Responsible Investment Advisory Group Member

This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in the governance of one of the world’s leading universities. The Responsible Investment Advisory Group will advise on the University of Edinburgh’s approach to responsible investment, working closely and collaboratively with the University’s Investment Committee. This will involve:

• advising on the implementation and development on the University’s Responsible Investment Policy as it relates to the University’s circa £500m Endowment Fund (the most recent Endowment Fund annual report is published here)
• overseeing a public list of any exclusions or conditions relating to investments in the Endowment Fund, liaising with the Investment Committee and informed by the Responsible Investment Policy.
• reviewing the University’s Responsible Investment Policy and the representations process within it on a regular basis
• providing advice on specific responsible investment issues
• considering any representations on responsible investment matters that meet the criteria to be set out in the Responsible Investment Policy
• reviewing any external reporting on responsible investing, such as United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment reporting, liaising with the Investment Committee.

The position is for an external member (please note that current employees and students of the University are not eligible) and while the position is unremunerated, the University will meet all reasonable costs associated with membership of the Group. Appointments are subject to approval by the Governance & Nominations Committee and will be for three years in the first instance with the possibility of extension. It is anticipated that the Group will meet between two to four times each year. Meetings will usually held be online or on a hybrid basis but with occasional fully in-person meetings in Edinburgh. The membership of the Group will be:

• Convener – external member
• Three other external members
• A member of the University staff
• The President of the Students’ Association
• The University Provost
• The Director of Social Responsibility and Sustainability

At least one external member will be a member of the Investment Committee. External members may be external members of the University Court, the University’s governing body, or external to both the University Court and the University. 

Individuals with relevant experience and knowledge are invited to express interest in the first instance by contacting court@ed.ac.uk by 13 June 2025 including a CV and a covering note.   

The University of Edinburgh welcomes applications from all sectors of the community, particularly from traditionally under-represented groups. Members of the University Court’s Committees and Groups operate in line with a Code of Conduct, which is based on good practice on governance. If successful, new members are asked by means of a letter sent after appointment to acknowledge that they are familiar with this Code and that they understand their obligations under it.

Background information