Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is a ministerial department of the UK Government that leads the country’s diplomatic, development, and consular work worldwide. It manages a wide range of political, commercial, and economic interests, fostering bilateral relationships and supporting international partnerships to address global challenges.

The FCDO maintains an extensive global footprint, with its workforce distributed across 155 countries. While primarily focused on foreign policy and international development, the department oversees operational and secure services—including logistics and infrastructure—through its child agency, FCDO Services. Its activities underpin the UK’s international engagement, involving large-scale project management, government procurement, and strategic support for innovative businesses.