Last month, I gave a presentation by video link for the first time. I was speaking about environmental justice to audiences in India and Russia for the British Council.

The discussion with students, journalists, campaigners and others in New Delhi and St Petersburg, was chaired by Louise Batchelor, BBC Scotland Environment Correspondent. The strength of commitment to challenging injustice and working for the environment was palpable - and the immediacy of the challenges facing many in those countries was - as ever - humbling.

Careful design of the event overcame some of my misgivings about the video technology, but I missed the chance to have the deeper conversations that are possible face to face. This reminded me why our courses are not available by distance learning - despite frequent requests.

To change society we need to change ourselves - to be the change we want to see. And that doesn't come from 'book learning' (or 'virtual learning environments') alone. That's why developing trust and community, working together with compassion and integrity, face to face, are central to our courses.

With best wishes

Osbert Lancaster
Executive Director