The group begins to formalise its training program as it hires an ESG research manager.
The Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) has hired a researcher for its Responsible Investment Academy.
Katie Swanston will take on the job as research manager in environment, social and governance issues.
Swanston previously worked for UK fund manager Newton Investment Management as a socially responsible investment officer.
She recently finished a short-term contract with the United Nationals Principles of Responsible Investment. In the job she assisted in the implementation of the principles by firms in the Asia Pacific region which had signed up to the agreement.
Organisations representing 60 per cent of all funds management in Australia are signatories to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment, according to RIAA executive director Louise O'Halloran.
"Katie will be preparing the groundwork for putting together a training program for investment professionals to develop skills in this area," O'Halloran said.
The program will include about 30 to 40 modules and a pilot training program will be developed by the end of the year. The program is expected to be launched by the second quarter of 2010, according to O'Halloran.
The academy is chaired by former superannuation executive Steve Gibbs. In February, RIAA received financial support from the federal government to establish the academy.
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