A new Chief Executive will start at CITB on 1 September, a former apprentice
who brings a strong track record in skills, training and organisational
development.
Tim Balcon has led professional and membership bodies, the most notable
being as Chief Executive at the Institute of Environmental Management and
Assessment, where he transformed its vision and performance, leading to
year-on-year growth.
He has also been Chief Executive of the Energy and Utility Sector Skills Council
(EU Skills), where he created the National Skills Academy for Power. In this
role he led EU Skills to securing significant funding from Ofgem, the energy
regulator, after demonstrating the economic risks arising from the skills
crisis facing the industry.
Tim’s knowledge of education and skills was reflected in his previous
appointment to the board of Ofqual at a time of major education reform, and
prior to this he was also a member of the UK Vocational Qualifications Reform
Board.
Tim started his CEO journey back in 1999 as CEO of The Gas and Water
National Training Organisation, leading a fledgling organisation from £400k
turnover to over £7m in three years. He started out from a mining town
in South Yorkshire as an apprentice service engineer with British Gas in the
early 1980s, where he spent his early career.
Peter Lauener, CITB Chair, said:
“I’d like to welcome Tim to CITB, an outstanding candidate for the post of
CEO. He brings considerable experience in skills and training and strong
leadership qualities.
“This is a crucial time for construction skills across Britain, and the
Board is looking forward to working with him to drive forward our strategy to
meet the skills needs of employers.”
Mark Reynolds, CEO of Mace Group
and co-lead of the Construction Leadership Council skills workstream, said: “I
am looking forward to working closely with Tim as we address the huge skills
challenges we face in construction. Tim’s journey from apprentice to Chief
Executive is one that will resonate with the industry and will inspire others
to follow in his footsteps.”
Tim Balcon said:
“As a former apprentice I know how much having the right skills at a young age
can transform your whole career and support your employer. That’s why I’m so
passionate about skills and am thrilled to be joining the team at CITB to help
many more people join the construction sector and to have long and fulfilling
careers within it.”
Tim starts on 1 September and takes over from outgoing CITB Chief Executive
Sarah Beale, who will relinquish her post at the end of September.
