News Ben Merrick CMG Discusses the Role of the Civil Service and UK Global Affairs 10.03.2026

Ben Merrick CMG, previously Director of Overseas Territories at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, visited Godolphin and Latymer on Friday 6 March to speak at the Politics and International Relations Society. Ben gave a hugely interesting overview of the vital role of the Civil Service in supporting the government of the day, the interests and involvement of the UK in different areas of the world, exploring for example which African countries the UK is particularly involved in and why.

Ben then went on to give some very practical tips about how to manage stress and crisis situations at work and in our lives. Students were also interested to hear about Ben’s work as a Disability Champion in his organisation – not only encouraging the reduction of barriers in the workplace for those experiencing disability but also encouraging diversity of thought. Ben’s talk was followed by a Q&A session on a range of issues related to the talk, with students asking about Ben’s career path as well as exploring the role of the UK in the wider world.