CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY Issue 12 - Nov 2016

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BUILDING A DEPARTMENT FROM SCRATCH INSURANCE AS A TOOL TO FIGHT POVERTY 2 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY Issue 12 - Nov 2016

CONTENTS

BREXIT - RISING TO THE CHALLENGE Sir Jeremy Heywood 4 Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service

BUILDING A DEPARTMENT FROM SCRATCH Sarah Healey 9 Director-General, Department for Exiting the European Union

ESTABLISHING THE DEPARTMENT FOR Sir Martin Donnelly 10 INTERNATIONAL TRADE – BALANCING Permanent Secretary, Department for International Trade THE URGENT AND THE IMPORTANT

HOW DEFRA IS ADAPTING TO THE Clare Moriarty 12 CHALLENGE OF BREXIT Permanent Secretary, Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

HOW FCO IS SUPPORTING THE Sir Simon McDonald 15 GOVERNMENT ON BREXIT Permanent Under Secretary and Head of the Diplomatic Service, Foreign & Commonwealth Office

NICHE DIPLOMACY: HOW THE UK IS Bryony Mathew 16 BECOMING CAMBODIA’S PARTNER IN STEM Head of British Indian Ocean & Strategic Projects Section, Foreign & Commonwealth Office

INSURANCE AS A TOOL TO FIGHT POVERTY Anna Edwards 20 Government Actuary’s Department

DEFENCE ENGAGEMENT IN THE Gavin Kitchingham 24 MODERN WORLD Assistant Head, Programmes & Resources, Defence Engagement Strategy, Ministry of Defence

THE PICTORIAL HISTORY OF SCIENCE Dr Shabana Haque 28 AND ENGINEERING IN GOVERNMENT Head of the Government Science & Engineering (GSE) Profession Team

MAKING HISTORY: HOW WE SECURED Lucy Geoghegan 32 THE WORLD’S FIRST GLOBAL CLIMATE Former Deputy Head of International Climate Change Strategy CHANGE AGREEMENT at the then Department of Energy and Climate Change

Civil Service Quarterly opens up the CONTACT US EDITORIAL BOARD Civil Service to greater collaboration [email protected] Chris Wormald, Permanent Secretary, and challenge, showcases excellence Room 140, 70 Whitehall, Department of Health (chair) and invites discussion. If the Civil London, SW1A 2AS Service is to be truly world-leading, Chris Skidmore, Minister for the Constitution it needs to collaborate more, learn Read the magazine online Alex Aiken, Executive Director, from experts outside the Civil and subscribe for free – Government Communications quarterly.blog.gov.uk Service, listen more to the public David Halpern, Chief Executive, and front-line staff and respond to EDITORIAL TEAM Behavioural Insights Team new challenges with innovation Clare Moriarty, Permanent Secretary, and boldness. Elayne Phillips, Cabinet Office Department for Environment, Food [email protected] Any civil servant can write for and Rural Affairs Civil Service Quarterly – contact Simon Holder, Cabinet Office Sir Richard Lambert, Chairman, [email protected] [email protected] Board of Trustees, British Museum Aneesa Kazi, Cabinet Office Paul Maltby, Director of Data, Cover: Flight-Path-World, UKTI [email protected] Government Digital Service Holly Smyth, Cabinet Office John Pullinger, National Statistician [email protected] and Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority Thanks to Claire Pringle, Department of Health Dave Ramsden, Director General, Chief Economic Adviser, HM Treasury The GCS Design Centre DESIGN BY DESIGN102 Charles Roxburgh, Director General, Contact us at: Sanita Bajwa, Creative Designer Financial Services, HM Treasury [email protected] Darren Poole, Creative Designer Jill Rutter, Programme Director, www.design102.co.uk Institute for Government CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY 3 Issue 12 - Nov 2016

EDITORIAL

Civil Service Quarterly: Global Britain

Welcome to the 12th edition The remaining articles in this of Civil Service Quarterly. edition build on the wider context As this is the first edition since of ‘Global Britain’ and include: the EU referendum, its focus is on • Niche diplomacy: how the Britain and its place in the world, UK is becoming Cambodia’s looking in particular at the skills partner in STEM – Bryony the Civil Service needs to support Mathew, Head of British the Government. Indian Ocean & Strategic This issue includes five articles Projects Section, Foreign & with a Brexit focus: Commonwealth Office • Brexit – rising to the • Insurance as a tool to fight challenge – Sir Jeremy poverty – Anna Edwards, Heywood, Cabinet Secretary Government Actuary’s Chris Wormald and Head of the Civil Service Department • Building a department from • Defence engagement in scratch – Sarah Healey, the modern world – Gavin Director-General, Department Kitchingham, Assistant Head, for Exiting the European Programmes & Resources, Union Defence Engagement • Establishing the Department Strategy, Ministry of Defence for International Trade • The pictorial history of – balancing the urgent science and engineering and the important – Sir in government – Dr Martin Donnelly, Permanent Shabana Haque, Head of Secretary, Department for the Government Science & International Trade Engineering Profession Team • How Defra is adapting to • Making history: how we the challenge of Brexit – secured the world’s first Clare Moriarty, Permanent global climate change Secretary, Department for agreement – Lucy Environment, Food & Rural Geoghegan, former Deputy Affairs Head of International Climate • How the FCO is supporting Change Strategy, Department the Government on Brexit of Business, Energy and – Sir Simon McDonald, Industrial Strategy Permanent Under-Secretary, Foreign & Commonwealth I hope you enjoy this issue. Office You can give us your comments and views on the Civil Service Quarterly blog or using #CSQuarterly on Twitter. If you would like to submit a feature idea for a future edition, please get in touch.

Let us know what you think by email ([email protected]) Chris Wormald or on twitter #CSQuarterly. Permanent Secretary, Department of Health 4 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY Issue 12 - Nov 2016

BREXIT – RISING TO THE CHALLENGE

Sir Jeremy Heywood, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service, writes about the Civil Service’s response to the outcome of the EU referendum, how it is drawing on its core values, adapting old ways of working and developing new ones at speed to meet the unprecedented demands of Brexit.

In the referendum of 23 While the country and the including the transition from June 2016, a majority of the wider world were absorbing the one government to the next, electorate voted for the UK to news and the changes at the the challenge of Brexit has leave the European Union after top of government that soon few, if any, parallels in its 43 years as a member state. followed, the Civil Service was complexity. Membership of the It is difficult to exaggerate already moving to implement EU is embedded in the laws the historical importance of this the agenda of the new Prime and institutions of the United decision. At the same time, its Minister and the will of the Kingdom. Negotiating the full implications and impact on people. To that extent, the terms of our withdrawal and the political, economic and social mission and duty of the Civil disentangling four decades life of the country and the UK’s Service has always been clear. of EU laws and regulations role in the world will probably However, even for an from our statutes and wider only become clear from the organisation used to reacting regulatory frameworks, deciding perspective of future decades. at speed to handle change, what to keep and what to

Flight-Path-World, UKTI CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY 5 Issue 12 - Nov 2016

discard, will take time. including the need to create an DExEU, in particular, covering That process will get fully international trade department. a completely new policy under way only when the UK This background analysis is now area, is unprecedented in our Government has activated proving its worth. peacetime history. Article 50, which the Prime Minister has indicated will NEW DEPARTMENTS OPPORTUNITY AND happen no later than the end of CHALLENGE March 2017. The challenge of carrying on Before that, there is much to our day-to-day business is, if Once the result of the be done. In fact, contrary to anything, even greater, given the referendum was known, we some reports, preparatory work huge scale of the transformation moved quickly to analyse the began before referendum day. set in train by the referendum many dimensions of Brexit: result and the resources that will legal, negotiating, economic, CORE VALUES be focused on exiting the EU. security, and so on, and to marshal our resources. Civil Service activity during Despite the sceptics asking, the lead-up to the referendum ...when the “How are you going to attract and the purdah period itself British people the talent you need?”, I am presented challenges of its hugely encouraged by the large own: to carry on business as voted to leave the number of enthusiastic civil usual and reflect the position servants who have queued up to of the government of the day EU, they did not join the two new departments. on EU membership, while doing vote to turn inwards They clearly see opportunity as whatever useful preparatory well as challenge. work we could against the or walk away from The new leadership at possibility that the referendum DExEU, under its Permanent outcome went against the any of our partners Secretary Oliver Robbins, did a Government’s position. in the world. thorough piece of work in July During the official referendum Theresa May, Prime Minister to establish the core structure campaign, we were scrupulous of the department and fill its in making sure that all senior posts. They received documents issued were factually The immediate task was to form around 250 applications for correct and objective. Our core the two new departments that the seven director and 20 or values remain the best guide will lead the work of reshaping so deputy director level posts. to how we conduct ourselves the UK’s relationship with Europe In all, they have recruited 250 in all circumstances; and we and the rest of the world. As the members of staff so far, and produced work as we should, Prime Minister said at the UN expect this to rise to 400 at pace and with accuracy. As I General Assembly in October, by the end of the year. To have said elsewhere: “The Civil the UK will remain “an outward- determine the structure and Service did its job.” facing, global partner at the heart size of the whole department, The question has still been of international efforts to secure they worked through options asked: “What was the Civil peace and prosperity for all our in their operating model and Service doing before the people … For when the British the capacity and skills needed referendum? Where is the people voted to leave the EU, to support it. This took into Brexit plan?” This shows little they did not vote to turn inwards account the need to be flexible appreciation of the constitutional or walk away from any of our and shape the department to fit and propriety framework partners in the world.” its emerging role. in which we operate, not to Navigating our exit from the EU In part, this has involved mention the practical difficulty - with all its legal, constitutional drawing on pre-existing of producing a comprehensive and organisational hurdles - and knowledge and capacity within plan for such a multi-faceted forging new trading relationships government. The European proposition as Brexit. around the world, will involve and Global Issues Secretariat Within these constraints, we virtually every department (some (EGIS), the FCO’s Europe used the time available to do more than others, naturally), Directorate and the UK’s important work. To be ready and thousands of civil servants. Permanent Representation to to act on the Government’s The central imperatives of this the EU have all been built into direction we wanted to commitment are having the right the department, and staff with understand the possible capability in the right place at specific expertise are being alternatives to EU membership, the right time, and collaboration recruited from across Whitehall. such as the requirements for across departmental boundaries. DExEU is collaborating with membership of the European We have already shown departments to ensure they Free Trade Association; the sort what can be achieved by have the capacity that they of trade agreements reached by working together to create the will need as Britain leaves the other countries outside the EU; departments for Exiting the EU. I welcome the way, for what Brexit might mean for the European Union (DExEU) and example, the Government Legal economy; and the organisational International Trade (DIT) from a Department (GLD) has set up implications of a ‘no’ vote, standing start. The formation of an expert legal team, DExEU 6 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY Issue 12 - Nov 2016

