Oxford Sustainable Finance Group and ShareAction launch new Stewardship and Engagement Leadership Programme
The Oxford Sustainable Finance Group (OxSFG) at the University of Oxford will launch a new executive leadership course in 2024. The Stewardship and Engagement Leadership Programme will build the skills, knowledge and networks needed for better stewardship and engagement across the financial system. Participants will also explore current and emerging engagement strategies; discuss data and analysis to inform engagement; and consider the role of policymakers, regulators, companies, and civil society in enhancing – or frustrating – effective engagement.
“A growing number of people in the finance community are responsible for stewardship – which means safeguarding financial returns while fostering good environmental and social outcomes,” explains Dr Krista Halttunen, a Career Development Fellow in Sustainable Finance at OxSFG and a contributor to the course. “Our programme will provide a comprehensive overview of stewardship as well as teaching participants the core principles and concepts of sustainable finance.”
The programme has been designed and developed collaboratively by OxSFG and the charity ShareAction. “Pooling the University of Oxford’s academic excellence with ShareAction’s deep experience of co-ordinating successful engagement initiatives across the world makes this programme uniquely impactful, and we’re delighted to be partnering with them,” says Andrew McCarthy, Head of Capacity Building and Partnerships at OxSFG.
Participants will also benefit from the unique experience of studying at the University of Oxford, including walking tours and candlelit college dinners.
Catherine Howarth OBE, Chief Executive of ShareAction and programme co-director, said:
“We are delighted to partner with the University of Oxford to educate finance leaders on effective stewardship and sustainable finance. We want to make sure finance leaders feel equipped and ready to make the right calls in the face of tremendous global challenges and opportunities, because investment decisions made today build the world of tomorrow.”
Dr Ben Caldecott, Director of OxSFG and programme co-director said:
“Effective stewardship and engagement is a key practice area in sustainable finance. Yet there has been little formal professional development available to systematically develop the skillsets required. This programme will accelerate effective stewardship internationally, leading to better financial decisions for a more sustainable world.”
