We ensure thorough and open communications with all our staff through our:

			use of our internal intranet for sharing news and information
			use of the BC World intranet enabling the staff worldwide to share information
			regular staff meetings
			spotlight sessions which highlight a particular topic or theme
			yearly worldwide staff survey run by the market survey company MORI.
			regular team meetings

Our corporate five-year plan, Strategy 2010, for the British Council worldwide states our aim

‘To release the creativity and potential of all our staff.’

We are committed to this objective and offer a range of learning and development opportunities to staff including:

			in-house training courses
			a mentoring scheme
			a series of self study e-learning modules
			a selection of open learning materials
			a job shadowing scheme
			financial support to staff studying for further qualifications
			hosting regional and corporate training events.

Changes to the way we work are a normal part of organisational life in all sectors of the economy and the British Council Hong Kong is no exception. We consult staff early about changes and are always keen to incorporate good ideas from staff into our ways of working. Staff participate in working groups to help shape Council policy in specific areas that interest them.

We have an excellent reputation in the field of health and safety, both in the UK and overseas. We comply with either UK or local guidelines in health and safety, whichever is the more stringent. We have regular first aid training for staff and our Health and Safety policy is updated to be relevant and to reflect the role we play in creating and maintaining a healthy and safe workplace for our staff, customers and visitors.

The British Council worldwide has a Code of Conduct which is available to all staff. It brings together some key standards and principles for the behaviour of staff which are designed to reflect our values. It covers areas such as confidentiality, conflicts of interest, behaviour towards colleagues, equal opportunities, protection of Council property, finances and ICT systems, entertaining others and receiving gifts, and conflicts of interest.

All our staff have access to grievance, disciplinary and whistleblowing procedures. No one is penalised for raising a grievance or appeal. Whistleblowing is a procedure for reporting significant malpractice such as theft, fraud, false accounting or recording, and serious breaches of our Code of Conduct.