How can the UK ensure it has the skills needed to improve millions of homes, making them healthier, more energy efficient and better prepared for a changing climate?
New research from the Environmental Change Institute (ECI) at the University of Oxford and Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is helping to answer this question by providing the evidence base for the UK’s first Sector Skills Plan for Housing Retrofit and Repair, Maintenance and Improvement (RMI).
The research, commissioned by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and developed in partnership with the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), explores the skills, workforce and coordination challenges facing the construction sector as the UK looks to upgrade its existing housing stock.
The UK has more than 30 million homes, many of which will need ongoing improvements to make them more energy efficient, comfortable and resilient. The research highlights that delivering high-quality retrofit at scale will depend not only on having enough workers, but on ensuring the workforce has the right skills, knowledge and experience.
The research team – Dr Marina Topouzi and Dr Gavin Killip from the ECI, alongside Dr Kate Simpson and Dr Rachel Macrorie from NTU – examined how skills development, training and policy can better support the transition towards healthier and more sustainable homes.
Dr Topouzi said:
The transition to healthier, more energy-efficient homes is not just a technical challenge – it is also a skills challenge. Our research shows that delivering retrofit at scale will require collaboration across the sector, clear standards and a workforce equipped with the knowledge and experience needed to deliver quality outcomes.”
Their findings show that retrofit and repair, maintenance and improvement should be viewed as connected activities, requiring stronger collaboration across industry, clearer standards and a greater focus on quality and competence.
The recommendations from the research have informed the new RMI Sector Skills Plan, which aims to improve workforce capability, strengthen training approaches and support the delivery of high-quality retrofit across the UK.
The report was launched at RICS Surveyors House in Westminster, bringing together representatives from industry, government and research organisations.
Read the full Sector Skills Plan for Housing Retrofit and RMI on the CITB website.
Watch a short video summarising the research and its recommendations for strengthening skills and training in the retrofit/RMI sector.
