MANAGEMENT IN CONFIDENCE
middle ranks. Unfortunately, the number of strictly legal jobs overseas is likely to diminish within the time-scale of this Review, with a consequent loss of essential experience of the operational work of the DS. The question therefore arises whether further mixed legal/generalist posts should be created abroad to be filled by members of this cadre. Given the importance of retaining this invaluable source of expert advice, we recommend that they should.
iii)
Research and Analysis Department
This is the largest cadre, with an establishment of 55, and the one whose work is most easily interchangeable with that of the DS generalists. Although distinct research and policy making functions are likely to survive some research functions may be contracted out. It will be increasingly important for members of RAD fully to understand the wider processes in which their advice is used, to integrate their work fully with that of the relevant AUS command and to be able where necessary to contribute ideas and opinions as well as information. We therefore recommend that RAD officers be known as analysts in recognition of their changing role, and be made more aware (eg through a circular) of their existing rights to bid on equal terms for overseas postings in equivalent DS generalist grades. In assessing fields of candidates for overseas posting which include members of RAD, PMD and the Selection Boards should continue to give as much weight to the career development of analysts as they do to generalists. In particular, analysts should wherever possible do two postings to their region of expertise; one in early and one in mid career. We also suggest that researchers provide leave cover for DS8/7Ds in London on a more systematic basis.
3.40. These measures will contribute to improved career prospects for members of RAD, but the Group believe that more should be done to integrate its work with that of AUS commands. We therefore recommend that AUSS should strengthen their liaison with the Head of RAD and that the practice of attaching members of RAD to AUS commands should continue to grow.
E.
SPECIALIST EXPERTISE
New
3.41. The analysis of the tasks of the FCO/DS in Part I showed that the requirement in the FCO/DS for specialised expertise will grow not only in size but in variety. areas already abound, eg the proliferating range of technical subjects under EC auspices and the new transnational subjects such as drugs, AIDS, terrorism and the environment. Further change will be difficult to predict and it is vital that the FCO can respond flexibly
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