Recommendations & Conclusions
37 items
1
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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 …
Government response. The FCDO does not value international expertise over local expertise. Delivery, leadership and decision-making by local people is often the best solution, particularly in times of crisis and in complex contexts. We aim to structure our tenders accordingly. Our contracts …
2
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
The use of European languages, particularly English, in the development sector can lock out national actors who operate in local languages.
Government response. The FCDO has an ambitious language training programme and is currently training FCDO staff in 43 languages. Since its creation in 2020, the FCDO has been reviewing its language training speaker slots with a view to enhancing language capabilities further, …
3
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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. There is no FCDO requirement for bids always to be in English and we do not ask for applications for funding in this way. In the case of overseas programmes, it is up to the post running the competition to …
4
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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. The FCDO will continue to look to shift funding decisions towards our country posts. The IDS recognizes that how we work with our partner countries needs to be shaped by local stakeholders. It sets out a patient approach, enabled by …
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Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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.
Government response. The UK has reiterated its commitment to a more locally-led approach to development and humanitarian assistance as part of our IDS. Making this shift is arguably one of the most important challenges facing the entire aid sector, and it is …
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Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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. The FCDO has had to make difficult decisions about how to prioritise the most critical aid spending in a context of economic contraction in the UK and wider ODA pressures. The strategic decisions made were not born from a lack …
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Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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 …
Government response. The FCDO has had to make difficult decisions about how to prioritise the most critical aid spending in a context of economic contraction in the UK and wider ODA pressures. The strategic decisions made were not born from a lack …
8
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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. As set out in the IDS, we are committed to working in partnership with a diverse range of CSOs, large and small, from across the entire UK, and in developing countries, as well as other non-commercial organisations such as local …
9
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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
Government response. As set out in the IDS, we are committed to working in partnership with a diverse range of CSOs, large and small, from across the entire UK, and in developing countries, as well as other non-commercial organisations such as local …
10
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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 …
Government response. Much of our work is focussed on changing attitudes towards development with the aim of facilitating positive and lasting change in low-income countries, while promoting UK interests. We are committed to dismantling harmful narratives, swaying public opinion and producing communication …
11
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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.
Government response. Much of our work is focussed on changing attitudes towards development with the aim of facilitating positive and lasting change in low-income countries, while promoting UK interests. We are committed to dismantling harmful narratives, swaying public opinion and producing communication …
12
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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 …
Government response. We continually review the impact of our language. We recognise that there is an active debate about terminology in the aid sector, led by Bond. The FCDO is exploring taking part in these conversations.
13
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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. We continually review the impact of our language. We recognise that there is an active debate about terminology in the aid sector, led by Bond. The FCDO is exploring taking part in these conversations.
14
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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) …
Government response. The FCDO has a consent form and guidance related to use of photos. In addition, our Memorandum of Understanding and Accountable Grant templates have a section on data protection in the partner visibility statements, which includes language about getting consent …
15
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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 …
Government response. The FCDO is committed to representing the people we serve. The Business in the Community Race At Work Charter, which the FCDO signed up to on its first day as a Racism in the aid sector: Government response to the …
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Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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. The FCDO is committed to representing the people we serve. The Business in the Community Race At Work Charter, which the FCDO signed up to on its first day as a Racism in the aid sector: Government response to the …
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Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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 …
Government response. The FCDO is committed to Zero Tolerance of Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination (BHD). 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 …
18
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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. The FCDO is committed to Zero Tolerance of Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination (BHD). 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 …
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Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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 …
Government response. In accordance with its reporting obligations under the Public Sector Equality Duty, the FCDO publishes diversity information through the Diversity and Equality Report and the FCDO Annual Report and Accounts. Annually we also publish the FCDO Gender Pay Gap report. …
20
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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 …
Government response. In accordance with its reporting obligations under the Public Sector Equality Duty, the FCDO publishes diversity information through the Diversity and Equality Report and the FCDO Annual Report and Accounts. Annually we also publish the FCDO Gender Pay Gap report. …
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Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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.
