Conscious Investment Management formally adopts Reconciliation Action Plan

Dedicated impact investment fund manager, Conscious Investment Management (“CIM”), has formally launched its first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (“RAP”). Developed in consultation with Reconciliation Australia, the Reflect RAP marks the beginning of CIM’s reconciliation journey, guiding its ongoing commitment to collaborating with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities to affect positive and meaningful change.

To support the implementation of its RAP and ensure governance and oversight, CIM has assembled a RAP Working Group championed by Chief Investment Officer Matthew Tominc, with the aim to establish Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation.

Casey Taylor, Director and RAP Working Group Chair, said: “We are a fund manager with a strong sense of purpose, and we recognise that reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is integral to this cause. This RAP provides a framework for how we will work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and businesses to promote reconciliation through our investing activities, partnerships, employment and operations.”

Among the scope of activity outlined in the RAP, over the next year CIM will increase its understanding and recognition of First Nations histories, knowledge and rights through cultural competency training, as well as increase First Nations supplier diversity to support improved economic and social outcomes. At the investment level, CIM will formally consider impacts on First Nations peoples and communities in its due diligence and investment committee processes.

“Through the RAP process, we will seek to understand how we can be more thoughtful investors, so we can tailor our approach and drive better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. We will strive to create a workplace culture of awareness, reflection, and learning, to support our team on their personal reconciliation journeys, and to support our broader stakeholders to achieve the same,” Ms Taylor added.

CIM has around $250 million under management from a range of values-aligned investors including high net worth, charitable foundations and institutional investors, and has invested capital in a range of sectors – from social and affordable housing and Specialist Disability Accommodation, to renewables, and social impact bonds.

The Reflect RAP is available for download at https://www.consciousinvest.com.au/resource/inaugural-reconciliation-action-plan/