Voyager Ethical Portfolios - ALPHA: r2 Ethical Income & Ethical Impact Model Portfolios; Voyager Bespoke Ethical Portfolio Service (DFM)

SRI Style:

Pending

SDR Labelling:

Not eligible to use label (out of scope)

Product:

DFM/Portfolio

Fund Region:

Global

Fund Asset Type:

Multi Asset

Launch Date:

01/01/2024

Last Amended:

Jul 2026

Dialshifter ():

Fund/Portfolio Size:

£m

Objectives:

The Voyager Ethical Portfolios aim to deliver long-term capital growth and/or a sustainable income from actively managed, diversified multi-asset portfolios of ethical, sustainable and socially responsible investments. The range comprises the ALPHA: r2 Ethical Income and Ethical Impact model portfolios, alongside a bespoke ethical portfolio service through which mandates are tailored to each client's individual values, priorities and exclusions. Portfolios favour companies with strong governance, sustainable business models and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, while applying negative screening to activities that conflict with the agreed ethical mandate. ESG analysis, enabled by specialist research provider IdealRatings, is integrated into the construction of all Voyager portfolios, with the ethical range applying firmer restrictions.

Sustainable, Responsible
&/or ESG Overview:

Voyager Asset Management is a boutique discretionary investment manager that has operated a designated ethical offering since the inception of its ALPHA: r2 discretionary service. We take a socially responsible and sustainable approach to investing, are signatories of the UN Global Compact and members of UKSIF. An ESG screen, powered by IdealRatings, is applied across all direct equity holdings for all clients, with particular focus on corporate governance; holdings must achieve minimum E, S and G scores, with a higher hurdle for governance. The explicitly ethical portfolios set the bar higher on all three elements and adhere more rigorously to the outputs. Since 2019 all MPS portfolios have been mapped to the relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals. Financial aims (income and/or growth) are pursued through diversified multi-asset portfolios of direct equities, bonds, collectives and alternatives, managed against IA benchmarks with rigorous risk controls.

Primary fund last amended:

Jul 2026

Information directly from fund manager.

Fund Filters

Sustainability - General
Encourage more sustainable practices through stewardship

Aim to encourage higher sustainability standards through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement / voting activity

UN Global Compact linked exclusion policy

Use the UN Global Compact to inform or help direct where they can or cannot invest. Will typically not invest in companies with significant breaches (low standards) - strategies vary. (The UNGC covers a wide range of issues - search 'UNGC'). See https://unglobalcompact.org/

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) focus

Aim to invest (and manage assets) in ways that help to address all or some of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). See https://sdgs.un.org/goals).

Climate Change & Energy
Clean / renewable energy theme or focus

Invest (or may invest) in clean / renewable energy companies and other assets. The proportion directly or indirectly invested in renewable energy may vary over time.

Invests in clean energy / renewables

Invest in renewable energy companies and / or companies where renewable energy is a significant part of their business. Strategies vary.

Social / Employment
Favours companies with strong social policies

Aims to invest in assets with high social values - this may include strong human rights, labour standards and equal opportunities or safety related practices.

Health & wellbeing policies or theme

Has policies or themes that set out their approach to health and wellbeing issues, typically aims to invest in companies with high standards - or encourage high standards.

Ethical Values Led Exclusions
Ethical policies

Has policies that set out their position on ethical or 'personal values' based issues. Strategies vary.

Tobacco & related product manufacturers excluded

Companies are excluded if they are involved in any aspect of the production chain for tobacco products, including cigarettes, vaping, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco and cigars.

Tobacco & related products - avoid where revenue > 5%

Companies are excluded if they make more than 5% of their revenue from the manufacture, sale or distribution of tobacco products including cigarettes, vaping, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco and cigars.

Controversial weapons exclusion

Excludes companies which make controversial weapons such as landmines, cluster munitions and chemical weapons.

Armaments manufacturers avoided

Avoids companies that manufacture weapons intended specifically for military use. Strategies vary - may or may not include non-strategic military products.

