Formerly: Provost of Eton College (1991-2000); Diplomat – Foreign and Commonwealth Office (1953-1991); Ambassador to Washington (1986-91), Permanent Under Secretary of State, FCO, and Head of Diplomatic Service (1982-86), Deputy Under Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) (1980-82), Ambassador to Spain (1977-79), Ambassador to Luxembourg (1975-77); Chairman of the Council of Management (1990–1997), The Ditchley Foundation.