CFN’s approach to managing FST is praised in BIG’s 2nd evaluation report

“Given the scale of the differences [in FST across the 4 countries], it is clear that the national guidance from CFN is sufficiently flexible to be interpreted in different ways in different places. This ability of the delivery model to adapt to local circumstances and needs is a real strength of the whole programme. The type of work being undertaken at the local level is inherently ‘messy’, with uncertainties over direction, changing personnel (for example, on the Panel and in key local organisations), and sometimes difficulties over communication and misunderstandings. Notwithstanding the need to ensure that local agents are working within consistent wider frameworks (for instance, those about the general use of funds), CFN are administering a programme which contains sufficient flexibility to enable there to be a local response to local needs. If the guidance for the whole programme had been too rigid, it would have broken under the strain and there would be little prospect of success. The evaluation will continue to watch this with interest.