Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 3
3
Accepted in Part
Publish detailed guidance for FCDO staff and partners on conducting VfM assessments, prioritising equity.
Recommendation
Alongside a clear VfM strategy and framework, the FCDO should publish detailed and practical guidance for its staff and partners on how to approach and conduct VfM assessments, particularly in respect to equity, ensuring that programme activities address the needs of the most marginalised in society. The FCDO should also ensure that all partners are informed of the latest VfM strategy, to ensure coherence. This guidance should be produced as soon as possible, in the least to coincide with the 2026 Spring Statement. (Recommendation, Paragraph 19) 44
Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, committing to update its internal PrOF Guide on Value for Money (VfM) for staff in 2026 and publish a version for external partners. It will also produce a specific internal 'Equity and VfM' guide for staff.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
Partially agree. The FCDO will update its PrOF Guide on VfM for staff in 2026. Once updated, a version of the guidance will also be published on gov.uk for external partners, alongside existing external guides on Due Diligence and Delivery Chain Mapping. In fulfilment of an earlier IDC recommendation (IDC report on Disability-Inclusive Development), the FCDO will produce an “Equity and VfM” internal guide for staff, setting out why and how to consider equity in VfM analysis across all FCDO interventions.