The Church Commissioners hold investments whose value
was approaching £5.5 billion at the end of 2012. The fund includes
stock market and property
investments, including UK urban property, rural and development
land, and a stake in global property funds.
Investment strategy
The Commissioners aim for the best return
from their assets to help sustain the nationwide ministry of the
Church, without undue risk and in line with their ethical
investment policy. Their long term target is a return of at least
RPI plus 5% over the long term.
Investment strategy is the responsibility of, and regularly
reviewed by, the Commissioners' Assets Committee, assisted by the
property and securities groups, both of which are made up of staff
and trustees.
Ethical policy
The Commissioners do not invest in arms or
pornography or in any company whose main business is in gambling,
alcohol, tobacco, or home credit provision. They exercise voting
rights as shareholders and will sometimes raise concerns directly
with companies about their business activities and matters of
corporate governance. They are guided by the Ethical
Investment Advisory Group, which also advises the
Church's other main investing bodies.