Covid-19: CITB chief exec update - 21 October 2020

Hello,

I really hope that in spite of the many challenges that COVID-19 continues to send our way, you are all keeping well.

Given the changing lockdown measures around the Nations and regions, please visit our urgent messages page to keep up to date with changes to HS&E tests, Site Safety Plus (SSP) training and other services.

The pandemic has brought significant challenges, but also caused people to come together, generating new ideas and opportunities that have gained traction at a faster pace than may have been the case. Working with Training Providers, Site Safety Plus centres and Approved Training Organisations, CITB has expanded the range of remote learning opportunities available that have allowed many in our industry to continue learning during this time.

Online eCourses

Launched in June, our online eCourses platform provides employees, unable to access traditional training, with an additional learning option. Since the launch of the SSP Health and Safety Awareness eCourses, an estimated £55,000 has been saved in training costs, along with a reduction in time lost away from site of around 1,000 working days.

New eCourses

As part of our promise to make training accessible we continue to develop additional eCourses. The Site Management Environmental Training Scheme (SMETS) eCourse launched on October 15. This online-only course is aimed at existing and aspiring site managers looking to improve their knowledge of environmental management and legislation. 

A new eCourse, "Setting up and operating a safe construction site during COVID-19", will be introduced at the end of October. Whilst designed specifically  for managers and supervisors, the eCourse will be free to access for all delegates. Course information, how to register and all eCourses available can be found on our eCourses platform and are also available through our network of SSP Training Centres.

How training providers, Site Safety Plus centres and Approved Training Organisations rose to the remote learning challenge

When training centres closed in March, CITB responded rapidly to support the industry and Training Providers, reviewing all courses and standards offered, and identifying over 180 courses suitable for providers to continue delivering to support the skills training needed.

Following the swift adoption of remote learning, our network of Site Safety Plus (SSP) centres were able to deliver courses to thousands of delegates during lockdown and beyond, allowing them to upskill, or stay up to date, safely.

Positive feedback received encouraged centres and Approved Training Organisations to explore remote delivery of other courses, including Mental Health Awareness training. As a result of this success, we are considering how remote delivery will continue as an option for Site Safety Plus centres.

I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone within CITB, and to all our partners, who have risen to meet the many challenges raised by the pandemic and who have done so much to support industry by expanding and developing remote learning.

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 being made available to UK businesses and employees by the Government.  

In these uncertain times, stay safe everyone.

Best wishes

Sarah Beale
Chief Executive