Lord Roll's education began on the continent which might explain his interest in international affairs, he returned to Britain to study commerce at the Birmingham University. From 1941-46 he held the post of member and Deputy Head of the UK Food Mission to the US, from 1946-47 he was appointed Assistant Secretary to the Ministry of Food. The year 1948 saw him as Under-Secretary of the British Treasury (Central Economic Planing Staff). In 1949 he was appointed Minister of the UK delegation to the OEEC. A new post came up for Roll as Deputy Head of the UK delegation to NATO in Paris, (1952) where he worked in particular with the Temporary Council Committee with the likes of Jean Monnet, Averell Harriman and Edwin Plowden, he was in fact deputy to the latter. On his return to Britain he was given a position in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1953-61). His interest in Europe led to his appointment as Deputy Head of the UK delegation negotiating British entry to the EEC, 1961-63. This was followed by the job of Permanent Under-Secretary of State at the Department of Economic Affairs. In 1977 he was created Baron Roll of Ipsden.
Publications: Crowded Hours: An Autobiography (1985).