We believe the purpose of investment should be to direct capital to socially and environmentally useful activity, to create social as well as economic value, and to help address societal challenges; rather than to focus on short-term financial returns. We are a long-term investor and steward of our investee companies and enterprises.  

Our strategy is shaped around the concept of a ‘4D economy’ that will:

• Decarbonise the economy to tackle climate change, keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius and ensure a planet that is habitable for future generations, ensuring that this transition to a low-carbon future is fair and equitable;
• Decentralise the economy to build a fair and sustainable system where people can create and retain value locally and focus on the well-being of their community;
• Democratise the economy to ensure communities and workers have power, ownership and control of the assets and businesses that sit at the heart of society; and
• Diversify the economy to address social and economic injustices.

Friends Provident Foundation has been involved in social investing since 2007, investing in a variety of instruments, including loans, bonds, equity, community shares and funds. In June 2022, trustees approved a new target investment portfolio and transition plan that will see our allocation to social investing increase from 10% of the endowment to 33%.

To find out more about our approach to social investing or to discuss an investment opportunity, please view our website or reach out to James Anthony.