Government response. The FCDO does not currently publish ethnicity pay gap data. The Cabinet Office is expected to issue guidance on the ethnicity pay gap in 2023.
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Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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 …
Government response. The previous Foreign Secretary decided that the model that best meets the FCDO’s objectives and its security requirements is through a reserved model. This was not a rolling over of the FCO’s approach, but ratherthe best fit for the FCDO …
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Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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. The previous Foreign Secretary decided that the model that best meets the FCDO’s objectives and its security requirements is through a reserved model. This was not a rolling over of the FCO’s approach, but ratherthe best fit for the FCDO …
24
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
DFID previously set out its ambition to publish more inclusive data, in order to improve its programming in 2022.
Government response. The FCDO is a signatory of the inclusive data charter and remains committed to its vision and principles, particularly on the promise to “Leave No One Behind”.
25
Recommendation
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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. As described above, we publish diversity information via the Gender Pay Gap and the FCDO Annual Report and Accounts.
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Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
The barriers to entering the aid sector for candidates from diverse backgrounds can be considerable.
Government response. Following legacy DFID’s successful apprenticeship programme focussed on social mobility and reducing barriers to entry, the FCDO took the opportunity to review entry points into the FCDO. Recent bulk campaigns at Administrative Officer, Executive Officer and Higher Executive Officer levels …
27
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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.
Government response. Following legacy DFID’s successful apprenticeship programme focussed on social mobility and reducing barriers to entry, the FCDO took the opportunity to review entry points into the FCDO. Recent bulk campaigns at Administrative Officer, Executive Officer and Higher Executive Officer levels …
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Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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. The FCDO operates its resourcing and recruitment in line with the Civil Service Recruitment Principles which includes selection being made on merit, and the process being fair and as open as it can be. External recruitment into the FCDO includes …
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Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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 …
Government response. The FCDO operates its resourcing and recruitment in line with the Civil Service Recruitment Principles which includes selection being made on merit, and the process being fair and as open as it can be. External recruitment into the FCDO includes …
30
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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 …
Government response. The FCDO is committed to tackling racism in the sector and will continue to discuss the issues raised in this report internally and with our partners and stakeholders. The FCDO has developed a Race Toolkit, incorporating support for conversations on …
31
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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 …
Government response. The FCDO is committed to tackling racism in the sector and will continue to discuss the issues raised in this report internally and with our partners and stakeholders. The FCDO has developed a Race Toolkit, incorporating support for conversations on …
32
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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 …
Government response. In recognition of the responsibility of senior leadership to take action to make tangible change in the FCDO to ensure we are living up to our commitments on diversity and inclusion, the Department,at its creation, appointed a Director General level …
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Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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.
Government response. In recognition of the responsibility of senior leadership to take action to make tangible change in the FCDO to ensure we are living up to our commitments on diversity and inclusion, the Department,at its creation, appointed a Director General level …
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Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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 …
Government response. The FCDO has a responsibility to maintain stability and avoid distortion of local markets. We must ensure wages are fair in regional contracts and that fees accurately reflect costs of living. We assess wages in categories (international, national or regional) …
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Recommendation
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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 …
Government response. The FCDO has a responsibility to maintain stability and avoid distortion of local markets. We must ensure wages are fair in regional contracts and that fees accurately reflect costs of living. We assess wages in categories (international, national or regional) …
36
Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
The FCDO has significant convening power across the aid sector.
Government response. The FCDO recognises the importance of being part of the conversation about diversity, equity and inclusion. Just as we are having internal discussions about race, we continue to engage externally, and at all levels, with the dialogue on race and …
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Conclusion
First Report - Racism in the aid sector
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 …
Government response. The FCDO recognises the importance of being part of the conversation about diversity, equity and inclusion. Just as we are having internal discussions about race, we continue to engage externally, and at all levels, with the dialogue on race and …