Guided by over 30 years’ experience in construction and housing development as well as her expertise in leadership coaching and consulting, Nicola will lead the board in supporting the delivery of BE-ST’s mission to accelerate the built environment’s just transition to zero carbon.

Nicola will bring a unique and forward-thinking perspective to BE-ST’s mission as well as skills in leadership, strategic thinking, and change management which she has honed throughout her time working across the sector in a diverse range of roles.

She has been actively engaged with BE-ST for a number of years through her work with Scottish Futures Trust and Homes for Scotland. More recently, she has been working with BE-ST’s Built Environment Change Makers - a group of early-stage industry professionals who advocate for systemic change in the sector – to coach them and undertake workshops on leadership, self-awareness, and confidence.

Nicola joins the board alongside a new cohort made up of 13 leading figures from across the sector. As BE-ST embarks on the next phase of its mission to accelerate the built environment’s transition to zero carbon, the new board members, members remaining in post, and the new Chair will continue to drive the strategic direction and performance of BE-ST, while supporting a range of wider BE-ST initiatives, key partners, and stakeholders.

Nicola will also be supported by Steve Petrie in his role as vice chair. Andy Outram will remain in post as board chair until May 2024 when the role will be officially handed over to Nicola.

Stephen Good, CEO at BE-ST, said: “I’d like to extend a warm welcome to Nicola as she joins us at this exciting stage. It goes without saying that we wouldn’t be where we are now, without the hard work, passion, and guidance of our outgoing Chair Andy Outram. Nicola truly shares our vision for the future of the built environment when it comes to decarbonisation, the just transition and the culture shift needed to transform the sector for the benefit of our environment and citizens.”

Andy Outram, outgoing board chair at BE-ST, said: “It has been a real honour and fantastic experience overall to have fulfilled the role of BE-ST’s board chair and be a part of the incredible journey BE-ST has been on over the last few years. Alongside Nicola’s experience and expertise, the diversity of backgrounds and calibre of new and remaining board members will ensure BE-ST continues to build a deserved reputation as a national innovation asset for construction and the built environment, and a committed leader of change across the sector.

“I am confident that I leave the board in good hands and that Nicola will be supported by all our incredibly talented board members and I wish them all success in the coming years.”

Nicola Barclay, incoming board chair at BE-ST, said: “I am delighted to take on the role of board chair at BE-ST. While succeeding Andy Outram gives me big boots to fill, I am excited for the opportunity to continue from his successes and contribute to BE-ST’s mission.

“Having spent the best part of three decades in the construction and housing development sector, I have developed a deep understanding of the industry’s challenges and opportunities and recognise the need to foster innovation and develop and promote sustainable practices in the built environment.

“BE-ST’s commitment to driving systemic change aligns with my own experiences and passion for bringing people together and working collaboratively towards joint goals. I look forward to working closely with the board, the team at BE-ST, and all our partners to advance our shared goals and make significant progress towards a sustainable and zero carbon built environment.”