The philosophy and culture of aid
International Development Committee
Closed
Inquiry
Report and Government response published The International Development Committee have published a report on racism in the aid sector and called on the development aid sector to recognise and tackle racism in its practices. The report made a series of recommendations, including: the FCDO should facilitate sector-wide initiatives on improving …
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19
Recommendations
18
Conclusions
1
Report
7
Oral sessions
1
Letter
7
Events
Activity timeline 17 events
23 Jan
2023
2023
23 Jun
2022
2022
Report published
13 Jan
2022
2022
30 Nov
2021
2021
Oral evidence
30 Nov
2021
2021
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 8, Palace of Westminster
9 Nov
2021
2021
Oral evidence
9 Nov
2021
2021
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 6, Palace of Westminster
7 Sep
2021
2021
7 Sep
2021
2021
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 6, Palace of Westminster
15 Jun
2021
2021
15 Jun
2021
2021
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Virtual meeting
25 May
2021
2021
Oral evidence sessions 7 sessions
30 Nov 2021
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The philosophy of aid
Mr Tom Wein · The Dignity Project
Nabila Saddiq Tayub · STOPAIDS
Sanjayan Srikanthan
9 Nov 2021
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The philosophy of aid
Dr. Chukwuka Onyekwena · Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa
Heba Aly · The New Humanitarian
Samuel Wambayo · Kids Club Kampala
Themrise Khan
7 Sep 2021
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The philosophy and culture of aid: Racism in the aid sector
Amanda Khozi Mukwashi · Christian Aid
Ammara Khan · Save the Children
Charlotte Biswas · Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
The Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon · Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
15 Jun 2021
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The philosophy and culture of aid: Racism in the aid sector
Dr. Rosanna Duncan · Palladium International
Dr Tigist Grieve · University of Bristol and Trustee, South West International Development Network
Faraz Hassan · Social Development Direct
25 May 2021
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The philosophy and culture of aid: Racism in the aid sector
Degan Ali · Adeso
Dr Lata Narayanaswamy · University of Leeds
Lorriann Robinson · The Advocacy Team
Natalie Lartey · International Institute for Environment and Development
9 Mar 2021
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The philosophy and culture of aid
Colin Buckley · British International Investment
Dolika Banda · CDC Group
Dr Dhananjayan Sriskandarajah · Oxfam GB
Gloria Soma · Titi Foundation
Kam Morshed · BRAC
Kate Hargreaves · Crown Agents
Paul Wafer · Crown Agents
23 Feb 2021
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The philosophy and culture of aid
Arbie Baguios · Aid Re-imagined
Charles Vandyck · West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI)
Lena Bheeroo
Professor Jamie Gaskarth · Open University
Sophia Gaston · British Foreign Policy Group
Themrise Khan
Reports 1 report · click to expand
| Title | HC No. | Published | Items | Response |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Report - Racism in the aid sector | HC 150 | 23 Jun 2022 | 37 | Responded |
Recommendations & Conclusions
37 results
1
Conclusion
Accepted
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
Across the global aid sector, racism manifests in decisions around whose expertise we value.
Across the global aid sector, racism manifests in decisions around whose expertise we value. Evidence to our inquiry suggested that institutions in high income countries like the UK assume they have the knowledge and best practice to assist people in …
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Government Response
The government states that it does not value international expertise over local expertise, aims to structure tenders accordingly, and requires the use of small and local organizations.
2
Conclusion
Acknowledged
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
The use of European languages, particularly English, in the development sector can lock out national...
The use of European languages, particularly English, in the development sector can lock out national actors who operate in local languages.
Government Response
The government describes its language training programme for FCDO staff and its use of multilingual country-based staff.
3
Recommendation
Accepted
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
The FCDO should consider whether applications for funding must always be submitted in English –...
The FCDO should consider whether applications for funding must always be submitted in English – especially in bids for small projects administered by embassies, which are to be undertaken by local civil society organisations.
Government Response
The FCDO states that they do not require bids to always be in English, and that the decision is up to the post running the competition, taking into account the local context and resources.
4
Conclusion
Acknowledged
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
It is important that progress made by DFID to shift funding decisions from Whitehall towards...
It is important that progress made by DFID to shift funding decisions from Whitehall towards country offices is not lost under the merged department.
Government Response
The FCDO will continue to look to shift funding decisions towards country posts, guided by the IDS's patient approach and commitment to local stakeholders.
5
Recommendation
Acknowledged
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
Further, the FCDO should increase the amount of UK aid funding that goes directly to...
Further, the FCDO should increase the amount of UK aid funding that goes directly to locally led civil society organisations. It should reconsider how it conceptualises and calculates risk and work with local civil society organisations to undertake the due …
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Government Response
The government acknowledges the importance of a more locally-led approach and mentions its commitments as a signatory to various agreements, but does not commit to any specific new actions beyond existing pooled funding mechanisms.
