USS has a number of processes in place to identify collaborative engagement opportunities.  We will initiate collaborative engagement where we feel that our actions will be stronger as part of such a collaboration. 

We are active members of a range of organisations which support collaborative engagement:  the PRI, IIGCC,  CA100+ and the Transition Pathway Initiative.  Through these organisations we have engaged on issues such as climate change, palm oil, supply chain management and cyber-crime.   USS is a member of a number of Corporate Governance initiatives that provide a forum to discuss corporate governance issues,  such as the Investor Forum, ACGA, GIGN, ACSI, Corporate Governance Forum, ICGN, UK Pension Fund Forum, Eumedion, PLSA.  We also utilise research and analysis produced by other research bodies and campaign groups, with whom we generally maintain effective and mutually beneficial relationships. 

Please see SG9, SG10 and SG14 for further examples.

Objectives for collaborative engagements and the associated time frames are normally defined as part of the engagement by the participating investors and therefore we do not have a rigid process for doing this.  However these key factors are discussed internally prior to a decision being made about USS participation.  The level of USS participation will vary based on our exposure to the topic and companies impacted.