Accountability, MEAL and Compliance

Accountability to affected populations

Communities informed, heard and able to influence our work

Accountability is part of how we deliver programmes, not a separate activity. We make sure people understand what support is available, who it is intended for, how decisions are made and where they can raise questions or concerns — including safe and confidential channels for sensitive safeguarding or protection concerns.

InformShare clear and timely information about programmes, eligibility, entitlements, processes and changes.
ListenGive communities accessible and safe ways to provide feedback, raise complaints and share concerns.
RespondFollow up complaints and feedback through clear responsibilities and appropriate referral mechanisms.
AdaptUse community feedback and field experience to improve programme decisions, delivery and quality.

MEAL

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning

MEAL helps us understand whether our programmes are reaching the right people, delivering what was planned and making a useful difference. It is integrated from baseline assessment and beneficiary identification through routine monitoring, evaluation, feedback and learning. Learning is treated as part of implementation — not something reserved for the end of a project.

Monitoring & Field Verification

Regular monitoring of activities, outputs, quality, access and progress, supported by field verification.

Baseline & Endline

Assessing conditions at the start and end of programmes to measure change and inform programme decisions.

Digital Data Collection

Appropriate digital tools for data collection, validation, storage and analysis where suitable to the programme.

Beneficiary Verification & PDM

Verifying participant information and conducting post-distribution or post-intervention monitoring to assess access, use, satisfaction and emerging concerns.

Data Quality

Checks to improve the accuracy, completeness, consistency and reliability of programme data.

Community Accountability

Feedback and complaints mechanisms, ensuring community concerns inform programme decisions and corrective action.

Evaluation & Learning

Reviewing results, documenting lessons and using evidence and field experience to improve current and future programmes.

Financial management

Clear controls and accountability for every grant

KDI manages programme funds through clear financial, procurement and reporting procedures covering budgeting, expenditure control, procurement, payments, accounting, grant tracking, financial reporting and audit — ensuring funds are used for approved purposes and properly documented.

Programme and finance teams work together to monitor expenditure against approved budgets and address variances in a timely manner. Financial records are maintained through our accounting systems and reviewed and audited in line with organisational and donor requirements.

Core financial controls

Segregation of duties and approval controls
Bank reconciliations and budget monitoring
Procurement procedures with supporting documentation
Fraud, misuse and unauthorised-expenditure prevention
Timely, accurate donor financial reporting
Records maintained for financial review and audit

Risk assessment and mitigation

Risk management as part of day-to-day programme management

Working in Somalia requires us to continually assess changes in security, access, conflict dynamics, displacement, weather conditions, markets and other factors. We monitor these risks throughout implementation and adjust plans, locations, staffing and delivery arrangements when conditions change.

Risk areas and how KDI manages them
Risk area	How we manage it
Security & Access	We monitor the security environment, assess access conditions, brief staff, maintain appropriate movement and communication procedures, and adjust field operations when risks change.
Operational Continuity	Clear procedures, defined responsibilities and contingency arrangements maintain essential activities when access, staffing or other operating conditions are disrupted.
Financial & Fiduciary Risk	Approval controls, segregation of duties, budget monitoring, procurement procedures, reconciliations and financial reviews reduce the risk of fraud, misuse or diversion of funds.
Programme & Context Risk	We monitor implementation and community feedback and adapt activities when conflict, displacement, climate shocks, markets or other changes affect programme relevance or delivery.
Safeguarding & Protection	We apply safeguarding, PSEA, protection and code-of-conduct requirements, with reporting and referral mechanisms for concerns and incidents.
Partner & Compliance Risk	We assess partners before engagement, use clear agreements and responsibilities, and monitor compliance with donor, legal and organisational requirements.
Conflict & Environmental Risk	We apply conflict-sensitive approaches and consider environmental and climate risks when planning and implementing activities.

Sustainability, local ownership and exit strategy

Sustainability starts at design, not at exit

From the outset we consider who will continue the work, what resources will be available and what systems or relationships need to remain after external support ends. Our exit approach is gradual and agreed with relevant local actors.

01

Local ownership

Communities and relevant local institutions participate in decisions and take responsibility for activities that can be sustained locally.

02

Capacity strengthening

Practical skills and systems within community structures, service providers and institutions so they can continue essential functions.

03

Institutional linkages

Connecting programme activities with local authorities, public services and existing coordination and referral systems.

04

Economic sustainability

Livelihoods, skills, savings, enterprise development and market linkages to support greater household self-reliance.

05

Community structures

Strengthening committees, groups and local networks that can continue relevant activities after direct support ends.

06

Responsible exit

Planning the reduction of support with communities and partners, communicating changes clearly and transferring responsibilities in a structured manner.

07

Learning and continuity

Capturing lessons and practical tools to improve future programming and support locally workable solutions.

Key operational policies

A comprehensive policy framework

Our policies guide staff, partners and stakeholders in upholding integrity, preventing abuse or misconduct, safeguarding vulnerable populations and promoting transparency in financial and procurement processes.

KDI operational policies
Policy area	Description
PSEAH (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment)	Zero-tolerance measures, reporting mechanisms and accountability structures to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse of beneficiaries or staff.
Child Safeguarding Policy	Protects children from abuse, exploitation and neglect; ensures safe participation in programmes and activities.
Disability Inclusion Policy	Promotes accessibility, equitable participation and representation of persons with disabilities in all programmes.
Code of Conduct & Ethics	Defines professional behaviour, integrity, respect and ethical decision-making for staff, volunteers and partners.
Procurement Policy	Transparent, competitive and accountable procedures for acquiring goods and services, ensuring value for money and compliance with donor rules.
Financial Management Policy	Proper budgeting, fund allocation, utilisation, monitoring and reporting in line with donor and legal requirements.
Anti-Fraud Policy	Procedures to prevent, detect and respond to fraudulent practices, including financial and operational misconduct.
Whistleblower Policy	Secure and confidential channels for reporting misconduct, fraud or policy violations without fear of retaliation.
Risk Management Policy	Identification, assessment and mitigation of operational, financial, programmatic and environmental risks.
Environmental Sustainability Policy	Integrates eco-friendly practices, climate resilience and minimal environmental impact into all operations.
Governance and Accountability Policy	Clear organisational structures, roles and oversight mechanisms for decision-making, reporting and compliance.
MEAL Policy	Frameworks for evidence-based programme management, performance tracking, community feedback and continuous learning.
Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP)	Ensures communities are actively engaged, informed and empowered to provide feedback and influence programme design, implementation and outcomes.

Copies of policies are available to partners and donors on request as part of due diligence. Contact us.

Systems that earn the trust of communities and partners