Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Paragraph: 83
To safeguard the effectiveness of UK aid interventions, the Government should set out how it...
Recommendation
To safeguard the effectiveness of UK aid interventions, the Government should set out how it intends to capture and retain DFID expertise in doing development well, and what plans are in place to rapidly train FCO staff in the skills necessary to manage effective and poverty reduction focused development programmes.
Paragraph Reference:
83
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The FCDO will build on the strengths of both the FCO and DFID, developing the skills of its staff in development and diplomacy while also leading efforts to improve international capability across government. Consequently, as we continue to develop the new FCDO, we are prioritising learning and development opportunities which will enable staff to develop the relevant skills and knowledge for their roles in the new Department. We will embed the best practice from the Infrastructure and Projects Authority on project delivery, developing capability and expertise to deliver the FCDO’s programme portfolio. Operating frameworks (DFID’s Smart Rules and the FCO’s Policy Portfolio Framework) will be integrated into a single product for the FCDO, setting the standards for delivery and drive capability and professionalism. High quality programme management and technical skills, analysis and use of evidence, will remain important. Senior Responsible Owners (SROs) will lead complex programmes and portfolios to deliver FCDO policy priorities. Development programmes will continue to be led or advised by Technical Advisers working to professional standards set out in technical competency frameworks—supported and delivered by Programme Managers. We will build on the strengths of our collective learning offers for SROs and Programme Managers which includes Local Staff and Staff Appointed in Country, drawing on the best of our existing offers, including DFID’s Aid Learning Platform.