Grant Thornton partners with Data Literacy Academy

A bold investment in data-driven business transformation

‍

We’re pleased to announce that we’ve partnered with Grant Thornton UK LLP, one of the world’s leading independent assurance, tax and advisory firms. They’ve just announced a groundbreaking £1 million investment in a cutting-edge business transformation programme, with our education as a key enabler.

‍

The programme, named 3D, will empower Grant Thornton’s people to step into the future with a data-driven, digital mindset. The pioneering programme is designed to equip its people with the ability to approach every opportunity and challenge through an innovative, data-driven digital perspective.

A first-of-its-kind partnership driving cultural change

‍

The partnership is an industry first, fostering a digital mindset across Grant Thornton so the firm can rapidly accelerate its data and digital momentum and culture across teams. The aim of 3D is to drive significant improvements in how colleagues work and encourage further innovation via the development of new ideas and solutions.

Alan Dale, Head of Data, Digital and Technology at Grant Thornton UK LLP, commented:

“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 game-changer for the future of accountancy

Greg Freeman, Founder and CEO of Data Literacy Academy added:

“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.”

‍

The 3D Programme launches with a bang

On June 12th, Grant Thornton UK welcomed senior leaders and 120 learners to the official Launch Day of the 3D (Data-Driven Digital) programme.

What began as a vision to build future-ready data-confident teams has become a living, breathing initiative spanning leadership briefings, cohort-based learning, and on-demand training. From the opening remarks by senior leaders to the final reflections by participants, every part of the day highlighted the alignment across strategy, purpose, and participation.

People got to engage in immersive simulations, role-specific workshops, and collaborative exercises. These sparked insightful conversations across departments. The day was focused on turning abstract concepts into immediate, actionable insights. This experiential style of learning reinforces our belief that confidence with data is not taught in isolation, but built through real-world relevance and active reflection. And the positive response reaffirmed how Data Literacy Academy's mindset-oriented approach sets the right tone to achieve these ambitions.

The scale of impact, the richness of feedback, and the visible enthusiasm from learners point to a wider transformation already underway. With tailored learning journeys, on-brand communications, and embedded behavioural nudges, we’re helping shape a firm-wide digital mindset within Grant Thornton UK. When people don't see data as a challenge to overcome, but a language to lead with, they're setting themselves up for a successful future.

‍