Charity Assets Trust
SRI Style:
Ethical Style
SDR Labelling:
Unlabelled with sustainable characteristics
Product:
Charities
Fund Region:
Global
Fund Asset Type:
Multi Asset
Launch Date:
08/03/2012
Last Amended:
Apr 2022
Dialshifter (
):
Fund Size:
£185.00m
(as at: 28/02/2022)
Total Screened Themed SRI Assets:
£185.00m
Total Responsible Ownership Assets:
£1000.00m
Total Assets Under Management:
£25300.00m
ISIN:
GB00B740TC99, GB00B7F77M57
Sustainable, Responsible
&/or ESG Overview:
Fund manager declined to provide fund update (April 2025)
Our pooled fund for charities, the Charity Assets Trust (CAT), combines Ruffer’s absolute return investment approach with a responsible policy that addresses the concerns of many UK charities. At the end of 2018, we set out to evolve the responsible investment policy for the fund. This extended the traditional ‘negative screening’ policy in recognition of the power of invested assets to drive responsible change.
As a firm, Ruffer believes wholeheartedly in the power of engagement with the companies in which we invest, and by adding an additional layer of monitoring to the fund we have increased the robustness of our commitment to engage with the companies in which we invest to encourage improvement and positive change.
Primary fund last amended:
Apr 2022
Information directly from fund manager.
Fund Filters
Sustainability - General
Funds that have policies that consider (environmental and social) sustainability issues. Strategies vary but are likely to consider environmental issues like climate change, carbon emissions, biodiversity loss, resource management, environmental impacts; and social issues like equal opportunities, human rights, labour standards, diversity and adherence to internationally recognised codes. See fund information.
A core element of these funds aim to encourage higher sustainability standards across business practices through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement / voting activity
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/
Climate Change & Energy
Funds that have policies (documented strategies that explain their position on) climate change related issues such as greenhouse gas/carbon emissions, net zero, transitioning to lower carbon. Strategies vary. Read fund details for further information.
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.
A core element of these funds will aim to encourage the transition to lower carbon activities through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement / voting activity
Social / Employment
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Find funds that avoid investment in companies involved in the production of alcohol. Strategies vary; some funds allow a small proportion of profits to come from this area. See fund literature for further information.
Find funds that avoid companies with significant involvement in the gambling industry. Some funds may allow a small proportion of profits to come from this area. See fund policy for further details.
Find funds that avoid companies that derive significant income from pornography and related areas. Strategies vary. See fund details for further information.
Human Rights
Find funds that have policies in place to ensure they do not invest in companies that employ children.
Governance & Management
Find fund options that have policies that relate to corporate governance issues such as board structure, executive remuneration, bribery and/or corporate corruption. These funds will typically avoid companies with poor practices. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.
Find funds that aim to avoid 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. See fund literature for further information.
Find funds that have 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. See fund literature for further information.
Fund managers encourage the companies they invest in to have more diverse board structures (e.g. more women on boards)
A core element of these funds will aim to encourage higher ESG standards through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement /voting activity
Fund Governance
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
Find funds that invests more than half of their money into what are commonly regarded as 'large companies'. This will typically mean that the market capitalisation (or value) of the companies they hold is in excess of £5 to £10 billion.
Find a fund that invests in a combination of small, medium and larger (potentially multinational)companies.
Find funds that have SRI strategies and focus their investment stock selection on larger companies. (e.g. over circa £5-£10bn)
How The Fund Works
Find funds that focus on finding and investing in companies with positive / beneficial attributes. This strategy can be applied in addition to exclusion criteria and engagement/stewardship activity.
Find funds where their main 'ethical approach' is to avoid companies by using negative screening criteria. Read fund literature for further information.
Find funds where their main approach is to apply positive or negative ethical, social and / or environmental screens. Strictly screened funds are likely to exclude more companies than other related fund options. See fund literature for further information.
Find funds that have an ESG strategy (which is typically focused on avoiding companies that pose environmental, social or governance related risks) with additional criteria such as positive and/or negative screens, themes and stewardship strategies.
Find funds that consider both the 'positive' and 'negative' aspects of company behaviour and make balanced, considered decisions as part of their investment approach. May apply to a range of different issues and policy areas.
