Job Description

The British Council is the United Kingdom's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For over 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity. We work with over 200 countries and territories and where we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. We connect. We inspire. Chair, Scotland Advisory Committee Deadline: 3 October 2025, 23:59 UK time Location: Scotland, United Kingdom Pay: Unremunerated (reasonable UK travel and expenses reimbursed) Duration: Three-year term, renewable once How to apply: Send a CV and a brief letter of intention outlining your suitability, interest, and availability to Corinne.Orton@britishcouncil.org .. For questions, contact Claire De Braekeleer, Director, British Council Scotland at Claire.DeBraekeleer@britishcouncil.org PLEASE DO NOT APPLY VIA OUR HR SYSTEM. Those applications not using the address above, won't be reviewed. The opportunity We are seeking an individual with experience in senior roles in Scotland who, as Chair, will lead the Scotland Advisory Committee in its pursuit of the objectives set out in the terms of reference. You will advise Director, British Council Scotland in a non-executive capacity to maximise the impact that British Council can make in and for Scotland and you will advocate for the British Council's work. About us The British Council is the United Kingdom's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. To help us with the quality and independence of our thinking, we draw on the expert advice of both our sector advisory groups and our three UK country advisory committees. The Scotland Advisory Committee advises Director, British Council Scotland and influences how the British Council's vision and strategy are developed. In Scotland, we focus primarily on education and arts. Working closely with Scottish partners and across the British Council network and we aim to: Ensure key stakeholders and potential beneficiaries in Scotland are aware of and supported to fully engage with the British Council's education and arts offers. Support the Scottish government and education and arts sectors' international ambitions Contribute positively and visibly to the national debate on internationalizing education and the arts in Scotland. Ensure that the British Council's global work is informed by a distinctive Scottish voice and Scotland is well represented in our UK offer. The British Council draws on strategic advice from three Country Advisory Committees - for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Main Responsibilities Lead the group to fulfil its purpose and objectives as outlined in the terms of reference Chair group meetings, normally three a year Advise on the development of the Scotland strategy Act as an advocate for the British Council's work. The Country Committee Chairs will be expected to attend two meetings of the Board of Trustees per annum, to participate in discussions setting the strategy for the organisation and to ensure the global organisation reflects the character of the 4 nations of the UK Who We're Looking For Experience of a senior role within a major private, public or voluntary sector organisation in a management and/or Board capacity Significant recent experience in one or more of the three core areas of British Council activity (Arts, Education, English), ideally within the Scotland context Varied range of senior contacts and networks in Scotland across relevant sectors; arts, culture, education, civil society and government. Strong international background and/or interests and beliefs in the British Council's core purpose Belief in, understanding and knowledge of what Scotland can contribute on the world stage Capacity to act as a 'critical friend' to Director, British Council Scotland Excellent interpersonal skills Highly effective communication skills (oral and written) We look forward to receiving your applications and learning more about how you could help shape the British Council's work in Scotland. A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities. Safeguarding Statement The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council's Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.

Skills Required