Recommendations & Conclusions
37 items
1
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Accepted
Across the global aid sector, racism manifests in decisions around whose expertise we value. Evidence to our inquiry suggested that institutions in high income countries like the UK assume they have the knowledge and best practice to assist people in low- and middle-income countries. Due to a belief that these …
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Across the global aid sector, racism manifests in decisions around whose expertise we value. Evidence to our inquiry suggested that institutions in high income countries like the UK assume they have the knowledge and best practice to assist people in low- and middle-income countries. Due to a belief that these institutions represent the ‘gold standard’, local partners are often required to adapt to their way of working. Racist attitudes also play out in the narrative that local organisations are ‘high risk’ and need ‘capacity building’.
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Government response AI summary
The government states that it does not value international expertise over local expertise, aims to structure tenders accordingly, and requires the use of small and local organizations.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
2
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Acknowledged
The use of European languages, particularly English, in the development sector can lock out national actors who operate in local languages.
Government response AI summary
The government describes its language training programme for FCDO staff and its use of multilingual country-based staff.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
3
Recommendation
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Accepted
The FCDO should consider whether applications for funding must always be submitted in English – especially in bids for small projects administered by embassies, which are to be undertaken by local civil society organisations.
Government response AI summary
The FCDO states that they do not require bids to always be in English, and that the decision is up to the post running the competition, taking into account the local context and resources.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
4
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Acknowledged
It is important that progress made by DFID to shift funding decisions from Whitehall towards country offices is not lost under the merged department.
Government response AI summary
The FCDO will continue to look to shift funding decisions towards country posts, guided by the IDS's patient approach and commitment to local stakeholders.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
5
Recommendation
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Acknowledged
Further, the FCDO should increase the amount of UK aid funding that goes directly to locally led civil society organisations. It should reconsider how it conceptualises and calculates risk and work with local civil society organisations to undertake the due diligence and administration associated with bidding for FCDO contracts.
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Further, the FCDO should increase the amount of UK aid funding that goes directly to locally led civil society organisations. It should reconsider how it conceptualises and calculates risk and work with local civil society organisations to undertake the due diligence and administration associated with bidding for FCDO contracts.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the importance of a more locally-led approach and mentions its commitments as a signatory to various agreements, but does not commit to any specific new actions beyond existing pooled funding mechanisms.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
6
Recommendation
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Accepted
The FCDO should apply these same principles to do no harm when it removes funding, as well as when aid programmes are initiated.
Government response AI summary
FCDO teams have access to guidance under the Programme Operating Framework which emphasises the importance of engagement with project partners, including Early programme closure guidance that factors in Do No Harm principles and Equalities assessments used to inform allocation decisions.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
7
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Acknowledged
The manner in which the cuts to UK aid took place, with little or no consultation of downstream partners, or the communities where they are implemented has sent a harmful message that the UK does not care about the people affected, many of which are Black, Indigenous and People of …
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The manner in which the cuts to UK aid took place, with little or no consultation of downstream partners, or the communities where they are implemented has sent a harmful message that the UK does not care about the people affected, many of which are Black, Indigenous and People of Colour.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the difficult decisions regarding aid spending and states that these decisions were not born from a lack of respect for partners or affected communities.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
8
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Acknowledged
The structure of the sector transfers much of the risk to frontline implementing partners who have the least capacity to mitigate those risks.
