Sarah Beale named permanent CITB CEO

Sarah Beale (pictured) has been named as the CITB’s permanent chief executive, having held the interim post since December last year.

Beale was appointed interim chief executive following the resignation of Adrian Belton after he had been in the role for less than three years.

The CITB Board decided to make the move permanent this week, with the appointment being approved by the Department for Education.

James Wates, the CITB’s chairman, said: “I am very pleased that we have been able to agree terms to retain Sarah Beale in a permanent appointment as chief executive.

“She has proven herself admirably since taking over as interim chief executive, winning the confidence of the industry and demonstrating her ability to lead the CITB through a very challenging phase of change.

“I have every confidence that she will continue to excel in the role, so am delighted to announce her permanent appointment.”

Beale has been a CITB stalwart for more than 12 years, holding numerous senior roles in the organisation, including chief financial officer, head of finance and head of customer services.

Following Belton’s departure last year industry figures called for the CITB to be reformed, while the organisation faced behind-the-scenes criticism from large firms angered by the prospect of having to pay two training levies, following the introduction of the all-industry apprenticeship levy kicks in April, on top of the CITB’s existing levy.