PSS launches new awards scheme

Port Skills and Safety is delighted to announce the inaugural PSS awards, designed to recognise achievements in improving safety and skills in the sector and furthering the organisation’s commitment to sharing best practice.

There are three award categories: Best Safety Moment, Best Skills Initiative and Best Members’ Collaboration, which recognise the three areas which PSS believe ultimately make ports safer.

The top three entries in each category will have the opportunity to present their project to the PSS Members’ Conference, taking place in London during Maritime Safety Week 2024 and the winners will be voted on by their peers. This means that all PSS members can benefit from the ideas shared.

Announcing the awards scheme, PSS Chief Executive Debbie Cavaldoro said: “This new awards scheme sums up what PSS is all about – recognising and sharing best practice to make ports safer.”

“Having the opportunity to showcase their initiatives to other members will highlight the work PSS members undertake day-in and day-out to improve safety and skills in their workplaces. Not only receiving recognition from their peers for their efforts, but also sharing ideas which all PSS members will be able to take back from our conference to improve their own workplaces.”

The awards are open to all members and the deadline for submission is Friday 26 April. The top three entries will be invited to present their project to the PSS Members’ Conference taking place on Tuesday 02 July, where attendees will vote on the winner. All submissions will be featured on the PSS website.

Best Safety Moment

This award will be presented to the PSS member who has made a significant and positive difference to safety within their port or the wider port sector. This award recognises projects and initiatives which engage port workers and deliver a positive message about the importance of all aspects of port health, safety, and wellbeing. This could be via a port safety campaign, awareness event or individual safety initiative.

Best Skills Initiative

This award will be presented to the PSS member who has demonstrated dedication to skills development, career pathways and workforce empowerment. The award will celebrate members who design, implement, or support innovative skills programs, which promote professional growth, port careers, and contribute to developing future talent in the maritime industry.

Best Members’ Collaboration

This award will be presented to two member organisations that embody PSS’s commitment to collaboration by working together to achieve a step-change in safety or skills outcomes. Only one member needs to make the submission and both members will then be invited to make a joint presentation on their collaboration. PSS particularly invites members working in the innovation space to submit entries on working with ports on new technology.

Submissions can be made by downloading the application form below and submitting it to info@portskillsandsafety.co.uk before Friday 26 April. The three selected entries in each category will be notified at least one month’ before the conference with details of their presentation slot at the members’ conference.