Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps they have taken to operate a disability confident scheme for those seeking promotion in their Department; and how many and what proportion of those candidates who declared themselves as having a disability and who applied under the scheme were (a) interviewed and (b) promoted in (i) 2021 and (ii) 2022.

13% of FCDO staff have disabilities, which is line with rates of the UK Economically Active Population. The FCDO has a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) in place for staff applying for roles. Regular analysis of diversity data is conducted to understand the demographics of our workforce and impact of people policies.

Between January 2021 and April 2022:

· UK positions: 26% of DCS candidates secured interviews, of which 36% were offered a role. This represents 9% applying under the DCS.

· Overseas positions: 49% of DCS candidates secured interviews, of which 27% were offered a role. This represents 13% applying under the DCS.

Data for financial year 2022/23 is currently being completed. Current analysis does not include specific data on promotions.