E-newsletter February 2010
Dear ECCR members, partners and friends
In this e-newsletter:
Corporate engagement and advocacy
Shell can improve impacts in the Niger Delta says new ECCR report
ECCR members active in filing BP and Shell shareholder resolutions on Canadian oil sands
Amnesty International seeks support for Vedanta resolution as Church of England disinvests
US resolutions on financial risk of climate change filed with Chevron and ExxonMobil
Parliamentary report on human rights and the private sector
BHP Billiton sells stake in Philippines mine after CAFOD campaign
Christian Aid welcomes new international plan for tax information sharing
ECCR signs up to the campaign for a Financial Transactions Tax
Civil society groups call for bold steps forward with Equator Principles
Big businesses ‘fail to protect rights of workers in global supply chains’ - EIRIS
Golden opportunity or false hope? AngloGold Ashanti’s proposed DRC gold mine
Responsible and sustainable investment
Investor statement for DRC conflict minerals open for signatures till 26 February
Methodist Church to use investments to fight climate change
Uzbek cotton multi-stakeholder meeting, 7 April 2010, Brussels
News from the International Interfaith Investment Group (3iG)
Events
Caesar's coin: morality and taxes, 24 February 2010, London
Equality, prosperity and growth: where do we stand?, 4 March 2010, London
Banking on justice: churches investing for a fairer future, 18 March 2010, Edinburgh
Shifting paradigms: theology and economics in the 21st century, July 2010, Hertfordshire
ECCR announcements
New members
News and views web postings
Appreciation for members’ feedback
Further member help sought in monitoring church media
Corporate engagement and advocacy
Shell can improve impacts in the Niger Delta says new ECCR report
ECCR’s new report, published this week, recommends that Shell and its Nigerian subsidiary SPDC
take both immediate and longer-term action to reduce the negative impacts of their operations in the
Niger Delta. Shell in the Niger Delta: A Framework for Change features case studies from civil society
organisations working in the Delta and highlights issues concerning international social and
environmental standards, pollution, and communities’ health, livelihoods and right to a say in decisions
affecting them. Focused on the corporate duty to respect human rights ('do no harm'), the report
makes 10 overall recommendations for change. News release.
2
ECCR centrally and its project partners are pursuing dialogue with Shell based on the report
recommendations. We would welcome engagement by members and others in sharing concerns with,
and urging prompt action by, Shell.
ECCR corporate members and partners have been sent the report, individual members the executive
summary, plus an action guide. All documents can be downloaded, along with a feedback form for
your comments, here.
ECCR members active in filing BP and Shell shareholder resolutions on Canadian oil sands
ECCR corporate member FairPensions has co-ordinated filing of shareholder resolutions on the
Canadian oil (tar) sands for the AGMs of BP (15 April 2010) and Shell (18 May 2010). ECCR helped
draft both resolutions and supporting statements and is co-filing on BP. We are delighted that Cooperative
Asset Management, Rathbone Greenbank, CCLA (COIF Fund), the Central Finance Board
of the Methodist Church and a good number of our other corporate and individual members and
partners have co-filed one or both resolutions, along with Unison’s staff pension scheme. See media
coverage of BP and Shell resolutions.
Amnesty International seeks support for Vedanta resolution as Church of England disinvests
Amnesty International’s new report on Vedanta Resources’ planned bauxite mine in the Niyamgiri hills,
Orissa, India, Don't mine us out of existence, shows how the mine threatens the indigenous Dongria
Kondh. Vedanta and its subsidiaries have failed to consult with the community, undertake proper
impact assessments or abide by basic international business and human rights standards. Past
engagement with the company has had little impact. Amnesty now seeks investors to co-file or support
a resolution at Vedanta's 2010 AGM to address governance gaps and organisational deficiencies and
lead to real improvements in company practices. Investors interested in co-filing or supporting such a
resolution can contact Peter Frankental (tel. 020 7033 1599).
The Church Commissioners and Church of England Pensions Board have sold their shares in
Vedanta on the advice of the Church’s Ethical Investment Advisory Group (EIAG). Read more.
US resolutions on financial risk of climate change filed with Chevron and ExxonMobil
The Christopher Reynolds Foundation with support from Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility
(ICCR) members has filed resolutions with Chevron and ExxonMobil asking the companies to report to
shareholders on the financial risks of climate change and impacts on shareholder value. These
resolutions have gained traction with the companies as a result of the recent US SEC ruling that risk is
an appropriate shareholder concern. The US co-filers are urging UK holders of Chevron and
ExxonMobil to vote for the resolutions. Resolution wording and further details
Parliamentary report on human rights and the private sector
The Joint Committee on Human Rights has published Any of our Business? Human Rights and the UK
Private Sector. The report is informed by submissions from the private and public sectors and civil
society - including from ECCR and Working Group on Mining in the Philippines partners. It
recommends that the UK government clarify the human rights standards UK businesses should meet
to avoid abuses, consider amending the Companies Act to require annual human rights reporting by
companies, review initiatives supporting socially responsible investment, and explore proposals for a
UK Commission for Business, Human Rights and the Environment. The committee concludes that an
international agreement on business and human rights should be the ‘ultimate aspiration’.
3
BHP Billiton sells stake in Philippines mine after CAFOD campaign
Mining multinational BHP Billiton has quit a nickel project in the Philippines following a campaign by
CAFOD. The project had come under criticism in CAFOD’s 2008 report Kept in the Dark over
allegations of bribery by Billiton’s local joint-venture partner AMCOR, to which Billiton has now sold its
interest in the project. CAFOD is continuing its call for a new ‘free and fair’ consent process before
work starts on the mine. ‘The community should be given sufficient information about any new project
and all its potential impacts so they can make an informed decision about whether it should go ahead
or not,’ CAFOD says. Read more.
Christian Aid welcomes new international plan for tax information sharing
ECCR donor-partner Christian Aid has welcomed UK government plans to promote a new treaty
enabling developing countries to share tax information held by developed countries. Announced by
Financial Secretary to the Treasury Stephen Timms at a recent OECD conference on tax and
development, the plan would help curtail estimated tax losses to developing countries of $160 billion a
year resulting from tax dodging by companies trading internationally. Christian Aid also welcomed the
UK government’s call for country-by-country reporting to be adopted as the international accounting
standard for multinational companies. Read more.
