Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Rejected
Limited public information and guidance on FCDO's value for money approach concerning equity.
Conclusion
DFID was a global leader in its approach to value for money (VfM), and the Committee are pleased to hear that some of the core foundations of DFID’s framework have transferred into the FCDO. However, it is concerning that there is very little publicly available information on the FCDO’s current understanding of, and approach to, VfM. There is also limited public guidance available for FCDO staff and operating partners on the FCDO’s approach to VfM, and how to address VfM issues. This is particularly alarming in respect to ensuring that the principle of equity, achieving which often requires more resource- or time-intensive interventions, is assessed appropriately. (Conclusion, Paragraph 17)
Government Response Summary
The government disagrees with the concern, stating that its Programme Operating Framework (PrOF) and internal PrOF Guides already provide rules and guidance on Value for Money (VfM). It plans to update existing guidance, share good examples, and roll out VfM training for staff instead of creating a new strategy.
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
Disagree. The Programme Operating Framework (PrOF), published on gov.uk already sets out the rules for how the FCDO delivers its programmes and projects and includes an updated Principle on VfM. There is also already in place a set of, mainly internal, discretionary guidance, called PrOF Guides relating to programme management. The Guides are designed to provide additional information on the application of the principles and rules in the PrOF, for FCDO staff. The PrOF Guide on VfM explains FCDO’s approach to VfM, including a clear VfM definition and framework. Rather than preparing and publishing a new stand-alone VfM strategy, which would simply duplicate the material already in place, the FCDO will focus on updating our existing VfM guidance, sharing good VfM examples, rolling out VfM training for staff and implementing the Government’s modernised approach to development.