The Department for International Development (DFID) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) were separate departments with distinct identities and different operating and delivery models. They were merged to form the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in September 2020.
The aim of the merger was to unite the UK Government’s development and diplomacy efforts for greater coherence and impact. This study will examine whether FCDO is managing the merger effectively and in a way that will maximise its benefits. It will consider:
- whether the objectives of the merger have been clear and supported by an appropriate portfolio of work
- if work to merge the departments has been implemented effectively so far
- whether FCDO is on track to maximise the long-term benefits envisaged
This report will draw on our 2010 report Reorganising central government.
NAO Team
Director: Leena Mathew
Senior Audit Manager: Stephanie Woodrow