ECCR signs up to the campaign for a Financial Transactions Tax
ECCR is supporting the campaign for a Financial Transactions Tax (`Robin Hood tax’) that would
ensure the financial sector contributes to the cost of bank bailouts and to recovery from the global
economic crisis. The proposal has widespread support from politicians, economists, faith groups and
wider civil society. Read more. UK signatory organisations.
Civil society groups call for bold steps forward with Equator Principles
London Mining Network reports that close to 100 civil society organisations from more than 25
countries have sent an open letter to all banks and financial institutions that have adopted the Equator
Principles, calling on them to drastically reform the seven-year-old initiative. The letter, co-ordinated by
international NGO network BankTrack, was sent prior to a meeting between NGOs and banks that
have adopted the Principles. Read more.
Big businesses ‘fail to protect rights of workers in global supply chains’ - EIRIS
Recent EIRIS research identifies breaches of International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions on
child labour, forced labour, trade union rights and equal opportunities in the supply chains of some of
the world's biggest companies. Based on EIRIS's Convention Watch research, the report A Risky
Business? Managing core labour standards in company supply chains finds that 45% of companies
analysed have no policy or management systems in place to protect labour standards in their supply
chain and fail to report on the issue. But some companies appear to be responding to pressure from
investors, NGOs and consumers. Two consumer industry case studies of supply chain allegations are
examined in the report, in relation to Gap and Primark. Read more.
Golden opportunity or false hope? AngloGold Ashanti’s proposed DRC gold mine
A new report from ECCR partners CAFOD and South Africa's Bench Marks Foundation focuses on a
proposed AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) gold mine in Mongbwalu, Ituri District, Democratic Republic of
Congo, and outlines key concerns that will determine whether local people stand to benefit. The
report, Golden Opportunity or False Hope?, makes recommendations to AGA, the state gold-mining
company and the DRC government to ensure that the new mine is socially and environmentally
responsible and benefits the local, regional and national economy. Read more.
4
Responsible and sustainable investment
Investor statement for DRC conflict minerals open for signatures till 26 February
The Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) is continuing to collect investor signatures for
its Investor Statement regarding Conflict Minerals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo until
Friday 26 February. ICCR will send the statement to the most prominent automotive, aerospace and
medical device companies, as well as electronics companies (if not yet participating in current conflict
minerals initiatives) and mining companies operating in the DRC. See Social Funds article. To add
your signature, please email Dan Fibiger your full name, position, organisation and assets under
management (if applicable).
Methodist Church to use investments to fight climate change
The Methodist Church’s Central Finance Board, an ECCR corporate member, has outlined how its
investments will reflect Methodist teaching on the environment and take forward the fight against
climate change. It aims to ‘create and manage portfolios with a carbon footprint that is relatively low
and measurably declining’. The new policy ‘will encourage companies to limit and reduce greenhouse
gas emissions’ and seek ‘better disclosure of emissions, including those produced from a company’s
supply chains’. Read more.
Uzbek cotton multi-stakeholder meeting, 7 April 2010, Brussels
The Responsible Sourcing Network (a project of As You Sow), Institute for Human Rights and
Business, Anti-Slavery International and Boston Common Asset Management will convene a meeting
in Brussels on 7 April 2010 to address forced child labour in Uzbekistan’s cotton sector. The day-long
meeting will bring together brands, retailers, civil society organisations, investors, trade unions,
industry associations and others to discuss how stakeholders can work together to end the practice of
forced child labour in Uzbek cotton fields. Plenary and panel discussions will be followed by a working
session focused on developing strategy and next steps. Location and agenda to be announced.
RSVP: Dan Fibiger.
News from the International Interfaith Investment Group (3iG)
3iG’s latest news update reports on a recent faith-consistent investment research seminar, Jewish
Ethical Investment Guidelines, the Ninth Harvard University Forum on Islamic Finance, impact
investing, and microfinance among faith institutions. To request a copy email Katinka C. van
Cranenburgh, 3iG Secretary General.
Events
Caesar's coin: morality and taxes, 24 February 2010, London
What - if anything - is the connection between corporate taxation and morality? Rt Hon. Stephen
Timms, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, and leading politicians from other parties will gather at St
Martin-in-the-Fields to discuss this issue in relation to the development agenda in the global South.
What are the real issues? And what might be possible solutions? This event is free and open to
members of the public. 24 February, 7.00 - 8.30 pm, St Martin-in-the-Fields, London. Supported by
Christian Aid and St Martin-in-the-Fields.
Equality, prosperity and growth: where do we stand?, 4 March 2010, London
Tim Jackson’s Prosperity Without Growth argues that the ecosystems that sustain our economies are
collapsing under the impact of rising consumption and that we must devise a path to prosperity without
5
continued economic growth. In The Spirit Level Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett present evidence
that not just the poor suffer from inequality but the whole of society. Kate and Tim will talk about the
issues and evidence presented in their books and in dialogue with the audience address questions
such as: What do we mean by prosperity? How can we meet the needs of all on a finite planet? 6-8
pm, Thursday 4 March, Friends House, 173 Euston Road, London. Register here (free but essential).
Banking on justice: churches investing for a fairer future, 18 March 2010, Edinburgh
ECCR and the Church of Scotland are organising this conference in partnership with ACTS, the
Centre for Theology and Public Issues, Christian Aid Scotland, The Iona Community and SCIAF.
Speakers: Ryan Brightwell, Co-operative Financial Services; Alex Connor, Triodos Bank; Kathy
Galloway, Christian Aid Scotland; Doug Gay, co-author Justice and Markets; Jamie Hartzell, Ethical
Property Company; Miles Litvinoff, ECCR; Victoria Woodbridge, EIRIS. For details and bookings see
www.eccr.org.uk/Events or contact Helen Boothroyd (tel. 01325 580028).
Shifting paradigms: theology and economics in the 21st century, July 2010, Hertfordshire
Politicians and economists have called for a 'paradigm shift' in response to the credit crunch. The
unprecedented circumstances of the global recession provide a unique opportunity for dialogue
between theology, ethics and economics as we appraise economic life today. This conference is a
contribution to that discussion. Chair: Canon Edmund Newell; Secretary: Canon David Driscoll;
Chaplain: Revd Frances Eccleston. Tuesday 13 to Friday 16 July 2010, High Leigh Conference
Centre. Further details.
ECCR announcements
New members
A warm welcome to new corporate member the Justice and Peace Commission - Shrewsbury Diocese
and to individual members who have recently joined ECCR.
