the categories speci(cid:192)ed in  
IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures:

Short-term employee bene(cid:192)ts 
Post-employment bene(cid:192)ts 
Share-based payment expense 

2010 
£m 

7.5 
0.8 
2.8 

11.1 

2009
£m

3.2
0.4
1.5

5.1

The key management personnel comprise the Executive Directors, Non-Executive Directors and members of the Executive Committee  
(2010: 19 individuals, 2009: 9 individuals).

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:24)(cid:28)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:28)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  159

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 5

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 35. List of principal undertakings

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption under Section 410(2) of the Companies Act 2006 by providing information only in relation 
to undertakings whose results or (cid:192)nancial position, in the opinion of the Directors, principally affected the (cid:192)nancial statements. 

A complete list of subsidiary and associated undertakings will be attached to the next Serco Group plc annual return to Companies House. 

The percentage of equity capital held directly or indirectly by Serco Group plc is shown. The voting rights are the same as the percentage 
holding. The companies are incorporated and principally operate in the countries stated below. 

Principal subsidiaries 

United Kingdom 

Rest of Europe 
Germany 

AMEAA 
Australia 

North America
USA 

Joint venture undertakings 

United Kingdom 

AMEAA
Australia 

Serco Limited 
NPL Management Limited 

2010 

100% 
100% 

2009

100%
100%

Serco GmbH 

100% 

100%

Serco Australia Pty Limited 
Great Southern Rail Limited 

100% 
100% 

100%
100%

Serco Services Inc.  

100% 

100%

AWE Management Limited 
Merseyrail Services Holding Company Limited 
Northern Rail Holdings Limited 

2010 

33% 
50% 
50% 

2009

33%
50%
50%

Serco Sodexo Defence Services Pty Limited 

50% 

50%

All joint ventures are accounted for using the proportionate consolidation method. All the subsidiaries of the Group have been consolidated. 

All the principal subsidiaries of Serco Group plc and its joint venture undertakings are engaged in the provision of support services.

 36. Contingent liabilities

The Company has guaranteed overdrafts, (cid:192)nance leases, and bonding facilities of its joint ventures up to a maximum value of £8.2m  
(2009: £7.0m). The actual commitment outstanding at 31 December 2010 was £5.6m (2009: £4.3m).

In addition to this, the Company and its subsidiaries have provided performance guarantees, and indemnities relating to performance bonds 
and letters of credit issued by its banks on its behalf, in the ordinary course of business. These are not expected to result in any material 
(cid:192)nancial loss.

The Group is aware of claims and potential claims which involve or may involve legal proceedings against the Group. The Directors are of the 
opinion, having regard to legal advice received and the Group’s insurance arrangements, that it is unlikely that these matters will, in aggregate, 
have a material effect on the Group’s (cid:192)nancial position.

160 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:25)(cid:19)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:28)

 
 
 
 
 
 
UK GAAP Audit Report – Parent Company

Independent Auditor’s report to the members of Serco Group plc
We have audited the parent Company Financial Statements of Serco Group plc for the year ended 31 December 2010 which comprise the 
Company Balance Sheet and the related notes 1 to 16. The (cid:192)nancial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable 
law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

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.

Respective responsibilities of Directors and Auditor
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the parent Company 
Financial Statements and for being satis(cid:192)ed that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the parent 
Company Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards 
require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.

(cid:54)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:192)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the (cid:192)nancial statements suf(cid:192)cient to give reasonable assurance that 
the (cid:192)nancial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: whether the 
accounting policies are appropriate to the parent Company’s circumstances and have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the 
reasonableness of signi(cid:192)cant accounting estimates made by the Directors; and the overall presentation of the (cid:192)nancial statements.

