iShares ESG Screened Sterling Corporate Bond Index Fund (UK)

SRI Style:

Limited Exclusions

SDR Labelling:

Unlabelled with sustainable characteristics

Product:

OEIC

Fund Region:

Global

Fund Asset Type:

Fixed Interest

Launch Date:

06/09/2021

Last Amended:

Sep 2025

Dialshifter ():

Fund/Portfolio Size:

£2899.16m

(as at: 31/05/2025)

Total Assets Under Management:

£8974571.00m

(as at: 31/03/2025)

ISIN:

GB00BN08Z217, GB00BN08YZ75, GB00BN08Z548, GB00BN08Z100, GB00BN08Z431, GB00BN08Z654, GB00BN08Z324, GB00BN08Z092

Objectives:

This fund seeks to promote sustainability by tracking the iBoxx MSCI ESG GBP Non-Gilts Index, which applies ESG screens to exclude issuers with exposure to controversial sectors or significant ESG controversies. The index removes companies based on revenue thresholds or involvement in activities misaligned with ESG principles. By investing in sterling-denominated corporate bonds that meet these standards, the fund aims to support environmental and social responsibility while offering investors exposure to sustainable fixed income assets.

 

Sustainable, Responsible
&/or ESG Overview:

This fund provides access to sterling-denominated corporate bonds with a focus on sustainability. It tracks an index that excludes issuers with significant ESG risks or involvement in controversial industries. The strategy supports responsible investment by favoring companies with stronger ESG profiles, aiming to reduce exposure to sustainability-related risks. The fund contributes to positive environmental and social outcomes by aligning capital with issuers demonstrating responsible business practices, while also targeting competitive financial returns.

 

Primary fund last amended:

Sep 2025

Information directly from fund manager.

Fund Filters

Sustainability - General
UN Global Compact linked exclusion policy

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

Environmental - General
Environmental policy

Funds that have policies which relate to environmental issues. These will typically set out the fund's stance on issues such as pollution, climate change, resource management, biodiversity loss, carbon emissions, plastics and/or additional environmental impacts. Strategies vary. See fund information for further information.

Limits exposure to carbon intensive industries

Funds that limit or 'reduce' their exposure to carbon intensive industries (ie sectors which are major contributors to climate change. Funds vary - some funds may be 'underweight' in this area which means they may have some investment in highly carbon intensive areas. Funds of this kind may choose companies they consider to be 'best in sector' and encourage ever higher standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further details.

Climate Change & Energy
Coal, oil & / or gas majors excluded

Funds that avoid investing in major coal, oil and/or gas (extraction) companies. Funds vary: some may exclude all companies that extract oil. Others may have exposure to oil extraction via more diversified energy companies. See fund literature to confirm details.

Fracking and tar sands excluded

Funds that avoid companies involved in fracking and tar sands - which are widely regarded as controversial methods of oil and gas extraction. Strategies vary. See fund information for further information.

Fossil fuel reserves exclusion

Funds that avoid investing in companies with coal, oil and gas reserves. See fund information for further details.

Nuclear exclusion policy

Find funds that have policies which say they avoid or limit their investment in the nuclear industry. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

TCFD reporting requirement (Becoming IFRS)

Will only invest in companies that report greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategies in line with the framework set out the by the Taskforce for Climate Related Financial Disclosure, which is increasingly becoming mandatory. See https://www.fsb-tcfd.org/ https ://www.ifrs.org/sustainability/tcfd/

Social / Employment
Social policy

Find funds that have policies which set out their approach to social issues (e.g. human rights, labour standards, equal opportunities, child labour and adherence to internationally recognised codes such as the UN Global Compact). Funds with social policies typically avoid companies with low standards or work to encourage higher standards. See fund information for detail.

Favours companies with strong social policies

Find funds that invest in line with positive strategies that relate to 'people' issues - such as having strong human rights, labour standards and equal opportunities practices. Such funds are likely to invest in companies that have market leading standards with regard to employee and supplier practices. Read fund literature for further information.

Ethical Values Led Exclusions
Ethical policies

Find funds that have policies that set out their position on ethical or 'personal values' based issues. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Tobacco and 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 and 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

Find funds that exclude companies which make controversial weapons such as landmines, cluster munitions and chemical weapons. See fund literature for further information.

Armaments manufacturers avoided

Find funds that avoid companies that manufacture products intended specifically for military use. Fund strategies vary - particularly with regard to non-strategic military products. See fund literature for fund specific details.

