Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 37
37
Accepted
FCDO Programme Managers feel undervalued due to capacity issues and high expectations.
Conclusion
It is concerning that Programme Managers do not feel valued within the FCDO, a problem compounded by capacity issues and higher expectations than made of counterparts elsewhere in Government. Despite the Minister’s assurances that the FCDO recognises the importance of management, we are sceptical that measures such as mandatory training and networking opportunities will alleviate the pressure that FCDO staff are currently under. (Conclusion, Paragraph 110)
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the committee's concern regarding programme manager workload and feeling undervalued. They are addressing this through the FCDO2030 initiative, which includes aligning workforce plans, investing in professional development, expanding expertise access, and providing qualifications and new support models for programme managers.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Agree. FCDO2030 represents a transformative portfolio of change projects designed to build a more technologically enabled, partnership-driven, and highly skilled organisation. In response to concerns about programme manager workloads, through FCDO2030, the Department is aligning workforce plans with strategic priorities, investing in professional development, and expanding access to expertise through agile deployment models and thematic one-stop shops. These initiatives include strengthening project delivery capability, new models for supporting smaller posts and providing surge support for others, offering industry-standard qualifications and accreditation for professional programme managers, and embedding advisors in key areas to provide robust leadership of programmes. Through strategic workforce planning and innovative support structures, FCDO2030 is positioning the organisation to deliver greater impact, VfM, and resilience in a changing development landscape.