Recommendation 36

HM Government Acknowledged

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 racism in the aid sector. In the Commercial Directorate, the small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) Advisory Forum is being established. This forum will provide SMEs internationally an opportunity to shape initiatives and policies that could have a big impact on SMEs in the sector. The opportunity to join has been advertised on twitter, GOV.UK, and FCDO’s procurement system, and has received a high number of responses. This forum will be used to help understand and break down barriers to entry. The FCDO will continue to look for opportunities to use its convening power, as well as its delivery expertise, to support the sector to explore how to make development programmes and related processes more inclusive. We recognise that we have some way to go on this issue, but are committed to making progress, and learning from, and alongside, the sector as we go.