As shared in February, a group made up of Council members and some senior leaders is currently reviewing and updating the University’s Socially Responsible Investment Policy.  

The existing policy, originally approved in 2016-17, informs how the University invests its funds. Given changing global contexts and investment opportunities, it was agreed that a review would be carried out to ensure that the policy aligns with our institutional values and remains sector-leading. 

Community engagement

To underpin the new updated policy, the review group developed 10 guiding principles. Earlier this year, the University community was invited to give feedback on the principles at an in-person briefing session and via written feedback. 

This has now been reviewed and the group would like to express its thanks to all who have participated and provided feedback so far. 

Engagement session in June

Over the next few weeks, the review group will carry out further engagement and meet with a number of staff and students to discuss and get further insight into the feedback they have provided. The new policy will then be drafted reflecting the guiding principles and submitted feedback. 

In keeping with a commitment to openness and transparency, the review group invites students and staff to a briefing event on Wednesday 18 June from 3.30 to 5pm to talk through the draft version of the updated policy and seek feedback. It will then go to Council, the University’s governing body, for discussion and comment in July, and any subsequent revision, before going back to Council for final approval in early October. The briefing session will be hybrid - you can attend in-person on campus or online. 

If you would like to attend 

If you would like to attend the briefing session in June please register your interest by emailing us at internalcomms@sussex.ac.uk by Friday 13 June and we will provide confirmed details directly to you. When you email please confirm whether you will be joining online or in-person.