Alcohol production excluded

Avoids companies that produce alcohol. Strategies vary; some may allow a small proportion of revenue to come from this area.

Gambling avoidance policy

Avoids companies with significant involvement in the gambling industry. Some may allow a small proportion of revenues to come from this area.

Meeting Peoples' Basic Needs
Water / sanitation policy or theme

Have policies or themes that set out the position on investment in the water sector and/or sanitation. Strategies vary.

Demographic / ageing population theme

Has a thematic investment approach focusing on the ‘silver economy’ - in particular (typically) the issues and opportunities presented by changing demographics. This could include finance, healthcare and medicines and/ or longevity science to extend lifespans. Strategies vary.

Responsible food production or agriculture theme

Has a responsible food production or agriculture theme or strand of investment. May have a single or many themes.

Healthcare / medical theme

Healthcare and or medical theme or area of investment - may have a single or many themes

Gilts & Sovereigns
Invests in gilts / government bonds

Invest in loans issued the government, commonly known as gilts or government bonds. These may or may not be ringfenced for specific projects (see additional options).

Governance & Management
Avoids companies with poor governance

Avoids investing in companies with poor governance practices.(e.g. board structure, management practices etc.) Views may however vary on what counts as 'poor' practices - and funds may not immediately divest as they may prefer to work to encourage higher standards.

Anti-bribery & corruption policy

Has policies explaining how managers will respond to assets / companies that do not comply with relevant anti-bribery and anti-corruption standards or laws. Strategies vary; options include stewardship/ engagement and divestment - or a combination.

Encourage board diversity e.g. gender

Encourage the companies they invest in to have more diverse board structures (e.g. more women on boards)

Product / Service Governance
External oversight / advisory committee (fund / service)

Find options that have an external committee that helps steer or advise managers on sustainability, ethical, stewardship or ESG policy or strategy related issues. These people may be paid for their time but are not employees of the fund manager.

ESG integration strategy

Find fund / asset managers that factor in 'environmental, social and governance' issues as part of their investment decision making process. A focus on 'ESG' typically means a fund is carrying out additional research to help reduce ESG related risks. It does not necessarily mean a focus on sustainability. Strategies vary. See fund literature.

Asset Size
Invests in small, mid & large cap companies / assets

Invests in a combination of small, medium and larger (potentially multinational) companies / assets.

Targeted Positive Investments
Invests > 5% in sustainable bonds

Invests in loan stock that is exclusively used to finance environmental and social projects. See ICMA Sustainable Bond Guidelines.

Invests > 5% in green bonds

Invests in green bonds (also known as climate bonds) which encourage sustainability and support climate related or special environmental projects.

Impact Methodologies
Positive social impact theme

Specifically states that they aim to deliver positive social (i.e. people related) impacts and/or outcomes.

Invests in sustainability / ESG disruptors

Specifically sets out to invest in companies that are regarded as 'disrupting' existing business practices - typically through the development of innovative (sustainability aware) products and/or practices.

How The Fund/Portfolio Works
Positive selection bias

Focuses on finding and investing in companies with positive / beneficial attributes. This strategy can be applied in addition to exclusion criteria and engagement/stewardship activity.

Negative selection bias

Has principle 'ethical approach' to avoid companies by using negative screening criteria. Strategies vary.

Data led strategy

Makes stock selection (and ongoing management) decisions based on ESG data or company ratings (normally supplied by third parties) rather than focusing on what individual companies do, how they operate or their plans for the future

Assets mapped to SDGs

Invests in assets which can be 'mapped' (reviewed) their investment selection and management strategies to identify which of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) the fund is helping to address.

Combines norms based exclusions with other SRI criteria

Investment selection process uses internationally agreed 'norms' (e.g. United Nations Global Compact - UNGC - or the UN Sustainable Development Goals - SDGs) alongside additional SRI criteria such as positive or negative stock selection policies and/or stewardship strategies.

Combines ESG strategy with other SRI criteria

Invests in assets which have an ESG strategy (which is typically focused on avoiding companies that pose environmental, social or governance related risks) together with additional criteria such as positive and/or negative screens, themes and stewardship strategies.