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the risk transfer to frontline partners and reiterates its commitment to working with diverse CSOs and increasing engagement speed through grants and MOUs, while ensuring value for money and safeguarding. They also state 'Exit Plans' are written with delivery partners to mitigate …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
9
Recommendation
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Accepted
The FCDO should consider how it can restructure its funding commitments to give long-term certainty to local civil society organisations to ensure funding that has been committed cannot be suddenly withdrawn at short notice. (Paragraph 27) Communications and storytelling
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The FCDO should consider how it can restructure its funding commitments to give long-term certainty to local civil society organisations to ensure funding that has been committed cannot be suddenly withdrawn at short notice. (Paragraph 27) Communications and storytelling
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Government response AI summary
In contracts, ‘Exit Plans’ are written with delivery partners to provide certainty of a responsible exit and mitigate risk.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
10
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Accepted
Fundraising is extremely important to many international aid organisations, but public appeals that depict the communities they serve as helpless and needy strip those communities of their dignity. They contribute to the narrative that the countries where they work are somehow inferior to the UK. (Paragraph 31) Racism in the …
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Fundraising is extremely important to many international aid organisations, but public appeals that depict the communities they serve as helpless and needy strip those communities of their dignity. They contribute to the narrative that the countries where they work are somehow inferior to the UK. (Paragraph 31) Racism in the aid sector 31
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Government response AI summary
The FCDO states it is focused on changing attitudes towards development, dismantling harmful narratives, and supporting low-income countries to shape their own development narratives; giving local partners a voice in how their work should be represented.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
11
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Accepted
Fundraising appeals should depict positive, realistic stories and wherever possible use local filmmakers. They should seek to inform audiences about the drivers of poverty and inequality instead of giving simplistic messages about the difference donations can make.
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Fundraising appeals should depict positive, realistic stories and wherever possible use local filmmakers. They should seek to inform audiences about the drivers of poverty and inequality instead of giving simplistic messages about the difference donations can make.
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Government response AI summary
The FCDO states it is focused on changing attitudes towards development, dismantling harmful narratives, and supporting low-income countries to shape their own development narratives; giving local partners a voice in how their work should be represented.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
12
Recommendation
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Acknowledged
The terminology used in the aid sector has its roots in colonialism; it ‘others’ the communities where programmes are delivered and reinforces ideas that ‘the West’ is the ideal that others should aspire to. It is not easy to strip the sector of terms such as ‘recipient’ or ‘beneficiary’, even …
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The terminology used in the aid sector has its roots in colonialism; it ‘others’ the communities where programmes are delivered and reinforces ideas that ‘the West’ is the ideal that others should aspire to. It is not easy to strip the sector of terms such as ‘recipient’ or ‘beneficiary’, even the term ‘aid’ adds to this narrative.
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Government response AI summary
The FCDO recognises the active debate about terminology and is exploring taking part in these conversations.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
13
Recommendation
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Acknowledged
The aid sector should have a conversation that includes the communities it works with to develop positive and inclusive working terminology, the FCDO should consider how it can lead this work.
Government response AI summary
The FCDO recognises the active debate about terminology and is exploring taking part in these conversations.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
14
Recommendation
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Accepted
Guidelines on informed consent for obtaining and using images should be observed just as thoroughly in relation to individuals from the communities that aid organisations work with, as they are in the UK. It is unacceptable for images to be used and re-used without the subject’s express consent. (Paragraph 36) …
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Guidelines on informed consent for obtaining and using images should be observed just as thoroughly in relation to individuals from the communities that aid organisations work with, as they are in the UK. It is unacceptable for images to be used and re-used without the subject’s express consent. (Paragraph 36) Data on racism and diversity in the aid sector
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Government response AI summary
The FCDO has a consent form and guidance related to use of photos, including language about getting consent to use people’s images in its Memorandum of Understanding and Accountable Grant templates, and continues to remind staff about this.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
15
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Accepted
The aid sector does not operate in a vacuum. The different forms of discrimination that permeate British society manifest in the aid sector too. Racism is particularly pertinent for aid organisations because they work directly with individuals from around the world who are Black, Indigenous and People of Colour. Discriminatory …
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The aid sector does not operate in a vacuum. The different forms of discrimination that permeate British society manifest in the aid sector too. Racism is particularly pertinent for aid organisations because they work directly with individuals from around the world who are Black, Indigenous and People of Colour. Discriminatory attitudes within these organisations will have a negative impact on the communities they work with and the programmes they deliver.
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Government response AI summary
The FCDO is committed to representing the people it serves, signed the Business in the Community Race At Work Charter, and aims for parity at all grades with the UK's economically active minority ethnic population.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
16
Recommendation
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Accepted
Aid organisations must ensure their working practices and programmes are mindful of the intersecting identities of their staff and the people they serve.
