ESG – Investors and Trustees – From Strategy to Accountability: Lessons From Butler-Sloss v Charity Commission and Beyond

We are delighted to welcome guest speaker Edward Cumming QC to our virtual event next Tuesday 6 September where we will discuss the implications of the recent Butler-Sloss v Charity Commission decision and the rise in ESG-related litigation. Hannah Kendrick will also be joining to discuss the following:

• What was decided in the recent case of Butler-Sloss v Charity Commission concerning whether charities should be able to adopt an investment policy that excludes many potential investments because the trustees consider that they conflict with their charitable purposes.
• What impact will climate change and other ESG considerations have on investment decisions by trustees of private trusts?
• Is there inherent tension between fiduciary obligations and promoting ESG goals? Or does Butler-Sloss force us to reconsider fiduciary obligations in a world where ESG is becoming a central consideration for investors?
• Given the clear evidence that ESG investments generate strong returns, should we view fiduciary duties as being intertwined with ESG?
• How much discretion should trustees be granted when it comes to ESG and impact investments as a result of Butler-Sloss, and more generally?

We hope you can join us for this very insightful discussion.