The Operational Manualcontains all policies, procedures, and good practices that are meant to ensure Bank activities are economically, financially, socially, and environmentally sound. Policies on business products and instruments establish rules for lending, country economic and sector work, technical assistance, grants, guarantees and other Bank products. Fiduciary policies cover financial management, procurement, and disbursement.
Safeguard policiesaddress the risks and negative environmental and social effects that might arise as a result of Bank-funded projects. Safeguards are designed to prevent unintended impact from the project on individuals and the environment. Specific safeguard policies address:
- Natural habitats
- Pest management
- Cultural property
- Involuntary resettlement
- Indigenous peoples
- Safety of dams
- Projects on international waterways
- Projects in disputed areas
Guidelines for Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowersdefine the Bank's policies and procedures for selecting, contracting and monitoring consultants required for Bank-financed projects.
The Procurement websitecontains detailed guidelines for the procurement of goods and works in projects financed by the World Bank.
To ensure that loan proceeds are used for their intended purpose, the Bank has the power to sanction firms and individuals that are found to have engaged in fraud or corruption in connection with the procurement of goods or services, the selection of consultants, or the execution of any resulting contracts. Since 1999, hundreds of firms and individuals have been sanctioned by the Bank for engaging in fraud and corruption in Bank-financed projects.
Learn more about the Bank's Sanctions' policy
Over the past decade, the World Bank has made considerable progress toward greater transparency. The World Bank Policy on Disclosure of Informationestablishes the Bank's general approach to opening its records and many documents to the public. The Bank believes that sharing information can stimulate public debate, broaden public understanding, and enhance transparency and accountability - all essential to effective development.
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