Reasonable Adjustments service

The Reasonable Adjustments service plays a crucial role in supporting applicants through the Innovate UK grant application process by helping people overcome certain barriers, including but not limited to those with disabilities, long-term conditions, or neurodivergent individuals who face challenges applying.

Innovate UK welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to making the Innovate UK grant application process accessible to everyone.

Helping to simplify your application process

Provided by Innovate UK Business Connect, the Reasonable Adjustments service supports applicants with key application skills, helping to overcome barriers faced by the Innovate UK grant application process.

Through the service, we signpost you to useful tools, applications and resources online to support you with your application, and we offer one-to-one support with our dedicated team of Reasonable Adjustment Providers (RAPs). We can also provide competition information in alternative formats.

Our Reasonable Adjustment Providers  understand the potential challenges and support the applicant through the process. They are not a sector expert and they don’t comment on the strength of an application. They’re a friendly, supportive person delivering 1-2-1 support with an applicant within the scope of the RA service.

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Proofreading

Checking grammar, spelling, and clarity

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Clarifying language

Simplifying complex instructions

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Resources

Suggesting useful apps, websites, tools and resources.

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Introduction to experts

Introducing you to sector experts within IUK Business Connect.

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Time management

Helping with task breakdown and staying on track

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Note-taking

Writing down the applicant's words

How it works

1

Contact Innovate UK early

Applicant contacts Innovate UK's Customer Services Team ASAP - we suggest at least 15 working days before the deadline. They will be asked to provide simple information and consent to progress the referral with IUK Business Connect.

2

Recommendations

IUK Business Connect conducts an Exploration session with the Applicant to understand their needs. Following the session, IUK Business Connect sends the Applicant a recommendation of support based on their unique needs.

3

Agree support

Applicant receives and confirms their recommendations. This could be signposting to software, receiving 1-2-1 support or linking up with a sector expert (KTM).

4

Submit your application

Applicant submits their application. We advise to do so well ahead of the deadline as extensions cannot be provided.

What you need to know

You can ask for Reasonable Adjustments support for any open competition on the Innovation Funding Service (IFS) portal.

To use the Reasonable Adjustment Service, please contact the Customer Service team at support@iuk.ukri.org or call 0300 321 4357. They are from Innovate UK and will collect some of your details to refer you to the Reasonable Adjustments Service.

We recommend you request Reasonable Adjustments at least 15 working days before this competition’s closing date to allow us to put the most suitable support in place. The support we can provide may be limited if you contact the Customer Services team close to the competition deadline.

Getting support through this service won’t affect the outcome of the competition. Your conversations with the Reasonable Adjustment Provider won’t be shared with Innovate UK, and they won’t tell the assessors that you’ve received support.

The Reasonable Adjustments service is available from 9am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays and seasonal business closures).


Disclaimer

Please note, this support does not include:

  • Providing deadline extensions for competitions
  • Developing an idea
  • Helping with research or references
  • Choosing which competition to apply to
  • Giving advice on whether your innovation is in scope for a competition
  • Writing answers in the application portal
  • Interpreting unclear or subjective language
  • Giving feedback on the strength of your application or its chances of success
  • Offering financial advice (like budgeting, business planning, or interpreting figures)
  • Providing wellbeing support
OTHER SUPPORT

Useful tools, apps and resources

Explore a list of existing resources already popular online.

Explore resources

OTHER SUPPORT

Your Complete Guide to Innovation Funding and Support

Whether you are a researcher, business or you have an innovative idea you would like to grow to market, Innovate UK Business Connect can advise and signpost you to the most appropriate funding opportunities for your need. This page will help you explore Innovate UK funding pathways and signposts to support your application.

For more information

Read the Reasonable Adjustments Service Terms of Service

INNOVATE UK CUSTOMER SERVICE

Get in touch

To use the Reasonable Adjustment Service, please contact the Customer Service team at support@iuk.ukri.org or call 0300 321 4357. Our phone lines are open from 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm UK time, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays). They are from Innovate UK and will collect some of your details to refer you to the Reasonable Adjustments Service.

Contact Innovate UK support
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