News and views web postings
Recent additions to ECCR’s Members’ news and views web forum:
A theological reflection from the ECCR Open Debate The Future of Banking – Rev. Canon Peter
Challen, Chairman of the Christian Council for Monetary Justice.
The case for a global cap on pay - Fr Patrick Gerard on bankers' pay; including his December
2009 letter to the Financial Times.
The need for honest banking - Tony Weekes shares his posting from the Quakernomics blog.
ECCR members are invited to use this forum to share news, ideas and resources on issues related to
our mission. Please send contributions and responses to Helen Boothroyd.
Appreciation for members’ feedback
ECCR is very grateful to all those members who took time to respond to our recent consultations as
part of our annual programme evaluation and with regard to ECCR’s future governance model and
membership structure. All responses are being carefully considered. We aim to respond to members’
specific suggestions regarding future work over the coming months, and ECCR’s Board will reflect on
members’ views regarding our governance and membership as it takes forward plans to apply for
registered charity status. Members will be kept informed of major decisions taken. For further
information, please contact Miles Litvinoff (020 8965 9682).
6
Further member help sought in monitoring the church media
Our thanks to members who have offered to alert us to news and articles in the church press that
mention ECCR and/or focus on corporate and investor responsibility. We would still appreciate
hearing from members able to monitor the Methodist Recorder, The Friend, Reform, Baptist Times,
War Cry and the church press in Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please contact Helen Boothroyd (tel.
01325 580028).
With all good wishes.
The Ecumenical Council for Corporate Responsibility
PO Box 500, Oxford OX1 1ZL, UK
www.eccr.org.uk
info@eccr.org.uk
t. +44 (0)1865 245349
ECCR is a company limited by guarantee in England & Wales (No. 2764183) and a Body in
Association with Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.
Miles Litvinoff, Co-ordinator
miles.litvinoff@eccr.org.uk
t. +44 (0)20 8965 9682
m. +44 (0)7984 720103
ECCR’s monthly e-newsletter reaches more than 400 people in the UK, Ireland and internationally
with an active interest, corporate and investor responsibility, social and economic justice, and
environmental sustainability. The e-newsletter is circulated midway through every month except
August. Members and partners are welcome to submit brief news items for inclusion in future issues.
If you do not wish to receive future ECCR e-newsletters, please reply to this message with
Unsubscribe in the subject line. You can also subscribe or unsubscribe here.
ECCR's work for justice and responsible stewardship needs your support. Donate here.

Ecumenical debate on future of banking

By: Sunniva Taylor

Posted: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 12:16 pm

Email Print

The Ecumenical Council for Corporate Responsibility (ECCR) held their annual  open debate on 19 November at Friends House, London. Titled: 'The Future of Banking: Ethical and Sustainable?'  the event was chaired by Lord Harries of Pentregarth (former Bishop of Oxford),with speakers: Edward Mason of the Church of England Ethical Investment Advisory Group, Kevin Smith of Platform and BankTrack, James Vaccaro of Triodos Bank, and Chris Hewett of the Green Alliance.    Discussion ranged over the ethics and sustainability of our banking system. Panellists and  members of the audience reflected on the causes of the financial crisis, lessons to be learnt, and  the nature of the changes now needed.    Edward Mason,  from the Church of England Ethical Investment Advisory Group (EIAG):  spoke on the approach of Christian ethical investors to banking. He began by stating that whilst institutional church investors have traditionally had exclusions from their portfolio (arms, for example), banking has never been one of these sectors. However, banks, and the use of money more generally, have long been an area of concern. In particular, the church has historically been concerned about usury, and has for example excluded from its portfolio companies that engage in doorstep lending.   He went on to say that we have all become increasingly aware of the potential of banking to harm well-being. The banking crisis has led to recession, the collapse of assets and economic output, increased unemployment and rising government debt, all of which increase human misery. In light of this, what should a Christian ethical investor do?    Edward retains the view that there is nothing intrinsically unethical about banks. In a world that is not yet the Kingdom of God, there is still the persistence of sin, and no human institution can claim to do the right thing all the time. However, recently there have been too many practices that have fallen short. Still, we must be careful not to lay all the blame with the banks; investors, government regulators, companies and each of us as individuals all need to accept some responsibility. All have been acting in unsustainable ways – whether through making unsustainable profits or living unsustainable lifestyles.   What should we do now? Edward suggested a number of key changes needed inside banks. Banks need strong non-executive directors, and remuneration needs to change to reflect success at serving the long-term interests of society. Shareholders need to play a better role in holding banks accountable. He admitted that the Church of England had itself made some unwise decisions in the past, and that it needed to uphold good practice and advocate responsible lending. Church investors should also engage in the debate about appropriate government action.   Edward ended by saying that we should be realistic and ask questions from an informed position. It is not enough to invest only in micro-finance and clean technology; investors have to engage with the mainstream economy as well as the ‘leading edge’. Progress will be incremental, but church investors have an important role in helping to make banking more sustainable and ethical.   Kevin Smith, a climate and finance campaigner with the non-governmental organisation (NGO) Platform, which is part of the BankTrack coalition, spoke on ‘Whose bank? Our bank! RBS, fossil fuel finance and the court case against the Treasury’  - opened his presentation by mentioning a recent visit to the UK by three indigenous Canadian women. These women had told movingly of the impact of tar (oil) sands extraction on their communities. This highly carbon-intensive process has resulted in toxic waste in their groundwater, the disruption of their traditional hunting practices and major deforestation.    Kevin described the UK as a leading source of finance for companies involved in tar sands  extraction. With the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) now nationalised, UK taxpayers’ money is heavily involved in this sector. Since its recapitalisation, RBS has also supported other  controversial projects: with Vedanta, the company developing a bauxite mine and alumina refinery on indigenous peoples’ land in India; with GCM, the company behind the controversial Phulbari coal mine in Bangladesh; and with companies involved in politically sensitive parts of Africa.    Whilst discussions about reform and regulation of the banks have focused mainly on financial stability, there has been little consideration of wider issues, such as sustainability. The UK government’s lack of joined-up thinking on climate change is highlighted by the fact that its 84% stake in RBS has not prevented the bank from engaging in carbon-intensive investments.   Platform, along with other NGOs People and Planet and the World Development Movement, had decided to take legal action against the Treasury for allowing public money to be invested in projects linked so closely to the causes of climate change and human rights violations. Whilst a Judicial Review had been refused, the campaigners are currently appealing against this.    RBS is just one bank, but Kevin hoped that the court case would open up political space for  debate, as well as acting as a catalyst for change. The banking crisis is also an opportunity to put  sustainability at the centre of the way the financial system works.   Chris Hewitt, of independent environmental think-tank Green Alliance, spoke on: ‘Should the UK have a Green Investment Bank?’  He highlighted the way  responsible investment has changed. Whilst it used to about what not to invest in, increasingly  investing responsibly is about what you should invest in.   