Whitehall Briefings

The Whitehall Briefings connect Whitehall officials and other key stakeholders for discussions on a range of topical geopolitical, geoeconomic and geostrategic issues, as well as domestic issues associated with the United Kingdom’s leadership on the global stage. A prominent Whitehall official discusses their knowledge and expertise before invited guests engage in discussion and offer valuable input and ideas.

The Whitehall Briefings take place at the In and Out Naval and Military Club. Events are by invitation only and take place strictly off-the-record.

The Whitehall Briefings are organised by DIRDI’s strategic partner, the Council on Geostrategy, and hosted by DIRDI’s Director-General, Professor Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter.

Previous Events:

June 2026

Tuesday June 23, 2026

7:15 am – 8:45 am
The Indo-Pacific ‘tilt’ five years on
In and Out Naval and Military Club, In and Out Naval and Military Club, 4 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4JU, United Kingdom

Our Whitehall Briefings connect Whitehall officials and other key stakeholders for discussions on a range of topical geopolitical, geoeconomic and geostrategic issues, as well as domestic issues associated with the United Kingdom’s leadership on the global stage. A prominent Whitehall official discusses their knowledge and expertise before invited guests engage in discussion and offer valuable input and ideas.

The Whitehall Briefings take place bi-monthly at the In and Out Naval and Military Club. Events are by invitation only and take place strictly off-the-record.

Speakers

Honorary Chair

Dr Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter OBE

Honorary Chair

Dr Carl Hunter OBE is Chairman of Coltraco Ultrasonics, a high-exporting advanced manufacturer. He is also: Chairman of the British Exporters Association; Director-General of the Durham Institute of Research, Development and Invention; Director of the Centre of Underwater Acoustic Analysis; Professor-in-Practice at Durham University Business School; Visiting Fellow of the Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre; and Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology.

For further information about the Whitehall Briefings, please email Luca Hincks, Events and Operations Coordinator, at: luca@geostrategy.org.uk.

April 2026

Wednesday April 22, 2026

11:45 am – 1:15 pm
Strategic indispensability in a geopolitically volatile era
In and Out Naval and Military Club, In and Out Naval and Military Club, 4 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4JU, United Kingdom

Our Whitehall Briefings connect Whitehall officials and other key stakeholders for discussions on a range of topical geopolitical, geoeconomic and geostrategic issues, as well as domestic issues associated with the United Kingdom’s leadership on the global stage. A prominent Whitehall official discusses their knowledge and expertise before invited guests engage in discussion and offer valuable input and ideas.

The Whitehall Briefings take place bi-monthly at the In and Out Naval and Military Club. Events are by invitation only and take place strictly off-the-record.

Keynote speaker

Honorary chair

Luca HincksLuca Hincks is Head of Events and Conferences at the Council on Geostrategy, where he is responsible for maintaining the organisation’s private and public events programme. Previously, he worked for the Industry and Parliament Trust, where he organised training events on the processes and functions of Parliament. He holds a BA (Hons.) in History and International Relations from the University of Lancaster.

Contact

For further information about the Whitehall Briefings, please email Luca Hinks, Head of Events and Conferences, at luca@geostrategy.org.uk.

December 2025

Wednesday December 17, 2025

12:45 pm – 2:15 pm
The College for National Security: Its establishment and continued necessity
In and Out Naval and Military Club, In and Out Naval and Military Club, 4 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4JU, United Kingdom

Our Whitehall Briefings connect Whitehall officials and other key stakeholders for discussions on a range of topical geopolitical, geoeconomic and geostrategic issues, as well as domestic issues associated with the United Kingdom’s leadership on the global stage. A prominent Whitehall official discusses their knowledge and expertise before invited guests engage in discussion and offer valuable input and ideas.

The Whitehall Briefings take place bi-monthly at the In and Out Naval and Military Club. Events are by invitation only and take place strictly off-the-record.

Speaker

Honorary chair

Dr Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter OBE

Honorary Chair

Dr Carl Hunter OBE is Chairman of Coltraco Ultrasonics, a high-exporting advanced manufacturer. He is also: Chairman of the British Exporters Association; Director-General of the Durham Institute of Research, Development and Invention; Director of the Centre of Underwater Acoustic Analysis; Professor-in-Practice at Durham University Business School; Visiting Fellow of the Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre; and Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology.

Venue

For further information about the Whitehall Briefings , please email Luca Hincks, Head of Events and Conferences, at: luca@geostrategy.org.uk.

November 2025

Wednesday November 19, 2025

8:15 am – 9:45 am
Delivery of the United Kingdom’s National Security Strategy
In and Out Naval and Military Club, In and Out Naval and Military Club, 4 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4JU, United Kingdom

Our Whitehall Briefings connect Whitehall officials and other key stakeholders for discussions on a range of topical geopolitical, geoeconomic and geostrategic issues, as well as domestic issues associated with the United Kingdom’s leadership on the global stage. A prominent Whitehall official discusses their knowledge and expertise before invited guests engage in discussion and offer valuable input and ideas.

