The Sustainable Ownership team is looking for a Shareholder Voting Associate on a six-month, full-time fixed-term secondment. This an exciting opportunity to make a decisive contribution to our Sustainable Work, by providing high-quality analysis and implementation regarding how we vote at company Annual General Meetings (AGMs) during the UK ‘voting season’ (March – July 2025, but ideally candidates will start in March and finish in September). Who we are Railpen is responsible for the safekeeping and investment of around £34 billion in assets and the administration of several pension schemes, including the Railways Pension Scheme, one of the UK's largest and longest established pension funds. Our heritage of looking after the pension needs of the rail industry and its employees gives us our name and our unique outlook on how we serve our members. Railpen takes a holistic view, focusing on how we serve members today and how we can positively impact the communities and the world they will retire into. To learn more about Railpen including our values, culture and purpose, visit our LinkedIn Life page here. Our values of integrity, community and alignment are the guiding principles that influence our behaviour. They help us make decisions and shape our relationships with others. They’re what we stand for. You will actively demonstrate our values, helping to create a safe environment, to place the needs of the community above oneself and, through a culture of ‘fair challenge’, align to the best interests of our members. The role The Shareholder Voting Associate would play a vital role in supporting our active ownership (also known as stewardship) work. Our Active Ownership workstream focuses on influencing companies to improve their behaviour on the environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues that are most important for their financial performance. We have several tools at our disposal to help us do this, including dialogue with companies or influencing stewardship outcomes for members, while building their understanding of one of the most high-profile aspects of our Sustainable Ownership work, as well as developing useful relationships and transferable skills that will be important for longer-term career development Policymakers. Voting at a company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) is another important tool for influencing company behaviour, as it provides the opportunity to express our public support for, or sanction of, a company’s approach to issues such as climate change, executive pay and workforce treatment. Most of this voting activity takes place during ‘Voting Season’ (also known as AGM Season), making it one of the busiest and most exciting times of the year for Railpen’s stewardship/active ownership activity. The Associate will have the opportunity to make a real difference to stewardship outcomes for members, while building their understanding of one of the most high-profile aspects of our Sustainable Ownership work, as well as developing useful relationships and transferable skills that will be important for longer-term career development. The person We are looking for an evidence of an enthusiasm for Sustainable Ownership and its contribution to good financial outcomes for pension scheme members. The ideal candidate will be highly organised, detail-focused, able to thrive in a fast-paced environment and capable of assimilating new information quickly. Our values of integrity, community and alignment are the guiding principles that influence our behaviour. They help us make decisions and shape our interactions with others. They’re what we stand for. What we can offer you Rewarding you Up to £30,000 (FTE) (depending on experience) 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays Generous annual bonus plan We provide membership of the Railways Pension Scheme, a Defined Benefit arrangement under which you get a pension for life and a lump sum when you retire, based on your length of service and pay 4x Life Assurance cover Colleague referral scheme Heath & Wellbeing Private Medical Insurance Employee assistance programme Health cash plan Eye care vouchers Flu vaccination Lifestyle We support hybrid and flexible working along with very generous family leave including 12 months full pay maternity leave and 6 months full pay paternity leave Buy and sell holidays Give as you earn scheme Paid volunteering days Flexible half days leave Electric vehicle leasing Cycle to work scheme Next Steps If you would like to apply, please click on the apply button or visit our Careers Page by 12th January 2025 Railpen is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment, we value diversity and welcome people from all backgrounds and walks of life