As the learning and development coordinator, I help the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA/BZ) become more future-proof by developing effective learning and development policy and learning activities. This is geared to helping staff develop the knowledge, skills and attitude that they need to work at BZ, particularly those who represent central government internationally. I regularly consult with internal and external partners including our dean and the Chief Science Officer in the Strategic Policy Unit. I also attend BZ Strategy Board meetings to make sure that our learning policy remains in step with international developments. And I'm the secretary of the Advisory Council, which acts as a sparring partner and sounding board for the Academy. We meet three to four times a year to discuss issues relating to learning and development.

I apply my expertise and training in change management and systemic thinking to analysing complex issues and developing sustainable learning solutions. I also use my experience to strengthen links between learning and development on the one hand and BZ's HR policy and processes on the other. As a member of the Academy staff, I contribute to its strategic development and advice for senior management.

If you have ideas about learning and development at BZ and how it is organised, please let me know. The more the Academy knows about people's needs and the challenges they face in practice, the more we can do to help them.