DIPLOMATIC REPRESENTATION
Letter to the Chairman of the Committee
from Permanent Under Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth
Office
During my recent appearance in front of the
Foreign Affairs Committee, there was interest from the Committee
on our Embassy to the Holy See. I thought I would therefore write
to let you know that we intend to announce on Tuesday 15 November
the appointment of Francis Campbell as our new Ambassador to the
Holy See. I enclose a copy of the announcement and Mr Campbell's
CV.
This is the first time that we have appointed
an Ambassador by open competition. It is, however, in line with
the Government's policy of recruiting people with appropriate
skills and experience from all areas of public life. I believe
that this is a positive step that demonstrates how the FCO is
becoming more modern, open and diverse. By opening the competition
up, we have ensured that we have someone with the right skills
and experience for what is an interesting and challenging job.
Francis Campbell's knowledge and understanding
of the mechanics of government and work with faith organisations
and civil society in the UK and internationally mean that he is
ideally placed to promote and develop the UK's overseas strategic
priorities with regard to the Holy See. His background in diplomacy,
coupled with his experience outside the Foreign and Commonwealth
Office, will enable him to interact at the highest levels within
UK and Vatican circles. I am confident that his appointment will
be warmly and widely welcomed in the UK and at the Holy See.
Francis Campbell will have full diplomatic status
and will carry out the full range of diplomatic duties.
Sir Michael Jay KCMG
Permanent Under Secretary of State
11 November 2005
CHANGE OF AMBASSADOR TO THE HOLY SEE
Mr Francis Campbell has been appointed Her Majesty's
Ambassador to the Holy See in succession to Mrs Kathryn Colvin
CVO who has retired from the Diplomatic Service. Mr Campbell will
take up his appointment in December 2005.
CURRICULUM VITAE
| Full Name: | Mr Francis Martin-Xavier Campbell
|
| Date of Birth: | 20 April 1970
|
| 2005- | Senior Policy Director, Amnesty International
|
| 2003-05 | 1st Secretary, British Embassy to Italy
|
| 2001-03 | On secondment to No 10 Downing Street as Private Secretary to the Prime Minister
|
| 1999-2001 | On secondment to No 10 Downing Street as Policy Adviser to the Prime Minister
|
| 1998-99 | European Enlargement Unit, FCO
|
| 1997-98 | On secondment to the European Commission—appointed to the EC Delegation at the UN in New York for the UK Presidency of the EU
|
| 1997 | European Enlargement Unit, FCO
|
| 1996-97 | University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (MA)
|
| 1994-95 | Katholieke University of Leuven, Belgium (MA)
|
| 1989-92 | Queen's University Belfast, (BA)
|
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