UK CSA Delegates
2025 - 2029 Term
The UK has an allocation of five elected Delegates, based on the number of Swiss nationals living and working in the UK. Unlike past years, where 2 Delegates were voted by the Corporate Members (Swiss Clubs), from 2025 all UK CSA Delegates are voted directly by the Swiss abroad registered at the Swiss Embassy in the United Kingdom.
The UK has also appointed 3 deputy Delegates to represent the UK in the event that one of more of the UK elected Delegates cannot attend OSA meetings.
Find out more about the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) and how Delegate Elections work here >
For the first time in OSA's history, 13 countries or groups of countries have been selected to conduct direct and centralized elections using an online voting system. In these countries, members of the OSA Direct Elections Working Group worked with local representatives, the OSA Secretariat, and the Bern University of Applied Sciences, which developed the electronic voting system used for these elections. Find out more about direct elections on the SwissCommunity.org website >
The UK of course, was a willing participant to implement direct democary and individual voting to the election of the UK Delegates to the Council of the Swiss Abroad (CSA). These are the vote results for the 2025 - 2029 term.
UK Delegates' Profiles
Profession
Professor at University of Cambridge
Member of
Cambridge Swiss Society
New Helvetic Society
Swiss in London & the UK group
Social
LinkedIn: sfbucher
X: stefan_f_bucher
Stefan Bucher
Cambridge
Profile
Having grown up in Solothurn and studied in Zürich, I have lived, studied and worked in the UK, US, France and Germany. I thus understand the challenges faced by the Swiss abroad in a global context. As a trained scientist (ETH) and economics professor, I am well-informed about policy and eager to improve the lives of Swiss expats, whose courage to chase their dreams I admire. In my mid-thirties, I bring plenty of fresh ideas and drive but enough experience to know how to implement them!
Motivation
I’m eager to make daily life easier for us all, for instance by cutting bureaucratic hurdles and improving digital government services. I will also lobby for direct parliamentary representation of the Swiss abroad. Other priorities include expanding social security agreements and tax treaties, improving student and entrepreneurial mobility, and demanding equal treatment by Swiss banks for all citizens. I am running to make the diverse voices of our wonderful community heard – as cultural ambassadors representing our country, we deserve a stronger voice at home
Thomas Laubscher
London
Profile
Born and raised in Switzerland, I moved to the UK nearly ten years ago for work. I am now firmly settled here, with my British wife, and together we strive to blend both cultures as we raise our daughter. With a degree in Politics and International Relations, I have a keen interest in global affairs and over two decades of experience in international finance. In my day-to-day work, I engage with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds in a high-pressure, high-risk environment, using my communication skills to build lasting relationships. Travelling and exploring new cultures are passions of mine, and my love for fine wine and food opens doors to new experiences.
Motivation
Having lived in the UK for nearly a decade, I now consider myself somewhat British, yet my Swiss roots remain deep. I still regularly visit family and friends in Switzerland, staying connected to my homeland. With my experience of starting a new life abroad, I aim to help fellow expats settle in and navigate life in the UK. My background in international finance has honed my analytical approach and communication skills, which I apply in both professional and personal spheres, working with integrity and a strong sense of ownership.
Profession
Senior Lecturer at Bristol University
Social
X: TobyMatthiesen
Toby Matthiesen
Bristol/London
Profile
Having lived in the UK for almost two decades, I have worked at universities in London, Cambridge, Oxford, and Bristol. With expertise in global politics, I follow Swiss affairs closely and regularly provide insights to Swiss media. I am committed to ensuring that the voices of Swiss Abroad are better represented in Swiss politics. I aim to work specifically for the Swiss in the UK, tackling challenges such as post-Brexit legal issues and improving Swiss-British relations more generally.
Motivation
Swiss in the UK face unique challenges post-Brexit as Switzerland and the UK rethink their relations with the EU and with each other. My experience with international politics and diplomacy will help me fulfil the role of UK delegate and support this process. I am excited to stand in these elections as I am a strong believer in direct democracy and am keen to work towards ensuring that the issues affecting Swiss citizens in the UK, like banking, double taxation, and legal problems, are taken seriously in Bern and London.
Profession
Professor of Particle Physics at the University of Edinburgh
Member of
Swiss Club Edinburgh (President)
FOSSUK committee
Member of several Facebook groups –
Swiss in the UK, Swiss in London & the UK
Swiss Abroad
Auslandschweizer
Swiss Community.org
Social
LinkedIn: franz-muheim-61a0bb6
Facebook: franz.muheim.7
Bluesky: muheim.bsky.social
Instagram: franz.muheim
X: muheim
Website: franzmuheim.ch
Franz Muheim
Edinburgh
Profile
I am a professor of particle physics at the University of Edinburgh, with major involvement at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. I moved to the UK in 1999 and regularly travel to Switzerland for work, family, and leisure. I have a strong interest in politics and have been active in Swiss affairs, serving as a delegate to the Council of the Swiss Abroad (CSA) since 2013. I have worked to enhance representation for Swiss Abroad, improve E-voting, and advocate for Swiss citizens' rights, particularly post-Brexit.
Motivation
As a current UK delegate to the CSA and a member of the OSA Executive Board, I am committed to representing the 40,000 Swiss citizens in the UK. With my extensive political experience in both Switzerland and the UK, I will continue to advocate for Swiss Abroad, ensuring their voice is heard in Swiss politics. I will also address concerns and maintain close ties with the Swiss Embassy to help citizens navigate key issues such as Settled Status and travel authorizations.
Profession
Strategy Consultant
Member of
Swiss in the UK
Swiss in Manchester
Social
LinkedIn: isabelleschenk
Instagram: bella2ch3nk
Isabelle Schenk
Manchester
Profile
Originally from Zurich, Switzerland, I have built my life and career in the UK while maintaining strong ties to my homeland. Having studied and worked in both Switzerland and the UK I understand the challenges of transferring skills and credentials between international job market standards. My work spans strategy, innovation, and investment, connecting Switzerland and the UK. Fluent in multiple languages, I am passionate about strengthening the Swiss community and supporting expatriates in navigating their international careers, preserving their Swiss identity, and maintaining cultural connections.
Motivation
Switzerland will always be home, but the UK is where I have built my family and career. I understand the complexities of balancing two cultures and maintaining Swiss roots while embracing British customs. As a parent abroad, I want to help future generations retain their Swiss heritage, especially through language and cultural initiatives. I aim to advocate for Swiss expatriates’ rights, support families, and ensure that the next generation can easily move between both countries for education, work, and family life.
Profession
Global Health and Gender Equality Expert
Member of
OSA
FOSSUK
New Helvetic Society
Swiss in the UK
Swiss Abroad Facebook groups
Social
LinkedIn: lakshmi-sundaram-9743a
Facebook: lakshmi.sundaram.3
X: LakSundaram
Instagram: laksundaram
Lakshmi Sundaram
London
Profile
My career has focused on changing the world – tackling AIDS in Rwanda; championing global health at the World Economic Forum; running Girls Not Brides (a global organisation to end child marriage); and with openDemocracy. Now, I work as a consultant helping institutions create a positive impact. Born and raised in Geneva, I first came to the UK as a student in 1997, then experienced being a Swiss abroad in the US and Rwanda before moving back here in 2012.
Motivation
As an OSA delegate since 2021, I’m passionate about making sure our unique needs are understood in Switzerland, by policymakers and the general public. While change can be frustratingly slow, it’s been encouraging to see politicians at federal and cantonal levels take on our issues. If elected, I will build on this experience and continue to fight for our interests, while challenging outdated perceptions of Switzerland and representing a vibrant, forward-looking nation.
