British Consulate
British Consulate General Andrew Whittaker
We work closely with the British Consulates in San Francisco and Los Angeles to provide assistance and resources on unique and vulnerable cases.
The BBS has enjoyed a special relationship with the British Consulates-General in San Francisco and Los Angeles for more than a century. Each serving British Consul-General in San Francisco has had the pleasure of serving as Honorary President of the BBS. Andrew Whittaker, our current Honorary President, has been HM Consul General to San Francisco since August 2016.
Prior to his role as Consul General, Andrew spent three years as Deputy Director at CERT-UK – the UK’s national cyber security team – focusing on supporting and developing engagement on cyber security issues between government and industry, and with international partners.
Before this Andrew was Deputy Head of the Crisis Management Department in the Foreign Office, handling the UK response to incidents ranging from conflict in the Middle East, the sinking of the Costa Concordia, and hostage taking in Algeria. Andrew’s Foreign Office career, which began in 1998, also includes postings in Madrid, Jerusalem and Basra.
Andrew holds a MA (Hons) degree in Social and Political Sciences from the University of Cambridge (Magdalene College). Though his playing days are now over, Andrew is a rugby enthusiast and plans to spend lots of time outdoors on family adventures across the US.
Case Studies
From repatriation to financial assistance, there are numerous ways that the BBS helps British citizens in need.
Read MoreEmergency Preparedness Resources
Regardless of whether you have been directly impacted by recent events, we can all do well to invest some time in being well-prepared for potential future events.
Read MoreWho We Help
The BBS responds to appeals for one-time emergency assistance and, in unusual circumstances, provides longer term support.
Read MoreDid you know?
The BBS and British Consulate have worked together to assist Brits in need for over a century. Our organization is the only one of it's kind in the US!