Answers: Self-assessment reviews; engagement policy/leverage policy; files or supports shareholder resolutions.
Quote1:
"since we began managing assets in 1996 our research process has taken relevant ESG factors into consideration, throughout our research review process as well as in engagement with company management. Our approach to ESG analysis is best described as integration, wherein material ESG risks and opportunities are a primary and transparent component of our fundamental investment analysis. We do not conduct explicit ESG screening – either positive or negative – as a primary ESG strategy, and instead we view integration as a more active approach to understanding ESG issues as potential drivers of long-term performance and profitability. We also view active ownership, as opposed to exclusion, as a valuable opportunity to leverage our role as long-term shareholders to encourage positive change. In line with these beliefs, while we have access to a variety of third-party ESG performance ratings, we view these as a supplemental resource to our own independent evaluation and resulting investment conviction, founded in a deep understanding of the companies and industries in which we invest."
Quote 2:
"We thoughtfully consider ESG factors in how we vote proxies on behalf of our clients. To support our proxy voting process, we subscribe to Institutional Shareholder Services’ (“ISS”) proxy monitoring and voting agent service, which includes informative ESG analysis inclusive of human rights matters. However, we retain ultimate authority for instructing ISS how to vote proxies, and apply our own proxy voting guidelines which reflect the values of our integrated ESG approach. If it appears that a material conflict of interest has arisen – especially regarding ESG and human rights – our guidelines include
procedures for addressing such conflicts, including deferral of the recommendation to ISS where appropriate."