British Council In Russia

British Council is a non-ministry UK government department dealing with the spread of British culture from outside the UK. The British Council operates in the UK itself, and in 215 cities in 110 other countries and territories.Personnel engaged around the world includes more than 8,000 people. 


The UK Government is sponsoring council by one third, while another part comes with its own board of revenue (activities, tuition and exams). In a year over a million people are tested for English proficiency at different levels in the council.In Russia there were 15 centers of the British Council, but formally due to the unresolved legal status by January 2008 the Russian authorities had closed all of them except the office in Moscow.

The British Council focuses on training activities and the development of relations of countries, where is based with the UK. It is a public organization created in 1934 by Royal Charter. 


In England the council is listed as a charitable organization. Head of the council and its patron is Queen Elizabeth II, the vice-patron - Prince of Wales, President - Lord Kinnock, former leader of the Labour Party. The financial aspect is regulated by the Foreign Office (Foreign and Commonwealth Office), while in the activity board is independent and self-sufficient. Executive Director - Martin Davidson (took office in April 2007).