The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has announced the establishment of a new second Permanent Under-Secretary role, focused on delivering the UK Government’s international development priorities. The new appointee will report into the FCDO’s Permanent Under-Secretary, Sir Philip Barton.
This move brings the FCDO in line with other large government departments such as the Cabinet Office, Home Office, Ministry of Defence, and HM Treasury, which already have more than one Permanent Secretary.
Recruitment for the new role is set to begin shortly, with the successful candidate expected to commence their post later this year. This development comes after the departure of Sir Tim Barrow, who previously served as the Second Permanent Under-Secretary before being appointed as National Security Adviser in September last year.
It’s worth noting that the FCDO was created in September 2020 through the merger of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development. With over 17,000 staff, the FCDO is responsible for leading the UK Government’s diplomatic, development, and consular efforts worldwide.
For those unfamiliar, a Permanent Secretary or Permanent Under-Secretary is the most senior civil servant in a department, providing support to Ministers and being accountable to Parliament for the department’s actions and performance.