PURPOSE

  To enhance the reputation of the United Kingdom in the world as a valued partner.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

1. To project the UK's creativity, cultural diversity and recent achievements, and to challenge outmoded stereotypes of the UK abroad

  This objective principally supports the FCO's objective: To increase the impact of and respect for British foreign policy and values [FCO 4].

  The ways we shall do this include:

—  providing accurate, credible information from and about the UK;

—  demonstrating the creativity and excellence of the arts in the UK;

—  developing new and existing overseas markets for the UK's creative industries;

—  encouraging cross-cultural collaboration in the arts;

—  highlighting the UK's scientific and technological achievements;

—  showcasing the UK today through exhibitions and festivals;

—  administering the Chevening scholarship programme on behalf of the FCO;

—  demonstrating modernity, quality, and multiculturalism through the Council's centres worldwide.

2. To build the UK's role as a leading provider of educational opportunity for people overseas

  This objective principally supports the FCO's objective: To improve, through international action, economic opportunities for a prosperous UK [FCO 2].

  The ways we shall do this include:

—  increasing the number of international students studying in the UK;

—  promoting the use of British goods and services in education and training, including books, teaching materials and electronic information;

—  increasing the number of students studying for and taking British qualifications;

—  providing quality assurance services for the ELT sector in the UK.

3. To promote wider and more effective learning of the English language overseas, especially as a means of influencing young people's views of the UK

  This objective supports the FCO's objectives: To increase the impact of and respect for British foreign policy and values [FCO 4] and To improve quality of life worldwide; and develop a strong international community [FCO 3].

  The ways we shall do this include:

—  delivering high-quality English language teaching services to target audiences overseas;

—  providing professional support and materials to improve the teaching of English in other countries.

4. To position the UK overseas as a committed partner in tackling key reform agendas and promoting sustainable development

  This objective principally supports the FCO's objectives: To improve quality of life worldwide; and develop a strong international community [FCO 3].

  The ways we shall do this include:

—  working with overseas partners to strengthen governance, human rights, the rule of law, the role of the media and civil society;

—  enabling decision-makers and professionals overseas to access British knowledge and expertise, to exchange information and share best practice with their UK counterparts;

—  facilitating DFID-funded higher education links;

—  supporting initiatives to address environmental problems;

—  managing development projects and training programmes on behalf of DFID and other agencies to agreed quality standards;

—  supporting the development of Commonwealth institutions and networks working to promote reform.

5. To demonstrate the UK's commitment to strengthening ties with Europe and developing European cultural and intellectual exchange

  This objective principally supports the FCO's objective: To ensure the UK plays a strong role in a strong Europe, responsive to people's needs [FCO 5].

  The ways we shall do this include:

—  organising European networking programmes and other high-profile pan-European events;

—  managing training and consultancy programmes on European integration in EU candidate countries;

—  positioning the UK as a major player in the EU's external cultural relations;

—  developing partnerships with key EU institutions and ensuring greater UK involvement in EU-funded international programmes.

6. To encourage a greater international awareness in the UK, especially among young people, and to enrich the international dimension of British education and culture

  This objective principally supports the DfEE's objectives and the FCO's objective: To improve quality of life worldwide; and develop a strong international community [FCO 3].

  The ways we shall do this include:

—  managing youth exchange programmes;

—  facilitating links between schools and colleges in the UK and other countries;

—  supporting the teaching of foreign languages in British schools;

—  managing visiting arts programmes.