The Gates Foundation has concluded its external review of its past engagements with Jeffrey Epstein, finding no evidence of wrongdoing while approving new governance measures.The review, conducted by law firm WilmerHale and commissioned by CEO Mark Suzman in March, found no evidence that Epstein was paid by the foundation or that staff had knowledge of his criminal activities. It confirmed the foundation’s primary engagement with Epstein from 2011-2014 involved a proposed donor advised fund that was abandoned and grant funding to the International Peace Institute for polio eradication.The foundation’s Governing Board unanimously approved new vetting and governance measures, including centralized vetting of brokers and donor advisors, an escalation process for organizational risks, enhanced conflict-of-interest policies, and stronger procedures for handling sensitive records.“The review found no evidence that Epstein was paid by the foundation,” the foundation said in a statement. “It also found no evidence of participation in, or knowledge of, Epstein’s ongoing sex trafficking operations or criminal activities.”Earlier this year, the foundation acknowledged that it regretted having any employees interact with Epstein in any way.
Board approves governance reforms
The foundation’s Governing Board unanimously approved a series of actions to strengthen internal processes going forward:
- Creating a centralised vetting process for brokers, donor advisors and individuals who facilitate funding partnerships connected to the foundation through the Chair, Governing Board or Executive Leadership Team.
- Establishing an escalation process for organisational risks on projects introduced by senior leadership
- Clarifying roles for personnel who hold dual roles with the foundation and other entities associated with the Chair
- Enhancing policies addressing conflicts of interest and the handling of sensitive foundation records
‘Trust and transparency are never compromised’
“The work we do depends on integrity and earning and maintaining the trust of partners,” Suzman said. “That’s why we welcome the findings of this external review and are moving forward with Board-approved actions to further strengthen how we vet partners, manage risk and ensure accountability going forward.”Bill Gates said: “Completing this review is an important step in providing the clarity that partners, employees, and grantees deserve as well as strengthening our oversight with additional policies going forward. The work the foundation does to save lives and unlock opportunities so people everywhere can lead healthier, more productive lives, is more important than ever. We are committed to ensuring trust and transparency are never compromised.“Board member Tom Tierney said: “The review prompted hard questions and we got straight answers. The trust of employees, partners, and the communities the foundation serves is fundamental to its mission.”Earlier this year, the foundation acknowledged that it regretted having any employees interact with Epstein in any way. In March, CEO Mark Suzman commissioned the external review with the support of Gates and the independent Governing Board members.
