Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2010

The Remuneration Committee is comprised to exercise independent judgement and consists only of independent non-executive directors. For further details, the terms of reference can be found here.

Remuneration Committee

Management attendees

External advisors

During the year Towers Watson supplied market data and advice on market practice and governance. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP provided performance analysis and advice on plan design and performance measures. Both advisors were appointed by the Remuneration Committee in 2007.

The advisors also provided advice to the Company on general human resource and compensation related matters. In addition, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP also provided a broad range of tax, share scheme and advisory services to the Group during the 2010 financial year.

As noted in his biographical details, during the year Philip Yea joined an advisory board for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. In light of their role as advisor to the Remuneration Committee on remuneration matters, this appointment was considered by the Committee and it was determined that there is no conflict or potential conflict arising.

Meetings

The Remuneration Committee had five meetings during the year.

Remuneration policy

The Remuneration Committee commissioned a full review of the reward arrangements for the Company’s executive directors in the 2008 financial year and the remuneration policy was last updated at this point. The policy is felt to be appropriate for the coming financial year.

Summary of key reward philosophies

Changes to plans for the 2011 financial year

The table below sets out any changes to the individual elements of the reward package for the 2011 financial year:

Setting remuneration levels

The remuneration package for executive directors is benchmarked by reference to total data for the base salary, annual bonus and long-term incentive levels combined. The principal comparator group (used for benchmarking only) is made up of 28 top European companies excluding any in the financial services sector.

When undertaking the benchmarking process the Remuneration Committee makes assumptions that individuals will invest their own money into the long-term incentive plan. This means that individuals will need to make a significant investment in order to achieve a market competitive level of remuneration.

Comparison of the ratio of fixed pay to variable pay

The base salary and pension contributions to executives are considered to be fixed levels of remuneration. The annual bonus and the long-term incentive awards are variable, i.e. the actual value the executive receives will depend on the performance of the Company.

As can be seen below the variable elements of the executive directors remuneration package are in excess of 77% assuming target performance, maximum co-investment and no movement in current share price.

Analysis of executive directors pay as a percentage of total package

Chief Executive

Other executive directors

The table below summarises the plans used to reward the executive directors in the 2010 financial year.

Note:

(1)

GSTIP targets are not disclosed as they are commercially sensitive.

Details of the GLTI performance shares

The number of shares vesting depends on the performance of two measures: free cash flow and relative TSR. This section sets out how the performance of each of the two measures is calculated.

Underlying operational performance – adjusted free cash flow

The free cash flow performance is based on a three year cumulative adjusted free cash flow figure. The definition of adjusted free cash flow is reported free cash flow excluding:

• Verizon Wireless additional distributions;
• Foreign exchange movements over the performance period; and
• Material one-off tax settlements.

The cumulative adjusted free cash flow target and range for awards in the 2011, 2010 and 2009 financial years are set out in the table below:

The target free cash flow level is set by reference to the Company’s three year plan and market expectations. The Remuneration Committee consider the 2011, 2010 and 2009 targets to be stretching ones.

TSR out-performance of a peer group median

We have a limited number of appropriate peers and this makes the measurement of a relative ranking system volatile. As such, the out-performance of the median of a peer group is felt to be the most appropriate TSR measure. The peer group for the performance condition for the 2011, 2010 and 2009 financial years is:

• BT Group;
• Deutsche Telekom;
• France Telecom;
• Telecom Italia;
• Telefonica; and
• Emerging market composite (consists of the average TSR performance of Bharti, MTN and Turk).

The relative TSR position will determine the performance multiplier. This will be applied to the free cash flow vesting percentage. There will be no multiplier until TSR performance exceeds median. Above median the following table will apply to the 2011, 2010 and 2009 financial years (with linear interpolation between points):

The performance measure has been calibrated using statistical techniques.

Combined vesting matrix

The combination of the two performance measures gives a combined vesting matrix as follows:

The combined vesting percentages are applied to the target number of shares granted.

The free cash flow performance is externally verified and approved by the Remuneration Committee. The performance assessment in respect of the TSR out-performance of a peer group median is undertaken by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

As previously explained a very large percentage of the executive directors’ package is made up of variable pay subject to performance. The information below explains what the executive directors who were on the Board on 31 March 2010 will actually receive from awards made previously with performance conditions which ended on 31 March 2010 but that will vest in the 2011 financial year.

As previously noted there were no salary increases, other than for promotions, for the executive directors during the 2010 financial year. However the Remuneration Committee felt that it was appropriate to review base salary levels for the 2011 financial year. Accordingly, the new salaries shown below will become effective 1 July 2010. In the case of Vittorio Colao this is his first increase since his promotion to the role of Chief Executive two years ago and reflects his outstanding leadership of the Company in a very difficult environment.

