Danny Clarke CMIOSH

CITB

Engagement team

Simply-People

Founder

National Federation of Builders (NFB)

Commercial Director 

Gexcon

Global Manager

Capita Real Estate and Infrastructure

Associate Director

Therapy Direct Healthcare

Interim Managing Director

Salford Professional Development

Director Of Operations

ELAS Ltd

Group Operations Director

Supporting a Skilled, Competent, and Inclusive Workforce in Construction
 
Are you engaged in the ever-evolving construction sector and passionate about advancing skills and careers?
 
Engage with me, I’m passionate about supporting the construction industry.
 
What CITB offers:
- Attracting the right talent to the construction industry.
- Developing a training and skills system for future needs.
- Providing robust support for industry training and workforce development.
 
I'm here to guide you through CITB's initiatives and opportunities. Connect to explore how we can enhance your skills and contribute to the industry's growth.
 
For more details, feel free to reach out or visit my 'featured posts' section.
 
For more detailed information about CITB and its role, please visit https://www.citb.co.uk/

Congratulations are in order - not just for the formidable women who've carved their names onto the shortlist, but for those who haven't. 

Why? Because we have had hundreds of entries showcasing the amazing people we have working within the industry which I think deserves celebrating.

Whether you made the shortlist or were nominated, you are amazing and hugely appreciated by your peers and colleagues.

You are seen, the work you do is seen and valued.

If you didnt make the shortlist, dont let that deter you from your work and you may still be recognised in the Top100 list that is announced on the night of the gala dinner on September 30th hosted by National Federation of Builders. 

Massive hats off to our judges, who've had the Herculean task of sifting through hundreds of entries. Their dedication to the cause? Unparalleled. Their need for caffeine? Presumably astronomical.

Do I mention coffee too much?

For those itching to see the shortlist, head over to the CITB social media. Spoiler alert: I won't be the one ruining the surprise, after all the planning I daren't.

And remember, this isn't just about one night of glitz, glamour, and construction chat (as enthralling as that sounds). 

It's about a year-round celebration of excellence, with events so exciting they make concrete seem interesting. 

Mark your calendars for 31st July and 29th October. We have a range of events designed to support you, your teams and the industry with sessions from Jo, Anne and Danielle. 

Lee Chambers will be there in October talking all things allyship, and frankly, if that's not a draw, what is?

So, whether you made the list, didn't, or are just here for the suspense of it all, let's keep pushing the boundaries. 

Because in construction, as in life, it's all about building something that lasts.

Danny Clarke

Championing People and Skills Development in Construction | Engagement Team at CITB | Top 100 Women in Construction Awards | Charity Trustee

I’ve spent years asking colleagues “don’t send me long emails” because, let's face it, I deal in big picture stuff. 

Minute repetitive details can bore me to tears. 

I move like I’ve got a motor strapped to my back between 2 jobs and multiple volunteering roles. And yes, all my neurodiverse friends insist I have telling symptoms.

So why am I sharing this? well to challenge the stigma not only in construction but everywhere else too.

A 2023 study showed that 1 in 4 construction workers consider themselves neurodiverse, yet 31% haven’t disclosed their condition due to fear of judgement. 

That’s an upsetting statistic. 

Thinking and behaving differently should be celebrated, or we’d never challenge outdated processes. We’d make no progress.

Think differently. It's the only way forward.

Who'd have thought it? Someone would ask me to join a stage talking about construction and mental health!

But its happened and later this year, I'm joining some fantastic folks at the Mad Construction Summit to discuss a topic that's affects many in our industry.

If you're heading over to heckle please dont, however if you fancy hearing what i've got to say then check out the panel – its the importance of supporting future workforce mental wellbeing session

We'll attempt to delve into:
- how mental health transitions from school to work.
- The need for proper, inclusive training for everyone. Yes, EVERYONE.
- Real steps employers can take to support their people beyond just a paycheque.

Join Luke Mason-Hobbs, Logan Price and me as we tackle this head-on. Seriously, whether you're a sole trader, a multinational CEO, or somewhere in between, this is for you.

The stats are grim and let's be real – investing in mental wellbeing isn't just a nice-to-have, it's a business no-brainer. 

A £5 return for every £1 spent? Sign me up.

Join us and let's turn these statistics around. Your future workforce will thank you.

Are you coming?

UK Construction Week is upon us, and guess what? We've hijacked the training and skills stage. Again.

Thrilled? You should be. 

