The CSSF is a cross-government fund which supports and delivers activity to tackle instability and to prevent conflicts that threaten UK interests.

Building on the lessons drawn from the Iraq Inquiry, the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) is an important driver of the government’s Fusion Doctrine (referenced in the National Security Capability Review). This aims to improve the way cross-government capability is brought together.

The National Security Council (NSC), which includes Secretaries of State and is chaired by the Prime Minister, sets the CSSF’s strategic direction. It is guided by the priorities set out in the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review and the UK aid Strategy. It supports the delivery of 2 national security objectives:

• Protect Their People
• Project Their Global Influence

And 3 UK Aid objectives:

• Strengthening Global Peace, Security and Governance
• Strengthening Resilience and Response to Crises
• Tackling Extreme Poverty and Helping the World’s most Vulnerable

About the CSSF

Launched in 2015, the CSSF is a £1.26 billion annual cross-government fund. It has been a catalyst for a more integrated UK government response to fragility and conflict. Over the last 5 years the CSSF has transformed the way the UK responds to conflict and fragility overseas. It enables 12 government departments and agencies to address security priorities in a collaborative way.

The CSSF operates in 84 countries and territories, delivering more than 90 programmes with a budget that is split between official development assistance (ODA) and other funding sources. This gives the fund a broader geographic and thematic reach than departments could achieve on their own.