Government response AI summary
The FCDO signed up to the Business in the Community Race At Work Charter, and added a sixth, FCDO-specific commitment to improve UK foreign and development policy, lead and promote racial equality overseas, and build better relations with communities within the UK.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
17
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Accepted
Evidence submitted to this inquiry and recent surveys by actors in the UK charity and international aid sectors show the scale of racism experienced by staff who are Black, Indigenous and People of Colour. Any level of racism in the workplace is unacceptable, and the findings that leaders and HR …
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Evidence submitted to this inquiry and recent surveys by actors in the UK charity and international aid sectors show the scale of racism experienced by staff who are Black, Indigenous and People of Colour. Any level of racism in the workplace is unacceptable, and the findings that leaders and HR departments are ill equipped to deal with such incidents are deeply concerning.
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Government response AI summary
The FCDO is launching a new Dignity and Respect at Work Policy in December 2022 which aims to respond robustly to bullying, harassment and discrimination, including on grounds of race.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
18
Recommendation
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Accepted
All aid organisations should have effective processes in place to tackle instances of racism when they occur. They should also be able to measure and assess whether those processes are working.
Government response AI summary
The FCDO is launching a new Dignity and Respect at Work Policy in December 2022 which aims to respond robustly to bullying, harassment and discrimination, including on grounds of race.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
19
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Acknowledged
Collecting and publishing data on diversity in staffing is a key element of holding aid organisations to account. Only by being transparent can organisations share and learn from each-other. For the smallest organisations it might not be appropriate to publish diversity data if it could compromise employees’ rights to confidentiality …
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Collecting and publishing data on diversity in staffing is a key element of holding aid organisations to account. Only by being transparent can organisations share and learn from each-other. For the smallest organisations it might not be appropriate to publish diversity data if it could compromise employees’ rights to confidentiality but organisations with over 50 employees should do so.
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Government response AI summary
The FCDO publishes diversity information and gender pay gap reports, but requiring organizations they fund to publish data may not always be appropriate or possible.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
20
Recommendation
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Not Addressed
The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office should require organisations that it funds, which employ more than 50 staff, to publish their diversity data. This 32 Racism in the aid sector should not act as a barrier to small organisations in receiving funding. The FCDO should work with small organisations to …
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The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office should require organisations that it funds, which employ more than 50 staff, to publish their diversity data. This 32 Racism in the aid sector should not act as a barrier to small organisations in receiving funding. The FCDO should work with small organisations to identify ways to increase opportunities for staff from underrepresented groups.
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Government response AI summary
The government states that requiring organisations it funds to publish diversity data may not always be appropriate or possible and references existing reporting obligations, without committing to any specific action.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
21
Recommendation
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Deferred
Aid organisations, including private sector contractors, with more than 50 staff should measure and publish their ethnicity pay gap data in order to be held accountable. It will also help them to identify if there are inequalities in their workforce that should be addressed.
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Aid organisations, including private sector contractors, with more than 50 staff should measure and publish their ethnicity pay gap data in order to be held accountable. It will also help them to identify if there are inequalities in their workforce that should be addressed.
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Government response AI summary
The FCDO does not currently publish ethnicity pay gap data and is waiting for guidance from the Cabinet Office in 2023.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
22
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Accepted
We are concerned that the decision to designate the merged Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office as a ‘reserved department’ shuts down the possibility of civil servants from the countries where UK aid funding is spent, from taking part in funding decisions. It appears to go against other commitments to diversity …
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We are concerned that the decision to designate the merged Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office as a ‘reserved department’ shuts down the possibility of civil servants from the countries where UK aid funding is spent, from taking part in funding decisions. It appears to go against other commitments to diversity in staffing and to shift decision making power towards the countries where the aid budget is spent.
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Government response AI summary
The government states that the reserved department model best meets the FCDO's objectives and security requirements, and that any non-UK national employed at the time of the creation of the FCDO would be retained in their role.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
23
Recommendation
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Rejected
The FCDO should undertake a review of its reserved department status to identify whether its security considerations warrant the decision not to hire foreign nationals.
Government response AI summary
The government states that there is no plan to review the FCDO's reserved department status, as the previous Foreign Secretary decided that this model best meets the FCDO's objectives and security requirements.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
24
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Acknowledged
DFID previously set out its ambition to publish more inclusive data, in order to improve its programming in 2022.
