Mission
Our mission is to address geopolitical challenges and international problems. Through this, we aim to help governments and societies to build a secure, sustainable, prosperous and just world.
We do this by providing independent analysis and advice, and convening meetings of the people and organisations that can bring about change.
Independence and integrity
Chatham House places the highest value on its independence.
Our experts develop their arguments and recommendations through evidence-based research, public and private events, and discussion with practitioners and policymakers.
We do not take institutional positions on policy. We owe no allegiance to any government or political body. While we encourage our experts and contributors to put forward views and advice, these do not constitute formal positions of the institute.
Chatham House benefits from a wide range of philanthropic, research-related and membership funding. This diversity of support is critical to the independence of the Institute. We always retain control over our research and events, both public and under the Chatham House Rule, irrespective of the source of funding. We will not accept funding which we believe might impose a constraint on our intellectual independence or limit our ability to pursue our mission.
In fulfilling that mission, Chatham House acts with integrity.
- We will not undertake research or convening, or accept funds, that raise what we consider to be significant ethical concerns, pose a serious reputational risk, or otherwise harm our interests.
- Our work is not associated with a particular political viewpoint, and we ensure that our research, convening and fundraising activities do not compromise this position.
- We apply a principle of openness regarding sources of funding and will grant anonymity to donors only in exceptional circumstances. Funding will not be accepted if we are unable to identify its source.
- We undertake work for the public benefit.
Convening
- In convening, Chatham House seeks diversity of viewpoint. Our starting point is a strong pre-disposition towards inviting those on different sides of an argument. Where there is disagreement, we challenge and test competing ideas and proposals. In no circumstances do we provide someone with a platform without challenge.
- Decisions about whom to invite are not based on what we think of the views held by an individual or group or their past or present actions. The criteria are the expertise or relevance they bring to the debate and the contribution that their articulation of their views can make to progress in resolving problems. Inviting someone to speak in no way represents endorsement of their views or actions.
- We convene 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.
- We reflect our commitment to diversity and inclusion in our convening. Our Gender Equality Plan can be read here.
Further detail on specific funding policies can be found on our Donors to Chatham House page.
The rule of Council
Management reports on a regular basis, and at least annually, to Council on the implementation and maintenance of the principles in this document, any changes of process and policy, and any cases of concern or high risk.
The Director and Chair consult regularly on questions relating to donations and risk and at the end of each financial year, the Director and Council review a full list of all named donations received of a value over £10,000.
