Facts about us
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
1. We share the UK’s great cultural assets with the world.
2. We support prosperity and security.
3. We create value for the UK. Read more...
1. We provide excellent value for money for the people of the UK.
2. We are focused on delivery. Read more...
1. We are committed to maintaining a strong global network creating opportunities for the UK.
2. We are working in new ways, at less cost and with more impact. Read more...
A country’s soft power is its ability to make friends and influence people not through military might, but through its most attractive assets, notably culture, education, language and values. In short, it’s the things that make people love a country rather than fear it, things that are often the products of people, institutions and brands rather than governments. Read more...
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 governed by a board of trustees that is accountable to the UK’s Charity Commission for its activities.The British Council works closely with all 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.
Key issues
1. The UK lags behind international competitors in language learning and intercultural skills and is losing out in the global race.
2. The British Council creates opportunities for UK learners to develop their foreign language skills by providing real-life global connections.
3. The British Council brings its world leadership in English language teaching to help UK language learners engage with the world. Read more...
1. Trust underpins trade.
2. Our work brings direct economic benefit to the UK. Read more...
1. 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 taxpayer funding.
2. We have been active across Europe since our foundation and work with the European Union as well as with institutions and people in all of the EU member states to deliver our cultural relations work in Europe and around the world.
3. We are regulated as a charity and cannot take any party-political position as an organisation.
4. Our staff and our partners reflect the diversity of the UK. Their views therefore reflect the broad spectrum of opinion in the UK. Read more...
1. International students bring huge benefits to the UK.
2.The British Council is concerned about the current perceptions of the UK’s visa policy in key markets. Read more...
1. All of our work contributes to the achievement of our mission and charitable purposes.
2. Our paid services allow us to create more international opportunities and trust for the UK at no cost to UK taxpayers.
3. 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
1. We are governed by our Royal Charter in what we do and say.
2. Our staff and partners around the world have diverse opinions which we respect and encourage.
3. 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 stability and UK security
1. We contribute to UK and international security by building trust and cross-cultural understanding.
2. We help people in countries emerging from conflict (e.g. South Sudan, Libya) develop their skills and connect with the wider world.
3. Even in conflict-affected states (e.g. Syria), we remain committed to keep working on building trust for the UK and providing skills and opportunities. Read more...
Engagement and freedom of expression
1. We represent a broad spectrum of UK opinion – particularly in the arts and education.
2. We are for engagement and freedom of expression.
3. We are a people-to-people organisation first and foremost, but respect other governments and cultures. Read more...
Geographic
1. The world is changing – economic and political power is rapidly shifting.
2. The English language, education and the arts are vital factors in the UK’s global appeal.
1. Cultural relations build trust.
1. The UK’s relations with China offer immense opportunities for both countries.
2. We build long-term relationships and trust, which underpins economic and political ties.
3. Our work in China generates opportunities for exchange between the peoples of both countries which, in turn, brings direct benefit to UK prosperity and growth. Read more...
1. We share Scotland’s great cultural assets with the world: its internationally renowned education system, universities, arts and creative industries.
2. We support Scotland’s growth and prosperity.
1. We share Northern Ireland’s great cultural assets: its vibrant society and culture, its education system and its arts.
2. We support Northern Ireland’s growth and prosperity.
3. We provide excellent value for Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. Read more...
1. We build trust and international opportunities for Wales.
2. We support Wales’ growth and prosperity.
3. We provide excellent value for Wales and the UK. Read more...
1. The Commonwealth is a major force for progress in the world.
2. The Commonwealth offers great opportunities for the UK and fellow member state
3. The British Council’s work across the Commonwealth brings direct benefit to UK and Commonwealth prosperity and security. Read more...
Functional
1. Our work in the arts and creative industries builds international trust and understanding.
2. It supports growth and prosperity, creating value for the UK.
3. We work with ‘the new and the best’ to deliver a clearly defined set of outcomes. Read more...
1. Sport makes a significant contribution to building trust and cultural relationships.
2. We use sport as an important tool to build skills and develop confidence, especially for young people.
