2024 Chevening Orientation
£ Free
Get ready for your in-person Chevening orientation!
This celebratory event is your chance to meet everyone in your cohort for the first time!
The day will include:
- A keynote speech
- Lots of networking opportunities
- Workshops
- An opportunity to meet your Programme Officer
- A drinks reception
See the full programme below.
Attendance at this event is mandatory for all scholars. You must book your own travel to the event, as well as any necessary accommodation, using your travel top-up allowance.
Book your ticket for Orientation now
Orientation Programme
Time |
Session |
Room |
Level |
| 10:30- 11:15 | Scholar registration | ICC Capital Hall | 0 |
| 11:30- 12:00 |
Welcome, including: – Opening- Andrew Chadwick, Director, Chevening Scholarships – Special Address- Minister Stephen Doughty, Minister of State (Europe, North America and Overseas Territories), FCDO – Policies/meet the POUK team – Messages from selected High Commissions and Embassies/Your Chevening Journey/Social Media Ambassadors video |
ICC Auditorium | 0 |
| 12:15- 13:30 |
Morning breakout sessions (12:30 start) – Gemma Harper, Joint Nature Conservation Committee- Leading from the future to tackle the biodiversity crisis – Margaret Purdasy, FCDO and Alice Wyss, FCDO Building bridges – promoting human rights and rule of law internationally through partnerships – Caroline Black- Personal branding – Joan Wasylik- Career planning and networking |
ICC Suites | 1 |
| 13:45- 15:00 | Lunch | ICC Capital Hall | 0 |
| 15:15- 15:45 |
Afternoon session, including: – Visit Britain video – Keynote Address- Cortina Butler, British Council – Closing remarks- Emma Hennessey, Head of the Scholarships Unit, FCDO |
ICC Auditorium | 0 |
| 15:45- 17:00 | Drinks reception | ICC Capital Hall | 0 |
Important information
How do I get to the venue?
Chevening orientation will take place at the Excel Centre in London. The event is on the east side of the building in the Capital Hall, Auditorium and Capital Suites. The Prince Regent entrance will be closed on Saturday 23 November so please enter via the Customs House entrance. Please walk through the building until you arrive at the Capital Hall, located at the other end of the building. We recommend that you plan your journey in advance.
Can I bring friends and/or family with me?
The event is for Chevening scholars and fellows only. We are unable to accommodate family members, children, or friends outside of the 2024-25 Chevening cohort; they will be refused entry.
If you have additional needs, you should have been contacted and you may be able to bring a friend to assist you. Please email welfare@chevening.org if you have not been contacted.
Will there be a photographer?
There will be a photographer and a videographer at the event. These photos and videos may be used for marketing purposes in future. If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please pick up a yellow lanyard when you arrive at the event, so that staff and fellow scholars know not to include you in photos.
What shall I wear?
There is no specific dress code, but we encourage scholars to dress colourfully and wear national dress if they wish. The most important thing is that you are comfortable in what you wear.
What if I lose personal property on the day?
If you lose something on the day, please speak to ExCeL staff or contact lostpropertyenquiries@excel.london. Chevening staff will not collect belongings left behind.
Are there any items I cannot bring to the venue?
Please be sensible and think about the items that you are bringing to the event. The Security team at the ExCeL can confiscate items considered dangerous and we cannot guarantee that you will be allowed them back.
Is there anything I should bring with me?
If you have a business card or some ID you can use as a name badge, it will help facilitate your networking and make the most out of meeting other scholars!
Can I keep my bag with me during the event?
For all large items please you use the free of charge cloakroom provided. This can be found on the ground floor.
Please note that this does get very busy so if you wish to check a bag, please arrive at 10:00.
What if I need to charge my phone on the day?
There are no sockets within any of the ExCeL rooms for phone charging. However, there are charge boxes for phones located east and west of the venue near the entrances.
Will there be anywhere to buy food on the day?
A light sandwich lunch will be provided. If you would prefer to buy your own lunch, there are places to do so at the ExCel. You are also welcome to bring your own snacks.
I have a dietary requirement – will there be food for me?
When registering, you should have noted if you had any dietary requirements and as such, there will be gluten free and vegan options available to those who stated their preference.
All the options are halal.
Can I leave early?
We would prefer that you stay for the duration of the programme as important information will be passed across throughout the day.
What if I need assistance on the day?
We will have a manned information desk within the Capital Hall that you can go to and all Chevening staff will be wearing red lanyards.
If you are feeling unwell, there is a first aider at the ExCeL so please do reach out to ExCeL members of staff.
We can’t wait to see you there!