Anthony Nolan, a UK charity that connects patients in need with stem cell donors, will launch a Data Academy to train staff across the charity in essential data analysis skills.
The programme - which has been launched following a £220,000 donation of apprenticeship levy - will see 15 apprentices enrolled on a Data Literacy programme, while 2 will take a degree-level Advanced Data Fellowship course.
The apprenticeships will enable the charity to improve its use of data in-house, supporting the team to continue their life saving work.
Anthony Nolan(opens new window) is a pioneering charity that saves the lives of people with blood cancer and blood disorders. Every day, they use their register to match individuals willing to donate their bone marrow or blood stem cells to people who desperately need life saving transplants.
"Data is the backbone of our operation"
Training will be provided by Multiverse, a tech startup on a mission to build an outstanding alternative to university and corporate training.
Danny Attias, Chief Digital & Information Officer at Anthony Nolan said: “At Anthony Nolan we recognise the importance of data fluency in finding the best possible stem cell donor matches for our patients. Data is the backbone of our every step in our operation from our research through to finding the best possible match meaning we rely on insight every day to save lives.
“Multiverse’s Data Literacy programme helps us take our data maturity to a whole new level at Anthony Nolan, and I am thrilled to see the fantastic uptake from colleagues across the charity. Our aim of enhancing curiosity will drive agility across the organisation and equip colleagues with the knowledge they need to propel Anthony Nolan into the future.
Multiverse matches talented individuals with careers and delivers world-class training in a wide range of qualifications in leadership, digital and technology. Apprentices benefit from one-to-one coaching with an industry expert and are supported by a thriving community with events, socials, mentoring and leadership programmes, putting them in the best position possible for their future career.
Anthony Nolan’s apprentices will develop their skills in data analysis and data science, building core capabilities in areas like statistical testing, data ethics, predictive modelling and data security.
The programme was made possible by a levy transfer of more than £200,000 from a major organisation. Last year, £1 billion of apprentice levy funding was unspent by businesses.
Euan Blair, founder and CEO at Multiverse said: “This Data Academy will enable staff at Anthony Nolan to develop the right skills in data analysis that will ultimately contribute to the charity's mission of saving the lives of people with blood cancer. Anthony Nolan relies heavily on the effective use of data, and through apprenticeships, staff across the business and at every level will develop the skills they need to better do their job and make data-driven decisions. Thanks to apprentice levy transfers, organisations are now able to support charities like Anthony Nolan not just with cash - but also with skills."
