Recommendation 8

Diplomacy and development require different but complementary skillsets; it is vitally important that staff are clear on what specific skills staff will need to develop in order to undertake their responsibilities effectively and to progress in the new Department. Early indications should be given as to the skills and competencies that staff throughout the merged Department will be expected to develop for their new roles. We recommend that the Government makes staff development a priority, and outlines a programme for wellbeing support and the type of training that will be necessary for career development by the end of September. The 2021 FCDO staff survey will be one way in which the Committee will monitor the Government’s success on these areas.