British ports to promote more diversity and best practice in the workforce

The British Ports Association (BPA) has established a new Human Resources and Employment Network which met for the first time last week in London. The group has identified some key areas on which it will focus.

The initial meeting brought together HR managers and specialists from BPA member ports and discussed topics including diversity at all levels of the ports sector, apprenticeships, benchmarking, attracting talent and employment law.

The UK ports sector employs around 118,000 people in a wide range of roles and is highly productive. The new group will also explore ways of supporting and inspiring young people to choose a career in the ports and maritime sectors.

The group’s first meeting took place on Friday 2 December and representatives from ports travelled from all corners of the UK to the meeting. The group enables it members to collaborate, share experiences and best practice, as well as to discuss common employment challenges faced by the members.

Nicky Goldsbrough, Director of Corporate Services at Shoreham Port was elected to Chair the Human Resources and Employment Network. Commenting on the meeting, Nicky said:

“The Network enables port HR professionals to come together to discuss a range of interesting and challenging issues. The first meeting was well attended and I was delighted with the enthusiasm and commitment of the members to work together more closely and to take a collective approach to common issues that the industry is facing”.

“The creation of the group creates the ideal platform to improve the promotion of careers in the ports and maritime sector and to develop current employability initiatives.”

Guest speakers providing updates on apprenticeships, employment matters and on regulatory items. There was also plenty of opportunity for networking and strengthening links between each of the respective ports. The group will meet twice a year and the next meeting will be in the summer of 2017.