The Church of England’s Ethical Investment Advisory Group (EIAG) is seeking a new Chair. The Chair of the EIAG is one of the biggest roles in ethical investment in the UK. 

The EIAG provides ethical investment advice to the Church of England’s three national investing bodies and engages on their behalf on ethical issues with companies in which they invest.  The total assets of the three national investing bodies – the Church Commissioners, Church of England Pensions Board and the CBF Church of England funds – exceed £8bn.

John Reynolds, an investment banker, has chaired the EIAG since 2006.  John was himself appointed after an external search and, by the end of 2011, will have served the maximum two terms of three years.  The EIAG would again like to appoint a senior investment sector professional and advertises the role in the Financial Times today (16 February). 

The EIAG Chair is required to be a practising Christian under the Equality Act 2010 due to its senior representational responsibilities.  The role is non-executive and unpaid.

EIAG Vice-Chair, the Rev Prof Richard Burridge, said: “John Reynolds’ high level experience in investment banking has hugely enriched the EIAG.  John has placed a new emphasis on engagement with companies and its potential for effecting change.  This is an opportunity for one of the many committed Christians in the investments world to help the Church investing bodies to continue to lead the way in integrating Christian ethics into institutional investment.”

John Reynolds said: “The EIAG has a unique ability to bring together investment and ethical concerns.  The EIAG needs a Chair who has an interest in both these areas, and will be able to take forward the Group’s work.”

A person specification is available on the Church of England website and potential candidates are invited to contact the EIAG Secretary.

Further information:
Louis Henderson [020] 7898 1326 

Notes for Editors:

The Church of England Ethical Investment Advisory Group (EIAG) makes recommendations on ethical investment policy to the Church Commissioners, Church of England Pensions Board and CBF Church of England Funds, and conducts engagement on ethical issues and other responsible ownership activities on their behalf.

The EIAG’s new Chair will take up appointment on 1 January 2012.

Further information about the EIAG and a person specification for the role of Chair are available at www.churchofengland.org/about-us/structure/eiag.