Pensions Research Methodology
Methodology Overview
EIRIS recently contacted the top 100 UK occupational pension schemes and invited them to take part in an online survey to find out the extent to which they incorporate ESG (environmental, social and governance) issues such as human rights, poverty and climate change into their investment process. There was a 40% response rate.
A key question asked was whether or not each fund’s Statement of Investment Principles takes ESG issues into consideration. The majority of respondees answered ‘yes’ to this question. However, the extent to which funds integrate ESG issues varies considerably. The remainder of the survey therefore sought to establish to what extent ESG issues are incorporated into each fund’s investment strategy and how involved trustees and scheme members are in the development and implementation of this strategy.
Questions were also asked about the use of positive and negative screens; divestment; the ESG experience of fund managers; engagement; voting and membership of any relevant SRI (socially responsible investment) organisations, charters or initiatives.
The questions required simple ‘yes’/‘no’ answers and the results are presented in a straightforward, unrated way.
In the case of non-responding schemes, we direct users/scheme members to our guide Next Steps – Pensions for more information on contacting their scheme and the questions they should be asking of their pension scheme. We also provide contact details for each of the top 100 occupational funds.
