Rhetoric or reality? Cross-sector policy implementation at the UK Government Department for International Development (DFID)

International development discourse emphasises collaboration, partnerships and cross-sectoral approaches, but to what extent is cross-sector policy implemented in practice? This article presents findings from research into cross-sector policy implementation at the Department for International Development (DFID). The research utilised elements of grounded theory methodology and participatory methods of data collection. DFID have made attempts to implement cross-sector policy in practice, with the strongest evidence being found at project level. However, DFID faced substantial barriers to policy implementation including: territoriality between sectors; priority given to ‘product’ over processes; and the promotion of competition within the organisation’s culture.