Since 2018, TP ICAP has been a transformational partner for National Numeracy, supporting the development of tools, campaigns and volunteering initiatives that help people build confidence with numbers. This next phase of our partnership represents a major step forward, enabling us to introduce proven, high-impact programmes to communities where they are most needed.
Nearly half of UK adults have numeracy skills equivalent to those expected of a primary school child, limiting access to employment, financial security and good health. The challenge is particularly acute in Northern Ireland, which ranks in the 84th percentile for low numeracy skills and confidence in the UK Numeracy Index. All 11 local authority districts fall within the top 50% of areas with the greatest need, affecting around 1.4 million adults.
With TP ICAP’s support, National Numeracy will introduce two programmes in Northern Ireland in 2026:
- Schools and Families Programme, working with primary schools to improve children’s number confidence while supporting parents, carers and school staff to engage positively with maths.
- Numeracy for Success Programme, which trains adults as Numeracy Champions embedded in communities and workplaces to promote lifelong numeracy skills.
Together, the programmes aim to support up to 20 schools and train 10 Numeracy Champions in their first year, creating lasting benefits for education, confidence and employability across the region.
The partnership will also include the creation of a Numeracy Roundtable, convened by TP ICAP in Belfast, bringing together stakeholders from business, government and education to coordinate efforts, attract further investment and drive long-term, systemic change.
Sam Sims, Chief Executive of National Numeracy, said:
"We are delighted to deepen our longstanding partnership with TP ICAP and bring our work to Northern Ireland. Numeracy is a powerful driver of social mobility, but too many people are being held back by low confidence with numbers. With TP ICAP’s leadership and commitment to the Belfast community, we have a unique opportunity to create sustainable change, supporting children, families and adults to build the skills and confidence they need to thrive."
Beverley Noye, Head of Belfast & EMEA Head of Operations at TP ICAP said:
"Numeracy is a foundational skill in the workplace and a vital building block in creating a dynamic economy. As a fast-growing employer of more than 500 people in Belfast, we’re a business that relies on confident decision making and that’s why we’re proud to deepen our partnership with National Numeracy as it brings its life-changing programmes to Northern Ireland. By supporting schools and communities in Belfast, we’re helping to build the skills that open doors to opportunity and long-term prosperity."
Together, National Numeracy and TP ICAP are working to unlock opportunities, strengthen communities and build brighter futures through improved number confidence.
