Sir Mark Sedwill

In this episode, hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Sir Mark Sedwill who came up to the Hall in 1987 to undertake an MPhil in Economics.  After the Hall, Mark joined the Foreign Office and embarked on an exciting career all over the Middle East and South Asia where he ended up as Ambassador to Afghanistan.  He then became NATO’s Civilian Representative in Afghanistan followd by Permanent Secretary at the Home Office.  Mark then acted as Cabinet Secretary to Prime Ministers Teresa May and Boris Johnson at the same time as he was National Security Adviser.  Finally in 2020, Mark stepped down from the government altogether and today has a portfolio of activities as a Peer in the House of Lords, the commercial and charity worlds.


Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

Om Podcasten

“Spirit of the Hall” features engaging conversations with some of St Edmund Hall’s most fascinating alumni, fellows and staff. Hosted by Olly Belcher (nee Donnelly), President of the SEH Association for alumni, this podcast provides a special opportunity for current and past members of Teddy Hall to share how that unique spirit has shaped their insights and experiences in politics, academia, business, entertainment, technology and more. Join us as we lead the way and shine a light on some of those who make Teddy Hall - and other Oxford Colleges - the great institutions that they are.