The Chatham House Rule helps create a trusted environment to understand and resolve complex problems. Its guiding spirit is: share the information you receive, but do not reveal the identity of who said it.
The Rule reads as follows:
The Rule explained
Meetings do not have to take place at Chatham House, or be organized by Chatham House, to be held under the Rule.
Any group of individuals in any sector can use the Rule as a pre-agreed guide for running an event, especially when sensitive issues will be discussed.
Used effectively, the Chatham House Rule helps to bring people together, break down barriers, generate ideas and agree solutions.
Meetings, events and discussions held at Chatham House are normally conducted ‘on the record’ with the Rule occasionally invoked in relevant cases. In cases where the Rule is not considered sufficiently strict, an event may be held ‘off the record’.
Read our frequently asked questions below to learn more.