Responsible Investment Policy
1. Introduction
1.1 Goodenough College (the charity) is an incorporated charity that provides award-winning
accommodation in central London for postgraduate students from around the world. It offers
its residents a strong sense of community built around a high quality collegiate experience at
a price that is lower than the private rental sector but higher than conventional university
accommodation. It is underpinned by the values of ‘common eating and common living’.
1.2 Goodenough College is a welcoming, diverse and supportive community. Our core
values of Tolerance, Respect, Understanding, Service and Togetherness are at the
heart of our mission, vision and activities along with our commitment to our
Environmental Policy.
1.3 Our community comprises resident Members and their families, staff (including contracted
staff), Trustees and Fellows, visitors, Alumni and those whom we work with. In the case of
those who provide investment management services, the College delegates to the manager
the responsibility to ensure that investments are made in line with the College’s values.
1.4 The College’s investment policy is a reflection of its charitable objects which are: to organise,
encourage and assist the education in England of students (“Resident members of the
College”) from any part of the world, giving preference to students from The Commonwealth
(with priority for students from those nations less able from time to time to provide resources
and facilities of their own). We expect our investment policy to at best promote, at least
support, but certainly not be contrary to the College’s support for its members, particularly
those from nations less able to provide wider resources and facilities of their own.
2. Values
2.1 Our values can be understood as follows:
Tolerance
We uphold the principle of freedom of speech – members of our community debate
openly, respectfully, with civility and generosity, challenge their own beliefs and
assumptions and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.
Respect
We expect members of our inclusive and culturally diverse community to act with the
highest ethical standards and to respect the rights, differences and dignity of all, inside
and outside the College.
Understanding
We value other people and the contributions they make to the College. Our strong
collegiate community is built on openness, empathy, listening, understanding,
cooperation, integrity and working together.
Service
We have a proud tradition of nurturing and supporting all talent, regardless of background
and circumstances. In the spirit of service, we are building a network of global citizens with
the ability and commitment to improve lives locally, nationally and internationally.
Togetherness
Community and neighbourliness is important to us. We understand that what we do can have
an impact on our local community and the wider world, which is why we take our social,
economic and environmental responsibilities seriously.
3. Environmental policy
3.1 Our Environmental policy promotes environmental sustainability amongst College Members
and staff with a commitment to minimising the environmental impact of College activity, both
directly and indirectly.
4. Integrated approach
4.1 The College does not specific exclusions but expects its investment portfolios to have a
well developed and integrated policy relating to ESG and active ownership. Any
investment manager appointed by the College is expected to demonstrate an
understanding of how this will be delivered.
4.2 It is more important to avoid holding companies with an egregious record (when compared with
the College’s values) and judgement will be required for choices made. Companies breeching
the UN Global Compact are of particular sensitivity.
5. Monitoring and reporting
5.1 In order to monitor effectively this policy the Finance Committee will require regular reports on
the exposures to different the ESG factors, together with the top ten individual companies.
5.2 One meeting a year will be include a thorough review of:
• responsible investment performance
• details of voting and engagement activities
• reporting on the environmental impact of the portfolio
• reporting on the social impact of the portfolio.
Approved by the Board of Trustees
30 July 2024