Recommendation 17

FCDO told us that it is very challenging to collect the data it needs to manage its estate as it is a “federated organisation,” and its central estate function relies on staff at each of its 282 posts to provide it with data.45 Staff at posts are responsible for updating data on the estate, such as on size and condition, but have not always had the resources or skills necessary to do so. The NAO’s survey of posts found that 41% of respondents considered using IT systems to collect and report data a challenge. In 2023, FCDO reported that 85% of posts did not have a complete register of their physical estate assets or building components. FCDO told us that for day-to-day maintenance and management of the estate, you need to know what you have and what to look after, and that there has been a drive to increase awareness amongst its staff of the importance of having a complete and up to date asset register.46 This is important, for example, in case of fire destroying a building.