A Partnership director sits as an independent, non-executive director on the boards of the three Infracos and is required to act for the good of the Infraco but with a view to protecting the public interest. Ms E. Noel Harwerth, was appointed to the post in July 2003, after a period in which a "shadow" director was in position. According to the contracts, she should take a particular view to:
■ Providing independent commercial judgement issues of strategy, on performance, resources and standards of conduct;
■ Enhancing the effective and transparent functioning of the Board, and promote adherence to corporate governance;
■ Promoting good communication, co-ordination and co-operation between the parties;
■ Promoting compliance with competitive tendering requirements in the contract;
■ Promoting good safety and environmental management, including effective monitoring to ensure compliance with contracts and statute. The Partnership Director is a member of the Safety Review Committee;
■ Promoting good relations with staff, e.g. on pensions and personal development, in adherence with contracts and statute; and facilitating agreement on asset management, dividend proposals, settlement of contractual disputes (LUL told us that this would most likely happen if and when these disputes reach Director level).
The Partnership Director has access to independent professional advice of up to £20,000 per year, and full access to Infraco documentation.