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.

May 29, 2025
The Scaffolding Association is excited to confirm that National Scaffolding Week 2025 will take place from Monday 6 October to Friday 10 October 2025 . Now firmly established in the scaffold industry calendar, National Scaffolding Week is a bold and positive campaign that champions the people, progress, and professionalism of scaffolding in the UK. Launched to raise awareness and improve understanding of the industry’s value, the campaign has grown significantly over the last few years. Since its inception, the campaign has reached thousands of people inside and outside the industry, sparked conversations with government, inspired young people to consider scaffolding as a career, and created new opportunities for engagement between scaffolders, educators, clients, and the wider public. A central feature of the campaign has been the celebration of #ScaffStars – individuals from all walks of scaffolding life who go above and beyond. From scaffolders on-site to office-based professionals, apprentices to directors, each ScaffStar story has helped to highlight the skills, commitment and pride that define the scaffold community. But more than that, National Scaffolding Week has become a rallying point for the industry as a whole. It’s a unique opportunity for businesses, individuals, suppliers, manufacturers, training providers, and supporters to come together around a shared purpose: to celebrate achievements, tackle common challenges, and shape the future of scaffolding together. Whether through events, online content, partnerships or local initiatives, the campaign encourages connection and collaboration across all corners of the industry. Over the last few years, the campaign has seen exceptional support from scaffolding companies, educators, media and partner organisations – all helping to ensure that the industry’s contributions to the built environment are seen, understood, and valued. This year’s campaign will continue to focus on inspiring the next generation, amplifying authentic industry voices, and most importantly, bringing the scaffold community together as one. Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association, said: “National Scaffolding Week is more than a celebration – it’s a platform for pride, progress and unity. Every year, we see companies of all sizes coming together to showcase what scaffolding is really about – professionalism, innovation, and community. In 2025, we want even more people to join us in raising the profile of this incredible industry.” The Scaffolding Association is calling on businesses, individuals, training providers, suppliers, and supporters to get involved and help shape the campaign. The Association will be unveiling this year’s campaign theme, new partnerships, and engagement opportunities over the coming weeks. In the meantime, we encourage everyone to start planning how they’ll get involved. Whether big or small, your voice matters – and your support helps us reach new audiences, shape perceptions, and build a stronger, more connected future for scaffolding. To stay updated and get involved, visit nationalscaffoldingweek.org to download the social toolkit or follow the campaign on social media. Help Us Raise the Profile of National Scaffolding Week 2025 We’ve created a set of downloadable promotional materials to help you show your support for National Scaffolding Week 2025 – including email footers, a website banner, and a range of social media images. We’d really appreciate you using them wherever you can – whether that’s adding the banner to your homepage, using the images on your LinkedIn or Instagram, or including the email footer in your day-to-day correspondence. Every post, tag, and share helps us raise awareness and amplify the voice of the scaffold industry. Your support makes a real difference. www.nationalscaffoldingweek.com
May 14, 2025
National Scaffolding Week is proud to support Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 , taking place from 12–18 May , led by the Mental Health Foundation — the UK’s leading charity for mental health. This year’s theme, “ Community ”, highlights something we know well in scaffolding: the power of connection, belonging, and everyday support. Whether you’re working at height, on the ground, or behind the scenes, community is what keeps our industry strong — and it’s what can help keep us mentally well too. Why Community Matters in Scaffolding Scaffolding is a team effort. From the early starts and long days, to the careful planning and physical demands of the job — no one does it alone. That sense of teamwork and trust is more than just good practice — it’s a lifeline. Scaffolding is built on teamwork. From the early starts and long days, to the careful planning and physical demands of the job — no one works in isolation.  Checking in with a colleague, taking breaks together, or making time to talk when someone’s struggling, can make a real difference. Mental Health Is Everyone’s Business We echo the words of Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association, who said: “Mental Health Awareness Week reminds us that community is not just a word — it’s something we create through the way we treat each other, look out for one another, and make space to talk.” His message is a timely one. Mental health isn’t a side issue — it belongs on every toolbox talk, every company agenda, and every scaffolding site across the UK. Where to Get Support National Scaffolding Week proudly supports the work of these incredible organisations making a difference in our industry: Mates in Mind – Mental health education and support tailored to construction. Lighthouse Club – Financial, emotional and wellbeing help for construction workers and their families. Construction Sport – Using sport to create space for mental health conversations and connection. Working Minds Campaign (HSE) – Tools and resources to help employers tackle work-related stress. ManKind CIC – Peer support, mentoring and wellbeing programmes for tradespeople. Be Part of the Change Whether you’re an apprentice or a company director, you have a role to play in building a healthier, more connected scaffold community. During Mental Health Awareness Week, we encourage everyone across the industry to: Start a conversation about mental health Share resources on site Recognise when someone might need support — and reach out Because in scaffolding, we don’t just build structures. We build people up too. Find more Mental Health Awareness Week resources here: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week Mates in Mind – www.matesinmind.org Lighthouse Club – www.lighthouseclub.org Construction Sport – www.constructionsport.com Working Minds Campaign (HSE) – https://workright.campaign.gov.uk/campaigns/working-minds ManKind CIC – www.mankindcic.co.uk
May 12, 2025
Scaffolding Association Launches New Guidance on Scaffold Inspections to Raise Industry Standards The Scaffolding Association has published the first in a new series of guidance documents designed to support scaffolding professionals and promote safety best practice across the sector. The new guidance focuses on scaffold inspections, emphasising their essential role in ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of scaffolding structures on sites of all types. As part of its commitment to raising standards and enhancing the professional reputation of the scaffolding industry, the Association is developing a range of practical and accessible resources to assist both its members and the wider sector in understanding and applying best practice. Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association, commented: “We are committed to supporting our members with clear, practical resources that help maintain safe working environments and uphold the highest levels of professionalism. Scaffold inspections are fundamental to reducing risk and ensuring compliance, and we are proud to offer this guidance as part of our mission to promote best practice across the sector.” The Association encourages scaffolding companies to download, review, and implement the guidance within their organisations. It is designed to support internal safety initiatives such as toolbox talks, training programmes, and client engagement — helping businesses demonstrate alignment with current industry expectations. This publication marks the beginning of a broader programme of guidance materials that the Scaffolding Association will be releasing over the coming months. Each resource will focus on key aspects of scaffolding operations, supporting continuous improvement and knowledge sharing across the profession. Download the Guidance
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