Our vision, purpose and values
All of the British Council’s work is aligned so that it contributes to achieving our purpose in the UK and around the world.
Our purpose
We build engagement and trust for the UK through the exchange of knowledge and ideas between people 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 values and how we show them
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.
Cultural relations
Cultural relations is the building of engagement and trust between people of different cultures through the exchange of knowledge and ideas.
The British Council is the United Kingdom's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We are a registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales). SC037733 (Scotland).
