Meet those who are advancing in their professional journeys
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Offshore Achievement Awards
Find out more about why we took home the win
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Outstanding Improvement in Safety
Learn how the Easington Team boosted observations
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This electronic version of DRIVE News contains useful links to all the information you need to access. The contents to the left is also clickable - simply select the page you'd like to visit and you'll automatically be taken there.
DRIVE Sponsors
Welcome to your employee magazine
The first quarter of 2025 has been instrumental in laying a strong foundation for the future success of our business under the Altrad brand. It has set the tone for exciting company developments and growth opportunities that lie ahead. I want to extend my thanks to all our teammates for your continued support and commitment as we embark on the next chapter together.
As our Altrad transformation journey unfolds, our combined capabilities and resources will form a cohesive team equipped with the expertise, enthusiasm and creativity needed to drive our business, all while maintaining our award-winning employee engagement culture through DRIVE and well-established Safer Together ethos.
The word “together” truly embodies the spirit of our company. Our recent win of the Inclusivity Champion accolade at tho syear’s Offshore Achievement Awards, highlights our commitment to fostering an inclusive culture and genuine care for one another. Together, we can achieve great things.
Within this edition of DRIVE News, you will find a collection of motivating stories that emphasise the commitment and successes of our workforce.
These articles not only focus on individual employees but also illustrate career growth, development and involvement within our local communities through a wide range of corporate social responsibility initiatives. All of this showcases the skills and significant contributions our team members make on a daily basis.
I encourage you to take a moment to recognise the accomplishments of your colleagues and find inspiration in the meaningful work being carried out throughout our organisation.
Looking ahead, I’m excited for the future and look forward to another year of collaboration, growth and success, together.
Best regards, Regional Director UK
EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT
Our Employee Engagement Calendar provides a comprehensive overview of upcoming events across SharePoint. Here’s a snapshot of the activities we have planned in 2025 so far:
Employee Network Sessions Development Toolkits
Altrad Transformation Engagement Activities
ENGAGEMENT CALENDAR
across all UK sites for the year. You can access the calendar and additional resources on the DRIVE
APRIL / Q2
UK-wide CSR Activties
Gender Pay Gap Report
Townhall
Employee Representative Sessions
Stay Interviews
Employee Network Sessions
Development Toolkits
Altrad Transformation Engagement Activities
MAY / Q2
UK-wide CSR Activties
HSEQ Q2 Campaign
WeCARE Colleague Facilitated Discussion
National Walking Month
Women’s Health Week
Mental Health Awareness Week
Employee Representative Sessions
Stay Interviews Employee Network Sessions
Development Toolkits Altrad Transformation Engagement Activities
JUNE / Q2
UK-wide CSR Activties
Volunteers Week 01/06 - 07/06)
World Environmental Day05/06
Grampain Pride - 07/06
LGBT Pride Month
World Blood Donor Day - 14/06
Women in Engineering - 23/06
Armed Forces Day - 28/06
DRIVE News Q2
Employee Representative Sessions
Stay Interviews
Employee Network Sessions
Development Toolkits
Altrad Transformation Engagement Activities
UK-wide CSR Activties
Flu Vaccinations
Menopause Awareness Month
ADHD Awareness Month
Black History Month
Pension Awareness Sessions
Townhall
Employee Representative Sessions
Stay Interviews
Employee Network Sessions
Development Toolkits
Altrad Transformation Engagement Activities
UK-wide CSR Activties
World Quality Week10/11 - 24/11
International Mens Day - 19/11
Giving Tree Appeal
Employee Rep Kids Christmas Card competiton
HSEQ Q4 Campaign
Benefits Window
Employee Representative Sessions
Stay Interviews
Employee Network Sessions
Development Toolkits
Altrad Transformation Engagement Activities
UK-wide CSR Activties
Persons with Disabilities Day03/12
Christmas Jumper Day - 12/12
DRIVE News Q4
P&D Year-End Review
Townhall
Employee Representative Sessions
Stay Interviews
Employee Network Sessions
Development Toolkits
Altrad Transformation Engagement Activities
Our Transformation Journey
Following the announcement of Stork UK being acquired by Altrad on the 1st of February 2025, we would like to thank you for your support and effort over the past couple of months. Your help has been invaluable and we appreciate the way everyone has really embraced the start of the transformation process.
