CFA UK’s Handbook of Sustainable Investment Practices - working group member

CFA UK’s Handbook of Sustainable Investment Practices - working group member

Purpose and Responsibility 

Ensuring sustainable investment practices are implemented and upheld to the highest possible standard is a core focus for the investment world today and this implementation process presents investment professionals with a new set of ethical challenges. A new eco-system of sustainability related roles, services and companies has emerged whilst the regulation of sustainability practices is either absent or nascent and in a state of rapid change. Investment firms of all different types and sizes must react with urgency to this new investment environment to keep their clients, employees and owners safe from new risks and open to new opportunities.

CFA UK’s new ‘Handbook of Sustainable Investment Practices’ aims to bring to life some of the ethical challenges investment professionals may face whilst navigating their journey through the sustainability revolution of the investment world. It uses the framework of the CFA Institute’s ‘Standards of Practice’ to provide guidance notes, recommendations for compliance and a selection of sustainable investment scenarios to describe how CFA Institute’s Code & Standards applies to sustainable investment.

We are at the stage where we wish to open the ‘Handbook of Sustainable Investment Practices’ for feedback. We plan to release each standard on a rolling weekly basis for comment over a period of approximately 20 weeks. To ensure the feedback is consistent as well as universal we would like a core working group of 4-6 CFA charterholders or candidates (Level II or Level III) to commit to review and critique each chapter of the handbook as it released each week. 

Responsibilities and activities

•  Each week, over a period of c20 weeks, read a new chapter (online) of the ‘Sustainable Investment Practices Handbook’ once released
•  Each week, complete a feedback form for each chapter actively contributing ideas for new content alongside constructive criticism of the current drafting
• Use your professional networks to promote the ‘Sustainable Investment Practices Handbook’ to wider audiences for their ad hoc feedback
• Promote ‘Sustainable Investment Practices Handbook’ content via social media networks and channels
• Commit to attend kick off and wash up meetings (virtual) and contribute to the discussion

Who are we looking for:

We are seeking highly engaged CFA charterholders or candidates (Level II or Level III) with:  

• a keen interest in and current working knowledge of sustainable investment practices 
• a strong personal and professional network within the sustainable investment world
• a good understanding and working knowledge of CFA Institute’s ‘Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice’
• strong English writing skills
• a passion for ethical thinking and helping the investment profession to navigate the challenges of implementing sustainable investment

We are keen to form a diverse team with complementary backgrounds, perspectives and relevant experience.

What you will gain:

Volunteering with the CFA UK Sustainable Practices Handbook working group will give you the opportunity to:

• make a positive difference to professional conduct in sustainable investment
• improve your knowledge about sustainable investment
• build your profile within the CFA UK network of volunteers, the CFA UK membership and the wider investment profession
• develop communication and team work skills through our volunteer personal development training
• meet and network with other like-minded, sustainability focused investment professionals.
• Gain recognition for your contribution in shaping and delivering services to the Society

Your contribution in helping to shape this very important project for CFA UK will get full recognition from the Society. Volunteering brings a “shared experience” amongst peers that has long lasting benefits for your career. Learn more about what to expect from volunteering in our FAQs

Compliance notes:

• Group members should seek prior compliance clearance from their employers 
• Members will participate in a personal capacity and not as representatives of their employer.

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