Prepared 1 May 2013, updated March 2019, revised October 2024.
Chatham House (the Royal Institute of International Affairs) is an institute founded to promote the independent and objective study of international affairs through research and by convening conferences and events. The institute is a not-for-profit organisation registered with the UK Charity Commission.
Chatham House undertakes work for the public benefit.
Chatham House raises funds to fulfil its mission to be a world-leading source of independent analysis, informed debate and influential ideas on how to build a sustainably secure, prosperous and just world. The Institute receives discretionary support from its membership and through philanthropic gifts, and funding for its research and other activities from governments, the private sector, and charitable foundations.
The following sets out the Institute’s principles, as adopted by its Council, on how it conducts research, convening and fundraising. These principles enable Chatham House to deliver its mission.
Principles
Independence
Chatham House’s independence is central to its mission.
- Chatham House always retains independent control over its research and public and private events, irrespective of the source of funding;
- Chatham House will not accept any funding which might impose a constraint on its intellectual independence or limit its ability to pursue its mission; and
- Chatham House’s independence is underpinned by a diversity of funding for its activities. This means Chatham House will aim to secure multiple sources of funding for projects or research that leads to a report containing policy recommendations.
Integrity
In fulfilling its mission, Chatham House acts with integrity.
- Chatham House will not undertake research or convening, or accept funds that raise significant ethical concerns, pose a reputational risk or otherwise harm its interests;
- Chatham House’s work is not associated with a particular political viewpoint, and it will ensure that its research, convening and fundraising activities do not compromise this position;
- Chatham House applies a culture of openness regarding sources of funding and will grant anonymity to donors only in exceptional circumstances. Funding will not be accepted if Chatham House is unable to identify its source; and
- Chatham House undertakes work for the public benefit. Exceptionally, confidential research and publications can be commissioned from the institute if this supports its mission. Wherever possible, Chatham House retains the rights to use the intellectual property developed through such work as it wishes in the future, under its own name.
Quality
- Chatham House produces events and research of the highest quality to deliver its mission and reflect the highest standards in the study of international affairs;
- Chatham House fosters objectivity in the research by pursuing an evidence-based approach to research, undertaking external peer review of its policy reports;
- Chatham House conducts its research responsibly and ethically;
- In its convening, Chatham House seeks diversity of viewpoint;
- Chatham House convenes events to enable respectful and rigorous debate and to hold speakers to account. All invitations to speak at Chatham House are made on this understanding; and
- Chatham House believes its commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion should be reflected in its approach.
Implementation
The institute requires staff to have a sense of personal responsibility for these principles. This includes the need to understand sources of funding; to attend to ethical considerations and potential conflicts of interest; and to ensure the quality of all Chatham House’s outputs.
Council requires the institute’s senior management to promote and support these principles through leadership and by example.
At all times staff must keep the institute’s reputation in mind and escalate concerns early. Senior management must escalate high-risk instances to Council.
Further detail on specific funding policies can be found on our Donors to Chatham House page.
The Role of Council
The Council of Chatham House is the ultimate point of escalation for issues relating to the principles.
Management will report annually to Council on the implementation and maintenance of the principles, any changes of process and policy, and any cases of concern or high-risk relating to events, research and fundraising.
At the end of each financial year, the Director and Council will receive a full list of all named donations received.