Our policies and procedures


This section provides a guide to the policies and procedures we use to regulate our services and responsibilities.

Man looks at camera

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.

British Council logo and staff

Staff policies and procedures

Guidelines used by the Human Resources department to regulate the provision of services and staff employment.

Man walking past a wall of art

Financial policies and procedures

The financial policies and procedures that are used to regulate the way that the British Council conducts its financial activities.

A man in front of a computer with headphones on

Information systems and technology

The policies and procedures that are used to regulate the way the British Council manages its technology based services and associated assets

People taking a stroll along a Brazilian beach

Environmental information

Information about the British Council’s environmental policy and its current initiatives.

Holding hands

Equal opportunities and diversity information

Information about how we recognise and promote diversity and equality of opportunity and seek to build them into all aspects of what we do.

Library - Books on shelves

Records and archives management

Procedures used to manage the British Council’s historical records.

People walking

Data protection

We apply the UK Data Protection Act 1998 to all of our global operations unless the local equivalent law is stronger.

Comments and complaints

The British Council values your opinion of our people, our work, our website, our programmes and our services. The comments and complaints section provides information on how to contact us.

Fair trading

Fair Trading

The British Council charges for certain services to generate income to fund its charitable objectives. This policy sets out how the British Council ensures that such trading activities are carried out fairly and in compliance with legal obligations.