Our research | British Council

Research is key to our work in skills, education and development.

In an increasingly complex world, we seek to investigate the impact of accelerated change and global markets on the national education and skills systems and generate new knowledge that builds connections between policy and practice, enabling us to to deliver on our mission in an informed, relevant and targeted way.

We work in partnerships and share insights, networks and understanding of the skills sector in the UK and around the world.

In this section

Illustrating the benefits of college international work through the British Council International Award

This short research project examined evidence on the benefits of international work gathered from further education colleges across the United Kingdom.

How are vocational institutions innovating, evolving and changing as a result of Covid-19?

The research looks at how vocational institutions in the study countries, having dealt with the initial crisis-management of the pandemic are beginning to innovate and evolve.

Person speaking into a microphone to a group at a table

Systemic TVET reforms: Impact on employment outcomes

The British Council commissioned The Research Base to carry out an assessment of the relative effectiveness of systemic TVET programmes on employment outcomes in ODA countries

Developing Skills Programming Through a Gender Lens

The British Council commissioned a review to review our current programmes and assess the extent to which they are addressing gender inequalities and outcomes for women and girls.

Inclusion of refugees in technical and vocational education and training

This report provides an analysis of the situation of refugees and their inclusion in TVET across five countries – Ethiopia, Jordan, Pakistan, South Africa and the UK

Unrealised potential: the role of independent training providers in meeting skills needs

This research aims to prompt national policy makers to consider whether they are making the best use of ITPs.

Disabled people’s inclusion within UK technical and vocational education and training

Effective technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is central to providing people facing disability-related barriers the life chances to sustain and to ensure they can parti

TVET Governance: the role of institutional leaders

We are very grateful to Faith Graham and Andrew Dean for leading this work as well as all of the survey respondents and interviewees who contributed.

Which Ministry should lead the skills development? International reflections on TVET governance

British Council completed a survey of our education teams across the world to understand how different governments organise themselves for skills development

The role of TVET governance at subnational levels

The report looks at devolution of powers over skills development in six countries, England, Indonesia, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan and Serbia.

Tracer studies for VET: supporting their creation and implementation

This sample tracer study is designed to support those who are seeking to improve their understanding of the efficacy of training courses by conducting tracer studies.

Changing lives: Internationalising the Skills Sector

This report is specifically focussed on the UK and looks at “the potential effectiveness of internationalisation as a mechanism to address current challenges faced by the skills sector"