The Whitehall Briefings take place bi-monthly at the In and Out Naval and Military Club. Events are by invitation only and take place strictly off-the-record.

Speaker

Honorary chair

Dr Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter OBE

Honorary Chair

Dr Carl Hunter OBE is Chairman of Coltraco Ultrasonics, a high-exporting advanced manufacturer. He is also: Chairman of the British Exporters Association; Director-General of the Durham Institute of Research, Development and Invention; Director of the Centre of Underwater Acoustic Analysis; Professor-in-Practice at Durham University Business School; Visiting Fellow of the Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre; and Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology.

Venue

Our members get preferential invitations to our Whitehall Briefing. To find out more about our membership packages, please visit our memberships page.

For further information about the Whitehall Briefings , please email Luca Hincks, Head of Events and Conferences, at: luca@geostrategy.org.uk.

July 2025

Monday July 7, 2025

11:30 am – 1:15 pm
Launch event for the National Security Strategy
In and Out Naval and Military Club, In and Out Naval and Military Club, 4 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4JU, United Kingdom

The Council on Geostrategy is delighted to invite you to a special edition Whitehall Briefing, held in cooperation with the Cabinet Office, to mark the launch of the new National Security Strategy.

Our Whitehall Briefings connect Whitehall officials and other key stakeholders for discussions on a range of topical geopolitical, geoeconomic and geostrategic issues, as well as domestic issues associated with the United Kingdom’s leadership on the global stage. A prominent Whitehall official discusses their knowledge and expertise before invited guests engage in discussion and offer valuable input and ideas.

The In and Out Naval and Military Club will host the invitation-only, off-the-record event.

Honorary chair

Dr Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter OBEHonorary Chair, Whitehall BriefingsDr Carl Hunter OBE is Chairman of Coltraco Ultrasonics, a high-exporting advanced manufacturer. He is also: Chairman of the British Exporters Association; Director-General of the Durham Institute of Research, Development and Invention; Director of the Centre of Underwater Acoustic Analysis; Professor-in-Practice at Durham University Business School; Visiting Fellow of the Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre; and Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology.

Venue

Contact

For further information about the Whitehall Briefings, please email Luca Hincks, Events and Operations Coordinator, at: luca@geostrategy.org.uk.

May 2025

Wednesday May 7, 2025

11:45 am – 1:15 pm
Securing advantage through defence innovation
In and Out Naval and Military Club, In and Out Naval and Military Club, 4 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4JU, United Kingdom

Our Whitehall Briefings connect Whitehall officials and other key stakeholders for discussions on a range of topical geopolitical, geoeconomic and geostrategic issues, as well as domestic issues associated with the United Kingdom’s leadership on the global stage. A prominent Whitehall official discusses their knowledge and expertise before invited guests engage in discussion and offer valuable input and ideas.

The Whitehall Briefings take place bi-monthly at the In and Out Naval and Military Club. Events are by invitation only and take place strictly off-the-record.

Keynote speaker

Honorary chair

Dr Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter OBEHonorary Chair, Whitehall BriefingsDr Carl Hunter OBE is Chairman of Coltraco Ultrasonics, a high-exporting advanced manufacturer. He is also: Chairman of the British Exporters Association; Director-General of the Durham Institute of Research, Development and Invention; Director of the Centre of Underwater Acoustic Analysis; Professor-in-Practice at Durham University Business School; Visiting Fellow of the Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre; and Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology.

Venue

Contact

For further information about the Whitehall Briefings, please email Luca Hincks, Events and Operations Coordinator, at: luca@geostrategy.org.uk.

April 2025

Tuesday April 29, 2025

11:45 am – 1:15 pm
In conversation with Dan Chugg: UK-China relations
In and Out Naval and Military Club, In and Out Naval and Military Club, 4 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4JU, United Kingdom

Our Whitehall Briefings connect Whitehall officials and other key stakeholders for discussions on a range of topical geopolitical, geoeconomic and geostrategic issues, as well as domestic issues associated with the United Kingdom’s leadership on the global stage. A prominent Whitehall official discusses their knowledge and expertise before invited guests engage in discussion and offer valuable input and ideas.

The Whitehall Briefings take place bi-monthly at the In and Out Naval and Military Club. Events are by invitation only and take place strictly off-the-record.