Opinion on the parent Company Financial Statements
In our opinion the parent Company Financial Statements:
(cid:79)(cid:3) give a true and fair view of the state of the parent Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2010;
(cid:79)(cid:3) have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
(cid:79)(cid:3) have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion:
(cid:79)(cid:3) the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006; and
(cid:79)(cid:3) the information given in the Directors’ Report for the (cid:192)nancial year for which the (cid:192)nancial statements are prepared is consistent with the parent 

Company Financial Statements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
(cid:79)(cid:3) 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

(cid:79)(cid:3) the parent Company Financial Statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not in agreement with the 

accounting records and returns; or

(cid:79)(cid:3) certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration speci(cid:192)ed by law are not made; or
(cid:79)(cid:3) we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Other matter
We have reported separately on the Group Financial Statements of Serco Group plc for the year ended 31 December 2010. 

Richard Knights (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of Deloitte LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor
London, United Kingdom
1 March 2011

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:25)(cid:20)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:28)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  161

 
Section 5

Company Balance Sheet
At 31 December

Fixed assets
Investments in subsidiary undertakings 

Current assets
Amounts owed by subsidiary companies due after more than one year 
Debtors: amounts due within one year 
Debtors: amounts due after more than one year 
Derivative (cid:192)nancial instruments due within one year 
Derivative (cid:192)nancial instruments due after more than one year  
Cash at bank and in hand 

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Bank loans and overdrafts 
Loans 
Amounts owed to subsidiary companies 
Trade creditors 
Other creditors including taxation and social security 
Derivative (cid:192)nancial instruments 
Accruals and deferred income 

Net current assets 

Total assets less current liabilities 
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 
Amounts owed to subsidiary companies 
Provisions 
Derivative (cid:192)nancial instruments 

Net assets 

Capital and reserves
Called up share capital 
Share premium account 
Capital redemption reserve 
Own shares 
Share-based payment reserve 
Hedging and translation reserve 
Pro(cid:192)t and loss account 

Shareholders’ funds 

* Note 1

Note 

3 

4 
4 
7 
7 

6 
6 

5 
7 

6 

7 

9 
10 

11 
12 
13 
14 

2010 
£m 

812.1 

812.1 

585.3 
5.6 
15.6 
2.2 
1.8 
- 

610.5 

(200.6) 
(23.6) 
(45.7) 
(0.7) 
(1.6) 
(2.1) 
(10.1) 

(284.4) 

326.1 

1,138.2 
(335.8) 
(243.0) 
(1.0) 
(4.8) 

553.6 

9.9 
306.7 
0.1 
(27.5) 
38.7 
(0.4) 
226.1 

553.6 

2009

Restated*

£m

805.5

805.5

758.8
6.1
14.6
0.5
1.4
-

781.4

(65.7)
(10.0)
(223.1)
(0.3)
(1.1)
(5.2)
(4.7)

(310.1)

471.3

1,276.8
(518.5)
(251.1)
-
(1.7)

505.5

9.8
304.1
0.1
(13.0)
32.8
(1.5)
173.2

505.5

The Financial Statements of the Company (registered number 2048608) were approved by the Board of Directors on 1 March 2011 and signed 
on its behalf by: 

Christopher Hyman 
Chief Executive 

Andrew Jenner
Finance Director

162 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:25)(cid:21)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:28)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Company Financial Statements

 1. Accounting policies

The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below and have been applied consistently throughout the current and preceding year. 

Basis of accounting
These (cid:192)nancial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK GAAP and applicable UK law.

Accounting convention
These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and on the going concern basis.

Restatement
The prior year (cid:192)gures have been restated to reclassify the assets and liabilities of the Serco Group plc Employee Share Ownership Trust (ESOP) 
from amounts owed by subsidiary companies due within one year to an Own Share reserve. This has resulted in a decrease in both current 
debtors and reserves of £15.4m.

Fixed asset investments
Investments held as (cid:192)xed assets are stated at cost less provision for any impairment in value.

Share-based payment
The Company has applied the requirements of FRS 20 Share-based Payment. In accordance with the transitional provisions, FRS 20 has been 
applied to all grants of equity instruments after 7 November 2002 that were not fully vested as of 1 January 2005.