Legal Advisers, to support the opened ourselves to approaches sharing some key services new department. This is based from external consultancies, (such as commercial) with around the existing European accountancy firms, project other departments, rather than Law Group, expanded by a management specialists, and creating its own. team transferring from FCO many individuals. We are also taking every Legal Advisers. The DExEU opportunity to involve our team is also working closely JOINED-UP APPROACH colleagues in the devolved with GLD’s other legal teams. administrations in discussions To date, across government, This highlights a key challenge on the UK-wide implications DExEU has received of creating a department and of Brexit, and to ensure that expressions of interest from recruiting to meet changing civil servants in all parts of the 168 organisations and 894 operational and capability country are properly prepared. individuals offering support. demands. Namely, to balance The Joint Ministerial Council They are working through the identifying the external meeting on 24 October was just applications and considering expertise and personnel you such an opportunity, and these how best to use this pool need, with deciding when to talks will continue. of talent. deploy them. We can bring in some useful expertise to HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY THE SKILLS MIX manage work flow but there is no point in hiring expensive Before Brexit, the Civil Service The new Department for talent, to assist with particular was making measured progress International Trade, under its trade negotiations for towards a more unified way of Permanent Secretary Martin example, until that process is working. It was becoming more Donnelly, combines three actually beginning. efficient in its use of shared previously existing bodies resources, strengthening the – UK Trade & Investment cross-government functions, (UKTI), the BIS Trade Policy We are also and starting to make it easier Directorate and UK Export taking every for people to move between Finance. So, it has a strong the public and private sectors, trade policy nucleus to opportunity so it can benefit from a broader build on, as well as detailed mix of experience, skills and knowledge of UK export to involve our outlook. We were probably in sectors and overseas markets. colleagues in second, possibly third gear. The DIT will develop and deliver demands of Brexit are showing the UK’s broader trade and the devolved we can go up a gear or two. investment policy. This includes The way in which DExEU preparing for the negotiation administrations and DIT are acting as hubs of the UK’s position within the in discussions for Brexit activity, radiating World Trade Organisation and connections, generating and market access deals with on the UK-wide joining up activity in other non-EU countries. departments, forging mutually As with DExEU, DIT will implications of supportive relationships, is a need different mixes of skills Brexit... model for other areas of work: and operational focus at lead departments drawing different points during the expertise and knowledge exit negotiations. The first A joined-up approach was from other departments and and immediate need is policy crucial to building the new agencies and working together development, scoping out departments. Early on, to tackle specific issues. the necessary resource for Cabinet Office marshalled the This is an example of how we negotiating trade agreements, cross-government functions should be working as a Civil and setting organisational (Technology, Commercial, Service. It also encapsulates design and strategy. The focus Digital, Finance, HR, Legal, and the historic opportunity of will then shift to the skills so on) to provide professional Brexit: to demonstrate under needed to negotiate free-trade support. DExEU benefited the most critical scrutiny our agreements and other trade from a cross-government ability to adapt and change deals for the UK outside the EU. effort on sectoral analysis. At at pace, to accelerate change, One consequence of our the same time, all the existing lowering the barriers between decades-long EU membership departments are equipping departments, while drawing is that we are short of certain themselves with the staff and on the enduring values of the specialist personnel and skills know-how to support the new service to put government for tasks that will be central ones, creating their own EU exit policy into effective action to Brexit and our future capacity and responding quickly and deliver better outcomes international relationships, such to demands from the centre. for the public. as trade negotiations. These The Department for Transport, roles were filled centrally by for example, is setting up its Sir Jeremy Heywood officials from across the EU. own dedicated international Cabinet Secretary and Recognising this, we have trade team. DExEU is also Head of the Civil Service CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY 7 Issue 12 - Nov 2016

GREAT campaign montage

GREAT FOR BRITAIN

The GREAT Britain campaign and organisations, as well as sustaining positive perceptions is the Government’s ambitious hundreds of private sector of the UK following the EU programme to encourage companies. The aim is to work referendum, by reinforcing more people to visit, study, closely to deliver jobs and the country’s strengths as a invest in and do business with growth across all parts welcoming, globally connected the UK. The campaign brings of the UK. nation that is open for together the international The campaign is active in business. GREAT is launching growth promotion efforts 144 countries and has already five major campaigns this of the Department for secured estimated economic autumn, covering tourism, International Trade, returns of £2.2 billion for the education, inward investment, VisitBritain, the British Council, UK, with a further £2.1 billion trade and exporting, with a the Foreign & Commonwealth being validated. range of ministerial and private Office and 16 other The campaign is set up sector support to promote jobs government departments to play a powerful role in and growth for Britain. 8 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY Issue 12 - Nov 2016 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY 9 Issue 12 - Nov 2016

BUILDING A DEPARTMENT FROM SCRATCH

Sarah Healey, Director-General, Department for Exiting the European Union, describes the role of the new department and how it has been created from a standing start.

vital. We consistently want ‘machinery of government’ to be a model of how work is changes affecting them. commissioned from and pursued However, we are not simply with departments. amalgamating these units and doing the same as before. We are RAPID EXPANSION building a new organisation to deliver our exit from the EU. Additionally, we need to be highly flexible. As a time-limited UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY Establishing a brand new government department leading government department is a a big project we are an unusual More than half of the staff now substantial task. Establishing creature, and we will have to adapt in the department in London the Department for Exiting the our size and approach as the were not working in any of European Union (DExEU) has felt Brexit project develops through those predecessor organisations like one of historic proportions. its different stages. Early on, we when the department was We have been creating the set out what the right size and created. They come from all department that will lead the most shape for this first phase of work over Whitehall, giving us a complex challenge for government should be. This was vital in an unique opportunity to build a since the Second World War. expansion that was extraordinarily new department by drawing rapid. The number of people in on a wide variety of skills and RIGHT DECISION DExEU in London on day one experiences and knowledge of had quadrupled only two months what works well. We have also From its early days, the senior later. We established teams and drawn on external expertise and leadership of DExEU has roles for our new people, found will continue to do so. been clear that while it will accommodation, supplied IT and The work DExEU will deliver is lead negotiations to leave the set up the key finance processes significant, but also rewarding for European Union and work to for supporting a government those involved. The experience ensure the consequences of department all in a few weeks. That our staff receive will provide them leaving are well managed, we will is testament to how nimble and with an exciting opportunity to do so by drawing on expertise flexible the Civil Service can be, and make a substantial contribution within departments rather than how collaborative and generous and develop their career. duplicating it at the centre. other departments have been in This is the right decision for supporting us, not to mention the BEST TRADITIONS the short term, causing least result of a lot of hard work. disruption and making best use of All of this has been done while expert resource. It is also right for PRE-EXISTING ORGANISATIONS getting on with the necessary the long term, when DExEU has work to equip ministers to make completed its task and it will be Not everything about the decisions about how to approach individual departments that lead department is wholly new. our exit. This work is being done our new relationship with Europe. DExEU incorporates three swiftly, aiming to offer ministers pre-existing organisations or the highest possible standards COLLABORATION units – the European and Global of impartial advice. In that Issues Secretariat (EGIS), parts sense, as we approach a new What this means in practice is that of the Europe Directorate from and challenging task with a new we have deliberately challenged the Foreign & Commonwealth organisation, we have a great ourselves to stay lean. We have also Office, and the UK Permanent opportunity to live up to the best worked hard to build collaborative Representation to the EU. traditions of the Civil Service. and open relationships with the We benefit hugely from their rest of Whitehall. To complete such knowledge and expertise and Sarah Healey a complex project, collaboration they have shown remarkable Director-General, Department for across departments is absolutely flexibility in coping with the Exiting the European Union 10 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY Issue 12 - Nov 2016

