The ShareAction Survey is a benchmarking study, looking at whether the UK’s largest asset managers invest responsibility and demonstrate transparency. The 2015 Survey looked at the largest 33 asset managers in the UK and scored them according to an analysis of their responsible investment practices.

The survey took the following into consideration: Threadneedle is a founding signatory of the UN sponsored Principles of Responsible Investment (PRI) and signatory to the UK’s Stewardship Code; it launched the Low Carbon Workplace Fund in 2010 and the UK Social Bond Fund last year. The Low Carbon Workplace fund is an institutional fund set up by Threadneedle Investments in March 2010, in partnership with the Carbon Trust and property developer Stanhope to develop and manage affordable energy efficient office buildings.

The UK Social Bond fund was launched in partnership with Big Issue Invest and is the first mainstream investment vehicle that aims to achieve both an investment return and a positive social outcome by investing in bonds issued by organisations that support socially beneficial activities and economic development in the UK.

Iain Richards, head of governance and responsible investment at Threadneedle Investments, said: “We have an integrated approach to Governance and Responsible Investment (GRI) that is embedded within our investment approach. This recognition is really a testament to the culture of collaboration, buy-in and teamwork we have across our investment teams and the capability that provides us with. It’s not just our mainstream funds that benefit, but the range of specialist responsible investment mandates that we run alongside them for clients. It’s this capability and culture that also allows us to innovate and deliver unique solutions for our clients, including the Low Carbon Workplace Fund and the UK Social Bond Fund.”