Kate joined the British Council after working for organisations helping to improve life for street children around the world.
Her British Council career has included postings as Country Director in Uganda and Tanzania.
She has also worked in Central and Eastern Europe, and in Egypt. As Regional Head covering the Middle East and North Africa, she helped develop the British Council’s response to the political change in North Africa. The focus of this work was to offer young people education, skills and opportunities to help them participate in reshaping their societies.
Prior to being named Deputy Chief Executive, Kate was Director Global Network – giving British Council staff overseas the backing of a strong support network of colleagues at home. She was also responsible for managing strategic relationships with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and other Whitehall partners, ensuring the British Council remains central to the UK government’s Global Britain agenda.
Each of Kate’s roles has allowed her to support our purpose – to build connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and other countries through arts and culture, education and the English language.
First-hand experience of our work on the ground has given her a clear understanding of the value of what we do – and what is needed to protect and support the people who deliver it.
As Deputy Chief Executive her aim is to maintain focus on the big picture in the 100+ countries where the British Council operates, without losing sight of the smaller – human – scale at which all cultural relations activity works.