Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, which staffing grades in his Department have been most impacted by reductions in Official Development Assistance spending; and what steps he is taking to ensure that levels of expertise are maintained in those areas.

The Foreign Secretary has been clear that the reduction in the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget does not automatically lead to staffing reductions. Our development capability and expertise will continue to have an important role to play in our partnerships with developing countries.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is investing in its development capability through our expert advisory cadres, the in-house Development Faculty, a stronger programme management offer through cross-government accreditation to the Government Project Delivery Profession and mandatory pre-posting training for Heads of Missions. We are increasing our programme management and technical expertise through a new Project Delivery Support Unit and a Central Advisory Hub.