How we consider ESG factors when making investment decisions.
Our acknowledgement
Rathbones recognises that human rights are a critical issue for businesses worldwide, and we are committed to making a positive impact in this area.
To formalise this commitment, 2024 marked a pivotal step as we developed our Human Rights Statement, which outlines our approach to respecting human rights. We also developed a roadmap for embedding human rights considerations systematically into our practices over time.
Engaging our suppliers
We believe that we have the responsibility to engage with our supplier partners across their material environment, social and governance (ESG) issues.
We manage this through our supplier management framework, which includes a checklist of criteria on which we track supplier activity and prioritise engagement. This includes matters ranging from business continuity to our suppliers ethical standards.
As a UK-based business working with hundreds of suppliers, we believe that we can promote the change we want to see. For example, we engage our key suppliers through our ESG supplier questionnaire. We also include net zero or modern slavery related issues as part of our standard contract review process.
Modern slavery
Our work against modern slavery is part of our approach to human rights and it is also reflected in the work we do as a responsible investor. We partner with Justice and Care to support the fight against this brutal crime, and help survivors.
As a UK-based financial services business, Rathbones Group has a low risk of modern slavery within its employee base and direct supply chain. Whilst we recognise there may be risk further down our supply chain, we continue to follow a risk-based approach to our supply chain and focus on those suppliers with whom we have a direct link.
To support our supplier-based activities, our supplier manager oversees our procurement hub. This includes our policy guides, FAQs and our e-learning directory contains a training module on procurement and supplier management for all Rathbones employees.
We will not tolerate child or forced labour. This includes our direct employees, our suppliers /partners and through the investments we make on behalf of our clients.
Our Modern Slavery Statement lays out our approach in more detail and has been approved by the Board.
More on responsible business
Reports and disclosures
Rathbones Group latest Climate Report, which includes our entity level disclosures.
Environmental impact
Our approach to the transition to a net zero economy.
