The Church of England Ethical Investment Advisory Group (EIAG) is the CofE’s ‘think tank’ on ethical investment issues. It works to provide timely and practical advice to the three National Investing Bodies of the Church of England to enable them to invest in a way that is distinctly Christian and Anglican. The National Investing Bodies (NIBs) are:
- The Church Commissioners for England (Church Commissioners | The Church of England).
- The Church of England Pensions Board (The Church of England Pensions Board | The Church of England).
- The CBF Funds operated by CCLA Investment Management (Home | CCLA).
The EIAG’s advice is drawn on by other Church investors in the UK and internationally.
The EIAG comprises experts in areas including theology, investment, business ethics. It includes trustees from the NIBs and independent members. It’s world-leading work covers a complex range of issues ranging from climate change to human embryology; from corporate taxation to ‘big tech’.
The Secretary plays a pivotal role in the life of the EIAG. The Secretary advises on policy, leads and commissions research and development of advice, and co-ordinates the EIAG, working with the Chair. A key aspect of the role is commanding the confidence of EIAG members, the NIBs, and wider stakeholders including the Archbishop of Canterbury’s office. This role requires excellent organisational skills combined with sound judgement, diplomacy, and a real passion for making a difference in the world through this work.
The EIAG and its Secretariat is funded by the NIBs as a resource to their investment functions and trustees. The Secretariat is distinct from, but works closely with, the NIB Responsible Investment teams.
The EIAG Secretary is employed by the CofE National Church Institutions, and ‘hosted’ by the Pensions Board on behalf of the NIBs, with a reporting line to the CEO of the Pensions Board. It is a senior leadership role with a high level of operational autonomy.