BCB Meeting Minutes.pdf

The British Council's Board of Trustees met on December 9, 2020, with Stevie Spring as Chairman. Attendees included various directors and officers. The meeting covered several topics:

1. News from the network: The security situation in Ethiopia is being monitored, and staff are safe. Virtual country visits are being conducted to support staff.
2. Cashflow and management accounts: The CFO reported that trading has been stronger than expected, and the board agreed to manage within the current loan facility until mid-January.
3. Letter of comfort: Trustees reviewed the draft letter and expressed concerns about the composition of the board and its impact on diversity and workload.
4. Annual report and end of year accounts: The CFO updated the board on outstanding issues, and the board approved the delegation of authority to the Chairman and the Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee to jointly approve the Annual Report and Accounts.
5. Reviews: The Director Global Network noted that significant changes will be required to produce savings and a sustainable business model.
6. Business plan update: The COO noted that the plan reflects the impact of reviews on strategic focus, performance reporting framework, and restructuring.
7. Examinations strategy: The Director English & Exams gave a verbal update on the emerging examinations strategy.
8. COO quarterly report: The COO summarized highlights, including the resilience of teaching and exams teams and a continued shift to digital.
9. Report back from Risk Committee: The Chair of the Risk Committee noted that the committee focused on raising concerns, principle risks, lessons learned from Covid, and partnerships.