Responsible investment

We are investing in our vision to make the world a better place, and seek to align our investments with our values and purpose.

What is responsible investment?

Responsible investment is an investment strategy that integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into investment analysis and decisions. It recognises that environmental and social factors can have an impact on the financial value of an investment and also that investments have an impact on the world around us.

Our responsible investment policy

Our approach to investments is a key element of our commitment to social and civic responsibility, which underpins the University's Strategy 2030. This policy sets out our current and future commitments to sustainable and ethical investment. 

Divestment date

We do not invest in fossil fuels

We completed divestment from oil, gas, coal and tar sands in 2021.

8 million committed for social investment

The Social Investment Fund

The University is investing up to £8 million in socially positive causes.

Principles for Responsible Investment

The University has been a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) since 2013.

Responsible Investment FAQs

Aligning our investment approach with our values and mission.

Our progress to date

The University has been recognised for its leadership in responsible investing by several external organisations.

  • We have received consistently high PRI assessment scores in its annual reporting and was selected for the PRI Leaders Group in 2019 - the only UK FHE institution to achieve membership of the Group.
  • In their annual responsible investment benchmarking exercise, investment advisers Mercer graded the Endowment Fund ‘A’ and placed it in the top quartile in the UK, comparing with 245 funds.
  • Our progress was acknowledged at the Green Gown Awards, where we won the 'Money for Good' category in 2019, and received "highly commended a high commendation in 2022.

Transparency and reporting

The University reports regularly on its investments, asset managers and wider financial performance. As part of the Responsible Investment Policy review, the University has committed to: 

  • publish the first Social Impact report for the Social Investment Fund in Semester 1, 2025/26; and
  • publish the carbon footprint of the endowment fund annually, commencing 2026.

 University investments overseen by the Investment Committee are published biannually. Access them below.

Governance and Implementation

The governance structures supporting the University's investments are set out in detail in the Responsible Investment Policy Statement (2025).

  • The Investment Committee manages the Endowment Fund portfolio to meet its objectives, complying with the Responsible Investment Policy.

  • The Policy and Resources Committee sets the Terms of Reference for the Investment Committee and oversees its activities.

  • The Responsible Investment Advisory Group has been created to advise the Investment Committee on ethical and due diligence matters.

  • The University Executive can provide recommendations and proposals relating to investments but it is not a decision-making body for University investments.

This article was published on