Institute for Collaborative Working

What Institute for Collaborative Working does

The Institute for Collaborative Working (ICW) is a UK-based private membership institute that promotes structured collaborative working practices grounded in the ISO 44001 international standard for collaborative business relationship management. Its core offering is a methodology stack built on top of ISO 44001, comprising the ICW Travelator (a maturity pathway from baseline to leading-edge practice), the 3 'E's Model (Evaluate, Enable, Embed), the Trust Index assessment tool, and an Online Toolbox of templates. ICW serves large enterprises (Sellafield, BSI, BAM, Babcock, NATS, Airbus, GRAHAM, AtkinsRéalis, Mitie), government and public sector bodies (Greater London Authority Group, National Highways, Transport for London, Network Rail), individual practitioners, SMEs, and academia through a hybrid segmentation approach.

ICW makes money through six revenue streams: corporate Executive Network memberships (the primary recurring stream), individual membership tiers (Associate AICW, Member MICW, Fellow FICW — all annual subscriptions), training and certification courses (notably the 4-day Collaborative Leaders course at University of Warwick), the annual Collaborative Working Awards at the House of Lords (entry fees, sponsorship, ticket revenue), assessment and consultancy services (gap analysis, internal audits, capability assessments), and webinars/events. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. Go-to-market is community-led, event-driven, and enterprise-field-sales, with a multi-channel distribution footprint spanning the UK, four national chapters (Australia, Ireland, Scotland, Wales), Middle East outreach, and academic partnerships (Warwick, Leeds, Cardiff). The institute operates from London (83 Victoria Street) with training delivered at the University of Warwick and is governed by a Board, Advisory Council of elected corporate members, and a small in-house team led by CEO Frank Lee and Chairman Lord John Hannett OBE.

Name

Institute for Collaborative Working

Legal name

Institute for Collaborative Working

Website

https://instituteforcollaborativeworking.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Institute for Collaborative Working (ICW) is a UK-based private membership institute that promotes structured collaborative working practices grounded in the ISO 44001 standard, serving enterprises, government bodies, practitioners, and SMEs through corporate and individual memberships, training, assessment services, and an event-led community programme.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Membership & Collaborative Working Services

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Support Services (61171)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

International/Transnational Accreditation & Recognition Bodies (EDADACAG)

Keywords

• Collaborative business relationships
• ISO 44001 training
• Structured collaboration consulting
• Professional membership institute
• Collaborative working certification

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Corporate Membership (Executive Network): Organisational membership subscription providing access to the Executive Network community, thought leadership, events, Special Interest Groups, resources, and ICW's members-only hub. The Executive Network brings together industry leaders, public sector, government and academia. This is ICW's primary recurring revenue stream and core business model.
2. Individual Membership Tiers: Tiered individual memberships including Associate (AICW, max 2-year initial entry), Member (MICW), Fellow (FICW). Annual subscription with benefits including accreditation, networking events, knowledge resources, and skills development courses. Fellowship requires minimum 5 years continuous membership plus portfolio and panel interview.
3. Training and Certification Courses: ICW delivers ISO 44001-aligned training programmes including the Collaborative Leaders Course (4-day intensive at University of Warwick), Principles of Structured Collaboration, Implementing Structured Collaboration, Introduction to Collaboration, and SME Collaborative Training. Successful candidates automatically enrolled as members. Course fees are a direct revenue stream.
4. ICW Annual Collaborative Working Awards: Annual awards event held at the House of Lords, sponsored by BSI. Generates revenue through entry fees, sponsorship (BSI as long-standing sponsor, BAM also sponsors the annual reception), and ticket sales for the black-tie ceremony and dinner.
5. Assessment and Consultancy Services: Fee-for-service assessments including Pre-Certification Gap Analysis, ISO 44001 Internal Audits, Collaboration Capability Assessments, Facilitation Support, and Expert Assessment for SMEs. Revenue generated through project-based consulting engagements with member and non-member organisations.
6. Webinars and Events: Monthly public and members-only webinars, Executive Knowledge Exchange sessions, sector-specific networking lunches, and workshops. Some events are free for members; others may generate sponsorship or ticket revenue. The annual Members' Day and Collaborative Working Reception at the House of Lords are flagship revenue-generating events.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels14 records

