Clingendael client and partner acceptance procedure

Client acceptance procedure 

Clingendael is a not-for-profit commercial foundation that works for clients to advance its mission: contributing to a secure, sustainable and just world. Within the framework of our mission and values (independent, fact-based, inclusive), Clingendael conducts due diligence on clients to identify possible risks that could jeopardize the mission, independence, trust and credibility of Clingendael activities. Commissions and corresponding funding are considered and decided on commission-by-commission basis using the following set of criteria:

  1. Research, training and public outreach commissioned and paid by the client always relates to the Clingendael mission.
  2. Clingendael is a not-for-profit organisation that works for clients on competitive conditions and non-exclusivity only.
  3. Clients accept that Clingendael publishes its client lists annually on its website. Requests for anonymity coming from individuals or foundations for reasons such as safety are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and discouraged for reasons of transparency. Relevant data protection laws are considered. 
  4. Clingendael experts provide training, research and public outreach products. Clingendael will not accept commissions for advocacy or lobbying.
  5. Clingendael is not affiliated to any political, commercial, social, or religious movement. 
  6. Clingendael works with clients who respect the law and who apply international ESG standards.

The final decision on acceptance of an assignment rests with the executive board. 

Partner acceptance procedure 

Cooperation with partners is crucial for Clingendael to advance its mission. Within the framework of the mission and values, Clingendael conducts due diligence on partners to identify risks of cooperation and enable decision-making to stop, prevent or mitigate those risks. Partnership is considered and decided-on per specific programme, project or initiative, and the following set of criteria:

  1. The research, training and public outreach done together with partners and other services and products provided by partners contribute to the Clingendael mission.
  2. Clingendael works together with other think tanks, organisations, and businesses without exclusivity.
  3. Clingendael safeguards its values of independence and transparency and is not affiliated to any political, commercial, social, or religious movement. Clingendael values diversity and inclusion.
  4. Clingendael expect partners to respect the law and apply international ESG standards. 
  5. Clingendael is a not-for-profit organisation and safeguards the accessibility of its knowledge and products against competitive financial conditions.
  6. Partnerships can be multiannual when linked to specific multiannual commission, respecting the same conditions.

The final decision on acceptance of a partnership falls within the responsibility of the executive board.