On 29 January 2009, Dr Rachel Aron, the British Ambassador to Belgium, spoke to FEW members about her career with the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office and her current role as Ambassador.

Dr Aron's diplomatic career has spanned over 20 years and has taken her from the department's London headquarters to overseas postings in the US and Brazil. She has also played a significant role in developing the Department's Human Resources policies, as well as acting as a coach and assessor for colleagues, including whilst on special leave when her husband (also a British diplomat) undertook postings in Amman and Belgium.

Dr Aron gave FEW members an insight into the varied and challenging roles of an Ambassador, a job which combines a high-profile diplomatic function with a senior management position with ultimate responsibility for running the Embassy and managing its staff. She highlighted the importance, in her own career, of the support she had received from her colleagues within the civil service and from her family, which has allowed her to balance a fulfilling and demanding career with bringing up four children. Dr Aron also shared some very useful advice and tips drawn from her own experience, including on effective networking and the importance of continued training and development.

The talk was preceded by a buffet lunch and an opportunity for FEW members to mingle and network.

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