Government response AI summary
The government states the FCDO is a signatory of the inclusive data charter and remains committed to its vision and principles.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
25
Recommendation
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Accepted
The FDCO should publish the first tranche of inclusive data this year and set out a timeline for when it will be able to publish further data relating to race, ethnicity and income. (Paragraph 63) Building an equitable and inclusive aid sector
Government response AI summary
The government states it already publishes diversity information via existing reports.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
26
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Accepted
The barriers to entering the aid sector for candidates from diverse backgrounds can be considerable.
Government response AI summary
The FCDO removed the requirement for specific qualifications for some roles, opening the FCDO as a career path to 275 people.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
27
Recommendation
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Accepted in Part
Donors and aid organisations should reduce barriers to entry by ending the use of unpaid internships and paying all employees the living wage and removing unnecessary stipulations in job applications such as years of experience in the international aid sector and higher degrees that disadvantage individuals from under-represented backgrounds.
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Donors and aid organisations should reduce barriers to entry by ending the use of unpaid internships and paying all employees the living wage and removing unnecessary stipulations in job applications such as years of experience in the international aid sector and higher degrees that disadvantage individuals from under-represented backgrounds.
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Government response AI summary
The FCDO removed the requirement for specific qualifications in recent bulk campaigns at Administrative Officer, Executive Officer and Higher Executive Officer levels. Does not address the other elements of the recommendation.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
28
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Accepted
Some aid organisations are taking action to increase diversity in their workforce, such as reducing unnecessary stipulations in person specifications in job descriptions and banning all-White recruitment boards.
Government response AI summary
The FCDO states that it operates its resourcing and recruitment in line with the Civil Service Recruitment Principles, including selection being made on merit, a fair and open process, anonymised applications, diverse interview panels, and efforts to expand recruitment markets.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
29
Recommendation
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Accepted
All aid organisations, including private sector contractors should reflect on their diversity data and seek to understand if their recruitment practices need strengthening to support talented candidates from diverse backgrounds. We need sector-wide cooperation to share best practice and identify how the recruitment process can better facilitate candidates from diverse …
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All aid organisations, including private sector contractors should reflect on their diversity data and seek to understand if their recruitment practices need strengthening to support talented candidates from diverse backgrounds. We need sector-wide cooperation to share best practice and identify how the recruitment process can better facilitate candidates from diverse backgrounds to enter core roles in the aid sector.
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Government response AI summary
The FCDO states that it operates its resourcing and recruitment in line with the Civil Service Recruitment Principles, including selection being made on merit, a fair and open process, anonymised applications, diverse interview panels, and efforts to expand recruitment markets.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
30
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Acknowledged
Some aid organisations are beginning to introduce measures to open up and encourage conversations about racism in their workplaces but much more needs to Racism in the aid sector 33 be done to welcome diverse ideas and values. These processes are likely to be painful and difficult and will take …
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Some aid organisations are beginning to introduce measures to open up and encourage conversations about racism in their workplaces but much more needs to Racism in the aid sector 33 be done to welcome diverse ideas and values. These processes are likely to be painful and difficult and will take courage on the part of leaders, managers, and staff to be open, honest and committed to change.
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Government response AI summary
The FCDO is committed to tackling racism in the sector, will continue to discuss the issues raised internally and with partners, and has developed a Race Toolkit to inform and educate on race issues.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
31
Recommendation
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Acknowledged
Aid organisations, including private sector contractors, should publicly acknowledge that racism exists in the sector and prioritise anti-racism work that tackles the underlying culture of their workplaces and not just the racial diversity of their staff. This will include making space for open, honest and often difficult conversations. It also …
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Aid organisations, including private sector contractors, should publicly acknowledge that racism exists in the sector and prioritise anti-racism work that tackles the underlying culture of their workplaces and not just the racial diversity of their staff. This will include making space for open, honest and often difficult conversations. It also requires them to welcome ideas and approaches suggested by staff who are Black, Indigenous and People of Colour.
