Ethical Investment and Finance

Department: Sustainability
Document Author: Chris Long
Job Title: Head of Sustainability
Date of Approval: 09/10/2025
Review Date: 09/10/2028
Version: 03

Policy Positioning Statement

Our mission is simple – be all that you can be.

Bridgend College is a special place to learn and work. We want to create an inclusive environment which enables people to be innovative and passionate about what they do. We want to create inspirational opportunities which transform lives and celebrate the successes of every individual. We are committed to making decisions which are ethical and people-centred, for every person and in every interaction.

We know that the standards we walk past are the standards we accept, so by being a team player who is committed to our organisational values, we can ensure that everyone is ready to learn and work in an environment where they are respected and feel safe, to be all that they can be.

We want Bridgend College to be a place of sanctuary, providing a sense of belonging.

We recognise the significant impact of trauma on individuals’ lives and understand that a compassionate and understanding approach is essential to support our students and staff on their academic and personal journeys. We will do this by being calm, consistent and caring in our approach to communication and decision-making.

We want to be an anti-racist College. We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture where people are respectful and where this permeates all that we do. We want to develop a culture where people show up for one another with trust and integrity – a place of learning and work where people thrive.

As a place of education, we recognise our responsibility in developing the skills, knowledge and confidence of our students, staff and the communities we serve.

We know that we don’t always get things right, but we are committed to listening, learning and educating ourselves on our journey to becoming an extraordinary organisation.

We are committed to ensuring that course choices and offers are in the best educational interest of an individual learner, enabling them to both achieve and progress (in terms of personal skills but also social and academic development).

This policy applies to all applicants applying to or enrolling on a learning programme, irrespective of mode or location of study.

1. Purpose and Objectives: 

Bridgend College has joined organisations around the world in publicly declaring a climate and ecological emergency. We are a signatory to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) Accord, made publicly available our net zero carbon target and have completed and, continue to develop, our sustainability strategy. Further, we have adopted the Wellbeing Goals described in the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act. Together, the SDG’s and wellbeing goals act as the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. Sustainability is front and centre at Bridgend College and this policy demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that we make financial decisions responsibly, with integrity, openness and transparency.

1.1 The purpose of this document is to ensure that due consideration is given to social, environmental and corporate governance issues regarding any financial investments and decisions we may make.

1.2 The objective of this document is to minimise or, where we are able to do so, eliminate negative impacts as a result of our purchasing or funding decisions. Further, we will seek to enhance and positively impact upon social, economic, environmental and corporate governance issues wherever the opportunity arises.

2. Document Details:

In making financial and investment decisions, we will take reasonable measures to identify and take action where possible regarding the following:  

1. Prohibit the procurement of goods and services from any business involved in distributing tobacco products. 
2. Prohibit the procurement of goods and services from any business involved in producing weapons and weapon systems, including cluster munitions and antipersonnel landmines.
3. Prohibit the procurement of goods and services where human rights, including human trafficking and modern slavery, and violations are seen, or evidence of institutionalisation of poverty through discriminatory market practices, racial or sexual discrimination.
4. Prohibit the use of companies which test on animals purely for cosmetic purposes.
5. Prohibit the procurement of goods or services from organisations convicted or involved in explicit environmental damage.

In particular we will:

1. Promote human rights, including but not limited to the equality of gender, race and sexuality, including as part of teaching and learning opportunities.
2. Promote good business ethics and good employment practices including as part of teaching and learning opportunities.
3. Protect the local and global environment, its climate and its biodiversity, including as part of teaching and learning opportunities and meet the commitments laid down in the sustainable development strategy.
4. Engage in sustainable provision and procurement of resources and services.
5. Engage in good business ethics and good employment practices.
6. Engage in community investment and local sourcing wherever possible.
7. Maintain 100% enhanced renewable electricity supply.
8. Invest in non-fossil fuel heating systems as part of the climate strategy.
9. Encourage anyone wishing to challenge our practices on the grounds of ethical investment to raise their concerns.
10. Work with ethically minded organisations and share good practice.

3. Responsibilities:

3.1 The Senior Leadership Team is responsible for bringing this to the attention of the College Operational Group. 

3.2 The Head of Sustainability is responsible for maintaining this document and developing the sustainable procurement procedure and training needs in conjunction with the Head of Finance and Procurement Officer. 

3.3 The Marketing Manager is responsible for maintaining the key points on the college website.

4. Related Documents:

SPS01 Sustainability Policy Statement 

Financial procedures 

Sustainable Procurement Strategy

5. Document review:

This document will be reviewed, at least, every three years or in response to significant changes.

Policy Checklist:

Equality Impact Assessment Form

Date completed: 09/10/2025
Signed by Manager completing the assessment: Chris Long

Welsh Language Impact Assessment

Welsh Language Standards

Action Plan

Actions should demonstrate steps to be taken to reduce or where possible, eliminate any negative impact on the Welsh Language.

Assessment Completion Date: 09/10/2025

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