Keynote speaker

Honorary chair

Dr Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter OBEHonorary Chair, Whitehall BriefingsDr Carl Hunter OBE is Chairman of Coltraco Ultrasonics, a high-exporting advanced manufacturer. He is also: Chairman of the British Exporters Association; Director-General of the Durham Institute of Research, Development and Invention; Director of the Centre of Underwater Acoustic Analysis; Professor-in-Practice at Durham University Business School; Visiting Fellow of the Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre; and Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology.

Venue

Contact

For further information about the Whitehall Briefings, please email Luca Hincks, Events and Operations Coordinator, at: luca@geostrategy.org.uk.

February 2025

Tuesday February 25, 2025

12:45 pm – 2:15 pm
In conversation with Ben Short - Challenging Defence
In and Out Naval and Military Club, In and Out Naval and Military Club, 4 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4JU, United Kingdom

Our Whitehall Briefings connect Whitehall officials and other key stakeholders for discussions on a range of topical geopolitical, geoeconomic and geostrategic issues, as well as domestic issues associated with the United Kingdom’s leadership on the global stage. A prominent Whitehall official discusses their knowledge and expertise before invited guests engage in discussion and offer valuable input and ideas.

The Whitehall Briefings take place bi-monthly at the In and Out Naval and Military Club. Events are by invitation only and take place strictly off-the-record.

Keynote speaker

Honorary chair

Dr Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter OBEHonorary Chair, Whitehall BriefingsDr Carl Hunter OBE is Chairman of Coltraco Ultrasonics, a high-exporting advanced manufacturer. He is also: Chairman of the British Exporters Association; Director-General of the Durham Institute of Research, Development and Invention; Director of the Centre of Underwater Acoustic Analysis; Professor-in-Practice at Durham University Business School; Visiting Fellow of the Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre; and Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology.

Venue

Contact

For further information about the Whitehall Briefings, please email Luca Hincks, Events and Operations Coordinator, at: luca@geostrategy.org.uk.

November 2024

Tuesday November 19, 2024

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
In conversation with Kate White CMG
In and Out Naval and Military Club, In and Out Naval and Military Club, 4 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4JU, United Kingdom

Our Whitehall Briefings connect Whitehall officials and other key stakeholders for discussions on a range of topical geopolitical, geoeconomic and geostrategic issues, as well as domestic issues associated with the UK’s leadership on the global stage. A prominent Whitehall official discusses their knowledge and expertise before invited guests engage in discussion and offer valuable input and ideas.

The Whitehall Briefings take place once a month at the In and Out Naval and Military Club. Events are by invitation only and take place strictly off the record.

Keynote speaker

Honorary chair

Dr Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter OBEHonorary Chair, Geostrategy ForumDr Carl Hunter OBE is Chairman of Coltraco Ultrasonics, a high-exporting advanced manufacturer. He is also: Chairman of the British Exporters Association; Director-General of the Durham Institute of Research, Development and Invention; Director of the Centre of Underwater Acoustic Analysis; Professor-in-Practice at Durham University Business School; Visiting Fellow of the Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre; and Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology.

Venue

Contact

For further information about the Whitehall Briefings, please email Luca Hincks, Events and Operations Coordinator, at: luca@geostrategy.org.uk.

September 2024

Wednesday September 4, 2024

11:45 am – 1:15 pm
In conversation with David Hogan-Hern
In and Out Naval and Military Club, In and Out Naval and Military Club, 4 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4JU, United Kingdom

Our Whitehall Briefings connect Whitehall officials and other key stakeholders for discussions on a range of topical geopolitical, geoeconomic and geostrategic issues, as well as domestic issues associated with the UK’s leadership on the global stage. A prominent Whitehall official discusses their knowledge and expertise before invited guests engage in discussion and offer valuable input and ideas.

The Whitehall Briefings take place once a month at the In and Out Naval and Military Club. Events are by invitation only and take place strictly off the record.

Keynote speaker

Honorary chair

Dr Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter OBEHonorary Chair, Geostrategy ForumDr Carl Hunter OBE is Chairman of Coltraco Ultrasonics, a high-exporting advanced manufacturer. He is also: Chairman of the British Exporters Association; Director-General of the Durham Institute of Research, Development and Invention; Director of the Centre of Underwater Acoustic Analysis; Professor-in-Practice at Durham University Business School; Visiting Fellow of the Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre; and Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology.

Venue

Contact

For further information about the Whitehall Briefings, please email Susie McAdam, Events and Operations Coordinator, at: susie@geostrategy.org.uk.

June 2024

Tuesday June 25, 2024

11:45 am – 1:15 pm
AUKUS Advanced Capabilities
In and Out Naval and Military Club, In and Out Naval and Military Club, 4 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4JU, United Kingdom

Our Whitehall Briefings connect Whitehall officials and other key stakeholders for discussions on a range of topical geopolitical, geoeconomic and geostrategic issues, as well as domestic issues associated with the UK’s leadership on the global stage. A prominent Whitehall official discusses their knowledge and expertise before invited guests engage in discussion and offer valuable input and ideas.