ESTABLISHING THE DEPARTMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE – BALANCING THE URGENT AND THE IMPORTANT

Sir Martin Donnelly looks at some of the early challenges – and opportunities – of creating the new Department for International Trade.

would take a structured approach negotiations. We are also carrying to capability and capacity-building out audits to identify capability rather than rushing things; and gaps that may need to be filled that the trade policy function through open competition. While would require a mix of existing we will learn from best practice, civil servants and some external what we are designing is tailored expertise where necessary. and unique to the UK’s needs The creation of the Department We will phase our growth to and priorities. for International Trade (DIT) was bring the right people with the To build the capability of existing announced by the Prime Minister right skills sets in at the right civil servants, we have set up a on 14 July. The department time, as we need them. In just Trade Faculty with a Dean and inherited about 2,500 staff, three months, we have more than five permanent staff who are including around 1,250 based doubled the pre-referendum organising an ongoing series in 108 locations overseas or numbers of 50 trade policy staff, of trade masterclasses for DIT in regional teams. It includes almost exclusively through internal and other Whitehall officials. We some well-established functions, Whitehall recruitment. There is are drawing on external training including UK Export Finance, the huge interest among talented opportunities run by the World Defence Security Organisation, civil servants in joining a new Trade Organisation, the London the GREAT Campaign, and department with an ambitious School of Economics or provided UK Trade & Investment. The international agenda that is so vital to us by other governments; and department also includes our for UK prosperity. we are establishing a programme of growing Trade Policy Group, inward and outward secondments which will be responsible for with foreign governments. the strategy and negotiation of ...we are learning trade deals with partners around from international CULTURE the globe when we leave the European Union. best practice My advice to other leaders gearing up to take on a big and SHARED MISSION through spending bold agenda would be to resist time with other the impulse to rush things. Make Bringing trade policy and frontline the key appointments early on delivery functions closer together governments... and choreograph your resourcing in a single department is a great and your strategy development opportunity to build synergies Our trade policy team is building to make sure that they align. and streamline our engagement deep sectoral insight, working Make time to bring the whole with business stakeholders. We seamlessly across Whitehall; country organisation with you, with are working to build a shared knowledge; skilled negotiators; dedicated work to develop and culture, mission and values for the specialist analytical and legal embed an overarching culture that organisation that works for all the capability; and the communication values teamwork and diversity. constituent parts while recognising skills to make a powerful public case Last, but not least, communicate the range of jobs we do. for open markets. regularly through the change On trade policy, it is a challenge To design our structures and programmes and enjoy the but also a huge opportunity to be identify the skills we need, we are challenge of building something able to design and build a world- learning from international best new. We do in DIT! class trade negotiation function for practice through spending time the UK. with other governments to see at Sir Martin Donnelly From the outset, I agreed with first-hand how they organise to Permanent Secretary, Department the Secretary of State that we prepare for and engage in trade for International Trade CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY 11 Issue 12 - Nov 2016 12 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY Issue 12 - Nov 2016

HOW DEFRA IS ADAPTING TO THE CHALLENGE OF BREXIT

Clare Moriarty, Permanent Secretary at the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, looks at the implications of the EU referendum result for her department and how it is responding.

The day after the EU referendum, Then, there is trade. Some with our stakeholders. On the more than 2,500 people from 60% of the UK’s food and arrival of Andrea Leadsom as across the Department for drink exports – the largest UK Secretary of State, we began Environment, Food & Rural Affairs manufacturing sector – went to to explore what opportunities (Defra) joined conversations the EU in 2015. leaving the EU might offer, with me in ‘town hall’, tele- and We moved into action juggling that with the demands of video-conferences about the first immediately after the referendum, ‘business as usual’. steps we would take to respond and there was much to do. It was to the result. The attendance was important for the Defra group, PRIORITIES AND OBJECTIVES unprecedented. We are a group of especially our frontline staff, to 22,000 people and, whatever our provide certainty to stakeholders We are now business planning staff’s individual opinions about about our status in the EU. We for the year ahead and beyond. the referendum, nearly everybody’s heard anecdotes suggesting that Brexit is a top priority alongside work will be profoundly affected some people believed EU law the work already under way to by the vote to leave the EU. no longer applied. Others were transform Defra to be better unsure whether to keep applying able to deliver our ambitious EU LAWS for EU grants. So, it was essential objectives. We have much to do that, in August, the Treasury to be ready for the activation of We estimate that about 1,200 EU moved to guarantee funding Article 50 that will trigger EU laws, a quarter of the total, relate to farmers until 2020, and the withdrawal negotiations. This to Defra: Chancellor’s statement at his work includes the Great Repeal • we distribute £3 billion a year party’s conference reinforced this Bill to annul the 1972 European of EU money to farmers and commitment. Communities Act, which gives land managers; around 2,000 EU law immediate effect in the people in the Rural Payments UK (a significant exercise for Agency ensure this money Brexit is a top us, given Defra’s interest in so is paid appropriately, and priority alongside much of the UK’s EU legislation); similar numbers in Natural trade negotiations; and drawing England help them improve the work already up post-Brexit arrangements on the environment; agriculture and fisheries. • many of the 10,000 people under way to This is a unique moment, in the Environment Agency transform Defra an opportunity to create new check that the quality of river approaches that fit the needs and bathing waters meets to be better of people today in this country excellent standards, as set – not just our farmers and by the EU; able to deliver fishermen, but all of us. I’ve been • the UK is the ‘Reference our ambitious seeing our policy and delivery Member State’ for 30% of professionals at their best, going EU-approved veterinary objectives. back to first principles and relying medicines; this means we heavily on evidence to make approve medicines for animals In the weeks after the recommendations to ministers. and pets on the EU’s behalf; referendum, we drew on our It is hard to overstate how • our Marine Management experience of handling major professionally exciting this is for all Organisation monitors, in incidents to frame our response. of us and I look forward to leading real time, any vessel that I chaired daily meetings with my first-class team here at Defra is more than 12 metres key staff across the Defra group. in helping to build the future. long in UK waters, to make We established an EU exit sure fishing quotas are programme office and began to Clare Moriarty being respected under the log and actively tackle the issues Permanent Secretary at the Common Fisheries Policy. arising from the vote, and put Department for Environment, The list goes on. new effort into communicating Food & Rural Affairs CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY 13 Issue 12 - Nov 2016 14 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY Issue 12 - Nov 2016

FCO Building CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY 15 Issue 12 - Nov 2016

HOW FCO IS SUPPORTING THE GOVERNMENT ON BREXIT

Sir Simon McDonald, Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, summarises his department’s role in the post-referendum world.

to use it. Our established panache and impact. relationships will be crucial in In London we work with DIT supporting the negotiations, and others to enhance trade so we are considering how we capability, including through the can increase capacity in our development of a cross-Whitehall European embassies. Trade Policy and Negotiations Faculty in the FCO’s Diplomatic GLOBAL BRITAIN Academy. Working with our The public’s decision early colleagues across government is this summer to leave the Our departmental central to looking beyond Brexit European Union was a transformation programme, and projecting Britain’s place in watershed moment in our Diplomacy 20:20, will give the world. history. Brexit is the biggest our workforce the expertise international negotiation and agility to advance UK Her Majesty’s Government interests in the new international Sir Simon McDonald has ever undertaken. context. Our global network is Permanent Under Secretary, Since 23 June, a new Prime the platform for the whole of and Head of the Diplomatic Minister and Foreign Secretary government’s international work, Service, Foreign & have taken office and two new projecting Global Britain with Commonwealth Office departments have been created. The Foreign Office’s task is to support these new departments and to promote British interests in Europe and on the wider world stage, both during the negotiations and afterwards. To support the Government effort, the FCO has loaned 42 slots to the Department for Exiting the European Union (DExEU) under ‘machinery of government’ changes and lent DExEU two private office staff. We have also made space available in the Downing Street East wing of King Charles Street for ministers and senior officials from the Department for International Trade (DIT). We are working together to advise the Prime Minister and her Cabinet on the UK’s strategy for leaving the EU. Our diplomatic missions overseas are already using their established networks to report local reactions and explain the UK position. Staff in missions are best- placed to advise on what leverage we have with which countries – and how best 16 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY Issue 12 - Nov 2016

NICHE DIPLOMACY: HOW THE UK IS BECOMING CAMBODIA’S PARTNER IN STEM

Bryony Mathew, Deputy Ambassador, British Embassy, Phnom Penh, 2013–2016, describes how she spotted an opportunity for the embassy to get involved in promoting STEM education while supporting UK expertise.

