Barclays UK Pension Fund Commits to Responsible Investment
The Barclays UK Retirement fund (BUKRF) has signed up to the United Nations supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), becoming the first UK bank pension fund to do so.
Signing up to the principles commits the fund to incorporating environmental, social and governance issues (ESG) into its investment decision-making, being an active share owner and report annually on its activities and progress in implementing the principles.
We see a long-term, strategic approach, incorporating environmental, social and governance factors into the investment process, as not only good for society, but also as a proven way to deliver superior, more sustainable returns for our members.
Tony Broccardo, BUKRF Chief Investment Officer
The PRI, launched less than a decade ago, has 1,400 signatories worldwide, of which nearly 300 are asset owners like BUKRF. The six principles require signatories to:
- incorporate ESG issues into investment analysis and decision-making processes
- be active owners and incorporate ESG issues into ownership policies and practices
- seek appropriate disclosure on ESG issues by the entities in which they invest
- promote acceptance and implementation of the principles within the investment industry
- work together to enhance signatories’ collective effectiveness in implementing the principles, and
- report on activities and progress towards implementing the principles.
Commenting on today’s announcement, BUKRF Chief Investment Officer, Tony Broccardo, said: “We see a long-term, strategic approach, incorporating environmental, social and governance factors into the investment process, as not only good for society, but also as a proven way to deliver superior, more sustainable returns for our members.
“The Trustees of the BUKRF are fully committed to the UN initiative, and we look forward to playing our part, alongside other major global investors, in making the case for a longer-term, more sustainable approach to investing.”
