This is a difficult area, since there are very few organisations with completely ethical policies. However, interest in ethical banking and investment is growing very quickly, and several organisations are making moves in the right direction.
The following information has been collected from Vegan Society members or based on research by the Ethical Consumer Research Association and doesn't represent any endorsement or recommendation by the Vegan Society.
We're always on the look out for more information, so please let us know if you come across any ethical/vegan-friendly banks, building societies or investment groups.
The Ethical Consumer Research Association, Unit 21, 41 Old Birley St, Manchester M15 5RF Tel 0161 226 2929 has done more detailed research on this subject, and will be able to provide further guidance.
Banks
- The Co-operative Bank is the only high street bank with an extensive ethical policy - but unfortunately it doesn't rule out all the connections with animal, environmental and people related issues which many people would like.
- Triodos appears to have a more comprehensive ethical policy, but has just one branch: Brunel House, 10 The Promenade, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3NN. Tel 0117 973 9339 or 0500 008 720. Web: www.triodos.co.uk.
Building Societies
The Ethical Consumer Good Shopping Guide suggests the following building societies:
- Derbyshire Building Society
- Northern Rock
- Norwich and Peterborough Building Society
- Abbey National
- Alliance and Leicester.
The Ecology Building Society states that it lends money only 'for the purpose of ecologically sound properties only.' Their address is: The Ecology Building Society, 18 Station Rd, Cross Hills, Nr Keighley, West Yorkshire BD20 7EH. Tel 01345 697758.
Investment Groups
- Aegon Asset Management - socially responsible and ethical investment - a choice of three funds: Socially Responsible Income Fund; Ethical Fund; Socially Responsible Equity Fund as either ISA (Individual Savings Account) or OEIC (Open-ended Investment Company). Contact Aegon on 0800 454422 e-mail investorhelp@aegon.co.uk
- Barchester Green Investment, 45/49 Catherine St, Salisbury, Wilts SP1 2DH. Tel 01722 331241. www.barchestergreen.co.uk email info@barchestergreen.co.uk (advertise in The Vegan magazine)
- The Ethical Investment Co-operative is a collection of independent financial advisors who give free advice (they receive commission from certain banks etc.) They have offices around the UK - see list at www.ethicalmoney.org
- The Ethical Investment Research Service offer a screening service on a wide range of ethical issues for private investors address - EIRIS 504 Broadway Business Centre, 71 Bondway, London SW8 1SQ. Tel 0207 7351351.
- The Ethical Investors Group have a website to help with investments on www.ethicalinvestors.co.uk
- The Christian Ethical Investment Group was formed in 1988 to promote ethical investment within the Church of England. It is committed to help churches & individuals, both from within & outside the churches, who wish to invest ethically. Address: CEIG, 90 Booker Ave, Bradwell Common, Milton Keynes MK13 8EF. 01908 677466 www.ceig.org
- The Jupiter Ecology Fund has a number of ethical investments and they can be contacted at 1 Grosvenor Place, London SW1X 7JJ telephone 020 7412 0703 www.jupiteronline.co.uk
- The Stewardship Unit Trusts run by Friends Provident is a very large & long-standing ethical fund. Address : Friends Provident Head Office, Pixham End, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1QA telephone 0870 608 3678 www.friendsprovident.co.uk/stewardship
PLEASE NOTE: If an ethical fund is part of a larger institution you may wish to take the activities of the parent company into account before investing.
Insurance
- Animal friends Insurance (AFI) cover pet insurance. 50% of the commissions earned through policies go into a discretionary fund and, after deduction of necessary running expenses, the money is used to help animal charities. Address: Animal Friends, Parbrook House, Natts Lane Billinghurst, West Sussex RH14 9EY Tel 0870 40 30 300
For other ethical insurers visit www.naturesave.co.uk
