JEDI Investing Principles
The JEDI Principles provide a framework for considering, implementing, and improving investments with a JEDI lens. They have been designed to be non-performative, and move beyond box checking, to enable continuous improvement at both the organisational and investment level.
They are primarily designed for investors and allocators, but could also be used by intermediaries and others who support allocation. They could also be adapted for internal frameworks and policies, and into legal documentation.
JEDI can also mean different things depending on the country or region. In Australia, for example, it refers to indigenous Aboriginals; in Africa it could be a marginalised ethnic group; in Europe it could be refugees. This broad range of definitions, alongside the breadth of potential toolkit users, is why we have not been overly prescriptive or specific with recommended actions. Instead, the goal is to equip potential investors with a common code and language to map out their JEDI investing strategies and approaches.
These are recommended guidelines and will continue to evolve in future iterations of the toolkit.
Principle 1: Awareness
Start by acknowledging that financial and economic systems are founded on and hence affected by a spectrum of systemic and other factors such as racism, discrimination, colonialism. This creates power and structural imbalances; relationships become transactions.
Principle 2: Specificity
The investment strategy and approach should reflect geographical and socio-economic dynamics. This includes material JEDI issues such as workplace equity, flexible policies, inclusive cultures and diverse pipelines.
Principle 3: Participation
Strive for participation of all voices and actors, supported by thorough, locally-relevant investment and organisational processes.