It is fair to say that, historically, The country has a population In Cambodia we wanted Britain does not share the same of 16 million and a GDP of US$18 to move away from a concentration close links with Cambodia as it billion, with a 7% growth rate. on traditional methods and does with some other countries Cambodia’s major exports to issues. With 5,000 registered in South East Asia. It is a country the UK are garments, textiles non-governmental organisations where we have no British and rice, while UK exports to (although only half are actually Council presence and no UK Cambodia include vehicles, operating), many people work aid programme (compared to textile yarn and fabric, machinery on human rights, land rights, Australia’s £30 million); where the and pharmaceutical products. environmental protection and so French are supporting everything Bilateral trade between the UK on. However, an ingrained culture of from infrastructure to agriculture and Cambodia is now worth corruption means that progress can and vocational training; and well over US$1 billion. be slow and frustrating. where the US alone has 40 times The challenge we faced in We focused on Cambodia’s the number of British diplomats the British Embassy in Phnom potential, aligning ourselves with (we have three). Penh was how to make the the most progressive parts of You may be under the UK stand out. Cambodian society that were impression that all our diplomatic pushing for real change. missions are of the scale of those FINDING OUR NICHE Cambodia faces a huge skills in Washington, Islamabad or gap that will significantly limit its Beijing, but 43% of our 268 posts We decided to find the UK’s niche. potential to develop. There are have four or fewer diplomats, What is the UK particularly good shortages of engineers, doctors, who work with locally recruited at that Cambodia particularly electricians and statisticians to staff. This is far from meaning needs? It sounds simple, and it is, pull the country into the middle- there are no opportunities for but it is not always the way we income bracket. Nobody, it seems, the UK in Cambodia. approach diplomacy. wants to study STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths) subjects. They are perceived to be too difficult, not leading to well-paid jobs, and there is significant parental pressure for young people to enter the law and business management, which are seen as more prestigious. This was my cue for some quick googling of ‘UK STEM expertise’, to find out more about the National STEM centre and the huge wealth of activities, resources and programmes to develop STEM education in the UK. Following a call to the Cambodian Ministry of Education, and a suite of meetings with UN and development partners working British Ambassador presenting copies of Sky Pods to on education, we had identified officials from the Cambodian Ministry of Education our niche - STEM education. CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY 17 Issue 12 - Nov 2016

The launch of Sky Pods

PARTNER OF CHOICE diagnostic questions in advanced explanations of concepts and Maths is to help teachers student misconceptions so that As a trained neuroscientist, I have understand not only when, but they, in turn, can help build the a personal passion for promoting why their students are struggling abilities of their students. science, especially among young with key concepts. Multiple- Secondly, student-to-student people. I set a target of the UK choice questions are designed learning is common in Cambodia, becoming Cambodia’s partner of in which the wrong answers where brighter students run choice in STEM education by April are selected to identify key small study groups to help teach 2016, and we are seeing that come misconceptions students might their peers. DQ is an accessible, to fruition. have in a specific topic. easy-to-use method that makes Since starting work on the Maths more fun and one which initiative in May 2015, the embassy INTERACTIVE APPROACH I thought would appeal to such has brought an innovative student learning sets. new British Maths method to I thought this method would be In all, 100 questions were Cambodia and trained 1,100 particularly suited to Cambodia designed and printed by the teachers and students in this for two reasons. embassy, covering a range ‘diagnostic question’ (DQ) Firstly, Cambodian teachers of advanced Maths topics methodology, with the aim of often do not have sufficient taken from the Cambodian increasing the Grade 12 Maths training to enable them to be curriculum. These were turned exam pass rate (currently at 10%). able to properly understand and into attractive card packs, with Diagnostic questions were explain more difficult concepts to the question on one side and developed by a British Maths students. Instead, they use rote the explanation on the other, teacher, Craig Barton, who we learning, transcribing sections and distributed to hundreds of brought over to Cambodia to of textbooks onto a board for secondary Maths teachers and help with the training and to students to copy. students in Cambodia. lead classroom sessions. His The DQ methodology Our Maths cards proved experiences were written up in the encourages an interactive particularly popular at the Times Educational Supplement. approach and builds teachers’ 2016 Cambodian Science and The idea of developing capability by giving clear Engineering Festival, where we 18 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY Issue 12 - Nov 2016

set up a large STEM-themed • participated in the launch of It can be downloaded at: https:// GREAT stand. We have now Cambodia’s first inter-school www.gov.uk/government/world- converted the Maths cards into STEM competition; location-news/launch-of-new- a smartphone app as well. • run a roadshow around stem-childrens-book-sky-pods- The Cambodian Ministry of schools in Cambodia to raise in-phnom-penh. Education confirms that the interest in studying STEM It is aimed at five-to-10-year- DQ method has made a positive subjects; olds, is written in English and difference to the teaching of • funded STEM activity days Khmer and rhymes in both Maths for both teachers and for science teachers and languages, because children students, and there has been an their students; and can find it easier to learn in that overall increase in the Grade 12 • the British Ambassador way. It is about a girl called Kiri, exam pass rate. and I have participated in who has to do chores around TV talk shows and given the house that interrupt her COVERING ALL BASES lectures at universities on the studies. She invents labour- importance of STEM. saving devices for sweeping the To stimulate interest in STEM floor and feeding the chickens subjects and promote UK SKY PODS IN PHNOM PENH so she can devote more time expertise in this field, we have: to studying. She goes on to • launched a STEM I have also written a children’s become a great visionary Ambassador network for book. Granted, this is a more engineer. Cambodia, modelled on unusual approach to diplomacy, The aim is to spark an interest the British one, with Lord but it seems to be working in engineering from a young Puttnam at the helm; rather well. The GREAT- age and to empower girls. There • produced a user-friendly campaign-branded book is are not many female engineers careers guide that identifies called Sky Pods in Phnom Penh anywhere in the world – they the top 20 STEM career gaps and tells the story of how a represent only about 7% of in Cambodia over the next 10 young Cambodian girl with a engineers in the UK – so I years; great idea becomes an engineer. wanted to show it is a career

STEM materials Maths cards smartphone app

Bryony Mathew with Lord Puttnam and British Ambassador Cambodian Maths teachers Bill Longhurst launching the STEM being trained in the DQ method Ambassadors Cambodia network CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY 19 Issue 12 - Nov 2016

path for women as well. The conclusion is that a little businesses to capitalise on. In a country with few ‘fun’ money and a lot of creativity How well this approach will children’s books, and none can go a long way. We now work in other countries is difficult about STEM subjects, this have closer relations with key to say. It is, however, worth taking book is truly unique and is ministers and ministries, and a step back every now and again proving popular. The Ministry an enhanced reputation for UK and checking whether we have of Education has asked for as STEM educational excellence. missed a trick, or rather a niche. many copies as we can provide We have received significant Given our global reputation to distribute to schools and media coverage of our STEM and range of expertise, the UK libraries across the country. work (see for example https:// is still well-placed to enter into The media is interested, too: www.asialifemagazine.com/ partnership with countries in http://www.asialifemagazine. cambodia/stem-versus-steam/), parts of the world where we com/cambodia/deputy-british- and the UK is now regarded as may have less shared history or ambassador-bryony-mathew/. the pre-eminent country for strategic involvement. We are STEM education by Cambodia. home to 10 of the world’s top CLOSER RELATIONS We hope the trail we have 100 universities, and two of the blazed will be followed by British top ten. More than a quarter This niche is working for us universities and vocational of current world leaders have in Cambodia. Doing business training institutes exploring studied in the UK. there tends to be slow and market opportunities. More And just in case anyone is difficult, but the reaction to Cambodian students are applying wondering, no, there are no our STEM initiatives has been to study in the UK (Chevening sky pods in Phnom Penh – not more positive than we could Scholarship applications are yet, anyway. have imagined. The Cambodian up 86% this year, after we Government has welcomed encouraged STEM applications); Bryony Mathew them enthusiastically and is and in the longer term there will Deputy Ambassador, keen to work with us to make be a greater pool of talented British Embassy, them a success. Cambodian workers for British Phnom Penh, 2013–2016

Cambodian children at the Sky Pods launch 20 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY Issue 12 - Nov 2016

INSURANCE AS A TOOL TO FIGHT POVERTY

Anna Edwards of the Government Actuary’s Department considers insurance as a cost-effective solution to tackling poverty in developing countries and what can be achieved.