Military involvement exclusion

Find funds that avoid companies with military contracts of any kind. This may include medical supplies, food, safety equipment, housing, etc. Fund strategies vary. See fund liteterature for more information.

Civilian firearms production exclusion

Find funds with a written civilian firearms exclusion policy - meaning that they will not invest in companies that make (or perhaps also sell) handguns made for non-military users.

Human Rights
Human rights policy

Find funds that have policies relating to human rights issues. Funds of this kind typically require companies to demonstrate higher standards, although some fund managers work to encourage improvements. Investee companies are often judged against internationally agreed norms or standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Gilts & Sovereigns
Gilts / government bonds - exclude some

Find funds that avoid investing in 'some' gilts or government bonds. Strategies vary, but this may relate to avoiding specific countries or particular reasons for bond issuance. 'Green gilts' for example would be likely to be acceptable. See fund literature for further information.

Gilts / government bonds - exclude all

Find funds that do not invest in, or exclude, gilts and/or government bonds.

Does not invest in sovereigns

Find funds that do not invest in / exclude 'sovereigns' - debt issued by governments. See eg https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sovereign-debt.asp

Banking & Financials
Invests in banks

Find funds that include banks as part of their holdings / portfolio.

Invests in insurers

Funds that do or may invest in insurance companies.

Fund Governance
ESG integration strategy

Find funds 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
Invest in supranationals

International entities or bodies with agreed remits that are broadly similar to those that may otherwise be undertaken by individual governments eg the UN

How The Fund Works
Passive / index driven strategy

Find funds that use an investment index to direct where they can invest. Fund strategies and indices vary. See fund details and index used.

SRI / ESG / Ethical policies explained on website

Find funds that have published explanations of their ethical, social and/or environmental policies online (i.e. fund decision making strategies/ buy/sell &/or asset management strategies).

Use stock / securities lending

This fund uses, or can use, specialist strategies to aid performance which involve ‘lending’ fund assets to others at specific points in time.

Unscreened Assets & Cash
Assets typically aligned to sustainability objectives 70 - 79%

The percentage of assets held within the fund that match the fund’s sustainability objectives and are not being held purely for risk management purposes, such as derivatives and cash equivalent assets.

Assets typically aligned to sustainability objectives 80 – 89%

The percentage of assets held within the fund that match the fund’s sustainability objectives and are not being held purely for risk management purposes, such as derivatives and cash equivalent assets.

Assets typically aligned to sustainability objectives > 90%

The percentage of assets held within the fund that match the fund’s sustainability objectives and are not being held purely for risk management purposes, such as derivatives and cash equivalent assets

No ‘diversifiers’ used other than cash

Fund that only invest in cash to aid the practical management (buying and selling) of assets. These funds do not use additional financial instruments.

All assets (except cash) meet published sustainability criteria

All assets held in the fund - except cash - meet the sustainability criteria published in fund documentation.

Intended Clients & Product Options
Intended for investors interested in sustainability

Finds funds designed to meet the needs of individual investors with an interest in sustainability issues.

Intended for clients interested in ethical issues

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

Fund Management Company Information

About The Business
Responsible ownership / stewardship policy or strategy (AFM company wide)

Finds fund management companies that have a published company wide stewardship, engagement and / or responsible ownership policy or strategy that covers all investments. Stewardship typically involves encouraging higher ESG standards through voting and dialogue.

ESG / SRI engagement (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that actively encourage higher 'environmental, social and governance' and/or 'sustainable and responsible investment' practices across investee companies - typically where the aim is to encourage positive change that is aligned with the best interests of investors. Strategies vary. See additional information and options.

Vote all* shares at AGMs / EGMs (AFM company wide)

Find fund managers that vote all* the shares they own at Annual General Meetings and Extraordinary General Meetings. A commitment to voting shares is a key indicator of 'responsible share ownership' demonstrating their support for or disagreement with management policy. (*situations can legitimately, occasionally occur where voting proves impossible, but in principle all shares should be voted.)

Sustainable property strategy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that take sustainability criteria into account when selecting and/or managing all of their property / real estate investments.

Senior management KPIs include environmental goals (AFM company wide)

The leadership team of this asset manager have performance targets linked to environmental goals.

Invests in newly listed companies (AFM company wide)

This asset management company invests in companies which have recently listed on a stock exchange (which is important as it can help grow new businesses).

Invests in new sustainability linked bond issuances (AFM company wide)

Asset management company has investments in bonds designed to meet sustainability requirements - however these assets may not be 'ringfenced' for this purpose. See fund manager website for details.

