PIRC : independent research and advisory consultancy

PIRC is the UKs' leading independent research and advisory consultancy providing services to institutional investors on corporate governance and corporate social responsibility. Since 1986, it has been the pioneer and champion of good corporate governance within the UK.
Authoritative resource
PIRC has a wide spectrum of clients ranging from pension funds, faith-based investors, trade unions to banks and asset managers. Its Corporate Governance Service is an authoritative and vital resource for active investors, whilst its widely-read Shareholder Voting Guidelines provide a market-wide benchmark for investors and forms part of the movement for corporate governance reform and long-term wealth creation strategies for responsible investors.

For more information about PIRC or to arrange a meeting, contact Janice Hayward, or call us on 0207 247 2323.

Shareholders urged to resist Caledonia bid to donate to Tories

July 20 2008

The Observer

A row is brewing at Caledonia Investments, where shareholders are being advised to vote against a resolution at the annual meeting to allow the company to donate £75,000 to the Conservative Party.

The Caledonia board, chaired by Old Etonian Peter Buckley, is seeking approval to give the money to the Tories to fight marginal seats during elections. Political donations have become rare in recent years as they need shareholder approval. Pirc, which campaigns for better corporate governance, says it doesn't 'support donations to any political party'. 'We recommend opposition,' said a spokesman.

“PIRC is in the DNA of good corporate governance”

“Let’s not forget how quickly yesterday’s heresy can become today’s mainstream opinion. Ten years ago PIRC was portrayed as pursuing a radical agenda. Now much of what PIRC said in the past is in the DNA of UK corporate governance. Back then many fund managers did not even vote, now the large majority do, and many try and vote intelligently rather than routinely supporting management.“
Brendan Barber
General Secretary, Trades Union Congress, October 2003