Embassy Induction Seminar 2016 Review

Capacity crowd at Induction Seminar

The ninth Embassy Induction Seminar attracted record attendance from more than 200 newly arrived diplomats from 100 missions, in a day packed with networking, information gathering and debate at 11 Cavendish Square. It was standing room only at the spouse programme which really came into its own this year.

The day started with introductory briefings from the FCO, the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps Mr Alistair Harrison, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Mr Khaled Al Duwaisan and the Doyenne of the Diplomatic Corps Mrs Dalal Al Duwaisan. Delegates were then introduced to the many vibrant diplomatic associations in London, while embassy managers got down to business in the management meeting with FCO Protocol, and spouses received advice on employment, professional development and schooling.

An essential personal safety seminar from Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection was next, followed by a series of informative workshops where diplomats got to grips with all the basics of living in London.

There was plenty of discussion in the diplomacy workshops, where the impact of Brexit dominated most talks covering politics, consular affairs, economics and trade, press, education, science and culture.

After a packed day, diplomats and spouses unwound with a convivial networking reception and prize draw – but with so many contacts and friends made, everybody was a winner on the day.