The Joint Industry Board for the Electrical Contracting Industry (JIB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Wendy Alexander as its new Chair, effective 1 January 2025.
Professor Alexander brings a wealth of expertise to her new role. With a distinguished career in politics, trade, and investment, she has held numerous high-profile positions, including Vice Principal and Professor at the University of Dundee and Chair of the Advisory Board for International Education at The Times Higher Education. Her background in government and education equips her with a unique perspective to lead the JIB into the future.
Professor Alexander will succeed the current JIB Chair, Paul Corby, on 1 January 2025. Reflecting on Wendy’s appointment, Paul said, “I warmly welcome this appointment and wish Wendy every success at this important time for the industry. I would like to thank the ECA, Unite the Union, fellow National Board members, and the JIB executive team for their dedication and vision. Their collective commitment has been instrumental in raising standards and ensuring stability and growth in the sector.”
After 12 years of exemplary leadership, Paul Corby will retire at the end of December, leaving an enduring legacy of stability and growth. His tenure has been marked by a commitment to high competency standards and a career-long dedication to championing high employment standards and fairness within the industry. Paul’s leadership has built a strong foundation for JIB’s future.
Professor Alexander expressed her enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “I am absolutely delighted to be joining the Electrotechnical Joint Industry Board at this exciting time. The JIB has a proud heritage of bringing employers and employees together to drive the sector forward. The JIB successfully champions high standards, effective industrial relations, and best-in-class personal certification scheme. I am committed to maintaining that track record of success and meeting the needs of tomorrow’s workforce and the economy. To deliver growth, infrastructure, decarbonisation, and new homes, we need young people training as electricians and entering the sector. The JIB will be at the heart of ensuring we rise to future opportunities, by supporting the next generation in a competent and innovative workforce, which can enable their employers to drive forward the growth the country needs.”
Andrew Eldred, COO at ECA, remarked on the significance of Paul’s contributions, saying, “Paul Corby has been a truly exceptional asset to the JIB and a formidable champion of the values which the JIB represents: both as Chair from 2012 and as an excellent National Officer for many years before that. Wendy Alexander is an outstanding individual, with experience and capabilities which will prove invaluable to the JIB as its members address new challenges and opportunities.”
“Wendy and Paul share a deep understanding of the impact and significance of the JIB Agreement and the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) and a common commitment to serve the electrotechnical sector and wider community, as electrification of our economy and society accelerates and expands.”
Jason Poulter, National Officer for Construction at Unite, echoed these sentiments, saying, “As Chair of the National Board, Paul Corby has been instrumental in maintaining stability within the industry. The ongoing success, of investing in high employment standards and progressive industrial relations, reflects his determination to delivering prosperity for all. Unite looks forward to working with Wendy Alexander as she takes up position as Chair. Bringing extensive experience both industrially and politically, Wendy has an understanding of the issues the electrical contracting sector faces and the opportunities for workforce and employers alike.”
Established in 1968, the JIB operates as a not-for-profit entity dedicated to advancing the electrotechnical industry. With the UK embarking on major infrastructure projects and moving towards a net-zero economy, the sector is more vital than ever.
