Diplomatic Academy (United Kingdom) facts for kids
The International Academy (once known as the Diplomatic Academy) is a special place in the United Kingdom where people who work for the government learn how to deal with other countries. It helps them understand how to work with diplomats and leaders from all over the world. It's part of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which was created in 2020 when two government departments, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department for International Development (DFID), joined together.
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What is the International Academy?
The International Academy teaches important skills to people who represent the UK in other countries. This includes learning about different cultures, how to negotiate, and how to help British citizens who are abroad. It's like a school for diplomats and international workers.
How it Started
The idea for the Diplomatic Academy was first announced in 2013 by William Hague, who was the UK's Foreign Secretary at the time. It officially started teaching in 2014 and was formally opened in 2015 by another Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond. It was set up to make sure that UK government staff had the best training for their important international jobs.
What They Teach
The Academy teaches many different subjects, which they call "Faculties." These include:
- How international policy works
- Skills for diplomatic work
- Understanding different countries and societies
- Learning about the United Kingdom
- Helping people in emergencies (like when British citizens need help abroad)
- Economics and making countries richer
- Working with Europe
- Dealing with international groups
- Security, defence, and intelligence
- Law
- Languages
After the UK decided to leave the European Union, a new subject was added in 2016: "Trade Policy and Negotiations." This helps staff learn how to make new trade deals with countries around the world.
Growing Bigger
In 2017, the Academy took on even more responsibilities. It started to manage training for leaders and managers within the FCO. It also took over the teams that helped staff learn new skills in different parts of the world. These teams became known as the Diplomatic Academy Regional Teams (DARTs). This made the Diplomatic Academy the main place for all learning and development within the FCO.
Where is the Academy Located?
The main offices and classrooms of the International Academy are in the FCDO's main building in King Charles Street, London. This is a very important building where many decisions about the UK's international relations are made.
The Mayhew Theatre
A special new learning space called the Mayhew Theatre was opened in 2019. It was named after Baroness Cicely Mayhew, who was the first woman diplomat from the UK. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge officially opened this theatre. The staff of the FCO voted to name the theatre after Baroness Mayhew to honor her important role in history.
Who Can Learn at the Academy?
The Academy's courses are mostly for people who work for the FCDO and other UK government departments. These are people who have jobs that involve working with other countries.
Online Courses for Everyone
While most courses are for government staff, the Academy has also tried offering online courses that anyone can join. These are called Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs).
- One course, called Diplomacy in the 21st Century, was made with the Open University. Over 13,500 people signed up for it in 2019.
- Another course, Introduction to British Diplomacy, was offered in 2020.
These online courses allow more people to learn about diplomacy and how the UK works with the rest of the world.
