Independent Commission for Aid Impact

Independent Commission for Aid Impact is a United Kingdom-based independent body that scrutinizes Department for International Development's aid spending, ensuring it is effective and provides value for money, as outlined by Secretary of State for International Development, Justine Greening, and Andrew Mitchell (politician). The commission's work is informed by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development principles and Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations. It collaborates with various stakeholders, including NGOs like Oxfam and Save the Children, to assess the impact of aid programs. The commission's findings are often cited by Parliament of the United Kingdom's International Development Committee, which is chaired by Stephen Twigg.

● Introduction

The Independent Commission for Aid Impact was established to provide an independent assessment of the Department for International Development's aid programs, with a focus on Value for money and Sustainable development. The commission's work is guided by the principles of Aid effectiveness, as outlined by the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness and the Accra Agenda for Action. It works closely with other organizations, such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and European Commission, to ensure that its recommendations are informed by best practices in International development. The commission's reports are often referenced by Development studies scholars, including Amartya Sen and Joseph Stiglitz, and are used to inform Poverty reduction strategies.

● History

The Independent Commission for Aid Impact was established in 2011 by the Coalition government, with the aim of increasing transparency and accountability in Aid spending. The commission's first chair was Graham Ward, who was succeeded by Charles Farr and then Diana Good. The commission has undergone several reviews, including an assessment by the National Audit Office and a Public Accounts Committee inquiry, which have helped to shape its methodology and approach. The commission's work has been influenced by the Millennium Development Goals and the Sustainable Development Goals, which were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly.

● Role and Responsibilities

The Independent Commission for Aid Impact is responsible for scrutinizing the Department for International Development's aid programs, including those delivered through NGOs and multilateral organizations like the World Health Organization and United Nations Development Programme. The commission's role is to provide an independent assessment of the effectiveness and value for money of these programs, using a range of methodologies, including randomized controlled trials and Case study research. The commission works closely with other stakeholders, including Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, Comptroller and Auditor General (United Kingdom), and International Development Committee, to ensure that its recommendations are informed by a range of perspectives.

● Methodology and Evaluation

The Independent Commission for Aid Impact uses a range of methodologies to evaluate the effectiveness of aid programs, including Impact evaluation, Process evaluation, and Economic evaluation. The commission's approach is informed by the principles of Theory of change and Logic model, which are used to assess the causal links between aid interventions and outcomes. The commission also uses Data visualization techniques to present its findings, making it easier for stakeholders to understand complex data and trends. The commission's work is influenced by the Campbell Collaboration and the Cochrane Collaboration, which are leading organizations in the field of Evidence-based policy.

● Reports and Recommendations

The Independent Commission for Aid Impact publishes regular reports on its findings, which are used to inform Department for International Development's aid spending decisions. The commission's reports are often cited by Parliament of the United Kingdom's International Development Committee and are used to inform Development policy debates. The commission's recommendations are aimed at improving the effectiveness and value for money of aid programs, and are often implemented by Department for International Development and other stakeholders, including NGOs like ActionAid and CARE (relief agency). The commission's reports are also referenced by Academic journals, such as the Journal of Development Studies and the Journal of International Development.

● Impact and Influence

The Independent Commission for Aid Impact has had a significant impact on the Department for International Development's aid spending decisions, with many of its recommendations being implemented. The commission's work has also influenced the development of Aid policy in other countries, including Australia and Canada, which have established similar independent review bodies, such as the Australian Agency for International Development and Global Affairs Canada. The commission's reports have been cited by International organizations, such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the World Bank, and have contributed to the development of Global public goods and Sustainable development strategies. The commission's work has also been recognized by Nobel laureates, including Amartya Sen and Joseph Stiglitz, who have highlighted the importance of independent evaluation and scrutiny in International development.

Category:International development