A major focus of these funds is the careful management of environmental, social and governance (ESG) related risks - typically by avoiding or being underweight in companies seen as posing major risks in these areas (i.e. not necessarily by using themes, exclusions etc).
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).
Intended Clients & Product Options
Finds funds designed to meet the needs of individual investors with an interest in sustainability issues.
Find funds that have attributes that commonly suit the aims of investors of faith - although they may not be specifically marketed as being only for religious investors. Strategies vary (as do investor aims). Read fund literature for further information.
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
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.
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.
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.)
Find fund 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.
Finds organisations / fund managers that have an in-house (company wide) diversity improvement programme - meaning that they are working to ensure that within their own businesses they employ people from diverse backgrounds - often typically focused on ethnicity and/or sex.
Collaborations & Affiliations
Find fund management companies that have signed up to the UN backed 'Principles of Responsible Investment'.
Resources
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.
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.
Find fund management companies that makes use of expert external research companies. This can help deliver specialist expertise and means resources are pooled with other investors.
Accreditations
Finds organisations / fund managers that have an A+ PRI rating - meaning they are highly rated according to the 'Principles of Responsible Investment'
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
Find fund management companies that regularly initiate or run industry wide (collaborative) investor projects aimed at raising environmental, social and governance standards amongst investee companies.
Climate & Net Zero Transition
Find fund management companies that are working with the companies they invest in to encourage reductions in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions.
Find fund management companies that are working to reduce their own (fund management company) carbon/greenhouse gas emissions.
Transparency
Find fund management companies that publish a report detailing their responsible investment ownership - also known as 'Stewardship' - activity.
Find companies that publish information about their sustainable and responsible investment strategies on their company website.
Find fund management companies that will supply information about their sustainable and responsible investment activity on request.
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:
The Charity Assets Trust follows a detailed responsible investment policy which imposes restrictions on investment in: Tar sands, thermal coal, alcohol, armaments, gambling, pornography, and tobacco.
The fund also follows a proactive voting and engagement approach with companies held and the fund managers work closely with the Responsible Investment team to implement the stewardship policy.
We vote on all shareholdings in the fund. We also monitor the fund against UN Global Compact principles, MSCI’s ESG Metrics and its carbon intensity, using this to inform both the investment and engagement process. This policy has been shaped in conjunction with our investors and we believe it is effectively aligned with their objectives and concerns.
Process:
The managers of the Charity Assets Trust will review each new idea (which has already been through our extensive in-house research process, see below) on a case by case basis. The merits of the investment case raised in the review process are considered alongside additional ESG metrics related to the responsible investment policy of the CAT. These include:
- Ethical screens: Against the ethical restrictions of the fund
- Carbon intensity: The weighted average carbon intensity of the company is recorded and the potential impact on the fund’s overall carbon intensity is assessed
- ESG rating: This is considered in the context of the company peers
- UN Global Compact screen: Detailing any MSCI red flags and ongoing controversies
If a company breaches the Charity Assets Trust ethical screen, it is immediately excluded from purchase within the fund; a block on our in-house dealing system that can only be lifted by compliance ensures that we cannot invest in such a stock accidently. Where a stock passes the ethical criteria we have to provide evidence to compliance via MSCI ESG Manager, our third-party tool used to screen stocks, and store this evidence. We also understand that a company at point of purchase may not breach the ethical policy of the fund but over time it may do, via acquisitions, launching of new products, poor business practices or more. Therefore we review the holdings of the fund every quarter on MSCI to ensure they still comply with the ethical screen.
Where a company has serious ongoing controversies or consistent breaches of the UN Global Compact, further detail is obtained on the severity and potential impact of these matters. At this point, a stock which does not necessarily breach the Charity Assets Trust’s ethical screen may be excluded from purchase if certain ESG issues are deemed to seriously conflict with the fund’s purpose and priorities. Where an investment is made in a company with an ESG rating of B or CCC, or which fails to comply with the principles of the UN Global Compact, we are committed to engaging with management teams to better understand the issues.
