Access Pool has appointed Orchard Street Investment Management to manage its Impact Real Estate strategy.

As part of the appointment, Orchard Street will target the delivery of attractive financial returns within a formal Impact investment framework focused on decarbonising buildings to deliver attractive environtmental, socila and governance (ESG)-led outcomes based on measurable targets. Access Joint Committee chairman, Mark Kemp-Gee, said the allocation marks "a key step" in their ongoing initiative to diversify into the private markets. "This investment partnership will provide attractive long-term financial returns for our members alongside measurable targets to decarbonise, improve health and create social engagement with local communities with a manager that is fully aligned with all the outcomes desired by our members," he added.

The Independent Governance Group (IGG) has announced the launch of its graduate programme.

After receiving more than 200 applications, IGG selected six individuals to participate in the scheme's first year. IGG has described the twelve-month structured programme as "the first of its kind" for a professional trustee firm. According to the company, participants will be supported through coaching and mentorship. This will provide the group with an in-depth understanding of the UK pension landscape and enable progress towards a qualification with the Pensions Management Institute (PMI). IGG chief people officer, Manpreet Sohal, said they sought candidates with "a strong capacity for learning and a positive attitude."

Quilter Academy, Quilter's financial trading arm, has partnered with FutureProof Pro and Life After Professional Sport (LAPS).

Quilter said these partnerships will "attract professional athletes, sports professionals, and individuals from other specialist backgrounds" to the advice industry. FutureProof is a careers support service looking to transition into a new field after their successful sporting careers. LAPS offers a careers platform, advice, networking, and job opportunities for future, current, and former sports professionals.

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