Overseas partner due diligence for UK charities and funders
UK charities and funders working through partners overseas are expected to know who they are working with. SLONEC Advisory Group carries out due diligence on partners in Sierra Leone, with checks on the ground, and coordinates checks elsewhere in Africa through local implementing partners. We report on registration, governance, finances, safeguarding and delivery capacity.
What we check
- Legal registration and standing, including NGO registration with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development in Sierra Leone.
- Governance: board, policies and decision-making.
- Financial controls, bank accounts and past grant reporting.
- Safeguarding policies and practice.
- Delivery capacity, visited in person in Sierra Leone.
The Charity Commission’s expectations
The Charity Commission’s guidance on working internationally expects trustees to carry out proportionate checks on partners and to monitor how funds are used, and to keep records showing how funds reached the intended purpose.
What you get
A written report with findings, risks and recommended conditions or monitoring.
Frequently asked questions
Why do UK charities need partner due diligence?
Charity Commission guidance expects trustees to know their partners and monitor how funds are used.
What do you check?
Registration, governance, finances, safeguarding and delivery capacity.
Do you visit partners in person?
Yes, in Sierra Leone. Elsewhere we coordinate checks through local implementing partners.
Do you check NGO registration in Sierra Leone?
Yes, with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development.
Can you monitor a partner after funding?
Yes, through periodic reviews and M&E.
Is this an audit?
No. It is due diligence and monitoring, not an audit.