The Company issues equity-settled share-based payments to certain employees and operates an Inland Revenue approved Save As You Earn 
(SAYE) share option scheme open to eligible employees which allows the purchase of shares at a discount. These are measured at fair value at 
the date of grant. The fair value is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Company’s estimate of shares that will 
eventually vest.

Where the fair value of share options requires the use of a valuation model, fair value is measured by use of the Binomial Lattice or Monte Carlo 
Simulation models depending on the type of scheme. The expected life used in the models has been adjusted, based on management’s best 
estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions, and behavioural considerations. Where relevant, the value of the option has 
also been adjusted to take account of market conditions applicable to the option.

Dividends
Dividends are approved by the Board of Directors, and recorded in the Company’s (cid:192)nancial statements in the period in which they are declared, 
appropriately authorised and no longer at the discretion of the Company.

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:25)(cid:22)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:28)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  163

 
Section 5

Notes to the Company Financial Statements

 1. Accounting policies (continued)

(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:192)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:88)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)
Derivatives are initially accounted for and measured at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and subsequently measured 
at fair value. The gain or loss on re-measurement is taken to the pro(cid:192)t and loss account except where the derivative is a designated cash (cid:193)ow 
hedging instrument. The accounting treatment of derivatives classi(cid:192)ed as hedges depends on their designation, which occurs on the date that 
the derivative contract is committed to. The Company designates derivatives as:
(cid:79)(cid:3) a hedge of the fair value of an asset or liability (fair value hedge);
(cid:79)(cid:3) a hedge of the income/cost of a highly probable forecast transaction or commitment (cash (cid:193)ow hedge); and
(cid:79)(cid:3) a hedge of a net investment in a foreign entity.

Gains and losses on fair value are recorded in the pro(cid:192)t and loss account with the gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the  
hedged risk.

Gains or losses on cash (cid:193)ow hedges that are regarded as highly effective are recognised in equity. Where the forecast transaction results in a 
(cid:192)nancial asset or liability, only gains or losses previously recognised in equity are reclassi(cid:192)ed to pro(cid:192)t or loss in the same period as the asset 
or liability affects pro(cid:192)t or loss. Where the forecast transaction or commitment results in a non-(cid:192)nancial asset or liability, any gains or losses 
previously deferred in equity are included in the cost of the related asset or liability if the forecast transaction or commitment results in  
future income or expenditure. Gains and losses deferred in equity are transferred to the pro(cid:192)t and loss account in the same period as  
the underlying income or expenditure. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognised in the  
pro(cid:192)t and loss account.

For the ineffective portion of hedges or transactions that are not designated for hedge accounting under FRS 26, any change in assets or 
liabilities is recognised immediately in the pro(cid:192)t and loss account. Where a hedge no longer meets the effectiveness criteria, any gains or  
losses deferred in equity are only transferred to the pro(cid:192)t and loss account when the committed or forecast transaction is recognised in the 
pro(cid:192)t and loss account. However, where cash (cid:193)ow hedge accounting has been applied for a forecast or committed transaction that is no longer 
expected to occur, then the cumulative gain or loss that has been recorded in equity at that time remains in equity and is recognised when the 
forecast transaction is ultimately recognised in the pro(cid:192)t and loss account.

Where the Company hedges net investments in foreign entities through currency borrowings, the gains or losses on the translation of the 
borrowings are recognised in equity. Gains and losses accumulated in equity are included in the pro(cid:192)t and loss account when the foreign 
operation is disposed of.

(cid:38)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:91)
Current tax, including UK corporation tax, is provided at amounts expected to be paid (or recovered) using the tax rates and laws that have 
been enacted or substantially enacted at the balance sheet date.

(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:91)
The charge for taxation takes account of taxation deferred because of differences between the timing of recognition of certain items for taxation 
purposes and for accounting purposes. Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at 
the balance sheet date where the transactions or events that give rise to an obligation to pay more or less tax in the future have occurred by the 
balance sheet date. A deferred tax asset is recognised only when it is considered more likely than not that it will be recovered.

