1. The current KTP requirement is that a proposal is approved by Funders
Panel on the basis that the Associate(s) will be employed to deliver the
project plan on a full time basis. Grant
Offer letters are issued on this basis and the processes for recruiting a
suitable qualified graduate are well documented and understood. We expect the Associates to work full
time.
2. The grant offer letter also makes clear that Innovate UK are not, and are not to be represented as, an employer in connection with the letter of offer or any grant paid under its terms. Innovate UK staff and KTP Advisers may provide guidance from time to time in terms of what information is available and Partnerships will have discussed recruitment issues at a Supervisors Workshop as well as having access to the information contained within the Management Handbook.
3. The terms and conditions of the Associate’s contract of employment are however entirely a matter for the Partnership to agree, with the knowledge base taking the lead as the employer (noting that the expectation is that the terms should closely reflect those of the company partner with regard to such matters as holiday allowance, working hours, remuneration etc).
4. Associates are considered on probation for the early part of their project. Partners need to agree a suitable probationary period, typically this would be of the order of 6 months for a 2 year project This provides a check on the performance of the Associate.
5. Where an Associate resigns from a project within the first 3 months, the current revisions policy allows for the recruitment of a replacement Associate and for the resetting of the grant amount so that the Partnership can continue and undertake the approved planned activities. KBs are required to make a case using the revisions process.
6. Innovate UK has standardised both of these cases so that the policy is:
·
If a KTP Associate is dismissed
from their position for reasons beyond their control, and they have completed
one year or less than half of their KTP project, whichever is the shorter
(measured in time rather than tasks completed), they may be eligible to apply
for another KTP Associateship. However, as per the normal circumstances
within KTP, it is entirely a matter for and the responsibility of the business
and knowledge base partners in any new KTP as to whether the applicant is the
right person to appoint to that position.
· Depending upon the case made, Innovate UK will consider resetting the grant where an Associate leaves early on (first 3 months) in the planned project period, thus enabling the whole project (as originally approved) to be undertaken.
7. The current requirement to meet the 9 month rule for recruiting an Associate will be applied to all projects irrespective of length as will the opportunity to replace an Associate and/ or ‘finish off’ a project .
8. It has been agreed to retain the opportunity for an existing member from the KB staff to deliver a project where it is for a period of less than 12 months (‘finishing off’).
9. The minimum
qualifications for a KTP Associate, regardless of project duration, remain as
NVQ Level 4.
