Keeping profits, social responsibility, and public relations on an even keel is no mean feat when you're a government contractor. UK services company Serco employs tens of thousands across the world in areas as diverse as defence, justice, and healthcare. 

Rupert Soames joined Serco as chief executive in 2014 and completed his tenure at the end of 2022. In this straight-talking interview, Fidelity International's Global Head of Investment Research Ned Salter hears about his ESG lessons and in particular the social component: could Serco pay their staff more? Yes, but they'd lose business. Should they carry out controversial government policy? Yes, if it's the mandate of a democratically elected government. Is ESG investing a good thing? Not in its more zealous forms, no.

Hear him explain these answers in this episode, and why he sees public scrutiny as an essential part of the job, and then listen to Fidelity's investment team explain the significance of what's been said here.

This interview was recorded in July 2022.

Watch video clips and read bonus material from the interview here.

Keeping profits, social responsibility, and public relations on an even keel is no mean feat when you're a government contractor. UK services company Serco employs tens of thousands across the world in areas as diverse as defence, justice, and healthcare. 
Rupert Soames joined Serco as chief executive in 2014 and completed his tenure at the end of 2022. In this straight-talking interview, Fidelity International's Global Head of Investment Research Ned Salter hears about his ESG lessons and in particular the social component: could Serco pay their staff more? Yes, but they'd lose business. Should they carry out controversial government policy? Yes, if it's the mandate of a democratically elected government. Is ESG investing a good thing? Not in its more zealous forms, no.
Hear him explain these answers in this episode, and why he sees public scrutiny as an essential part of the job, and then <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/for-investment-professionals-only/trade-offs-serco-the-analysis-1">listen to Fidelity's investment team explain the significance of what's been said here.</a>
This interview was recorded in July 2022.
<a href="https://www.fidelityinternational.com/editorial/podcast/trade-offs-serco-social-contracts-and-the-scrutiny-of-public-markets-edd443-en5/">Watch video clips and read bonus material from the interview here.</a>

Fidelity Answers is a podcast channel from Fidelity International's editorial team. From tech cycles to The End of the Cycle, from downside protection to the upside of ESG, we bring you in depth conversations and the latest ideas from our analysts, portfolio managers and investment directors to explore the latest investment thinking.

As well as topical standalone episodes you'll find our series 'The Investor's Guide to China' where we put the economic powerhouse under the microscope with on-the-ground experts; and 'Fundamentals', a series where the analysts discuss the implications of their latest research, from 5G technology to the plight of the Orangutan. 

***If you enjoy Fidelity Answers then whey not listen to our other show, 'Rich Pickings: Fidelity's Asset Allocation Podcast', where each month we dive into the latest market trends with Fidelity's asset allocation group, asking them how they're positioned and why. What will the portfolio managers reveal about their investment strategies? What are the team's hot cakes this month? And what would they drop like a hot potato? 

Fidelity Answers is a podcast channel from Fidelity International's editorial team. From tech cycles to The End of the Cycle, from downside protection to the upside of ESG, we bring you in depth conversations and the latest ideas from our analysts, portfolio managers and investment directors to explore the latest investment thinking.
As well as topical standalone episodes you'll find our series 'The Investor's Guide to China' where we put the economic powerhouse under the microscope with on-the-ground experts; and 'Fundamentals', a series where the analysts discuss the implications of their latest research, from 5G technology to the plight of the Orangutan.&nbsp;
***If you enjoy Fidelity Answers then whey not listen to our other show, 'Rich Pickings: Fidelity's Asset Allocation Podcast', where each month we dive into the latest market trends with Fidelity's asset allocation group, asking them how they're positioned and why. What will the portfolio managers reveal about their investment strategies? What are the team's hot cakes this month? And what would they drop like a hot potato?&nbsp;

A podcast about markets, economics and business from Fidelity International.

Fidelity Answers: The Investment Podcast

Fidelity Answers is an investor's podcast channel from Fidelity International. Looking for invaluable sector and market commentary? Then this is the place for you. From downside protection to the upside of ESG, we bring you in depth conversations and the latest ideas from our analysts and portfolio managers to explore the best investment thinking. 

Fidelity Answers is an investor's podcast channel from Fidelity International. Looking for invaluable sector and market commentary? Then this is the place for you. From downside protection to the upside of ESG, we bring you in depth conversations and the latest ideas from our analysts and portfolio managers to explore the best investment thinking.

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