OVERVIEW
 

Henry Bolton OBE has spent over four decades working at the intersection of security, diplomacy and public service - including military, policing, international security advisory and political leadership.

 

That leadership experience spans conflict zones, border crises, and global policy. In recognition of his work, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2013 for services to international security.

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He is a regular contributor to UK and international media providing expert commentary on such matters as security during the Kings coronation, terrorism, crime and policing, and national foreign, defence and security policy.

MILITARY & POLICE SERVICE

Henry began his career in the Royal Hussars, later serving in the Territorial Army after passing the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Commissioning Course as Best Overall Cadet. He rose to command a reconnaissance platoon, an infantry company and a NATO strategic intelligence unit on operations in Bosnia.

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In addition to his command roles, Henry qualified as a French Commando, served as a Skill at Arms (weapons) instructor, Mountain Expedition Leader and was a NATO Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol Instructor, further developing his ability to lead teams in austere, mentally and physically demanding and high pressure environments. 

He then joined Thames Valley Police, where he was awarded for outstanding bravery, before taking on an international policing role as Head of International Police Monitors in Central Croatia and Western Slavonia and subsequently advising the Minister of Internal Affairs and the Director of Security and Counter Intelligence of an allied country on countering national security matters.

INTERNATIONAL & SECURITY ROLES

Henry has also served in leadership positions in some of the most sensitive and high pressure global operations:

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• UK Diplomatic Observer Mission Liaison Officer to the Serbian Security Forces during the Kosovo war

• District Governor (District Administrator) in post-war Kosovo

• Director of Field Operations for international ceasefire monitoring in Macedonia

• Crisis Management Adviser to the Albanian Prime Minister

• Senior Adviser to the Secretary General of the OSCE

 

He led:

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• UK intelligence and tactical operations targeting transnational organised crime in the Southern Balkans

• Joint UK/US civil-military stabilisation teams in Afghanistan

• The EU’s Crisis Response and Operational Planning Team in Ukraine

 

He has advised the governments of 57 countries at ministerial level - including the United States and Russian Federation - as well as the European Union, United Nations and NATO  - on security matters including crisis planning, and strategic operations.

 

LEADERSHIP EDUCATION & THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Henry founded the International Border Management Staff College, which trains middle and senior-ranking border security personnel from 63 countries.

He has also delivered lectures, talks, instruction and mentorship for:

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• The governments of Finland, Sweden, Lithuania, and Austria.

• The European Union Senior Leaders Course.

• The UK military Command and Staff Course.

HONOURS & AWARDS

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• Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). Awarded in 2013 for services to international security.​

• Chief Constable’s Commendation for Outstanding Bravery. Awarded during service with Thames Valley Police

• Operational & Campaign Medals for military and civilian service with UK, NATO, EU and UN missions in Bosnia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Afghanistan and Ukraine.

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