6 Accepted

The FCDO should apply these same principles to do no harm when it removes funding,...

Recommendation
The FCDO should apply these same principles to do no harm when it removes funding, as well as when aid programmes are initiated.
Government Response Summary
FCDO teams have access to guidance under the Programme Operating Framework which emphasises the importance of engagement with project partners, including Early programme closure guidance that factors in Do No Harm principles and Equalities assessments used to inform allocation decisions.
Paragraph Reference
25
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government Accepted
The FCDO has had to make difficult decisions about how to prioritise the most critical aid spending in a context of economic contraction in the UK and wider ODA pressures. The strategic decisions made were not born from a lack of respect for our partners or communities affected, but we know that this has been a challenging time for all our stakeholders. FCDO teams have access to guidance under the Programme Operating Framework which emphasises the importance of engagement with project partners. Early programme closure guidance for programme teams also specifically factors in Do No Harm principles. The Programme Operating Framework contains Exit Plan templates and guidance for all FCDO Staff. The “Equality and Inclusion Principles” circulated prior to business planning asked teams to consider best practice. Equalities assessments are used to inform allocation decisions.
Timeline
Recommendation age 3.9 yrs
Report published 23 Jun 2022