Diplomacy, Adaptability and Navigating Global Challenges: Insights from a Masterclass with Sir Philip Barton KCMG OBE

Sir Philip Barton is a senior British diplomat and the current Permanent Under-Secretary of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Throughout his Masterclass, Sir Barton shared his insights on the evolution of his role within the FCDO, the unique difficulties he faced when posted in various countries, and the personal challenges he overcame within his career. 

Sir Barton’s career in the FCDO began in 1986. Within Sir Barton’s numerous roles across the FCDO, he encountered a wide range of challenges and responsibilities, from working under threat to release British citizens from captivity, to navigating the volatility of international relations in the modern day. Through his experiences, he emphasised the importance of resilience whilst navigating these five goals:

1. Promoting economic growth and boosting trade and investment; 
2. Britain’s role in climate diplomacy and climate finance; 
3. Domestic security of the UK and mitigating international threats; 
4. Maintaining a relationship with the European Union; 
5. Reinforcing dialogue and cooperation with global partners. 

Sir Barton further highlighted the value of cultural understanding and navigating national priorities when representing British interests on an international platform. He illustrated how the evolution of Britain since the 1980s has led to significant shifts in the priorities, interests and global role of the UK. He also considered the emerging challenges posed by the changing context of British foreign policy, through events such as Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. Prospectively, Sir Barton recognised the future challenges of anticipating global events in an increasingly interconnected world, highlighting the importance of flexibility and adaptability within his role. 

To the Patchworkers, he emphasised the importance of leadership, accountability and delegation in representing the interests of British foreign policy. He explained that whilst the communication strategies and tools of diplomacy have evolved drastically over time, the people-facing and leadership elements have remained constant. Sir Barton stated that reinforcing a culture of trust allowed him to navigate unforeseen diplomatic challenges and support his career. 

Reflecting on his personal and professional development throughout his career, Sir Barton shared some reflections on his confidence growth and communication skills. He explained that, despite beginning his career as an introverted individual, he recognised the importance of developing confidence through cultivating extroverted behaviours. His advice was to actively push your boundaries in order to refine public speaking and presentation skills.

Ultimately, Sir Barton encouraged aspiring diplomats to seek out international opportunities and embrace diverse cultural experiences. The Masterclass was a reminder of the importance of skills such as leadership, delegation, adaptability and self-assurance. Sir Barton highlighted the diversity of a role in diplomacy, but also left Patchworkers with valuable insights on personal development.