A comment on the self assessment of evaluation independence at DFID

Independent Advisory Committee for Development Impact (IADCI) Evaluation independence at DFID An independent assessment prepared for IADCI Robert Picciotto August 29, 2008 1 Independent Advisory Committee for Development Impact (IADCI) Evaluation independence at DFID Foreword 1This independent assessment, prepared by Robert Picciotto , is the final version of a paper designed to facilitate consideration of reforms aimed at strengthening evaluation independence at DFID. It was commissioned by the Independent Advisory Committee for Development Impact (IADCI) after its first meeting. An earlier draft provided the basis for the Committee’s discussion of evaluation independence at DFID during its second and third meetings. At its third meeting Committee members recognized that the creation of IACDI had signaled DFID’s intent to increase the independence and impact of its evaluation function. DFID had already responded to one recommendation from the Committee – a regular report on actions taken following evaluations and the appointment of Directors responsible for follow up in each case. However, the Committee concluded that a number of further steps were needed to match good practice in evaluation. Once taken, such steps would help the Committee attest to the independence, impact and effectiveness of evaluation in DFID, as envisaged in ...