Select Committee on Foreign Affairs Minutes of Evidence


BRITISH COUNCIL

Written evidence submitted by the British Council

  Response from the British Council to the Foreign Affairs Committee on its 8th report of Session 2003-04 (HC745)

INTRODUCTION

  We are grateful to the Committee for its positive comments on a number of aspects of our work, and in particular in drawing attention (paragraph 179) to the valuable experience and skills we bring to the UK's overall public diplomacy.

SR2004

  We welcome the committee's continued support for ring-fencing of our funding, and to its statement (paragraph 211) that its continuance both under SR2004 and in future spending rounds is vital for the effective operation of the British Council and the BBC World Service.

BRITISH COUNCIL STRATEGY 2010

  We agree with the committee's assessment that the new 2010 strategy is ambitious and challenging (paragraph 182). We believe that while the Strategy is stretching, it is both realistic and achievable. We are committed to ensuring that we respond to changes in the global and technological environments in a manner which makes our work both more efficient in its delivery and more customer-focused in achieving our objectives.

  We look forward (paragraph 182) to giving regular updates to the committee on the progress of implementation of the strategy, which will extend our reach to millions more users and customers, and a greater focus on fulfilling outcomes.

ESTATES STRATEGY

  The committee raised concerns (paragraphs 186 to 188) about the plans to reduce the estates footprint of the British Council by 15% by 2007-08. We note the committee's concern about the sale of valuable, appreciating properties for short-term gain, but would point out that our commitment is to reduce space occupancy and is not related to ownership of assets. In fact the British Council now owns few buildings overseas and where possible leases or rents accommodation.

  Developments in IT and improvements in design of work spaces bring the prospect of reducing the space required in our offices. We plan to undertake a cost-benefit analysis of the cost of overheads per square meterage globally, and identify the action that needs to be taken against a backdrop of increased costs due to security concerns.

  In response to the recommendation in paragraph 188, we would point out our objective in reducing the size of space occupancy is to use space more efficiently and to respond to additional costs which arise from the need for additional security. Every additional square metre is extra space which needs to be secured: therefore, if we can place pressure on using less space, this can assist in reducing our costs. The objective is not aimed at consequential cuts in reach or in the range of operations around the world.

BRITISH COUNCIL OPERATIONS IN RUSSIA

  On the British Council's operations in Russia (paragraphs 195 to 197), we are grateful to the committee for its support in stating that attempts to impose tax charges on our operations is not conducive to good bi-lateral relations or to encouraging the valuable work we undertake in the Russian federation.

  The signing of a new cultural centres agreement (CCA) is the key to providing the framework for the resolution of taxation issues. We have reminded the Russians that both parties agreed a draft CCA three years ago, and actively seeking to complete and sign the proposed agreement.

  We are grateful to the support given by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and by the Embassy in Moscow in particular for raising this issue with the Russian authorities.

ROLE IN ACCREDITATION OF EFL SCHOOLS

  We welcome the committee's support of the Council's role in superintending the work of EFL schools in the UK (paragraph 203). We are currently working closely with the Home Office and the Department for Education and Skills on proposals to make the accreditation of English language schools mandatory so that, from a date to be decided, visas will only be issued to students applying to an accredited EFL institution. This will build on the DfES register of education providers, which is not intended to provide quality assurance or accredit the learning provision of any registered providers.

BRITISH COUNCIL BRANDING

  The committee expressed concern (paragraphs 204 to 207) about the current branding used by the British Council. We introduced the new logo two years ago for a variety of reasons. First, the old logo, using 49 1960s-style binary dots, was difficult to reproduce on-line or on stationery. Second, it was indistinguishable in publicity materials for multi-partner events when placed alongside other logos. The new logo gives enables the organisation's name to appear more prominently when featured with the logos of partner organisations. The words "British Council" are integral to the logo, and the four dots are not used separately. Third, we required a more contemporary logo to match the more modern look now adopted in our centres overseas, which showcase UK design and style. In its two years of use it has been well received among users of our centres and among partner organisations we work with internationally.

  The committee (paragraph 207) requested the costs of the re-branding. The development costs amounted to £85,000 (plus VAT). Implementation costs are difficult to disaggregate, but were minimal as introduction took place in a phased manner as part of the standard refurbishment programme of Council premises.

  The committee suggests (paragraph 206) the branding issue may demonstrate the Council is "underplaying" its Britishness. The British Council remains demonstrably committed to increasing appreciation of the UK's ideas and achievements (as stated in our revised purpose statement). We have also set three outcomes to which we will work under our Strategy 2010. These demonstrate how central "Britishness" is to our mission. They are: improved perceptions of the UK, greater mutual understanding between the UK and other countries, and stronger ties between the UK and other countries.

  We retain a strong commitment to "Britishness" and to its portrayal through our work in the 110 countries we are represented in. We seek to do this in ways which are relevant and attractive to our audiences and which convey a contemporary sense of the UK's creativity and diversity No Government department, devolved administration, or indeed, the Westminster Parliament, uses the Union flag in its logo in either its domestic or international work. We will continue to use imaginative and effective ways of representing "Britishness" in all areas of our work abroad.

British Council





 
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