This Code of Conduct reflects our commitment to cultural relations work that is ethical, has integrity, and has the well-being, inclusion and fair treatment of our colleagues and the people we work with at its heart.
It sets out the values, standards and behaviours we expect and require from everyone, in whatever capacity and wherever they work: either for, with or on behalf of the British Council. Each year, our work reaches millions of people, and how we work is just as important as what we do. Our values – open and committed, expert and inclusive, optimistic and bold – represent how we should approach our work and they guide our decision making.
Cultural relations is an exchange of values just as much as it is the exchange of ideas, knowledge and experience. If we want to build trust and persuade the world that the United Kingdom has a culture and people worth understanding and engaging with, then we must demonstrate our values through our own behaviour.
This Code of Conduct sets out general principles. It does not cover everything and should be read alongside our policies and guidance, which you should also familiarise yourself with. There is a link to some of these policies within this Code.
The principles in the Code apply to all our staff worldwide and must be adhered to unless local law restricts this in some way.
If you believe such a restriction exists, please consult Corporate Affairs.
If in doubt about any aspect of this Code you should seek guidance from a manager or from your Human Resources business partner.
Kate Ewart-Biggs
Deputy Chief Executive
You can use the drop-down headings below to access each principle of the Code of Conduct. Within each principle you can find links to some relevant global policy statements and internal policies. Aspects of the Code of Conduct are supplemented by the global policy statements and further internal detailed policies and guidance for staff available on the intranet.