Chris looked at why, from the perspective of private investors, investment is not flowing into renewable energy technologies and other low-carbon developments. He suggested that this is because these sectors are considered to be too high risk. The sectors are very reliant on infrastructure capital and technological innovation; their rates of return are dependent on the carbon price; and they also depend on government policy both now and in the future, which is very difficult for investors to gauge.   It is therefore necessary for the government to take on some of these risks and thus make it easier for private investors to take them on too. The Green Alliance is calling for the creation of a publicly owned Green Investment Bank. Such a bank would hold and disperse capital on a commercial basis, but exclusively to companies and projects intent on accelerating the transition towards a low-carbon economy.     Chris suggested that such a bank is needed because of the scale of investment required, the dependence on infrastructure development, the particular challenge of such an undertaking in the context of the credit crunch, and the high risks for the private sector. He hoped that the development of a Green Investment Bank would create a pool of expertise in government that does not yet exist. It would also enable the expertise available in the City of London to be harnessed for more sustainable goals.    Many European countries have similar banks, he said, and recognition of the need for one in the UK is growing among NGOs and academics and in the City.   James Vaccaro, Managing Director of Investment Banking and of Renewables at Triodos Bank. spoke on: ‘The new accountability: a systems view’ . He  opened with reference to the CEO of Goldman Sachs saying recently that he was doing ‘God’s work’ – a comment that received an amused response from the audience. He then asked why people appear to be continuously surprised by what happens in the banking sector.    The banking crisis demonstrated how little people knew about what was happening, and little has changed. Why are we shocked about the fact that huge bonuses continue to be paid, and banks like RBS continue to fund unsustainable projects, when the people and the system they inhabit have not changed?    The system has essentially been ‘rebooted’ on the previous programme, and we should not be surprised when it produces the same results as before. James argued that the prime failure of the banking system has been to promise returns to investment that can no longer be delivered through relationship banking.   He argued that whilst there has been much talk about the responsibility of taxpayers to influence the way government-owned banks are run, in fact as shareholders we were always the banks’ owners. We all share responsibility to engage with the system.    It is important to reflect on which aspects of sustainability are built in and central to banks’ business model and core operations and which are ‘bolt-on’ additions for public relations purposes. Triodos Bank’s model is that sustainability is built in. Triodos looks both at what it does invest in and at what it avoids. It is important to keep in mind what the end point is. For Triodos this means having a vision for the future. The Abolitionists didn’t start by calling for a 10% cut in slavery!   What should we do? James argued that we should all be conscious of the impact of our financial decisions. Whilst there are a multitude of faiths and priorities about how to build sustainability, all are united by awareness of the fact that financial transactions are part of our lives and are fundamentally human. Banking is about human relationships.    We should recognise our collective power. People in the UK are generally among the richest 10% of the world’s population and have the power to bring about change through our conscious decisions. We can and should support forms of business that will contribute to systemic change, such as Fair Trade.   Questions and observations from the audience, with responses from the panel, followed and covered a broad range of topics.    Invited to make the first contribution from the audience, Stephen Hine of EIRIS emphasised the point made by James Vaccaro, that we are all investors in financial institutions and all customers. EIRIS had recently carried out a poll with Ipsos MORI, which showed that relatively few members of the public can name an ethical bank or know how to find out about them, while many people do not trust banks as a result of the crisis. Stephen suggested that there is a need to demonstrate to consumers that ethical financial institutions can make a difference. He highlighted the website  www.yourethicalmoney.org, an EIRIS initiative.   Attention was drawn by several audience members to the role of the broader legal framework and regulation. For example, the inadequacy of legal definitions and sanctions means that fraud and failure to fulfil corporate responsibility duties by directors are inadequately punished.    One participant commented on what they considered to be systemic corruption within the  regulatory system, so that former bankers move on to become bank regulators. James Vaccaro responded with the view that laws are tools of society, and the law will tend to evolve when society’s expectations change. In his opinion regulators have an important role to play.   Peter Challen of the Christian Council for Monetary Justice was grateful for the fact that the presentations ended on the issue of systemic change. We need to work for Earth jurisprudence and global consciousness, and challenge corporate hegemony and continuing usury. He suggested we should admit together that the current financial system is fraudulent as it is based on exploitation. He also raised the issue of inequality in landownership.    Kevin Smith responded on the subject of corporate hegemony. The suggested Green Investment Bank would provide an alternative.   Louise Rouse of Fair Pensions proposed that we should put our money where our mouths are, invest ethically and ask more searching questions of those who manage our money, such as pension funds. The crisis demonstrated to ordinary people that we all have a stake in the City.   Edward Mason responded to comments on how change happens. He acknowledged that civil society action is very important. However, where banking and investment are concerned, there is also a need for the right market signals.    Another view expressed was that whilst it is encouraging to hear that we all have power, any such power is constrained by the lack of transparency on the part of banks, which often fail to provide answers to questions. For James Vaccaro, transparency can be hard to achieve, and Triodos, which publishes copious information about its loans and investments, finds it challenging to be as transparent as it is.    Lord Harries closed the debate by thanking all four panel speakers for their very considerable expertise in exploring a subject that will remain of real concern to all those who care about the  future of our economy and society. For more information see: http://www.eccr.org.uk/

E-newsletter December 2009
Dear ECCR members, partners and friends
In this e-newsletter:
Corporate engagement and advocacy
BP and Shell shareholder resolutions on Canadian oil sands
DRC conflict minerals: imminent deadline to sign investor statement
New UK Government guidance on Israeli settlement goods
ECCR joins call for action on Royal Bank of Scotland
ECCR joins London Mining Network
Nigerian farmers versus Shell trial begins
CAFOD finds severe water contamination at Goldcorp mine
Amnesty International UK seeks investor contacts
ICCR members push for US pay disparity disclosure
News from KAIROS Canada
New Oxfam report argues profits must be shared to help poor
Early Day Motion on Vedanta
New call for companies to adopt human rights policies
New online forum on business and human rights
Responsible and sustainable investment
CCLA launches new fund for charity and faith investors
Ethical finance: does Britain care? – EIRIS survey
CIFs should do more to meet the needs of charity investors – EIRIS
Events
Building an ethical economy, webcast, January 2010, London
ECCR and Church of Scotland conference: Banking on Justice, March 2010, Edinburgh
ECCR announcements
A welcome to new members
ECCR Ireland Working Group begins outreach
Modified mission statement
New ECCR web forum for members’ news and views
ECCR seeks help in monitoring the church media
Member and donor-partner consultations
Board and Secretariat changes
Funding ECCR’s work: online donations; advice sought on grant-makers
Corporate engagement and advocacy
BP and Shell shareholder resolutions on Canadian oil sands
ECCR corporate member FairPensions reports a good response to requests for investors to co-file
shareholder resolutions on oil sands for the AGMs of BP and Shell. ECCR is co-filing on BP. Filing
deadlines are fast approaching. Investors interested in the possibility of co-filing either or both
resolutions who have not yet responded are urged to contact Louise Rouse (tel. 020 7403 7812).
