Sir Oliver Robbins
The Cabinet Secretary, with the approval of the Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister, has announced the appointment of Sir Oliver (Olly) Robbins as the new Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Olly is currently Partner and Head of Europe, Middle East and Africa at Hakluyt, a global strategic advisory firm.
He has previously worked at Goldman Sachs and also held senior leadership roles in the Cabinet Office, HM Treasury, Downing Street and as the Second Permanent Secretary in the Home Office and Permanent Secretary in the Department for Exiting the European Union. Olly will replace Sir Philip Barton who is stepping down after nearly four decades in the FCDO.
The Foreign Secretary
The Rt Hon David Lammy MP, said:
I have set out from day one that I want to rewire the FCDO to act as the international delivery arm of this government’s missions, as well as devising our broader international strategy. Olly Robbins is exactly the person to help me deliver this and I am delighted to welcome him into the FCDO.
His extensive experience of economic and security issues, gained across a range of Whitehall departments, will stand us in good stead as we reorient the FCDO to focus on growth and migration, while continuing to double down on national security – the foundation of our Plan for Change.
I would like to thank Sir Philip Barton for his many years of dedicated public service, in particular his leadership as PUS and his support through the recent political transition.
The Cabinet Secretary
Sir Chris Wormald, said:
I would like to congratulate Olly on his appointment and welcome him back to the Civil Service. He brings huge experience to this role, both from his time previously in the Civil Service and his recent experience in the private sector. I look forward to working with Olly in this role as he leads the FCDOto deliver on a wide range of international issues and make a positive difference in a world where geopolitical change is intensifying.
I would also like to thank Sir Philip Barton for his outstanding dedication and service over his 38 year career in the Civil Service, and in particular for almost five years service in his role as Permanent Under-Secretary of FCDO.
Sir Oliver Robbins
Sir Oliver Robbins said:
It has been my pleasure to work alongside the FCDO’s predecessors for most of my Civil Service career. I’ve seen our extraordinary diplomatic and development capabilities first hand from Washington DC to Mogadishu, Dublin to Sana’a and Abuja to New Delhi. After five years out of the Civil Service I return believing more strongly than ever in the value of those capabilities and the public service principles that underpin them, while convinced that maintaining the UK’s lead depends critically on understanding and co-opting the pace of change evident in the UK and around the world.
It is therefore with huge excitement that I take this role on. I look forward to supporting the Foreign Secretary and leading the FCDO’s first-rate staff to strengthen the UK’s influence with our partners around the world.
Permanent Under-Secretary
The Permanent Under-Secretary is responsible for advising the Foreign Secretary and the ministerial team on international policy, and for managing the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The Permanent Under-Secretary also chairs the FCDO Board and is Head of the Diplomatic Service. The Permanent Under-Secretary (Permanent Secretary) serves as the most senior civil servant in the department and plays a crucial role in advancing the United Kingdom’s foreign policy and international development objectives. Below are the key functions and roles of this position:
1. Chief Executive of the FCDO
The Permanent Secretary oversees the management of the FCDO, ensuring that the department operates efficiently and effectively. They are responsible for allocating resources, setting priorities, and delivering the UK government’s foreign policy and international development strategies.
2. Adviser to the Government
As the principal adviser on foreign policy to the Foreign Secretary and other ministers, the Permanent Secretary provides strategic counsel on international relations, diplomacy, and global development. This includes offering expert insights on geopolitical trends and advising on responses to international crises.
3. Representation and Diplomacy
The Permanent Secretary represents the FCDO at the highest levels in the UK and abroad. They engage with international counterparts, foreign governments, and multilateral organizations to further UK interests and foster global partnerships.
4. Policy Leadership
They lead the development and implementation of the UK’s foreign, security, and development policies. This involves coordinating efforts across government departments and working closely with British embassies and consulates worldwide.
5. Accountability and Governance
The Permanent Secretary ensures that the FCDO operates with transparency and accountability. They are responsible for maintaining high standards of governance, compliance with financial regulations, and effective risk management within the department.
6. Coordination with International Stakeholders
The role involves liaising with international bodies such as the United Nations, the Commonwealth, and the World Bank. The Permanent Secretary plays a key role in negotiating agreements and shaping policies that reflect the UK’s priorities on the global stage.
7. Leadership and Human Resources
The Permanent Secretary leads the FCDO’s workforce, fostering a culture of innovation, diversity, and inclusivity. They are instrumental in developing the skills and capabilities of the department’s staff to ensure effective delivery of its objectives.
8. Crisis Management
During international emergencies or crises, such as natural disasters or political instability, the Permanent Secretary coordinates the UK’s response. They ensure the FCDO provides timely assistance to British nationals abroad and supports humanitarian efforts. By combining strategic vision, leadership, and diplomacy, the Permanent Secretary plays an indispensable role in shaping and executing the UK’s foreign and development agenda.
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