If a stock is incorporated into portfolios, ESG risks and opportunities will then be raised in periodic conviction reviews as they continue to evolve. We look to engage with management of companies proactively, to continue to improve our understanding of the material ESG risks to the company, challenge their behaviour in relation to ESG and increase their awareness of regulatory and societal changes, all of which is likely to result in superior outcomes and returns for our clients. We do not short stocks, and therefore have a vested interest to work with management over the long term to improve their governance and oversight of ESG issues.
Resources, Affiliations & Corporate Strategies:
ESG across the firm
Ruffer firmly believes that considering all relevant environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors associated with a company is vital to understanding its risks and opportunities. An advantage afforded by our single investment approach and in-house research is that ESG issues can be integrated throughout the investment process.
We have a dedicated team who coordinate Ruffer’s ESG framework, led by Franziska Jahn-Madell, Director for Responsible Investment. Franziska and her team of 3 sit across our in-house research and fund management teams. They are complemented by two senior research analysts appointed as ESG representatives and 8 ESG ‘champions’ across the portfolio management teams to ensure full cohesion and integration from investment idea to implementation within portfolios.
Stewardship
Direct communication with a company is a fundamental part of Ruffer’s investment effort. We meet with executives and board directors; we communicate with the company’s advisors; and we engage with other shareholders where appropriate. We regularly monitor and engage with companies on ESG issues including culture, board composition, succession planning, and remuneration, environmental and social responsibility that we perceive to affect their value. We generally support climate change related shareholder resolutions and have voted in matters concerning climate change, HFC emissions water scarcity and other environmental pollution.
In terms of collaborative engagement, we have joined the Transition Pathway Initiative and Climate Action 100+, which assess how companies are preparing for the transition to a low-carbon economy. Ruffer is also a signatory to the:
- UNPRI
- CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project)
- Climate Change initiatives – UNPRI signatory (rated A), IIGCC, TPI, Climate Action 100+ and a supporter of the ‘Aiming for A’ investor coalition
- UK Stewardship Code and Japan Stewardship Code
For greater detail on our commitment to responsible investing and our recent engagement, please visit https://www.ruffer.co.uk/About/Responsible-investing.
SDR Labelling: Unlabelled with sustainable characteristics
Fund Name | SRI Style | SDR Labelling | Product | Region | Asset Type | Launch Date | Last Amended |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Charity Assets Trust |
Ethical Style | Unlabelled with sustainable characteristics | Charities | Global | Multi Asset | 08/03/2012 | Apr 2022 | |
Fund Size: £185.00m (as at: 28/02/2022) Total Screened Themed SRI Assets: £185.00m (as at: 28/02/2022) Total Responsible Ownership Assets: £1000.00m (as at: 28/02/2022) Total Assets Under Management: £25300.00m (as at: 28/02/2022) ISIN: GB00B740TC99, GB00B7F77M57 |
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Sustainable, Responsible &/or ESG OverviewFund manager declined to provide fund update (April 2025)
Our pooled fund for charities, the Charity Assets Trust (CAT), combines Ruffer’s absolute return investment approach with a responsible policy that addresses the concerns of many UK charities. At the end of 2018, we set out to evolve the responsible investment policy for the fund. This extended the traditional ‘negative screening’ policy in recognition of the power of invested assets to drive responsible change. As a firm, Ruffer believes wholeheartedly in the power of engagement with the companies in which we invest, and by adding an additional layer of monitoring to the fund we have increased the robustness of our commitment to engage with the companies in which we invest to encourage improvement and positive change. |
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Primary fund last amended: Apr 2022 |
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Information received directly from Fund Manager |
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Fund FiltersSustainability - General
Sustainability policy
Funds that have policies that consider (environmental and social) sustainability issues. Strategies vary but are likely to consider environmental issues like climate change, carbon emissions, biodiversity loss, resource management, environmental impacts; and social issues like equal opportunities, human rights, labour standards, diversity and adherence to internationally recognised codes. See fund information.
Encourage more sustainable practices through stewardship
A core element of these funds aim to encourage higher sustainability standards across business practices through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement / voting activity
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/ Climate Change & Energy
Climate change / greenhouse gas emissions policy
Funds that have policies (documented strategies that explain their position on) climate change related issues such as greenhouse gas/carbon emissions, net zero, transitioning to lower carbon. Strategies vary. Read fund details for further information.
