Scotland, United Kingdom, November 2025 — Charlotte Biswas has been appointed as Head of Human Development at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). In her new capacity, Charlotte will oversee critical areas of the UK’s international development agenda, leading initiatives that strengthen global health systems, nutrition, education, and social inclusion. Her role will be pivotal in advancing the FCDO’s mission to promote sustainable human development across low and middle-income countries through evidence-based policy, innovation, and international collaboration.
Charlotte’s journey with the FCDO spans nearly five years of progressive leadership across key portfolios. Prior to this appointment, she served as Deputy Director for Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights, Health Systems, Climate and Health, WASH, and Nutrition, where she led multi-sectoral programmes advancing global health equity and resilience. Earlier, as Strategy Director, she contributed to shaping the department’s strategic frameworks, driving alignment between policy, delivery, and diplomatic priorities.
Before her tenure at FCDO, Charlotte held significant roles at the Department for International Development (DFID), including Deputy Director, Governance Open Societies and Anti-Corruption, and Head of UN Commonwealth Department, where she played a key role in governance reform, anti-corruption initiatives, and multilateral cooperation within the Commonwealth.
Her earlier leadership includes serving as Bangladesh Country Director at BBC Media Action, where she led multi-award-winning programmes such as BBC Janala — a landmark initiative that helped over 25 million Bangladeshis learn English through television, mobile, and digital media. She also spearheaded innovative multimedia health projects focusing on maternal and neonatal care and climate communication.
Charlotte’s global development expertise was further honed as Country Director for VSO Malawi, where she led one of the organization’s largest programmes worldwide, managing 140 volunteer professionals and more than 100 institutional partnerships across sectors like health, education, and livelihoods. Her earlier roles at BOND, Relate, and SCIAF reflect a rich legacy in leadership, organizational development, and social impact communication.
Charlotte holds an MBA with Distinction from the University of Strathclyde and a Master’s Degree in Development Studies and Social Anthropology from Birkbeck, University of London, underscoring her deep commitment to people-centered global development.
About the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
The FCDO is the United Kingdom’s lead agency for diplomatic, consular, and international development work, employing over 17,000 staff across 281 offices worldwide. Its mission is to advance the UK’s global interests by promoting prosperity, security, and sustainable development through international partnerships, humanitarian aid, and policy leadership.
Headquartered in London, with key operations in East Kilbride and Milton Keynes, the FCDO plays a critical role in shaping global responses to challenges such as poverty, health inequities, gender inequality, and climate change. Through its strategic programmes, the department aims to create a safer, fairer, and more sustainable world.
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