Alison Kerr MVO
Biography
Alison became Acting Deputy Head of Mission in January 2026.
She previously served as Political Counsellor and Head of Chancery at the British Embassy in Rome from August 2022.
Alison joined the Foreign Office in 2003. She has worked in the European Commission, the UK Representation to the EU and the British Embassy in Paris and had a short secondment to the French Foreign Ministry. She has also worked in other government departments in London, including the National Security Secretariat at the Cabinet Office.
Deputy Head of Mission, Italy and San Marino
The Deputy Head of Mission is a senior diplomat and typically a key advisor to the Ambassador or High Commissioner. The Deputy is responsible for the daily management of an overseas Embassy or High Commission. They will represent the UK’s interests in the absence of the Ambassador as Chargé d’Affaires. A senior ranking Deputy may also take the title Minister. Smaller missions may not have a Deputy Head.