The matrix assesses how LGPS Funds’ investment managers identify, integrate and manage ESG risks and opportunities in their mandates using five key assessment criteria. These are investment approach and framework, risk management, voting and engagement, reporting and collaboration.
The matrix reports the overall ESG capabilities for each mandate and specific areas for improvement and proposes actions to inform targeted engagement with the underlying investment managers.
It also provides a numerical score assigned under each criteria, an overall ESG score and a separate climate rating score. These scores allow for aggregation to the portfolio level while aiding comparability across investment mandates, potential benchmarking of LGPS funds. Finally, the ability to track progress over time is also enabled.
Urrffa Rafiq, National LGPS Lead at Isio said: “We are delighted to work with CIPFA to launch this approach for LGPS funds which have an important role in influencing positive changes in society through ESG investing. Given the continued focus on ESG, our approach to assessing an ESG manager’s capabilities is truly independent, transparent, highlights areas for improvement and recommends refinements that will be industry wide.”
Nicholas Harvey, Pensions and Treasury Advisor at CIPFA, added: “CIPFA has a long tradition of providing support and thought leadership to public bodies, including LGPS Funds, and we believe this ESG Investment Assessment Matrix provides full alignment and transparency against the current and expected regulatory requirements.
“LGPS funds having access to a truly independent assessment of investment managers’ ESG capabilities, that sets out tangible actions, can only lead to improvements that will add value and allow benchmarking across funds. We hope this drives positive change through the industry and wider society.”
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