Stronger Together, Safer Together:
Moving forward, our combined capabilities and resources will form a cohesive team equipped with the expertise, enthusiasm and creativity needed to drive our business, all while maintaining our award-winning employee engagement culture through DRIVE and well-established Safer Together ethos.
This unified team will offer an impressive range of services across various sectors and brings many benefits to all of our stakeholders:
• Our people will be empowered to collaboratively cultivate a diverse and inclusive environment that fosters career growth opportunities throughout all aspects of our wider organisation.
• The acquisition presents our clients with an opportunity to prepare for future obstacles, explore fresh, innovative approaches to problemsolving and expand on the services they receive from us.
• Community engagement remains central to our business strategy, as we continuously seek new ways to support the communities in which we operate.
• Sustainability objectives are also paramount for Stork UK, Altrad and our clients, guiding key decisions and shaping our overarching strategy. We are stronger together and safer together.
To introduce the sale and showcase a brand transformation, we have created a dual identity for Altrad and Stork UK with the tagline "Stronger & Safer Together."
This honours our roots in Safer Together while preparing for internal changes.
A complete rebranding process is planned, but until then please continue using existing templates featuring only the standalone Stork logo.
A Special Visit from our Founder & President
The 4th of March marked a significant milestone; we had the pleasure of welcoming Mohed Altrad, Founder & President, Djena Altrad, General Manager and Mahavir Singh, Group CFO to our Aberdeen facility, to kick start our new chapter.
During their visit, we provided an overview of our asset integrity and caisson management operations through interactive live demonstrations conducted in both our office and yard facilities. These engaging presentations not only showcased the cutting-edge technologies we use every day, but also highlighted the best practices that differentiate us within the industries we serve. The hands-on experience allowed our visitors to witness firsthand how we effectively manage assets and ensure the integrity of critical infrastructure, leaving a lasting impression of our expertise and capabilities. While innovation is crucial for staying competitive in today’s fast-paced world, the true essence of our success lies in the dedication and talent of our people. All our people play a vital role in propelling our business forward, bringing unique skills, perspectives and unwavering passion to their work every day and it was a privilege to introduce some members of our team to Mr Altrad.
Watch our short highlights video from the day.
Strengthening Connections
Collaboration is at the heart of our success and we were excited to host a ‘Connect & Collaborate’ session between our two offices in Aberdeen –The Pitmedden facility (previously Stork UK) and Kirkton Drive (the current Altrad office in Aberdeen).
Over the coming months we are preparing for colleagues to transition from Kirkton Drive to our Pitmedden facility and we thought it would be a great opportunity to bring everyone together before the move. To help build connections and ensure a smooth move, teams from corresponding departments were be invited to meet and connect, visit the facilities, learn about each other’s work and discover ways to get involved in community and engagement initiatives.
Jenna Strain, Transformation Team Project Manager, said: “‘The event was the first informal session for introductions of two businesses coming together, allowing people to reconnect with old colleagues and meet new ones. As we move ahead, smaller group sessions will be arranged over the next few months and we will continue collaboration in upcoming team/social events. We are stronger and safer together.”
Your Transformation Team
A Transformation Team has been appointed (containing both Stork and Altrad individuals) to plan, communicate and then enact the Transformation Plan.
Over the past month or so, our Transformation Team has been hard at work through dedicated workstreams in the following areas: Operations, Human Resources, IT, Finance, Legal & Commercial, Health & Safety, Quality, Marketing, Communications & Project Management.
The team have defined short, medium and long-term goals and actions that will drive meaningful change as well as next steps. This marks the first steps in our transformation journey, with our people coming together to drive the best outcomes as one – Stronger and Safer Together.
Paudie Somers COO
Chris Garland Vice President (Transformation Lead)
Steve Hunt Regional Director
Ken Pirie Operations
Tom Cairns Operations
Van Derventer Corporate Services
Cameron McKay HSE
Steve Shirlaw HSE
Jennie Ramsay Comms & Marketing
Richard Stevens Project Controls
Jenna Strain Project Manager
Richard Doust Finance
Andrew Hughes Quality
Neil Ackroyd Commercial
Helena Cameron Quality
Karen Thompson Human Resources
Katherine Webster Human Resources
Laurence Appleton IT
Andrew Laird ICT/Systems
Your Questions Matter – Keep the Conversation Going
To ensure everyone stays informed and receives timely updates, you will continue to receive regular communications along with our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document. This document is dynamic and will be updated as new questions are raised.
If you or any members of your team have any queries or feedback about the transformation process, please don’t hesitate to contact your employee representative, human resources advisor, project focal point, supervisor, or manager. You can also reach out via email at employeecommunications@stork.com
We appreciate your patience, ongoing dedication and focus on delivering excellent operational service to our clients. Remember to prioritise safety, support each other, and stay focused on the tasks ahead.
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Meet our Newly Qualified Apprentices
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We want to encourage and inspire you to develop your skills, knowledge and competence, as well as progressing your career at Stork. It’s important for us to ensure the training tools and resources are available, allowing you to take on greater challenges.
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In February, we celebrated National Apprenticeship Week. We take great pride in witnessing our talented apprentices progress in their careers, showing exceptional commitment, dedication and skills development; all of which are essential for excelling in their roles.
• Dylan Griggs, Integrity Services Base Technician – Aberdeen Congratulations to all of you for your hard work! We look forward to witnessing your ongoing professional growth.
Altrad Spotlight: Apprentices
February saw the induction of a new rigging cohort with seven apprentices from all over the UK with an age range of 18-41 years. They all attended Altrad’s Tipton Training School with various experience and exposure to the engineering and construction industry. They are all looking forward to starting their careers with Altrad.
One of our apprentices shared their aspirations for their new roles: “Going back to my fundamental education and engineering, as well as coming back into that area of work, then tying that up with Altrad, knowing how big the business is, and what they could provide in the apprenticeship. That was great for me, and it matched my ambitions and what I wanted to do next.”
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Emma Fergusson, HR Manager HRSS / L&D
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Altrad Apprentices
Jamie Shingler
Dylan Griggs
Striving for Success – Apache Contract Team
We spoke with Mark McGrotty, Contract Delivery Manager on our Apache Contract to find out more about the team and their initiatives. Mark shared his pride in the overall success of the Apache team and complimented the entire workforce for their efforts to ensure safety standards are improving, morale is high with consistently excellent work standards.
How are the team achieving safety success?
In the first year of the safety competition, the Forties Bravo team stole the show and put in an excellent performance to secure 1st place. Now into the second year the tables were reset and each asset given an opportunity to showcase their dedication to safety performance. We observed enhanced engagement from all assets, with Forties Delta emerging as the winner after previously securing 3rd place.
This showcases the positive influence of our safety competition across all Apache assets, motivating teammates to excel by tapping into their competitive spirit. Moreover, this initiative has extended its benefits beyond internal teams, as the winning asset receives a donation for a charity of their selection, with the Forties Delta team donating their winnings to Children’s Hospice Across Scotland (CHAS). This presents a valuable
Motivating and Developing: A spotlight on Steve Penman, Supervisor on Beryl Alpha:
Mark reflected on how Steve always has an open-door policy, often acting as a conduit between the office and offshore. Steve creates trackers for workscopes for others to populate, ensuring progress meetings with onshore management and clients are more impactful. He has also created ‘how to’ guides for deputies and those new into positions. Recently he took ownership of a recent turnaround workscope, acting as focal point for not only Stork operatives but also 3rd party vendors who were not familiar with the platform.
Engagement across the Apache Team:
Overall, Mark and the office-based team have focused on increasing engagement efforts by:
• Hosting safety calls, with ‘monthly guest speakers’ to discuss topics that are important to the offshore workforce, including insights to benefits available
• Listening to the teams and tailoring speakers accordingly
• Recognition of our team members through safer together and take the lead awards
• Coordinating supervisor visits to the office pre/post trips for a coffee and a catch up
• Increasing the offshore visits
Implementing a ‘camera on’ policy for meetings/calls to try to increase the feeling of familiarity
Members of the Forties Bravo team
Members of the Forties Delta team
Members of the Forties Charlie team
NesCol Scholar Visit
SeeGreen is known as the world’s deepest fixed bottom offshore windfarm operations hub. Recently, ECITB’s 2024 Wind Turbine Technician Scholars had the opportunity to visit this facility and observe firsthand the control room and service operation vessel.
