The Asset Owner Diversity Charter (AODC) was launched in 2020. It is a commitment by signatory firms to work together to build an investment industry which represents a more balanced and fair representation of diverse societies

Our vision and mission 

Our vision is to see an inclusive investment industry that represents and values our diverse societies. 

We aim to standardise diversity metrics, improve disclosure, and foster collaboration. The commitment promotes accountability and transparency across the investment value chain. By building an industry that reflects the diverse societies we serve, and celebrates diversity in all its forms, we strive to deliver a strong and fair financial system with enhanced decision-making and better risk mitigation.

About the charter

The charter has two key components, first is the Asset Manager Diversity and Inclusion Questionnaire which aims to standardise complex diversity metrics beyond just gender to improve on disclosures. The questionnaire results will feed into a progress report to inform engagement on improving diversity and inclusion.

The second component is the Asset Owner Charter Toolkit which is a supporting document to aid in the implementation of the Charter and includes critical topics such as manager monitoring and selection.

Joining the AODC

To sign up to the AODC, please request to join this group on the Collaboration Platform.  You will be asked to provide further details, including your organisation's assets under management. 

By signing up to the AODC, organisations commit to:

• Incorporate diversity questions into manager selection, ensuring if forms part of the scored criteria
• Incorporate diversity into ongoing manager monitoring, ensuring managers are surveyed annually using the diversity charter questionnaire
• Lead and collaborate with other to identify diversity and inclusion best practice

More information

Further information on the AODC can be found on our website. 

For any additional questions, please contact our co-chairs: Helen Price (helen.price@churchofengland.org) or Emma Douglas (e.douglas@brightwellpensions.com).