Offer unstructured intermediary sustainable investment training

Fund management entity offers unstructured intermediary training on sustainable investment (ie for financial advisers and wealth managers)

Collaborations & Affiliations
PRI signatory

Find fund management companies that have signed up to the UN backed 'Principles of Responsible Investment'.

TNFD forum member (AFM company wide)

A member of the Taskforce for Nature Related Financial Disclosures group which aims to aid risk management and shift money towards nature-positive outcomes.

Resources
In-house responsible ownership / voting expertise

Find fund 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.

Employ specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability researchers

Find a fund management company that directly employs specialist ESG/SRI/sustainability researchers or analysts. This allows asset managers to discuss environmental, social and governance risks and opportunities directly with companies.

Accreditations
UK Stewardship Code signatory (AFM company wide)

Find fund managers that are signatories to the FRC UK Stewardship Code, which sets out a framework for constructive investor / investee relations where fund managers are encouraged to behave like responsible, typically longer term 'company owners'.

Engagement Approach
Engaging on climate change issues

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

Engaging with fossil fuel companies on climate change

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

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

Engaging on biodiversity / nature issues

The 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 on human rights issues

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

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 and / or inclusion issues

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

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

Engaging on mental health issues

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 on the responsible use of AI

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

Stewardship escalation policy

Escalation policies describe how a manager will proceed if stewardship / engagement activity is not successful in the short term.

Climate & Net Zero Transition
Encourage carbon / greenhouse gas reduction (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that are working with the companies they invest in to encourage reductions in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions.

‘Forward Looking Climate Metrics’ published / ITR (AFM company wide)

Finds organisations / fund managers that have published ‘forward looking climate metrics’ e.g. 'implied temperature rise' data that are a total of the asset management company's share (% owned) of all the investee company emissions of the assets they manage, as well as their own direct and other indirect emissions.

In-house carbon / GHG reduction policy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that are working to reduce their own (fund management company) carbon/greenhouse gas emissions.

Transparency
Publish responsible ownership / stewardship report (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that publish a report detailing their responsible investment ownership - also known as 'Stewardship' - activity.

Full SRI / responsible ownership policy information on company website

Find companies that publish information about their sustainable and responsible investment strategies on their company website.

Publish full voting record (AFM company wide)

Fund management companies that publish a full record of how they vote their shares at AGMs (annual general meetings) and EGMs (extraordinary general meetings). Voting strategies have an important role to play encouraging higher environmental, social and governance standards.

Sustainable, Responsible &/or ESG Policy:

This fund tracks the iBoxx MSCI ESG GBP Non-Gilts Index, applying ESG screens to exclude issuers with exposure to controversial sectors (e.g., tobacco, thermal coal, controversial weapons) and those with significant ESG controversies or violations of international norms. The index methodology incorporates MSCI ESG ratings and controversy assessments to systematically remove issuers that do not meet minimum sustainability standards. The fund aims to reduce ESG-related risks and promote responsible investment practices by favoring issuers with stronger ESG profiles. While not focused on specific environmental or social themes, the fund indirectly supports positive outcomes by avoiding investments in sectors with negative externalities. ESG metrics such as weighted average ESG score and sector exclusions are used to assess the fund’s sustainability alignment. This approach provides investors with a sterling-denominated bond portfolio that integrates ESG considerations without compromising financial integrity.

Process:

This fund passively tracks the iBoxx MSCI ESG GBP Non-Gilts Index, which applies a structured ESG screening process to a universe of sterling-denominated investment-grade corporate bonds. The index excludes issuers with exposure to controversial sectors such as tobacco, thermal coal, and controversial weapons, as well as those with significant ESG controversies or violations of international norms. ESG data is provided by MSCI ESG Research, which supplies ratings and controversy scores used to filter out unsuitable issuers. The remaining bonds form the basis of the index, which the fund replicates. The index is periodically rebalanced to incorporate the latest ESG data and maintain alignment with its sustainability criteria. BlackRock uses internal oversight and compliance mechanisms to ensure the fund adheres to its ESG policy and continues to offer investors a responsible fixed income solution.

Resources, Affiliations & Corporate Strategies:

Teams with sustainability-related areas of focus:

Sustainable & Transition Solutions team (30+ professionals) leads BlackRock's sustainability and transition strategy, drives cross-functional change, supports client and external engagement, powers product ideation, and embeds sustainable expertise across the firm in partnership with other teams.     

Sustainable Investment Research & Analytics (10+ professionals) within the BlackRock Investment Institute produces thought leadership and research on the implications of the transition on portfolio construction. They produce macro and portfolio research, including integrating climate into BlackRock's Capital Market assumptions ("CMAs").