2
DRC conflict minerals: imminent deadline to sign investor statement
The SRI and faith-based investment community has drafted an investor statement condemning the
global trade of conflict minerals originating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Over 50 investors
have added their signature to this statement, which will be sent to many of the world’s largest
electronics companies, as well as other non-electronics companies that source significant amounts of
coltan, tantalum and tungsten. The final date to add signatures is 15 December 2009. A press release
highlighting this issue and the investor statement will be issued on 17 December 2009. To add your
signature, please email Dan Fibiger at As You Sow. Watch CBS TV film.
New UK Government guidance on Israeli settlement goods
The UK Government has announced advice to British retailers that they can label food products to
differentiate Palestinian from Israeli settlement produce. Goods of both origins have in the past been
labelled ‘West Bank’. ECCR’s research shows that some retailers have been hesitant about
introducing clearer labelling. Now some retailers have already indicated that they plan to implement
the new guidelines. ECCR’s view is that better labelling is possible only if retailers have robust supply
chain monitoring systems. We intend to monitor how retailers respond to the guidelines and will keep
members informed. Read the full text of the government advice. For background information, please
see www.eccr.org.uk/module-htmlpages-display-pid-64.html or contact Suzanne Ismail.
ECCR joins call for action on Royal Bank of Scotland
ECCR was among more than 30 signatories, including the Convenor of the Church of Scotland Rev.
Ian Galloway, of a letter to the Observer and to UK Chancellor Alistair Darling taking the UK
Government to task for failing to push RBS and other bailed-out banks into supporting socially useful
and more sustainable investments. The letter received considerable media coverage and coincided
with the publication of a new report from PLATFORM, Towards a Royal Bank of Sustainability.
ECCR joins London Mining Network
ECCR has become a member of the London Mining Network (LMN), an alliance of human rights,
development and environmental groups. LMN seeks to hold London-listed mining companies to
account for their social and environmental impacts through information exchange, research,
awareness raising, support to communities and workers, and other advocacy. LMN is co-ordinated by
ECCR member Richard Solly.
Nigerian farmers versus Shell trial begins
A court case brought by four Nigerian farmers and fishers who say they are victims of Shell oil leaks,
supported by Milieudefensie/Friends of the Earth Netherlands, has opened in The Hague. This is
reportedly the first time that a Dutch company has been brought to trial before a Dutch court for
damages occurring abroad. The Nigerians claim to have lost their livelihoods after oil from leaking
pipelines streamed over their fields and fishing ponds. They are seeking compensation from Shell and
want the company to clean up the oil remaining in the ground. Read more.
ECCR’s forthcoming case-study report, Shell in the Niger Delta: A Framework for Change is due for
publication in February 2010.
CAFOD finds severe water contamination at Goldcorp mine
An investigation by ECCR donor-partner CAFOD and Canada’s Development & Peace has uncovered
documents showing water contamination at a Honduras mine owned by multinational mining company
3
Goldcorp. Among investors in Goldcorp are British-based AXA Investment Managers UK (US$4.3
million), Blackrock Commodities Income Trust and City Natural Resources High Yield Trust, according
to the report From Money to Metals by UK mining researcher Roger Moody. CAFOD statement.
Amnesty International UK seeks investor contacts
Howard Baker, formerly with FairPensions, has joined Amnesty International UK’s Business and
Human Rights team as Investor Relations Adviser. He hopes to build relationships with investors
committed to the principles of responsible investment, to engage with them and potentially to seek
their support on issues with companies where human rights and business interests of investors
overlap. Interested investors are invited to email Howard at Howard.Baker@amnesty.org.uk.
ICCR members push for US pay disparity disclosure
In an unprecedented move by US faith-based institutional shareholders, at least 21 US-based health
industry companies are the focus of shareholder resolutions led by members of ECCR’s US partner
the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR), asking them to publicly disclose the total
compensation packages of their top executives, including their health care packages, vis-à-vis that of
their lowest paid US workers. Read more.
News from KAIROS Canada
ECCR’s longstanding partner organisation KAIROS has appeared before Canada’s Parliamentary
Foreign Affairs committee to express support for Bill C-300, a groundbreaking private member's bill on
corporate accountability. The bill would require mining, oil and gas companies to respect human rights
and environmental standards in order to access financing through Export Development Canada and
the Canada Pension Plan. Read more.
On 30 November KAIROS received notice from the Canadian International Development Agency
(CIDA) that its project proposal for 2009-13 had been declined and did not fit CIDA priorities. This
decision terminates a 35-year history of co-operation between CIDA and KAIROS and its predecessor
organisations. Pressure is now mounting for CIDA to renew funding for KAIROS’ s human rights
programme. Read more.
New Oxfam report argues profits must be shared to help poor
Poor people are losing out on massive profits generated by extractive industries which are not being
shared fairly with producing country governments, Oxfam says in a new research report. Profits from
gold, copper, oil, gas and diamonds could be reducing poverty and inequality and strengthening public
services, it argues, but unfair distribution of profits between weak governments and powerful
multinational companies, and a lack of transparency, means many countries cannot capitalise on their
natural resources. Oxfam’s report, Lifting the Resource Curse, calls for ‘a new, fair deal for poor
people in resource-rich countries’.
Early Day Motion on Vedanta
The legality and ethics of operations of London-listed Indian mining company Vedanta Resources are
under continuing scrutiny, and the UK Government's National Contact Point has censured the
company for not complying with the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. UK voters can ask
their MP to sign Early Day Motion (EDM) 221 urging the Government to launch an investigation into
the support that the Department for International Development and other agencies give Vedanta and
its subsidiaries. A quick way to do this is via the free web service www.writetothem.com.
