The Board of Aberforth Smaller Companies Trust Plc regularly reviews its composition and structure in line with corporate governance requirements. As previewed last year, as part of the Board?s succession planning Julia Le Blan retired from the Board during the year and Patricia Dimond took over as chair of the Audit Committee. Furthermore, Jaz Bains became a member of the Audit Committee.

In addition, the Board has decided, given its relatively small size, that Martin Warner will be appointed to the Audit Committee from 1 February 2024 having previously attended by invitation. In the past, the Audit Committee chair has performed the role of Senior Independent Director (SID) as and when needed. The Board has decided to formalise this with the appointment of Patricia Dimond as SID from 1 February 2024.