CITB Reforms – CFA CEO Comments

Richard Catt, CFA CEO, expands upon Shaun Wadsworth’s training article in regard to CITB reforms.

“In this edition of Floorscape, Shaun Wadsworth, CFA’s Training Manager, provides a comprehensive overview of the recent Farmer report and its key recommendations for Industry Training Boards (ITBs), including CITB. Shaun’s article focuses on the broad findings of the review and outlines the government’s initial reactions, helping to paint a picture of what the future might hold. This companion piece takes a closer look at the implications from a CFA, FITA, and flooring industry perspective, exploring the practical realities of engaging with CITB and the steps we need to take to ensure the sector remains competitive and well-supported.

“Shaun highlights that the fundamentals of our relationship with CITB are unlikely to change significantly. One of the key takeaways is that the Scope of the Levy Order is not expected to be reviewed. In practical terms, this means that the same number of flooring contractors will be required to pay the levy, and therefore, the same number will be able to claim supplementary grants via CITB. Based on our 2023/ 024 membership return we estimate that approximately 26% of CFA members are currently levy registered across all nations. 

“This status quo has important financial implications for CFA and FITA, as the scope of the levy defines the activities against which our sector can claim funding. With no change anticipated, the support we can access for developing or delivering training remains limited. Essentially, our relationship with CITB remains unchanged. Any new courses or training initiatives will need to be self-funded or backed by industry support.

“The flooring sector has long debated the value of the levy. For some, it represents an unnecessary tax; for others, it’s a crucial mechanism to encourage engagement in training. Seeking more support, we recently discussed the levy order and scope with CITB and this revealed that they had no appetite for change, partly because altering the scope would require legislative action. The CITB reminded that scope had been legally challenged several times and they had been successful in defending their interpretation of the activities of the flooring sector within construction.

“It’s worth noting that CITB’s reluctance to reconsider the scope reflects the Government’s broader stance and an equal lack of enthusiasm to consider changing the law. As such, the flooring sector must continue to work within the existing framework, maximising the value of available grants and engaging strategically with CITB.

“Despite the limitations, engagement remains crucial. Any flooring contractor levy registered can claim supplementary funding to support apprenticeships, helping to ease the financial burden of employing individuals who are not yet fully productive. It’s important to stress that any company can employ an apprentice and access basic funding – but only those registered can claim these top-ups.

“This distinction underscores the need for flooring companies to actively engage with CITB and understand how to best navigate the system.

“If you’re unsure how to proceed, the CFA can help. Our Training Manager, Shaun Wadsworth, is available to guide members through the process, offering a valuable resource as part of your membership benefits. While direct CITB financial support to CFA for developing or delivering training remains limited, it’s important to acknowledge the non-financial contributions that CITB makes. At the CFA, we receive excellent support in areas like competency development and apprenticeship standards. CITB played a critical role in the recent review of National Occupational Standards (NOS), and they were instrumental in saving apprenticeship delivery in Scotland.

“However, when it comes to direct funding for training delivery, the reality is that we must continue to rely on self-funding and industry support. CFA and FITA have led the way in this respect, creating what is widely regarded as a centre of excellence for commercial and apprenticeship training in the UK. We’ve built strong relationships with manufacturers delivering training, ensuring that the industry’s needs are met through collaboration and innovation.

“So, where does all this leave us? The simple answer is to stress that the status quo prevails, and it’s up to us to make the most of the existing system. The flooring sector needs to:

• Engage with CITB – Understand the levy system and maximise the value of available grants. (CFA recently worked with CITB to simplify and clarify scope, and the forms for levy registration)
• Drive Quality and Training – Continue to develop high-quality training programs that meet industry needs, even if that requires self-funding.
• Collaborate and Lead – Work together as a sector, leveraging the expertise of CFA and FITA, as well as partnerships with manufacturers and other stakeholders.

“The flooring industry has always been resilient and resourceful. Although the Farmer report suggests limited immediate change for us, the need for skilled labour continues to grow. It’s vital that we stay proactive and continue to lead by example in delivering the highest standards of training and competency development.”

For more details on training opportunities and funding, visit the CFA’s Training Guide.

Still have questions about CITB or want to place an apprentice? Shaun Wadsworth is on hand to help. Reach out at shaun@cfa.org.uk. The CFA says that this support is just one of the many benefits of being a CFA member.

The CFA is a leading trade association representing the flooring Industry. If you would like an application pack or further information on the benefits of membership, please contact the CFA offices on 0115 941 1126, email or apply online at www.cfa.org.uk.