What are the values and approaches that inform our research?
At the British Council, our values underpin everything that we do, including our research. We do not shy away from challenging questions of global importance, and conduct robust analysis to provide complex insights in accessible ways.
We are also guided by our commitment to learning and knowledge exchange around research practice. We are a part of an international research community promoting an inclusive, globally connected research culture. We draw on our knowledge and expertise as a cultural relations organisation to champion collaboration and co-creation, sensitivity to the research context, and robust knowledge that is aligned to the highest ethical standards.
- Do No Harm: When working with research participants, and particularly children, youth and vulnerable communities, we adhere to strict guidelines to enhance the safety of, and the benefit of the research to, all those involved.
- Conflict Sensitivity: We use our extensive experience working in conflict-affected contexts to ensure that our research minimises any negative impact and maximises positive effects on communities and the broader context.
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: We value the role that research can play as a tool for positive change and empowering underrepresented voices. We are committed to embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion across all aspects of our research.
- Gender sensitivity: When designing, conducting and using research, we work to address gender-specific challenges and promote gender equity. Our research is informed by our own expertise in gender-sensitive and transformative practices in cultural relations.
- Participatory and creative research methods: We value methods that empower the communities involved in our research, allowing them to engage with and shape its purpose, design and use.
- Open Science: We are committed to working closely with knowledge partners, networks and platforms to ensure that our research is inclusive of, and accessible to, a wide audience.
The approaches that shape our research practice and culture are reinforced by our anti-racism action plan and organisational commitment to decolonise and promote equitable knowledge production. We recognise the power imbalances that exist in the production of knowledge and, in collaboration with our partners and stakeholders, we are testing ways in which we can effectively address this and create new opportunities that centre non-western epistemologies. We pursue equitable, trust-based and principled research partnerships, and value the active inclusion of those with direct knowledge of the research context across all stages of the research process.
To learn more, read our research ethics policy below.