FCDO Smart Rules and Logframe Guidance (seed summary)

Purpose
This seed reference supports retrieval for FCDO logframe-based proposal drafting in GrantFlow evaluation runs.
It is not an official FCDO document. Replace with official FCDO Smart Guide and programme design guidance for production use.

FCDO programme design framework
FCDO uses a logframe (logical framework) as the primary tool for programme design and accountability.
The logframe has four levels:
- Impact: long-term change to which the programme contributes but is not solely accountable for.
- Outcome: the primary change at beneficiary or system level the programme is directly accountable for.
- Outputs: goods, services, or changes delivered directly by programme activities.
- Activities: actions taken to produce outputs.

Each level requires:
- Performance indicators (SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound)
- Means of verification (data source and collection method)
- Assumptions (external conditions required for the causal logic to hold)

Value for Money (VfM) — the 4Es
All FCDO Business Cases must include a VfM rationale covering:
- Economy: minimising cost of inputs without compromising quality.
- Efficiency: converting inputs to outputs at the best rate.
- Effectiveness: outputs achieving intended outcomes and impact.
- Equity: distributing benefits fairly, especially to marginalised groups.
VfM evidence should be provided at design and tracked through M&E.

FCDO safeguarding requirements
Under FCDO Smart Rules, all programmes must:
- Conduct a safeguarding risk assessment before start.
- Implement a safeguarding policy covering prevention, reporting, and response.
- Ensure implementing partners have adequate safeguarding standards.
- Report safeguarding incidents to FCDO promptly.
- Include safeguarding costs in programme budgets.

OECD DAC criteria
FCDO aligns its evaluation standards with OECD DAC criteria:
- Relevance: does the programme address priority needs?
- Effectiveness: does it achieve intended outcomes?
- Efficiency: are inputs well used relative to outputs?
- Impact: what broader changes result?
- Sustainability: will benefits continue after funding ends?
- Coherence: is the programme consistent with other interventions and policies?

Theory of Change
FCDO expects a clear ToC narrative explaining:
- What the problem is and who is affected.
- What change is expected and at what level.
- Why the chosen approach will deliver that change (evidence base).
- What assumptions underpin the causal logic.
- What risks could undermine delivery.

Key drafting checklist
1. Logframe is complete at all four levels.
2. All indicators are SMART with baseline and target.
3. Means of verification are realistic.
4. Assumptions are explicit at every level.
5. VfM rationale covers all 4Es.
6. Safeguarding risks are identified and mitigated.
7. OECD DAC criteria are addressed.
8. ToC narrative is consistent with the logframe.