Different risk options of this strategy are available

Has different risk options for the same investment strategy

Intended Clients & Product Options
Intended for clients interested in sustainability

Designed to meet the needs of individual investors with an interest in sustainability issues.

Intended for clients interested in ethical issues

Designed for clients who care about ethical and values-based issues, often alongside sustainability issues also.

Portfolio SRI / ESG options available

Only applicable for DFM’s & portfolio providers. Finds those that offer an SRI / ESG portfolio option

Multiple SRI / ESG portfolio options available

Only applicable for DFM’s & portfolio providers. Find service providers who offer multiple SRI / ESG portfolio options

Bespoke SRI / ESG portfolios available

Only applicable for DFM’s & portfolio providers. Find service providers who offer bespoke ('personalised') SRI / ESG portfolio options

Fund Management Company Information

About The Business
Boutique / specialist fund management company

Find fund / asset management companies that are smaller or specialise in particular areas - notably, ideally ESG related. Strategies vary.

Responsible ownership / ESG a key differentiator (AFM companywide)

Find fund / asset managers that consider responsible ownership and ESG to be a key differentiator for their business.

SDG aligned aims / objectives (AFM companywide)

Find fund / asset management companies that aim to align all their investments (across all funds) to help meet the aims of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Integrates ESG factors into all / most research (AFM companywide)

Find fund / asset management companies that consider environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues when deciding whether or not to invest in a company for all / almost all of their funds and other assets. This is increasingly seen as part of sound risk management.

Collaborations & Affiliations
UKSIF member

Find fund / asset management companies that are members of UKSIF - the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance association

Resources
In-house responsible ownership / voting expertise

Find fund / asset management companies that employ people to steer and support fund managers in voting shares at company AGM's and EGMs in ways that are consistent with encouraging higher ESG/sustainability standards.

Use specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability research companies

Find fund / asset management companies that makes use of expert external research companies. This can help deliver specialist expertise and means resources are pooled with other investors.

Engagement Approach
Engaging on climate change issues

Fund / asset manager has stewardship /responsible ownership strategy that is focused on addressing climate change with investee assets.

Engaging with fossil fuel companies on climate change

Fund / asset manager has a stewardship /responsible ownership strategy that involves working with fossil fuel companies on climate change related issues. See fund manager website for details.

Engaging to reduce plastics pollution / waste

Fund / asset manager has stewardship /responsible ownership strategy with involves encouraging investee asset to reduce plastic waste and pollution.

Engaging to encourage responsible mining practices

Fund / asset manager has a stewardship / responsible ownership policy that means they are working to encourage more responsible mining practices - where environmental and social issues are properly dealt with by the companies they invest in.

Engaging on biodiversity / nature issues

The fund / asset manager has a responsible ownership / stewardship strategy that focuses on biodiversity and nature issues relating to the assets they invest the aim of which will be to reduce harm and or deliver improvement. Strategies vary. https://tnfd.global

Engaging to encourage a Just Transition

Fund / asset manager has a responsible ownership / stewardship strategy which means they are working to encourage the shift to more sustainable business practices in ways that respect and are sensitive to social issues and the impact change has on people effected by the changes that are taking place. https://www.transitionpathwayinitiative.org/ https://transitiontaskforce.net/

Engaging on human rights issues

Fund / asset manager has responsible ownership / stewardship strategy in place which aims to address human rights issues in investee companies (and potentially their suppliers) with the aim of raising standards

Engaging on labour / employment issues

Fund / asset manager has responsible ownership / stewardship strategy in place that aims to improve labour standards for the benefit of employees in investee companies (and potentially their suppliers)

Engaging on diversity, equality & / or inclusion issues

Fund / asset management company has a stewardship strategy in place which involves working to raise diversity, equality and inclusion standards across investee assets

Engaging to stop modern slavery

Fund / asset manager is working with the assets they hold to help stamp out modern slavery - where direct or indirect company employees are exploited for business benefits.