6
Recommendation
Accepted
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
The FCDO should apply these same principles to do no harm when it removes funding,...
The FCDO should apply these same principles to do no harm when it removes funding, as well as when aid programmes are initiated.
Government Response
FCDO teams have access to guidance under the Programme Operating Framework which emphasises the importance of engagement with project partners, including Early programme closure guidance that factors in Do No Harm principles and Equalities assessments used to inform allocation decisions.
7
Conclusion
Acknowledged
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
The manner in which the cuts to UK aid took place, with little or no...
The manner in which the cuts to UK aid took place, with little or no consultation of downstream partners, or the communities where they are implemented has sent a harmful message that the UK does not care about the people …
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Government Response
The government acknowledges the difficult decisions regarding aid spending and states that these decisions were not born from a lack of respect for partners or affected communities.
8
Conclusion
Acknowledged
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
The structure of the sector transfers much of the risk to frontline implementing partners who...
The structure of the sector transfers much of the risk to frontline implementing partners who have the least capacity to mitigate those risks.
Government Response
The government acknowledges the risk transfer to frontline partners and reiterates its commitment to working with diverse CSOs and increasing engagement speed through grants and MOUs, while ensuring value for money and safeguarding. They also state 'Exit Plans' are written with delivery partners to mitigate risk.
9
Recommendation
Accepted
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
The FCDO should consider how it can restructure its funding commitments to give long-term certainty...
The FCDO should consider how it can restructure its funding commitments to give long-term certainty to local civil society organisations to ensure funding that has been committed cannot be suddenly withdrawn at short notice. (Paragraph 27) Communications and storytelling
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Government Response
In contracts, ‘Exit Plans’ are written with delivery partners to provide certainty of a responsible exit and mitigate risk.
10
Conclusion
Accepted
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
Fundraising is extremely important to many international aid organisations, but public appeals that depict the...
Fundraising is extremely important to many international aid organisations, but public appeals that depict the communities they serve as helpless and needy strip those communities of their dignity. They contribute to the narrative that the countries where they work are …
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Government Response
The FCDO states it is focused on changing attitudes towards development, dismantling harmful narratives, and supporting low-income countries to shape their own development narratives; giving local partners a voice in how their work should be represented.
11
Conclusion
Accepted
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
Fundraising appeals should depict positive, realistic stories and wherever possible use local filmmakers.
Fundraising appeals should depict positive, realistic stories and wherever possible use local filmmakers. They should seek to inform audiences about the drivers of poverty and inequality instead of giving simplistic messages about the difference donations can make.
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Government Response
The FCDO states it is focused on changing attitudes towards development, dismantling harmful narratives, and supporting low-income countries to shape their own development narratives; giving local partners a voice in how their work should be represented.
12
Recommendation
Acknowledged
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
The terminology used in the aid sector has its roots in colonialism; it ‘others’ the...
The terminology used in the aid sector has its roots in colonialism; it ‘others’ the communities where programmes are delivered and reinforces ideas that ‘the West’ is the ideal that others should aspire to. It is not easy to strip …
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Government Response
The FCDO recognises the active debate about terminology and is exploring taking part in these conversations.
13
Recommendation
Acknowledged
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
The aid sector should have a conversation that includes the communities it works with to...
The aid sector should have a conversation that includes the communities it works with to develop positive and inclusive working terminology, the FCDO should consider how it can lead this work.
Government Response
The FCDO recognises the active debate about terminology and is exploring taking part in these conversations.
14
Recommendation
Accepted
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
Guidelines on informed consent for obtaining and using images should be observed just as thoroughly...
Guidelines on informed consent for obtaining and using images should be observed just as thoroughly in relation to individuals from the communities that aid organisations work with, as they are in the UK. It is unacceptable for images to be …
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Government Response
The FCDO has a consent form and guidance related to use of photos, including language about getting consent to use people’s images in its Memorandum of Understanding and Accountable Grant templates, and continues to remind staff about this.
15
Conclusion
Accepted
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
The aid sector does not operate in a vacuum.
The aid sector does not operate in a vacuum. The different forms of discrimination that permeate British society manifest in the aid sector too. Racism is particularly pertinent for aid organisations because they work directly with individuals from around the …
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Government Response
The FCDO is committed to representing the people it serves, signed the Business in the Community Race At Work Charter, and aims for parity at all grades with the UK's economically active minority ethnic population.
16
Recommendation
Accepted
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
Aid organisations must ensure their working practices and programmes are mindful of the intersecting identities...
Aid organisations must ensure their working practices and programmes are mindful of the intersecting identities of their staff and the people they serve.
