Step 4: Implement Responsible Investment
The implementation stage is about ensuring the Responsible Investment policy is effectively translated into investments.
Clarifying roles and communicating policy
Implementation is often delegated to staff and fund managers. It is crucial that trustees should:
- be clear about the roles of trustees, staff, investment committees, fund managers and advisers
- take time to explain the policy and ensure its intentions are clearly communicated.
Selecting funds and fund managers
You should investigate whether your current fund managers can incorporate your Responsible Investment requirements. A key part of this process is asking fund managers about their Responsible Investment competencies and experience.
You may decide to review the services provided by other fund managers to select the most appropriate option.
The Funds and Fund Managers section will help you to:
- find information on the Responsible Investment services provided by a range of fund managers
- find details of pooled investment funds (such as common investment funds) that incorporate Responsible Investment criteria of relevance to your charity
- gather suggestions of the questions to ask fund managers
Once a fund manager has been selected you should ensure that clear instructions have been delegated and that the implementation of the policy is reviewed. You may wish to set a timetable for future reviews of the policy and its implementation, and the steps for incorporating review results.
