How does the British Council deliver value? FAC to hold a one-off session
The Foreign Affairs Committee will hold a one-off evidence session on the work of the British Council at 13.30 on Monday 13 January.
The British Council is an executive non-departmental public body of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), with the role of promoting cultural relationships between the UK and other countries, promoting the English language and fostering educational international co-operation.
Meeting details
This session will scrutinise the work of the British Council, with a focus on its funding and value for money, as well as the British Council’s contribution to the UK’s soft power.
Questions are likely to focus on substantial fluctuations in the British Council’s net profits and losses since 2020, cases of fraud reported by the British Council, and the organisation’s recent reliance on FCDO loans. Committee Members are also likely to ask about the FCDO’s stated goal of the British Council becoming self-sufficient.
The British Council’s contribution to UK soft power will also be covered. Questions are likely to focus on the shift towards digital platforms and content in order to expand reach, and the metrics that the British Council uses to assess impact.