Woodknowledge Wales’ Rachel Cook, to bring expertise in timber, housing and collaboration to the CITB Wales Council table to help shape construction skills strategy in Wales.
Woodknowledge Wales is delighted to announce that our Head of Networks, Rachel Cook, has been appointed to the CITB Wales National Council. The appointment represents a major opportunity for Wales’ low-carbon timber construction sector to help shape the national skills agenda at a time when the industry faces urgent challenges around workforce, productivity, and decarbonisation.
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) plays a pivotal role in developing a skilled, competent, and sustainable construction workforce across the UK. Its National Councils act as critical advisory bodies, providing insight and guidance to CITB’s Board to ensure investment decisions align with the needs of the industry in each nation.
Rachel’s appointment is not only a personal recognition of her long-standing work in construction and supply chain development, but also a significant moment for Woodknowledge Wales and its mission to transform the built environment through sustainable timber solutions.
“It’s a great endorsement of Rachel’s ability and of the growing influence of Woodknowledge Wales,” said Gary Newman, CEO of Woodknowledge Wales. “We hope Rachel’s voice at the table helps bring forward the skills, training, and innovation needed to meet the climate and housing challenges ahead. The construction skills system is in transformation, and this role gives us a chance to advocate for forward-thinking change.”
A voice for timber, housing and climate in construction skills strategy
The appointment comes at a critical time for the construction sector in Wales. Demand for low-carbon, affordable housing continues to rise, while the workforce pipeline struggles to adapt to new technologies, materials and methods. The CITB Wales Council is tasked with helping the organisation stay in step with these realities, identifying strategic priorities that will support construction employers, education providers and regional economies alike.
Rachel brings over 20 years of experience in housing, construction, and public-private partnership. At Woodknowledge Wales, she leads the organisation’s networks work, connecting social landlords, architects, manufacturers and policymakers across the timber and housing value chain. Her leadership in initiatives like Tai ar y Cyd and Home-Grown Homes has helped demonstrate how locally sourced timber and collaborative design can underpin scalable, sustainable housing solutions.
“I’m really pleased to be joining the CITB Wales Council and representing the interests of sustainable construction,” said Rachel. “It’s a great opportunity to bring our work into national conversations around training and funding. I’m looking forward to contributing ideas that reflect the needs of the sector—especially the shift towards circular, place-based and climate-smart construction practices.”
Rachel’s appointment complements Woodknowledge Wales’ broader efforts to align skills development, housing policy, and sustainable construction. It also builds on existing relationships with organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), where Rachel has previously been invited to contribute to board-level discussions.
We extend our warm congratulations to Rachel and look forward to supporting her work on the CITB Wales Council in the months ahead.
