Report & accounts 2002 in full - Unilever

64 Statement of directors’ responsibilities
Unilever’s system of risk management has been in place
throughout 2002 and up to the date of this report, and
complies with the recommendations of ’Internal Control –
Guidance for Directors on the Combined Code’, published
by the Internal Control Working Party of the Institute of
Chartered Accountants in England & Wales in September
1999. The Boards have carried out an annual review of
the effectiveness of the systems of risk management
and internal control during 2002, and have ensured
that the necessary actions have been taken to address
any weaknesses or deficiencies arising out of that review.
Based on an evaluation by the Board, which comprises the
Chairmen, the Financial Director and the Group’s senior
management, each Chairman and the Financial Director
concluded that the design and operation of the Group’s
disclosure controls and procedures as at 31 December 2002
were reasonably effective and that subsequently there
have been no significant changes in the Group’s internal
controls or in other factors that could significantly affect
those controls.
It is Unilever’s policy to bring acquired companies
within the Group’s governance procedures as soon as is
practicable and, in any event, by the end of the first full
year of operation.
Unilever Annual Report & Accounts and Form 20-F 2002