THE UNITE GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2024 77 ROSS PATERSON NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Ross joined the Board in September 2017 and became the Audit Committee Chair in January 2018. Relevant skills, experience and contribution A former Chief Financial Officer of Stagecoach Group and Non-Executive Director of Virgin Rail Group Holdings Limited. Experience in finance, business development and legal, gained from his finance role at Stagecoach Group. Contributes many years’ experience of managing finance in a complex operational business and valued insight to innovation, as we continue to enhance our service offer for customers. His financial and broader business experience is particularly valuable as Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee, where he helps oversee the Group’s financial rigour and delivery. External appointments • Bytes Technology Group plc (Non-Executive Director) • Tracsis plc (Non-Executive Director) • Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (Business Policy Panel member) Composition of the Board Chair 1 Executive Directors 2 Non-Executive Directors 7 Gender diversity Female 4 Male 6 Non-Executive Director Independence Non-independent 1 Independent Non-Executive Director 6 Nicky joined the Board on 1 September 2022 and was appointed Senior Independent Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee in March 2023. Relevant skills, experience and contribution A chartered accountant and a proven business leader with an established plc track record and extensive experience in consumer facing markets, including as CEO of Hobbs between 2008 and 2014. Also, the Finance Director of Marks & Spencer’s Food Division in a career at the retailer spanning 1982–2005. Non-Executive Director experience includes chairing Remuneration and Audit Committees and as a Senior Independent Director. In this role, she supports the Chair in the effective running of the Board. External appointments • WH Smith Plc (Non-Executive Director) • Barratt Redrow Plc (Non-Executive Director) NICKY DULIEU SENIOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR Committee key Nomination Committee member Audit & Risk Committee member Remuneration Committee member N A R H Health & Safety Committee member Sustainability Committee member Committee chair S N A R N A R S