THE UK’S ROLE IN threaten lives and livelihoods INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT and knock economies off their development trajectories. As The UK Government aims to end climate change occurs, more extreme poverty, helping countries people in developing countries in the developing world leave aid are pushed below the poverty dependency behind to become line as a result of more frequent our trading partners of the future. extreme weather events, which So, it is in the UK’s interest to can jeopardise sustainable build a safer, more prosperous development. There is limited or world for all. Upholding manifesto no insurance coverage, especially commitments on UK aid by around public infrastructure and committing 0.7% of Gross National assets such as roads and schools. Income, in line with UN targets, is In order to protect vital to securing Britain’s place in development and pull people the world, exporting prosperity, out of poverty sustainably, ways security and stability. to finance disaster risk must be For all involved in allocating addressed through mechanisms overseas aid, ensuring good value that promote preparedness and for money and demonstrating resilience. DFID aims to give a clear development impact is countries the tools they need always a top priority. In order to plan better for and manage to make every pound spent the risk of disasters. Countries as effective as possible, the should be enabled to secure risk Department for International financing in advance of disasters, Development (DFID) is seeking so that they can get themselves innovative financial mechanisms back on their feet. think4photop/Shutterstock.com to address key risks surrounding worldwide poverty. In recent GAD’S RESEARCH WITH years, considering the financing THE WORLD BANK these stakeholders with a of disaster risk through insurance methodology to evaluate and risk-transfer mechanisms has The Government Actuary’s disaster-risk financing become a key consideration in Department (GAD), a UK instruments, along with the global humanitarian sector. Government department practical examples. An analytical Such instruments are often cost- that routinely advises other framework was used to compare effective and facilitate economic departments on financial and the costs of financing a spectrum development and recovery. risk matters, recently undertook of potential disasters through DFID has been at the forefront a DFID-funded research project various instruments, including of developing and financing with the World Bank to evaluate contingency funds, contingent these instruments in the global various mechanisms for disaster- credit facilities, budget humanitarian sector. risk financing. reallocation, humanitarian aid The research was aimed and insurance placement. The DISASTER RISK FINANCING at sovereign stakeholders in framework was applied to the developing countries, such as the economic and disaster climate A significant issue in low- and Government of Ethiopia, as well in five anonymised countries low-middle-income countries as international development as well as, in greater detail, to is climate-related disaster organisations, including DFID. Ethiopia. One of the things that risk. Extreme natural events The focus was on providing the research demonstrated is CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY 21 Issue 12 - Nov 2016

that insurance can be a cost- did not analyse in detail – the RISK TRANSFER AS AN effective financing mechanism drawbacks and limitations of risk INNOVATIVE FINANCING to fund disaster risk. This transfer and insurance, such as: SOLUTION is driven by the fact that, • it can be politically compared to other financing challenging for countries to The purpose of insurance is to instruments, insurance can: obtain commitment upfront transfer risk away from those • cover a significant portion of for the payment of insurance who cannot bear it to those potential losses; premiums, either from who can. Insurance pools risk to • provide funding in a timely their own budgets or from diversify losses across people manner post-disaster, since development organisations; and across time, and allows clear payment terms are • there may be limited capacity swift insurance payouts to be arranged pre-disaster. in the insurance markets to made following a disaster, giving place cover in the markets economies a better chance to In more extreme scenarios, at the levels countries would recover and become resilient. insurance becomes even more like, so more traditional There is worldwide acceptance effective due to the nature of risk financing mechanisms and recognition among the transfer, because insurers are able (such as appealing for developed nations that insurance to absorb significant losses. The humanitarian aid) are still provides a viable and effective research also touched upon – but likely to be required. way forward. The G7 Initiative 22 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY Issue 12 - Nov 2016

on Climate Risk Insurance aims their risk exposure and work is appropriately managed and to increase access to insurance towards eventually funding continues to deliver value for coverage for up to 400 million premiums themselves; money in building resilience and of the most vulnerable people in • subsidies through technical keeping people out of poverty. developing countries by 2020. assistance and premium In addition to ARC, which is Insurance helps developing funding to cover the the best-developed example countries become more resilient ongoing costs of providing of risk pooling to support and ultimately less reliant on insurance cover. disaster-risk financing, other overseas aid. existing risk pooling or insurance Currently, a very limited number EXISTING PROGRAMMES AND programmes worldwide include: of natural disaster losses in low- DEVELOPMENTAL IMPACT • Caribbean Catastrophe income countries are insured, Risk Insurance Facility, leaving a substantial opportunity. DFID has a growing disaster-risk an insurance pool offering The private insurance sector finance and insurance portfolio, earthquake, tropical cyclone is keen to engage, but no one which includes a substantial and excess rainfall policies insurer or company would take committed contribution of to Caribbean and Central on the entire initiative to research risk capital to the African Risk American governments; and create a market for others Capacity (ARC). This risk capital • Pacific Catastrophe Risk to benefit from, so this oversight is provided in the form of a Assessment and Financing and development is being returnable loan, with the aim for Initiative, providing 15 Pacific provided by the UK Government. ARC to be self-sustaining after island countries with disaster With this push, the the period of the long-term loan. risk assessment tools to private sector markets have This is an innovative approach in understand and manage demonstrated a willingness to humanitarian aid. The provision their exposure to climate support these risk-financing of risk capital allows a sustainable events such as hurricanes initiatives. In November 2015, insurance risk-pooling arrangement and earthquakes. eight Lloyd’s syndicates to function but, as a long-term committed capacity of US$400 loan, demonstrates better value for UK GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT million to underwrite such money for taxpayers than typically schemes1. More than just provided humanitarian aid. Insurance is a long-term Corporate Social Responsibility, ARC is a risk-pooling solution to support developing this is an opportunity for arrangement that provides countries in tackling poverty. businesses to enter an under- payouts to participating There is a role for risk pooling served risk market that is poised developing African countries and appropriate risk transfer to grow. in years that they experience – including insurance – in a Developed countries and aid a moderate or severe drought. developed economy as well. organisations can help achieve In 2015, ARC made payouts of The UK Government makes the insurance growth targets by US$25m to drought-stricken widespread use of risk-pooling providing: Mauritania, Niger and Senegal and insurance arrangements • risk capital in the form of more swiftly than humanitarian to make the UK economy funds set aside as a buffer aid could reach these countries2. more resilient, such as helping to absorb losses following The pooling arrangement is to provide affordable home an extreme event; public growing in terms of countries insurance in flood-prone areas sector funds would provide covered and aims to reach 150 through the creation of Flood Re.3 confidence that claims can million people by 2020, as well With the international be met and thereby help as considering other weather community rallying behind stimulate private sector events such as flood. ARC the effectiveness of insurance investments; effectively works as an insurer, in development, and with its • appropriate data and holding its own funds and risk existing national experience, the analytical support capital to pay out for ongoing UK Government is confident in to understand the drought losses. However, engaging with the UK insurance arrangements’ risks and owing to its size and lack of industry. There is a strong costs; the G7 paper notes diversification, ARC does not desire from both the UK public that premiums should carry the most extreme risks: the and private sectors to play be actuarially accurate, extreme drought risk coverage a full role in meeting the risk meaning that premiums is placed in the global private finance needs of vulnerable charged clearly reflect the insurance markets. developing countries. There is risks they are covering, GAD supported the evaluation still a lot of work to be done based on historic experience of the initial business case for and ample opportunity for and future projected DFID’s investment in ARC, and the UK Government and other experience; accurately provides ongoing analytical and developmental organisations reflecting the costs of actuarial support in reviewing to get involved and support insurance will also ensure ARC’s ongoing operations. This insurance as a tool for transparency and long- independent review helps to international development further. term sustainability, and help ensure that DFID’s investment Existing arrangements, like ARC plan for the developing in ARC, and the vehicle as a and others listed above, can be countries to understand development tool in general, scaled up to include more people, CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY 23 Issue 12 - Nov 2016

