Government Relations Manager in London

As a valued employee of the British Council, you already help us deliver our mission to 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. You are part of our organisation in over 200 countries and territories and where we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. We connect. We inspire.

Further Information

• Number of positions: 1
• British Council Pay Band 8
• Employment Type: Indefinite Contract
• Local Location: London, United Kingdom
• Deadline to receive applications: 18th August 2026

Role Purpose: To lead delivery of the British Council’s strategic engagement with UK Government stakeholders. Both directly owning some of those relationships (most critically, teams in FCDO, alongside other relevant departments); and advising, facilitating and supporting colleagues with their engagements. To use networks and knowledge – and a programme of stakeholder events and other activity - to ensure British Council strategy is informed by the external policy environment and UK Government thinking is improved by British Council research and insights.

Main Accountabilities:

• Co-design and lead delivery of the British Council’s strategic engagement with UK Government stakeholders.
• With the Deputy Director, External Relations, provide advice, briefing and support to the Chair, Chief Executive, Deputy CEO, Senior Leadership Team and colleagues across the organisation in engaging UK Government stakeholders.
• Strengthen the FCDO-British Council strategic relationship and build own positive and effective relationships with the FCDO ‘sponsor’ team and other key FCDO stakeholders.
• Provide a responsive service to FCDO and wider Whitehall requests for info.
• Seek out and build new relationships with other Government Departments with which the British Council has aligned interests (e.g. MOD, Cabinet Office, No10).
• Co-ordinate engagement with other UK Government departments, to ensure other teams’ engagement (e.g. with DCMS / DfE / DBT / Home Office / MHCLG) also delivers on corporate objectives, including leading on engagement with cross-Whitehall fora.
• Support the Deputy Director, External Relations in UK Government engagement around key corporate moments (e.g. Spending Reviews, Cabinet Office Public Body Reviews, FCDO Reviews).
• Provide policy and Whitehall updates/analysis to the organisation, develop internal corporate positions on key government policy areas, write/coordinate submissions to relevant UK Government consultations, and represent the British Council’s position at external meetings and events.
• Work with the Chair & Chief Executive’s Office to support the Chair, Chief Executive and Deputy CEO’s external engagement programmes, and lead on the strategic development, budget management, delivery and evaluation of thought leadership events, including with partner organisations.
• This includes working with Government departments – notably the FCDO, Cabinet Office and 10 Downing Street – to identify and implement strategic engagement opportunities.
• Produce the fortnightly HMG Update and seek other innovative ways to share expertise, research and insight with government stakeholders.

Key relationships: As well as working closely with the Deputy Director, External Relations and other PER colleagues, the post-holder will need to develop a wide range of relationships internally at every level and in the UK and around the global network. The post-holder will work particularly closely with colleagues in the Chair & CEO Office, Strategy, Research, Comms and Geographic Directorate teams. In addition to the key relationship with the FCDO, they will identify relevant external relationships to support the British Council’s work.

Role specific knowledge and experience:

• Minimum/essential: First-hand experience of working in a government or a government relations environment. Demonstrable experience of working successfully with senior internal and external stakeholders. Evidence of successful campaigning or policy influencing. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft high quality letters, briefings and submissions, and to present clearly and effectively in a range of contexts.
• Desirable: Knowledge and understanding of foreign policy/international relations, soft power and/or cultural relations. Highly motivated and demonstrates the ability to multi-task and deliver challenging projects to tight deadlines. Events organisation and coordination.

Education: Educated to degree level or equivalent experience.

Language: The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English is required.

Requirements: Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in the UK. Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided. The job requires attending occasional early morning meetings and evening engagements, and some travel may also be required. PER team members are expected to work in the office (or from Whitehall/Westminster) for at least two days a week. British Council supports working in new ways such as hybrid working, subject to full approval by line management and conditional upon our ability to provide the appropriate level of service. This may not be appropriate for all roles but can be explored at interview.

Please note that all applications should be submitted in English only. It is advisable to apply in advance to avoid any technical issues at the last moment.

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.

If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email askhr@britishcouncil.org