James Wates, chairman of the Wates Group, has been announced as chair of the new board of CITB.

Nick Boles, UK minister of state for skills and equalities, said the new board will revolutionise how the industry training board operates, increase diversity and put industry at the heart of decision-making.

The streamlined eight-member board includes five women from across the industry and brings together levy payers and independent members from England, Wales and Scotland, who will be able to make swift decisions based on the industry’s needs.

Maureen Douglas, Group HR director at Forster Group Ltd. (Scotland) joins the board alongside David Harris MBE, managing director, WRW Construction Ltd. (Wales), Karen Jones, Group HR director, Redrow plc, Maria Pilfold, HR consultant and former director of the Taylor Wimpey Group and Ray Wilson, director and general manager, Carillion Training Services.

Dr Diana Garnham, CEO, Science Council and Frances Wadsworth, principal and CEO, Croydon College join as independents.

They will be supported by a CITB council with members drawn from across the built environment sector.

Nick Boles said: “The new board will have a major role in helping this dynamic industry develop the skills it needs to grow. I congratulate all the new Trustees on their appointment and look forward to seeing them working with business and employers to address the skills challenges faced by the construction sector.

“I am particularly pleased to see greater diversity on the board and hope that it encourages more women to consider a career in construction.”

James Wates CBE, chair of the new board, added: “The appointment of a diverse, smaller, industry-led board marks the next stage of a reform programme that will make us even more relevant and responsive to the needs and ambitions of the industry we serve.

“Our industry is facing challenging times and I am delighted that the Secretary of State has appointed a board which fairly reflects our industry – both in terms of diversity and representation from all three UK nations.

“As an organisation we have made increasing the number of women in the industry a priority and I am proud that CITB is the first Non-Departmental Public Body to have a Board made up of over 50 per cent women.

“I look forward to working with our new colleagues to drive change and make a lasting contribution to our industry in the year ahead.”