In relation to collective investment schemes our focus is on the manager selection process. We assess managers, including during interviews, based on their adherence to CSR/RPI policies and also have a specific section in our due diligence checklist which covers ESG issues.
Following investment, we monitor these metrics on an ongoing basis as part of our regular dialogue and assessment of the manager. Given the number of funds we invest in and the number of fund managers that we work with, we have the advantage of being able to see numerous policies and procedures in place and believe that we therefore have a good overview of market best practice. Where we believe that improvements can be made in any of these areas, or if we believe a fund is not meeting industry best practice, we work with the fund manager wherever possible, and rally other investors if necessary, to ensure that any concerns are addressed. Our regular dialogue ensures that these important issues remain high on fund managers’ agendas and at the forefront of their investment decisions and processes.