Schroders publishes Engagement Blueprint

Schroders has announced the launch of its Engagement Blueprint designed to set new standards on active ownership.

Schroders is introducing engagement objectives for its fund managers and analysts that will apply across the equities and fixed income desks and will form part of fund managers’ and analysts’ personal performance goals. The firm has written to companies in which it invests to highlight its Engagement Blueprint which sets six core themes: Climate Change, Corporate Governance, Diversity and Inclusion, Human Capital Management, Human Rights, Natural Capital and Biodiversity.

Fund managers and analysts can choose from the six core themes when considering their company interactions. Schroders say the increased emphasis on company engagements reflects the firm’s belief that active ownership can help in the generation of alpha for clients.

The engagements will be monitored by Rory Bateman, Co-Head of Investment and Head of Equities, alongside the Active Ownership team.

Andy Howard, Global Head of Sustainable Investment, Schroders, says: “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.”