The commissioner is appointed by the monarch of the United Kingdom on the advice of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

[2] From 1962 to 1990, the Governor of the Falkland Islands also held the office of high commissioner for the territory.

In 1990, administration of the BAT was transferred to a separate commissioner based in London.

During this time also served as the Governor of the Falkland Islands These are non-resident and based in London.

Since 1998, has also served as Commissioner of the British Indian Ocean Territory.