BlackRock Investment Stewardship (60+ professionals) serves as an important link between clients and the companies they invest in, engaging with investee company leadership and proxy voting at shareholder meetings when authorized by clients to do so. Where appropriate, BIS engages with companies on climate-related issues

BlackRock Active Investment Stewardship (10+ professionals) partners with BlackRock’s active investment teams on company engagement and voting in relation to their holdings.  BAIS was established in January 2025 to more closely align the range of investment strategies on the active investment platform. 

Corporate Sustainability leads efforts to drive operational sustainability, establish sustainable business programs and policies, and engage key stakeholders on BlackRock’s contribution towards the low-carbon transition and establish BlackRock’s operational sustainability goals.

 Sustainability incorporated into broader functional responsibilities:

Investment Divisions: BlackRock investment divisions include Portfolio Management Group, Global Markets & Index Investments, and Equity Private Markets. Active portfolio teams manage exposure to financially material E, S, and/or G risks, and consider financially material E, S, and/or G information in their investment processes, as applicable and consistent with client goals. Investment teams can often have sustainability-focused units (e.g. Fixed Income ESG Investment Team), as well as investment themes dedicated to sustainable funds (e.g Decarbonization Partners, and Climate Infrastructure)

Risk & Quantitative Analysis Group (RQA) is BlackRock's risk management function. The group is responsible for BlackRock’s Investment and Enterprise risk management frameworks and serves as a key part of the second line of defense along with BlackRock Legal and Compliance. RQA evaluates investment risks, including financially material E, S and/or G risks as part of regular investment risk management processes and, where applicable, during regular reviews with portfolio managers. This helps to ensure that such risks are understood, deliberate, and consistent with client objectives. RQA also has a dedicated Sustainability Risk group that partners with risk managers and businesses to oversee sustainability risk across the platform.

Global Product Solutions leads sustainable product innovation and development, governance, and strategy across the global product platform.

Government Affairs and Public Policy (GAPP) strives to engage constructively in financial services public policy dialogue, including in relation to climate risk and sustainability disclosures, through participation in industry initiatives, engagement with regulators and standard setters around the world, and through the whitepapers, comment letters and consultation responses regularly published on BlackRock's website.

Aladdin makes available climate and ESG data and physical and transition risk analytics into investors' workflows, regulatory reporting, and decarbonization/temperature alignment analysis delivered through Aladdin. The Aladdin Sustainability Lab (90+ professionals) oversees Aladdin's sustainability-, transition-, and climate-related data, analytics and innovation, including BlackRock’s Aladdin Climate platform.

Enterprise Services includes the Health & Safety team which monitors adherence to local environmental regulations. The Corporate Real Estate, Space Planning, Critical Infrastructure and Workplace Experience teams work alongside key stakeholders such as the employee-run Green Team Network ("GTN") to plan and implement sustainability efforts in offices. The Business Continuity Management team manages disaster recovery planning, strategy, and crisis management activities. 

Dialshifter

 

 

SDR Labelling:

Unlabelled with sustainable characteristics

Fund Holdings

Disclaimer

Risk Warnings

Capital at risk. The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise and are not guaranteed. Investors may not get back the amount originally invested.

Past performance is not a reliable indicator of current or future results and should not be the sole factor of consideration when selecting a product or strategy.

Changes in the rates of exchange between currencies may cause the value of investments to diminish or increase. Fluctuation may be particularly marked in the case of a higher volatility fund and the value of an investment may fall suddenly and substantially. Levels and basis of taxation may change from time to time and depend on personal individual circumstances.

Important information

This material is for distribution to Professional Clients (as defined by the Financial Conduct Authority or MiFID Rules) only and should not be relied upon by any other persons.

In the UK and Non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries: this is issued by BlackRock Advisors (UK) Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: 12 Throgmorton Avenue, London, EC2N 2DL, Tel: +44 (0)20 7743 3000. Registered in England and Wales No. 00796793. For your protection, calls are usually recorded. Please refer to the Financial Conduct Authority website for a list of authorised activities conducted by BlackRock.

Any research in this document has been procured and may have been acted on by BlackRock for its own purpose. The results of such research are being made available only incidentally. The views expressed do not constitute investment or any other advice and are subject to change. They do not necessarily reflect the views of any company in the BlackRock Group or any part thereof and no assurances are made as to their accuracy.

This document is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer or invitation to anyone to invest in any BlackRock funds and has not been prepared in connection with any such offer.

