An Olympic challenge

Situation

Our Queen‘s Messengers are the official couriers of classified diplomatic mail, responsible for ensuring the safe passage of classified diplomatic baggage to British Embassies and Consulates around the world. The challenge was to avoid any interruptions to the service during the 2008 Olympic Games, ensuring that all essential deliveries were made on time so that the Embassies could carry out their vital role.

Solution

Advance planning was key. We started liaising with Embassies in Hong Kong, Beijing and across South-East Asia many months in advance, to work out a schedule of visits and guarantee bookings during this very busy period.

Impact

This was the first time that a schedule had been developed and co-ordinated so far in advance. With the full support of my team, I worked closely with the Embassies overseas to agree the detailed plans. By scheduling and reviewing travel bookings early, we were able to negotiate the lowest fares possible and provide a cost-efficient service.

The result was an uninterrupted and consistent level of service throughout the whole of the Olympic Games. Even with large volumes of classified diplomatic baggage being moved through the area, the thorough planning, preparation of schedules and advanced bookings ensured that our Queen‘s Messengers always delivered on time. Without a co-ordinated team effort, services would have been severely disrupted and Embassies would not have received the vital deliveries they required.