Brian Donaldson was educated at South Shields Grammar Technical School for Boys. After his education he joined the Civil Service, first in the Ministry of Aviation, then transferring to the Diplomatic Service in March 1965. His career included the following posts: Algiers [Algeria], Management Officer, (1968); La Paz, Archivist, 1971; FCO, Communications Operations Department, 1974; Lagos [Nigeria], Entry Clearance Officer (Visas), 1975; Luxembourg, Vice-Consul, 1979; FCO, Trade Relations and Exports Department (COCOM desk), 1982; FCO, Assistant Private Secretary to Minister of State (Malcolm Rifkind), 1983; Mauritius, 2nd (later 1st) Secretary, Aid/Commercial, 1985; Yaoundé [Cameroon], Deputy Head of Mission, 1989; Dhaka [Bangladesh], 1st Secretary, Immigration/Consular, 1992; FCO, Personnel Operations Department, 1996; FCO, Deputy Head of Information Department, 1997; Namibia, High Commissioner, 1999; Madagascar, Ambassador, 2002; retired, 2005.