From backlash to opportunity: investing in the sustainable future in the Charities Sector with Isio

Event information

This event is brought to you in partnership with Isio.

Amid increasing scrutiny, political tension and an ‘ESG backlash’, charities are reassessing how investments align with their mission and long-term goals. At the same time, structural shifts - such as intergenerational wealth transfer and changing expectations of modern philanthropists - are creating new opportunities to drive sustainable impact.

This webinar will explore the continued relevance of sustainable investing for charities, focusing on practical implications and opportunities. We will revisit key concepts, including the investment spectrum, and highlight opportunities beyond public markets, such as infrastructure.

We will also examine the macro forces shaping the landscape, from UK policy developments like Net Zero 2050, private capital mobilisation and evolving regulation, to global trends including rising defence spending and geopolitical tensions.

Finally, we will provide actionable insights by reviewing market trends and the current position of UK charities, including performance, the active vs passive debate, growth in renewables, and untapped opportunities within charity portfolios.

Key benefits

• Explore how sustainable investing aligns with charitable missions and values.
• Learn about key UK and global policy developments shaping investment decisions.
• Assess current market trends, including performance and strategy considerations.
• Discover how charities can position themselves to benefit from long-term structural shifts.

About the speakers

	Beatrice Smorto, Sustainable Investment Consultant and SI Team Lead, Isio Beatrice advises a range of institutional investors on integrating ESG principles into their portfolios. She supports the creation of customised ESG solutions that align investment strategies with sustainability goals, with particular expertise in stewardship analysis, social issues, and impact assessment in alternative markets. Before joining Isio, Beatrice worked in sustainable finance within the private sector, where she advised private equity firms and investee companies on implementing sustainable strategies that promote long-term financial performance. Beatrice holds a degree in Sustainable Economic Development from the London School of Economics.
	Iona Young, Deputy Head of Isio Sustainable Investment Team, Isio Iona joined the SI team in 2023 from Redington and works with a range of DB and DC schemes across sustainability matters. She holds a BA in Politics from Durham University and MSC International Relations from the London School of Economics and is a CFA Charter Holder. Iona represents Isio on the Influence workstream of the Investment Consultancy Sustainability Working Group, through which she regularly engages with DWP, TPR, and the FCA on emerging sustainability issues in the pensions space.
	Oscar Warwick Thompson, Head of Policy and Regulatory Affairs, UKSIF Oscar leads UKSIF’s work on public policy and regulation in the UK, and on behalf of the organisation’s members he looks to actively encourage a more positive, enabling environment for the growth of sustainable finance in the UK. Oscar is responsible for UKSIF’s engagement with financial regulators and civil servants, while regularly engaging with investors on addressing policy barriers to sustainable investing and private investment in the UK’s transition. In recent years, he has been a deputy representative to a number of advisory taskforces to the UK government and regulators, providing perspectives on delivery of various sustainable finance initiatives. This includes: HM Treasury’s Green Technical Advisory Group (GTAG), the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP’s) Taskforce on Social Factors (TSF), and the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA’s) Disclosures and Labels Advisory Group (DLAG) and Vote Reporting Group (VRG).
	Stephanie Neal, Client Portfolio Manager, Robeco Stephanie Neal is a client portfolio manager, sustainable investing in the SI CPM team. She joined Robeco in 2023. Previously, she held held positions of responsible investing specialist and investment analyst at Mercer in London, where she started her career in 2015. Stephanie holds a Master’s in Industrial Ecology from Delft University of Technology and a Bachelor’s in Mathematics and Philosophy from the University of Sheffield.
	Sarah Dickson, Director, Isio Private Office Sarah focuses on partnering with UK charities, endowments and mission-driven organisations to strengthen their long-term financial resilience. She leads engagement and business development across the sector, working closely with leadership teams and boards to support sound financial stewardship and sustainable growth. Sarah brings experience spanning strategic relationship management, investment stewardship and designing solutions that help organisations achieve both financial and societal outcomes. She joined Isio following a diverse career at Newton Investment Management, BNY and the Royal Air Force.

CPD hours

ICAEW's Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Regulations require a minimum number of hours and an ethics requirement. Attending this event could contribute up to 1hr of verifiable CPD, providing you can demonstrate that the content is relevant to your role.

A copy of the event booking confirmation email is accepted as evidence of verifiable CPD. Click here to use ICAEW’s self-assessment tool to help you work out how much CPD you will need to fulfil each year.

Costs

There is no charge to attend this event. ICAEW members and non-members are welcome to join.