The Foreign Secretary has today announced three strategic reviews
to help reconnect Britain and deliver the UK Government's
missions internationally.
Three appointed external experts will look at the UK's global
impact; how to maximise the benefits of the Foreign, Commonwealth
and Development's (FCDO) joint integrated development and
diplomacy model in our development work; and our economic
capability in diplomacy. The reviews will underpin a continued
drive to bolster our reputation and relationships overseas and
help to inform the department's international approach in a
changing world.
Professor Ngaire Woods, Dean of the Blavatnik School of
Government and Professor of Global Economic Governance at the
University of Oxford, will lead the review on the UK's global
impact - identifying ways to enhance relationships with both new
and longstanding international partners in pursuit of shared
objectives; and ensure we are well prepared to assess and act on
geo-political opportunities and shifts.
Baroness Minouche Shafik, former Permanent Secretary of the
Department for International Development and Deputy Governor of
the Bank of England, will consider how to maximise the UK's
combined diplomatic and development expertise in its
international development work. The review will also look at how
we modernise the UK's development offer in a rapidly changing
global context, and ensure the UK has the right capabilities to
deliver for the future.
Sir , former Permanent Secretary
of the Department for International Trade and the Department for
Business, Innovation and Skills, will identify ways to ensure
that UK jobs and growth are at the heart of our foreign policy
including by assessing FCDO's role in developing international
economic partnerships, supporting trade and investment shaping
international rules and recommending changes to FCDO's economic
diplomacy capability.
Foreign Secretary said
From day one I have been clear that we will deliver a pragmatic
approach to both diplomacy and development, restoring our
reputation overseas and drawing on expertise to help us navigate
the great threats and opportunities of today.
These reviews will help us shape our strategy to increase the
UK's global impact, build growth internationally and ensure
development and diplomacy work hand in hand. I want to thank the
external experts for their efforts as we work together to
reconnect Britain for our security and growth at home.
Minister for Development said:
A credible, clear and effective development policy is key to
delivering this government's mission to create a world free from
poverty on a liveable planet.
The review we're launching today will help in that mission,
ensuring we bring together the best of UK skills and capability
to deliver a modern approach to international development based
on genuine respect and partnership.
The reviewers will be supported by Government officials both
within the FCDO and other Government Departments to ensure they
are able to deliver an informed assessment, including working
closely with the Department of Business and Trade to maximise the
impact of our collective capability overseas.
The outcomes of these reviews are expected to be delivered by the
end of the year, with further work on the development review
continuing into early 2025. They will ensure that the FCDO
remains at the cutting-edge of diplomacy and international
development. We will communicate a summary of the review
findings upon their conclusion.
Notes to Editors
-
The external reviewers have been appointed for their
expertise and experience in the relevant fields.
-
Their roles are unpaid, and the reviewers have offered their
time on a voluntary basis.
-
They will act in a personal capacity and independently from
government but with the support of our diplomatic and
development officials to ensure they have the information
needed to carry out the work.
-
The global impact review will focus on:
The FCDO's strategic capability to assess ongoing geopolitical
shifts and their ramifications for the UK
The FCDO's handling of the UK's bilateral and multilateral
relationships with the countries that have been described as
“rising powers” and the so-called “Global South”, including the
UK role in multilateral institutions
How the FCDO has dealt with the growth of international functions
in a range of domestic departments and its capacity to integrate
and coordinate HMG international policy
- The Development review will focus on:
How to maximise the impact of the FCDO's integrated development
and diplomacy model
How to improve development capability, including recruitment and
retention of staff in key areas
How the FCDO provides assurance on strategic alignment, value for
money and appropriate use of public funds
UK comparative advantage and strategic direction
- The economic diplomacy review will focus on:
The strategic context shaping the FCDO engagement on economic
diplomacy
The FCDO's current role, and that of the Foreign Secretary, in
driving growth and jobs in the UK
The capability needed in the FCDO to fulfil these roles
