CITB has today announced the new members of its Nations Councils for Scotland, England and Wales.

Tony Elliott, group HR director of Robertson Group, who was revealed as the chair of the new Nation Council for Scotland back in July, will now be joined by nine Council members, each representing a diverse cross-section of the industry with a presence for both SMEs and large contractors.

CITB said the Councils will play a key role in helping to shape the future of construction across Great Britain and provide strategic advice to the Board to better meet industry’s skills needs. Their formation delivers on a significant call by industry and Government for CITB’s governance to be more representative in last year’s Consensus consultation and the Government’s ITB Review.

The Nation Council – Scotland includes:

Seamus Keogh, CEO of Clancy Docwra Ltd, and Leigh Hughes, business development & social value director at Bouygues UK, also took up their respective roles as chair of the Nation Councils in England and Wales in July.

With their first meetings scheduled for this autumn, the key functions of the Nations Councils include assisting the Board to accurately prioritise support for key issues affecting industry within the nations and shaping and influencing CITB’s business plan to address industry opportunities, pressures and priorities.

The Nations Councils will also inform CITB’s evidence base and make timely recommendations to the Board about skills issues within the nation that may affect delivery of the Business Plan.

Peter Lauener, chair of CITB, said: “I’m excited to see the breadth and depth of talent we have on our three Nations Councils. They will be a clear and strong voice for industry within CITB and will help us become a more relevant and responsive organisation.

“The Nation Councils’ input will be critical as we go forward to deliver the skills and training needs for our industry.”

Marie-Claude Hemming, director of external affairs at CECA, said: “CECA welcomes the appointment of the CITB’s new Council Members, representing the construction industry across England, Scotland and Wales.

“The new intake brings to the table diversity across the group and the sectors in which they work in.

“CITB faces a series of challenges in the coming months, but will undoubtedly be supported by the new Council as it works with industry and others to meet them.”

Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders, said: “The CITB has listened to the concerns of small and medium-sized employers and is upping SME representation on all of its key Boards and Councils, including the new Nation Councils. Construction SMEs make up 99 per cent of all construction businesses in the UK and so it is crucial that the CITB has small firms at the heart of its organisation.

“Given that skills and training are devolved issues, these National Councils are also vital to ensuring that the CITB’s work reflects the specific needs of employers in England, Scotland and Wales.”

Sarah Garry, skills manager at Build UK, added: “I’m pleased to see strong representation from Build UK members on CITB’s Nations Councils. This is an important step towards meeting our expectations that CITB will reform its governance. CITB must now make full use of the councils’ expertise so that the construction industry can recruit, train and retain the best talent where it is most needed.”