Engaging on governance issues

Fund / asset managers have stewardship strategies in place that focus on improving governance standards across investee assets

Engaging on mental health issues

Fund / asset manager has stewardship strategy in place which involves discussing mental health issues with investee companies - with the aim of raising standards

Engaging on responsible supply chain issues

Has a stewardship / responsible ownership strategy that encourages responsible supply chain - ie the managers will discuss environmental, social and governance issues with investee companies with the aim of raising standards

Engaging to encourage more sustainable ‘diversifiers’ (e.g. derivatives)

Funds and other options may use assets that are not directly aligned with sustainability objectives in order to help manage investment risk. Requesting more sustainable options of this kind will aid alignment with fund objectives.

Engaging on the responsible use of AI

Working to address sustainability, ESG and related concerns around artificial intelligence.

Sustainable, Responsible &/or ESG Policy:

Voyager employs a three-layer ethical framework rather than a simple screening process.

Layer 1 - Exclusions: negative screens are applied to activities that conflict with the agreed ethical mandate. In bespoke mandates these are set with the adviser and client and have included non-medical animal testing, fur retailers, weapons/munitions manufacturing, child labour and tobacco; particular stocks, entire industries or markets can be excluded or limited.

Layer 2 - Positive selection: we favour companies demonstrating strong governance, sustainable business models and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Layer 3 - Ongoing monitoring: continuous controversy screening, monitoring of ESG developments, regulatory changes and mandate reviews. ESG scoring is provided by IdealRatings, which researches over 150 inputs per company across the E, S and G pillars using an industry-relative weighting model.

To be included in a portfolio a holding must achieve a minimum score on each of E, S and G, with a higher hurdle rate for governance; the ethical portfolios set the bar higher on all three elements. Companies failing governance standards are treated as un-investable. Since 2019 all MPS portfolios have been mapped to the relevant UN SDGs to give investors clarity on how their capital is deployed.

Process:

  1. Clarify ethical requirements - we work with the adviser and client to establish investment boundaries, exclusions and preferred themes (bespoke mandates), or apply the documented ethical framework (model portfolios).
  2. Review the existing portfolio - asset allocation, holdings, ethical characteristics, costs and performance.
  3. Apply exclusion screens - using specialist ESG research tools (IdealRatings) and proprietary analysis to remove companies and sectors conflicting with the mandate.
  4. Identify positive sustainability themes - companies with strong governance, responsible business practices and alignment with relevant UN SDGs.
  5. Construct a diversified portfolio - across asset classes, geographies and styles to manage risk and meet income/growth objectives.
  6. Implement and monitor continuously - investment performance and ethical suitability are kept under continuous review, responding to controversies and evolving client requirements. Oversight is provided by the Voyager Investment Committee (weekly) and Funds Research Committee, supported by an advisory ethical board. Key data sources: IdealRatings (ESG screening), MorningStar and Refinitiv (ESG analysis and market data).

Resources, Affiliations & Corporate Strategies:

Voyager Asset Management is a boutique, independent discretionary investment manager. ESG integration sits at the core of the firm's investment process, overseen by the Voyager Investment Committee (meeting weekly) and the Funds Research Committee. The firm maintains an advisory ethical board which guides it on environmental, social and governance issues and best practice across the business. External specialist ESG resources: IdealRatings (ESG screening data, over 150 research inputs per company across E, S and G pillars), MorningStar and Refinitiv (ESG analysis and market data). Affiliations and memberships: UN Global Compact signatory; UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF) member; PIMFA; CFA UK; CISI. Portfolios are independently risk-profiled by Dynamic Planner and rated by Defaqto (5-star ratings across Bespoke, MPS and MPS on Platform). Voyager won 'Best Availability of Sustainable Investment Strategies' at the Citywire Adviser's Choice awards 2024.

SDR Labelling:

Not eligible to use label (out of scope)

Disclaimer

This information is intended for FCA-authorised financial intermediaries and their clients and does not constitute financial advice. The value of investments and the income from them may go down as well as up, and investors may not get back the amount originally invested. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. Voyager Asset Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA number 917243) and is registered in England and Wales under company number 11679992. Registered office: 23 Berkeley Square, London W1J 6HE.

