Asked by: Chris Stephens (Scottish National Party - Glasgow South West)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if they will take steps to (a) publish an equality impact assessment and (b) consult with trade unions when proposing new HR policies for their Department; and if they will make a statement.
Answered by David Rutley
The FCDO complies with section 2.1.6 of the Civil Service Management code. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/566900/CSMC_November_2016.docx
We conduct regular diversity data analysis and share key findings with our trade unions and staff. Trade unions are also involved in the development of associated actions.
Asked by: Chris Stephens (Scottish National Party - Glasgow South West)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps their Department takes to comply with section 181 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992; and if they will make a statement.
Answered by David Rutley
There is a range of HR information which is published on GOV.UK and which is therefore publicly available. In addition, the FCDO meets regularly with our recognised Trade Unions and presents and shares a range of information and data where it is appropriate and in line with privacy statements. This helps inform decision making through formal negotiation and meaningful consultation and engagement.
The FCDO is therefore complying with section 181 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 and we always seek to work constructively with trade unions to reach fair and reasonable settlements.
Asked by: Chris Stephens (Scottish National Party - Glasgow South West)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure his Department complies with section 2.1.6 of the Civil Service Management Code; and whether that monitoring data gathered is shared with union representatives.
Answered by David Rutley
The FCDO complies with section 2.1.6 of the Civil Service Management code. We conduct regular diversity data audits which are shared with our trade unions and published internally. Trade unions are also involved in the development of associated actions.
Asked by: Chris Stephens (Scottish National Party - Glasgow South West)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many and what proportion of employees in their Department are paid at the rate of the National Minimum Wage.
Answered by David Rutley
As at 1 January 2023 all Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) UK based staff are paid a minimum Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) salary that exceeds the requirements of the National Minimum Wage.
Asked by: Chris Stephens (Scottish National Party - Glasgow South West)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure his Department complies with section 2.1.6 of the Civil Service Management Code; and whether that monitoring data gathered is shared with union representatives.
Answered by David Rutley
The FCDO fully complies with section 2.1.6 of the Civil Service Management Code, ensuring that information collected informs policy, process and operation.
The FCDO shares information with the Trade Unions in compliance with our statutory obligations and in line with the Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Informing and Consulting. Any information shared is done in accordance with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).
Asked by: Chris Stephens (Scottish National Party - Glasgow South West)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has notified staff to (a) tell or (b) remind them that they can sell annual leave in the last four months.
Answered by David Rutley
The FCDO is currently working to create a new Annual Leave Policy for the Department. Negotiations are ongoing with the Departmental Trade Union Side, which includes allowing all FCDO staff the option to trade annual leave. This offer was previously only available for ex FCO staff.
Information on annual leave is available to staff through the FCDO Intranet.
Asked by: Chris Stephens (Scottish National Party - Glasgow South West)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what human resources information their Department shares with trade unions on a regular basis.
Answered by David Rutley
The FCDO Human Resources Directorate (HRD) leads employee relations with the three trade unions that the FCDO and FCDO Services recognises the Public and Commercial Services Union, FDA and Prospect.
HRD shares information with the Trade Unions in compliance with our statutory obligations and in line with the Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Informing and Consulting. Any information shared will be done in accordance with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).