Deferred tax is recognised on a non-discounted basis using tax rates in force at the date the timing differences are expected to reverse. 

164 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:25)(cid:23)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:28)

 2. Auditor’s remuneration

Fees payable to the Company’s Auditor for the audit of the Company’s annual accounts of £10,000 (2009: £10,000) have been borne by another 
group company.

 3. Investments held as fixed assets

Shares in subsidiary companies at cost
At 1 January 2010 
Options over parent’s shares awarded to employees of subsidiaries 

At 31 December 2010 

Shares in subsidiary companies at cost
At 1 January 2009 
Options over parent’s shares awarded to employees of subsidiaries 

At 31 December 2009 

£m

805.5
6.6

812.1

£m

799.6
5.9

805.5

Full details of the principal subsidiaries of Serco Group plc can be found in note 35 to the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The 
Company directly owns 100% of the ordinary share capital of the following subsidiaries except where stated.

Name 

Serco Holdings Limited 
Serco Group (HK) Limited 

 4. Debtors

Amounts due within one year
Amounts owed by subsidiary companies 
Corporation tax recoverable 
Other debtors 

Amounts due after more than one year
Amounts owed by joint ventures 
Other debtors 
Deferred tax asset (note 8) 

* Note 1

 5. Other creditors including taxation and social security

Other creditors 

  % ownership

100%
50%

2010 
£m 

- 
3.0 
2.6 

5.6 

3.4 
9.4 
2.8 

15.6 

21.2 

2010 
£m 

1.6 

Restated*

2009
£m

0.2
3.4
2.5

6.1

0.9
10.6
3.1

14.6

20.7

2009
£m

1.1

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:25)(cid:24)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:28)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  165

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 5

Notes to the Company Financial Statements

 6. Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year

Loans 
Less: amounts included in creditors falling due within one year – loans 
Less: amounts included in creditors falling due within one year – bank loans & overdrafts 

Amounts falling due after more than one year 

Loans are repayable as follows:
Within one year or on demand 
Between one and two years 
Between two and (cid:192)ve years 
After (cid:192)ve years 

 7. Derivative financial instruments

Currency swaps 
Interest rate swaps 
Forward foreign exchange contracts 

Analysed as:
Non-current 
Current 

2010 
£m 

560.0 
(23.6) 
(200.6) 

335.8 

224.2 
111.8 
224.0 
- 

560.0 

2009
£m

594.2
(10.0)
(65.7)

518.5

75.7
143.8
351.1
23.6

594.2

Assets 
2010 
£m 

Liabilities 
2010 
£m 

Assets 
2009 
£m 

Liabilities
2009
£m

0.9 
- 
3.1 

4.0 

1.8 
2.2 

4.0 

- 
(3.5) 
(3.4) 

(6.9) 

(4.8) 
(2.1) 

(6.9) 

- 
1.1 
0.8 

1.9 

1.4 
0.5 

1.9 

(0.5)
(3.1)
(3.3)

(6.9)

(1.7)
(5.2)

(6.9)

The Company holds derivative (cid:192)nancial instruments in accordance with the Group’s policy in relation to its (cid:192)nancial risk management. Details of 
the disclosures are set out in note 25 of the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

 8. Deferred tax asset

Capital allowances in excess of depreciation 
Short term timing differences 

The movement in the deferred tax asset during the year was as follows:

At 1 January 
Charged to pro(cid:192)t and loss account 
Items taken directly to equity 

At 31 December 

2010 
£m 

0.2 
2.6 

2.8 

2010 
£m 

3.1 
(0.1) 
(0.2) 

2.8 

2009
£m

-
3.1

3.1

2009
£m

0.9
(0.1)
2.3

3.1

166 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:25)(cid:25)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:28)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 9. Called up share capital

Issued and fully paid
490,912,075 (2009: 486,764,440) ordinary shares of 2p each at 1 January 
Issued on the exercise of share options 

493,220,805 (2009: 490,912,075) ordinary shares of 2p each at 31 December 

The Company has one class of ordinary shares which carry no right to (cid:192)xed income.