Fancy yourself as the next Jeremy Paxman? Have opinions that could start a revolution? Or simply enjoy the spectacle of industry professionals attempting not to trip over their words?

Here's your invitation to the party. 

Worried about speaking in public? 

Fear not. We specialise in transforming nervous people into eloquent orators. Sort of.

Dive into the chaos. Share your thoughts, or just come for the bants. 

Have I just used the words bants? ive just been a little sick in my own mouth.

Movie gif. Will Ferrell as Brennan in Step Brothers stands anxiously behind a microphone, glances over his shoulder, and takes a deep breath.

Kids these days only interested in their phones?

Sure, if by 'phones' you mean scaling mountains, seeking adventure, and creating lifelong memories.

This last weekend, I watched a group of young people conquer Ben Nevis. Four minibuses, endless laughter, and a few tired legs later, they proved one thing: they’re capable of more than we give them credit for.

Week in, week out, my local scout group – with kids aged 4 to 18 – are out there achieving, exploring, and living life to the fullest. 

We even have a waiting list that could double our size if we only had the leaders to support them.

Next time you question what the younger generation can do, give them an opportunity.

Prepare to be amazed. 

Let’s reconsider our biases, shall we?

Another blistering day. Shocking, right?

We're all acting like the sun's taken a personal vendetta against us. 

Meetings start with 'Hot enough for you?' and end with a shared longing for Antarctica.

But here's a thought. 

While we're melting, sipping iced lattes, and swapping our suits for shorts, we're missing a golden opportunity. 

The heatwave isn't just a conversation starter – it's a brainstorming partner in disguise.

Think about it. Higher temperatures, slower pace, minds wandering to sandy beaches and mountain retreats. 

What if, instead of fighting the heat, we embrace it as a catalyst for creativity? 

Let those sun-soaked daydreams lead to your next big idea.

Or at the very least, can we not moan about the heat, considering last week the same people were complaining about the rain. 

#ConversationsAboutTheWeather #YesIDoNeedAHaircut

When your team asks when you're going on holiday and then actively encourages you to take a break...

Is it because they care about your well-being or are they plotting something in your absence? 🤔

I'm just sat here wondering on the messaging for this one after a meeting yesterday...

And yes, you did say I would probably make a post out of this during the meeting. 

Should I be flattered or worried? or more likely utterly predictable.

What’s your take – genuine concern or a master plan?

Networking: ever thought you may be doing it wrong.

Let's face it, the art of networking is as misunderstood as a teenager's mood swings. 

Here are some of my slightly tongue in cheek top tips for leveraging networks without making it painfully obvious you're trying to use people for your own gain.

1. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗸𝗲: Just kidding. But imagine how much easier networking would be if we could just identify potential connections with a special handshake instead of awkward small talk.

2. 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗮 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘁: Offering to 'grab a coffee' is the most overused networking line. Try something daring. Skydiving, anyone? It'll be a memorable meeting, if you survive.

3. 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗼 𝟭𝟵𝟵𝟵: If you're still handing out business cards, you might as well be using a pager. Get creative. Ever thought of a business frisbee? At least if they throw it away, it's more fun. Or you know, you could just use LinkedIn like everyone else, just make sure your profile pops!

4. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 - 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹: Following potential connections on LinkedIn before meeting them is a fine art. It shows initiative but do it too much, and congratulations, you're a professional stalker.

5. 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘀: Met a John? Think apple. It's bizarre but works. Unless you meet someone named Apple, then you're on your own.

6. '𝗜 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲': Be the person who knows someone for everything. Even if you don't. It makes you sound resourceful and of course, super useful. 
   
Networking doesn't have to be a chore, wrapped in awkwardness, sprinkled with a dash of dread. 

Use these tips to navigate the networking maze with a bit of humour and creativity.

Any tips you'd add?

Ever wondered if your allyship resembles a cardboard cutout? 

Fear not!

Join us for an event led by expert speakers, including Lee Chambers, where you’ll learn to be more than just a social media warrior.

So whats involved? well, I'm glad you asked.

• Understanding active allyship: It’s more than a badge; it’s advocacy, support, and yes, actual solidarity.
• Practical strategies: Concrete tactics to amplify voices without stealing the mic.
• Personal reflection and growth: Guided exercises to confront your biases and privileges. Spoiler alert: We all have them.
• Community building: Because inclusive spaces don’t just happen by magic.
  
Why should you attend?

Well, if you fancy leaving this workshop as a superhero of inclusion and equity, this is your golden ticket. 

Hands-on sessions and guided exercises will transform you into the ally you’ve always pretended to be on LinkedIn.

