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<p>DFID operates in challenging contexts providing a wide spectrum of aid and assistance.</p><p>DFID
has rigorous controls to ensure that aid reaches those for whom it is intended and
delivers results.</p><p>DFID does not give money to organisations or governments if
we are not confident that they will manage it well.</p><p> </p><p>DFID has a zero-tolerance
approach to fraud and has in place a wide range of standard controls and measures
to protect UK aid. These include:</p><ul><li><p>Rigorous risk assessments and monitoring
requirements for all programmes. All DFID programmes are assessed at inception to
identify and address the risk of aid diversion, such as weaknesses in a recipient’s
financial systems. Where necessary, programmes will insist on extra measures of safeguard,
and we will put in place arrangements such as continuous audits.</p></li><li><p>Proactive
fraud risk management – better fraud prevention through good programme design and
strong monitoring. We use monitoring visits, financial spot checks and audits to ensure
all funding is used for the purpose it was intended.</p></li><li><p>Programme agreements
and contracts which are designed to ensure partners are accountable for all funding
we provide. We expect all international agencies to have the same zero tolerance approach
to fraud that we have if they are to receive taxpayers’ money.</p></li><li><p>A rigorous
process of due diligence, where partners must demonstrate accountable and transparent
governance structures and financial procedures before we fund them. This provides
assurance on their capacity and capability to deliver DFID programmes, allows DFID
to identify and understand potential risks, and ascertain if these can be mitigated
and managed. Due Diligence on programme partners includes an in-depth assessment of
fraud risk.</p></li><li><p>Fraud awareness sessions risk management training for staff.</p></li><li><p>Regular
internal and external audits.</p></li></ul><p>Where there is suspicion of corruption
and fraud DFID will always take action; and if fraud or corruption is uncovered DFID
will always work to recover UK taxpayers’ money.</p>
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