Core offering

ICW delivers ISO 44001-aligned training, tiered membership accreditation, and corporate Executive Network membership, supported by audit/assessment services, the proprietary Travelator and 3 'E's frameworks, and the Trust Index tool. Its commercial product portfolio also includes the ICW Collaboration Playbook for public procurement, the annual Collaborative Working Awards, webinars, and Members' Days. The institute operates as a UK-headquartered membership body with international chapters in Australia, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

Product overview

The Institute for Collaborative Working (ICW) offers a comprehensive suite of services focused on advancing collaborative working practices. The core offering includes training programs (notably the ISO 44001 Collaborative Leaders Course at University of Warwick), individual membership tiers (Associate AICW, Member MICW, Fellow FICW), and corporate Executive Network membership. Supporting services include ISO 44001 certification support (gap analysis, internal audits, auditor development), the ICW Travelator framework for organisational capability development, and assessment tools like the Trust Index. ICW also publishes the annual Collaboration Playbook for public procurement, The Partner annual publication, and Insight newsletter. The organisation runs the ICW Collaborative Working Awards program and regular webinars and events including Members' Days and receptions at the House of Lords. The membership software platform is powered by Wild Apricot.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ICW Collaboration Playbook: A practical guide for UK purchasing authorities on sourcing collaborative solutions from trustworthy suppliers
• The Partner
• Insight
• ICW Collaborative Leaders Course

Products and services

• ICW Collaborative Leaders Course A four-day intensive training programme delivered at the University of Warwick, covering ISO 44001 collaborative business relationship management. Successful completion leads to automatic ICW membership (MICW) underpinned by Warwick University accreditation. Formerly known as the Facilitator Accreditation Course. Designed for procurement, contract management, and business relationship professionals seeking practitioner-level accreditation.
• Member (MICW) Membership Full individual membership awarded through completing the Collaborative Leaders Course at Warwick University or by direct entry application requiring CV, statement of collaborative experience, two case studies, and two references. Underpinned by Warwick University accreditation. Provides access to knowledge resources, networking events, Special Interest Groups, and career development benefits. First year's membership is refundable for those achieving MICW through the Collaborative Leaders Course route.
• Fellow (FICW) Membership Senior individual membership tier recognising outstanding contribution to collaborative working. Requires minimum 5 years continuous ICW membership, portfolio submission, 3+ years of CPD records, two references from existing ICW members (one must be a Fellow), and a panel interview with a score of 5 on all assessment criteria. Provides senior-level recognition and contribution pathway into ICW's leadership community.
• Associate Membership (AICW) Initial entry-level membership for individuals wanting to engage with the ICW community, capped at maximum 2 years before progression to full membership is expected. Validates current collaborative working experience and provides onboarding pathway into ICW's training and accreditation ecosystem. Annual subscription with non-refundable terms due to immediate access to member downloads.
• Executive Network Membership Corporate membership tier bringing together industry leaders, public sector, government and academia to advance collaborative working practices. Includes access to the Executive Network community, Advisory Council participation, Ambassador Companies programme pathway, Special Interest Groups, events, and members-only resources. Applications are reviewed by an ICW membership panel. Pricing is handled through direct inquiry.
