Covid-19: CITB chief exec update - 29 April 2021

Good afternoon,  

I hope you are having a good week so far and enjoying the lighter evenings.

Today I want to talk about the Nation Council Chair vacancies for England and Scotland; the Supply Chain Sustainability School virtual workshops and webinars on Fairness, Inclusion and Respect; the HSE’s new toolkit aimed at reducing work-based stress; and how CITB is widening support for employers with apprentices who have to “Travel to Train”.

Nation Council Chair vacancies: Help shape the future of construction skills

CITB has Nation Council Chair vacancies for England and Scotland. The Nation Councils have an important role in supporting the CITB Board in setting and reviewing CITB’s direction and performance, by providing insight into industry challenges and the impact of CITBs interventions and support. Applications are invited from across the sector, including SMEs, large employers, and independent consultants.  

CITB is also recruiting independent members of its Audit and Risk, and Industry Funding committees.

Anyone interested in applying for the vacancies should visit:

http://sscl-innovation.com/CITBmicrosite/volunteering/

Fairness, Inclusion and Respect in construction

Throughout April and May, the Supply Chain Sustainability School is delivering a series of virtual workshops and webinars on Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) in construction. The free learning resources, part funded by CITB, cover the importance of Fairness, Inclusion and Respect, as well as mental health and wellbeing.

By ensuring our industry is a place where everyone feels welcome and valued, we will not only attract and retain the best people, we will also encourage more people to seek support when they need it.

For more information view the full list of resources and the FIR Toolkit including 11 CPD accredited e-learning modules, each lasting around an hour to complete.

HSE talking toolkit:  preventing work-related stress in construction

Stress, depression and anxiety are the second biggest causes of work-related ill health in the construction industry. The earlier this problem is tackled the less impact it will have on workers and business. Taking positive action can help to create a more engaged workforce, keep people in work, boost productivity and save money.

HSE has now published a work-related stress talking toolkit for the construction industry developed with the help of industry stakeholders. It can be found on the work-related stress pages of HSE Website together with HSE guidance and resources on this topic. 

Apprenticeship Travel and Accommodation Funding ‘Travel to Train’

CITB is widening the support offer for employers with apprentices who must “Travel to Train”. CITB will fund 80% of accommodation costs for eligible apprentices with grant eligible employers who attend colleges or training providers where overnight stays and travel to and from a hotel to a place of training, are required.

Employers can also claim excess costs for apprentice travel where the cost exceeds £30 per week.

Accommodation funding and/or travel costs can only be claimed for apprentices employed by CITB registered, grant eligible employers in England, Scotland and Wales.

If you would like more information about accommodation funding for your apprentices or about how to claim travel costs, email your enquiry to: ApprenticeAccom.TravelSupport@citb.co.uk

Find out more about the ‘Travel to Train’ funding.

Best wishes and stay safe everyone,  

Sarah Beale  
Chief Executive