British research organisation UKRI announces new operating model and voluntary exit scheme

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the national public funding agency that invests in science, research and business innovation across the United Kingdom, announced on 13/10/2026 that it is "changing the way it operates to deliver bigger impact for the UK", notably with a voluntary exit scheme.

To deliver "stronger growth, better research outcomes, and faster, more effective decision-making", UKRI is launching a voluntary exit scheme, the first phase of its reforms, to "help build the right skills and structure for the future".

The organisation justified this decision by a need to "streamline decision-making, strengthen partnerships with investors and delivery partners across the UK, and be clearer about long-term plans so partners can invest with confidence".

"Our future operating model may mean fewer roles are needed in some areas and more in others. This voluntary scheme aims at reducing the likelihood of other kinds of exit later," UKRI said.

It added that redeployment and reskilling will be explored first where further workforce change is needed, and trade unions will be consulted…