15 September 2021
To what extent will an increased focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) improve member outcomes?
Changes made in 2018 to the Occupational Pension Schemes (Investment) Regulations 2005 required that pension scheme trustees outline their ESG policy in their Statement of Investment Principles (‘SIP’). The European Union later introduced the Shareholder Rights Directive II which has necessitated further disclosures since October 2020¹. Pension schemes are not the only entities affected by ESG reporting as companies are required to make reports in accordance with the Taskforce for Climate Related Financial Disclosures (‘TCFD’). The Financial Reporting Council (‘FRC’) also recommends that public interest entities report against the disclosures of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (‘SASB’)². It is clear that there is an increased focus on ESG principles. Appropriately implemented, ESG policies can improve outcomes for members - both as employees and as pension scheme beneficiaries.
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