Covid-19: CITB chief exec update - 17 February 2021

Good afternoon,

I hope the recent snow and freezing temperatures haven’t caused you too much disruption.

Today I would like to update you on the result of a recent consultation and subsequent new approach to funding for Training Groups, along with a COVID-delayed £1 fee increase for the Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test. There have also been updates to Short Duration Standards, meaning new codes must be used.

Funding for Training Groups

In November last year we launched a consultation on Training Group funding and received nearly 600 responses. I’d like to thank everyone who participated, the views and evidence provided were very useful. It was clear from the majority of respondents that the Training Group model of support and network is highly valued by employers that access it.

As a result, CITB has now developed an updated funding model for Training Groups along with clear performance measures that focus on value for money, training quality and accessibility. The new Training Group grant will be provided to all Training Groups from April. Specialist Training Groups will be reviewed separately, with discussions beginning shortly.

To find out more about how Training Groups are supporting employers in your area, please get in touch with your local adviser.

Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test prices

On 1 April 2021 we will be increasing the price of the Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test products by £1.

This price increase was delayed by a year due to COVID-19. It will ensure that we can continue to invest in the test, so that it remains up to date against the expanding H&S requirements of construction and that delivery is accessible and trustworthy  

The new prices will be £22.00 for the test, the CITB HS&E revision test app will be £6.99 and mobile testing will cost £31.00. 

You can book a test here, and if you would like more information regarding this price change, please contact the HS&E testing service team at hsetestdev@citb.co.uk

Short Duration Standards update

As part of our continued improvements to the Construction Training Directory (CTD) and Construction Training Register (CTR) there have been a number of updates to Short Duration Standards. These updates can be found in the CTD section of the Urgent Messages page .

When standards are updated codes also change – you can find the most up to date list of Short Duration Grant codes here.

A reminder… 

CITB’s  COVID-19 Urgent Messages page  is refreshed regularly and includes updates on the full range of our work. You can also read the range of support measures made available to UK businesses and employees by the UK Government.  

Best wishes and stay safe everyone,

Sarah Beale
Chief Executive