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Government response AI summary
The FCDO is committed to tackling racism and will continue to discuss the issues internally and with partners and stakeholders, and has developed a Race Toolkit.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
32
Recommendation
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Accepted
It is the responsibility of those in the sector who hold the most power to increase diversity, inclusion and transparency, and be accountable for the steps their organisations are taking to dismantle structural racism. Responsibility for engendering culture change and increasing diversity within aid organisations should sit with the senior …
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It is the responsibility of those in the sector who hold the most power to increase diversity, inclusion and transparency, and be accountable for the steps their organisations are taking to dismantle structural racism. Responsibility for engendering culture change and increasing diversity within aid organisations should sit with the senior leadership of the organisation. Whoever is leading this work needs sufficient seniority to be able to drive it forward without fear of reprisals. Likewise, responsibility should not sit solely in human resources departments; the vision must be adopted by the senior leadership, and it should be embedded throughout the workforce. Leaders must ensure that everyone understands their own personal responsibility to promote a zero-tolerance culture towards discrimination, abuse and harassment.
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Government response AI summary
The FCDO states that a Director General level Board Sponsor for Race was appointed in September 2020, and that the Executive Committee agreed to a series of actions to ensure progress on race, including a zero-tolerance environment for bullying and discrimination.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
33
Recommendation
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Accepted
Aid organisations and private sector contractors with a large enough leadership team should appoint senior leaders with the remit to tackle racism and increase diversity, equity and inclusion in their organisations, with the full support of the senior leadership team.
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Aid organisations and private sector contractors with a large enough leadership team should appoint senior leaders with the remit to tackle racism and increase diversity, equity and inclusion in their organisations, with the full support of the senior leadership team.
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Government response AI summary
The FCDO states that a Director General level Board Sponsor for Race was appointed in September 2020, and that the Executive Committee agreed to a series of actions to ensure progress on race, including a zero-tolerance environment for bullying and discrimination.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
34
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Acknowledged
The way that FCDO contracts are structured creates disincentives for implementing partners to hire local staff, particularly in project lead roles. While FCDO fee rates for locally hired staff may be linked to local pay-scales in humanitarian and development settings, they can lead to large inequalities when compared to internationally …
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The way that FCDO contracts are structured creates disincentives for implementing partners to hire local staff, particularly in project lead roles. While FCDO fee rates for locally hired staff may be linked to local pay-scales in humanitarian and development settings, they can lead to large inequalities when compared to internationally hired staff. This can undermine relations with local actors, damage trust and make frontline workers feel undervalued.
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Government response AI summary
The government describes how it assesses wages in categories (international, national or regional) and considers the importance and value of local knowledge.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
35
Recommendation
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Accepted
We urge the FCDO to recognise their important role in determining levels of pay across the sector and commit to undertaking a full audit of its pay structures to assess the impact of them on staff hired in-country. The department must ensure that staffing stipulations in contracts take into account …
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We urge the FCDO to recognise their important role in determining levels of pay across the sector and commit to undertaking a full audit of its pay structures to assess the impact of them on staff hired in-country. The department must ensure that staffing stipulations in contracts take into account the value of contextual knowledge and do not lead to locally hired staff being undermined by differences in pay and conditions in comparison with their international counterparts.
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Government response AI summary
The FCDO assesses wages in categories and job families, considering the value of local and contextual knowledge in the evaluation process.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
36
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Acknowledged
The FCDO has significant convening power across the aid sector.
Government response AI summary
The FCDO recognizes its convening power and mentions establishing a small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) Advisory Forum to shape initiatives and policies impacting SMEs, as well as continuing to engage externally on race and racism in the aid sector.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
37
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
Acknowledged
It should use its position to facilitate sector-wide conversations about how aid actors can improve diversity, equity and inclusion and being anti-racist. The FCDO still has work to do internally and will not have all the answers, but it can create the forum for these conversations and provide the funding …
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It should use its position to facilitate sector-wide conversations about how aid actors can improve diversity, equity and inclusion and being anti-racist. The FCDO still has work to do internally and will not have all the answers, but it can create the forum for these conversations and provide the funding to develop best practice guidelines for its partners. The FCDO can also put stipulations on organisations that it funds to publish their diversity data and demonstrate the work they are undertaking to build truly inclusive workplaces. (Paragraph 97) 34 Racism in the aid sector
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Government response AI summary
The FCDO recognises the importance of being part of the conversation about diversity, equity and inclusion, continues to engage externally, and will use the SMEs Advisory Forum to understand and break down barriers to entry.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office