We are the UK's international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. As well as education, we run programmes in the arts, science, sport, governance and English language. Our programmes reach over 85 million people a year in 110 countries and territories worldwide.

Our vision
The future for the UK in this crowded, dangerous, beautiful world depends on people of all cultures living and working together on foundations of education, mutual understanding, respect and trust.

Our purpose
We build engagement and trust for the UK through the exchange of knowledge and ideas between people worldwide.

Our values
Our five corporate values guide what we do and how we work.

Valuing people
We demonstrate this by:

• treating people with courtesy and respect
• listening to what people have to say and responding helpfully
• giving people the opportunity to use and develop their talents
• valuing diversity.

Integrity
We demonstrate this by:

• being honest
• being consistent both in what we do and say
• taking responsibility for our actions and decisions.

Mutuality
We demonstrate this by:

• wishing to learn from and share with other people
• putting effective relationships at the heart of our work
• working towards common goals.

Creativity
We demonstrate this by:

• encouraging people to develop new ideas in an environment of trust
• being resourceful and innovative in our approach
• actively seeking and presenting the best in creativity.

Professionalism
We demonstrate this by:

• being true to our values and keeping our promises
• listening to and valuing the ideas and opinions of others
• accepting individual and collective responsibility for delivering work to a high standard.

Our work
Our work focuses on the major challenges of our age:

• building understanding between cultures and promoting positive social change
• developing the skills and creativity people need to prosper in the knowledge economy
• building and sustaining an international consensus for action on climate change.

Find out more about the British Council and our work around the world by visiting our UK website.