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.
Encourage transition to low carbon through stewardship activity
A core element of these funds will aim to encourage the transition to lower carbon activities through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement / voting activity 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.
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.
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.
Alcohol production excluded
Find funds that avoid investment in companies involved in the production of alcohol. Strategies vary; some funds allow a small proportion of profits to come from this area. See fund literature for further information.
Gambling avoidance policy
Find funds that avoid companies with significant involvement in the gambling industry. Some funds may allow a small proportion of profits to come from this area. See fund policy for further details.
Pornography avoidance policy
Find funds that avoid companies that derive significant income from pornography and related areas. Strategies vary. See fund details for further information. Human Rights
Child labour exclusion
Find funds that have policies in place to ensure they do not invest in companies that employ children. Governance & Management
Governance policy
Find fund options that have policies that relate to corporate governance issues such as board structure, executive remuneration, bribery and/or corporate corruption. These funds will typically avoid companies with poor practices. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.
Avoids companies with poor governance
Find funds that aim to avoid 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. See fund literature for further information.
Anti-bribery and corruption policy
Find funds that have 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. See fund literature for further information.
Encourage board diversity e.g. gender
Fund managers encourage the companies they invest in to have more diverse board structures (e.g. more women on boards)
Encourage higher ESG standards through stewardship activity
A core element of these funds will aim to encourage higher ESG standards through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement /voting activity 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
Over 50% large cap companies
Find funds that invests more than half of their money into what are commonly regarded as 'large companies'. This will typically mean that the market capitalisation (or value) of the companies they hold is in excess of £5 to £10 billion.
Invests in small, mid and large cap companies / assets
Find a fund that invests in a combination of small, medium and larger (potentially multinational)companies.
Invests mostly in large cap companies / assets
Find funds that have SRI strategies and focus their investment stock selection on larger companies. (e.g. over circa £5-£10bn) How The Fund Works
Positive selection bias
Find funds that focus 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
Find funds where their main 'ethical approach' is to avoid companies by using negative screening criteria. Read fund literature for further information.
Strictly screened ethical fund
Find funds where their main approach is to apply positive or negative ethical, social and / or environmental screens. Strictly screened funds are likely to exclude more companies than other related fund options. See fund literature for further information.
Combines ESG strategy with other SRI criteria
Find funds that have an ESG strategy (which is typically focused on avoiding companies that pose environmental, social or governance related risks) with additional criteria such as positive and/or negative screens, themes and stewardship strategies.
Balances company 'pros and cons' / best in sector
Find funds that consider both the 'positive' and 'negative' aspects of company behaviour and make balanced, considered decisions as part of their investment approach. May apply to a range of different issues and policy areas.
Focus on ESG risk mitigation
A major focus of these funds is the careful management of environmental, social and governance (ESG) related risks - typically by avoiding or being underweight in companies seen as posing major risks in these areas (i.e. not necessarily by using themes, exclusions etc).
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). 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.
Faith friendly
Find funds that have attributes that commonly suit the aims of investors of faith - although they may not be specifically marketed as being only for religious investors. Strategies vary (as do investor aims). Read fund literature for further information.
Bespoke SRI / ESG portfolios available (DFMs)
Only applicable for DFM’s & portfolio providers. Find service providers who offer bespoke ('personalised') SRI / ESG portfolio options Fund Management Company InformationAbout 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.)
Integrates ESG factors into all / most (AFM) fund research
Find fund 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.
In-house diversity improvement programme (AFM company wide)
Finds organisations / fund managers that have an in-house (company wide) diversity improvement programme - meaning that they are working to ensure that within their own businesses they employ people from diverse backgrounds - often typically focused on ethnicity and/or sex. Collaborations & Affiliations
PRI signatory
Find fund management companies that have signed up to the UN backed 'Principles of Responsible Investment'. 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.
Use specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability research companies
Find fund management companies that makes use of expert external research companies. This can help deliver specialist expertise and means resources are pooled with other investors. Accreditations
PRI A+ rated (AFM company wide)
Finds organisations / fund managers that have an A+ PRI rating - meaning they are highly rated according to the 'Principles of Responsible Investment'
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
Regularly lead collaborative ESG initiatives (AFM company wide)
Find fund management companies that regularly initiate or run industry wide (collaborative) investor projects aimed at raising environmental, social and governance standards amongst investee companies. 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.
