Recommendations & Conclusions
4 items
5
Recommendation
Second Report: Merging success: Bringin…
Accepted in Part
To integrate the Departments successfully, the new PUS must have the skills and experience necessary to effectively oversee both diplomatic and development projects. Above all else, they must have exceptional knowledge and experience of change management and major project delivery to allow them to oversee a merger of this scale. …
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To integrate the Departments successfully, the new PUS must have the skills and experience necessary to effectively oversee both diplomatic and development projects. Above all else, they must have exceptional knowledge and experience of change management and major project delivery to allow them to oversee a merger of this scale. We recommend that the selection criteria for the new Permanent Under- Secretary include experience of: major project management, responsibility for large budgets, multilateral diplomacy, and leadership of change in a large organisation. Given the political importance of the position and the increasing role of No. 10 in senior civil service appointments, we recommend that consideration be given by the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee to pre-appointment hearings for the PUS of the merged Department and, potentially, other similar roles. (Paragraph 16) 16 Merging success: Bringing together the FCO and DFID
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Government response AI summary
The government states that many of the recommended selection criteria were used for the new Permanent Under-Secretary. However, it rejects the recommendation for pre-appointment hearings for the role, stating it is not appropriate for a Civil Service appointment.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
7
Recommendation
Second Report: Merging success: Bringin…
Accepted in Part
We welcome the Foreign Secretary’s assurance and his pledge to engage with staff throughout this process, but clarity on the nature of future roles is needed as soon as possible. We recommend that the Government presents a clear plan to staff over which specific roles will change, and which will …
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We welcome the Foreign Secretary’s assurance and his pledge to engage with staff throughout this process, but clarity on the nature of future roles is needed as soon as possible. We recommend that the Government presents a clear plan to staff over which specific roles will change, and which will be lost, by 15 September. The Government should also maintain the exemption on foreign passport restrictions for UK-born officials with Irish passports.
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Government response AI summary
The government confirms there will be no compulsory redundancies in the new FCDO, and staff who previously would not have met nationality requirements will transfer into their current roles. However, long-term decisions on nationality requirements are deferred pending an ongoing review.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
10
Recommendation
Second Report: Merging success: Bringin…
Accepted in Part
The merger presents an opportunity for the FCO to learn from DFID’s positive record on transparency, and to be more proactive in publishing details of project expenditure. We recommend that the UK sets ambitious new commitments to aid transparency, to be reviewed on an annual basis. In its first year, …
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The merger presents an opportunity for the FCO to learn from DFID’s positive record on transparency, and to be more proactive in publishing details of project expenditure. We recommend that the UK sets ambitious new commitments to aid transparency, to be reviewed on an annual basis. In its first year, the FCDO should strive to achieve a score of ‘Very Good’ on transparency of aid spending, as assessed by the Aid Transparency Index. The Government’s Development Tracker tool should also be maintained, as an effective way of accounting for aid spending to the public. (Paragraph 29) Merging success: Bringing together the FCO and DFID 17
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Government response AI summary
The government commits to maintaining the Development Tracker tool and consolidating data systems for aid transparency, while stating it anticipates FCDO will be assessed in the next Aid Transparency Index in 2022. It does not explicitly commit to ambitious new transparency commitments or striving for …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
13
Recommendation
Second Report: Merging success: Bringin…
Accepted in Part
The Government has made clear that the intention of the merger is not to save costs but has suggested better value for money is available through it. This could be through reducing administrative costs. We recommend that the Government reports on the short-term costs as well as any anticipated long-term …
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The Government has made clear that the intention of the merger is not to save costs but has suggested better value for money is available through it. This could be through reducing administrative costs. We recommend that the Government reports on the short-term costs as well as any anticipated long-term savings, no later than six months after the merger is completed.
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees on the importance of recording and reporting merger costs and savings, stating work has commenced on monitoring short-term costs. They expect to publish figures in the FCDO’s annual report and accounts for 2020–21, but indicate more time is needed to determine a …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office