British Council, Lisbon © Nancy Durrell McKenna
About us
Activities across the world
We work to provide journalists and parliamentarians with information and advice on the activities of the British Council across the globe.
We are a unique public diplomacy tool, connecting millions of people around the globe through education and creativity. Our independent approach to building trust among peoples and countries is especially relevant today when the world is torn apart by conflict and suspicion. We’re probably the only organisation in the world that covers the full spectrum of human activity in education, arts, science, governance and human rights.
Our Chair
Neil Kinnock was appointed Chair of the British Council on 1 December 2004. Find out more about his work so far by reading his speeches, and biography and looking at pictures of recent events he has attended.
Neil Kinnock and Benjamin Zephaniah
Chief Executive
Martin Davidson promises a British Council that will work quickly and effectively on its core business of building the relationships that are a critical component of UK foreign policy.
Young people studying - Photographer Tim Hall - Designer Mostapha Salay
How we are funded
Incorporated by royal charter, we are registered as a charity (not-for-profit organisation) and operate as an executive non-departmental public body in the UK.
Find out more London Skyline © Andy Huggett
Our vision and purpose
Do you have questions about the British Council and what we do. Here we answer some of the most frequently asked questions - why, what where? Everything you need to know.
Peckham library, London - Image © Jon Spaull
Strategy 2010
We have embarked on a five-year programme of strategic change to equip the organisation for the cultural relations challenges of the early 21st century. We’re calling the programme
Strategy 2010.
learn it live it - credit - Michael Courtman
Facts and figures
In 2006/07 we reached over 86 million people, and worked closely with over 16.5 million of them. In recent research, 87 per cent of our UK clients and partners said we can open doors for the UK that no other organisation can. Find out more about
our work.
History and values
We have emerged from small beginnings in the 1930s, to become the major international organisation that we are today. Find out more about the
70 years of dedicated people and their work that makes our history.
Two women, Waterloo, London - Image © Boris King
