The CITB Levy Consultation: Why Scaffolding Employers Should Get Involved

September 12, 2024

The CITB Levy Consultation: Why Scaffolding Employers Should Get Involved

As part of National Scaffolding Week's mission to support and promote the scaffolding industry, we’re urging all scaffolding employers to actively engage in the CITB’s Consensus consultation on the Levy Proposal options for 2026-2029. This critical consultation, running from 26 September to 24 October 2024, offers scaffolding businesses a rare chance to shape the future of skills and training within the construction industry.

What Is Consensus?

Every three years, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) consults with employers across the construction industry to agree on its plans for delivering skills and training through Levy funding. The Consensus process culminates in a key question being asked of employers and ‘Prescribed Organisations’:

"Do you agree that the Levy Proposals are necessary to encourage adequate training in the construction industry?"

This question isn't just about whether the Levy will benefit individual businesses directly, but whether it is essential to the broader construction industry’s ability to develop the skills it needs. Consensus is about ensuring the future of funding for skills and training that will impact the entire sector, including scaffolding.

Once Consensus is achieved, the Secretary of State can approve the Levy Order, which enables CITB to collect funds and continue supporting essential training and development. Without this funding, the industry risks falling short of the skills needed to meet increasing demands, such as the predicted requirement for over 250,000 additional workers by 2028.

Why Scaffolding Employers Should Participate

The Levy Proposal for 2026-2029 is not just another document – it’s the framework that will guide the future investment in training within the scaffolding sector and beyond. If you’re a Levy-paying employer, this is your chance to ensure the funding system works in the best interest of both the scaffolding industry and the construction sector as a whole.

By contributing your feedback, you can help shape:

  • Appropriate Levy Exemption and Reduction Thresholds: Ensuring the proposals remain relevant to businesses of all sizes, including small scaffolding companies.
  • Training Investments for the Future: Making sure the scaffolding sector continues to benefit from training that meets industry standards and supports safety, innovation, and growth.
  • The Development of a Skilled Workforce: Helping the scaffolding industry attract and retain skilled workers to meet both current and future demands.

What to Expect During the Consultation

During the consultation period, CITB is hosting webinars to provide employers with a detailed overview of the draft Levy Proposals. These webinars offer scaffolding employers a valuable opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and understand how these proposals will impact their business. Additionally, Citizen Space, CITB’s online consultation platform, will be open for employers to provide their feedback directly.

It’s essential for scaffolding employers to understand that Consensus is not a vote on the performance of CITB. Instead, it's a process that ensures the industry continues to have a dedicated funding source for skills and training, which will ultimately benefit everyone in the construction industry.

Why Your Participation Matters

The scaffolding sector is integral to almost every construction project in the UK, and it's crucial that our voice is heard in this process. By participating in the consultation, scaffolding employers can ensure that the proposed Levy supports the unique challenges and opportunities within our industry.

As Tim Balcon, Chief Executive of CITB, explained:

"We need the views of employers to help inform our proposals, ensuring that the skills and training we provide meet their requirements and helps deliver the workforce desperately needed to get Britain building again."

This is your chance to help shape the future of the scaffolding workforce and ensure that the Levy system benefits businesses of all sizes. Whether you employ 1 or 99 staff, your feedback can make a difference.

How to Participate

There are several ways scaffolding employers can get involved in the CITB consultation:

  • Join a Webinar: Attend one of the CITB webinars to gain insight into the Levy Proposals and provide feedback. These sessions are interactive, allowing you to ask questions and get clarity on how the Levy will impact your business. Register here.
  • Submit Feedback Online: If you can’t attend a webinar, you can still submit your views via the online consultation platform Citizen Space.
  • Consult with Your Trade Association: If you’re part of a scaffolding or construction association, share your feedback with them. They’ll gather insights from their members to submit during the Consensus process.

Final Thoughts

The scaffolding sector has always been a vital part of the construction industry. To ensure it remains competitive and well-prepared for future challenges, it’s crucial that scaffolding employers participate in the CITB consultation and Consensus process.

The consultation period runs from 26 September to 24 October 2024, so don’t miss out on this important opportunity to make your voice heard and help shape the future of skills training for the scaffolding industry.

For more information or to register for a webinar, visit the CITB website.

Beat My Scaffold 2025 Winners Announced

March 25, 2025
The #BeatMyScaffold2025 competition has officially concluded, celebrating some of the most innovative and well-executed scaffold designs from around the world. The contest, which showcased the skills and creativity of industry professionals, saw strong participation from scaffolding experts, judges, and voters alike.
Safe Loading and Vehicle Checks for Scaffolders –

Safe Loading and Vehicle Checks for Scaffolders – Essential Driver CPC Module Launched by Scaffolding Association and RHA

February 13, 2025
Scaffolding transport comes with serious risks and getting it wrong can result in fines, vehicle prohibitions, loss of an operator’s license, and, more tragically, serious injuries or even fatalities. For this reason, the Scaffolding Association and the Road Haulage Association (RHA) have this week launched a brand-new Driver CPC training module, 'Safe Loading and Vehicle Checks for Scaffolders.' This course contributes to the required thirty-five hours of periodic Driver CPC training, mandatory for all professional HGV drivers. Failing to complete this training can result in being unable to legally drive. Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association, said: "Scaffolding transport is both high-risk and heavily regulated and getting it wrong can have devastating consequences. Poorly secured scaffolding loads can cause serious injuries, collisions and even fatalities. This new course equips drivers with the knowledge to prevent such incidents, protecting lives and protecting businesses from enforcement action and legal consequences.” Richard Smith, Managing Director of the RHA, said: "Load security is a priority for police and enforcement agencies who actively target non-compliant vehicles. There’s a moral obligation too as unsecured scaffolding and unsafe loads not only lead to penalties, but they also put lives at risk. This DVSA-approved course is designed specifically for scaffolding-related transport and equips drivers and businesses with the essential skills to stay compliant and safe. It arms drivers and businesses with the knowledge they need to prevent accidents, avoid fines, and protect the public." This Course Will Ensure: ● Drivers and operators fully understand the latest legislation ● Scaffolding materials are transported safely, securely, and legally ● Vehicles remain roadworthy and compliant with operator license requirements ● Businesses avoid costly enforcement action, fines, and prohibitions What Delegates Will Learn: ● Load Security – Key updates and who is responsible ● Staying Safe & Compliant – The right way to load scaffolding vehicles ● The Consequences of Getting It Wrong – Prohibitions, fines, and legal action ● Daily Vehicle Checks – What must be checked and how to record defects ● Defect & NIL Defect Reporting – Keeping vehicles roadworthy ● Enforcement Agencies – Their powers, documentation, and what to expect Who Needs to Book This Course? ● All professional HGV drivers transporting scaffolding ● Operators and supervisors responsible for loading & securing scaffolding materials ● Businesses that want to avoid enforcement action and protect their operator’s license For full course details including dates and locations, please visit: https://www.rha.uk.net/Training/England-Wales/Driver-CPC-Courses/-Safe-Loading-and-vehicle-checks-for-Scaffolders

Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week: Shaping the Future of Scaffolding

February 10, 2025
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