What We Do

Regular Group Workshops

One of the core objectives of the UK Soft Power Group is to build a resilient and productive membership network, which brings together representatives from a diverse spectrum of soft power institutions and interests. UK Soft Power Group members convene on a regular basis, in order to facilitate new collaborations and partnerships in across soft power activities, to enable the sharing of knowledge, data and strategic approaches, and provide members a forum in which to discuss common challenges and share best practice. The exact nature and themes of these workshops are determined and led by member interest and activities. Many include expert briefings on current events and topics. In 2023, these have included briefings on the Integrated Review Refresh, public opinion around soft power and cultural relations, the International Development White Paper, and on approaches to engaging with China.  

Research 

In 2023, the UK Soft Power Group published a major report, ‘The Future of UK Soft Power: Building a Strategic Framework’. Merging the efforts of over 20 of the UK’s principal soft power assets, the report highlights substantial benefits the UK earns from its soft power and the importance of increasing collaboration between Government and soft power actors to enable the UK to achieve its international ambitions.

Read more about our Strategic Framework and its recommendations here.

Engagement with Government Representatives

The UK Soft Power Group has established a constructive dialogue with the UK Government, and developed a platform from which to make an active contribution to shaping Government thinking.

In 2023, engagement with Government representatives included:

  • Participating in an FCDO-led workshop on the role of soft power interests as part of  the ‘Call for Evidence’ process for the 2023 International Development White Paper.

  • Holding a roundtable with David Rutley MP, the FCDO Minister with the portfolio for soft power, to present the Group’s Strategic Framework and it’s recommendations.

  • Presenting the Group’s Strategic Framework and its recommendations to officials across the FCDO, DBT, DfE and DCMS.

  • Engaging with the FCDO’s Latin America team, and inputting into the FCDO’s official anniversary celebrations marking 200 years of diplomatic relations with Latin America.

  • Providing a summary of member activities at COP28 to stakeholders across the Government.

Find a flavour of the Group’s 2024 external engagements here.

Events 

The UK Soft Power Group aims to stage regular events, to provide opportunities to champion members’ interests towards Government, bring new members into the network, and share knowledge, data, and expertise within the network.