Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what process is used to shortlist and assess candidates for political appointments within the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Appointment processes vary according to the role concerned. Ambassadorial and High Commissioner appointments are made by His Majesty on the recommendation of Foreign Secretary under the Royal Prerogative. Candidates are assessed against the requirements of the post including skills, experience and relevant experience needed to undertake the role successfully. Most appointees are members of the Diplomatic Service, although appointments may also be made from outside the Diplomatic Service.