The programme is based on a partnership between the British Council, Department for International Development (DFID), and the participating institutions. The British Council is responsible for the management and delivery of DelPHE. The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) is responsible for an element of programme delivery in supporting South-South (developing - developing) partnerships and liaising with the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and other external bodies.

DFID provides core grant funding and UK staff costs for small management teams in the British Council and the ACU. The British Council provides overseas staff costs and use of facilities while the participating institutions provide staff time and use of facilities.

Applications are assessed and approved by the DelPHE Selection Committee which comprises members of DFID, Universities UK and the British Council.