Last year, one of the most dramatic changes to government structure occurred when the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) merged with the Department for International Development (DFID) to form the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
The announcement and subsequent merger saw a wide variety of reactions from charities, NGOs, academics and civil servants. For some, it was seen as an opportunity for the UK to have an even greater impact and influence on the rest of the world. However, many are unsure about the implications of the merger, both now and in the future. The recent reduction in the aid budget from 0.7 to 0.5% of Gross National Income (GNI) further complicates the picture and there are serious concerns that this will hinder the work of charities and NGOs, and potentially impact the UK’s global reputation.
This report looks at a range of issues connected with the development agenda, from the impact of the merger on the working lives of our civil servants to wider international developments on climate, trade and health.
Agenda for International Development by FDAunion on Scribd
This week, the FDA attended the 2026 TUC Congress in Brighton. FDA delegates spoke to and moved motions on a range of topics, including the review of the civil service, supporting effective management, accountability and safe contracting in the NHS, and the importance of an evidence-led approach to regulation.
Yesterday, FDA staff and reps attended the 2026 Fast Stream annual Base Camp, welcoming this year’s new joiners to the scheme and sharing the benefits of FDA membership with them.
The FDA’s National Officer for Northern Ireland Robert Murtagh has written to Speaker of the Assembly, Edwin Poots, asking him to remind MLAs that when officials appear before the Assembly, impartiality must not be brought into question.
