Ethical Investment and Finance

The University of Birmingham is committed to maintaining high environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards across its investment portfolios. The University and its external investment managers are signatories to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI), which defines responsible investment as a strategy and practice to incorporate ESG factors in investment decisions and active ownership.

The University has agreed to proactively pursue ethical fund options, where suitable investment vehicles are available, and where investment returns would be consistent with the University’s charitable objectives.

Our Responsible Investment Policy includes investment exclusion criteria regarding the following investment areas:

      • Tobacco
      • Armaments
      • Human Rights & Labour Standards
      • Oil & Mining Companies

Download our Responsible Investment Policy (Word - 77Kb)

Read more about our Responsible Investment Policy

The Responsible Investment Policy defines the commitment of the University to responsible investment. Its purpose is to detail the approach that the University aims to follow in integrating ESG issues in its investments and the Policy applies to the full scope of the investments held by the University. The Policy is also intended to be entirely consistent with the University’s duty to yield the best financial return within the level of risk considered to be acceptable by the University.

The Policy details three sets of principles which accord with the University’s values as a socially responsible institution:

  • The stewardship of the operations of its external fund managers.
  • ESG integration into its investment operations and governance practices.
  • Setting appropriate standards for all its investments through exclusions criteria that the University’s external investment managers are required to take into consideration when investing the University’s funds.

The Responsible Investment Policy is reviewed annually in collaboration with the University’s Sustainability Steering Group (SSG), which includes representatives from across the University, including student representation. SSG provides strategic advice to the University Executive Board (UEB) to develop and deliver a sustainability plan covering education and research locally, nationally and internationally as well as for a green campus. The University’s Strategic Planning & Resources Committee (SPRC) is responsible for final approval of the Responsible Investment Policy.

Learn more about how we invest

View more specific information about how the investment portfolio was chosen, and a breakdown of where investments go, on our investment portfolio and endowment fund page.