Rarely does one sector offer opportunities to create social value, help meet net- zero goals, and deliver stable returns. But affordable housing holds that potential.

The UK grapples with critically low-levels of affordable housing. So, how can private investment be delivered to the sector sustainably?

This session brought stakeholders together to explore how institutional capital can help tackle the housing crisis, accelerate green development, target stable returns and be a driving force for positive change.

Jack Burnham, Head of Octopus Affordable Housing at Octopus Investments, covered:

• Why affordable housing matters to institutional investors.
• The scale of the need in the UK and the potential for improvement.
• How sustainable investing in the real estate sector can address social and environmental issues.

Who should attend?

This event was open to asset owners such as pension fund trustees, in-house executives and independent advisers, professional trustees, government representatives and consultants.

Sponsor

Speaker biography 

Jack Burnham, Head of Affordable Housing, Octopus Investments

Richard Giles, Senior Director and Community Lead, Pensions for Purpose

Richard is an experienced pension professional as a trustee and adviser. He has a portfolio of roles at Board and senior executive level reflecting his interests in education and investing for a better planet. His roles in the pensions area include Chair of Investment Committee for the £3.5bn United Utilities Pension Scheme, Vice Chair of the Board for the Scottish Teachers’ Pension Scheme and Senior Director for Pensions for Purpose.

In addition, Richard Chairs the Finance Committee for a Multi-Academy Trust of 20 schools in Bradford and is a board member at Bambisanani, a charity using sport to build bridges between students in the UK and South Africa.

His previous roles include as Managing Director of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme, Partner at PwC and Scheme Actuary at Mercer.

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.

Our Community allows members to learn from leaders in the impact investment industry. We provide a trusted environment to interact, collaborate and share knowledge. Members engage in a programme of activity to shape their strategy in ESG, sustainable and impact investments.

For more information, please email the Membership Manager.

View speaker slides here  

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Watch recording here