© 2025 BlackRock, Inc. All Rights reserved. BLACKROCK, BLACKROCK SOLUTIONS and iSHARES are trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks are those of their respective owners

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

iShares ESG Screened Sterling Corporate Bond Index Fund (UK)

Limited Exclusions Unlabelled with sustainable characteristics OEIC Global Fixed Interest 06/09/2021 Sep 2025

Objectives

This fund seeks to promote sustainability by tracking the iBoxx MSCI ESG GBP Non-Gilts Index, which applies ESG screens to exclude issuers with exposure to controversial sectors or significant ESG controversies. The index removes companies based on revenue thresholds or involvement in activities misaligned with ESG principles. By investing in sterling-denominated corporate bonds that meet these standards, the fund aims to support environmental and social responsibility while offering investors exposure to sustainable fixed income assets.

 

Fund/Portfolio Size: £2899.16m

(as at: 31/05/2025)

Total Assets Under Management: £8974571.00m

(as at: 31/03/2025)

ISIN: GB00BN08Z217, GB00BN08YZ75, GB00BN08Z548, GB00BN08Z100, GB00BN08Z431, GB00BN08Z654, GB00BN08Z324, GB00BN08Z092

Contact Us: https://www.ishares.com/uk/individual/en/education/contact-us

Sustainable, Responsible &/or ESG Overview

This fund provides access to sterling-denominated corporate bonds with a focus on sustainability. It tracks an index that excludes issuers with significant ESG risks or involvement in controversial industries. The strategy supports responsible investment by favoring companies with stronger ESG profiles, aiming to reduce exposure to sustainability-related risks. The fund contributes to positive environmental and social outcomes by aligning capital with issuers demonstrating responsible business practices, while also targeting competitive financial returns.

 

Primary fund last amended: Sep 2025

Information received directly from Fund Manager

Please select what you would like to read:

Fund Filters

Sustainability - General
UN Global Compact linked exclusion policy

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

Environmental - General
Environmental policy

Funds that have policies which relate to environmental issues. These will typically set out the fund's stance on issues such as pollution, climate change, resource management, biodiversity loss, carbon emissions, plastics and/or additional environmental impacts. Strategies vary. See fund information for further information.

Limits exposure to carbon intensive industries

Funds that limit or 'reduce' their exposure to carbon intensive industries (ie sectors which are major contributors to climate change. Funds vary - some funds may be 'underweight' in this area which means they may have some investment in highly carbon intensive areas. Funds of this kind may choose companies they consider to be 'best in sector' and encourage ever higher standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further details.

Climate Change & Energy
Coal, oil & / or gas majors excluded

Funds that avoid investing in major coal, oil and/or gas (extraction) companies. Funds vary: some may exclude all companies that extract oil. Others may have exposure to oil extraction via more diversified energy companies. See fund literature to confirm details.

Fracking and tar sands excluded

Funds that avoid companies involved in fracking and tar sands - which are widely regarded as controversial methods of oil and gas extraction. Strategies vary. See fund information for further information.

Fossil fuel reserves exclusion

Funds that avoid investing in companies with coal, oil and gas reserves. See fund information for further details.

Nuclear exclusion policy

Find funds that have policies which say they avoid or limit their investment in the nuclear industry. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

TCFD reporting requirement (Becoming IFRS)

Will only invest in companies that report greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategies in line with the framework set out the by the Taskforce for Climate Related Financial Disclosure, which is increasingly becoming mandatory. See https://www.fsb-tcfd.org/ https ://www.ifrs.org/sustainability/tcfd/

Social / Employment
Social policy

Find funds that have policies which set out their approach to social issues (e.g. human rights, labour standards, equal opportunities, child labour and adherence to internationally recognised codes such as the UN Global Compact). Funds with social policies typically avoid companies with low standards or work to encourage higher standards. See fund information for detail.

Favours companies with strong social policies

Find funds that invest in line with positive strategies that relate to 'people' issues - such as having strong human rights, labour standards and equal opportunities practices. Such funds are likely to invest in companies that have market leading standards with regard to employee and supplier practices. Read fund literature for further information.

Ethical Values Led Exclusions
Ethical policies

Find funds that have policies that set out their position on ethical or 'personal values' based issues. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Tobacco and 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 and 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

Find funds that exclude companies which make controversial weapons such as landmines, cluster munitions and chemical weapons. See fund literature for further information.

Armaments manufacturers avoided

Find funds that avoid companies that manufacture products intended specifically for military use. Fund strategies vary - particularly with regard to non-strategic military products. See fund literature for fund specific details.

