The Overseas Territories Department (OTD) has responsibility for the annual disbursement of a programme budget of £3,256,733. Its goal is the maintenance of security and stability and the promotion of transparent, accountable government in the United Kingdom Overseas Territories.

To support the delivery of FCO strategic international priorities, Public Service Agreement targets and objectives which relate to the security, good government and prosperity of the UK Overseas Territories.

OTD's Good Government Fund is a modest additional source of funding to the Territories' own resources and other HMG provisions. It does not preclude, and is not a substitute for, fundings from sources such as the Overseas Territories Environment Programme (OTEP), Directorate Programme Budget (DPB), Drugs and Crime Fund (DCF), Global Opportunities Fund or aid programme. Any project which would contribute to the achievement of the above objectives is eligible for consideration. Smaller projects (less than £10,000) should if possible be supported by delegated funds.

Projects should be discreet and time-bound, and subject to regular review. They will usually be for activities which complement initiatives being taken by OT governments, agencies or NGOs. Requests for a GGF contribution towards the cost of capital projects will not normally be agreed in view of the likely cost.

Activities likely to be most appropriate for Good Government Fund support include: maintaining good government and a high standard of administration of justice; respect for international obligations; improving law enforcement; limiting HMG's exposure to contingent liabilities; promoting civic rights and the participation of citizens in the democratic process, and generally helping to ensure the effective discharge of responsibilities reserved to HMG and Governors under the constitution of each territory. Projects should contribute to OTD and Post objectives. Examples include:

• Training and attachments
• Financial Secretaries panel meetings

• Constitutional Commissions, reviews and follow-up action (eg specialist drafting amendments to local legislation)

• Specialist training
• Provision of equipment where appropriate

• Public and civil society projects aimed at raising HR awareness and local capacity, eg:
• Training workshops/ seminars for key officials, community leaders, lawyers and journalists
• Caribbean - based training (UWI, OECS)
• UK study tours for key players
• Support for publicity/ educational initiatives

• Police investigations and civil enquiries handled mainly by UK personnel in complex/ sensitive cases such as allegations of corruption against members of OT Governments; also Counsels' fees and witnesses' expenses

• Short term engagement of consultants to assist Overseas Territory Attorneys-General with specific projects (eg drafting specialised legislation)
• Short term engagement of judges to hear complex/ sensitive cases or to help clear an accumulated backlog
• Provision of equipment where appropriate
• Training for magistrates/ judges/ lawyers from Attorney-Generals' chambers
• Legal literacy and civic education

• Regional financial services advice
• Conferences, and training

• Media training
• Health and Safety (eg fire and rescue training and equipment)

• Specialist training
• Study tours (eg looking at the work of Public Accounts Committees in other small islands)
• Training for elected representatives (eg on relationships with officials)

• Specialist training (including for use of firearms)
• Provision of specialist equipment where appropriate
• Inspections of forces in poorer Overseas Territories
• Attendance at Overseas Territories Police Commissioners' Conference

• Specialist training of prison staff
• Provision of equipment where appropriate
• Provision of expert advice

• Training (including towards establishment of regional pools of expertise eg in civil disorder control, forensics or specialist skills on which individual OTs can draw)
• Assistance with disaster preparedness plans and equipment
• Specialist legal advice for OT Governments involved in contractual negotiations and disputes

This list is only indicative.

• Projects should if possible be completed within the Financial Year.
• Any project costing more than £50,000 would be considered exceptional.
• A clear exit strategy is particularly important for projects that may last for more than one Financial Year. OTD exposure to ongoing commitments should be minimised.

Each year, ongoing projects/ commitments will be assessed using the evaluation reports for value for money. If the GGF Committee considers, after consultation with the Post or project originator, that a commitment is not worth continuing they may decide to seek early withdrawal.

• Project monitoring, evaluation and publicity activities.
• Provide a focal point for projects.
• Filter each project bid and provide comments to inform the GGF Committee (all applications must first be submitted for approval to Governors, before onward transmission to Geographical Desk Officers and the GGF Desk Officer).

In order to promote local commitment and sense of ownership, complementary funding should be sought where possible from OT Governments/ departments, particularly for larger projects.

January - Posts to consider appropriate bids (in consultation with Geographical Desk Officers) in light of their and OTD's objectives.

February - Posts to submit project bids and Delegated Budget project bids, to Geographical Desk Officers by mid February. Delegated Budgets should cover projects of less than £10,000.

March - Early March: review and approval of project proposals by the GGF Committee. Mid March: Staff Officers/Governors informed of results of project selection process.

The GGF Committee will assess proposals on the basis of the information provided on the application forms and will focus in particular on the extent to which they meet Post and OTD objectives. The committee will consist of OTD's Deputy Heads, Heads of Section, the GGF Desk Officer and geographical Desk Officers. All proposals must be put to the Committee.

All project implementers should endeavour to secure positive publicity for their projects and the contribution they are making/have made to Government in the Overseas Territories.

OTD needs to be kept informed of progress on GGF projects and spend. Governors' Offices should send the GGF Officer a summary at the end of September and also at the end of January.

After completion of the project, including those funded by the Delegated Budget, Post should provide an assessment of its success in meeting Post/ OTD objectives.

• Employment of a Constitutional Adviser and various Constitutional reviews;
• Employment of a Regional Law Enforcement Adviser, Miami;
• Employment of a Firearms Adviser, for all Overseas Territories;
• Employment of a Prisons Adviser for the Caribbean Overseas Territories and Bermuda;
• Employment of a Financial Adviser;
• Posts of Commissioner of Police, Drugs Adviser and Anti Drugs Co-ordinator in the British Virgin Islands;
• Review on Alternatives to Custody;
• Human rights including co-operation with Department for International Development, and NCH on legal and juridical reform concerning children and families;
• The Overseas Territories Regional Criminal Intelligence System whose support team is based in Miami;
• The UK/US/Bermuda White Collar Criminal Investigation Team based in Miami;
• Support for Police Marine Units in several Territories;
• The Hamilton Report and follow up work;
• The British Virgin Islands Police Air Wing;
• The British Military and Advisory Training Team, part funded by GGF and based in St John's Antigua;
• Locally devolved funding for Governors.

Good Government Fund Application Form  (PDF, 28.3KB)