Our history

In 2005 ShareAction evolved out of a project by People & Planet. They worked with the UK’s largest pension provider, the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), to support it to adopt a responsible investment policy.

Following the success of this campaign, Fair Pensions was born. It moved to begin the research and the rankings for which ShareAction is known today. This started with the pensions industry, but has now grown to be some of the most comprehensive analysis of the financial system at large; incorporating all of the largest players, including asset managers, pension funds, insurers and banks.

From the bedrock provided by this in-depth research and ranking, our activities have evolved to drive up standards within the financial system and the wider real economy. We work with institutional investors to continue to push for action on key issues, including climate change, workforce equality and health, and to build networks and coalitions of like-minded asset managers and owners to engage with companies on these topics. We recognise the critical role that legislation plays in moving the dial on responsible investment and advocate for higher standards with policy makers within the UK and EU. We provide support for other mission-driven organisations to pursue their own responsible investment practices and we work with individuals to give them more power within a system that should be working in their best interests.

We aim to define the highest standards of responsible investment and work tirelessly for change until these standards are universally upheld. Our vision is for a financial system that serves our planet and its people.