Amanda Scott – CSCS Steering Group Chair nominee

The CSCS Alliance Steering Committee plays a central role in delivering the Alliances strategic priorities, supported by the individual steering groups and the working groups within which provide the specialist and technical expertise necessary to drive progress. Having firsthand experience operating across a multiple of these alliance engine rooms, I see the value and impact in their unique operations and connectivity to the alliance ambitions and purpose. It would be my intention to engage with them in a manner that ensures their continued performance success with focus and effective measurable progression outcomes.

The steering groups are increasingly important as the government moves towards a single regulatory system and the introduction of a Single Construction Regulator (SRO) in 2028. Demonstrating workforce competence through consistent standards and robust verifications, the CSCS is enhanced by the specialist expertise of the Alliance members and the delivery focus of their steering and working groups. As Chair, I would fully commit to sustain this collective, voluntary commitment of our members and strengthen collaboration as these responsibilities expand in responsiveness.
While I do not claim to know every detail of each 37 Alliance schemes, my continued involvement in official forum meetings, steering groups, working groups, and informal engagement has deepened my understanding of members’ strengths, specialist sectors, challenges, and priorities. As Chair, I would build on that insight to support focused and collaborative delivery

If eligible, I would naturally hold as required the Secretariat and delivery leads accountable for progress, ensure risks and resourcing issues are identified and resolved, maintain healthy governance across decision-making, and work closely with the Licensor, sub-group Chairs, and Secretariat to align activity and communications. As a Scheme Director I recognise the importance of ensuring that members who are not directly involved in steering or working groups remain informed, represented, and engaged. While furthermore maintaining an accessible and responsive approach to understanding and supporting the needs, priorities, and challenges of all scheme members.

Tony Seddon’s tenure as Chair has provided valued continuity and leadership across two Alliance Chair periods. During this time frame he has supported greater visibility of the Steering Groups through the CSCS Alliance membership hub, overseen the transition of the Big Data Project into the Workforce Insights Steering Group, and supported the creation of the Fraud Prevention Group with the onboarding of Marcus Mills and now entering its second year. This is not an exhaustive summary, but it reflects a significant period of progress. If elected, I would seek to build on that legacy with continuity, and a clear commitment to maintaining the high standards established during his term.

Having listened carefully at the recent in-person Alliance Forum, and recognising the wider context of SRO developments, the review of CLC recommendations, and the need for broader endorsement, I believe the Steering Group structure must remain responsive, purposeful, and prepared for what lies ahead. My approach would be to lead collaboratively, ensuring that existing and future groups are aligned to the Alliance’s shared priorities and equipped to respond effectively to emerging requirements.

I am an experienced and dedicated Chair, operating across multiple boards within my sector, and would bring clear leadership, strategic oversight, and a strong focus on steering group outcomes to support the Alliance’s continued success. I am conscientious, transparent, open, and empathetic, and I recognise that many Alliance members balance their scheme responsibilities alongside wider organisational commitments. I understand this well, but those untapped or quieter views are equally as relevant and not to be ignored. I would champion effective onboarding for future Steering and Working Group members to strengthen continuity, broaden participation, and support the long-term sustainability of the Alliance’s work.

Finally, I submit real time and annual conflict of interest (COI) declarations covering my role as a Director of my own limited company undertaken outside of my NAS employment, and my professional COI as Scheme Director for SICCS and UK Skills and Competence Lead at the NAS and IOC. These declarations align with the policies followed by my team and me as a Sector Representative Organisation within the UK construction sector. They are submitted to both the CSCS as Licensor and the NAS and IOC. Available on request if required.

I pledge my ongoing support to the Alliance and the steering and working groups which I operate in and to whomever the next CSCS Alliance Steering Committee Chair may be.