Military involvement exclusion

Find funds that avoid companies with military contracts of any kind. This may include medical supplies, food, safety equipment, housing, etc. Fund strategies vary. See fund liteterature for more information.

Civilian firearms production exclusion

Find funds with a written civilian firearms exclusion policy - meaning that they will not invest in companies that make (or perhaps also sell) handguns made for non-military users.

Human Rights
Human rights policy

Find funds that have policies relating to human rights issues. Funds of this kind typically require companies to demonstrate higher standards, although some fund managers work to encourage improvements. Investee companies are often judged against internationally agreed norms or standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Gilts & Sovereigns
Gilts / government bonds - exclude some

Find funds that avoid investing in 'some' gilts or government bonds. Strategies vary, but this may relate to avoiding specific countries or particular reasons for bond issuance. 'Green gilts' for example would be likely to be acceptable. See fund literature for further information.

Gilts / government bonds - exclude all

Find funds that do not invest in, or exclude, gilts and/or government bonds.

Does not invest in sovereigns

Find funds that do not invest in / exclude 'sovereigns' - debt issued by governments. See eg https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sovereign-debt.asp

Banking & Financials
Invests in banks

Find funds that include banks as part of their holdings / portfolio.

Invests in insurers

Funds that do or may invest in insurance companies.

Fund Governance
ESG integration strategy

Find funds 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
Invest in supranationals

International entities or bodies with agreed remits that are broadly similar to those that may otherwise be undertaken by individual governments eg the UN

How The Fund Works
Passive / index driven strategy

Find funds that use an investment index to direct where they can invest. Fund strategies and indices vary. See fund details and index used.

SRI / ESG / Ethical policies explained on website

Find funds that have published explanations of their ethical, social and/or environmental policies online (i.e. fund decision making strategies/ buy/sell &/or asset management strategies).

Use stock / securities lending

This fund uses, or can use, specialist strategies to aid performance which involve ‘lending’ fund assets to others at specific points in time.

Unscreened Assets & Cash
Assets typically aligned to sustainability objectives 70 - 79%

The percentage of assets held within the fund that match the fund’s sustainability objectives and are not being held purely for risk management purposes, such as derivatives and cash equivalent assets.

Assets typically aligned to sustainability objectives 80 – 89%

The percentage of assets held within the fund that match the fund’s sustainability objectives and are not being held purely for risk management purposes, such as derivatives and cash equivalent assets.

Assets typically aligned to sustainability objectives > 90%

The percentage of assets held within the fund that match the fund’s sustainability objectives and are not being held purely for risk management purposes, such as derivatives and cash equivalent assets

No ‘diversifiers’ used other than cash

Fund that only invest in cash to aid the practical management (buying and selling) of assets. These funds do not use additional financial instruments.

All assets (except cash) meet published sustainability criteria

All assets held in the fund - except cash - meet the sustainability criteria published in fund documentation.

Intended Clients & Product Options
Intended for investors interested in sustainability

Finds funds designed to meet the needs of individual investors with an interest in sustainability issues.

Intended for clients interested in ethical issues

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

Fund Management Company Information

About The Business
Responsible ownership / stewardship policy or strategy (AFM company wide)

Finds fund management companies that have a published company wide stewardship, engagement and / or responsible ownership policy or strategy that covers all investments. Stewardship typically involves encouraging higher ESG standards through voting and dialogue.

ESG / SRI engagement (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that actively encourage higher 'environmental, social and governance' and/or 'sustainable and responsible investment' practices across investee companies - typically where the aim is to encourage positive change that is aligned with the best interests of investors. Strategies vary. See additional information and options.

Vote all* shares at AGMs / EGMs (AFM company wide)

Find fund managers that vote all* the shares they own at Annual General Meetings and Extraordinary General Meetings. A commitment to voting shares is a key indicator of 'responsible share ownership' demonstrating their support for or disagreement with management policy. (*situations can legitimately, occasionally occur where voting proves impossible, but in principle all shares should be voted.)

Sustainable property strategy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that take sustainability criteria into account when selecting and/or managing all of their property / real estate investments.

Senior management KPIs include environmental goals (AFM company wide)

The leadership team of this asset manager have performance targets linked to environmental goals.

Invests in newly listed companies (AFM company wide)

This asset management company invests in companies which have recently listed on a stock exchange (which is important as it can help grow new businesses).

Invests in new sustainability linked bond issuances (AFM company wide)

Asset management company has investments in bonds designed to meet sustainability requirements - however these assets may not be 'ringfenced' for this purpose. See fund manager website for details.

