This evaluation was conducted at a critical time in the growth of ShareAction, an ambitious non-profit focusing on environmental, social and governance (ESG) themes. ShareAction has evolved since 2005 from a project by People & Planet, a UK student campaigns network. This project worked with the largest pension provider in the UK, the Universities Superannuation Scheme, to help them adopt a responsible investment policy. We supported ShareAction with a £1.4 million grant to survey and rank financial institutions and carry out other work related to climate finance.

We funded this evaluation to provide insights into the effectiveness of a sample of ShareAction’s initiatives, as well as the coherence of its strategy, governance and HR management. The COVID-19 pandemic and the competitive job markets for people with an ESG background have amplified the turnover in ShareAction’s workforce.

The evaluation also explored a different resourcing model, as it has relied heavily on philanthropic support. The evaluation, the first in ShareAction’s history, has involved working closely with its leadership and board members. ShareAction used the findings to inform a strategy refresh in the last quarter of 2022.