§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanAs part of theSpending Review 2004, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr Jack Straw) agreed with my right honourable friend the Chief Secretary (Mr Paul Boateng), to undertake a review of the effectiveness of our public diplomacy work. Lord Carter of Coles has agreed to lead this review. He will be supported by a small team based within the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and an advisory panel of experts. The review is due to start 96WS immediately and Lord Carter of Coles will report his findings by summer 2005. The terms of reference are as follows:
- to examine the effectiveness of current public diplomacy activities in delivering outcomes which contribute to the achievement of HMG objectives;
- to take stock of progress in implementing the Wilton Review (2002) through the work of the PD strategy board;
- to consider the scope for improving PD activities, both in London and overseas, to maximise their effectiveness and value for money;
- and to that end to consider the scope for increased joint PD activity and enhanced co-ordination taking account of experience with the PD campaigns fund and the PD challenge fund;
- to make recommendations as appropriate.
The review team will undertake a short consultation exercise. If noble Lords would like to feed in comments they should send them to the public diplomacy review team, Room WH552, FCO, King Charles Street, London SW1A 2AH.