A coalition of major UK pension schemes representing over £150 billion in assets and 11 million members has launched the Governance for Growth Investor Campaign to oppose the growing trend of virtual-only AGMs. Backed by funds including Railpen, Brunel, and the Church of England Pensions Board, the campaign argues that fully digital meetings erode shareholder accountability, reduce board scrutiny, and limit investor participation—especially for minority shareholders.
The group is calling for legislative clarity through the upcoming Audit Reform and Corporate Governance Bill, warning that current proposals could marginalise long-term asset owner voices. “Virtual-only meetings allow companies to cherry-pick questions and avoid scrutiny,” said Railpen’s Caroline Escott. The campaign signals a renewed push by UK institutional investors to ensure robust governance remains central to corporate engagement.
