When we review an investment opportunity, we consider its social and environmental impact alongside an assessment of the financial merits of the business. The most attractive companies are those with a sustainable long-term business model with the potential to benefit society.
Read our ESG policyWe are a signatory of the UN Principles for Responsible Investment, which encourages transparent and evidence-based investment and stewardship. We are also a signatory to the Investing in Women Code, which aims to improve female entrepreneurs' access to tools, resources and finance.
Our investment process reviews potential reach and impact of innovations, including numbers of people and likely effect of an innovation on their lives. We consider the environmental impact and low carbon economy benefits and we look at potential employment impacts, including its diversity and equality.
Put basic accounting systems in place
Consider the whole approach to ESG and impact - whether A (avoids harm), B (benefits stakeholders) or C (contributes to solutions)
Put basic HR in place such as staff contracts
Put basic H&S guidelines to protect staff
Adopt basic HR and health & safety policies
D&O insurance, anti-corruption & bribery policy, GDPR policy
Establish the ESG and / or impact expectations the finance provider
Establish whether there are any specific environmental or social risks to be mitigated or managed
Decide on the company’s position on creating positive impact whether as a deliberate and intentional focus or primarily as a mapping exercise
Understand the direct environmental footprint of the company particularly greenhouse gas emissions, water usage and waste, and decide what needs to be monitored, and potential offsets
Understand the social and environmental risks in the supply chain and consider effect on sourcing decisions
Consider whether the marketing and branding or the product or service will have an ESG or impact component
Put more formal ESG policies in place, reflecting identification, management and reporting of risk in key areas
Consider diversity, equity and inclusion strategy
Undertake ESG due diligence on suppliers, include commitments on ESG in contracts
Articulate the positive impact of operations
Identify beneficiaries, depth of impact, company contribution to that impact
Map impacts against SDGs
Select metrics for reporting on Es and impact to employees, customers, investors and wider stakeholders
Decide whether to set targets in any area
Consider the individuals and organisations that have interest in or influence on your company, and plan how best to engage with and report to them
Prepare the annual financial report and consider whether to include ESG and impact narrative, case studies or date
Consider diversity and inclusion for Board appointments
Review the ESG risks to assess whether any new risks have emerged as a result of the expansion of operations
External Audit and Audit & Remuneration Committees
Code of Ethics and / or Code of Conduct when >100 employees
Periodic customer and stakeholder satisfaction surveys
To ensure healthy lives and promote well-being
To promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work
To build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation
To make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
To ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote learning opportunities
To achieve gender equality
To reduce inequality
To ensure responsible consumption and production