• ISO 44001 Assessment & Audit Support Services Comprehensive audit and assessment services including Pre Certification Gap Analysis, ISO 44001 Internal Audit Service, ISO 44001 Auditor Development Programme, and Collaboration Capability Assessment. Delivered by UKAS-qualified ISO 44001 Technical Assessors and designed for member and non-member organisations preparing for ISO 44001 certification.
• Internal Collaboration Evaluation & Action Road Map Service Structured assessment service that helps organisations evaluate their internal collaboration maturity and develop an action plan to improve, using ICW's proprietary 3 'E's maturity model. Designed to identify organisational capability gaps and produce a road map for embedding collaborative practices internally.
• ICW Travelator Structured maturity pathway framework defining a growth journey for organisations to develop collaborative capability from baseline to leading-edge practice. Provides a visual roadmap for organisations to assess their current state and progress toward advanced collaboration, anchored in the ISO 44001 eight-stage lifecycle.
• Trust Index Online tool within the ICW Online Toolbox that assesses and measures trust levels across collaborative relationships, helping organisations benchmark and track trust as a foundation for effective collaboration. Members use the Trust Index to evaluate relationship health and inform collaborative working interventions.
• ICW Online Toolbox Digital resource collection for members, including the Trust Index and other collaborative working tools, templates, and reference materials. Hosted within the members-only Wild Apricot hub and accessible to authenticated members.
• ICW Collaboration Playbook Practical guide for UK purchasing authorities offering guidance on sourcing collaborative solutions. Covers leadership behaviours, governance frameworks, commercial models, and data sharing principles. Helps procurement teams move beyond transactional relationships to drive innovation, reduce risk, and deliver greater public value. Developed with HMG Cabinet Office support.
• ICW Collaborative Working Awards Annual awards programme celebrating outstanding achievements in collaborative working across 10 categories including Public Sector, Defence & Security, Transportation, Utility, SME & VCSE, Alliance/Enterprise/Ecosystems, Supply Chain, Internal Collaboration, Sustainability, and Innovation & Transformation. Held annually at the House of Lords, sponsored by BSI. Generates revenue through entry fees, sponsorship packages, and ticket sales for the black-tie ceremony and dinner.
• The Partner ICW's flagship annual publication featuring thought leadership articles, case studies, and practical insights on collaborative working and ISO 44001 implementation. Launched at the Annual Reception each year. Available as a free PDF download.
• Insight Newsletter ICW's regular newsletter covering collaborative topics, published every 2-3 months. Includes articles from members, industry news, thought leadership articles, member spotlights, event recaps, and best practices. Previous issues available as PDF downloads back to Issue 1 (Mar/Apr 2022).
• ICW Expert Assessment Validation Scheme for SMEs Validation assessment scheme for SMEs to demonstrate their collaborative working capabilities. Includes self-assessment tools and expert-led validation process. Designed for small and medium enterprises seeking to access larger supply chains and demonstrate structured collaboration credentials.
• ICW Webinars Regular online sessions for members and public covering structured collaboration topics including ISO 44001, mobilisation, trust, governance, and AI in collaboration. Sessions include presentations and open Q&A, held monthly via Microsoft Webinars. Mix of members-only and public webinars with regular speakers including Bill Taylor, Trevor Gore, Henry Pavey, Adrian Miller, and guest experts.
• Special Interest Groups (SIGs) Member-led groups focusing on specific collaborative working topics including Structured Collaboration, Thought Leadership, Public Procurement SIG, and Collaborative Leadership SIG. SIG Marketplace events at Members' Day showcase SIG activities to prospective members and serve as community distribution channels.

