Faith Ward, a prominent figure in responsible investment, has joined Local Pensions Partnership Investments (LPPI) as a strategic adviser. The move follows the recent closure of Brunel Pension Partnership, where she previously served as chief responsible investment officer. LPPI, a local authority asset pool, announced the appointment as part of its efforts to expand its role in the pensions sector. Brunel Pension Partnership, which managed assets for over 60 local government pension schemes, ceased operations at the end of last month, marking a significant restructuring in the sector.
Ward’s career in responsible investment spans over a decade, including her time at Brunel Pension Partnership and the Environment Agency Pension Fund. She now leads Faith In RI, a consultancy she founded after Brunel’s closure. LPPI’s website retains Brunel’s climate and sustainability policies, reflecting a continuity in approach. The Environment Agency Pension Fund, which is now one of LPPI’s partner funds, has previously collaborated with Ward on initiatives aimed at aligning investment strategies with environmental goals.
Ward said the LGPS continues to evolve through greater collaboration, and there is a real opportunity to strengthen responsible investment practices and deliver better outcomes for members. Her work has earned her recognition, including an MBE for services to pensions and the environment. The award, conferred last year, acknowledges her contributions to advancing responsible investment frameworks within the public sector.
Ward currently chairs the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change, a role that aligns with LPPI’s focus on integrating sustainability into investment strategies. The group, which includes representatives from major institutional investors, works to develop industry-wide standards for climate-related disclosures and risk management.
LPPI will benefit from Ward’s experience in integrating responsible investment practices. In her new role, Ward will provide strategic guidance and external advocacy for LPPI’s responsible investment efforts.
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Chris Rule, LPPI’s CEO, emphasized the importance of long-term sustainable returns through integrated responsible investment practices. Rule said Ward is a highly accomplished expert in this field, highlighting the value of her experience. LPPI’s stewardship role involves not only managing assets but also influencing corporate behavior through engagement with investee companies, a practice Ward has championed throughout her career.
LPPI has established an office in Bristol, a location already home to the Environment Agency. This move supports its growing network of partner funds in southwest England. The choice of Bristol reflects LPPI’s commitment to engaging with regional stakeholders and leveraging the city’s established environmental expertise, which complements its own sustainability goals.
The office is expected to facilitate closer collaboration with local stakeholders and enhance LPPI’s operational reach. Ward’s appointment comes as the Local Government Pension Scheme seeks to deepen its focus on responsible investment. The southwest region, which includes a number of local authority pension schemes, presents opportunities for LPPI to expand its influence and share best practices in sustainable investing.
Her background in climate advocacy and her leadership at Brunel position her to influence LPPI’s strategies moving forward. Ward has spearheaded initiatives to incorporate climate risk assessments into investment decisions, a practice that has become increasingly critical as extreme weather events and regulatory changes reshape the investment setting. LPPI aims to leverage her expertise to strengthen outcomes for pension members through more resilient portfolios.
LPPI’s strategic direction is focused on delivering long-term sustainable returns. The partnership is committed to integrating sustainability into investment strategies. By aligning with global standards and leveraging Ward’s leadership, LPPI aims to position itself as a leader in responsible investment, ensuring that its approach remains both forward-looking and adaptable to emerging challenges in the sector.
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