How we make change
Since 2005, we have been working with investors, policy makers and companies to help those with power understand how to use it for good.
Here, you can explore our Theory of Change which demonstrates our approach to reforming the financial sector. You can also read our latest impact report, highlighting our recent progress.
Theory of Change
We have big ambitions at ShareAction. To achieve our vision of a world where the financial system serves our planet and its people, we take on real world problems where financial institutions and companies have the biggest impact.
As an independent charity and an expert on responsible investment, we campaign for the widespread adoption of responsible investing that has people’s best interests at its core.
For 20 years we have been engaging with, and persistently challenging, some of the world’s biggest companies and institutions to improve the way they operate. We aspire to being courageous in all we do. We have forged long-standing relationships across the financial system which allow us to act as a constructive critic: encouraging positive action from powerful financial institutions and companies while being unafraid to call out harms and challenge if progress is too slow or shallow. The deep experience in our team enables us to credibly define leading global practice in responsible investment. We breathe life into the standards we propose by running ambitious corporate campaigns that see us work closely with investors across the world to secure low carbon transition, restoration of nature, better public health outcomes and decent jobs inside companies and in their supply chains.
Our four long-term goals are:
1. Major financial institutions take responsibility for their impacts on people and planet
We advocate for stronger laws governing finance and greater transparency to help ensure the financial system operates in the public interest. We undertake research on the biggest financial institutions (banks, asset managers and insurers) and their approaches to climate, biodiversity, workers and health. We use our research findings and rankings to propose higher standards and to promote leading practice. Our staff engage closely with the financial institutions we evaluate. We also support asset owners, such as pension funds, charities and universities, who can drive change through the wider financial system through their own investment policies and practices.
2. Investors and the companies they invest in act within safe ecological limits
Using our evidence-based research, we mobilise investors to use their influence as stewards and active owners to change company behaviour. Through shareholder activism we push companies to reduce harmful practices and increase positive actions - such as implementing tough net zero transition plans. We regularly ask questions and table resolutions at companies’ annual general meetings. We challenge banks on their role in financing harmful practices and encourage them to facilitate the transition to a sustainable economy by setting ambitious, public targets.
3. Investors and the companies they invest in sustain fair, just and healthy societies
We believe that social issues, such as decent work and improved population health, can and should be championed by investors. Collaborating with investors and through our shareholder activism (described above) we challenge companies who are causing harm to public health or undervaluing their workforce.
4. The investment system is diverse and inclusive
We involve our supporters and members of directly affected communities in our campaigns, alongside investors, providing the training and information they need to be effective advocates. We provide people with a platform to raise concerns and explain the impact of company practices on lives and livelihoods. And we campaign for action to improve racial equity within financial institutions and the companies they invest in.
The powerful financial system actors we engage at ShareAction control vast amounts of money, exerting significant influence over companies. By using a toolkit that we’ve honed and refined over two decades, we’ve shown that our research, policy advocacy, campaigns and public outreach not only drives major companies to step up to act more responsibly but helps to shape the priorities of the broader investment community. This multi-lever approach ensures that change happens both at the systemic level and within individual target companies, amplifying our impact across the economy.
Impact Report 2023
From influencing policy change, sharing expert analysis and calling out those who were falling short, 2023 was a pivotal year for ShareAction. Highlights include:
- We launched an ambitious new definition of responsible investment which holds the financial sector to a higher standard than ever before.
- ShareAction staff, supporters and allies, including members of our investor coalitions and union representatives, attended 99 AGMs to challenge the boards of companies to address major concerns.
- Our campaigning stepped up a gear to tackle climate change, protect nature, encourage fair treatment of workers and address health inequalities.
