Vote of no-confidence in CSCS chief fails

A vote of no-confidence in the chairman of the industry’s CSCS card scheme Trevor Walker has failed after he used his own board vote to tie the ballot and save himself.

Five of the industry’s largest federations – which represent the bulk of the industry’s firms – voted to oust Walker from his post.

But the scheme’s other board members, including Walker, a client-nominated director and three union directors voted against the motion.

The result raises fresh concerns about the future of the scheme used by over 1.6 million workers.

A source close to the situation said: “It seems untenable that Walker can carry on in this position with all the employer federations against him.

“But it’s now a question of sitting down, calming down and trying to resolve the situation.”

In April Building reported that CITB-ConstructionSkills, which administers the scheme, had put its contract on a five-year notice period after disagreements with the scheme’s management.

CSCS’s chief executive Brian Adams is leaving the scheme at Christmas to pursue outside interests.

A statement from the Civil Engineering Contractors Association, Construction Industry Council, Federation of Master Builders, NSCC and UKCG, which all voted for the motion, said:

“Delivering a qualified and competent work force is a key issue for construction industry employers.  Having a well-run and effective card scheme that covers the whole industry is therefore important to us. 

“The CSCS scheme, under its current leadership, is failing to deliver for the industry.  That is why we wanted a change of leadership for the scheme.  Sadly, this point of view is not shared by all the directors of CSCS.   

“CECA, CIC, FMB, NSCC and UKCG are working together to find a solution that delivers what employers want.

“We remain fully committed to the principle of a fully qualified workforce and are determined to find a solution that will work for the whole industry.”