Chief People Officer at National Highways to support skills development and capability building across the supply chain
September 11th 2025, London, UK – Elaine Billington MBE, Chief People Officer at National Highways, has been appointed to the Board of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, strengthening the School’s leadership as it accelerates skills development and supplier capability across the UK’s supply chain.
A member of National Highways’ Executive Committee, Elaine brings extensive expertise in workforce strategy, organisational change, and sector-wide collaboration. National Highways has been instrumental in delivering major skills initiatives, including the groundbreaking upskilling of local suppliers on the Lower Thames Crossing project in partnership with the School – a key example of early engagement ahead of Tier 1 contract awards that has set a new industry standard.
Elaine is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and a committed champion of apprenticeships and early career development. Her leadership in this area includes chairing the Northwest Employer Apprentice Ambassador Network and contributing to the national Apprentice Diversity Champions Network. In recognition of her outstanding services to industry and skills, she was awarded an MBE in 2020.
“I’m delighted to join the Board at a time when building supply chain capability, especially among SMEs, is critical to delivering the infrastructure projects that will shape the future of the UK,” said Elaine. “The School is a vital partner in equipping suppliers with the skills they need to meet today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.”
Ian Heptonstall, Director of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, added: “Elaine brings valuable insight into how we drive change at an organisation and industry level. Elaine has a proven record of developing talent at an industry level and what it takes to overcome the barriers to change. These skills will strength the School’s Board as we seek to drive change and scale the impact we are having across the built environment sector.”
The Supply Chain Sustainability School collaborates with over 230 partners across the built environment sector, providing free training and resources to improve sustainability, upskill suppliers, and address the long-term capability challenges facing the industry.