Client eligibility policy

Chalkstream works with a broad range of clients across sectors such as education, technology, third sector, publishing, travel and government.
 

We are committed to maintaining a client base that reflects our core values of sustainability, social responsibility and ethical practice.

This policy outlines the industries we will not work with, ensuring alignment with our principles and ensuring we contribute positively to the communities and environments of which we are part.

Fossil fuels

In line with our commitment to addressing the climate crisis and promoting environmental sustainability, we do not engage with companies involved in the extraction, production, or promotion of fossil fuels.

Arms and armaments

While we have experience with public bodies on national and international security matters, we will not work with clients:
 

• Involved in the production or export of arms or military equipment where there is a clear risk that such equipment may contribute to human rights abuses.
   

• That export or has a history of exportation to regimes classified as repressive, using the following definition:
   

  • The state is subject to a United Nations or UK government arms embargo or
     

  • Two or more democratic governments (e.g. UK, EU Member States, Canada) have publicly suspended arms exports to that state on the basis of credible allegations of human rights abuses or breaches of international humanitarian law.
     

• That hold export licences for military or dual-use equipment to countries meeting the above definition, including where the exports are intended for use in areas of active conflict or occupation.
   

We may engage with clients involved in the manufacture of protective or defensive equipment - such as body armour, armoured vehicles, or surveillance systems - where there is no evidence of:
 

• Export to states meeting the “repressive regime” definition above
   

• Supply to actors implicated in systemic human rights abuses
   

• Violation of UK Strategic Export Licensing criteria.
   

All such clients are subject to due diligence, including a review of end-user certification, export licence history, and public reporting.
 

Tobacco 

Reflecting our dedication to public health, we do not form partnerships with companies involved in the tobacco industry.

Gambling 

In the interest of societal well-being, we also choose not to engage with commercial gambling operators.
 

Chalkstream reserves the right to decline engagements on a case-by-case basis where there is:
 

• Reputational risk

• Insufficient transparency about the end use of the client’s products

• Evidence of complicity in harmful or unlawful practices
   

We periodically review this policy against emerging international standards, sanctions, and human rights assessments.