Quantifiable outcome

• More than 100 collaboration professionals gathered at ICW Members' Day 2026 at Plaisterers' Hall, London
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers21 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Babcock International GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 March 2026ICW and Babcock co-host the annual Executive Knowledge Exchange at Babcock's London headquarters, bringing together senior leaders from defence, construction, aviation, nuclear, and AI sectors. Babcock's Simon Reid shared the Babcock SME Charter at the 2026 exchange. Babcock is an Executive Network member, represented by Nichole Booker on the Advisory Council. Also: Babcock & BAM Graduate Exchange Initiative launched at ICW Members' Day 2024.
• Leeds University Business SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 May 2025Formal strategic partnership established May 2025 via MoU between ICW and Leeds University Business School. Focuses on academic collaboration, research initiatives, and executive education development. Joint activities include co-authored white papers and policy briefs, pilot projects with ICW member organisations, contributing to the nationally-endorsed Collaboration Playbook, and quarterly coordination meetings. Professor David Loseby and Professor Chee Wong represent the university in the partnership.
• ICW Middle East (ICW Middle-East Envoy)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 February 2025Graham Thomson appointed ICW Middle-East Envoy February 2025 to promote collaboration in the Middle East, supporting the region's ambitious development agenda in infrastructure, energy, construction and technology. As senior executive at Affinitext (ICW-affiliated member), Graham brings expertise in ISO 44001 frameworks and alliancing models.
• Association for Key Account Management (AKAM)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 December 2024ICW and AKAM launched a formal collaborative association to demonstrate the structure and benefits of businesses and publicly funded organisations working together. With supply chains evolving into complex business ecosystems, the partnership leverages AKAM's focus on key accounts and ICW's focus on collaborative working to publish invaluable approaches for all sectors.
• ICW AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 August 2024ICW Australia was officially launched August 2021 and operates as a national chapter of ICW, adapting ICW's methodology and services to the Australian market. Part of ICW's international expansion strategy.
• SchellingPointminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 July 2024New ICW partnership with SchellingPoint announced at ICW Members' Day 2024. The partnership aims to raise awareness of collaboration, enhance collaborative capability, and increase outcomes for member organisations through aligned methodologies.
• BSIcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2015BSI has been the long-standing sponsor of ICW Annual Collaborative Working Awards since their inception in 2015. As an Ambassador member, BSI also provides ISO 44001 certification through ICW's Validated Certification Bodies programme. At the 2026 Reception, BSI introduced its Standards for Society initiative, providing ICW Corporate Members with enhanced access to workplace standards. BSI's Matt Page regularly presents at ICW events. Pietro Foschi received ICW's Collaborative Leadership Award 2023.
• University of WarwickcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUniversity of Warwick is the accredited academic partner for ICW's Collaborative Leaders programme (ISO 44001 course). MICW accreditation is underpinned by Warwick University. The 4-day course is delivered at Warwick campus by ICW tutors, with Dr Paul Connor as exam invigilator. International delegates regularly attend from countries including Canada, Australia, and Saudi Arabia.
• Sellafield LtdcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSellafield became an ICW Ambassador member December 2024, joining the prestigious Ambassador group. ICW Nuclear Forum is chaired by Sellafield's Eirini Etoimou. Sellafield and ICW co-hosted the 'Collaboration in Technology' event at Birchwood Park May 2025. Sellafield has achieved ISO 44001 certification and won multiple ICW Collaborative Awards. The organisation was awarded Transport & Infrastructure Award 2025.
• NATScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNATS, Executive Network member and sponsor of ICW Aviation Sector Luncheon, operates the NATS Supplier Sustainability Forum (40+ member companies) focused on sustainability across the aviation supply chain. Tim Bullock of NATS received ICW's Collaborative Pioneer Award. NATS contributed to ICW 'Collaboration in Technology' event with Sellafield and provided a keynote speaker at ICW Aviation events.
• Leonardo UK LtdcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeonardo UK is an Executive Network member and Advisory Council representative (Sarah Vanderheide). The company hosts ICW Defence and Security Share and Learn events and contributes to ICW's defence sector collaboration activities. Featured in ICW events and collaborative working discussions.
• GRAHAMcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGRAHAM (Denis Leonard) is an Advisory Council elected member representing corporate members until December 2028. GRAHAM received BSI Certificate at ICW Awards 2025, was awarded 'Collaborative Leading Edge' recognition, and contributes to ICW thought leadership through Denis Leonard's presentations on evidence for structured collaboration.
• Frequentis UK LimitedminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrequentis UK Limited elected to Advisory Council (Graham Turner as representative) for a 4-year term until December 2028. Frequentis contributes to ICW governance as part of the 6 elected corporate Advisory Council members.
• TransPennine Route Upgrade (BAM and Network Rail)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe TransPennine Route Upgrade is a major UK infrastructure programme delivered through a genuine collaborative approach between BAM and Network Rail. ICW CEO Frank Lee visited the programme April 2026 as guest of BAM, noting its on-time, on-budget delivery as a quiet good-news story of effective collaboration. The TRU Alliance includes Brian Walton from BAM and has contributed to ICW events and social value discussions.
• Lower Thames Crossing (Murphy and Bouygues Construction)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Lower Thames Crossing tunnelling team, comprising Murphy and Bouygues Construction, achieved ISO 44001 certification, recognised at the ICW Collaborative Working Reception 2026. Represents a major UK infrastructure project demonstrating structured collaboration in a complex joint venture.
