Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 23
23
Paragraph: 62
The FCDO should undertake a review of its reserved department status to identify whether its...
Conclusion
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.
Paragraph Reference:
62
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
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 as a new department and for its ability to deliver for the UK. Recognising that DFID employed non-UK nationals, the then Foreign Secretary also agreed that any non-UK national employed at the time of the creation of the FCDO on 2 September 2020 would be retained in their role and that the role was deemed unreserved for the period of their tenure. This ensured that this cadre of staff continue to contribute to the vital work of the FCDO and its focus on both diplomacy and development. There is currently no plan to review the FCDO’s reserved department status. We know that FCDO staff are attractive targets for a range of sophisticated state actors. Reserved status is one of the tools that helps us protect our staff from that threat. Our Country Based Staff are employed locally and are not impacted by the reserved status of the department. We are proud that the majority of FCDO staff overseas, including at senior levels, are Country Based Staff.