06 September 2012
The information below outlines facts about the British Council on key areas of our work and how we operate. They are divided into four areas:
Organisational
Key issues
Geographic
Functional
Organisational
We provide excellent value for the people of the UK. We are a lean and efficient organisation, doing more with much less. Read more...
We are a people-to-people organisation, building long-term trust and international opportunity for the UK for more than 75 years. Our entrepreneurial ‘mixed economy’* model is highly regarded by other countries and delivers more cultural relations for the UK at less cost to the UK taxpayer. Our work builds the UK’s international reputation and attractiveness, contributing to the country’s ‘soft power’.
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Our relationship with the UK government
The British Council is a registered charity incorporated and governed by a Royal Charter. The British Council is operationally independent from the UK government. It is led by a board of trustees that is accountable to the UK’s Charity Commission for its activities. The British Council works closely with the UK governments and devolved administrations to contribute to the UK’s prosperity and security. As a recipient of significant public funds, the British Council is subject to certain reporting and authorising requirements. Read more...
An entrepreneurial public service
A UK public service. A 21st century model of public service.
Trust underpins trade. Our work brings direct economic benefit to the UK. We develop the international skills and experiences of people in the UK and around the world to participate in the global economy.
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Our paid services
All of our work contributes to the achievement of our mission and charitable purposes. Our paid services allow us to create more international opportunities and trust for the UK at no cost to UK taxpayers. There is no subsidy for our income-generating activities from our taxpayer funding and we have strict fair trading policies and processes. Read more...
Devolution in the UK - Scotland
We have always worked for the benefit of the four nations which make up the UK. We continue to do this at the same time as reducing our call on tax payer funding. Our staff and our partners reflect the diversity of the UK. Their views therefore reflect the broad spectrum of opinion in the UK.
We are an independent charity and do not take any party-political positions as an organisation.
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People-to-people, not political
We are governed in what we do and say by our Royal Charter. Our staff and partners around the world have diverse opinions which we respect and encourage. As a charity, we do not and cannot undertake any political activity in the UK or with respect to governments around the world. Read more...
Building security and UK stability
Our work in building trust and understanding contributes to international security. We help people in countries in conflict develop their skills and connect with the wider world. Even in places where there is unrest, we are determined to keep working to provide the skills and opportunities people want. Read more...
The GREAT campaign
The aim of the GREAT campaign is to maximise the economic potential of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and promote the UK's assets around the world between 2012- 2015. Through the UK government’s GREAT campaign, the British Council is raising awareness of, and promoting the UK’s strengths in English, education and culture. We are working closely with all the relevant UK government departments and UK bodies: Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and Visit Britain for the maximum impact at the least cost.
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For engagement and freedom of expression
We represent a broad spectrum of UK opinion – particularly in the arts. We are for engagement and freedom of expression. We are a people-to-people organisation, first and foremost, but respect other governments and cultures. Read more...
Geographic
Arab Spring
On the ground since 1938. Responding in real time to the Arab Spring with new governments and young people. Cultural relations is a powerful means of building trust and opportunity in the region.
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Language, education and cultural relationships play a vital role in the UK’s relevance to the major emerging powers in the world today. We are prioritising our resources to meet the huge demand for English, education and the arts in countries that are rapidly growing in economic and geopolitical importance.
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We are expanding our operation in Brazil to strengthen ties for the UK. We are making a positive difference in Brazil.
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Cultural relations reaches people in ways and places that traditional diplomacy cannot. We work with millions of Russians, including many of the most influential people in the country today. Our work in Russia brings direct benefit to UK prosperity and growth.
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India
The UK’s relations with India offer immense opportunities for both countries. We build long-term relationships and trust, which underpins economic and political ties. Our work in India brings direct benefit to UK prosperity and growth.
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The British Council builds trust, links and strategic relationships for the UK in China. Our work in China generates international opportunities, prosperity and growth for the UK. We promote UK excellence in China in education, society, the arts and the teaching of English. Read more...
We build trust and international opportunities for Scotland. We support Scotland’s growth and prosperity. We provide excellent value for Scotland and the UK.
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We build trust and international opportunities for Northern Ireland. We support Northern Ireland’s growth and prosperity. We provide excellent value for Northern Ireland and the UK.
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Functional
English connects people with the world and builds trust for the UK. The British Council is a world authority in English language teaching, learning and assessment. Our work in English and examinations generates millions for the UK economy and enhances the reputation of the UK as a leading provider of educational opportunities.
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Sport
Sport makes a significant contribution to building trust and cultural relationships. We use sport as an important tool to build skills and develop confidence, especially for young people. We demonstrate the UK’s commitment to, and standing in, sport and education.
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Science provides a shared language for collaboration and discussion across cultural divides and builds trust for the UK. Science and innovation help build opportunities and prosperity for the UK and other countries.
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Climate change is a key global issue for young people. We provide opportunities for young people concerned about climate change to tackle these issues in school and community contexts. We develop leadership skills for young people to engage with others on topics including climate change.
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The UK’s participation in the EU programmes Comenius, Erasmus and Youth in Action contributes to UK economic growth and prosperity. These EU programmes support internationalisation and student attainment. The role of UK National Agency for these EU programmes highlights the British Council’s commitment to international mobility for learning.
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