There are three main approaches to screening investments:

• Positive & Negative Screening
• Best in class
• Engagement

These three different strategies can be used in combination or on their own when analysing a funds ethical/environmental credentials.

Ethical Screening

We all have values which are close to our heart, be it human rights, animal welfare, the environment and what better way to fulfil what you believe in than by financially supporting those companies that are committed to good working ethics and not those who aren’t. The way you invest can truly make a difference as ethical screening will look to Positively or Negatively screen funds.

Positive screening

Will look to support companies that engage in positive activities such as environmental conservation, community involvement, training and education etc.

Negative Screening

Will look to remove companies that support various practices such as the use of animals for testing products, armaments, tobacco, alcohol or where they have a poor human rights record.

Best in class approach.

In this instance the fund's manager works with and actively encourages the companies that they invest in to adopt or improve social, governance and environmental practices. This can involve meetings with senior management and voting at relevant shareholder meetings, i.e. Annual General Meetings.

Engagement

In this instance the fund's manager works with and actively encourages the companies that they invest in to adopt or improve social, governance and environmental practices. This can involve meetings with senior management and voting at relevant shareholder meetings, i.e. Annual General Meetings.