Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 6
6
Accepted in Part
FCDO has not yet formalised sustainability within its Value for Money criteria.
Conclusion
Sustainability is essential for ensuring that programmes have a long- lasting impact after a programme has ended. Despite broad recognition of the importance of sustainability, the FCDO is yet to formalise this within its VfM criteria. This should not just be an informal consideration within VfM assessments, but should mandatorily and consistently measured throughout a programme. (Conclusion, Paragraph 28)
Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, stating sustainability is already integrated into its VfM approach but will develop refreshed VfM guidance in 2026 with a stronger focus on assessing sustainability at each stage.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
Partially agree. Sustainability is already integrated into the FCDO’s approach to assessing VfM at each of the 5Es stages, rather than at a separate stage. The refreshed VfM guidance that will be developed in 2026 will have a stronger focus on assessing sustainability and the longer-term costs and benefits of an intervention. The guidance will help staff consider different types of sustainability (e.g. financial, institutional, behaviour change, environmental etc.) at each of the 5Es stages (economy, efficiency, effectiveness, equity and cost-effectiveness).