Page 36 - RFU Annual Report 2017

34
Director’s Report

Going concern The Union works to encourage the
involvement of everyone at all levels
The financial statements have of the game by addressing existing
been prepared on a going concern inequalities, providing opportunities
basis. A significant proportion of where few exist, and improving lives
the RFU’s revenue relates to ticket, through rugby.
broadcasting, hospitality and
catering income from the home Employment
international matches.
The RFU has a permanent staff of
The schedule of home around 570, providing an additional
international matches follows a 2,500 to 3,000 jobs on major event
four-year cycle, with fewer matches days, while joint venture company
taking place in the years where Twickenham Experience Limited has
a Rugby World Cup takes place employed around 2,500 staff for bars
overseas. The Directors manage and hospitality suites every major
the RFU’s finances in anticipation match day, and offers 37,500 single
of this cycle of fluctuating working days across conferences and
revenues and profitability, events.
negotiating significant multi-year
sponsorship, broadcasting and Having been independently
licensing agreements on a rolling assessed, the RFU was accredited as
basis and planning the cashflows Silver Investors in People, making it
over the four-year Rugby World an organisation which puts people
Cup cycle. first.

In order to complete the significant Employee consultation
capital projects of the East Stand
Development and the AGP Employee surveys are carried out by
RugbyTurf Programme a revised an independent consultancy which
borrowing facility has been helps organisations to understand
committed to with RBS post year the employee experience.
end that comprises a £50m term loan
for four years, along with a five year Highlights from the last survey
£25m Revolving Credit Facility and a included 91% of staff proud to
five year £25m overdraft facility. work for the RFU, 93% understand
how their work contributes to
The Directors have therefore the objectives of the RFU, and a
prepared the financial statements 1% improvement on the overall
on a going concern basis. Employee Survey score. The survey
showed really positive results
Equality and feedback, which helped with
finalising the Strategic Plan.
The RFU promotes equal
opportunities in employment and ‘RFU Live’ all staff briefings have
aims to ensure that everyone has been held three times during the
the opportunity to be involved in year. These afford everyone the
rugby union in England, regardless opportunity to hear from leaders the
of age, gender, gender reassignment, organisation’s plans and progress
sexual orientation, marital status, and to ask questions.
race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour,
religion or belief, ability or disability.

Annual Report 2017