The UK ranks in the top three across all major soft power indices, with global affinity for its culture and creative industries, sport, education and institutions. The Soft Power Council, formed of 26 members, is an advisory board to the UK government. It was launched by Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy on 15 January 2025. It brings together soft power and foreign policy experts to champion a new, hard-nosed approach to soft power.

Neil says, “I am keen on the effective use of soft power. This new initiative brings together leaders in culture, sport, higher education, creative industries and the judiciary. The Soft Power Council has immense potential. I am thrilled to be a member so that we can work jointly, with the Foreign Secretary and Culture Secretary to develop and implement strategies to meet the UK’s foreign policy aims.”

As the Provost of one of the oldest colleges at the University of Oxford and the Chairman of Historic England, Neil will bring expertise in education, culture and heritage to the council.