Ever noticed how treat everyone like adults sounds great until you remember the adult who rode a luggage carousel at the airport?

Let's debunk a myth: Treating everyone like adults at work assumes we all graduated from the School of Common Sense. 

Spoiler alert: enrollment numbers are shockingly low.

Here's a hot take from an ex-holiday rep: Adulting isn't universal. Witnessing 'adult activities' that make HR's hair stand on end is a hobby some haven't outgrown. 

The truth? Not everyone knows what acting like an adult entails. Shocking, I know. 

Some folks thrive on clear instructions. Use your initiative is as clear as mud to them and guess what, thats ok. 

Imagine being that person unsure of their job, while their manager plays Nero, fiddling away as Rome burns.  Helpful feedback? As rare as a calm day in the Colosseum.

So, before we chant treat everyone like adults, let's pause. 

Maybe, just maybe, we need a little more guidance on what that actually means.

Swap your suits for boots and your coffee meetings for mountain peaks! 

It's your LAST CHANCE to ditch the conference room buzz for the serene buzz of nature at our Big Construction Hike up Snowdon. 

Yes, you heard right. Who said networking needs to be all handshakes and business cards?

Join us this Monday, 8th July, for an adventure led by the legends at Blackdog Outdoors. 

Use this link: https://lnkd.in/dp6jdww3

Expect breathtaking views, sore legs, and perhaps the most memorable chat about project management you'll ever have, all at 1,085 metres above sea level.

Fancy making your LinkedIn connections in a slightly more elevated way? There's still time to sign up!

Not your cup of tea? You can still support the incredible work of BlackDog Outdoors in other ways. Check out their website to see how you can contribute without the need for blister plasters.

Who said networking can't be an adventure? Let's prove them wrong together.

Promises, promises. 

I did say another gem about the shortlist was on its way, didn't I? 

Well, hold onto your hats because Monday's the big reveal. Yes, Monday. 

Mark it, set a reminder, tattoo it on your forearm if you must. 

Our socials will light up with the announcement that's been keeping you up at night. 

Will it change your life? Probably not. 

But will it add a sparkle to your otherwise mundane Monday? Absolutely. 

Stay tuned, and let's face it, it's not like you've got a parade of better offers for Monday, do you?

Why is it so hard to pat ourselves on the back?

Apparently, owning your success is a radical act these days. 

Hence, we’re organising a workshop to teach you how to do just that. Yes, you heard it right. 

A workshop to help you recognise that you're actually good at what you do!

Here’s what we’ll cover:

Self-reflection: Because someone needs to remind you that you’ve achieved more than just getting out of bed.

Overcoming self-doubt: Imposter syndrome, meet your match. It's time to bury that nonsense once and for all.

Practical tools: Tips and tricks to toot your own horn without sounding like a trumpet.

Community support: Because it’s easier to celebrate your wins when you’ve got a cheerleading squad.

Why Attend:
Escape the curse of modesty, get over the fear of seeming boastful, and finally own your brilliance. Plus, you’ll get to network with like-minded individuals who are just as awesome as you are (but probably more self-aware).

Join us and learn how to be your own biggest fan. You’ve earned it.

Reflecting on your achievements Anne, for Strategies for overcoming self-doubt Jo and Being your own champion Danielle

Ready to stop downplaying your greatness?

You know what to do. https://lnkd.in/eHRC3qPs

Top 100 Carousel Document For Owning Your Success Workshop

Ever felt like you were wearing an invisibility cloak at work, not for the cool, sneaky reasons, but because people just presumed you didn’t have the chops? 

Welcome to the club, where letters after your name are more sought after than personality traits. CMIOSH, anyone?

Presumed incompetence, often fuelled by biases, can overshadow true potential, creating barriers that are as real as they are invisible.

In industries across the board, talented individuals find themselves having to work twice as hard to prove what should be evident. 

Whether it's because of their background, race, sex, age, or any other characteristic, the presumption of incompetence is a silent career saboteur.

But here's the twist: overcoming this isn't just on the individual. It's a collective challenge. Teams, leaders, organisations - we all have a part to play. 

So, ask yourself, are your assessments of colleagues and employees based on evidence or assumption? 

The path to meritocracy begins with introspection.

Ever tried herding cats? That's child's play compared to managing friends at work.

Monday morning, you're sipping your third coffee, trying to muster the courage to tell your mate they've missed the mark on that report. Again. But hey, they laughed at your joke on Saturday night, so all is forgiven, right?