more perils or wider scopes of coverage. New arrangements are PRODUCTIVE SAFETY NET being considered regularly. DFID is at the forefront of considering Rural safety nets in low-income countries remain a challenge to develop, all of these opportunities for yet the Government of Ethiopia has developed and implemented the investment, and GAD is there Productive Safety Net Programme (PSNP), providing nearly 8 million to support a robust analytical Ethiopians with the means to work their way out of chronic poverty. evaluation of the effectiveness A Methodology to Assess Indicative Costs of Risk Financing and potential impact of these Strategies for Scaling Up Ethiopia’s PSNP comparatively analyses programmes. potential risk finance structures that support drought response I would like to thank colleagues through the PSNP, under the same 5-step methodology outlined in the at DFID for their assistance in Guidance and Case Studies paper. compiling this article. The contingent liability is defined as a hypothetical version of the PSNP in which districts receive automatic financing based on an Anna Edwards early warning system that is tied to a water deficit index. Under these Government Actuary’s Department hypothetical ‘rules’, the PSNP scale-up supports annually, on average, 2.9 million transitory poor, requiring an average expenditure of US$139 million per year. FURTHER READING AND LINKS Three primary hypothetical risk strategies are then considered to finance these expenditures. The initial instrument in all strategies is the • African Risk Capacity: federal contingency budget, which must be exhausted before other www.africanriskcapacity.org instruments can be applied. Unlimited humanitarian response is always • Caribbean Catastrophe Risk assumed to be a last resort. The base case, Strategy A, includes only Insurance Facility: www.ccrif.org these instruments; strategies B and C consider a layer of insurance and • Clarke, D.J., D Gallucio and O. budget reallocation, respectively, between the two (see figure below). Mahul. 2016. Disaster risk finance Strategies A and C rely on humanitarian response when the federal as a tool for development: a contingency budget and budget reallocation are depleted. Strategy summary of findings from the B is the cheapest on average as insurance effectively costs less than Disaster Risk Finance Impact humanitarian response. The cost savings of insurance also rise for more Analytics Project. The World Bank severe droughts; the results of the costs of a 1-in-5-year and a 1-in-30- Group, Washington, D.C.: year event demonstrate this clearly. http://documents.worldbank.org/ curated/en/2016/05/26362959/ disaster-risk-finance-tool- 1000 development-summary-findings- Average cost 1 in 5 year cost 1 in 30 year cost disaster-risk-finance-impact- analytics-project • Clarke, D. J., S. Coll-Black, N. 800 Cooney and A. Edwards. 2016. A Methodology to Assess Indicative Costs of Risk Financing Strategies for Scaling Up Ethiopia’s Productive Safety 600 Net Programme. The World Bank Group, Washington, D.C.: http://documents. worldbank.org/curated/ 400 en/110781467989562134/A- Opportunity Cost methodology-to-assess-indicative- costs-of-risk-financing-strategies- for-scaling-up-Ethiopias- 200 productive-safety-net-programme • Clarke, D. J., N. Cooney, A. Edwards and A. Jinks. 2016. Evaluating Sovereign Disaster Risk 0 Finance Strategies: Guidance and Case Studies. The World Bank Group, Washington, D.C. Strategy B Strategy B Strategy B Strategy Strategy C Strategy C Strategy C Strategy • Pacific Catastrophe Risk A Strategy A Strategy A Strategy Assessment and Financing Initiative: http://pcrafi.sopac.org/ Humanitarian response Budget reallocation 1. https://www.lloyds.com/news- and-insight/press-centre/press- Insurance Federal Contingency Budget releases/2015/11/lloyds-syndicates- combine-to-help-developing-economies 2. http://www.africanriskcapacity.org/ Source: Clark, Coll-Black, countries/risk-pool-1 Cooney, Edwards 2016 3. Flood Re: http://floodre.com 24 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY Issue 12 - Nov 2016

DEFENCE ENGAGEMENT IN THE MODERN WORLD

Gavin Kitchingham from the Ministry of Defence discusses the International Defence Engagement Strategy and how civil servants are working alongside military personnel to devise strategy that supports government commitments to maintain a secure and prosperous UK.

Defence has a strong tradition been regarded as secondary to gave to the use of defence as of delivering much more than defence’s main role and has been part of an integrated approach just fighting power. Through our delivered mainly using whatever to meet our wider international bilateral and multilateral defence spare capacity and resources objectives. To support the relationships, our international could be obtained. strategy, the MOD created training and visits and joint a framework for delivering exercises abroad, the Ministry THE INTERNATIONAL DEFENCE defence engagement by of Defence (MOD) achieves ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY introducing: a comprehensive significant influence for the UK, framework of prioritisation and which furthers a range of national The launch of the International governance for better targeting security and economic objectives. Defence Engagement Strategy of resources; a system of Previously referred to as ‘defence by the Defence and Foreign monitoring and evaluation to diplomacy’ and ‘defence soft Secretaries in 2013 signalled judge outcomes against inputs; power’, this activity has always the higher priority government a range of regional strategies

RAF Typhoon from 6 Squadron, RAF Conningsby, arriving at Amari Air Base in Estonia to participate in NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission. © Crown copyright 2016 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY 25 Issue 12 - Nov 2016

and plans within defence that capacity of partners to respond Baltic Air Policing mission to are integrated with National to security challenges; and in secure the skies above the Security Council strategies; promoting and delivering our Baltic states. This is the third and mechanisms to determine prosperity objectives. consecutive year that the UK the priority given to defence The SDSR set out the has committed aircraft to Baltic engagement compared to Government’s intention to Air Policing, underlining our operations and contingency. work ever more closely with commitment to the sovereignty allies and partners to achieve of the democratic nations of STRATEGIC DEFENCE AND its vision. The subsequent UK Eastern Europe. SECURITY REVIEW decision to leave the European At the same time, we have Union (EU) reinforces the need also joined the multinational In November 2015, the for the UK to remain engaged Trans-Atlantic Capability Government published its in the world to promote its Enhancement and Training wide-ranging National Security interests and values, though initiative, under which we are Strategy and Strategic how we do this may have to deploying short-term training Defence and Security Review change. This new approach will teams to Estonia, Latvia, (SDSR). This set out how it need to include redesigning Lithuania and Poland to help planned to achieve its vision the relationship with the EU build the capacity of national of “a secure and prosperous Common Foreign and Security forces. Similarly, in Ukraine, United Kingdom, with Policy (CFSP) and Common we have trained over 2,000 global reach and influence”, Security and Defence Policy members of the Ukrainian and a new approach to (CSDP), and strengthening Armed Forces, and are aiming defence engagement that other multilateral groupings to provide additional support is international by design. It and bilateral relations within to Ukrainian defence reform, demands a comprehensive and beyond Europe. including practical interventions and systematic approach in areas such as strategic to planning links and WHAT IS DEFENCE communication and the developing interoperability ENGAGEMENT? modernisation of procurement with international partners. It and logistic systems. is about conducting activities Defence engagement covers Much of this engagement and contingency preparation a broad range of activities, takes place within the with partners and allies from contributing to all three of our framework of established the very start as a matter of National Security Objectives: alliances and partnerships, choice, and designing plans as protecting our people; particularly within NATO, which international from the outset. projecting our global influence; remains the bedrock of our Reflecting this decision, the and promoting our prosperity. defence. The UK maintains SDSR announced that: It encompasses a mixture contingent forces for combat of responses to immediate as part of NATO and multi- We will short-term challenges and laterally, through the Joint longer-term development of Expeditionary Force (JEF), make defence relationships or capabilities. with Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Most defence engagement Lithuania, the Netherlands engagement activities contribute to a range and Norway. All three armed a funded, core of objectives. For example, services participate in regular during 2015, troops from the exercises with a range of Ministry of Defence Indian Army trained alongside international partners, including British Army soldiers on Australia, Malaysia, New (MOD) task for Salisbury Plain in Exercise Ajeya Zealand and Singapore, in the the first time, Warrior. This had an immediate context of the Five Powers aim - to enhance the ability Defence Arrangement. meaning that the to work together on counter- insurgency and counter- DEALING WITH URGENT Armed Forces will terrorism operations. It also CHALLENGES prioritise defence had a longer-term objective, to build and promote positive In a more inter-connected engagement military relations between the world, UK personnel are Indian and British armies. increasingly employed in alongside other The influence that defence defence engagement tasks core tasks. can exercise comes from beyond the Euro-Atlantic our ‘hard’ military power, Zone to help tackle some of and defence engagement the most urgent challenges Significantly, this gives higher activities are often conducted to international security. and formal status to defence’s alongside or as part of military Reflecting this, the Army has role in shaping the international operations. An instance of this aligned individual brigades to environment; building stability was the deployment of RAF specific regions around the through helping to prevent, Typhoon aircraft to Estonia globe. For example, 7 Infantry manage and recover from from April to August 2016. This Brigade is aligned to West conflict and crises; building the was part of NATO’s enhanced Africa, and personnel from the 26 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY Issue 12 - Nov 2016

brigade have been deployed prosperity. Take the charting of servants have an important to help train Nigerian troops coastal waters carried out by the part to play. At the centre of who will conduct operations UK Hydrographic Office, which the MOD, they work alongside against Boko Haram militants. can act as an important facilitator military colleagues in devising Our package of support to to international navigation and our strategic approach to Nigeria also encompasses work trade. At the Commonwealth defence engagement and with Nigerian defence training Heads of Government meeting developing regional priorities establishments, contributing to in November 2015, the UK and programmes, co- longer-term capacity building announced significant additional ordinating with colleagues as part of our enduring support in this area to small across government, defence relationship. developing island states. particularly the FCO, DFID and Through defence The SDSR made support for Home Office. engagement, we provide a defence exports a core task Civil servants, often those range of assistance and support for the MOD, recognising the working as part of the tailored to the particular importance to our own security Stabilisation Unit, are also interests and needs of our and prosperity of sustaining the engaged in direct delivery of international partners. For defence industry. Defence assets defence engagement activity, example, HMS Severn deployed can provide direct support to for example in supporting to the Caribbean in 2015 for responsible export campaigns, security sector reform and Exercise Trade Winds. This built such as the presence at the Seoul capacity building. They are the capability of Caribbean International Aerospace and also deployed as permanent nations to respond more Defence Exhibition in October defence advisers and effectively to natural disasters, 2015 of an RAF A400M transport embedded in a number as well as to a range of land aircraft and the RAF Falcons of partner countries. The and maritime threats, including parachute display team. importance of the role played illicit trafficking. by civil servants is reflected THE ROLE OF THE CIVIL in MOD plans to increase their PROSPERITY SERVICE involvement in delivering Defence Engagement abroad. Defence engagement can Much of this activity is As announced in the also contribute directly or delivered using military assets SDSR, the department is indirectly to promoting and personnel, but civil developing new mechanisms CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY 27 Issue 12 - Nov 2016

