The IOR Education Outreach Project Manager, Matt Harvey, has been appointed to the Construction & Built Environment Interim Talent Board to represent the RACHP Sector.

This appointment ensures that the RACHP sector is formally represented within a major London-wide initiative designed to shape the future of skills, training, and workforce development across the built environment.

Established by the Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth, the Interim Talent Board brings together leading employers and industry stakeholders to support the delivery of London’s Inclusive Talent Strategy. The Board is tasked with creating a more coordinated, employer-led approach to skills provision, aligning training more closely with real industry demand.

The Interim Talent Board is currently focused on three priority workstreams:

• Tackling barriers to delivering outcomes – improving how social value and employment outcomes are achieved through planning and procurement
• Enabling business input to skills and training – strengthening employer influence, particularly from SMEs, to ensure candidates are work-ready
• Shorter courses to bridge gaps – developing targeted, flexible training solutions to support entry, progression, and retention

These priorities closely align with the challenges and opportunities facing the RACHP sector, particularly around workforce readiness and accessible entry routes.

As part of his work for the IOR, Matt’s role on the Board will focus on:

• Championing the skills and workforce needs of the RACHP sector
• Identifying opportunities for sector inclusion in pilot programmes and training innovation
• Strengthening collaboration between employers, training providers, and policymakers
• Ensuring industry insight informs the development of future skills systems

Matt will be seeking input from IOR Members, and you can already contact him to share your views at matt@ior.org.uk. 

The Interim Board will transition into a permanent Talent Board in Summer 2026, supported by a pan-London hub and the development of a Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC). This work will play a critical role in shaping London’s Local Skills Improvement Plan and long-term workforce strategy.