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British Council

Is this your company?

Is 'facepalm' a good title? - Deputy Manager - Operations British Council Employee Review

2.0
Aug 1, 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

If you want to upgrade your skills in a manner that fits perfectly with the BC's priorities, there are great training opportunities. Keep your head down and don't attract attention and you can get away with anything.

Cons

Higher Management lives in a cocoon of privilege and as a result are arrogant, dismissive and careless. They are also completely lacking in self-awareness. Cult-like. Annual Performance is generally judged based on other's perceptions of you and what you do, not the work you actually do. This means that your hours of toil on a project mean nothing if someone in a 'higher' role than you reports something negative about you; doesn't matter if it is true or not. The organization does not practice the values they claim to preach: BC preaches diversity and inclusion but 90% of the higher management is white, male and British. Preach about the importance of mental health/work-life balance, but managers will expect 50-60 hour workweeks to prove your commitment. Finally and by far the most frustrating; the lack of any serious accountability. Finger pointing and blame is commonplace. Serious mistakes never come with consequences for the person that made them; was personally told on multiple occasions that "the British Council" was accountable for clerical/accounting/financial/scheduling errors. Everyone is accountable so no one ended up being accountable.

Explore other reviews about British Council

5.0
Oct 20, 2025
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Benefit package is quite generous. People friendly.

Cons

Nothing special to mention as cons.

4.0
Jun 1, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Free to work whenever you want

Cons

Working for more than 8 hours sometimes

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