Richard Shackleton
Biography
Richard took up the role of Deputy Head of Mission and HM Consul-General for Switzerland and Liechtenstein in March 2025.
Before joining the Embassy, he served as Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy in Budapest from 2020-2024, having been Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Helsinki before then from 2016. His previous roles included work on energy and climate change issues in Mexico, as well as time in India, Bulgaria and Colombia. Richard also worked at the UK Mission to the United Nations in New York as well as in the former Department of Energy and Climate Change.
| 2020 to 2024 | Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy in Budapest, Hungary |
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| 2016 to 2020 | Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy in Helsinki, Finland |
| 2012 to 2016 | Mexico City, Mexico, First Secretary, Climate Change, Energy and Low Carbon Prosperity |
| 2011 to 2011 | Mumbai, India, First Secretary Financial Services and Infrastructure India |
| 2010 to 2011 | DECC, Head of Developing Country Engagement for Climate Change and Energy |
| 2008 to 2010 | FCO, Energy Security of Supply Desk Officer - Russia, Ukraine, Caspian Region and Turkey |
| 2004 to 2007 | Sofia, Bulgaria, Second Secretary (EU/Economic) |
| 2000 to 2003 | British Council Colombia, Deputy Director |
| 1998 to 2000 | International Director, Children’s Museum, Bogotá, Colombia |
| 1995 to 1997 | Bogotá, Colombia, Third Secretary Commercial |
| 1992 to 1995 | UK Mission to the UN, New York, Third Secretary |
| 1990 to 1992 | Joined FCO. Information Systems Department (Resources) |
Deputy Head of Mission, Switzerland
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.
Previous roles in government
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Deputy Head of Mission, Hungary
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Chargé d'Affaires to Hungary
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Deputy Head of Mission, Finland