Help shape the future of construction on CITB’s Board of Trustees

The Construction Industry Training board (CITB) is on the lookout for three new trustees to join its Board of non-executives.  

As a charity and Non-Departmental Public Body, CITB has supported the construction sector for over 50 years, helping to keep workers safe on site, supporting high quality training and giving young people a start in their career. CITB raises funds through an employer levy and works closely with employers and the Government to ensure national construction skills needs across Great Britain are met. 

The voluntary role of a Trustee will provide an opportunity to help shape the future of construction, as the industry works to meet the current skills gap and drive to Net Zero. Trustees can contribute to the work of CITB within a supportive team environment, as well as ensuring that CITB pursues its objectives for the benefit of the construction industry.  

CITB is looking for Trustees from both CITB levy-registered employers and Independent Trustees who are not necessarily employed by levy-registered employers. CITB would particularly welcome and encourage applications from individuals with expertise and knowledge in Further Education and finance/accountancy. The post is a four-year commitment, with the possibility of reappointment for an additional four-year term. 

Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive, said: “If you’re passionate about the British construction industry and want to help attract and retain the right talent, then this is the role for you. With our recent Construction Skills Network report stating that an additional 225,000 workers are needed to meet demand by 2027, there has never been a more important time to support the industry.    

“Trustees play an integral role in determining CITB’s strategic direction, as well as monitoring business performance and ensuring employers get the best value from the levy.” 

Peter Lauener, CITB Chair, said: “CITB’s purpose is to support the construction industry to have a skilled, competent and inclusive workforce, now and in the future. The industry faces significant challenges of modernising the way it works and developing new skills for net zero, as well as maintaining recruitment to traditional trades in a competitive labour market for talent.

“We are developing a new strategy to put employers in the driving seat in spending levy payers’ money to realise these objectives. These are exciting times for construction, and this is a great opportunity for new Board members to join us.” 

Diana Garnham joined as a Trustee over eight years ago. She is Chair of Skills East Sussex, a member of SELEP Skills Advisory Panel, a Council Member of Christ’s Hospital School, President of King’s College London Alumni Association, Chair of King’s College London Alumni Advisory Group, and Director of Tavern Quay RTM Company. 

Diana said: “My interest in skills is multi-levelled. I want to help individuals achieve their potential through access to skills and training to open career and work opportunities. I see in the construction sector an environment that is keen to welcome talent from all abilities and help individuals particularly in finding their way on the first rungs of their careers. Construction has also worked with some of the hardest to reach communities. I also see construction as one of the key sectors of the UK economy and I understand how crucial skills are to ensuring its sustainability and productivity – so to be part of CITB is to also be working for the wider public benefit. 

She added: “Listening skills are crucial in an organisation with such a complex stakeholder environment. Understanding the role of governance, the role of the board and the need to support the executive to deliver and a collegiate approach working with fellow Board members are all important. No one Trustee stands alone – it’s about the Board working as a team.” 

The deadline for applications is Thursday, 7 September 2023. Find out more about being a Trustee and how to apply.