Britain’s international development power has diminished since the merging of two Government departments into one foreign affairs office, the UK’s public spending watchdog has found.
The NAO said the new department has made substantial progress but that more work is needed to clarify capability needs, resolve outstanding HR and IT issues, and move ahead with culture change. The NAO said: “FCDO’s development capability has reduced since the merger. FCDO has changed leadership structures and roles to integrate development and diplomacy.
“FCDO has been aware of the risk of not sustaining its international development skills and expertise, which it currently rates as ‘severe’, and is working to mitigate this risk.”