Businesses and investors are increasingly considering relevant
environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors. However, trust
law may not have kept pace with this phenomenon. How can trustees
navigate this friction when investing in trust funds? A recent
judgment provides guidance for trustees of charitable trusts
wishing to align investments with their charitable purposes.
In Butler‑Sloss and Ors v Charity Commission for England
and Wales and Anor,1 the England and Wales High Court
(the Court) blessed the charity trustees' decision to adopt
investment policies that restricted investments to those aligned
with the charities' purposes, thereby excluding many
potential investments. In so doing, the Court provided
clarification regarding Harries v Church Commissioners for
England.2