ICAI is the independent body responsible for the scrutiny of UK aid. ICAI focuses on maximising the impact and effectiveness of the UK aid budget for intended beneficiaries and the delivery of value for money for the UK taxpayer.

With scope to look at all UK Official Development Assistance (ODA), ICAI scrutinises ODA spend in all government departments.

ICAI is a unique body that publishes transparent, impartial and objective reports on the effectiveness of UK aid. ICAI ensures that its recommendations lead to change by providing evidence-based feedback into Government decision making. ICAI recommendations play a role in supporting the UK to spend aid on what works best.

ICAI has been set up on an independent basis and does not report to Ministers or officials but instead reports to Parliament through the House of Commons International Development Select Committee (IDC). This ensures both independence and accountability. ICAI is entirely independent from Government in terms of location, staffing and decision-making processes.

ICAI balances value for money with delivery and impact on the ground and the voice of developing country partners. It promotes delivery of maximum benefit to recipients in a way that is efficient and effective for the UK taxpayer.

ICAI’s role is to provide greater independent scrutiny of UK aid spending, thereby maximising its value for money and impact. In delivering theier mission they will:

Publish between 10 and 20 reports per year directly on to the website;

Report to the International Development Select Committee, as well as account for the own performance;

Advise the Department for International Development and other government departments on the effectiveness of their expenditure through targeted recommendations and follow-up work; and

Champion the use of independent evidence, to help the UK to spend aid on what works best.