Fund Name SRI Style SDR Labelling Product Region Asset Type Launch Date Last Amended

Voyager Ethical Portfolios - ALPHA: r2 Ethical Income & Ethical Impact Model Portfolios; Voyager Bespoke Ethical Portfolio Service (DFM)

Pending Not eligible to use label (out of scope) DFM/Portfolio Global Multi Asset 01/01/2024 Jul 2026

Objectives

The Voyager Ethical Portfolios aim to deliver long-term capital growth and/or a sustainable income from actively managed, diversified multi-asset portfolios of ethical, sustainable and socially responsible investments. The range comprises the ALPHA: r2 Ethical Income and Ethical Impact model portfolios, alongside a bespoke ethical portfolio service through which mandates are tailored to each client's individual values, priorities and exclusions. Portfolios favour companies with strong governance, sustainable business models and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, while applying negative screening to activities that conflict with the agreed ethical mandate. ESG analysis, enabled by specialist research provider IdealRatings, is integrated into the construction of all Voyager portfolios, with the ethical range applying firmer restrictions.

Contact Us: client.services@voyageram.co.uk

Sustainable, Responsible &/or ESG Overview

Voyager Asset Management is a boutique discretionary investment manager that has operated a designated ethical offering since the inception of its ALPHA: r2 discretionary service. We take a socially responsible and sustainable approach to investing, are signatories of the UN Global Compact and members of UKSIF. An ESG screen, powered by IdealRatings, is applied across all direct equity holdings for all clients, with particular focus on corporate governance; holdings must achieve minimum E, S and G scores, with a higher hurdle for governance. The explicitly ethical portfolios set the bar higher on all three elements and adhere more rigorously to the outputs. Since 2019 all MPS portfolios have been mapped to the relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals. Financial aims (income and/or growth) are pursued through diversified multi-asset portfolios of direct equities, bonds, collectives and alternatives, managed against IA benchmarks with rigorous risk controls.

Primary fund last amended: Jul 2026

Information received directly from Fund Manager

Please select what you would like to read:

Fund Filters

Sustainability - General
Encourage more sustainable practices through stewardship

Aim to encourage higher sustainability standards through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement / voting activity

UN Global Compact linked exclusion policy

Use the UN Global Compact to inform or help direct where they can or cannot invest. Will typically not invest in companies with significant breaches (low standards) - strategies vary. (The UNGC covers a wide range of issues - search 'UNGC'). See https://unglobalcompact.org/

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) focus

Aim to invest (and manage assets) in ways that help to address all or some of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). See https://sdgs.un.org/goals).

Climate Change & Energy
Clean / renewable energy theme or focus

Invest (or may invest) in clean / renewable energy companies and other assets. The proportion directly or indirectly invested in renewable energy may vary over time.

Invests in clean energy / renewables

Invest in renewable energy companies and / or companies where renewable energy is a significant part of their business. Strategies vary.

Social / Employment
Favours companies with strong social policies

Aims to invest in assets with high social values - this may include strong human rights, labour standards and equal opportunities or safety related practices.

Health & wellbeing policies or theme

Has policies or themes that set out their approach to health and wellbeing issues, typically aims to invest in companies with high standards - or encourage high standards.

Ethical Values Led Exclusions
Ethical policies

Has policies that set out their position on ethical or 'personal values' based issues. Strategies vary.

Tobacco & related product manufacturers excluded

Companies are excluded if they are involved in any aspect of the production chain for tobacco products, including cigarettes, vaping, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco and cigars.

Tobacco & related products - avoid where revenue > 5%

Companies are excluded if they make more than 5% of their revenue from the manufacture, sale or distribution of tobacco products including cigarettes, vaping, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco and cigars.

Controversial weapons exclusion

Excludes companies which make controversial weapons such as landmines, cluster munitions and chemical weapons.

Armaments manufacturers avoided

Avoids companies that manufacture weapons intended specifically for military use. Strategies vary - may or may not include non-strategic military products.

Alcohol production excluded

Avoids companies that produce alcohol. Strategies vary; some may allow a small proportion of revenue to come from this area.