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.
Full SRI / responsible ownership policy information available on request
Find fund management companies that will supply information about their sustainable and responsible investment activity on request.
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:The Charity Assets Trust follows a detailed responsible investment policy which imposes restrictions on investment in: Tar sands, thermal coal, alcohol, armaments, gambling, pornography, and tobacco. The fund also follows a proactive voting and engagement approach with companies held and the fund managers work closely with the Responsible Investment team to implement the stewardship policy. We vote on all shareholdings in the fund. We also monitor the fund against UN Global Compact principles, MSCI’s ESG Metrics and its carbon intensity, using this to inform both the investment and engagement process. This policy has been shaped in conjunction with our investors and we believe it is effectively aligned with their objectives and concerns. Process:The managers of the Charity Assets Trust will review each new idea (which has already been through our extensive in-house research process, see below) on a case by case basis. The merits of the investment case raised in the review process are considered alongside additional ESG metrics related to the responsible investment policy of the CAT. These include:
If a company breaches the Charity Assets Trust ethical screen, it is immediately excluded from purchase within the fund; a block on our in-house dealing system that can only be lifted by compliance ensures that we cannot invest in such a stock accidently. Where a stock passes the ethical criteria we have to provide evidence to compliance via MSCI ESG Manager, our third-party tool used to screen stocks, and store this evidence. We also understand that a company at point of purchase may not breach the ethical policy of the fund but over time it may do, via acquisitions, launching of new products, poor business practices or more. Therefore we review the holdings of the fund every quarter on MSCI to ensure they still comply with the ethical screen. Where a company has serious ongoing controversies or consistent breaches of the UN Global Compact, further detail is obtained on the severity and potential impact of these matters. At this point, a stock which does not necessarily breach the Charity Assets Trust’s ethical screen may be excluded from purchase if certain ESG issues are deemed to seriously conflict with the fund’s purpose and priorities. Where an investment is made in a company with an ESG rating of B or CCC, or which fails to comply with the principles of the UN Global Compact, we are committed to engaging with management teams to better understand the issues. If a stock is incorporated into portfolios, ESG risks and opportunities will then be raised in periodic conviction reviews as they continue to evolve. We look to engage with management of companies proactively, to continue to improve our understanding of the material ESG risks to the company, challenge their behaviour in relation to ESG and increase their awareness of regulatory and societal changes, all of which is likely to result in superior outcomes and returns for our clients. We do not short stocks, and therefore have a vested interest to work with management over the long term to improve their governance and oversight of ESG issues. Resources, Affiliations & Corporate Strategies:ESG across the firm Ruffer firmly believes that considering all relevant environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors associated with a company is vital to understanding its risks and opportunities. An advantage afforded by our single investment approach and in-house research is that ESG issues can be integrated throughout the investment process. We have a dedicated team who coordinate Ruffer’s ESG framework, led by Franziska Jahn-Madell, Director for Responsible Investment. Franziska and her team of 3 sit across our in-house research and fund management teams. They are complemented by two senior research analysts appointed as ESG representatives and 8 ESG ‘champions’ across the portfolio management teams to ensure full cohesion and integration from investment idea to implementation within portfolios.
Stewardship Direct communication with a company is a fundamental part of Ruffer’s investment effort. We meet with executives and board directors; we communicate with the company’s advisors; and we engage with other shareholders where appropriate. We regularly monitor and engage with companies on ESG issues including culture, board composition, succession planning, and remuneration, environmental and social responsibility that we perceive to affect their value. We generally support climate change related shareholder resolutions and have voted in matters concerning climate change, HFC emissions water scarcity and other environmental pollution. In terms of collaborative engagement, we have joined the Transition Pathway Initiative and Climate Action 100+, which assess how companies are preparing for the transition to a low-carbon economy. Ruffer is also a signatory to the:
For greater detail on our commitment to responsible investing and our recent engagement, please visit https://www.ruffer.co.uk/About/Responsible-investing.
SDR Labelling: Unlabelled with sustainable characteristics |