Navigating the tightrope between boss and buddy is an art form. It's like being invited to a dinner party and finding out you're both the chef and the entertainment. 

You want to keep the peace, but also, you know, actually get work done.

The secret? Boundaries. Yes, those invisible lines we all pretend to understand until it's time to enforce them. 

Drawing a line between 'mate' and 'manager' is crucial, but let's be honest, it's as clear as mud.

Success story? I've managed to not only keep my friends, well most of them, but also maintain productivity, and trust me, it wasn't by mastering the dark arts. 

It was honest conversations, mutual respect, and maybe, just a bit of luck.

Ever wondered what it's like to hike up Snowdon with a bunch of strangers and come back feeling like you've known them forever?

Spoiler alert: it's brilliant.

Just conquered Snowdon, mate. 

Met incredible people, breathed some fresh mountain air, and maybe got a bit too excited about the views. 

Missed out? FOMO much?

Don't worry, I've got your back. 

On October 5th, we're doing it all over again – this time in the Peak District. 

And guess what? More time to bond, more mountains to climb, more laughs to be had.

Fancy joining me and Blackdog Outdoors for round two?

Danny, why don't you talk about something else? 

All you post about are events at the moment.

Oh, you mean just because I attended the Great Unicorn Parade and the Annual Conference of Overenthusiastic Event-Goers last month, I'm now the event guy?

Sure, let's ignore the fact that I also posted about the groundbreaking discovery of a new species of coffee bean that makes Mondays bearable.

Or that time I shared insights on how to negotiate a raise using interpretative dance moves.

Seriously, why limit ourselves to just one topic when the world is a buffet of bizarre and wonderful things?

Next up: My detailed review of the latest trend in underwater basket weaving. Spoiler: It's a splash!

Point taken, ill try and post about a few different topics too.

I thought it about time i post about some of the work thats happening here at CITB 

Yesterday, we launched our Nation Plans. 

Yep, you read that right—our plans for England, Scotland, and Wales!

Excitement levels are through the roof. Ok, its a pretty poor attempt at a pun, but work with me here a. 

These plans are more than just pretty documents; they are our blueprint for attracting diverse talents, developing a cutting-edge training system, and boosting workforce training. 

But what do they cover? 

Well, our Business Plan and Nation Plans focus on three key areas:

1. Getting diverse and skilled people into construction (because who knew construction needed people, right?)
2. Developing a training and skills system for today and tomorrow (because why not solve future problems today?)
3. Supporting the industry to train and develop its workforce (because training never stops, as if you didn't already know)

Curious? Dive into the details and see what the fuss is about!

Open article: Nation Plans (England, Scotland & Wales) CITB by citb.co.uk

Nation Plans (England, Scotland & Wales) CITB

Owning your success workshop: Because who else will? 

Welcome to the bold, brave world of recognising your own brilliance—because let’s face it, no one else will do it for you!

This workshop is your golden ticket to finally owning your achievements. 

Inspired by our community we’ll tackle the systemic nonsense that often keeps us from celebrating our wins.

• We'll reflect on your awesomeness, well when even Professor Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer for England, had her authority questioned. If SHE can’t catch a break, what hope do the rest of us have? 
  
• We’ll engage in exercises to help you see just how fantastic you really are.

• We'll kick imposter syndrome to the curb and embrace the fact that acknowledging your success isn’t arrogance—it's necessary.
  
• While we wait for systemic change, we’ll arm you with tips for updating your CV, speaking up in meetings, and everything else. 
  
And lastly, whilst only 14% of the construction workforce is female. By sharing experiences and building a network, we’ll create a strong community to help each other out. Mentorship and support are key to overcoming bias and achieving success.

Its next week, so you'd best be quick to book on.

Guess you’ll be wanting the link. https://lnkd.in/eHRC3qPs

Switching codes but not the ones you think. 

No, I haven't suddenly developed an insatiable desire to dive into Python or Java (the coffee's more my cup of tea, anyway). 

I’m talking about the art of code-switching. 

Ever found yourself swapping the Queen's English for slang mid-sentence when a colleague from another department walks by? 

That's code-switching. It's not about being fake; it's about being fluent in multiple social languages. 

From boardrooms to break rooms, we're all linguistic chameleons, adapting our speech to fit the vibe. It's like having a wardrobe of dialects - you wouldn't wear your Friday night outfit to a Monday morning meeting, would you? 

Code-switching: Just another skill in social navigation or a tiresome task to fit into the ever-changing expectations of communication?

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