HOW WE DO IT
TCM Core Principles
At The Critical Mass, we are guided by four fundamental principles that shape our approach to problem-solving and decision-making. These anchor our decisions, relationships, strategies, and solutions:
-
Transparency: We conduct our projects with openness, collaboration, and integrity. We rigorously document, share freely, and provide feedback.
-
Curiosity: Evidence-backed logic chains and deep contextual research backstop all of our programming. We are readers, and we cite our sources or conduct the pilot ourselves.
-
Empowerment: We are committed to supporting our partners and stakeholders to thrive.
-
Sustainability: Our focus is on crafting long-lasting, scalable solutions and institutions with resources, buy-in, accountability, and roadmaps to address emerging global security challenges.
TCM define la sostenibilidad en el contexto de la asistencia de seguridad como “ una capacidad individual u organizacional consistente y demostrada y un compromiso autoimpulsado para adquirir, practicar, adaptar y aprovechar los conocimientos, habilidades o competencias. "
Building strong and sustainable partnerships continues to be key to the success of our organization. We enjoy and take great pride in working with a multitude of partners local vendors, subcontractors, and partners, when implementing projects globally. As one of the tools to ensure that we uphold our standards and safeguard our reputation throughout our partnerships, we have developed a Third-Party Due Diligence Concept, Through the main pillars of the concept – compliance, reputation, performance and financials- we are able to assess the compatibility with potential partners to the benefit of our partners and clients.
Given the nature of our work, The Critical Mass is committed to fulfilling its legal obligations by ensuring that all data is used strictly for approved purposes and remains secure from unauthorized or illegal disclosure. To achieve this, TCM has developed and implemented a tailored Data Handling and Protection Protocol. This protocol is designed to address the specific needs and challenges of our operations, safeguarding sensitive information while maintaining compliance with industry standards. Continuous monitoring and regular updates ensure that our practices remain effective and up-to-date in an evolving data security landscape.
Since 2021, TCM has been executing projects in Ukraine and is committed to expanding its presence and operations in the region. Recognizing the significant challenges, including reputational and financial risks - particularly the risk of corruption - TCM has developed a Handbook to address and mitigate these risks. TCM is prepared to apply the same strategic approach in other countries, tailoring similar handbooks to meet the unique needs and challenges of each region, ensuring that all projects are conducted with the highest standards of integrity and effectiveness globally.
Our company places a high priority on Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) and Quality Control to ensure the effectiveness and integrity of our operations. We have developed a mechanism that rigorously tracks and assesses our programs and processes. These mechanisms are designed to continuously measure outcomes, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that all activities meet the highest standards of quality. By systematically evaluating our performance, we are able to make data-driven decisions, maintain accountability, and deliver results that align with our objectives and the needs of our stakeholders.
When approaching and executing projects, we employ a tailored strategy to identify the target audience, select relevant local partners, and develop an action plan. We carefully consider factors such as the political and social environment, economic conditions, and current events to ensure our approach is well-informed. As our primary focus is on impact-driven projects with an emphasis on sustainability, we recognize the important role of having a local partner who understands the nuances of the region and can provide essential support for a deep understanding of the target audience’s needs and context, enhancing our project’s effectiveness and impact.