for identifying and managing 12 months. Additionally in Command & Staff Course at personnel, both military and 2016, new British Defence the Defence Academy. civilian, with the skills and Staff organisations will be The department has also experience to contribute to established in the Middle East, launched a variety of new defence engagement activity. Africa and the Asia-Pacific capacity-building initiatives, This includes establishing region. A new Defence Attaché including a three-year counter- an Armed Forces Defence and Loan Service Centre is IED (Improvised Explosive Engagement career stream. already in place at the UK Device) programme with We are also exploring Defence Academy to better Pakistan. ways to make better use of train, prepare and administer reservists in the delivery of Defence Section and Loan CONCLUSION this engagement, exploiting Service personnel. their civilian skills where Introducing the SDSR, the appropriate. INTERNATIONAL DEFENCE then Prime Minister wrote that TRAINING “Britain’s safety and security DEFENCE NETWORKS depends not just on our A key element of defence own efforts, but on working Maintaining effective defence engagement is the provision hand in glove with our allies networks is a key enabler of International Defence to deal with the common for all defence engagement Training. UK military training threats which face us all”. activity, and the SDSR is highly regarded and Defence engagement is a key announced enhancements much in demand. The SDSR element of that endeavour, to defence networks that announced our intention to and the MOD continues to the MOD is now putting in increase the training we offer look for ways of extending place. It established a new to international partners and its range and improving its defence attaché position in the support to international effectiveness. Finland and is establishing capacity building. The MOD has others in Albania and Senegal. created additional places on a Gavin Kitchingham Existing defence sections, number of courses, including Assistant Head, Programmes including in Japan, Qatar high-profile courses such as & Resources, Defence and the Baltic States, will the Royal College of Defence Engagement Strategy, be reinforced over the next Studies and the Advanced Ministry of Defence 28 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY Issue 12 - Nov 2016

THE PICTORIAL HISTORY OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING IN GOVERNMENT

Dr Shabana Haque, Head of the Government Science & Engineering (GSE) Profession Team, describes their innovative communications solution for raising awareness of the profession and the value that scientists and engineers can add to government.

Slide 1 WHAT IS THE GSE PROFESSION?

The Government Science and Engineering (GSE) profession is one of five government analytical professions in the Civil Service that provide evidence-based advice for developing government policy and supporting operational delivery4. Managed by the GSE Team in the Government Office for Science, on behalf of the Head of Profession, Sir Mark Walport, the GSE is made up of over 10,000 civil servants with a background or interest in science and engineering. They work in a range of specialist, policy, analytical and operational roles at laboratories and institutes across the United Kingdom, tackling global problems such as poverty, disease, climate change, crime and terrorism.

CHALLENGES OF PERCEPTION technology disciplines. some regularity. How could we Overall, our aim is to raise help ours ‘land’ with real impact, As a profession, we have a the profile of the GSE; correct galvanise the profession, build problem of perception. When misconceptions so that we pride in our achievements and people think of government can attract new talent to the raise awareness more widely? scientists and engineers, they profession; build a stronger still tend to think of men and sense of belonging among the WHY TELL A STORY? women working in lab coats disparate disciplines within GSE; and hard hats far from the expand our expertise; and fulfil Because we wanted to appeal centres of power. We know our our main objective of adding to a wide audience, including work involves much more, with value to government. people from non-technical people in the field and at the top We have just published the GSE backgrounds, we decided to levels of government, not only five-year strategy, a blueprint tell the story of science and researching and innovating but for the future of the profession. engineering, but to tell it in a collaborating with policy officials This is the first time the GSE different, more accessible way. and advising ministers. profession has articulated a vision We chose the immediacy of the At the same time, we need and statement of intent in this visual to tell the GSE story in to tackle the communications way. So, ensuring it was fit for pictures; the story of scientists challenge of galvanising a diverse purpose was paramount. This and engineers in government, group that is a single profession presented a communications charting their successes and in name only, consisting of challenge familiar to many achievements through history, probably over a hundred parts of government. Strategies and championing diversity and distinct science, engineering and emerge from Whitehall with inclusion. (Slide 1) CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY 29 Issue 12 - Nov 2016

‘SELLING’ THE STORY Slide 2

Through colleagues in the Cabinet Office, we contacted a creative company specialising in cartoon visualisations to translate complex ideas into accessible, visually stimulating stories. They have global clients in the private, public and third sectors, including the Royal Society of Arts, the BBC and the Ministry of Defence. Many of our stakeholders initially struggled with the idea of a picture-led story, ironically finding it difficult to visualise. They had strong views about what the story should show, but were concerned about oversimplifying the message; that important social, economic and political aspects, such as the valuable contributions made by women the scientific, engineering and discoveries in science and and individuals from BAME humanities communities. engineering had changed the communities, would be missed. course of history. The history We listened to their concerns COMPILING THE STORY of formal, organised scientific and produced a case study endeavour in this country goes guide with selection criteria Working with the supplier back a long way. We chose to and exemplar case studies to we created a storyboard and start our pictorial account with help stimulate ideas; and we narrative, distilling all the government’s relationship with worked with stakeholders to information we had collected the Royal Society. Founded in help them develop good into 12 Powerpoint slides. With the 1660s, the society counted case studies. so many strong case studies, Isaac Newton among its We invited historians to peer the challenge was selecting the members (he later became its review the historical examples best ones and weaving them President); and John Harrison, to ensure factual accuracy, into a coherent, inspiring and celebrated for overcoming the and this helped us build trust visually appealing story. enduring problem of measuring with stakeholders. In just six We felt it was important to longitude at sea, demonstrated weeks, we collected over 60 include examples of where one of his first marine rich case studies from across brilliant innovations and chronometers there. Both are depicted in the story. We felt it equally important Slide 3 to shine a spotlight on unsung heroes, whose tireless work behind the scenes, often in the face of adversity, contributed to ‘Eureka’ moments now attributed to others. We chose the example of Caroline Herschel, sister of the eminent Astronomer Royal, William Herschel, who became one of the first women to gain international recognition as a scientist in her own right. (Slide 2)

FEMALE ROLE MODELS

Throughout the GSE Story, we have showcased examples of strong female role models, who carried on their work with unswerving determination, often regardless of their own welfare and safety. (Slide 3) 30 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY Issue 12 - Nov 2016

RESPONDING TO CHANGE Concorde” and commercial climate change. (See ‘The GSE supersonic flight. (Slide 4) in the 21st Century’.) We have also included The final image depicts our examples to remind people THE BLUEPRINT FOR THE Head of Profession’s mission: how government scientists FUTURE the blueprint for the future of and engineers have historically the profession and the basis for been at the forefront of The story moves on to the producing the GSE Strategy. change, exploring, inventing GSE profession today. We (Slide 5) and innovating, often at deliberately emphasise the times of economic, financial modern role of science with HOW IS THE GSE STORY and social instability. For three slides, showing the GSE’s BEING USED? example, during the 1970s commitment to supporting financial crises, the fuel price government in responding to We published a blog and link shock and social change change, preparing for future to the GSE Story in September: led to closer collaboration challenges, and protecting the https://www.gov.uk/government/ between government, industry, public good in areas such as news/the-story-of-government- universities and international crime and policing, security, science-and-engineering. To partners. It was the “age of innovation, public health and date, there have been 1,176 views on SlideShare, and GDS analytics show that in the first Slide 4 week there were 1,040 viewers. GSE members who have read the story say it makes them feel proud to be a scientist or engineer in government, with 46 volunteering to become champions to raise the profile of GSE. We have had 524 new recruits to the profession since launching the story.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE GSE STORY?

We have learnt so much through this creative process. Eye-catching use of art and design in the cartoon images has helped us to connect with a diverse audience and demystify our work. The images have been used to develop a visual brand for the GSE profession. They feature heavily throughout our strategy, Slide 5 capturing an identity that was difficult to express in words alone. We are keen to share our experience with other professions, in particular the other analytical professions that may face similar communication and identity challenges.

Dr Shabana Haque Head of the Government Science & Engineering (GSE) Profession Team

4. The five Civil Service analytical professions include: Government Science and Engineering (GSE), Government Economic Service (GES), Government Social Research (GSR), Government Operational Research Service (GORS), Government Statistical Service (GSS). CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY 31 Issue 12 - Nov 2016

THE GSE IN THE 21ST CENTURY

In 2010 the Scientific Advisory Group During the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, UK for Emergencies (SAGE), chaired by the Government scientists were at the forefront Government Chief Scientific Adviser of the international response. The Defence (GCSA), advised on the hazards to air Science Technology Laboratory (Dstl) provided travel caused by the eruption of Icelandic scientific analysis to help optimise some aspects volcano Eyjafjallajökull. At the same of the response. The Health & Safety Executive time, scientists and engineers from coordinated the establishment of Ebola Treatment the Met Office and the Department for Centres. HSE, Public Health England (PHE) and Transport worked with academia, industry Dstl staff travelled to affected areas of Sierra and regulatory bodies to develop new Leone provide assistance on the ground. Together protocols for airspace closures and new they speeded up diagnoses, resulting in up to 250 detection and monitoring equipment. samples per day. More widely, the UK Government has funded vaccine trials and research into Ebola to ensure lessons are carried forward to events such as the recent Zika outbreak.

