Co-owner close up: Ffion Spencer
As a Stewardship Assistant, Ffion Spencer, spends a lot of her time reporting on key issues such as animal welfare and conflict minerals. In this co-owner close up piece, Ffion explains how she engages with investee companies and reports to clients on these topics, along with sharing how her passion for the outdoors has led her to some of the most remote parts of the planet.
Please could you start by telling us a bit about your role and the team you work within?
I’m part of the Stewardship team, which focuses on active ownership and responsible investment. My role involves supporting engagement with investee companies on E.S.T. (environmental, social and transparency & governance) topics, tracking and recording engagements, and preparing briefing notes for meetings. I also help communicate our stewardship activities to clients through quarterly and annual reports, complete voting in line with our Corporate Governance & Voting Guidelines, and contribute to collaborative engagement initiatives.
What does your typical day involve?
Aside from a bit of caffeine and catching up on emails, my day can vary quite a lot. Most of my time is spent researching E.S.T. topics (such as animal welfare, carbon emissions, or conflict minerals), preparing briefing notes for meetings and reviewing voting research for upcoming AGMs. I also draft letters to companies and join calls with management on these issues. During quieter periods, I often join webinars to stay up to date on emerging E.S.T trends and best practices, and I analyse E.S.T. data from sources like Impact Cubed to inform our reporting and engagement work.
How does this help clients (directly or indirectly)?
The research and engagement work we do pushes companies to improve on issues like climate and human rights, which reduces risk and drives positive change. By executing voting and producing transparent stewardship reports, we give clients confidence that their investments reflect their values and are making a measurable impact.
How did you get into this career?
I studied Geography at university and began working as a Sustainability Assistant for a private company in South Wales. After graduating, I wasn’t ready to give up the social aspects of geography that I loved, so I joined Castlefield, which allowed me to continue exploring those interests.
What aspects do you most enjoy about working at Castlefield?
At the time of writing, I’ve been with Castlefield for just under a year, and in that time everyone has been incredibly welcoming. Castlefield is a genuinely enjoyable place to work, and I feel fortunate to be part of a team where people are passionate about what they do.
Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing?
I live within easy reach of the Welsh countryside and make the most of it by hiking and running with my four-legged pal. I measure the success of my day based on how tired my dog is at the end of it! When I’m not spending time in nature, you’ll probably find me visiting friends and family in South Wales, attending concerts, or curled up with a good book. I also sit on the Youth Board for environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy, which meets quarterly.
What’s an interesting fact or story about you?
Before starting university, I solo travelled to over 30 countries. Along the way, I hiked the Acatenango volcano in Guatemala, trained as a yoga teacher in Costa Rica, and skydived and skied in Europe. My adventures were unexpectedly cut short when my grandparents called me one day insisting I returned home. As it turned out, I boarded the very last flight from New York to London before Covid closed the airports!
Quick fire questions:
Favourite TV show? How I Met Your Mother
Favourite music artist? I couldn’t possibly pick one!
Favourite food? Pasta or Ramen.
Favourite movie? Back to the Future.
Favourite holiday destination? Italy
What would you choose an unlimited supply of in the office? Oat Milk
If you could have one superpower, what would it be? Time travel
If you were on mastermind, what would your specialist subject be? River processes or volcanoes
Written by Ffion Spencer