4
New call for companies to adopt human rights policies
Former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, Realizing Rights and the Business
& Human Rights Resource Centre are contacting CEOs of companies to ask whether they have a
human rights policy and if not to adopt one by June 2010. The initiative is currently focusing on
companies headquartered in emerging and developed markets. Read more.
New online forum on business and human rights
John Ruggie, UN Special Representative on Human Rights and Business, is seeking more input and
discussion on his ‘Protect, Respect and Remedy’ framework via a new online forum:
www.srsgconsultation.org. The forum is currently focused on the corporate responsibility to respect
human rights, the second pillar of the framework. For background on Prof. Ruggie’s UN mandate, visit
www.business-humanrights.org/SpecialRepPortal/Home.
Responsible and sustainable investment
CCLA launches new fund for charity and faith investors
Leading charity fund manager and ECCR corporate member CCLA has launched the COIF Charities
Ethical Investment Fund, which will exclude companies with significant exposure to contentious
products and services, particularly alcohol, arms, gambling, tobacco and pornography. The fund has
been developed in response to the findings of CCLA’s 18-month client consultation. Read more.
Ethical finance: does Britain care? – EIRIS survey
44% of the British public are interested in finding out about the ethical credentials of the next financial
product or service they buy, according to new research released by ECCR donor-partner the EIRIS
Foundation. A national online consumer survey conducted by Ipsos MORI found that many people
now feel that banks and financial institutions should prioritise ethical concerns such as protecting
human rights, tackling climate change, protecting the environment and investing in fair trade in their
lending and investing activities. However, lack of knowledge and of trust are key barriers to people
purchasing ethical financial products and services. Read more.
CIFs should do more to meet the needs of charity investors – EIRIS
Common Investment Funds (CIFs) should do more to meet the needs of charities that wish to invest
responsibly, according to research released by the EIRIS Foundation. EIRIS’s new guide Responsible
Investment by Charities: The Role of Pooled Funds reviews the investment approach of 44 UK CIFs to
help trustees understand how they can integrate environmental, social and ethical concerns into their
investments. EIRIS advises charities that are not satisfied with what is currently on offer to talk to their
fund managers about their responsible investment needs.
Events
Building an ethical economy, webcast, January 2010, London
A conference on ‘Building an ethical economy: theology and the market place’ will be webcast from
the Trinity Institute, New York, live to St Paul’s Institute, London. Speakers include Archbishop Rowan
Williams and Cambridge economist Sir Partha Dasgupta. Participants will be able to ask questions in
real time. The webcast conference will be delivered by St Mary-le-Bow Church and JustShare in
partnership with St Paul’s Cathedral Institute at The Wren Suite in the Cathedral Crypt. People can
attend as much or as little of the conference as they wish. Thursday 28 and Friday 29 January 2010,
2.00 pm to 10.00 pm GMT. Registration £20. More information. Inquiries/registration: Matthew Power.
5
ECCR and Church of Scotland conference: Banking on Justice, March 2010, Edinburgh
ECCR and the Church of Scotland are organising this one-day conference in partnership with Action
of Churches Together in Scotland (ACTS), the University of Edinburgh's Centre for Theology and
Public Issues, Christian Aid Scotland, the Iona Community and SCIAF - Scottish Catholic International
Aid Fund. 18 March 2010, St Georges West Church, Edinburgh. For further details and to book,
please contact Helen Boothroyd (01325 580028).
ECCR announcements
A welcome to new members
A warm welcome to the Justice and Peace Commission - Shrewsbury Diocese.
ECCR Ireland Working Group begins outreach
Following our conference in Dublin earlier this year, Irish-based ECCR members and partners have
established the ECCR Ireland Working Group. The group aims to reach out to a wide circle of
organisations both faith-based and others interested in issues of corporate and investor responsibility
and to develop work with a focus on Irish-based companies. For more information, please contact
Trócaire Private Sector Advocacy Officer and ECCR Board member Mark Cumming (+353 1 505
3261).
Modified mission statement
As part of its current strategic review, ECCR’s Board has agreed the following modified mission
statement:
‘The Ecumenical Council for Corporate Responsibility (ECCR) is a church-based investor coalition and
membership organisation working for economic justice and environmental sustainability. ECCR
undertakes research, advocacy and dialogue to encourage companies to meet the highest standards
of corporate responsibility and transparency, as well as assisting faith communities, their members
and other investors in upholding these same high standards through responsible and positive-impact
investment.’
New ECCR web forum for members’ news and views
ECCR members and partners can now use our new web page Members’ news and views to share
news, ideas and resources on issues related to our mission. The first members’ items appearing are
Glevys Rondon’s report on a European tour by indigenous women from Ecuador, Guatemala and
Peru, and Peter Ullathorne’s report on a recent Business in the Community seminar, 'Reputation or
profit: does there have to be a choice?' Please send contributions and responses to Helen Boothroyd.
ECCR seeks help in monitoring the church media
ECCR is looking for help from members with monitoring those parts of the church media that you
usually read. We would like members to alert us to news items and articles that mention ECCR and/or
cover corporate and investor responsibility issues that may be relevant to our work. If you might be
willing to help, please contact Helen Boothroyd with details of which church media - print or online -
you regularly read. This will enable us to prevent duplication of monitoring.
6
Member and donor-partner consultations
ECCR members and donor-partners will all have received our annual consultation questionnaire. We
would much appreciate your help in assessing our past efforts and planning our future work by
completing and returning your questionnaire, ideally by 22 January 2010. In early January, members
will receive a further consultation regarding ECCR’s future governance model.
Board and Secretariat changes
Patrick Hynes, representing corporate member Oikocredit, has joined ECCR’s Board. Matt Crossman
of Rathbone Greenbank Investments is our new Company Secretary.
Sunniva Taylor, who has made a valuable contribution over the past two years as a member of our
research team, has left ECCR. Sunniva’s contract with Quaker Peace & Social Witness, under which
she also worked for us, has ended. We wish her every future success. Suzanne Ismail continues in
her joint QPSW/ECCR research role.
Funding ECCR’s work: online donations; advice sought on grant-makers
ECCR can now accept donations in support of its work via the website. Please visit
www.eccr.org.uk/Donate. Members, partners and friends who are connected with, or know of, any
grant-making body that may be willing to support ECCR’s work financially are invited to contact Miles
Litvinoff (020 8965 9682)
With all good wishes for Christmas and the New Year.