During British astronaut Tim Peake’s Every day, the Intellectual Property Office Principia mission to the International Space (IPO) works to protect UK innovators and Station (ISS), he ran experiments that entrepreneurs, helping new inventions cannot be done anywhere on Earth, as well make their way to market. Inventions such as trying out new technologies for future as Sugru, the mouldable glue that can human exploration missions. In connection be used to fix and modify anything from with Tim’s mission, the UK Space Agency shoes to dishwashers, created by Jane Ni carried out an educational outreach Dhulchaointigh when she was a student at programme for young people to increase The Royal College of Art. interest in STEM subjects and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. 32 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY Issue 12 - Nov 2016

MAKING HISTORY: HOW WE SECURED THE WORLD’S FIRST GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE AGREEMENT

Lucy Geoghegan, former Deputy Head of International Climate Change Strategy at the then Department of Energy and Climate Change, explains the years of dedicated work by UK officials, and the lessons learnt, to achieve a global agreement to tackle climate change at the 21st Conference of Parties in Paris last year. Catalysed by worldwide commitment, the agreement comes into force on 4 November 2016, far earlier than anyone expected.

In a conference centre on the final announcement, and a last countries who are largely the edge of Paris, as French minute tweak to the text, before responsible, but also wary of Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius Fabius brought his gavel down - it commitments that could harm pounded the table with a leaf- was a historic moment. And the growth and competitiveness. It shaped gavel, 13 days of intense credit for it happening should go is a recipe for deep international negotiations and more than 20 not to one individual, but to all the divisions, inertia and huge years of often fraught debate many players involved in years of obstacles to a global agreement. culminated in the first global, complex negotiations and careful legally binding deal to cut alliance building. SECURING THE DEAL greenhouse gas emissions and As one of the most challenging help avoid the most dangerous issues the world faces, climate So, how did we reach a deal impacts of climate change. change represents more than in Paris? It was partly due Understandably, the media just a threat to our environment, to changing political and focused on the last remaining risking global health, security, economic conditions, such as hours of the 21st Conference poverty and economic stability. It the falling cost of low-carbon of Parties (COP) to the United is the most vulnerable developing energy, major economies Nations Framework Convention countries who feel its impacts decoupling their growth from on Climate Change (UNFCCC). most severely, and the developed emissions, growing national There were four official delays to and most advanced developing concerns about the impact of CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY 33 Issue 12 - Nov 2016

air pollution, and a burgeoning SUSTAINED POLITICAL System and carbon budgets; coalition of investors moving to ENGAGEMENT and, in some cases, supported low-carbon opportunities. projects through the Prosperity But the UK’s strategic The International Climate Fund and the International engagement also played an Change team in what is now the Climate Fund. important role, and three key Department for Business, Energy This international engagement lessons stand out for future and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), formed the basis of our strategy policy making: which leads on international to encourage countries to commit climate negotiations, works to ambitious emission reduction 1. Using ‘soft power’ over a closely with the Foreign & targets ahead of Paris. These number of years to build Commonwealth Office (FCO) pledges were crucial for the the conditions necessary to to ensure that our network negotiations. If they were too low, ensure major high-emitting of embassies encourage and the world would lose faith in the countries go to Paris with support low-carbon development. process and the Paris talks would ambition. Through this network we have be dead before they began. 2. Building alliances to secure forged climate partnerships The UK’s objective was to push progress on priority issues. with the world’s major for maximum ambition from the 3. Carefully managing emitting countries: engaged major emitting countries and expectations and diplomatically; shared our to resist countries ‘low-balling’ communicating through experiences on energy market their offers for fear of showing stakeholders. reform, the EU Emissions Trading their hand too early. The UK’s 34 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY Issue 12 - Nov 2016

engagement with South Korea BUILDING ALLIANCES finance and pre-2020 action and and Japan was particularly speaking on behalf of the EU at effective – encouraging both It was a UK priority to build key points during negotiations. countries through sustained alliances to deliver the deal we The conference itself was opened engagement and political wanted, with ambitious mitigation by the largest gathering of world lobbying to increase their original commitments; a review cycle to leaders ever, demonstrating the commitments significantly. raise ambition every five years; broad coalition of high-level Overall, an unprecedented 187 a strong framework to hold political backing behind reaching countries – responsible for over countries to account; and a long- an agreement. 95% of global emissions – made term goal to give a clear signal to The UK was also instrumental commitments ahead of Paris. investors that governments are in supporting an alliance of These national commitments committed to a low-carbon future. ‘progressive’ countries that don’t yet set us on a path The UK negotiates as part of wanted bold global action on consistent with keeping the the EU in the UNFCCC, and UK climate change. Emerging from global temperature rise to leadership within the EU was the Copenhagen summit, the below 2oC. This is the level vital. In 2014, the UK worked with Cartagena Dialogue brought scientists agree would avoid member states to get the EU to together a wide group of the most harmful impacts of adopt a target of ‘at least 40% countries, including those most global climate change. But the emission reductions on 1990 levels’ vulnerable to the impacts of commitments could, if fully – and we were among the first to climate change and major implemented, limit it to around publish our emissions reduction emitting countries. 2.7oC. As such, they represent a commitment ahead of Paris. Ahead of Paris, UK officials significant shift from business As one of the EU lead convened meetings with as usual, which scientists negotiators, Pete Betts, now leading constituents to set the estimate could result in surface Director of International Climate agenda and build common temperature rise of more and Energy at BEIS, made sure positions around specific than 5oC above pre-industrial we were integrated within the issues in the deal, such as a temperatures by the end of EU throughout the negotiations, ‘Friends of Rules’ group that this century. This would cause working with the Commission agreed what we wanted from irreversible changes to climate and other influential member the complex rules framework. and have increasingly negative states to maintain a united bloc. A crucial moment in Paris – effects on the availability of The then Secretary of State when negotiations were at water, agricultural productivity, for Energy and Climate Change, risk of falling apart over the human health, infrastructure, Amber Rudd, also played a historical division between economies and markets and the key role in building alliances, the obligations of ‘developed’ survival of many species. facilitating discussions on climate countries’ and those of CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY 35 Issue 12 - Nov 2016

‘developing’ countries – was conference targeted at multiple from the changing economics the formation of the ‘High audiences through various outlets. of low carbon; to global political Ambition Coalition’ of ministers. A vital part of this was speaking champions; growing scientific This was based around a through other ‘influencers’ and evidence; and our knowledge of progressive alliance that using different channels such as how to cut emissions. It was also resisted efforts to dilute the influential independent reports due to a huge effort from countries ambition of the agreement. on the economic case for tackling like the UK, France, Germany and Another essential part to the climate change. the US and the commitment of UK’s strategy was to strengthen We also partnered with major leaders and influencers. our relationship with the US. This stakeholders and met journalists The UK’s strategy of early and involved both countries working in the UK and internationally to sustained international diplomatic extensively with each other ahead outline what we could realistically engagement, the broad alliances of Paris to build a shared interest expect from the agreement. we built around our priority issues, in our priorities and ‘red-lines’ and This helped us to manage communication and the careful identify how together we could expectations around the different management of expectations deliver our objectives. Tackling countries’ commitments missing all contributed to this historic climate change is an important the global goal of below 2oC, and agreement. And we believe this sets legacy issue for President Obama, to communicate the essential a strong foundation to maintain the and the US was one of our point that this agreement marks momentum needed to implement biggest allies in this process. a genuine departure from the the deal as we turn our attention Furthermore, the US played an current ‘business as usual’ towards negotiating the detailed important role in influencing major trajectory. In essence, it succeeds framework; supporting countries to players in the negotiations, such in setting a robust framework to implement their emission reduction as China and India. But the UK get countries to come back to commitments; ensuring we meet also worked to hold the US firm to the table and raise their ambition our own commitments; and our shared objectives when there in the future. continuing to build the conditions was a risk that they might accept This work helped to reinforce for the transition to a low-carbon less ambitious commitments. our narrative about why we economy to enable further ambition were pushing for a strong review in the future. MANAGING EXPECTATIONS mechanism to raise global We look forward to continuing this ambition every five years from work at the next COP in Marrakech, A primary Paris objective was to 2020 in order to keep the ‘below which starts on 7 November. send a clear signal to businesses 2oC’ goal within reach. and investors that the world Lucy Geoghan is serious about a zero carbon CONCLUSION Former Deputy Head of global economy. This required International Climate Change extensive communications The success of the Paris COP Strategy at the then Department ahead of, during and after the was due to a number of factors: of Energy and Climate Change © Crown copyright 2016 You may re-use this information (excluding images and logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives. gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/2/ or email [email protected]