Alyson studied as an undergraduate at Brasenose College, Oxford. She is a senior British diplomat and lawyer with over 25 years’ experience in law and public service, having been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2023. She has extensive experience across foreign policy, international law, and diplomacy, previously holding the post of Deputy Head of Mission in Beirut and the UK Government’s Arabic spokesperson for the Middle East and North Africa. She has lived and worked in Belgium, DRC, Guatemala, Lebanon, Sudan, Syria, UAE and the United States, and been seconded to the European Commission and Scotland Office. Before joining the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Alyson practised law with Davis Polk & Wardwell, as a New York attorney. She is also qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales. She studied international law and international affairs at Columbia University and EU law at King’s College London.

Alyson is married to classical guitarist, Ayman Jarjour, and they have two adult children. Alyson grew up in a small town in Scotland and enjoys walking, running, music, chess and travel.