The Pensions Trust has launched an ethical investment option as part of its Flexible Retirement Plan, as a result of demand from its members.

The Diversified Ethical Fund will invest across a range of asset classes on a screened basis with the aim of: investing in companies that make a positive contribution to society; using influence as an investor to encourage best practice management of social and responsibility issues; and avoiding investing in companies that are harmful.

It is the result of member surveys conducted over the past two years to determine their attitudes towards ethical and responsible investment.

The Diversified Ethical Fund has been introduced to complement the existing eight funds (below) within the Flexible Retirement Plan.

• Managed Fund
• Pre-Retirement Fund
• Socially Responsible Investment Fund
• Global Equity Fund
• Property Fund
• Bond Fund
• Index-Linked Gilts Fund
• Cash Fund

Separately, Pitmans Trustees (PTL), an independent trustee and governance services provider, has launched a new specialist charity unit that will focus exclusively on charity pension schemes. The unit will be headed up by Melanie Cusack, client director.