E16 Secondments and Interchange

Background

In line with the rest of Whitehall, DFID's policy is to encourage inward and outward secondments where there is a mutual benefit to the host and parent organisations.

An inward secondment is when another organisation's employee temporarily joins DFID. An outward secondment is when a DFID employee temporarily joins another organisation.

A business case is required before a secondment can be approved.
Secondment of Staff Appointed In Country (SAIC) should be arranged by the employing DFID country office, although this template and associated guidelines may be followed.

Compliance Tasks

1. An agreement between DFID and the parent organisation (a memorandum of Understanding or Partnership agreement) must either be in place, or be put in place before a secondment can proceed.

2. HR must complete an exchange of letters covering terms of each secondment.

Task assigned to: HR assigned tasks

3. Staff members or departments requesting a secondment must first prepare either an inward or outward business case, taking into account the Director level divisional workforce plan

Task assigned to: All staff, Recruiter

4. All inward secondees must have the appropriate level of security clearance before starting their secondment.

Task assigned to: Head of Department, Head of Overseas Office 

Risks of non-compliance

• Secondees unable to take up position
• Failure in duty of care to staff and others
• Detrimental impact on staff resourcing and planning.