PSS Launches new Port Skills Audit service

PSS has launched a new Skills Audit service to support ports in reviewing workforce capability, training arrangements, and competence management across operational and safety-critical roles.

Developed following growing interest from the port sector, and building on a successful pilot audit with Caledonian MacBrayne, the service is designed to help organisations better understand current practice, identify strengths and gaps, and support continuous improvement. Through a combination of document reviews, site visits, and conversations with both leadership teams and operational employees, the audits provide practical recommendations tailored to each organisation’s operations and workforce needs.

Commenting on the pilot audit, Fraser Wallace, Head of Harbour Operations, said: “Following early engagement with the PSS team, and a genuinely collaborative approach to developing a challenging scope for the exercise, the audit has delivered a strong and meaningful output.

It has highlighted areas where we are performing well, in some excelling, but perhaps most importantly has also identified where we can improve – which was a key driver from the outset, aligned with our shared principles with PSS and its members.

“The process included engagement with all levels of management from our Executive Team, Senior Leaders and our frontline teams who deliver our operation day in day out, and the feedback has been consistently positive throughout. An additional set of eyes on what we do is always valuable, particularly from those who share our values and commitment to ensuring that our teams operate in a safe environment and go home healthy each day.

“I would strongly encourage other ports across the landscape, from major UK port operators to partners in smaller fishing ports, to get involved and build on this initiative so that we continue to share good practice, knowledge and experience, and help shape the future training needs across our ports.”

As the professional skills and safety membership organisation for ports, PSS is also using insights from audits to help build a broader picture of emerging themes, common challenges, and good practice across the port sector, while maintaining the confidentiality of individual organisations.

More information on the PSS Skills Audit service is available below.