01
Prudence
We consider context, evidence, trade-offs, uncertainty and long-term consequences before recommending action.
THINK BEFORE ACTING
↗
OUR VALUES
Principles that guide our choices.
Our values shape how we think, how we work, how we advise, and how we respond to the complex decisions that define sustainable development.
THE CST WAY
7
GUIDING VALUES
P
Prudence
E
Integrity
I
Innovation
S
Sustainability
I
Inclusion
C
Collaboration
L
Learning
WHY VALUES MATTER
Good decisions require good principles.
Development decisions often involve uncertainty, trade-offs, competing priorities and long-term consequences. Our values provide the principles that guide how CST approaches these decisions — with care, evidence, openness and a commitment to long-term value.
THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES
How we choose to work.
These principles are not separate ideas. Together, they shape the way we investigate problems, develop recommendations, work with partners and learn from implementation.
02
Evidence & Integrity
We value accuracy, transparency, intellectual independence and conclusions that can withstand scrutiny.
KNOWLEDGE YOU CAN TRUST
↗
03
Innovation
We seek better ways of addressing real development challenges through disciplined experimentation, learning and adaptation.
EXPERIMENT • LEARN • ADAPT
↗
04
Sustainability
We consider economic, environmental, institutional and social consequences together rather than treating sustainability as a single-sector concern.
THINK LONG TERM
↗
05
Inclusion
We recognise diverse experiences and seek solutions that are accessible, equitable and responsive to different groups and communities.
PEOPLE • EQUITY • ACCESS
↗
06
Collaboration
Complex transitions require partnerships. We work across government, academia, business, development organisations and communities.
CONNECT • CONTRIBUTE • CO-CREATE
↗
07
Learning
We treat monitoring, evaluation and implementation experience as sources of knowledge for improving future decisions.
MEASURE • LEARN • IMPROVE
↗
+
One way of working.
Together, these values create a common standard for how CST approaches evidence, decisions, partnerships and sustainable transitions.
THINK
→
ACT
→
LEARN
VALUES IN ACTION
Principles become meaningful through practice.
Values matter most when they influence everyday decisions. At CST, they shape how questions are investigated, how evidence is interpreted, how recommendations are developed, and how lessons from implementation are carried forward.
01
Before recommending action
Prudence
02
Before drawing conclusions
Evidence & Integrity
03
When exploring new approaches
Innovation
04
When assessing long-term consequences
Sustainability
05
When designing for people and communities
Inclusion
06
When challenges require multiple perspectives
Collaboration
07
After implementation and evaluation
Learning
OUR DECISION STANDARD
Seven values. One standard.
01
UNDERSTAND
Context
Prudence
→
02
EXAMINE
Evidence
Evidence & Integrity
→
03
DESIGN
Better options
Innovation + Inclusion
→
04
ACT
Sustainable choices
Sustainability + Collaboration
→
05
LEARN
Improve the next decision
Learning
VALUES ACROSS OUR WORK
From principle to practice.
01
RESEARCH
Evidence, integrity and prudence guide how we investigate complex questions and develop knowledge.
Evidence • Prudence • Learning
02
ADVISORY
Context, long-term consequences and institutional realities inform practical recommendations.
Prudence • Sustainability • Integrity
03
PROJECTS
Better project decisions require realistic analysis, collaboration, resilience and continuous learning.
Collaboration • Sustainability • Learning
04
INNOVATION
New approaches are explored through disciplined experimentation, adaptation and evidence about what works.
Innovation • Learning • Inclusion
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLE
Better futures begin with wiser decisions.
Our values help determine what a wiser decision looks like: considered carefully, grounded in evidence, open to innovation, attentive to people and consequences, strengthened through collaboration and improved through learning.
01
PRUDENCE
+
02
INTEGRITY
+
03
INNOVATION
+
04
SUSTAINABILITY
+
05
INCLUSION
+
06
COLLABORATION
+
07
LEARNING
THE CST STANDARD
Think carefully.
Act responsibly.
Keep learning.
These are the principles that help us turn evidence into wiser choices and sustainable action.