2. Who we are University Principal Corporate Services Group VP Nigel Paul Procurement Karen Bowman Social Responsibility & Sustainability Dave Gorman Estates and Buildings Angus Currie Colleges Heads of College SASG Sec Sarah Smith IS VP Jeff Hayward

3. What we do We will understand and identify practical and strategic opportunities that will enable the University to respond to a changing world. Facilitating and encouraging collaboration across the University, Using research and development to pre-empt emerging challenges, treating the University as a living laboratory, Supporting the development of transparent, evidence based strategy, policy and best practice, and Leading and innovating in our sector and across the globe.

4. Immediate priorities Start up, recruitment, processes and connections Review of the SRS strategy (what does SRS mean?) Review of the climate action plan Embedding SRS into learning and teaching Developing a plan to coordinate SRS communications UN Principles of Responsible Investment

5. University of Edinburgh endowment funds (2013)

6. University of Cambridge combined endowment funds (2011)

7. Harvard University endowment funds (2011)

8. University of Edinburgh endowment funds (2013)

10. What is responsible investment Socially Responsible Investment Policy at the University since 2003 The University would respond if an activity "was wholly contrary to the University’s value systems”, based on: – Mission Statement and Goals – Corporate Plan – Wider issues of social, environmental and humanitarian concern

11. What are the UN Principles of Responsible Investment? First university in Europe to sign the UN PRI Requires the University to consider environmental, social and corporate governance issues in its investment practices

12. What we have committed to do 1.Undertake a Peer Review 2.Develop a statement of Investment Beliefs 3.Create a plan to amend and review the responsible investment policy This consultation is the next stage in turning the University’s commitment into reality.

13. Contrasting views

14. Where the endowment is invested

15. Main Elements of the consultation paper Principles to inform decision making Strategic approach to investment Avoidance of investment ‘in principle’ Organisational and policy changes

16. Seek to maximise the opportunities to utilise its endowment funds to further its mission to advance human knowledge and benefit society, and to support its students Take a long-term view of its investment approach, fully informed by the need for financial sustainability, wealth creation, ethical developments, environmental sustainability and public and social value No investment choices will be made which threaten the long-term viability of the University as an ongoing institution or undermine its core academic freedom In making, managing and reporting on its investment choices, the University should be open and transparent about the reasoning behind its choices, and the approaches it has adopted to inform its activities Principles to inform decision making

17. Seek to maximise its opportunities to act as an agent for change, to encourage a wealthier and fairer, smarter and healthier, greener and safer, and stronger society, ensuring that it considers the potential impact of investment choices as drivers for positive change where possible Seek to ensure it receives a wide range of advice and consults widely before it makes substantial changes to its responsible investment approach The University reserves the right to avoid investing in particular types of activities which are fundamentally incompatible with the mission of the university to benefit society as a whole. Principles to inform decision making

18. UN PRI commitments Incorporate ESG issues into investment analysis and decision-making processes. Be active owners and incorporate ESG issues into ownership policies and practices. Seek appropriate disclosure on ESG issues from the entities invested in. Promote acceptance and implementation of the Principles within Work together to enhance our effectiveness in implementing the Principles the investment industry. Report on activities and progress towards implementing the Principles

19. Strategic approach to investment Investment in companies and funds which contribute to a wealthier and fairer, smarter and healthier, greener and safer and stronger global society Direct investment in university activities and objectives e.g. renewable energy generation- on –site or off-site, climate emissions reduction, energy efficiency etc. Direct investment in a range of ‘start-up’ innovative companies or social investments linked to identified social responsibility themes, perhaps using concepts such as social impact bonds Avoid investment in sectors or companies failing to reach recognised standards

20. It’s a journey… Currently, seeking wide range of views This process part of a longer-term journey Looking for best practice and evidence Decisions to follow….

21. Visit the consultation webpage at www.edin.ac/1dWzhf8 www.edin.ac/1dWzhf8 Follow the instructions on that page – you can submit your answers using an online form or by email. Dave.Gorman@ed.ac.uk How to give your views