Analysis
In 2025 we commissioned the research consultancy ERS to do a thematic analysis of our oral history collections, drawing on both the 90th anniversary interviews and an earlier collection from around the time of our 75th anniversary. The resulting report explores our role, impact and reception within the ever-evolving landscape of cultural relations, international affairs and soft power. It does this through the lens of the interviewees themselves, bringing out the insight that their stories, emotions, experiences and personal reflections hold. See also: Twenty-six interviews. One living history – a dive into the 90th anniversary interview collection for the British Council Voices magazine.
We hope the report by ERS will be one of many more studies to make use of our oral history collections. If you are interested in accessing the interviews for your own research or scholarship, please get in touch: researchglobal@britishcouncil.org
Clip 1:
Personal relationships facilitated by the British Council
Malcolm Dalziel, former British Council Regional and Country Director; Francesca Beard, spoken word artist; Deb Avery, education consultant
Clip 2:
The value of long-term connections and trust
Janet Ilieva, education consultant
Clip 3:
Addressing legacies of empire
Francesca Beard, spoken word artist
Clip 4:
The nature of soft power
Neil Kinnock, former Chair of the British Council
Clip 5:
Shifting perceptions of the UK
Fiona Bartels-Ellis, former Head of Equality and Diversity and Inclusion
Clip 6:
English language teaching in Egypt
Paul Smith, former British Council Country Director
Clip 7:
Staging A Passage to India in Lahore, Pakistan
Malcolm Dalziel, former British Council Regional and Country Director
Clip 8:
The Link – how cultural relations supports UK bilateral relationships
Paul Smith, former British Council Country Director
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