UK: pension fund engagement with companies - NAPF survey

The UK based National Association of Pension Funds has published its 2008 survey of pension fund engagement with companies. The NAPF surveyed pension funds managing more than £1 billion and received responses from 53 funds (with combined asset holdings of over £300 billion). The NAPF reports that pension funds are increasing their influence over companies and highlights the following findings:

Board Membership: 74% of pension funds had seen changes to board membership as a result of their engagement activities - up from 67% in 2007.

Company strategy: 69% saw changes to company strategy - up from 57% in 2007.

Remuneration Policy: 79% of respondents saw changes to remuneration policy - up from 74% in 2007.

Social/Environmental policy: 68% of funds reported making an impact on social/environmental policy - up from 51% in 2007.

A press release is available here.