UK aid watchdog welcomes new Chief Commissioner
27 Jan 2025
The Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) welcomes Jillian Popkins as its new Chief Commissioner today (Monday 27 January).
Jillian, whose appointment was endorsed by Parliament’s International Development Committee last month, joins fellow Commissioners Liz Ditchburn and Harold Freeman. Together, they will lead independent scrutiny of UK international development spending, helping to ensure value for money and measuring impact.
The Commission has already announced its first two major reviews of 2025, which will examine UK aid to Sudan and the UK’s support for clean energy transition in developing countries. These reviews follow a public consultation completed in October 2024, which highlighted key priorities for future scrutiny and themes to improve future work, such as making ICAI’s findings more accessible.
Jillian has been appointed to lead ICAI for a four-year term. She brings substantial international development expertise to the role, most recently serving as Interim Deputy Executive Director of Advocacy, Programmes and Safeguarding at UNICEF UK. Her career spans positions with the UK government, international organisations, and leading NGOs. She has worked in the UK, Ethiopia and China.
ICAI’s new Chief Commissioner said:
“Over three decades working across government, the UN and international NGOs, I have seen first-hand how evidence and evaluation can improve development impact and value for money.
“ICAI’s role in ensuring aid reaches those who need it most and has the best possible impact remains vital. Over the next four years, our work will strengthen this oversight. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of independent scrutiny while making sure our reviews are accessible and engaging.”
ICAI’s full workplan for the coming year will be published following consultation with Parliament’s International Development Committee. Further information about ICAI’s board of Commissioners is available on our website.