# Pensions & Investment Research Consultants Ltd

PIRC is a specialist advisory firm based in London's Canary Wharf that has spent over 30 years developing expertise in environmental, social and governance (ESG) stewardship. The firm primarily serves pension funds, asset owners and institutional investors seeking to enhance their responsible investment performance and manage ESG-related risks.

What distinguishes PIRC is its uncompromising approach to stewardship and research. Rather than accepting corporate statements at face value, the firm conducts fearless, independent analysis that uncovers risks obscured by standard annual reports and sustainability disclosures. This rigorous methodology enables clients to make informed decisions backed by nuanced intelligence rather than corporate messaging.

The firm's engagement philosophy prioritises tangible outcomes over comfortable conversations. PIRC's specialist stewardship team builds robust relationships with company boards, using effective dialogue and, where necessary, direct challenge to drive material ESG improvements. The firm maintains a distinctive focus on work and employment standards—an area it argues has been neglected by many stewardship providers.

PIRC particularly serves Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) funds through its dedicated Local Authority Pension Performance Peer Group, offering investment benchmarking alongside governance and engagement data. The firm combines shareholder voting advice with collaborative engagement strategies, shareholder resolutions and multi-stakeholder approaches to corporate accountability.

PIRC's fearless positioning—never afraid to take robust voting positions or challenge corporate practices—sets it apart in a sector often characterised by accommodation with management.