Risk Management

DFID’s Anti-Fraud and Corruption Policy

This policy has been endorsed by the Accounting Officer (the Permanent Secretary) and the Audit Committee and forms part of DFID’s framework for managing risks.

DFID is committed to ensuring that its resources, voted by the UK Parliament on behalf of the UK Taxpayer, will be used only for the purposes intended.

The Department’s policy on fraud and corruption is one of zero tolerance.

Fraud and corruption against DFID funds, either by DFID staff, partner organisations (eg contractors) or in partner governments will not be tolerated because it:

• diverts vital resources from the poor;
• breaches our public service ethics and core values;
• damages our reputation for sound financial management; and
• challenges our ”fitness for purpose” and our credibility in the eyes of our UK stakeholders and International partners

Those found to have been involved in fraudulent and corrupt activity or to have been negligent in the exercise of supervisory duties will be subject to disciplinary and, where appropriate, criminal proceedings.

Action will also be taken to recover any funds that have been lost. Similarly, funding may be recovered, and future funding withheld from partner governments where arrangements for preventing or detecting fraud and corruption fail to improve.

If anyone suspects fraud or corruption they must, immediately, report their concerns to the Head of Internal Audit (HIA). Neither they, nor their line manager should investigate allegations without advice from the HIA as this is likely to undermine any future action.

All investigations of fraud and corruption will be directed by the Head of Internal Audit.

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