FCDO response to the Independent Commission for Aid Impact recommendations on the FCDO Programme Operating Framework
Published 13 June 2023
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/icai-rapid-review-of-the-fcdos-programme-operating-framework-prof-fcdo-response/fcdo-response-to-the-independent-commission-for-aid-impact-recommendations-on-the-fcdo-programme-operating-framework
The government welcomes the Independent Commission for Aid Impact’s (ICAI) rapid review of the FCDO Programme Operating Framework (PrOF). We welcome ICAI’s recognition that the PrOF is the right approach for FCDO – ensuring a credible and appropriate framework for the management of UK aid programmes. We also welcome and accept the recommendations that ICAI make which will help to further embed a common approach to programme management across all FCDO policy programmes.
The publication of the UK International Development Strategy (IDS) sets out a bold approach which the FCDO is working hard to deliver. Recent challenges, including the impact of the pandemic, the rapid withdrawal of the UK and its allies from Afghanistan and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have all placed demands on the FCDO delivery network and have highlighted the importance of a consistent and agile approach to how FCDO manages programmes.
On 27 April, Minister Mitchell set out our commitment to delivering value for money to the taxpayers and reliability for our partners. The PrOF provides for such an approach by setting out the framework for the delivery of the ODA programmes, underpinning the achievement of priorities of the IDS, responding to challenges and building on opportunities.
Our response to the recommendations stated in the ICAI report are outlined below.
Recommendation 1
FCDO should set clear targets and timeframes for PrOF awareness and implementation at all levels of FCDO staff within the scope of the PrOF, especially among heads of mission and directors who have portfolio-level responsibility.
Response: accept
The Chair of the FCDO Investment and Delivery Committee has written to all directors and heads of mission reminding them of the importance of compliance with the PrOF and providing the management information (MI) evidence to demonstrate where improvements are needed. MI on programme performance will continue to be developed and updated and used to prompt the delivery network on PrOF compliance on a monthly basis.
In addition, the Centre for Delivery will embark on a PrOF Outreach Campaign in 2023. This Campaign will drive-up awareness of the PrOF with the aim of increasing engagement with guidance and training. We will track the increase uptake of learning offers and access to guidance. We will also undertake targeted direct outreach to departments and directorates with lower compliance.
Recommendation 2
FCDO should prioritise developing its programme management software’s capability to provide timely management data on programme compliance, overall portfolio risk profile and performance to programme staff and Portfolio Senior Responsible Owners, which Centre for Delivery can monitor and Internal Audit can assess.
Response: accept
We recognise the value and benefit of a comprehensive set of programme performance MI which is regularly shared with seniors and the wider network. We will build on and improve the MI we are already drawing from AMP to inform senior overview of the FCDO’s portfolio. We will use this to inform decision-making boards and director-level understanding about performance of their portfolios of programmes. The MI will be regularly shared with Internal Audit team to draw upon as a resource for their preparation for audits and wider understanding of programme performance. However, our primary forward-looking focus for AMP will continue to be to build its utility to users in supporting best practice programme management.
Recommendation 3
FCDO should establish a comprehensive 3 to 5 yearly internal and external consultation process to focus on the PrOF’s clarity, relevance and accessibility, and to incorporate new learning and international good practice in delivering agile, accountable and impact-focused programmes that support the UK’s strategic objectives.
Response: accept
The Centre for Delivery conducts 6-monthly updates to the PrOF, consulting policy leads and the network for proposals for improvement to the rules. The next 6-monthly review of the PrOF will address the detailed ICAI review comments on streamlining content and clarity on mandatory requirements.
A more comprehensive review in 3 to 5 years, involving structured consultation and testing the foundation principles of the PrOF, will be conducted to ensure clarity, relevance and accessibility for all policy programme spend irrespective value.
The Centre for Delivery will engage with other ODA spending UK government departments to establish a cross-HMG community of practice on programme management of ODA spend, and seek new learning and good practice from other international donors.