The executive directors 2009/10 GSTIP is payable in June 2010 with actual payments detailed in the table below. Vittorio Colao, Andy Halford and Stephen Pusey were measured solely against Group performance, whilst Michel Combes was measured on both Group and Europe Region performance. Group performance was at or above target for each of the key financial measures particularly with respect to free cash flow.

Later in 2010 the GLTI share options granted in 2007 will vest. The threshold relative TSR performance target for the 2007 GLTI performance shares was met and, as such, shares will vest from this award at 25%. In all cases performance was determined at 31 March 2010 year end. These figures are set out in the table below (only the 2009/10 GSTIP payment is included in the audited section towards the end of the directors’ remuneration report).

Note:

(1)

More information on key performance indicators, against which Group performance is measured, can be found in “Key performance indicators”.

Service contracts of executive directors

The Remuneration Committee has determined that after an initial term of up to two years’ duration executive directors’ contracts should thereafter have rolling terms and be terminable on no more than one year’s notice.

All current executive directors’ contracts have an indefinite term (to normal retirement date) and one year notice periods. No payments should normally be payable on termination other than the salary due for the notice period and such entitlements under incentive plans and benefits that are consistent with the terms of such plans.

Fees retained for external non-executive directorships

Executive directors may hold positions in other companies as non-executive directors. In the 2010 financial year Michel Combes was the only executive director with such a position held at AS System SA. He retained fees of €33,120 in relation to this position over the full financial year. Fees were retained in accordance with Group policy.

Cascade to senior management

The principles of the policy are cascaded, where appropriate, to the other members of the Executive Committee as set out below.

All-employee share plans

The executive directors are also eligible to participate in the all-employee plans.

Dilution

All awards are made under plans that incorporate dilution limits as set out in the guidelines for share incentive schemes published by the Association of British Insurers. The current estimated dilution from subsisting awards, including executive and all-employee share awards, is approximately 3.1% of the Company’s share capital at 31 March 2010 (3.3% at 31 March 2009).

Funding

A mixture of newly issued shares, treasury shares and shares purchased in the market by the employee benefit trust is used to satisfy share-based awards. This policy is kept under review.

Other matters

The share incentive plan and the co-investment into the GLTI plan include restrictions on the transfer of shares while the shares are subject to the plan. Where, under an employee share plan operated by the Company, participants are the beneficial owners of the shares but not the registered owner, the voting rights are normally exercised by the registered owner at the discretion of the participant.

All of the Company’s share plans contain provisions relating to a change of control. Outstanding awards and options would normally vest and become exercisable on a change of control subject to the satisfaction of any performance conditions at that time.

TSR performance

The following chart shows the performance of the Company relative to the FTSE100 index and FTSE Global Telecoms index. We were a constituent of both throughout the 2010 financial year.

Five year historical TSR performance growth in the value of a hypothetical £100 holding over five years. FTSE 100 and FTSE Global Telecoms comparison based on spot values

Notes:

(1)

Graph provided by Towers Watson and calculated according to a methodology that is compliant with the requirements of The Large and Medium Sized Companies and Groups (Accounts & Reports) Regulation 2008.

(2)

Data sources: FTSE and Datastream.

(3)

Performance of the Company shown by the graph is not indicative of vesting levels under the Company’s various incentive plans.

Remuneration for the year ended 31 March 2010

The remuneration of executive directors was as follows:

Notes:

(1)

These figures are the cash payouts from the 2010 financial year Vodafone Group Short-Term Incentive Plan applicable to the year ended 31 March 2010. These awards are in relation to the performance against targets in adjusted operating profit, service revenue, free cash flow, total communications revenue and customer delight index for the financial year ended 31 March 2010.

(2)

Includes amounts in respect of cost of living allowance, private healthcare and car allowance.

The aggregate remuneration we paid to our collective senior management⁽¹⁾ for services for the year ended 31 March 2010 is set out below. The aggregate number of senior management at 31 March 2010 was eight, the same as at 31 March 2009.

Notes:

(1)

Aggregate remuneration for senior management is in respect of those individuals who were members of the Executive Committee during the year ended 31 March 2010, other than executive directors, and reflects compensation paid from either 1 April 2009 or date of appointment to the Executive Committee, to 31 March 2010 or date of leaving, where applicable.

(2)

Comprises the incentive scheme information for senior management on an equivalent basis to that disclosed for directors in the table at the top of this page. Details of share incentives awarded to directors and senior management are included in footnotes to “Long-term incentives”.

Pensions

Vittorio Colao, Michel Combes and Stephen Pusey have elected to take a cash allowance of 30% of base salary in lieu of pension contributions.