Offer unstructured intermediary sustainable investment training

Fund management entity offers unstructured intermediary training on sustainable investment (ie for financial advisers and wealth managers)

Collaborations & Affiliations
PRI signatory

Find fund management companies that have signed up to the UN backed 'Principles of Responsible Investment'.

TNFD forum member (AFM company wide)

A member of the Taskforce for Nature Related Financial Disclosures group which aims to aid risk management and shift money towards nature-positive outcomes.

Resources
In-house responsible ownership / voting expertise

Find fund 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.

Employ specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability researchers

Find a fund management company that directly employs specialist ESG/SRI/sustainability researchers or analysts. This allows asset managers to discuss environmental, social and governance risks and opportunities directly with companies.

Accreditations
UK Stewardship Code signatory (AFM company wide)

Find fund managers that are signatories to the FRC UK Stewardship Code, which sets out a framework for constructive investor / investee relations where fund managers are encouraged to behave like responsible, typically longer term 'company owners'.

Engagement Approach
Engaging on climate change issues

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

Engaging with fossil fuel companies on climate change

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

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

Engaging on biodiversity / nature issues

The 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 on human rights issues

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

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 and / or inclusion issues

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

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

Engaging on mental health issues

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 on the responsible use of AI

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

Stewardship escalation policy

Escalation policies describe how a manager will proceed if stewardship / engagement activity is not successful in the short term.

Climate & Net Zero Transition
Encourage carbon / greenhouse gas reduction (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that are working with the companies they invest in to encourage reductions in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions.

‘Forward Looking Climate Metrics’ published / ITR (AFM company wide)

Finds organisations / fund managers that have published ‘forward looking climate metrics’ e.g. 'implied temperature rise' data that are a total of the asset management company's share (% owned) of all the investee company emissions of the assets they manage, as well as their own direct and other indirect emissions.

In-house carbon / GHG reduction policy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that are working to reduce their own (fund management company) carbon/greenhouse gas emissions.

Transparency
Publish responsible ownership / stewardship report (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that publish a report detailing their responsible investment ownership - also known as 'Stewardship' - activity.

Full SRI / responsible ownership policy information on company website

Find companies that publish information about their sustainable and responsible investment strategies on their company website.

Publish full voting record (AFM company wide)

Fund management companies that publish a full record of how they vote their shares at AGMs (annual general meetings) and EGMs (extraordinary general meetings). Voting strategies have an important role to play encouraging higher environmental, social and governance standards.

Sustainable, Responsible &/or ESG Policy:

This fund tracks the iBoxx MSCI ESG GBP Non-Gilts Index, applying ESG screens to exclude issuers with exposure to controversial sectors (e.g., tobacco, thermal coal, controversial weapons) and those with significant ESG controversies or violations of international norms. The index methodology incorporates MSCI ESG ratings and controversy assessments to systematically remove issuers that do not meet minimum sustainability standards. The fund aims to reduce ESG-related risks and promote responsible investment practices by favoring issuers with stronger ESG profiles. While not focused on specific environmental or social themes, the fund indirectly supports positive outcomes by avoiding investments in sectors with negative externalities. ESG metrics such as weighted average ESG score and sector exclusions are used to assess the fund’s sustainability alignment. This approach provides investors with a sterling-denominated bond portfolio that integrates ESG considerations without compromising financial integrity.

Process:

This fund passively tracks the iBoxx MSCI ESG GBP Non-Gilts Index, which applies a structured ESG screening process to a universe of sterling-denominated investment-grade corporate bonds. The index excludes issuers with exposure to controversial sectors such as tobacco, thermal coal, and controversial weapons, as well as those with significant ESG controversies or violations of international norms. ESG data is provided by MSCI ESG Research, which supplies ratings and controversy scores used to filter out unsuitable issuers. The remaining bonds form the basis of the index, which the fund replicates. The index is periodically rebalanced to incorporate the latest ESG data and maintain alignment with its sustainability criteria. BlackRock uses internal oversight and compliance mechanisms to ensure the fund adheres to its ESG policy and continues to offer investors a responsible fixed income solution.

Resources, Affiliations & Corporate Strategies:

Teams with sustainability-related areas of focus:

Sustainable & Transition Solutions team (30+ professionals) leads BlackRock's sustainability and transition strategy, drives cross-functional change, supports client and external engagement, powers product ideation, and embeds sustainable expertise across the firm in partnership with other teams.     

