PIONEERING EQUITABLE INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION

GSA has adopted a gender equitable approach to its investment management which now underpins the entirety of GSA’s own investments. Through its appointment of Evelyn Partners to manage its portfolio, this transformative strategy places the interests of girls at its centre and secures GSA’s financial future as gender equitable.

The investment switch was initiated by GSA and created in partnership with Evelyn Partners, whose team is led by Investment Manager Lydia Garratt.

“GSA has always been a pioneer for girls and women. I’m proud to lead a change in the education sector’s approach to investment management that places the importance of an equitable society at its heart. GSA urges other companies and organisations to join with us in re-imagining a better future for our young people through the way they fund themselves. At GSA, we are as determined as ever to continue pushing for change in the world through our life-changing schools and inspiring heads. We won’t stop our campaigning until the full brilliance and potential of women and future female stars is rightly recognised and rewarded.”

The Girls’ Schools Association appointed Evelyn Partners to create an investment portfolio that considers the promotion of gender diversity. Evelyn Partners is now responsible for actively managing a portfolio for the GSA that will look to include investments in companies that are supporting gender diversity, both internally and externally, and avoid those that are not, while engaging with those that have good scope for improvement.

Lydia Garratt adds: “I’m delighted that the Girls’ Schools Association has appointed Evelyn Partners as the manager for its investment portfolio. We have been impressed with the organisation’s work in the sector in recent years and are looking forward to working closely with the team to help fulfil their investment mandate with a particular emphasis on creating a gender-focussed investment portfolio.

“As the wider movement of ethical and ESGfocussed investing accelerates throughout our industry, the importance of gender equality has come to the forefront of many investors’ considerations. Evidence has shown that having greater gender equality in workspaces increases diversity of thought and thus can lead to better outcomes. Therefore, it is not only an important addition for companies to improve their gender statistics but a necessity for optimising returns.” ●