Home > Past Events > Embassy Induction Seminar 2019

Embassy Induction Seminar 2019

Kerry | 7th November 2019

The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, HE Mr Khaled Al Duwaisan, gives his guide to diplomacy in the UK

The Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps Mr Alistair Harrison extends a greeting from The Queen

Panellists at the Political Session gave diplomats insights into the UK’s political system: Director of the FCO’s Diplomatic Academy Jon Benjamin, Andrew Rosindell MP of the Foreign Affairs Committee and Lord Boswell, former Chair of the EU Select Committee at the House of Lords

Andrew Sabey and Faisal Janjua of BMW Diplomatic Sales team welcome new diplomats to London

IS19_3Spouse programme Chair Siobhan Hamilton-Phillips, President of FIWAL and Mrs Dalal Al Duwaisan, spouse of the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps welcome the new diplomatic spouses to London

Aaron Long of Jaguar Land Rover tells a delegate about their diplomatic programme

Gillian Ormiston of FCO Protocol Directorate gives an overview of diplomatic privileges and immunities

Diplomats and spouses unwind after an intense orientation day

Cindy Renggli, President of the Diplomatic Spouse Club of London introduces spouses to the DSCL

Diplomats meet exhibitors in the Living in London exhibition

Paul Gardner of Chacalli De Decker in discussion with diplomats

Jonathan Sweet, Executive Director of the FCO’s DSFA, addresses the new diplomatic spouses

Marc Stockbroekx of Diplomatic Card Services chats to the High Commissioner of Kenya Mr Manoah Esipisu and Mrs Esipisu

Wilfred Adderley (Bahamas), President of the Young Diplomats of London in the Introduction to Diplomatic Networks session

The team from the International Family Law Group

Tom Wintle (DIT) addresses the Economics Session, chaired by Alexander Renggli (Switzerland), Chair of the AERL

Charles Flynn of the Athenaeum in conversation with a new diplomat

Lauren Harris (Canada), President of DPAAL, chairs the press panel with James Robbins (BBC) and Ed Roman (FCO Chief Press Office) and Steve Hardy (FCO Social Media Manager)

Shalini Grover of the Taj 51 Buckingham Gate meets a new diplomat

Keith Nichol, Head of Cultural Diplomacy at DCMS, addresses the Culture, Education and Science panel which included Andrew Allen (Royal Society), Caroline Meaby and Emma Skelton of the British Council and chaired by Facundo Santiago (Argentina)

Julia Camwell of Mercedes Benz Diplomatic Sales awards a lucky diplomat with an AMG Track Experience

Tanup Gadhia of the Home Office with fellow panellists Sion Brayley (DVLA), Jonathan Fox (HMRC) and Tim Bennett (Metropolitan Police) in the Embassy Managers session

Canan Wood, head of diplomatic services at Hamptons International advises newcomers of places to live in London

Karen Chillman of Croydon Voluntary Action explains to diplomatic spouses the benefits of volunteering

Wayne Robbins of Griffin Military and Diplomatic meets new diplomats

A delegate takes a blood pressure test offered by The London Clinic

Embassy Director Elizabeth Stewart and Kerry Chislett of Latitude Relocation award Eulalia Alonso Nieto (Spain) with a prize

The consular panel with Celia Livesey and Matthew Dine of the Home Office, Theodoros Gotsis (Consular Corps of London), Sue Ackerman (Rowland Brothers International), Julia Wellby (Family Liaison Officer, Met Police), Judith Kaye (NPCC International Crime Coordination Centre) and Adrian Chen (HM Prisons and Probation Service)

Almost 300 diplomats and their spouses representing more than 100 nations attended the 12th Embassy Induction Seminar.

A capacity crowd of diplomats attended Embassy Event’s popular orientation programme to introduce them to diplomacy in London. They were welcomed by the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, the Ambassador of Kuwait Mr Khaled Al Duwaisan, who gave newcomers his guide to diplomacy, gleaned from 26 years of serving in London. The Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps extended greetings on behalf of The Queen and gave envoys insights into the constitutional role of the British monarch. On practical matters, attendees were given a thorough overview of their privileges and immunities from Gillian Ormiston at the Protocol Directorate of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Diplomats received introductions to the top diplomatic associations in London and multilateral organisations, while newly-arrived heads of administration received briefings from UK authorities on security and regulations.

Living in London workshops helped with the practical necessities of settling into a new post, after which diplomats attended workshops in their specialist fields – including politics, consular, press, economics, culture and education.

Diplomatic spouses attended a parallel programme where they were welcomed by the Doyenne of the Diplomatic Corps, Mrs Dalal Al Duwaisan, wife of the Ambassador of Kuwait and Jonathan Sweet, Executive Director of the Diplomatic Service Families Association who extended a welcome from the FCO. Spouses received an introduction to the Diplomatic Spouse Club of London from Cindy Renggli, the DSCL President.

Spouses were able to network in a series of workshops after which they were able to meet their diplomatic neighbours in London.

Delegates ended the packed day with a relaxing drinks reception and prize draw.

PHOTOS: PIERRE DE VILLIERS