For the role of RI accountability, at the highest level this responsibility is anchored with our Board of Directors and primarily implemented through the relevant Group Policies.
For the role of RI oversight/accountability as well as RI procedures, these responsibilities are anchored with our ESG Committee. The Committee, which meets regularly, sets the direction of our in-house ESG and RI initiatives. Represented on this Committee are senior members of the Portfolio Management, Legal and Global Client teams, including two members of the 5-person executive management team of CWW AM.
The primary purpose of the committee is as follows:
- To evaluate screenings provided by external engagement service provider (Sustainalytics)
- To follow up and take a position on developments or lack of same in current engagements, and to do so both in collaboration and dialogue with the relevant portfolio managers
- To establish the framework for responsible investing at CWW AM and to coordinate and prioritise all relevant initiatives
- To ensure a continuing development and implementation of PRI in all products, portfolio management and workflows
For the role of RI implementation responsibilities, this is anchored primarily with the investment team and the portfolio managers responsible for integrating ESG. This includes actively monitoring our screening efforts and researching and engaging with companies where there are material issues which could affect the long-term fundamental investment case of the company.