FOI release

FOI2024/01252: Funding Allocation, Decision-Making, and Gender-Specific Data

This request was refused in part, so we didn't provide some of the information the requester asked for. This may include information where we can neither confirm nor deny that we hold it.

Case reference FOI2024/01252

Received 31 December 2024

Published 14 April 2025

Request

Request received: 31 December 2024

I request the following information regarding funding allocations and decision-making practices by Innovate UK:

1. Funding Allocation by Gender

The total amount of funding awarded in the last five financial years through:

• SMART Grants

• Innovation Loans

• Women in Innovation Program

• Future Economy funding streams

• Any other grant funding programs administered by Innovate UK

A breakdown of the funding amounts awarded to women-led businesses vs. men-led businesses, where "women-led" is defined as businesses with at least 50% female ownership or a female CEO/Managing Director

The number of businesses led by women vs. men that received funding in each program

2. Decision-Making and Gender Composition

The gender composition (number and percentage of men and women) of decision-makers at each stage of the funding process, including:

• Review panels or committees evaluating grant and loan applications.

• Final decision-making bodies or individuals responsible for approving funding allocations.

• Any policies or steps taken by Innovate UK to ensure gender diversity among decision-makers involved in funding processes.

3. Supporting Information and Data Transparency

• Any internal reports, KPIs, or monitoring mechanisms Innovate UK uses to track and address gender disparities in grant and loan funding allocation and decision-making.

• Steps taken to comply with the Equality Act 2010, particularly in promoting equitable access to grant funding for women-led businesses.

4. If the requested data is not available, please confirm:

• Why the data has not been collected.

• How Innovate UK ensures compliance with the Equality Act 2010 without this data.

• Whether there are plans to collect and monitor this data in the future, and if so, the timeline for implementing such measures.

Response

Response sent: 17 February 2025

Full details of this response are provided on the attached copy

Documents

This is UK Research and Innovation's response to a freedom of information (FOI) or environmental information regulations (EIR) request.

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