Conversations with members
How we’ve used members’ feedback to inform our RI strategy
Most respondents knew what RI was and said that the environment is important.
Many are also taking extra steps in their daily lives to help the planet, for example almost everyone (98%) said they were recycling as much as they could.
The outcome:
One of the new RI funds we’re introducing has a specific climate focus.
Most felt positively towards RI and that, where possible, it should be included in all the DC Plan’s investment options.
65% also thought that investments with a socially responsible focus would perform better than other types of investments in the long run.
The outcome:
As well as being options in the Customised approach, our 3 new RI funds are now a core part of all our Guided approach. We’ve also selected funds which we believe meet our core aims of ensuring good value for money and appropriate performance aims.
Many had strong views on what type of companies they’d like to avoid investing in where possible. They also said that the Trustees have a role in helping them make investment decisions.
The outcome:
Our 3 new RI funds aim to invest in organisations from around the world, but with the companies selected being adjusted to take into account significant social and corporate governance issues.
More broadly, we work with our investment managers who act on our behalf when working with the companies in which a fund invests. As shareholders, through their voting rights, managers have a say in how these companies are run. We check in regularly with the investment managers for all our funds to ensure they are voting to promote the right behaviours, like positive working conditions and fair and appropriate governance. Our Implementation Statement shows how the investment managers voted during the year.