Tim Dowse was born on 18 December 1955. He joined the Diplomatic Service in 1978 and his diplomatic career has included: UN Department, Foreign Office, 1978–80; 3rd, later 2nd Secretary, Manila [Philippines], 1980-82; Israeli language training, 1982-83; 1st Secretary and Press Officer, Tel Aviv, 1983-86; Economic Relations Department (ERD), Foreign and Commonwealth Office, 1986-88; Southern Africa Department; FCO, and Resident Clerk, 1988-90; Deputy Head, Gulf War Political/Military Emergency Unit, FCO, 1991; Assistant Head, Non-Proliferation and Defence Department, FCO, 1991-92; Secondment to US State Department, Washington DC [United States], 1992; 1st Secretary Chancery, British Embassy Washington DC, 1992-96; Higher Command and Staff Course, JSSC Camberley, 1997; Deputy Chief of the Assessments Staff, Cabinet Office 1997-98; Head of Defence, Diplomacy and Intelligence Spending team, HM Treasury, 1999-2000; Head of Non-Proliferation (latterly Counter-Proliferation) Department, FCO, 2001-03; Chief of the Assessments Staff (latterly Director, Central Intelligence Assessment), Cabinet Office, Member of the JIC, 2003-09; Director, Intelligence and National Security, FCO, 2009-11; Director, International Cyber Policy, FCO, 2011-12; Foreign Secretary’s Intelligence Adviser, FCO, 2012-18.

Tim Dowse married Vivien Life in 1989. They have two daughters.