Government Response
The FCDO signed up to the Business in the Community Race At Work Charter, and added a sixth, FCDO-specific commitment to improve UK foreign and development policy, lead and promote racial equality overseas, and build better relations with communities within the UK.
17
Conclusion
Accepted
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
Evidence submitted to this inquiry and recent surveys by actors in the UK charity and...
Evidence submitted to this inquiry and recent surveys by actors in the UK charity and international aid sectors show the scale of racism experienced by staff who are Black, Indigenous and People of Colour. Any level of racism in the …
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Government Response
The FCDO is launching a new Dignity and Respect at Work Policy in December 2022 which aims to respond robustly to bullying, harassment and discrimination, including on grounds of race.
18
Recommendation
Accepted
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
All aid organisations should have effective processes in place to tackle instances of racism when...
All aid organisations should have effective processes in place to tackle instances of racism when they occur. They should also be able to measure and assess whether those processes are working.
Government Response
The FCDO is launching a new Dignity and Respect at Work Policy in December 2022 which aims to respond robustly to bullying, harassment and discrimination, including on grounds of race.
19
Conclusion
Acknowledged
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
Collecting and publishing data on diversity in staffing is a key element of holding aid...
Collecting and publishing data on diversity in staffing is a key element of holding aid organisations to account. Only by being transparent can organisations share and learn from each-other. For the smallest organisations it might not be appropriate to publish …
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Government Response
The FCDO publishes diversity information and gender pay gap reports, but requiring organizations they fund to publish data may not always be appropriate or possible.
20
Recommendation
Not Addressed
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office should require organisations that it funds, which employ more...
The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office should require organisations that it funds, which employ more than 50 staff, to publish their diversity data. This 32 Racism in the aid sector should not act as a barrier to small organisations in …
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Government Response
The government states that requiring organisations it funds to publish diversity data may not always be appropriate or possible and references existing reporting obligations, without committing to any specific action.
21
Recommendation
Deferred
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
Aid organisations, including private sector contractors, with more than 50 staff should measure and publish...
Aid organisations, including private sector contractors, with more than 50 staff should measure and publish their ethnicity pay gap data in order to be held accountable. It will also help them to identify if there are inequalities in their workforce …
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Government Response
The FCDO does not currently publish ethnicity pay gap data and is waiting for guidance from the Cabinet Office in 2023.
22
Conclusion
Accepted
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
We are concerned that the decision to designate the merged Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office...
We are concerned that the decision to designate the merged Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office as a ‘reserved department’ shuts down the possibility of civil servants from the countries where UK aid funding is spent, from taking part in funding …
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Government Response
The government states that the reserved department model best meets the FCDO's objectives and security requirements, and that any non-UK national employed at the time of the creation of the FCDO would be retained in their role.
23
Recommendation
Rejected
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
The FCDO should undertake a review of its reserved department status to identify whether its...
The FCDO should undertake a review of its reserved department status to identify whether its security considerations warrant the decision not to hire foreign nationals.
Government Response
The government states that there is no plan to review the FCDO's reserved department status, as the previous Foreign Secretary decided that this model best meets the FCDO's objectives and security requirements.
24
Conclusion
Acknowledged
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
DFID previously set out its ambition to publish more inclusive data, in order to improve...
DFID previously set out its ambition to publish more inclusive data, in order to improve its programming in 2022.
Government Response
The government states the FCDO is a signatory of the inclusive data charter and remains committed to its vision and principles.
25
Recommendation
Accepted
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
The FDCO should publish the first tranche of inclusive data this year and set out...
The FDCO should publish the first tranche of inclusive data this year and set out a timeline for when it will be able to publish further data relating to race, ethnicity and income. (Paragraph 63) Building an equitable and inclusive aid sector
Government Response
The government states it already publishes diversity information via existing reports.
26
Conclusion
Accepted
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
The barriers to entering the aid sector for candidates from diverse backgrounds can be considerable.
The barriers to entering the aid sector for candidates from diverse backgrounds can be considerable.
Government Response
The FCDO removed the requirement for specific qualifications for some roles, opening the FCDO as a career path to 275 people.
27
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
Donors and aid organisations should reduce barriers to entry by ending the use of unpaid...
Donors and aid organisations should reduce barriers to entry by ending the use of unpaid internships and paying all employees the living wage and removing unnecessary stipulations in job applications such as years of experience in the international aid sector …
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Government Response
The FCDO removed the requirement for specific qualifications in recent bulk campaigns at Administrative Officer, Executive Officer and Higher Executive Officer levels. Does not address the other elements of the recommendation.
28
Conclusion
Accepted
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
Some aid organisations are taking action to increase diversity in their workforce, such as reducing...
Some aid organisations are taking action to increase diversity in their workforce, such as reducing unnecessary stipulations in person specifications in job descriptions and banning all-White recruitment boards.
