Maintaining a career, or even just finding work, can be difficult when you're moving from an overseas Post to the UK and back again every few years. The DSFA provides a range of support for spouses, partners or family members of diplomatic officers to help manage these difficulties.

To make sure training needs are met, and members are better prepared to enter the workforce, DSFA has a team of advisers who can assist with individual queries.  

DSFA advisers:

• prepare a DSFA programme of free training courses
• make sure spouses and partners have maximum access to FCO training courses and FCO language training
• work with the administration to raise the profile of partner employment issues
• speak at induction courses for new entrants to the FCO and other government departments as well as help train FCO Management Officers and Community Liaison Officers
• work with external organisations to share information and expertise on issues relating to spouse/partner employment

Training courses

DSFA training courses are designed to help members identify their existing skills and pick up new ones, so they are better prepared to enter the job market in the UK or overseas. A range of courses are on offer to suit all skill levels.

The DSFA has a Spouse/Partner Sponsorship Scheme which provides funding for partners to train in a transferable skill. Members also have access to the London School of Economics Careers Service library, its counsellors and courses.