Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) Associate Management Training - RFP

Background to the Requirement

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) is an Innovate UK led government funded programme which aims to enable businesses to access the technology, knowledge and skills which are available in UK universities, colleges and research & technology organisations, to undertake collaborative projects for the strategic development of the business. KTP has been operating successfully for 49 years.

KTP has recently aligned itself to the flexible working policies of its academic partners. Currently training is completed both online and at residential workshops. The residential element is highly valued by participants, but it is recognised that current training arrangements can prove challenging for those working flexibly.

KTP core funding has grown though the current contract from £35m-£50m around £50m per year. This has increased the number of places required from our training provider. The training provider will need to demonstrate their ability to respond gracefully to the changes in demand the programme requires.

There is a programme manager in place that manages the programme and is responsible for leading this procurement exercise. They are supported by a Governance manager and a team of 35 knowledge transfer advisers, one of whom is specifically tasked as a liaison with the current training provider.

Scope

KTP Associates are potential future business leaders for the UK. Associates outperform their contemporaries, being promoted to senior positions more quickly and earning higher salaries as a result of participating in the KTP programme.

The training provided by the KTP programme helps associates transition from academia to the business world and helps them become a productive and dynamic member of the business they work within, often being the agent for large scale organisational change.

Current evaluation of the training programme shows an exceptional level of satisfaction with the overall package of training delivered and this new contract should maintain the high standards of professionalism and quality currently provided.

KTP is a national programme, operating throughout the UK. The contractor must be able to provide a flexible delivery model that can gracefully manage the changes in demand that are likely to be experienced during the course of the contract. Typically, each year KTP has recruited 300-400 associates, but this can change depending on the current funding situation. Over the next 3 years KTP expects to maintain a minimum associate recruitment of around 350 people.

Unlike many UKRI funding competitions, KTP is always open to applications. Typically, every 8 to 10 weeks between 40-80 new projects are approved for funding. The Associate will be recruited over the following 9 months. Once in post Associates typically participates in their first training session within 4 months.

Scope includes:

• Ongoing evaluation of provision by the provider, leading to consistent improvement of materials and delivery.
• Provide a training venue that is geographically accessible from all parts of the UK (rail, road, air) and provides a common, business-like experience for all associates, bringing them together from across the UK
• Flexible demand profile.
• Associates able to participate in training within 4 months of starting.
• Accommodating of flexible working practices including a fully online version of the training provided for those unable to attend in person.
• Make reasonable adjustments as required under the Equality Act 2010.

two.2.5) Award criteriaII.2.5) Award criteria

Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents