Corporate responsibility
At Russell Investments, we are committed to exceptional standards of corporate responsibility. We believe everything we do must benefit our stakeholders: from clients, employees and shareholders to the environment and our wider communities. Through corporate giving, volunteering and the employment of corporate sustainability practices in our businesses and decision-making, we work to improve the quality of life of people in our cities and neighbourhoods.
As a signatory of the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) since 2009, we embrace environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) issues in our investment business.
Responsible investingCommunity engagement
We are committed to working together to help improve the lives around us.
OUR GIVING PILLARS
Financial literacy
Environment
Russell Investments remains committed to giving back and supporting our associates in their efforts to do so.
Russell Investments makes corporate contributions to organisations that align with our giving pillars, enhance strategic partnerships, and focus on diversity, equity and inclusion.
Our “Spark!” programme matches associate giving and volunteer hours and provides each staff member with time off for volunteer activities. The Global Community Engagement Council aligns the efforts of our Associate Resource Groups (ARGs), ensuring genuine focus on people and improving the quality of life, especially in communities where associates live and where we do business.
Some of the organisations we are proud to collaborate with include:
Diversity, Equity and inclusion
We believe that diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace drives better performance.
Demonstrate leadership
Foster culture of inclusion
The global Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Council strives to make Russell Investments an employer of choice through advising on DEI initiatives and sponsorship of the global Associate Resource Groups. The Council aims to:
- Demonstrate leadership commitment and accountability to attracting, developing and retaining diverse talent
- Champion the advancement of diversity, equity and inclusion, internally and in our communities
- Foster a culture of inclusion
- Grow our diverse associate representation globally year over year
Internal initiatives
• Black Associate Resource Group
• Women's/Gender Equality Associate Resource Group
• Veteran's Associate Resource Group
• LGBT & Allies (LGBTA) Associate Resource Group
Some of the organisations we are proud to work with:
Sustainable work practices
We will hold ourselves to the same standard as the companies we invest in by committing our global business operations to be carbon neutral by 2030.
Energy use
Business travel
Supply chain
Russell Investments acknowledges its role in combatting climate change and in April 2021 announced its commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030 with respect to its global business operations.
The Global Sustainable Work Practices Council, chaired by our Vice Chairman, brings together members to work year-round with the mission to identify and reduce the impact on the environment. This ensures that our day-to-day procedures are carried out in the most sustainable manner.
The overarching purpose of the Council is to:
Develop a set of objectives in line with the 2030 net zero goal for global business operations.
Provide a framework for setting objectives, reviewing initiatives and monitoring performance.
Ensure a consistent approach to best practice principles adopted across various regional offices.
Ensure that our internal practices reflect what we advocate to the wider investment community including our clients, prospects and investments partners.
The Council is supported by three regional groups that will be critical in bringing awareness to employees and creating a sustainable culture at Russell Investments.
We will use the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate standard as a guide to our commitment to net zero. Our commitment extends across our Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and material Scope 3 emissions identified as the most important levers for reducing emissions. While GHG emissions are necessary for reporting purposes, we will also review opportunities to minimise the environmental impact in areas such as waste and water consumption.