The British Council wins recognition for the United Kingdom's values, ideas, achievements and expertise, and nurtures lasting, mutually beneficial relationships between people and organisations in our country and others around the world.

In today's world a country's standing and influence increasingly depend on an appreciation of its values and achievements and demand for its intellectual property – its knowledge, skills and ideas. This is the realm of cultural relations. It is where the British Council facilitates contacts between people and organisations which create understanding and mutual respect and a demand for closer engagement with the UK and its people. Through the unique combination of strengths it brings to cultural relations, the British Council contributes in a distinctive but integral way to the United Kingdom's international relations, supporting and complementing its diplomatic, commercial and development efforts.

The British Council works closely with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, but operates at arms length from government. This enables the relationships we build to endure despite changes of government or policy.

Cultural relations are a long-term commitment. They depend on trust and reputation, which are not achieved overnight. The British Council's presence in other countries is therefore founded on sustainable operations that allow it to build trust and reputation in order to achieve its purpose. We maintain a global network defined by the United Kingdom's long-term interests and our ability to achieve real and appropriate impact. We work both bilaterally and in global and regional partnerships.

The British Council's work covers many activities, but focuses particularly on education and training, English language teaching, the arts, science and governance. We promote the sharing of knowledge and information, creating opportunities for learning and contributing to the development of people and organisations at all levels.

The British Council's values are the foundation stones of our work. We believe in the potential of individuals and in the benefits of internationalism. In all we do, we aspire to integrity.

Our belief in the potential of the individual and the importance of freedom of expression leads us to celebrate the diversity of our own society and to respect other countries' cultures.

The British Council's belief in internationalism stems from an understanding of the interdependence of today's world. We are excited by the opportunities technology has created for information and knowledge sharing, but are aware of the dangers of a widening digital divide. We value the role played by the English language in facilitating encounters, but are sensitive to other cultures whose languages are at the core of their identity.

A reputation for integrity has to be earned. We aim for transparency in our dealings with people and organisations. We seek in all our activities to be respected for our honesty and independence of mind. We honour commitments, respect equal opportunities and admit and learn from mistakes, and in this way maintain and develop trust within our organisation and between us and our partners.

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