ADD ADVICE TO FAVDiplomat
Diplomats work mainly overseas for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, a department of the Civil Service.
What diplomats do
- represent the British Government on international issues affecting Britain
- promote British policy and businesses to overseas governments, individuals, organisations and the media
- develop an understanding of local business practices and help companies understand legislation surrounding the export of their goods and services
- negotiate international agreements, for example on arms, drug control or endangered species
- gather information about the political and economic state of their host country
- write reports and advise ministers on relevant developments
- help UK nationals abroad.
Key skills for diplomats
- willingness to serve anywhere in the world
- language skills and an aptitude for language-learning
- willingness to get actively involved in the local community and undertake a range of social activities while abroad
- good communication skills
- interest in current and international affairs
- tact, diplomacy and neutrality
- organisational skills.
Training to be a diplomat
Basic training is provided in the early years. Fast-Stream entrants are moved every two to three years to ensure development through early experience.
Salaries for diplomats
Operational entrants have a starting salary of approximately £17,000 to £20,000 and policy entrants roughly £23,700 in London.
