John Derrick
Biography
John Derrick was Deputy Head of Mission and Consul-General at the British Embassy in Chile from October 2017 to June 2022. He has served in a number of roles in the UK and overseas, including Brussels, Islamabad, Helmand (south Afghanistan) and worked for different UK Government departments and the European Commission.
This is John’s first posting in South America. However, he worked for three years in the South America Department at the Foreign Office and visited Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay during this time.
Immediately prior to starting at the Embassy, he worked in the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a result of a new exchange programme signed between both ministries, which has also enabled a Chilean diplomat to work for the FCO in London.
Deputy Head of Mission, Chile
The Deputy Head of Mission is a senior diplomat and typically a key advisor to the Ambassador or High Commissioner. The Deputy is responsible for the daily management of an overseas Embassy or High Commission. They will represent the UK’s interests in the absence of the Ambassador as Chargé d’Affaires. A senior ranking Deputy may also take the title Minister. Smaller missions may not have a Deputy Head.