Gambling avoidance policy

Avoids companies with significant involvement in the gambling industry. Some may allow a small proportion of revenues to come from this area.

Meeting Peoples' Basic Needs
Water / sanitation policy or theme

Have policies or themes that set out the position on investment in the water sector and/or sanitation. Strategies vary.

Demographic / ageing population theme

Has a thematic investment approach focusing on the ‘silver economy’ - in particular (typically) the issues and opportunities presented by changing demographics. This could include finance, healthcare and medicines and/ or longevity science to extend lifespans. Strategies vary.

Responsible food production or agriculture theme

Has a responsible food production or agriculture theme or strand of investment. May have a single or many themes.

Healthcare / medical theme

Healthcare and or medical theme or area of investment - may have a single or many themes

Gilts & Sovereigns
Invests in gilts / government bonds

Invest in loans issued the government, commonly known as gilts or government bonds. These may or may not be ringfenced for specific projects (see additional options).

Governance & Management
Avoids companies with poor governance

Avoids investing in companies with poor governance practices.(e.g. board structure, management practices etc.) Views may however vary on what counts as 'poor' practices - and funds may not immediately divest as they may prefer to work to encourage higher standards.

Anti-bribery & corruption policy

Has policies explaining how managers will respond to assets / companies that do not comply with relevant anti-bribery and anti-corruption standards or laws. Strategies vary; options include stewardship/ engagement and divestment - or a combination.

Encourage board diversity e.g. gender

Encourage the companies they invest in to have more diverse board structures (e.g. more women on boards)

Product / Service Governance
External oversight / advisory committee (fund / service)

Find options that have an external committee that helps steer or advise managers on sustainability, ethical, stewardship or ESG policy or strategy related issues. These people may be paid for their time but are not employees of the fund manager.

ESG integration strategy

Find fund / asset managers that factor in 'environmental, social and governance' issues as part of their investment decision making process. A focus on 'ESG' typically means a fund is carrying out additional research to help reduce ESG related risks. It does not necessarily mean a focus on sustainability. Strategies vary. See fund literature.

Asset Size
Invests in small, mid & large cap companies / assets

Invests in a combination of small, medium and larger (potentially multinational) companies / assets.

Targeted Positive Investments
Invests > 5% in sustainable bonds

Invests in loan stock that is exclusively used to finance environmental and social projects. See ICMA Sustainable Bond Guidelines.

Invests > 5% in green bonds

Invests in green bonds (also known as climate bonds) which encourage sustainability and support climate related or special environmental projects.

Impact Methodologies
Positive social impact theme

Specifically states that they aim to deliver positive social (i.e. people related) impacts and/or outcomes.

Invests in sustainability / ESG disruptors

Specifically sets out to invest in companies that are regarded as 'disrupting' existing business practices - typically through the development of innovative (sustainability aware) products and/or practices.

How The Fund/Portfolio Works
Positive selection bias

Focuses on finding and investing in companies with positive / beneficial attributes. This strategy can be applied in addition to exclusion criteria and engagement/stewardship activity.

Negative selection bias

Has principle 'ethical approach' to avoid companies by using negative screening criteria. Strategies vary.

Data led strategy

Makes stock selection (and ongoing management) decisions based on ESG data or company ratings (normally supplied by third parties) rather than focusing on what individual companies do, how they operate or their plans for the future

Assets mapped to SDGs

Invests in assets which can be 'mapped' (reviewed) their investment selection and management strategies to identify which of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) the fund is helping to address.

Combines norms based exclusions with other SRI criteria

Investment selection process uses internationally agreed 'norms' (e.g. United Nations Global Compact - UNGC - or the UN Sustainable Development Goals - SDGs) alongside additional SRI criteria such as positive or negative stock selection policies and/or stewardship strategies.

Combines ESG strategy with other SRI criteria

Invests in assets which have an ESG strategy (which is typically focused on avoiding companies that pose environmental, social or governance related risks) together with additional criteria such as positive and/or negative screens, themes and stewardship strategies.

