Schroders launches engagement “blueprint”

Schroders has published a new set of guidelines on active ownership and targets on engagement for equity and bond fund managers and analysts.

This “engagement blueprint” is designed to further integrate sustainability into the company’s processes and focus on active ownership across client portfolios.

The blueprint sets six core themes: Climate change, Corporate governance, Diversity and inclusion, Human capital management, Human rights, and Natural capital and biodiversity.

Fund managers and analysts can choose from the six core themes, as set out in the blueprint, when considering the companies they invest in or interact with interactions. This increased emphasis on engagement reflects the asset manager’s belief that active ownership can generate alpha for clients.

Engagements will be closely monitored by Rory Bateman, co-head of investment and head of equities, alongside the active ownership team.

Kimberley Lewis, head of active ownership, at Schroders, said: “Social and environmental forces are reshaping societies, economies, industries and financial markets. By encouraging management teams to adapt to those changes, we are able to strengthen the long-term value of those assets, enhancing outcomes for clients, and to accelerate positive change towards a fairer and sustainable global economy.”