• ICW IrelandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerICW Ireland operates as a national chapter, serving the Irish market with ICW's collaboration frameworks and membership services.
• ICW ScotlandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerICW Scotland operates as a national chapter, with Adrian Collins (BAM) contributing to Scotland-focused collaboration initiatives. Adrian Collins is Director of Energy Networks Scotland at BAM.
• ICW WalescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerICW Wales was initiated by Professor Jane Lynch (Cardiff Business School) and operates as a national chapter. Professor Jane Lynch joined the ICW Board in December 2024.
• Greater London Authority (GLA) GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGLA Group joined the Executive Network June 2025. The GLA Group Collaboration initiative removes operational and cultural barriers to joint working across TfL, MOPAC, London Fire Commissioner, LLDC, and OPDC. Director Charly Hutson stated that ICW membership supports GLA's aims to embed collaboration into the core of what they do.
• HMG Cabinet Office / UK National AuthoritiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe ICW Collaboration Playbook was developed with input and support from HMG Cabinet Office and UK National Authorities. It is aligned with the new UK Procurement Act 2023. This government relationship establishes ICW as the go-to body for public sector collaboration guidance.
• USTminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUST is an Executive Network member. Anuj Puri (UST) contributed to the ICW 'Collaboration in Technology' event with Sellafield, providing a forward-looking perspective on AI in collaboration and how emerging technologies can enhance connectivity and cross-organisational working.
• Morgan Sindall InfrastructureminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMorgan Sindall is an Executive Network member. Gary Shuttleworth and Emma Bevilacqua presented at the 2026 Executive Knowledge Exchange on integrating ISO 44001 principles across the business. Also runner-up for Defence & Security Award 2025 alongside BAE Systems and March.
• Modus Ltd and Partners (Vercity, Amey, Skanska, DIO)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading Edge Award presented to Modus Ltd and partners Vercity, Amey, Skanska, and Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) at ICW Reception 2025. Represents a multi-organisation collaborative partnership recognised by ICW.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• International Association of Contract and Commercial Management (IACCM): IACCM is a global professional body focused on contract, commercial, and relationship management, providing training, certification, and thought leadership. Its emphasis on collaborative contracting and relationship management overlaps materially with ICW's ISO 44001 methodology and enterprise member base in infrastructure and government.
• Association for Project Management (APM): APM is the UK chartered body for the project profession, offering individual membership grades, corporate membership, qualifications, and accreditation. APM and ICW share a UK-centric professional institute structure, multi-tier credentials, university partnerships for course delivery, and engagement with major infrastructure and public-sector employers.
• Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB): CIOB is the UK chartered body for construction and building professionals, offering individual memberships, corporate membership, training, and chartered credentials. ICW's enterprise roster — including BAM, GRAHAM, Morgan Sindall, Network Rail, Sellafield — sits in CIOB's professional ecosystem, and both organisations engage construction-sector leaders around collaborative working.
• Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA): The IIA is the global professional body for internal auditing, offering individual certifications (CIA, CRMA), training, and accreditation programmes. The IIA parallels ICW in delivering standards-based professional credentials, assessment services, and continuing professional development through a membership institute structure.
• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS): RICS is a global professional body accrediting surveying professionals with chartered credentials, training, and standards-setting authority. Both RICS and ICW operate UK-rooted professional institute models with international reach, multi-tier credentials, and engagement with infrastructure and real-estate stakeholders.
• Chartered Management Institute (CMI): CMI is a UK chartered body offering individual memberships (including Chartered Manager), corporate membership tiers, training programmes, and accreditation services. CMI shares ICW's membership institute model, multi-tier credentials, employer engagement, and CPD-led professional development framework.
• Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS): CIPS is the leading UK chartered professional body for procurement and supply chain professionals, offering individual and corporate memberships, training, and credentials. Both CIPS and ICW serve the procurement and supply-chain collaboration audience, deliver chartered credentials, and work closely with the UK Cabinet Office on procurement policy and standards.
• Association for Key Account Management (AKAM): AKAM is a UK professional body for key account management that formally partnered with ICW in 2024. Both organisations serve enterprise account-management and relationship-management practitioners, run professional credentials, and publish thought leadership for cross-functional B2B collaboration.

Broad incumbents

• International Organization for Standardization (ISO): ISO is the international standards body that developed ISO 44001, the standard on which ICW's entire methodology is built. While ISO itself does not deliver training or credentials, it sets the governing standard that determines ICW's product relevance, training content, and certification pathways.
• British Standards Institution (BSI): BSI is the UK national standards body and ICW's longest-standing Ambassador member and Awards sponsor. Both organisations operate in the standards, certification, and training ecosystem, and BSI issues ISO 44001 certifications through ICW's Validated Certification Bodies programme. They overlap in standards training and assessor development while BSI holds broader sector authority.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/institute-for-collaborative-working
• Xx.com/ICW_UK

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Institute for Collaborative Working