Different risk options of this strategy are available

Has different risk options for the same investment strategy

Intended Clients & Product Options
Intended for clients interested in sustainability

Designed to meet the needs of individual investors with an interest in sustainability issues.

Intended for clients interested in ethical issues

Designed for clients who care about ethical and values-based issues, often alongside sustainability issues also.

Portfolio SRI / ESG options available

Only applicable for DFM’s & portfolio providers. Finds those that offer an SRI / ESG portfolio option

Multiple SRI / ESG portfolio options available

Only applicable for DFM’s & portfolio providers. Find service providers who offer multiple SRI / ESG portfolio options

Bespoke SRI / ESG portfolios available

Only applicable for DFM’s & portfolio providers. Find service providers who offer bespoke ('personalised') SRI / ESG portfolio options

Fund Management Company Information

About The Business
Boutique / specialist fund management company

Find fund / asset management companies that are smaller or specialise in particular areas - notably, ideally ESG related. Strategies vary.

Responsible ownership / ESG a key differentiator (AFM companywide)

Find fund / asset managers that consider responsible ownership and ESG to be a key differentiator for their business.

SDG aligned aims / objectives (AFM companywide)

Find fund / asset management companies that aim to align all their investments (across all funds) to help meet the aims of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Integrates ESG factors into all / most research (AFM companywide)

Find fund / asset management companies that consider environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues when deciding whether or not to invest in a company for all / almost all of their funds and other assets. This is increasingly seen as part of sound risk management.

Collaborations & Affiliations
UKSIF member

Find fund / asset management companies that are members of UKSIF - the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance association

Resources
In-house responsible ownership / voting expertise

Find fund / asset management companies that employ people to steer and support fund managers in voting shares at company AGM's and EGMs in ways that are consistent with encouraging higher ESG/sustainability standards.

Use specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability research companies

Find fund / asset management companies that makes use of expert external research companies. This can help deliver specialist expertise and means resources are pooled with other investors.

Engagement Approach
Engaging on climate change issues

Fund / asset manager has stewardship /responsible ownership strategy that is focused on addressing climate change with investee assets.

Engaging with fossil fuel companies on climate change

Fund / asset manager has a stewardship /responsible ownership strategy that involves working with fossil fuel companies on climate change related issues. See fund manager website for details.

Engaging to reduce plastics pollution / waste

Fund / asset manager has stewardship /responsible ownership strategy with involves encouraging investee asset to reduce plastic waste and pollution.

Engaging to encourage responsible mining practices

Fund / asset manager has a stewardship / responsible ownership policy that means they are working to encourage more responsible mining practices - where environmental and social issues are properly dealt with by the companies they invest in.

Engaging on biodiversity / nature issues

The fund / asset manager has a responsible ownership / stewardship strategy that focuses on biodiversity and nature issues relating to the assets they invest the aim of which will be to reduce harm and or deliver improvement. Strategies vary. https://tnfd.global

Engaging to encourage a Just Transition

Fund / asset manager has a responsible ownership / stewardship strategy which means they are working to encourage the shift to more sustainable business practices in ways that respect and are sensitive to social issues and the impact change has on people effected by the changes that are taking place. https://www.transitionpathwayinitiative.org/ https://transitiontaskforce.net/

Engaging on human rights issues

Fund / asset manager has responsible ownership / stewardship strategy in place which aims to address human rights issues in investee companies (and potentially their suppliers) with the aim of raising standards

Engaging on labour / employment issues

Fund / asset manager has responsible ownership / stewardship strategy in place that aims to improve labour standards for the benefit of employees in investee companies (and potentially their suppliers)

Engaging on diversity, equality & / or inclusion issues

Fund / asset management company has a stewardship strategy in place which involves working to raise diversity, equality and inclusion standards across investee assets

Engaging to stop modern slavery

Fund / asset manager is working with the assets they hold to help stamp out modern slavery - where direct or indirect company employees are exploited for business benefits.

