Diplomatic Service, British

Body that represents Britain abroad in regard to its international interests, consisting of diplomatic agents and occasionally consuls, although the latter are in general concerned only with the interests of British subjects resident abroad. Diplomatic agents include ambassadors, or envoys, who are officials permanently accredited (appointed) to a foreign state, and chargés d'affaires who either act as deputy for an ambassador or are accredited as the British representative to a foreign country of minor importance.

The Diplomatic Service employs some 5,500 (1998) people for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and diplomatic missions abroad. It has its own grade structure.

Ambassadors are appointed by and receive their authority from sealed letters of credence (credentials) addressed to the sovereign or president of the country to which they are accredited, and from instructions to themselves personally. Ambassadors are assisted by various attendants known as attachés, who have to serve a probationary period, after which they become eligible for appointment as third secretaries. First and second secretaries make up an intermediate class.

All members of the Diplomatic Service are expected to serve in whatever part of the world their services may be required. The Diplomatic Service is separate from the Home Civil Service and transfers between the two are not normally permitted. Women are admitted to both the Diplomatic and Consular Services on equal terms with men. There was formerly a general marriage bar on women, but this no longer applies, although marriage does not diminish the requirement to serve in any post at home or abroad. All members of the Diplomatic Service are required to be fluent in one or more foreign languages. They must also be British citizens and the approval of the foreign secretary is required for the appointment of anyone whose spouse and parents have not at all times been British citizens.