Since joining CITB in 1997, Deborah has played a central role in some of the organisation’s most visible and impactful areas. Her experience across customer facing functions, including apprenticeships, careers, and employer engagement, has given her a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the construction sector. This breadth of experience is particularly significant in today’s environment, where attracting, developing, and retaining talent remains one of the industry’s most pressing concerns.
Building Industry Skills Through Experience
In her current role, Deborah oversees a wide ranging portfolio that includes communications and marketing, grant and funding delivery, verification processes, and employer support solutions. This position places her at the intersection of strategy and delivery, ensuring that initiatives not only align with industry priorities but also provide tangible value to employers across Great Britain. Her work supports businesses in accessing the resources and guidance needed to invest in skills, improve productivity, and navigate an increasingly complex operational landscape.
Deborah’s leadership approach is deeply rooted in her early career within vocational education. Having worked as a tutor, assessor, verifier, and training provider manager, she brings a practical, ground level understanding of how skills are developed and applied. This experience continues to inform her perspective, reinforcing a belief that effective training and education are fundamental to both individual opportunity and industry success. It is this connection between policy, practice, and people that underpins her ability to deliver meaningful outcomes.
Leadership Rooted in People and Community
A defining aspect of Deborah’s contribution is her commitment to people. She is widely recognised for her focus on developing and empowering those within her organisation, fostering a culture where individuals are encouraged to reach their full potential. This emphasis on nurturing talent extends beyond internal teams to the wider industry, where her work supports the creation of pathways into construction and promotes long term career development.
Her influence also reaches beyond her professional responsibilities. As a trustee of the Silent Voices charity, Deborah demonstrates a clear commitment to social impact and community advocacy. This role reflects a broader understanding of leadership, one that recognises the importance of giving back and supporting those whose voices may otherwise go unheard.
