Operating Model Transformation in the Diplomatic Sector
Industry: Government / Diplomatic Services/Property Services
Focus Area: Adhere to strict levels of governance, meeting robust transition timelines, building relationships with senior diplomats in post
Key Outcome: Milestones met, US$ 1.5M transition bonus accessed, US$ 15M additional unbudgeted 1st year CAPEX awarded
Region: Asia–Pacific
A foreign government within the Five Eyes alliance needed to transition property services across nine APAC countries to a new provider. The work carried strict governance, security and quality requirements, and involved high profile diplomatic sites.
The challenge
Protect sensitive diplomatic data and assets during transition
Meet demanding reporting and governance requirements from London and Brussels
Apply rigid British government service standards across very different local markets
Build trust quickly with senior diplomats and their staff in post
Onboard accredited suppliers and skilled staff under tight deadlines
The risk was operational disruption in politically sensitive environments.
What Michael did
Michael led multi disciplinary teams across all nine countries to:
Recruit and transition staff while maintaining service continuity
Stand up systems, policies and processes that met diplomatic security requirements
Design governance and performance frameworks aligned with British government standards
Build relationships with senior diplomats and officials in London and Brussels
Create clear reporting lines and escalation paths across time zones
He focused on giving leaders confidence that operations would meet both local and central expectations.
What changed
US$1.5 million in transition performance bonus achieved
US$15 million in additional, unbudgeted year 1 capital works secured and delivered
Over 95 percent staff retention from the previous provider, maintaining local knowledge and relationships Future Focus Consulting
Client voice
“Michael supported the FCDO through a major transformation across Asia Pacific. Despite no prior experience in the diplomatic sector, he swiftly identified and leveraged the right expertise to achieve an outstanding result.”
Adam P., Kizuna Solutions, Consultant to the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, London