Objectives and Approach

The Fund aims to provide income with the prospect of some investment growth over the long term (5 years, or more). It also looks to outperform the iBoxx GBP Non-Gilts Index (the “Index”) over rolling 3-year periods, after the deduction of charges. The Fund is actively managed, and invests at least two-thirds of its assets in investment grade corporate bonds that are denominated in sterling (or hedged back to sterling, if a different currency), issued by UK companies and companies worldwide. In addition, the Fund may invest in other bonds (including below investment grade corporate bonds, and government bonds) when considered appropriate to achieve its investment objective. The Index is broadly representative of the bonds in which the Fund invests and provides a suitable target benchmark against which Fund performance will be measured and evaluated over time. The Investment Manager also seeks to create a portfolio that compares favourably against the Index over rolling 12-month periods, when assessed using the Columbia Threadneedle ESG Materiality Rating model. This model (developed and owned by Columbia Threadneedle Investments) analyses company data to assess how effectively material environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks and opportunities are being managed. Provided sufficient data is available, the results are combined and expressed as a numerical ESG Materiality rating to indicate how much exposure a company has to material ESG risks and opportunities in a particular industry. Whilst the Fund may still invest in bonds issued by companies that have poor ESG Materiality ratings, at least 50% of the portfolio is invested in bonds issued by companies with strong ratings. In line with its engagement policy, the Investment Manager engages with companies with a view to influencing management teams to address material ESG risks and improve their ESG practices ranging from climate change to board independence and diversity. The Fund only invests in bonds issued by companies that follow good governance practices. It does not invest in bonds issued by companies which derive revenue from industries or activities above the thresholds shown: tobacco production (5%); nuclear weapons – indirect involvement (5%), conventional weapons – military, or civilian firearms (10%), and thermal coal – extraction or power generation (30%). The Fund also excludes companies that have a direct involvement in nuclear weapons, controversial weapons or that fail international standards and principles. The Fund is permitted to invest in other securities as well as collective investment schemes (including funds managed by Columbia Threadneedle companies), and hold money market instruments, deposits, cash and near cash. The Fund is not permitted to invest in derivatives for investment purposes, but derivatives may be used with the aim of reducing risk or managing the Fund more efficiently.