2010 
£m 

9.8 
0.1 

9.9 

Number  
2010 
Millions 

490.9 
2.3 

493.2 

2009 
£m 

9.7 
0.1 

9.8 

Number
2009
Millions

486.8
4.1

490.9

During the year 2,308,730 (2009: 4,147,635) ordinary shares of 2p each were allotted to the holders of options or their personal representatives 
using newly listed shares.

 10. Share premium account

At 1 January  
Premium on shares issued 

At 31 December  

 11. Own shares

2010 
£m 

304.1 
2.6 

306.7 

2009
£m

301.1
3.0

304.1

The own shares reserve represents the cost of shares in Serco Group plc purchased in the market and held by the Serco Group plc Employee 
Share Ownership Trust (ESOP) to satisfy options under the Group’s share option schemes. At 31 December 2010, the ESOP held 4,710,201 
(2009: 3,436,547) shares equal to 1.0% of the current allotted share capital (2009: 0.7%). The market value of shares held by the ESOP as at  
31 December 2010 was £26.2m (2009: £18.2m).

 12. Share-based payment reserve

At 1 January 
Options over parent’s shares awarded to employees of subsidiaries  
Share-based payment expense 
Share options to holders on exercise  

At 31 December 

* Note 1

Details of the share-based payment disclosures are set out in note 33 of the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements

 13. Hedging and translation reserve

At 1 January  
Fair value gain/(loss) on cash (cid:193)ow hedges during the period  
Tax (charge)/credit on items taken directly to equity 
Net exchange gain on translation of foreign operations 

At 31 December  

2010 
£m 

32.8 
6.6 
2.2 
(2.9) 

38.7 

2010 
£m 

(1.5) 
0.5 
(0.2) 
0.8 

(0.4) 

Restated*

2009
£m

27.4
5.9
1.3
(1.8)

32.8

2009
£m

3.9
(8.1)
2.3
0.4

(1.5)

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:25)(cid:26)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:28)

Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  167

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 5

Notes to the company financial statements

 14. Profit and loss account

At 1 January 
Pro(cid:192)t for the year 
Equity dividends 

At 31 December 

* Note 1

2010 
£m 

173.2 
85.2 
(32.3) 

226.1 

Restated*

2009
£m

141.7
57.4
(25.9)

173.2

As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the pro(cid:192)t and loss account of the Company is not presented as part of these accounts. 

 15. Contingent liabilities

The Company has provided certain (cid:192)nancial guarantees and indemnities in respect of the loans, overdraft and bonding facilities, and other 
(cid:192)nancial commitments of its subsidiaries. The total commitment outstanding as at 31 December 2010 was £126.0m (2009: £36.5m).

The Company has also guaranteed overdrafts, (cid:192)nance leases, and bonding facilities of its joint ventures up to a maximum value of £8.2m  
(2009: £7.0m). The actual commitment outstanding at 31 December 2010 was £5.6m (2009: £4.3m).

In addition to this, the Company has provided performance guarantees and indemnities relating to performance bonds and letters of credit 
issued by its banks on its behalf, in the ordinary course of business. These are not expected to result in any material (cid:192)nancial loss.

 16. Related parties

The Directors of Serco Group plc had no material transactions with the Company or its subsidiaries during the year other than service contracts 
and Directors’ liability insurance. Details of the Directors’ remuneration are disclosed in the Remuneration Report for the Group.

