Evaluation Network member - United Kingdom

Evaluation Department
Department for International Development

Abercrombie House
Eaglesham Road
East Kilbride
Glasgow G75 8EA

Tel: + 44 20 7023 0000
Fax: + 44 20 7023 0016
Email: ev-dept@dfid.gov.uk
Website: Evaluation of UK Aid

Department background

Evaluating the impact and lessons of aid programmes is a crucial part of DFID’s work. High quality evaluations help DFID spend aid more effectively so that more people are lifted out of poverty. And because evaluations are published, they provide a direct line of accountability: to Parliament, the British public and our partners in recipient countries.

The management of evaluation within the U.K. aid system is undergoing a nubmer of changes. DFID is changing the way they design aid programmes so that evaluation considerations are ‘embedded’ in programmes at all stages of the project cycle. This means clear assessments of the evidence for what does or doesn’t work in the initial stages of programme design, collection of baseline data and effective evaluation over the life of the programme and beyond.

Second, the Government is establishing the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) – previously referred to as the Independent Aid Watchdog - which will have a remit to evaluate and review any UK aid spending. The Independent Commission will be clearly separated from DFID, reporting directly to Parliament. The Independent Commission will be launched by June 2011.

For up to date information, please visit the DFID Evaluation Department website.

DFID publications available on DEReC