The British Council values the diversity of the United Kingdom (UK) and the other countries it works in.

As the UK’s cultural relations organisation, the work of the British Council involves developing relationships with people from a wide range of backgrounds. Engaging positively with the richness of this diversity is central to the role of the British Council and in line with its core values.

The British Council is committed to equality of opportunity and positive action to promote equality of opportunity. It believes that an Equal Opportunities Policy helps to ensure that there is no unjustified discrimination in the recruitment, retention, training and development of staff on the basis of gender, marital status, sexual identity, religious belief, political opinion, race, work pattern, age, disability or HIV/AIDS status, socio-economic background, spent convictions, trade union activity or membership, or on the basis of having or not having dependants. It also believes that an Equal Opportunities Policy benefits employees and potential employees and helps achieve dignity at work and contributes to providing the best possible services to partners and clients.

The British Council will progress its Equal Opportunity Policy through its Diversity Strategy and its Integrated Equality Scheme.

Moreover, the British Council has been granted permission by to use the ‘Positive about Disabled People’ (Two Ticks) symbol on human resources and other relevant information in the UK. It’s a recognition given by Jobcentre Plus to employers who have agreed to meet five commitments regarding the recruitment, employment, retention and career development of disabled people. The British Council has in fact been incorporating such commitments in its policies for some time. However, the framework provided, which includes an annual review process, will ensure we are continuing to adopt best practice with regard to disability. Read more on our approach to diversity.

If you want to know more, please go to www.britishcouncil.org/home-diversity-what-we-do.htm.