Sustainable Investment Research & Analytics (10+ professionals) within the BlackRock Investment Institute produces thought leadership and research on the implications of the transition on portfolio construction. They produce macro and portfolio research, including integrating climate into BlackRock's Capital Market assumptions ("CMAs").

BlackRock Investment Stewardship (60+ professionals) serves as an important link between clients and the companies they invest in, engaging with investee company leadership and proxy voting at shareholder meetings when authorized by clients to do so. Where appropriate, BIS engages with companies on climate-related issues

BlackRock Active Investment Stewardship (10+ professionals) partners with BlackRock’s active investment teams on company engagement and voting in relation to their holdings.  BAIS was established in January 2025 to more closely align the range of investment strategies on the active investment platform. 

Corporate Sustainability leads efforts to drive operational sustainability, establish sustainable business programs and policies, and engage key stakeholders on BlackRock’s contribution towards the low-carbon transition and establish BlackRock’s operational sustainability goals.

 Sustainability incorporated into broader functional responsibilities:

Investment Divisions: BlackRock investment divisions include Portfolio Management Group, Global Markets & Index Investments, and Equity Private Markets. Active portfolio teams manage exposure to financially material E, S, and/or G risks, and consider financially material E, S, and/or G information in their investment processes, as applicable and consistent with client goals. Investment teams can often have sustainability-focused units (e.g. Fixed Income ESG Investment Team), as well as investment themes dedicated to sustainable funds (e.g Decarbonization Partners, and Climate Infrastructure)

Risk & Quantitative Analysis Group (RQA) is BlackRock's risk management function. The group is responsible for BlackRock’s Investment and Enterprise risk management frameworks and serves as a key part of the second line of defense along with BlackRock Legal and Compliance. RQA evaluates investment risks, including financially material E, S and/or G risks as part of regular investment risk management processes and, where applicable, during regular reviews with portfolio managers. This helps to ensure that such risks are understood, deliberate, and consistent with client objectives. RQA also has a dedicated Sustainability Risk group that partners with risk managers and businesses to oversee sustainability risk across the platform.

Global Product Solutions leads sustainable product innovation and development, governance, and strategy across the global product platform.

Government Affairs and Public Policy (GAPP) strives to engage constructively in financial services public policy dialogue, including in relation to climate risk and sustainability disclosures, through participation in industry initiatives, engagement with regulators and standard setters around the world, and through the whitepapers, comment letters and consultation responses regularly published on BlackRock's website.

Aladdin makes available climate and ESG data and physical and transition risk analytics into investors' workflows, regulatory reporting, and decarbonization/temperature alignment analysis delivered through Aladdin. The Aladdin Sustainability Lab (90+ professionals) oversees Aladdin's sustainability-, transition-, and climate-related data, analytics and innovation, including BlackRock’s Aladdin Climate platform.

Enterprise Services includes the Health & Safety team which monitors adherence to local environmental regulations. The Corporate Real Estate, Space Planning, Critical Infrastructure and Workplace Experience teams work alongside key stakeholders such as the employee-run Green Team Network ("GTN") to plan and implement sustainability efforts in offices. The Business Continuity Management team manages disaster recovery planning, strategy, and crisis management activities. 

Dialshifter (Fund)

 

 

SDR Labelling:

Unlabelled with sustainable characteristics

Fund Holdings

Disclaimer

Risk Warnings

Capital at risk. The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise and are not guaranteed. Investors may not get back the amount originally invested.

Past performance is not a reliable indicator of current or future results and should not be the sole factor of consideration when selecting a product or strategy.

Changes in the rates of exchange between currencies may cause the value of investments to diminish or increase. Fluctuation may be particularly marked in the case of a higher volatility fund and the value of an investment may fall suddenly and substantially. Levels and basis of taxation may change from time to time and depend on personal individual circumstances.

Important information

This material is for distribution to Professional Clients (as defined by the Financial Conduct Authority or MiFID Rules) only and should not be relied upon by any other persons.

In the UK and Non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries: this is issued by BlackRock Advisors (UK) Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: 12 Throgmorton Avenue, London, EC2N 2DL, Tel: +44 (0)20 7743 3000. Registered in England and Wales No. 00796793. For your protection, calls are usually recorded. Please refer to the Financial Conduct Authority website for a list of authorised activities conducted by BlackRock.

Any research in this document has been procured and may have been acted on by BlackRock for its own purpose. The results of such research are being made available only incidentally. The views expressed do not constitute investment or any other advice and are subject to change. They do not necessarily reflect the views of any company in the BlackRock Group or any part thereof and no assurances are made as to their accuracy.

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