This was a Chatham House peer-to-peer discussion for asset owners such as pension funds and those involved in the governance of assets. 

Neil Mason, Assistant Director from the Surrey Pension Fund, joined Pensions for Purpose’s CEO Charlotte O’Leary in a fireside chat to talk about the pension fund’s adoption of the Impact Investing Principles for Pensions, how they have concluded a UN SDG mapping exercise across the portfolio and what they will be doing next. This was followed by a roundtable discussion with an opportunity for delegates to ask questions, share experiences and challenges that they face.  

Objective

To promote discussion, understanding and adoption of the Impact Investing Principles for Pensions as a good governance framework. 

Outcome

Delegates will be able to take the Impact Investing Principles for Pensions and examples of solutions back to their trustee boards for consideration in their own funds. 

Who was this event for?

Anyone involved in the governance of assets and pension funds such as trustees of corporate defined benefit plans, trustees of corporate defined contribution plans; master trusts; LGPS pensions managers and committee members, and in-house pension teams. Please note that this is an asset-owner only event, it is not suitable for asset managers or consultants. other than our forum sponsor, Tikehau Capital. 

Speaker biography

Neil Mason, Assistant Director, Surrey Pension Fund 

Neil leads the £5b+ Surrey Pension Fund, with over 110,000 members and more than 300 employers. 

Surrey is part of the Border to Coast asset pool, nearly qualifying as the 'Coast'. 

The Surrey Fund has been acknowledged for outstanding approach to risk management and governance in recent years and continues to strive for new ways to innovate and collaborate.  

It has also been recognised for its excellence in sustainable investing, winning accolades at the Pensions Age Awards, the LAPF Awards and the Public Finance Awards. 

Neil is a member of the PLSA Policy Board and Local Government Committee. He is also an independent member of the Local Pension Board at his old stamping ground, the London Borough of Hounslow. 

He is the father of twin-18-year old boys and a long suffering supporter of Queens Park Rangers. The inability to watch them live during lockdown was a blessing

Impact Investing Adopters Forum

                  

Forum sponsor

The Impact Investing Adopters Forum is a member forum of pension funds, investment consultants and fiduciary managers at the forefront of sustainable finance. Adopters have committed to the Impact Investing Institute’s Impact Investing Principles – and advancing the impact investing agenda. The Forum is run by Pensions for Purpose in partnership with the Impact Investing Institute to advance the principles, share best practice and encourage more pension funds to invest with a positive social and environmental impact. The forum is sponsored by Tikehau Capital.

To join the Impact Investing Adopters Forum please email Charlotte O’Leary.

Pensions for Purpose

Pensions for Purpose exists as a bridge between asset managers, pension funds and their professional advisers, to encourage the flow of capital towards impact investment. Our aim is to empower pension funds to seek positive impact opportunities and mitigate negative impact risks.

For more information, please email Charlotte O’Leary.