Andy Halford was a contributing member of the Vodafone Group Pension Scheme, a UK defined benefit scheme approved by HMRC until 31 March 2010. The scheme provides a benefit of two-thirds of pensionable salary after a minimum of 20 years’ service. The normal retirement age is 60 but directors may retire from age 55 with a pension proportionately reduced to account for their shorter service, but with no actuarial reduction. Andy’s pensionable salary is capped in line with the Vodafone Group pension scheme rules at £110,000. Andy has elected to take a cash allowance of 30% of base salary in lieu of pension contributions on salary above the scheme cap. Liabilities in respect of the pension schemes in which the executive directors participate are funded to the extent described in note 23 to the consolidated financial statements. In January 2010 Vodafone confirmed it would close its UK defined benefit scheme to future accrual by existing members on 31 March 2010. From 1 April 2010 Andy Halford will be paid a cash allowance in lieu of pension of 30% of his full basic salary.

All the individuals referred to above are provided benefits in the event of death in service. They also have an entitlement under a long-term disability plan from which two-thirds of base salary, up to a maximum benefit determined by the insurer, would be provided until normal retirement date.

Pension benefits earned by the directors serving during the year ended 31 March 2010 were:

Notes:

(1)

Andy Halford took the opportunity to take early retirement from the pension scheme due to the closure of the scheme on 31 March 2010. In accordance with the scheme rules, his accrued pension at this date was reduced with an early retirement factor for four years to reflect the fact that his pension is being paid before age 55 and is therefore expected to be paid out for a longer period of time. In addition, Andy Halford exchanged part of his early retirement pension at 31 March 2010 for a tax-free cash lump sum of £118,660. The accrued benefit of £17,800 shown above is Andy Halford’s pension after the application of an early retirement factor and after cash has been taken. There is therefore a negative change in accrued benefit over the year. The accrued pension benefits earned by the directors are those which would be paid annually on retirement, based on service to the end of the year, at the normal retirement age. The increase in accrued pension excludes any increase for inflation.

(2)

The transfer values 31 March 2010 have been calculated on the basis and methodology set by the Trustees after taking actuarial advice. No director elected to pay additional voluntary contributions. The transfer values disclosed above do not represent a sum paid or payable to the individual director. Instead they represent a potential liability of the pension scheme.

In respect of senior management, the Group has made aggregate contributions of £851,000 into defined contribution pension schemes and had a total service cost of £360,000 for defined pension liabilities.

Directors’ interests in the shares of the Company

Historic medium-term incentives

This table shows conditional awards of ordinary shares made in prior periods to executive directors under the Deferred Share Bonus (‘DSB’). Shares which vested during the year ended 31 March 2010 are also shown below:

Notes:

(1)

The shares vesting gave rise to cash payments equal to the equivalent value of dividends over the vesting period. These cash payments equated to £23,481 for Vittorio Colao, £42,145 for Andy Halford and £14,313 for Stephen Pusey.

(2)

Shares granted on 15 June 2007 vested on 15 June 2009. The closing mid-market share prices at these dates were 163.2 pence and 112.9 pence respectively. The performance condition for this award was a requirement to achieve 85% of the cumulative planned free cash flow target for the 2008 and 2009 financial years, which was met in full.

No shares were awarded during the year under the deferred share bonus to any of the Company’s directors or senior management.

Long-term incentives

Performance shares

Conditional awards of ordinary shares made to executive directors under the Vodafone Group Plc 1999 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (‘LTSIP’) and the Vodafone Global Incentive Plan (‘GIP’) for the relevant financial years are shown below. Long-term incentive shares that vested during the year ended 31 March 2010 are also shown below:

Notes:

(1)

The awards were granted during the year under the Vodafone Global Incentive Plan using an average of the closing share prices on each of the five working days prior to and including 29 June being 117.5 pence. These awards have a performance period running from 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2012. The performance conditions are a matrix of free cash flow performance and relative total shareholder return. The vesting date will be in June 2012.

(2)

Shares granted on 25 July 2006 were forfeited on 25 July 2009. The performance condition on these awards was a relative total shareholder return measure against the companies making up the FTSE Global Telecoms index at the start of the performance period. This condition was not met.

(3)

The total interest at 31 March 2010 includes awards over three different performance periods ending on 31 March 2010, 31 March 2011 and 31 March 2012. The performance condition for the award vesting in July 2010 is relative shareholder return measured against companies from the FTSE Global Telecoms index taken at the start of the performance period.

(4)

The total value is calculated using the closing mid-market share price at 31 March 2010 of 152.0 pence.

The aggregate number of shares conditionally awarded during the year to the Company’s senior management is 14,142,323 shares. The performance and vesting conditions on the shares awarded in the year are based on a matrix of free cash flow performance and relative total shareholder return.

