Founded in 1934 to promote a wider knowledge of the United Kingdom and of the English language, the modern day British Council is still thriving as it approaches its 75th anniversary next year.

Today, the organisation works in 110 countries, building engagement and trust for the UK through the exchange of knowledge and ideas. Last year it touched the lives of over 128 million people worldwide, the highest number in the British Council’s history.

With a turnover of £565 million the British Council’s ability to facilitate and deliver large scale arts, education, science, sport and governance projects is considerable. Ambitious plans to increase that turnover by a substantial amount within the next few years will allow the organisation to reach even more people across the world.

 “When we describe what we do it can sound a bit abstract” says Vanessa Everett, Deputy Head of the Programme and Project Support Office (PSO).

“Basically though, it’s all about people. We connect people from other countries with people in the UK to work together on areas of mutual interest. Our 7,400 staff across the world all have direct personal experience of how powerful this can be in building mutual understanding and relationships that last. They are passionately committed to this work.”

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