The British Council seeks an inspirational Chair to head the UK’s leading international cultural relations charity. The Chair leads a talented Board of Trustees with bold ambitions for the British Council and represents it at the highest levels in UK and across the world.
The British Council builds engagement and trust for the UK through the exchange of knowledge and ideas between people worldwide. With a global remit encompassing the arts, English teaching, education, and civil society, 85% of its income is derived from services it provides, and the remainder from government grants. Agile, entrepreneurial and values-driven, the British Council plans to extend its reach and impact and strengthen its partnerships.
The new Chair will succeed Sir Vernon Ellis whose successful tenure ends in March 2016. He/she will play a prominent role in representing the British Council’s interest to key stakeholders in the UK and across the 110 countries in which it operates. The successful candidate will be comfortable with this ambassadorial element of the role, and identify closely with the values and mission set out in its Royal Charter.
Energy, dynamism and resilience must be combined with excellent leadership skills and a track record of achievement that provides a platform from which to deal credibly with government and the international community at the most senior level. Commercial experience will be valuable, along with an international background.
The post is unremunerated, and likely to require 80 to 100 days per year, including extensive travel.
Closing date, Noon 8 January 2016; final interviews, 23 February 2016.
Click the "Apply" button to access further information and application instructions, or call +44 (0) 20 7830 8052 for assistance.
Equality commitment
The British Council is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and is keen to reflect the diversity of UK society at every level within the organisation. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
