The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has responded to the construction industry and government’s calls for reform, following the publication of the Government’s ITB Review. CITB has set out a six-point plan for reform throughout 2018. It includes a commitment to be more accountable, representative and responsive to industry’s needs.

The Industrial Training Board (ITB) Review led by Paul Morrell stated that the effectiveness of ITBs must be judged by whether firms can recruit, retain and develop people with the skills and knowledge they need.

The review has said that ITBs should adopt open decision making and a focus on delivery only where there is market failure. It also indicated that the CITB Board should include people with direct experience of small business.

CITB has committed to becoming a streamlined organisation focusing on the areas where it is best placed to make a difference in the areas of careers, standards and qualifications, and training and development.  Governance will become more transparent and there will be increased representation of smaller firms in CITB’s governance and much greater engagement with key decision-makers in the industry

It will also look at introducing an effective, sustainable business model and deliver better value for levy payers. It will also work more closely with the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) on skills needed to deliver the sector deal

Restructuring of the CITB Council and National Committees will start early in 2018.

James Wates, Chairman of CITB and Wates Group, said: “A massive programme of change is in store at CITB, to reform the organisation into the efficient, accountable, transparent body the industry needs to help build a better Britain.”

CITB has set out its Agenda for Change, six key outcomes that it will deliver over the next 12 months.  The objectives are: be accountable; be representative; be relevant; be responsive; be innovative; and be influential.

Sarah Beale, Chief Executive of CITB, says: “We’ve heard the calls for change loud and clear so now, we look ahead to some tough but vital decisions to become the ‘levy in, skills out’ organisation that our industry needs. I appreciate the backing of government and of industry as we start on the journey of transforming CITB.”