The Company is exempt under the terms of FRS 8 Related Party Disclosure, from disclosing related party transactions with entities that are 
part of the Group. Full details of the transactions between Serco Group plc and its related parties can be found in note 34 to the Group’s 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

168 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

(cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:25)(cid:27)

(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:28)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Supplementary information

Five-year record

Revenue 
Adjusted operating pro(cid:192)t 
Adjusted operating margin 
Pro(cid:192)t before tax 

Group free cash (cid:193)ow  
Group recourse net debt 
Total net debt 

Adjusted earnings per share  
Dividend per share 

£m 
£m 
% 
£m 

£m 
£m 
£m 

pence 
pence 

2010 

4,327 
258.7 
5.98% 
213.9 

185.8 
(303.6) 
(261.2) 

34.69p 
7.35p 

2009 

3,970 
229.7 
5.79% 
177.1 

137.3 
(387.7) 
(358.5) 

29.53p 
6.25p 

2008 

3,124 
165.2 
5.29% 
136.1 

94.2 
(524.5) 
(514.1) 

22.20p 
5.00p 

2007 

2,811 
142.0 
5.05% 
114.6 

97.6 
(137.9) 
(162.3) 

18.57p 
4.25p 

2006

2,548
122.8
4.82%
107.4

85.4
(171.9)
(205.9)

15.92p
3.60p

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Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  169

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 5

Directors, Secretary and Advisors

Chairman
Alastair Lyons CBE*

Directors
Leonard V. Broese van Groenou*
Paul Brooks*
Christopher Hyman CBE
Andrew Jenner
David Richardson*^

*Non-Executive
^Senior Independent Director

Secretary
Joanne Roberts

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Serco House
16 Bartley Wood Business Park
Bartley Way
Hook
Hampshire
RG27 9UY

Serco Group plc is registered in
England and Wales, No. 2048608

Auditors
Deloitte LLP
2 New Street Square
London 
EC4A 3BZ

Investment Bankers
UBS Limited
1 Finsbury Avenue
London 
EC2M 2PP

Stockbrokers
J.P. Morgan Cazenove
125 London Wall
London
EC2Y 5AJ

Merrill Lynch International
2 King Edward Street
London
EC1A 1HQ

Principal Bankers
HSBC Bank PLC
8 Canada Square
London
E14 5HQ

Solicitors
Linklaters LLP
One Silk Street
London
EC2Y 8HQ

Registrars
Equiniti
Aspect House
Spencer Road
Lancing
West Sussex
BN99 6DA

170 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

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Shareholder information

Group website
Go to www.serco.com to catch up on the current share price, latest news in the investors section and read the Annual report and accounts.

Registrars
Administrative enquiries about the holding of Serco Group plc shares and enquiries in relation to the Serco Dividend Re-investment Plan (DRIP) 
should be directed to:

Equiniti
Aspect House
Spencer Road
Lancing
West Sussex
BN99 6DA

Tel: 0871 384 2932

There is a text phone available on 0871 384 2255 for shareholders with hearing dif(cid:192)culties.

(Calls to both of these numbers are charged at 8p per minute from a BT landline. Other telephony provider costs may vary.)

Callers from outside the UK should use +44 (0) 121 415 7047. 

Telephone lines are open 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday.

Dividend re-investment plan
You can elect to receive future dividends as shares rather than cash by participating in the DRIP. To register, request further information, or to 
obtain a copy of the terms and conditions booklet and mandate form please contact Equiniti on 0871 384 2932. Alternatively, these can be 
downloaded from the website www.shareview.co.uk by choosing the Dividend Re-investment Plan heading within the Product Centre section.

Dividends paid direct to your bank account
(cid:79)(cid:3) Avoid the risk of cheques being lost in the post
(cid:79)(cid:3) No need to present cheques for payment
(cid:79)(cid:3) Dividend credited to your account on payment date

To set up a dividend mandate or change your existing mandated details please register with the Shareholder Centre via the Shareview website 
or contact Equiniti on the number provided above.

Global payment services
For overseas shareholders in certain countries, Equiniti offers an Overseas Payment Service by arrangement with Citibank Europe PLC. This 
service offers shareholders the ability to have their dividend converted into their local currency and sent electronically to their local bank 
account. To sign up for this service, please contact Equiniti on 0871 384 2932 (+44 (0) 121 415 7047 if calling from outside the UK). Alternatively 
you can download an application form and terms and conditions from the website www.shareview.co.uk.