Government Response
The FCDO states that it operates its resourcing and recruitment in line with the Civil Service Recruitment Principles, including selection being made on merit, a fair and open process, anonymised applications, diverse interview panels, and efforts to expand recruitment markets.
29
Recommendation
Accepted
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
All aid organisations, including private sector contractors should reflect on their diversity data and seek...
All aid organisations, including private sector contractors should reflect on their diversity data and seek to understand if their recruitment practices need strengthening to support talented candidates from diverse backgrounds. We need sector-wide cooperation to share best practice and identify …
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Government Response
The FCDO states that it operates its resourcing and recruitment in line with the Civil Service Recruitment Principles, including selection being made on merit, a fair and open process, anonymised applications, diverse interview panels, and efforts to expand recruitment markets.
30
Conclusion
Acknowledged
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
Some aid organisations are beginning to introduce measures to open up and encourage conversations about...
Some aid organisations are beginning to introduce measures to open up and encourage conversations about racism in their workplaces but much more needs to Racism in the aid sector 33 be done to welcome diverse ideas and values. These processes …
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Government Response
The FCDO is committed to tackling racism in the sector, will continue to discuss the issues raised internally and with partners, and has developed a Race Toolkit to inform and educate on race issues.
31
Recommendation
Acknowledged
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
Aid organisations, including private sector contractors, should publicly acknowledge that racism exists in the sector...
Aid organisations, including private sector contractors, should publicly acknowledge that racism exists in the sector and prioritise anti-racism work that tackles the underlying culture of their workplaces and not just the racial diversity of their staff. This will include making …
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Government Response
The FCDO is committed to tackling racism and will continue to discuss the issues internally and with partners and stakeholders, and has developed a Race Toolkit.
32
Recommendation
Accepted
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
It is the responsibility of those in the sector who hold the most power to...
It is the responsibility of those in the sector who hold the most power to increase diversity, inclusion and transparency, and be accountable for the steps their organisations are taking to dismantle structural racism. Responsibility for engendering culture change and …
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Government Response
The FCDO states that a Director General level Board Sponsor for Race was appointed in September 2020, and that the Executive Committee agreed to a series of actions to ensure progress on race, including a zero-tolerance environment for bullying and discrimination.
33
Recommendation
Accepted
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
Aid organisations and private sector contractors with a large enough leadership team should appoint senior...
Aid organisations and private sector contractors with a large enough leadership team should appoint senior leaders with the remit to tackle racism and increase diversity, equity and inclusion in their organisations, with the full support of the senior leadership team.
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Government Response
The FCDO states that a Director General level Board Sponsor for Race was appointed in September 2020, and that the Executive Committee agreed to a series of actions to ensure progress on race, including a zero-tolerance environment for bullying and discrimination.
34
Conclusion
Acknowledged
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
The way that FCDO contracts are structured creates disincentives for implementing partners to hire local...
The way that FCDO contracts are structured creates disincentives for implementing partners to hire local staff, particularly in project lead roles. While FCDO fee rates for locally hired staff may be linked to local pay-scales in humanitarian and development settings, …
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Government Response
The government describes how it assesses wages in categories (international, national or regional) and considers the importance and value of local knowledge.
35
Recommendation
Accepted
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
We urge the FCDO to recognise their important role in determining levels of pay across...
We urge the FCDO to recognise their important role in determining levels of pay across the sector and commit to undertaking a full audit of its pay structures to assess the impact of them on staff hired in-country. The department …
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Government Response
The FCDO assesses wages in categories and job families, considering the value of local and contextual knowledge in the evaluation process.
36
Conclusion
Acknowledged
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
The FCDO has significant convening power across the aid sector.
The FCDO has significant convening power across the aid sector.
Government Response
The FCDO recognizes its convening power and mentions establishing a small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) Advisory Forum to shape initiatives and policies impacting SMEs, as well as continuing to engage externally on race and racism in the aid sector.
37
Conclusion
Acknowledged
First Report - Racism in the aid s…
It should use its position to facilitate sector-wide conversations about how aid actors can improve...
It should use its position to facilitate sector-wide conversations about how aid actors can improve diversity, equity and inclusion and being anti-racist. The FCDO still has work to do internally and will not have all the answers, but it can …
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Government Response
The FCDO recognises the importance of being part of the conversation about diversity, equity and inclusion, continues to engage externally, and will use the SMEs Advisory Forum to understand and break down barriers to entry.
Government Response AI assessment · 37 of 19 classified
Accepted
19
Acknowledged
14
Deferred
1
Rejected
1
Total
19 recs + 18 conclusions
Correspondence 1 letter
13 Jan 2022
From committee
Letter to the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs regarding The Philosophy and culture of aid inquiry - 11 January 2022
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