Step 1: Gather information
The first step is to understand the charity’s starting point. You and the charity may need to gather information in order to understand:
1. Responsible Investment
2. The charity’s current investments
1. Responsible Investment
Charity trustees are likely to have a number of questions about Responsible Investment and you should have the information and resources to answer these effectively. Initial questions could include:
What is responsible investment?
Why should we invest responsibly?
How will it affect the financial performance of our investments?
Are we allowed to do it?
The glossary section of this website may help you and the charity to understand the terminology.
2. The charity’s current investments
It is also important for you and the charity to understand its current investment position and resources. This could include seeking clarification on:
- its current investment policy
- the size of investments
- where assets are invested
- whether any social, environmental or ethical issues are currently incorporated into investments
- whether the charity’s governing document includes any restrictions on investments
- the expertise available from staff and trustees
- who are the fund managers and what competencies can they offer
- what other charities (especially peers) are doing
