Get a glimpse of decision-making at the top of Government from the inside, from a real Sir Humphrey Appleby.

From 2020 to 2025, Sir Philip was the Permanent Under-Secretary of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and Head of the UK Diplomatic Service, implementing the merger of the Foreign Office and Department for International Development and overseeing the department’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine amongst other international events.

Sir Philip was previously Director General for Defence and Intelligence in the FCO, where he led the UK’s international response to the Salisbury chemical weapons attack, and Acting Chair of the Joint Intelligence Committee. He also served as Foreign Affairs Private Secretary to Prime Ministers John Major and Tony Blair.

Sir Philip’s overseas roles included High Commissioner to Pakistan, High Commissioner to India (briefly) and Deputy Ambassador to the US during the Obama Administration. He was posted to Cyprus, Gibraltar, New Delhi, and Venezuela earlier in his diplomatic career.

About our Cumberland Conversations series

Our Cumberland Conversations offer fresh perspectives on some of the most pressing challenges facing society today.

Join us here at Cumberland Lodge for the chance to engage with influential voices in business, politics, biodiversity, science, war, education, espionage, the arts, and more.

They’ll share insights and reflections on the tough decisions they’ve faced in their careers, and the ethical leadership lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Format

Guests are invited to join us from 5.45pm on Tuesday 7 October for refreshments before taking a seat for the Conversation by 6pm.

The Conversation will take place in Flitcroft, in The Mews conference centre at Cumberland Lodge. A short drinks reception will follow from 7.30pm to 8pm and tickets include a glass of wine, prosecco or soft drink.

You can find out more about our Cumberland Conversations series of events by clicking here.

Book your ticket

By attending a Conversation, you’re supporting our charitable mission – the funds raised through ticket sales help us develop the next generation of leaders through our educational programmes.

Please book early as tickets are limited.

You can book your tickets here: https://go.cumberlandlodge.ac.uk/CCBartonWEB