Grant Thornton invests £1M in data and digital training
Grant Thornton UK LLP has announced a £1 million investment in a business transformation programme designed to embed a data-driven, digital mindset across the firm. Developed in partnership with Data Literacy Academy, the initiative aims to equip employees at all levels with the skills and mindset needed to integrate data-driven thinking into their work.
Unlike traditional data training, which typically focuses on technical data analysis skills, Grant Thornton’s “3D” (Data-Driven Digital) mindset training prioritises a cultural shift—ensuring employees approach challenges and opportunities through a digital-first perspective. The first wave of training will be offered to senior leaders (Partners, Directors, Associate Directors) and new Associates, with additional investment planned for future cohorts.
Alan Dale, Head of Data, Digital and Technology at Grant Thornton UK LLP, explained the firm’s vision:
“Whilst data fluency and digital capabilities are nothing new for our people, significantly upskilling our teams both at senior and more junior levels with the latest thinking and trends in this fast-moving space will enable us to stay at the cutting-edge of our profession.
“Our commitment to continued investment in data and digital, and ensuring our people are at the vanguard of technological advancement in our sector, gives us a unique opportunity to reflect on how we work in a way that is better for our people, our clients and our firm. This will enable us to make smarter, faster decisions whilst upholding the high standards of quality that our clients expect. We’re delighted to be the first of our peers in the sector to offer this type of data and digital training to our people.
“We were excited by Data Literacy Academy’s unique approach to learning, as they blend the theories and practicalities of data learning to ultimately shift people’s mindset and capabilities. We look forward to our ongoing collaboration with the team over the coming years.”
A strategic focus on cultural change
Recognising that digital transformation extends beyond technology, the programme’s core objective is to embed a data-driven mindset across the organisation. Delivered through bespoke learning modules, the 3D programme will cover topics such as Data Leadership, Foundations of Data, and Digital Skills of the Future, offering a mix of theoretical learning and practical application over several months.
Greg Freeman, Founder and CEO of Data Literacy Academy, highlighted the significance of the initiative:
“Our partnership with Grant Thornton has already been an unbelievable journey, and its senior leaders are doing something really bold here. They’re buying into a critical business enabler while putting their people at the heart of it, because tech and data-enabled people drive change.
“The Grant Thornton team understands that data literacy, and the cultural shift it brings, will be a catalyst for their data and digital-led approach – unlocking the success of the firm for today and well into the future. I can’t wait to see the incredible impact that the programme will have on Grant Thornton’s people, culture, customers and the future of accountancy.”
This latest initiative builds on Grant Thornton’s ongoing digital transformation strategy, which has seen the firm make significant investments in technology, AI-driven tools, and digital services—both for internal operations and client solutions.
