The Responsible Investment Academy (RIA) will encourage education and communication on issues facing the responsible investing community and institutional investors, Environment Minister Peter Garrett has said.
"I'm pleased that my department is making a modest investment to the academy with a $50,000 grant. Along with the governments of New South Wales and Victoria, who are also contributing to the project, we recognise the very important role the academy will play," Garrett told an audience at the launch of the academy yesterday.
Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) executive director Louise O'Halloran said the academy intended to deliver a combination of examinable web-based and live events that would result in certifications, diplomas and advanced diplomas.
It will also develop a virtual library, a series of continuing professional development (CPD) events and a policy centre.
"We believe that the RIA will play an important role in building the skills of the industry's employees, and therefore improve the capacity of institutional investors to successfully integrate environmental, social and governance into investment processes," O'Halloran said.
The RIA, which will be run by RIAA, is due to go live by the second quarter of 2009 with CPD events beginning in late 2009.
