Fund Style Name: Social Themed / Focused Funds

Investment funds which focus on social issues  when deciding where to invest

Brief description of Style

Social themed funds focus on ‘people issues’ (such as employment and basic necessities of life). Social Themed fund managers focus significantly on societal benefits when analysing companies for investment.

SRI approach applied

Funds select or avoid investments according to criteria which relate primarily to social issues – such as employee relations, human rights, equal opportunities and benefits to local communities.   Only investments that match published criteria will be allowable for investment.

SRI issues covered

‘People issues’ including employment and the provision of basic necessities such as housing, infrastructure, education, health services and other benefits to local (or other named) communities.   Other issues may also be considered but are considered a lower priority than these issues and so may be less relevant to investment selection decisions.

Measuring positive impacts is a feature of some funds in this group.

See ‘Policies’ and ‘Approaches’ filters for further information.

Variation across Style segment

This SRI Style is fairly new and has very few funds at present.

Impact on investment strategy

Investment reflects the fund’s allowable universe and the assets types held by the fund.

Who is this Style most likely to appeal to?

Investors who are primarily interested in ‘people’ issues – as opposed to environmental or sustainability issues (which at not necessarily ignored – but are not the main driver of investment selection).

Associated Styles

There are elements of crossover between Social funds and Ethical funds – as well as many Sustainability  funds.

Associated Jargon

‘Social impact’ – i.e. bringing specific, targeted (positive) benefits to communities or defined groups of people