The British High Commissioner is the UK government’s representative in Sierra Leone, and is responsible for the direction and work of the High Commission office in Freetown, including political work, trade and investment, press and cultural relations, and visa and consular services.

During his three years as British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Guy Warrington helped promote Sierra Leone’s constantly evolving peace building and democratic processes through dialogue and active engagement with all sections of the political spectrum.

He was a good ambassador for the people of Sierra Leone at a time when British government funding for overseas development was under serious strain and difficult decisions were being made to cut funding for social programmes overseas.

Guy Warrington ensured that the people of Sierra Leone did not lose out on funding, especially in support of education, healthcare, and access to clean drinking water; support to the police among other initiatives aimed at tackling poverty.

Simon Mustard began his career as Policy Lead on Counter Terrorism and Strategic Threats in 2002. In 2005 he became Private Secretary to Minister of State, and to the Secretary of State. He took office in the FCO Consular Directorate in 2009 to 2011 as Head of Regional Issues Team at the Counter-Proliferation Department.

In 2011 to 2013 he became the Head of Country Casework Team and Deputy Head of Consular Assistance at the FCO; and was then moved to Amman – Jordan as Deputy Head of Mission until 2016.

He is currently the Head of the Southern and Central Africa Department of the FCO, and Special Envoy to African Great Lakes Region.

Simon Mustard is married with two children.

It is hoped that Simon will help the government of Sierra Leone achieve its new policy direction and commitment to develop the economy of the country through trade, rather than foreign aid.