Share options

No options have been granted to directors during the 2010 financial year. The following information summarises the directors’ options under the Vodafone Group 1998 Sharesave Scheme, the Vodafone Group 2008 Sharesave Plan, the Vodafone Group 1998 Company Share Option Scheme (‘CSOS’), the LTSIP and the GIP HMRC approved awards may be made under all of the schemes above. The table also summarises the directors’ options under the Vodafone Group 1998 Executive Share Option Scheme (‘ESOS’) which is not HMRC approved. No other directors have options under any of these schemes.

In the past, options under the Vodafone Group 1998 Sharesave Scheme were granted at a discount of 20% to the market value of the shares and options under the Vodafone Group 2008 Sharesave Plan may be granted at a discount of 20% to the market value of the shares at the time of the grant. No other options may be granted at a discount.

Notes:

(1)

The unvested award granted in July 2007 has a performance period ending on 31 March 2010. The performance condition for this award is three year EPS growth ranges of 5% to 8% per annum.

(2)

The closing mid-market share price on 31 March 2010 was 152.0 pence. The highest mid-market share price during the year was 153.8 pence and the lowest price was 111.2 pence.

The remuneration of non-executive directors is reviewed annually by the Board, excluding the non-executive directors. Our policy is to pay competitively for the role including consideration of the time commitment required. In this regard, the fees are benchmarked against a comparator group of the current FTSE 15 companies. Following the 2010 review there will be an increase to the fees from 1 April 2010:

Note:

(1)

From 1 April 2010 the Chairman’s fee also includes the fee for the Chairmanship of the Nominations and Governance Committee.

In addition, an allowance of £6,000 is payable each time a non-Europe based non-executive director is required to travel to attend Board and committee meetings to reflect the additional time commitment involved.

Details of each non-executive director’s remuneration for the 2010 financial year are included in the table below.

Non-executive directors do not participate in any incentive or benefit plans. The Company does not provide any contribution to their pension arrangements.

The Chairman is entitled to use of a car and a driver whenever and wherever he is providing his services to or representing the Company.

Chairman and non-executive directors service contracts

The Chairman, Sir John Bond, has a contract that may be terminated by either party on one year’s notice. The date of his letter of appointment is 5 December 2005.

Non-executive directors, including the Deputy Chairman, are engaged on letters of appointment that set out their duties and responsibilities. The appointment of non-executive directors may be terminated without compensation. Non-executive directors are generally not expected to serve for a period exceeding nine years.

The terms and conditions of appointment of non-executive directors are available for inspection by any person at the Company’s registered office during normal business hours and at the AGM (for 15 minutes prior to the meeting and during the meeting).

serving during the year ended 31 March 2010⁽¹⁾:

Note:

(1)

Former Chairman, Lord MacLaurin, received consulting fees of £42,000 during the year, together with continued benefits valued at £4,700 from his previous arrangements. These arrangements ended in July 2009.

Beneficial interests

The beneficial interests of directors’ and their connected persons in the ordinary shares of the Company, which includes interests in the Vodafone Share Incentive Plan, but which excludes interests in the Vodafone Group share option schemes, and the Vodafone Group short-term or long-term incentives, are shown below:

At 31 March 2010 and during the period from 1 April 2010 to 17 May 2010, no director had any interest in the shares of any subsidiary company. Other than those individuals included in the table above who were Board members at 31 March 2010, members of the Group’s Executive Committee at 31 March 2010 had an aggregate beneficial interest in 3,229,762 ordinary shares of the Company. At 17 May 2010 the directors had an aggregate beneficial interest in 5,767,508 ordinary shares of the Company and the Executive Committee members had an aggregate beneficial interest in 3,230,262 ordinary shares of the Company. However none of the directors or the Executive Committee members had an individual beneficial interest amounting to greater than 1% of the Company’s ordinary shares.

Interests in share options of the Company

At 17 May 2010 there had been no change to the directors’ interests in share options from 31 March 2010 (see "Share options").

Other than those individuals included in the table above, at 17 May 2010, members of the Group’s Executive Committee at that date held options for 4,302,914 ordinary shares at prices ranging from 91.6 pence to 167.8 pence per ordinary share, with a weighted average exercise price of 158.0 pence per ordinary share exercisable at dates ranging from July 2008 to July 2017.

Sir John Bond, John Buchanan, Alan Jebson, Samuel Jonah, Nick Land, Anne Lauvergeon, Simon Murray, Luc Vandevelde, Anthony Watson and Philip Yea held no options at 17 May 2010.

Directors’ interests in contracts

None of the current directors had a material interest in any contract of significance to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries was a party during the financial year.

Luc Vandevelde

On behalf of the Board