What is responsible investing?
At Sky Trust, we define responsible investing (RI) as an investment process that incorporates environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into its approach. RI enables clients to align their investments with global megatrends that are changing the investment landscape. Issues such as increasing regulation, the growing need for risk mitigation and a heightened social conscience can be more effectively addressed by integrating ESG factors into the investment process.
Why is responsible investing important?
ESG can allow firms to foster a meaningful change in the global economy, and in the communities in which we live and work. We believe that ESG analysis leads to more effective investment solutions that address global challenges and create sustainable value for our clients.
The integration of ESG factors is used to enhance traditional financial analysis by identifying potential risks and opportunities beyond technical valuations, providing data on issues such as potential reputational risk or identifying firms which are adapting to meet new market challenges. It is important to note that the main objective of ESG integration remains financial performance.
Our approach to responsible investment
1. ESG integration
We believe that high-quality companies which manage ESG risks and opportunities well will make attractive long-term investments. Our research team considers ESG factors when evaluating individual companies and when they assess fund managers. Through the use of Sustainalytics, a third-party provider of ESG data, material risks and opportunities are fed into traditional financial analysis and models for our ‘buy list’ stocks.
Our research team address ESG issues in due diligence questionnaires for all funds considered for our buy list. The team also has a dedicated socially responsible investing (SRI) list for funds with a sustainability focus, and with restrictions on investment in harmful activities. The SRI list helps our investment managers select funds which aim to deliver attractive investment returns while contributing positively to global environmental and social challenges.
2. Ethical screening
During suitability discussions with their investment manager, clients can choose to apply certain ethical screening criteria to their portfolio. Clients can select certain restrictions for direct holdings, and portfolios are then created and managed to reflect these restrictions
3. Engagement and stewardship
Brewin Dolphin is committed to being a good steward of our clients’ investments, to enhance and protect their long-term value. We are supporters of the UK Stewardship Code and have a tier one rating for our engagement work.
For each core holding, our research team will monitor and engage with company management on priority material issues that impact the value of our clients’ assets, which include material ESG issues. This can be done directly or via collective engagement with other shareholders.
Reporting
We report on all of our stewardship, engagement and responsible investment activities at least annually. Details of these reports will be available on our website.
Conflicts of interest
Conflicts of interest may arise from our responsible investment activities. Any such conflicts will be recorded, considered, and dealt with in line with Sky Trust conflicts of interest policy. All colleagues are regularly trained to identify and address potential conflicts of interest.
Approval and review
This statement is intended to summarise Sky Trust approach to responsible investment. Overall responsibility for this approach is held by the Sustainability Committee, which reports to the Executive Committee. It was reviewed and approved by the Sustainability Committee in December 2020. Our responsible investment statement will be reviewed and updated at least annually.
Key dimensions of our ESG assessment of corporations and countries
Integrating ESG considerations into our investment process
Our commitments include incorporating ESG factors into our investment decisions,
starting with the
due diligence of potential investments through to the exit process. We tailor ESG due diligence to
each investment, and we create post-investment remediation plans for material ESG considerations.
For all potential investments, we use internal experts and a variety of ESG frameworks to identify
material ESG factors and utilize external consultants where appropriate. This analysis includes
everything from ensuring environmental, legal and regulatory compliance to the identification of
opportunities to add value or mitigate risk in our portfolio. Our investment teams use an ESG due
diligence guideline to ensure consideration of material ESG risks and opportunities.
These teams
then provide a detailed memorandum to the Investment Committee outlining the merits of the
transaction and disclosures relating to risks, including material ESG issues, and potential
mitigation strategies. All investments made by Sky Trust must be approved by the Investment Committee
and must incorporate ESG matters into their evaluation, including anti-bribery and corruption,
health and safety, and other ESG considerations.
Upon company acquisition, we create a tailored integration plan to ensure that
all material matters,
including ESG risks and opportunities are prioritized. ESG risks and opportunities are actively
managed by the portfolio companies with guidance from our in-house investment teams, primarily
through representation on company boards and equivalent oversight bodies where all financial,
operational, and strategic elements of the business are reported, considered, and where appropriate,
approved. This allows us to draw on local expertise, which provides valuable insight given the wide
range of asset types and locations in which we invest. Certain key performance indicators, such as
serious safety incidents, are reported regularly to the applicable board or other oversight body.
Areas of Focus
Sky Trust is committed to advancing economic and social mobility for our underserved communities by focusing on:
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Supporting vulnerable populations by partnering with organizations that provide professional development, life skills, and educational opportunities.
EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
Partnering with organizations providing access to housing, transportation and those working to decrease the digital divide.
EDUCATION & FINANCIAL LITERACY
Fosters economic opportunities for youth by collaborating with strategic partners specializing in education and financial literacy.
A SUSTAINABLE TOMORROW
Sky Trust is committed to building sustainable, diverse and inclusive organizations in communities where we work and live.