The Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK (CPA UK) is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Chief Executive: Sarah Dickson OBE. 

Sarah will join CPA UK from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Sarah’s most recent overseas posting was as British High Commissioner to The Bahamas, until July 2022. She has served in the British Diplomatic Service for more than 20 years. Her previous diplomatic appointment was as Ambassador to Guatemala and Honduras. Sarah has also served in Spain, Argentina and the former Yugoslavia; as well as various appointments in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London. Sarah also spent a period as International Director at the Scotch Whisky Association. 

Sarah will start her role in early January. She will take over from Jon Davies, who will leave CPA UK later in December after over six years as Chief Executive. 

Dame Maria Miller MP, Chair of CPA UK’s Executive Committee said of the appointment: “It is excellent to welcome Sarah Dickson to CPA UK. Her extensive experience will be vital in stewarding the important work that CPA UK does across the Commonwealth, as Jon Davies has done so well throughout his tenure. We are greatly looking forward to working with her”. 

Ahead of taking up the role Sarah Dickson noted that “the CPA UK has a stellar reputation with all the High Commissioners I have spoken to. It will be a real privilege for me to work with members of both Houses and the team who have done so much to build relationships and capability throughout the Commonwealth. I look forward to sharing more about our exciting plans for 2024 when I start the role in the New Year.”