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The social pillar in ESG (environmental, social, and governance) assesses a organisation’s impact on people and society. It covers labour practices, diversity and inclusion, human rights and community engagement. Prioritising social responsibility not only benefits society but also mitigates risks, strengthens reputation, and creates long-term value for businesses and investors.

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The good transition plan: Climate action strategy development guidance for banks and lending institutions: COP26-version

Climate Safe Lending Network
This guide is designed for banks and lending institutions to assist in the creation of a climate action strategy. The report analyses the challenges and solutions to financing transitions towards a climate-safe world, outlining a comprehensive seven-element framework, key tools for measuring alignment with Paris Goals, and numerous sector guidelines.
Research
1 February 2022

Catalysing bank climate action: Lessons from the inside

Climate Safe Lending Network
This report shares insights from the Climate Safe Lending Fellowship, a programme for banking professionals committed to accelerating the decarbonisation of their institutions. The report offers practical approaches and tools used by climate intrapreneurs to help their banks transition toward climate-safe banking.
Research
28 June 2022

The third, systems stage of corporate governance: Why institutional investors need to move beyond modern portfolio theory

The authors of this paper argue that institutional investors need to move beyond Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT), and consider a wider risk management strategy. The paper outlines the potential failings of MPT and suggests ways for institutional investors to better align with the needs of society and the economy.
Research
1 February 2018

Prosperity without growth: The transition to a sustainable economy

The authors of this report argue that society's pursuit of economic growth has been detrimental to the environment and economic sustainability. The report challenges traditional thinking around the benefits of growth and argues for a new macro-economics for sustainability.
Research
27 March 2009

The implications of behavioural science for effective climate policy

Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations
This report explores the implications of behavioural science for effective climate policy and focuses on eight main sectors, such as diet change, adaptation and aviation, with recommendations for further empirical research. The report underscores the importance of understanding human behaviour and how insights can be used in climate policy development for effective implementation.
Research
11 September 2023

Investor primer to transition risk analysis

Kepler Cheuvreux
This report focuses on scenario analysis as a tool for assessing climate and energy transition risks that traditional financial analysis may not capture. It gives insight into the conceptual and methodological underpinnings of scenario analysis, drawing on models from The CO-Firm and KECH climate research.
Research
31 January 2018

Investing in the living wage: A toolkit for responsible investors

ShareAction
This toolkit details low pay risks for investors, particularly in industries such as retail, hospitality, and care homes. The toolkit urges investors to proactively tackle low pay issues by promoting the Living Wage through collaborative engagement, integrating ESG concerns into policies and guidelines, and encouraging incentive schemes in this area.
Research
26 September 2020

A sewing kit for living wages: Pathways to living wages in global garment supply chains

Oxfam
The report provides a roadmap for textile brands to commit and implement living wages in their supply chains, as well as explain the importance of providing decent wages to workers.
Research
4 September 2017

G-20: Data enhancement and coordination in SME finance

The World Bank
This report examines small and medium enterprise finance indicators collected by development finance institutions. The analysis reveals the limits of SME finance data and underscores the need for better coordination and more gender-disaggregated data. Recommendations include a common collection approach and joint data-sharing of core indicators.
Research
23 April 2020

Inclusive business financing: Where commercial opportunity and sustainability converge

Credit Suisse
This report explores how best to finance inclusive businesses, which have gained prominence for reducing poverty and inequality in developing countries. Drawing on case studies from across Asia, it examines bank debt and private equity as conduits for financing, and offers recommendations for improving the financing of inclusive businesses.
Research
12 June 2018

Rules of the game: An introduction to the standards-related work of the International Labour Organization

International Labour Organisation (ILO)
This report introduces the standards-related work of the International Labour Organization, aimed at improving labour conditions and protecting workers' rights worldwide. It describes the processes for adopting labour standards and includes an outline of the topics covered by these standards, along with a discussion of their benefits.
Research
12 July 2019

Greenlight or gaslight? The transition minerals dilemma for Australia

Jubilee Australia
This report highlights the risks associated with the global dependency on transition minerals for a carbon-free future. It explores potential oversupply and undersupply risks, supply chain ethics, and the environmental impacts of mining such minerals in Australia.
Research
3 May 2023

Shopping for a bargain: How the purchasing practices of clothing brands in Australia impact the women who make our clothes

Oxfam
This report examines the purchasing practices of clothing brands operating in Australia and highlights the impact on women workers in the countries where clothing is made. It calls on brands to publish a plan and commitment to ensuring a living wage for workers throughout their supply chains.
Research
25 November 2020

Intentionally designed endowment primer

Intentional Endowments Network
This primer provides insight into aligning endowment investments with institutional missions while considering sustainability. The report includes strategic questions, background, examples, and relevant research. Intended for fiduciaries, this primer encourages institutional acceptance and deployment of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria to facilitate profitable sustainability while advancing social purpose.
Research
29 August 2019

Study on sustainability - related ratings, data and research

European Commission
This study on sustainability-related ratings, data and research seeks to explore the sustainability data landscape and the issues related to the assessment and evaluation of sustainability performance. It examines various sustainability-related rating systems, methodologies, and data providers, with insights from asset managers, asset owners, and benchmark administrators.
Research
26 August 2021

Do androids dream of responsible investment? Exploring responsible investment in the age of information

ShareAction
This report provides insight into the emerging responsible investment risks surrounding technology. The report covers four key areas of concern; bias and discrimination, manipulation and influencing behaviour, big tech and market dominance, and automation and the future of work, alongside case studies and recommended questions for asset owners.
Research
16 April 2020
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