The Ecumenical Council for Corporate Responsibility
PO Box 500, Oxford OX1 1ZL, UK
www.eccr.org.uk
info@eccr.org.uk
t. +44 (0)1865 245349
ECCR is a company limited by guarantee in England & Wales (No. 2764183) and a Body in
Association with Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.
Miles Litvinoff, Co-ordinator
miles.litvinoff@eccr.org.uk
t. +44 (0)20 8965 9682
m. +44 (0)7984 720103
ECCR’s monthly e-newsletter reaches more than 400 people in the UK, Ireland and internationally
who work on, or are interested in, corporate and investor responsibility, social and economic justice,
and environmental sustainability. The e-newsletter is circulated midway through every month except
August. There will also be no e-newsletter in January 2010 due to the Co-ordinator’s annual leave;
normal service will resume in February 2010. Members and partners are welcome to submit brief news items for inclusion in future issues.

E-newsletter September 2009
Dear ECCR members, partners and friends
In this e-newsletter:
Corporate engagement and advocacy
ECCR and QPSW dialogue with supermarkets on Israeli settlement goods
Uzbek cotton and forced child labour: network seeks European stakeholders
ECCR signs up to Global Fair Banking Initiative
Update on Canadian tar sands from Platform and Greenpeace
Responsible and sustainable investment
Sustainability is part of the fiduciary duty of asset managers - UNEP FI
Most big charities are now investing ethically – EIRIS and CFDG
EIRIS named UK's best ESG research house
Events
A Zero Growth Economy: one day conference, 26 September, London
Microfinance investment summit, 6-7 October, London
Rural and indigenous women from Latin America speak about mining, 13 October, London
Credit Crunch or Kairos? 17 October, Lancaster
National Ethical Investment Week, 8-14 November – ECCR/UKSIF guide for church groups
The Future of Banking: Ethical and Sustainable? ECCR annual open debate, 19 November,
London
ECCR announcements
New ECCR PowerPoint presentation available
Members‟ annual meeting, 19 November, London
September Bulletin now available
Your feedback invited
Corporate engagement and advocacy
ECCR and QPSW dialogue with supermarkets on Israeli settlement goods
ECCR and corporate member Quaker Peace & Social Witness are initiating dialogue with eleven
British and Irish supermarket chains to highlight concerns about goods produced in Israeli settlements
in the occupied Palestinian Territories. We are asking retailers about their policies and practices with
respect to such produce and will keep members, partners and friends informed about the outcomes of
this dialogue and any further work we undertake as a result. More information is available on ECCR‟s
website or from Suzanne Ismail (tel. 020 7663 1055).
Uzbek cotton and forced child labour: network seeks European stakeholders
Each year some two million children are forced to do back-breaking work in Uzbekistan‟s cotton fields
under direct order of the Uzbek government. A multi-stakeholder network has coalesced around the
issue, including major brands and retailers, civil society, investors, unions and trade associations.
European brands such as Tesco, Marks & Spencer, C&A, Asda and Benetton have committed not to
2
source Uzbek cotton until this practice ends. US-based investors have taken the lead in encouraging
companies to act and now seek increased engagement and co-ordination with responsible investors in
Europe. For information on how to become involved, please email Dan Fibiger at As You Sow (coordinating
US shareholder advocacy efforts on this issue). To receive updates and participate in
private investor dialogues, please register at www.responsible-cotton.net.
ECCR signs up to Global Fair Banking Initiative
ECCR has joined Church Action on Poverty, New Economics Foundation and Citizens Advice
Scotland in lending its name in support of the Global Fair Banking Initiative. The initiative calls on the
G-20 Summit on 24-25 September to „create a private-sector financial system “worth saving”‟. The
Initiative urges governments to discipline large financial institutions that reach across borders to
ensure protection of the most economically vulnerable populations and ensure sound access to
capital, investment and financial services, with a cross-border duty to exercise responsibility in
financial services and to review, reschedule or otherwise modify debt liabilities of households and
small businesses at affordable rates over the long term.
Update on Canadian tar sands from Platform and Greenpeace
A recent update on Canada‟s tar sands examines emerging structural shifts that pose a threat to
future production. The report shows how the logic of oil companies such as Shell and BP investing in
tar sands is deeply flawed. Report author Lorne Stockman said: „The investment risks associated with
tar sands projects are increasing almost daily. The potential impact of major efficiency programmes on
oil demand is only just being realised, as governments around the world attempt to reduce price
volatility, secure energy supplies and tackle climate change. Investors should ... think carefully before
committing to projects that require a consistently high oil price to break even.‟ Read more.
Responsible and sustainable investment
Sustainability is part of the fiduciary duty of asset managers - UNEP FI
Oekom Research reports that „”Green” investments are no longer just a luxury, but are now a legal
responsibility, according to a new report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and
a powerful group of asset managers controlling some 2 trillion US dollars in assets. The study
concluded that asset managers‟ fiduciary duty requires them also to examine portfolio risks generated
by environmental factors. It also stressed the central role that the world‟s largest institutional investors
– including pension funds, insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds and mutual funds – have in
easing the transition to a low-carbon and resource-efficient green economy.‟ More information is
available from UNEP FI.
Most big charities are now investing ethically – EIRIS and CFDG
Over half of large UK charities have an ethical investment policy, according to a survey conducted by
the Charity Finance Directors' Group (CFDG) and ECCR donor-partner the EIRIS Foundation. The
survey of 164 CFDG members found that 60% of charities with investments over £1 million had an
ethical investment policy. Meanwhile only 25% of smaller charities with investments of under £1 million
invest ethically. Sam Collin, charity adviser at the EIRIS Foundation commented: „There is still much
work to do to ensure that all charities are not putting their reputation and stakeholder relationships at
risk through their financial decisions.‟ CFDG will publish guidance for charity finance professionals on
the barriers to ethical investment around the end of the year. More information is available from Kate
Hand (tel. 020 7785 6419).
3
EIRIS named UK's best ESG research house
ECCR donor-partner the EIRIS Foundation‟s subsidiary company EIRIS has been awarded top
honours in the World Finance Awards, which this year highlighted socially responsible investments
(SRI) for the first time. Peter Webster, EIRIS's Executive Director, said: 'We welcome this award as a
reflection of EIRIS' dedication to producing high-quality, relevant research on a broad range of
environmental, social, governance and other ethical issues.'
