Michael Thornton Email & Phone Number

United Kingdom

Beijing, China

In my role as Head of People at the Department for Business and Trade in the British Embassy Beijing, I spearhead a diverse range of human resources and organisational development initiatives. My responsibilities encompass:Strategic Workforce Planning: Developing and implementing workforce strategies that align with the department’s objectives, ensuring the right talent mix to meet both current and future needs. Learning and Development: Instituting comprehensive training programmes and initiatives to foster skill development and continuous learning amongst employees.Reward and Recognition: Designing and managing a rewards system that acknowledges and motivates staff, reinforcing a culture of high performance and achievement.Diversity and Inclusion (D&I): Championing D&I efforts to create an inclusive, equitable working environment where diverse perspectives are valued and encouraged.People Issues Management: Addressing and resolving a range of employee-related issues, ensuring a positive and productive workplace.Senior Leadership Advisement: Providing expert advice to senior leaders on people-related strategies and decisions, leveraging my HR expertise to influence and guide the organisational direction.Data-Driven Decision Making: Employing a data-driven approach to HR, enabling informed decision-making and measuring the effectiveness of HR initiatives and policies.

In my role as Head of Visits Task Force, i led the planning and execution of logistics for high-level visits and events involving UK and China. This encompassed arrangements for the Prime Minister, members of the Royal Family, the Foreign Secretary, the Chancellor, Secretary of States, and various UK-China Dialogues. My principal responsibilities included:Event and Visit Coordination: Expertly organising and managing complex logistics for high-profile visits and events to ensure their seamless and successful conduct.Diplomatic Liaison: Facilitating effective coordination between diplomatic staff, government officials, and external stakeholders, ensuring smooth and respectful interactions between UK and Chinese dignitaries.Protocol Compliance: Rigorously upholding diplomatic protocols and etiquettes, mirroring the UK’s dedication to professionalism and respect in international relations.Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivating and sustaining robust relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, security services, and local authorities, to guarantee comprehensive support and cooperation.Team Leadership: Guiding and inspiring a diverse team, promoting a culture of excellence and efficacy in high-pressure situations.

Beijing City, China

In my role as Corporate Operations Support Officer, I played a pivotal part in providing comprehensive operational support to enhance departmental efficiency and effectiveness. Key responsibilities of my role included:Procurement Management: Overseeing procurement processes, ensuring cost-effective and timely acquisition of goods and services, and adhering to procurement regulations and best practices.Financial Support: Providing robust financial support and guidance to 190 colleagues, aiding in budget management, financial planning, and expenditure tracking.Learning and Development: Developing and implementing learning and development initiatives, contributing to the continuous professional growth and skill enhancement of the team.Event Coordination: Orchestrating and delivering a range of events, including ministerial visits from the UK, ensuring seamless execution and high standards of hospitality and organisation.Ministerial Visit Management: Facilitating high-profile ministerial visits, managing logistics, and coordinating with various stakeholders to ensure successful and efficient visits.Office Management: Efficiently managing office operations, including space allocation, facilities management, and ensuring a productive and safe working environment.