Engaging on governance issues

Fund / asset managers have stewardship strategies in place that focus on improving governance standards across investee assets

Engaging on mental health issues

Fund / asset manager has stewardship strategy in place which involves discussing mental health issues with investee companies - with the aim of raising standards

Engaging on responsible supply chain issues

Has a stewardship / responsible ownership strategy that encourages responsible supply chain - ie the managers will discuss environmental, social and governance issues with investee companies with the aim of raising standards

Engaging to encourage more sustainable ‘diversifiers’ (e.g. derivatives)

Funds and other options may use assets that are not directly aligned with sustainability objectives in order to help manage investment risk. Requesting more sustainable options of this kind will aid alignment with fund objectives.

Engaging on the responsible use of AI

Working to address sustainability, ESG and related concerns around artificial intelligence.

Sustainable, Responsible &/or ESG Policy:

Voyager employs a three-layer ethical framework rather than a simple screening process.

Layer 1 - Exclusions: negative screens are applied to activities that conflict with the agreed ethical mandate. In bespoke mandates these are set with the adviser and client and have included non-medical animal testing, fur retailers, weapons/munitions manufacturing, child labour and tobacco; particular stocks, entire industries or markets can be excluded or limited.

Layer 2 - Positive selection: we favour companies demonstrating strong governance, sustainable business models and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Layer 3 - Ongoing monitoring: continuous controversy screening, monitoring of ESG developments, regulatory changes and mandate reviews. ESG scoring is provided by IdealRatings, which researches over 150 inputs per company across the E, S and G pillars using an industry-relative weighting model.

To be included in a portfolio a holding must achieve a minimum score on each of E, S and G, with a higher hurdle rate for governance; the ethical portfolios set the bar higher on all three elements. Companies failing governance standards are treated as un-investable. Since 2019 all MPS portfolios have been mapped to the relevant UN SDGs to give investors clarity on how their capital is deployed.

Process:

  1. Clarify ethical requirements - we work with the adviser and client to establish investment boundaries, exclusions and preferred themes (bespoke mandates), or apply the documented ethical framework (model portfolios).
  2. Review the existing portfolio - asset allocation, holdings, ethical characteristics, costs and performance.
  3. Apply exclusion screens - using specialist ESG research tools (IdealRatings) and proprietary analysis to remove companies and sectors conflicting with the mandate.
  4. Identify positive sustainability themes - companies with strong governance, responsible business practices and alignment with relevant UN SDGs.
  5. Construct a diversified portfolio - across asset classes, geographies and styles to manage risk and meet income/growth objectives.
  6. Implement and monitor continuously - investment performance and ethical suitability are kept under continuous review, responding to controversies and evolving client requirements. Oversight is provided by the Voyager Investment Committee (weekly) and Funds Research Committee, supported by an advisory ethical board. Key data sources: IdealRatings (ESG screening), MorningStar and Refinitiv (ESG analysis and market data).

Resources, Affiliations & Corporate Strategies:

Voyager Asset Management is a boutique, independent discretionary investment manager. ESG integration sits at the core of the firm's investment process, overseen by the Voyager Investment Committee (meeting weekly) and the Funds Research Committee. The firm maintains an advisory ethical board which guides it on environmental, social and governance issues and best practice across the business. External specialist ESG resources: IdealRatings (ESG screening data, over 150 research inputs per company across E, S and G pillars), MorningStar and Refinitiv (ESG analysis and market data). Affiliations and memberships: UN Global Compact signatory; UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF) member; PIMFA; CFA UK; CISI. Portfolios are independently risk-profiled by Dynamic Planner and rated by Defaqto (5-star ratings across Bespoke, MPS and MPS on Platform). Voyager won 'Best Availability of Sustainable Investment Strategies' at the Citywire Adviser's Choice awards 2024.

SDR Labelling:

Not eligible to use label (out of scope)

Disclaimer

This information is intended for FCA-authorised financial intermediaries and their clients and does not constitute financial advice. The value of investments and the income from them may go down as well as up, and investors may not get back the amount originally invested. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. Voyager Asset Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA number 917243) and is registered in England and Wales under company number 11679992. Registered office: 23 Berkeley Square, London W1J 6HE.