Events
A Zero Growth Economy: one day conference, 26 September, London
Quaker Peace and Social Witness and Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre conference are holding a
one day conference entitled A Zero Growth Economy? What would it mean for us all? to explore the
concept advocated by some as the only route to real sustainability. The conference aims to examine
the implications of a zero growth economy for the environment and people and to consider the right
relationships between protecting the environment and alleviating poverty. Speakers: Alastair McIntosh;
Duncan Green, Oxfam; Miriam Kennett, Green Economics Institute; Richard Douthwaite, FEASTA.
Chair: Jocelyn Bell Burnell. Friends House, Euston Road, London, Saturday 26 September 2009,
10.00 am – 5 pm. Cost £20 per person (concessions £5), open to all. Advance booking essential.
Further details. To book, contact Anne Wilkinson (tel. 020 7663 1062).
Microfinance investment summit, 6-7 October, London
UKSIF the sustainable investment and finance association, of which ECCR is now a member, is
supporting the Microfinance Investment Summit, which will bring together international microfinance
stakeholders from institutional and private investors, donors, microfinance institutions and industry
experts to debate and learn. Participants at last year‟s conference included Credit Suisse, Grameen
Foundation, Deutsche Bank and the Co-operative Bank. 6-7 October 2009, London. Discounts
available for groups and non-profit organisations. Contact: Jackie Clements (tel. +44 (0) 20 7878
6906).
Rural and indigenous women from Latin America speak about mining, 13 October, London
Rural and indigenous women from Ecuador, Peru and Guatemala struggling with mining projects in
their communities will speak about the gender-specific risks they face through their work in defence of
the environment and human rights. With mining conflict, abuse against women becomes „normal‟ and
unworthy of police attention. These issues, as well as an increase in violence against women who
speak out against mining, will be explored. The public event organised by the Latin American Mining
Monitoring Programme (LAMMP) takes place on 13 October from 2.30 to 5 pm at the Amnesty
International Human Rights Centre, 17-25 New Inn Yard, London EC2A 3EA. Further information is
available at LAMMP or contact LMMP‟s Co-ordinator Glevys Rondon, who is an ECCR member.
Credit Crunch or Kairos? 17 October, Lancaster
This community conference, co-organised by ECCR corporate member Lancaster Diocesan Faith and
Justice Commission and donor-partner CAFOD, will examine the impact of the present financial
situation on our lives, responsibilities and opportunities. Geoff O‟Donoghue, Director of CAFOD‟s
International Division, will speak on „Business as usual?‟ and Frank Regan on a faith-guided approach
to economics and politics. Workshop themes include ethical investment and the credit crunch, and
„Labourers and investors in a global vineyard‟ led by Patrick Hynes of ECCR corporate member
Oikocredit UK. Conference details and booking form. Contact: Margaret McSherry (tel. 01524 383
081).
4
National Ethical Investment Week, 8-14 November – ECCR/UKSIF guide for church groups
The second National Ethical Investment Week (NEIW), a co-operative campaign promoting green and
ethical investment options and involving advisers, charities and trusts, financial organisations, faith
groups, NGOs and community groups, will take place from 8 to 14 November 2009. ECCR has
worked with NEIW co-ordinators UKSIF to produce an Action Guide for Church Groups with ideas for
worship, displays, newsletter articles and letters to the local press. ECCR members will receive a
printed copy. Others can request one from Helen Boothroyd (tel. 01325 580028); please include
name, church, and the mailing address. NEIW is co-sponsored by ECCR corporate member CCLA.
The Future of Banking: Ethical and Sustainable? ECCR annual open debate, 19 November,
London
The banking crisis has receded, and stability has returned. Lessons about excessive risk-taking have
been learned. Or have they? Is our banking system ethical, sustainable and back on solid ground? Or
are more radical changes needed? ECCR's 2009 open debate will explore these questions with a
panel chaired by Lord Harries of Pentregarth (former Bishop of Oxford) and speakers from Platform/
BankTrack, Triodos Bank, the Church Investors Group (invited) and the mainstream banking sector
(invited). Thursday 19 November 2009, 4.30-6.15 p.m. Friends House, Small Meeting House, 173
Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ. All welcome. Entrance is free. Wheelchair access. Nearest
underground: Euston or Euston Square. Further details. To book, please contact Miles Litvinoff (tel.
020 8965 9682).
ECCR announcements
New ECCR PowerPoint presentation available
ECCR has produced a short PowerPoint presentation with notes for members to use to talk about our
work to local church groups and at other meetings. Contact Helen Boothroyd (tel. 01325 580028) to
obtain this.
Members’ annual meeting, 19 November, London
ECCR‟s Members‟ Annual Meeting takes place on Thursday 19 November from 2.30 to 3.30 pm at
Friends House, London, followed by our 2009 open debate on The Future of Banking. The meeting
will receive ECCR‟s annual accounts and is an opportunity for members to raise issues and make
suggestions to ECCR‟s Board and Secretariat team, to review work over the past year and input into
future plans. Members will receive an invitation and agenda in October. We look forward to seeing
many corporate and individual members at the meeting.
September Bulletin now available
The September issue of ECCR‟s quarterly Bulletin focuses on the theme of global supply chains, with
articles form EIRIS, Oxfam GB and Christian Aid and an assessment of the Ethical Trading Initiative.
The Bulletin is distributed free to all ECCR members, and a download will shortly be available at
www.eccr.org.uk/module-htmlpages-display-pid-34.html. A free printed copy can be requested from
Binia Scherrer.
Your feedback invited
Have you personally or your organisation engaged on an issue or taken any action as a result of
hearing about the issue through ECCR‟s work? It helps if you can let us know. Please contact Miles
Litvinoff or any other member of the Secretariat team.
5
With all good wishes.
The Ecumenical Council for Corporate Responsibility
PO Box 500, Oxford OX1 1ZL, UK
www.eccr.org.uk
info@eccr.org.uk
t. +44 (0)1865 245349
ECCR is a company limited by guarantee in England & Wales (No. 2764183) and a Body in
Association with Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.
Miles Litvinoff, Co-ordinator
miles.litvinoff@eccr.org.uk
t. +44 (0)20 8965 9682
m. +44 (0)7984 720103
ECCR’s monthly e-newsletter reaches more than 400 people and is circulated midway through every
month except August. Members and partners are welcome to submit brief news items for inclusion.