Schroders is set to introduce engagement objectives for fund managers and analysts as part of its new ‘Engagement Blueprint’.
The objectives will be applicable to both the equities and fixed income desks, and will form individual performance goals for the asset manager’s analysts and fund managers.
Six key themes are set out within the Engagement Blueprint, covering climate change, corporate governance, diversity and inclusion, human capital management, human rights, natural capital and biodiversity.
Analysts and fund managers will consider these themes as part of their interactions with investee companies.
Schroders global head of sustainable investment, Andy Howard, said: “We are in an era of transition in many key areas, including climate change, equality, diversity and many more.
“Old ways of working are being upended and companies, more than ever, will need to adapt to thrive. As active managers, we have a critical role to play in supporting that transition. Engagement is one of the important tools we can use to influence the companies in which we invest.”
Head of active ownership, Kimberly Lewis, added: “As a global active asset manager, we are able to influence corporate behaviour through constructive and committed engagement with the companies and assets we invest in. Active ownership is a key element of the value we bring to our clients.
“Social and environmental forces are reshaping societies, economies, industries and financial markets. By encouraging management teams to adapt to those changes, we are able to strengthen the long-term value of those assets, enhancing outcomes for clients, and to accelerate positive change towards a fairer and sustainable global economy.”
Lewis said the launch of its Engagement Blueprint “sets out what active ownership means at Schroders, how we engage with the companies in which we invest and what our clients can expect from us”.
Schroders has written to the companies it invests in and its clients to inform them about the blueprint.
Co-head of investments and head of equities, Rory Bateman will be responsible for the close monitoring of all engagements, with the support of the active ownership team.
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