Electronic communication
You can register for electronic communications by visiting www.shareview.co.uk; you will need your shareholder reference number to sign up. 
After you have registered you will receive emails alerting you to communications as they become available. In response to our shareholders’ 
commitment to electronic communication Serco is very proud to be a Corporate Member of the Woodland Trust, the UK’s leading woodland 
conservation charity, helping them to plant and care for UK native woodland. During 2010 the Trust planted more than half a million native trees 
in the UK. 

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Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010 

  171

 
Section 5

Shareholder information

Share dealing
Serco does not endorse any one service for the buying and selling of its shares. However, arrangements have been made with the following 
independent share dealing providers to offer all shareholders competitive charges. 

Alternatively, if shareholders hold a share certi(cid:192)cate they can also use any bank, building society or stockbroker offering share dealing facilities. 
Shareholders in any doubt about buying or selling their shares should seek professional (cid:192)nancial advice.

Shareview 
A telephone and internet dealing service is available through Equiniti which provides a simple way of buying and selling Serco shares. 
Commission is 1.5% with a minimum charge of £25 for telephone dealing and 1% with a minimum charge of £20 for internet dealing.  
For telephone dealing call +44 (0) 845 6037 037 between 8.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, and for internet dealing log on to  
www.shareview.co.uk/dealing. You will need your 11 digit shareholder reference number which will be shown on either your share  
certi(cid:192)cate or recent dividend tax voucher. 

Stocktrade
We have arranged a telephone sharedealing service with Stocktrade for purchases/sales of Serco shares. You should call 0845 601 0995 
between 8.00am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday and quote Low Co 330 (callers from outside the UK should call +44 (0)131 240 0508). 
Commission is charged at 0.5% on amounts to £10,000 and 0.2% on the excess thereafter, subject to a minimum charge of £17.50. Further 
details and other dealing options can be found at www.stocktrade.co.uk/serco.

Please note that UK share purchases will be subject to 0.5% stamp duty. The above services are not available to US residents.

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The range and size of ordinary shareholding as at 31 December 2010 is set out below:

Range of shareholdings 

1 - 1,000 
1,001 – 5,000 
5,001 – 10,000 
10,001 – 100,000 
100,001 – 500,000 
500,001 – 1,000,000 
1,000,001 – 10,000,000 
10,000,001 and above 

Total 

Number of 
shareholders 

3,998 
2,680 
464 
536 
201 
45 
67 
11 

8,002 

% 

49.96 
33.49 
5.80 
6.70 
2.51 
0.56 
0.84 
0.14 

100 

Number of
shares 

1,714,237 
6,024,751 
3,296,423 
16,392,113 
48,989,397 
32,053,535 
183,878,496 
200,871,853 

  493,220,805 

%

0.35
1.22
0.67
3.32
9.93
6.50
37.28
40.73

100

172 

  Serco Group plc Annual report and accounts 2010

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Financial calendar

Preliminary results announcement 

Ex-dividend date 

Record date 

2011

2 March

9 March

11 March

Last date for receipt/revocation of DRIP dividend mandates   20 April

Interim Management Statement 

Annual General Meeting 

Final dividend pay date 

9 May

9 May 

17 May*

Half-year results announcement 

24 August**

Financial year-end 

31 December

* Subject to shareholder approval
** Provisional

Printed on Cocoon Silk 50 which is certi(cid:192)ed 
as an FSC product manufactured with 50% 
recycled (cid:192)bres and 50% virgin (cid:192)bres.

Designed by 85FOUR.
www.85FOUR.com
Printed by The Midas Press Ltd.
www.midaspress.co.uk

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Serco Group plc
Registered Of(cid:192)ce:
Serco House
16 Bartley Wood Business Park
Bartley Way
Hook
Hampshire RG27 9U(cid:60)

T: (cid:14)44 (0)1256 745 900
E: generalenquiries(cid:35)serco.com
www.serco.com

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