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.

The University has also published a Responsible Investment Policy (Word - 77Kb) on the University’s website.

The University’s Responsible Investment Policy includes investment exclusion criteria regarding the following investment areas:

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

Investment Managers

The University’s Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO), JP Morgan, oversees the investment funds of the University, working to agreed investment mandates. The University also invests in private market funds with separate investment mandates. In developing these mandates the University sets a fundamental guiding principle that the OCIO and investment managers must invest in compliance with the University’s Responsible Investment Policy. During our regular performance reviews we consider the OCIO and investment managers’ application of ESG policies in making investment decisions.

Investing in Fossil Fuels

We are committed to transitioning to a sustainable future and a low carbon world in line with the Paris Agreement, and work with similarly minded businesses which enables us to influence change. The University’s indirect investment in fossil fuel related companies represents less than 0.5% of the University’s investment assets as at 30 April 2024. The current indirect investment in fossil fuel related companies is less than £1m.

Further Information

For staff and students, there is more specific information on how the investment portfolio was chosen and a breakdown of where investments go in our investment portfolio and endowment fund page.