Pros
If you're a UK appointed working overseas benefits are pretty good Some pretty flexible and sympathetic managers
Cons
There is a lot of favouritism, getting on is as much about playing the game and sucking up as it is about being good at your job A lot of senior people at the centre and in the regions lack much needed leadership skills There's a lot of change at the moment managed by people who are not particularly qualified Poor internal communications Very top down, the thoughts and opinions of UK appointed staff in many countries are valued more than local/national staff who have been employed for numerous years An increasingly fearful organisation that lacks confidence in the face of e.g. FCO and DIT colleagues. Very short-termist at the moment