Pension Fund Managers Legal Duties and Climate Risk

June 29, 2016

Frances Lawson will speak at a seminar next week organised jointly between ClientEarth and ShareAction entitled Clarifying Legal Duties – the implications for pensions and climate risk.

The event is being held to celebrate the two-year anniversary of the Law Commission’s 2014 review, Fiduciary Duties of Investment Intermediaries. In this report, the Law Commission examined the fiduciary duties of investment intermediaries. A central concern was the legal duties of pension trustees when they make investment decisions. In particular, how far may (or must) trustees consider the financial implications of environmental, social and governance factors?

The focus will be on the implications of the Law Commission’s review for trustees and fund managers, particularly in relation to their ability to incorporate the financial risks associated with climate change in investment decisions. Speakers will discuss the progress made in the two years following the review, whether the recommendations made should receive legislative attention and next steps in terms of achieving clarity on trustees’ legal duties and climate risk.

The event to be held on Tuesday 5th July will feature a welcome address by Stuart O’Brien (partner, Sackers) then lead into a keynote speech from David Hertzell, the former Law Commissioner who led the 2014 review. This will be followed by a panel discussion between Janice Turner (Founding Co-Chair, Association of Member Nominated Trustees), Mike Clark (Director of Responsible Investment, Russell Investments), George Latham (Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer, WHEB), Catherine Howarth (Chief Executive, ShareAction) and Frances Lawson (Barrister, Six Pump Court). The event will conclude with drinks.

For more information including a detailed agenda and to book click here