Second Report: Merging success: Bringing together the FCO and DFID

Select Committee
Foreign Affairs Committee HC 525 23 July 2020
Report Status Government responded
Conclusions & Recommendations 16 items (15 recs)
Source View on Parliament website
Government Response (AI assessment · 16 of 16 classified)
Accepted 4
Accepted in Part 4
Acknowledged 2
Deferred 3
Not Addressed 3
Government response
Sixth Special Report: Merging success: Bringing together the FCO and DFID : Government Response to Committee’s Second Report · published 24 Sep 2020
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Recommendations & Conclusions

3 results
1 Recommendation Deferred
Para 8
Given the gap between the merger and the reporting date of the Integrated Review, the...
Recommendation
Given the gap between the merger and the reporting date of the Integrated Review, the FCDO risks operating for months without clear strategic direction, which will be compounded by the likely productivity dips which follow departmental mergers. The FCDO is … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government states that the FCDO's strategic objectives will be shaped by the outcomes of the Integrated Review and Comprehensive Spending Review, not committing to a September publication deadline or specific parliamentary consultation beforehand.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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6 Recommendation Deferred
Para 19
The strength and reputation of the UK’s world-class aid delivery is in large part due...
Recommendation
The strength and reputation of the UK’s world-class aid delivery is in large part due to the skills and experience of DFID staff. We recommend that the Government makes staff retention a priority and implements a clear strategy for retaining … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government initiated a staff engagement programme and plans to invest in learning opportunities to retain DFID staff expertise. However, it states it is too early to precisely harmonise remuneration differentials between departments, expecting it to occur after the next Spending Review.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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15 Recommendation Deferred
Para 36
As the aim of the merger is to harmonise UK foreign and development policy, it...
Recommendation
As the aim of the merger is to harmonise UK foreign and development policy, it is essential that the Government does not focus solely on the ODA spend of the FCDO, but ensures that the new Department has responsibility for … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government deferred the request to set out how ODA spending by other departments will support UK international objectives, stating that this will be addressed in conjunction with the Integrated Review and Spending Review.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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