FCO prepares for reshuffle

The Foreign Office is bracing itself for a reorganisation in April, in line with a new ‘Strategic Framework’.

When David Miliband took up office last year, he said the FCO’s ten ‘strategic priorities’ were too unwieldy. So the new framework is guided by four strategic priorities: counter-terrorism, weapons proliferation and their causes; prevent and resolve conflict; promote a low carbon, high growth global economy; and develop effective international institutions.

The FCO will also be organised to deliver three ‘essential services’: supporting the British economy; British nationals abroad; and managed migration.

The overseas diplomatic network will provide the platform to deliver both the essential services and strategic priorities.