The Whitehall Briefings take place once a month at the In and Out Naval and Military Club. Events are by invitation only and take place strictly off the record.

Keynote speaker

Honorary chair

Dr Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter OBEHonorary Chair, Geostrategy ForumDr Carl Hunter OBE is Chairman of Coltraco Ultrasonics, a high-exporting advanced manufacturer. He is also: Chairman of the British Exporters Association; Director-General of the Durham Institute of Research, Development and Invention; Director of the Centre of Underwater Acoustic Analysis; Professor-in-Practice at Durham University Business School; Visiting Fellow of the Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre; and Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology.

Venue

Contact

For further information about the Whitehall Briefings, please email Susie McAdam, Events and Operations Coordinator, at: susie@geostrategy.org.uk.

April 2024

Thursday April 18, 2024

11:45 am – 1:15 pm
International development in a contested world: Unpacking Britain’s White Paper
In and Out Naval and Military Club, In and Out Naval and Military Club, 4 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4JU, United Kingdom

Our Whitehall Briefings connect Whitehall officials and other key stakeholders for discussions on a range of topical geopolitical, geoeconomic and geostrategic issues, as well as domestic issues associated with the UK’s leadership on the global stage. A prominent Whitehall official discusses their knowledge and expertise before invited guests engage in discussion and offer valuable input and ideas.

The Whitehall Briefings take place once a month at the In and Out Naval and Military Club. Events are by invitation only and take place strictly off the record.

Keynote speaker

Honorary chair

Dr Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter OBEHonorary Chair, Geostrategy ForumDr Carl Hunter OBE is Chairman of Coltraco Ultrasonics, a high-exporting advanced manufacturer. He is also: Chairman of the British Exporters Association; Director-General of the Durham Institute of Research, Development and Invention; Director of the Centre of Underwater Acoustic Analysis; Professor-in-Practice at Durham University Business School; Visiting Fellow of the Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre; and Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology.

Venue

Contact

For further information about the Whitehall Briefings, please email Susie McAdam, Events and Operations Coordinator, at: susie@geostrategy.org.uk.

February 2024

Thursday February 15, 2024

12:45 pm – 2:15 pm
The UK and innovation in an increasingly complex world
In and Out Naval and Military Club, In and Out Naval and Military Club, 4 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4JU, United Kingdom

Our Whitehall Briefings connect Whitehall officials and other key stakeholders for discussions on a range of topical geopolitical, geoeconomic and geostrategic issues, as well as domestic issues associated with the UK’s leadership on the global stage. A prominent Whitehall official discusses their knowledge and expertise before invited guests engage in discussion and offer valuable input and ideas.

The Whitehall Briefings take place once a month at the In and Out Naval and Military Club. Events are by invitation only and take place strictly off the record.

Keynote speaker

Honorary chair

Dr Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter OBEHonorary Chair, Geostrategy ForumDr Carl Hunter OBE is Chairman of Coltraco Ultrasonics, a high-exporting advanced manufacturer. He is also: Chairman of the British Exporters Association; Director-General of the Durham Institute of Research, Development and Invention; Director of the Centre of Underwater Acoustic Analysis; Professor-in-Practice at Durham University Business School; Visiting Fellow of the Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre; and Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology.

Venue

Contact

For further information about the Whitehall Briefings, please email Susie McAdam, Events and Operations Coordinator, at: susie@geostrategy.org.uk.

January 2024

Wednesday January 31, 2024

12:45 pm – 2:00 pm
UK defence and security: An overview
In and Out Naval and Military Club, In and Out Naval and Military Club, 4 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4JU, United Kingdom

Our Whitehall Briefings connect Whitehall officials and other key stakeholders for discussions on a range of topical geopolitical, geoeconomic and geostrategic issues, as well as domestic issues associated with the UK’s leadership on the global stage. A prominent Whitehall official discusses their knowledge and expertise before invited guests engage in discussion and offer valuable input and ideas.

The Whitehall Briefings take place once a month at the In and Out Naval and Military Club. Events are by invitation only and take place strictly off the record.

Keynote speaker

Honorary chair

Dr Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter OBEHonorary Chair, Geostrategy ForumDr Carl Hunter OBE is Chairman of Coltraco Ultrasonics, a high-exporting advanced manufacturer. He is also: Chairman of the British Exporters Association; Director-General of the Durham Institute of Research, Development and Invention; Director of the Centre of Underwater Acoustic Analysis; Professor-in-Practice at Durham University Business School; Visiting Fellow of the Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre; and Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology.

Venue

Contact

For further information about the Whitehall Briefings, please email Susie McAdam, Events and Operations Coordinator, at: susie@geostrategy.org.uk.