Knowledge Exchange Partnership is graded ‘Outstanding’ by Innovate UK

A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between University of Gloucestershire and Stroud-based Treehouse Partners has been graded ‘Outstanding’ by Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency.

An independent panel of assessors awarded the highest possible grading following a review of the collaboration, which focused on developing Treehouse Partners’ innovative ‘Unlocked’ service.

Treehouse Partners secured funding for the project through Innovate UK’s Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme. The scheme, which is partly funded by the UK Government, brings businesses and universities together to collaborate on innovation and business development.

KTPs create structured partnerships between businesses and universities, colleges or research organisations. Each partnership addresses a specific challenge, enabling the transfer of knowledge, technology and expertise from the academic partner to the business.

The ‘Unlocked’ tool is a technology enabled capability development platform that combines self-assessment, 360 feedback, role profiles and future career aspirations to help businesses identify skills gaps and plan targeted staff development with measurable ROI.

Treehouse Partners, a specialist in training, learning and development services for small and medium sized businesses, worked with the University’s digital experts to develop Unlocked as a cost-effective digital tool designed to help fast growing companies retain and develop high-quality employees.

It is part of the University’s collaborative work with Treehouse Partners, through its School of Business, Computing and Social Sciences, in carrying out industry-led research and in developing new products, processes and services through studies around data science.

The partnership provides placement learning and networking opportunities for students on the University’s data-science-related courses, which include MSc Data Science.

Project lead, Dr Will Sayers (pictured above), Associate Head of the School of Business, Computing and Social Sciences, said: “We’re proud that our Knowledge Exchange Partnership with Treehouse Partners has achieved the highest possible grading from Innovate UK.

“The grading highlights the strength of our collaboration developing and launching the Unlocked service, which has expanded the range of training, learning and coaching solutions offered by Treehouse Partners.

“Collaborations like this reflect our commitment to working with industry to deliver research that has real-world impact, while ensuring our data science and computing degrees equip students with the cutting-edge, business relevant skills they need.” 

Helen Westendorp, Director and Head Locksmith at Treehouse Partners, said: “This Outstanding grading is a testament to the strength of our partnership and the real-world impact that can be achieved when businesses and universities innovate together.

“The Knowledge Transfer Partnership produced Unlocked, a data-driven capability development system that unlocks rapid growth for businesses through their people. Unlocked is part of Treehouse’s outsourced L&D service which aims to grow businesses without growing overheads.”

Main image: left to right, Kyle Westendorp (Degree Apprentice – Digital and Technology Solutions), Becky Evans (Head of Learning and Development, Stuart Wiley (via Teams – Head Software Designer) from Treehouse Partners