Our status | The Charter | Our relation to government | Accountability | Equality and diversity | Related charitable trusts

Our status

We are an executive non-departmental public body, a public corporation (in accounting terms) and a charity.  

We were founded in 1934, incorporated by Royal Charter (pdf 192kb) in 1940 and registered as a charity under registration numbers 209131 (England and Wales) and SC037733 (Scotland). A supplemental Charter of Incorporation was granted in 1993. Our Patron is HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The Prince of Wales is our Vice-Patron.

The Charter

The Royal Charter (pdf 192kb) is our constitution. It sets out the objects for which we exist, namely ‘[to] advance [...] any purpose which is exclusively charitable and which shall

(a) promote cultural relationships and the understanding of different cultures between people and peoples of the United Kingdom and other countries;

(b) promote a wider knowledge of the United Kingdom;

(c) develop a wider knowledge of the English language;

(d) encourage cultural, scientific, technological and other educational
cooperation between the United Kingdom and other countries; or

(e) otherwise promote the advancement of education'

Our relation to government

The British Council operates at arm’s length from the UK government and it does not carry out its functions on behalf of the Crown. However, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs is answerable to parliament for the policies, operations and performance of the British Council whilst the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is the British Council's Sponsoring Department.

Official documents regarding the Council's relationship with the FCO can be found under our corporate publications page.

Accountability

As an executive non-departmental public body we account for ourselves yearly to the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Commons and, upon request, to the Public Accounts Committee. As a registered charity we are subject to charities legislation and to scrutiny by the Charity Commission. The National Audit Office published a value for money audit of the British Council in 2008.

We are open in admitting mistakes when they are made and encourage a culture of willingness to learn from them.

Equality and diversity

Find out about our approach to promoting equality and managing diversity on our Equal Opportunity and Diversity pages.

Related charitable trusts

The British Council acts as trustee for a number of charities and trusts. Our involvement with these charities is consistent with and contributes towards the achievement of our charitable aims. Should you require further information, please contact ancillary.trusts@britishcouncil.org.

The level of responsibility held and the contributions made by the British Council varies from charity to charity:

• British Council as the sole corporate trustee
• British Council as a corporate trustee