How we are run
How we support our work
The British Council is incorporated by Royal Charter [PDF 192KB]. We are an executive non-departmental public body, a public corporation (in accounting terms) and a charity.
How we are governed
Our Patron is HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The Prince of Wales is our Vice-Patron.
The Charter [PDF 192 KB] invests the powers of the British Council in a Board of Trustees. As British Council trustees, Board members are guardians of our purpose and are ultimately accountable for the organisation. They meet six times a year.
Our executive direction is provided by Martin Davidson, our Chief Executive, with the support of an Executive Board.
Advisory committees
To assist us in the quality and independence of our thinking, the British Council can rely on the expert advice of three National Committees (for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) and three Sector Advisory Groups for education and governance, English, science and engineering. Members of these committees and groups serve in an advisory capacity and have no decision-making responsibilities.
The Advisory Board brings together the Trustees, Executive Board, the chairs of the advisory committees and other distinguished national and international figures. It supports the organisation by providing perceptions and insights into our work and the context in which we are, and will be, operating. It meets once a year.
