Rudderless, self-serving management, bullying culture, crooks paid off. - Anonymous employee Innovate UK Employee Review

1.0
Oct 4, 2018
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Excellent supposed mission - if only some of the staff knew what it was like to a startup or early stage SME!

Cons

Where to start?! The CEO that came in around 2014/15 was out of her depth, but felt that she was royalty. She remained too remote to ever understand the organisation and ended up simply slavishly adhering to the whims of the sponsoring government department. A lack of transparency in appointments saw bizarre promotions - particularly for those close to the CEO or whos faced fitted, irrespective of ability. The remote CEO and weak HR department (whose sole purpose was to obey, rather than challenge, management, hushing up grievances, bullying cases and whistle-blowing reports, paying off the guilty with 5-figure sums, while sacking the complainants. A woeful shower, particularly given that there are many talented individuals within the organisation.

Explore other reviews about Innovate UK

3.0
Apr 23, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Exciting opportunities to work across your sector and engage with exciting companies and stakeholders.

Cons

Lack of support and communication from leadership with sluggish organisational changes. No career progression or support beyond that provided by some of the better line managers

2.0
Apr 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Work life balance, sick leave, pension

Cons

No promotions. No bonus. No opportunity for progression unless someone dies.

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