This experience provided them with a fantastic opportunity to enhance their curriculum, learning by gaining insights from live industry experiences.
Danny McVey, Engineering Manager and Lachie Macleod, Business Development Graduate, were among the hosts for the visit to SeeGreen.
Participating in the ECITB Scholarship programme offers us a valuable chance to discover talent, build relationships with students and potentially hire motivated individuals down the line.
Danny told us, “It was an interesting and worthwhile visit. I took a lot away from it and it was insightful to see the overlap between the oil & gas and the offshore renewable
Where Innovation Meets the Skies
Our NDT Technical Manager, Graeme Falconer, recently organised a live demonstration showcasing our longstanding strategic partnership with Air Control Entech (ACE), a key collaborator in UAV inspections.
The session provided valuable insight into their cuttingedge inspection services, followed by a live drone demonstration.
Attendees witnessed two advanced drones in action, highlighting both visual inspection capabilities and ultrasonic thickness measurements - reinforcing how innovative technology continues to enhance our approach to asset integrity.
Development Toolkits
The 2025 Development Toolkit Calendar is officially live! Toolkits play a crucial role in our people’s learning and development, providing valuable opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement.
The complete Toolkit can be found on the Development SharePoint.
Benefits of attending toolkit sessions:
• Gain knowledge and understanding of subjects and how they can impact your role
• Learn best practices from other departments
• Listen to colleagues’ experiences to enhance your decision making
• Contribute to areas of your annual P&D
• Demonstrates commitment to your own personal growth
If you have any questions, regarding the toolkits please contact DRIVE@Stork.com.
Alfie’s journey
Alfie Foxton-Smith, Project Engineer and NDT level 3 Subject Matter Expert based in Teesside, recently featured in The Offshore Energies UK’s People of Energy Series.
Alfie’s story not only showcases his remarkable journey in the Inspection & Non-Destructive Testing industry and his impactful contributions, but also highlights the incredible CSR initiatives he’s led with the support of his wider team, making a positive difference throughout our communities.
It’s inspiring to see our team members recognised for their efforts in shaping the industry and giving back to the local areas where we operate.
Click here to read the full article.
Danny McVey and Lachie Macleod with ECITB Scholars
From Ideas to Execution: ECTIB’s Project Management Competition
We are delighted to share the outstanding accomplishments of our people, who delivered an exceptional performance at this year’s ECITB Active Cup, held in March at Carnoustie Golf Hotel in Scotland.
After three days of intense competition, facing off against some of the biggest names in the industry, the team from Stork were presented with the ‘Most Improved’ Award. Alfie Foxton-Smith, Lachie Macleod, Christopher Slater, Camryn Johnston and Ross Leake, were each recognised for their significant progress and dedication, showcasing their enhanced project management skills, innovative strategies, and impressive growth in performance.
At the same event, the team from Altrad emerged as the runners-up, securing the esteemed Silver Award. Cameron Gauci, Craig McHattie, Lewis Robinson, Paul Ahmed and Tom Law demonstrated exceptional commitment, reflecting their excellent collaboration, strategic thinking, and teamwork throughout the challenge.
A huge congratulations to all involved; your achievements truly showcase your remarkable skills and hard work.
Inspiring the future generation
Early March, saw the graduation of our previous Career Ready mentees, Cameron and Aldred, signifying the end of one chapter, while ushering in our new 2025 mentees - Eilidh and Blair.
Mentored by Colin Thomson, Project Manager and Zoe Meldrum, Occupational Health Nurse, Eilidh and Blair visited our Aberdeen facility. This introduction to the the workplace provided an opportunity for the mentees to engage in discussions about various roles and career paths available to young individuals.
We are extremely proud of our ongoing Career Ready activities and are committed to continuing to develop the young workforce, our talent of the future. We look forward to welcoming Eilidh and Blair for a 4-week work experience placement in the Summer.
Combined Stork and Altrad Teams
Left to Right: Blair (Career Ready Mentee), Colin Thomson, Eilidh (Career Ready Mentee) and Zoe Meldrum
Team Stork
We take pride in all of our achievements and we want you to know this by our commitment to recognising and rewarding success.
Appreciating Our People
Employee Appreciation Day took place on the 7th of March, enabling us to say thank you and celebrate our people’s continued efforts and drive to make our business a success! To celebrate the occasion, our Compensation & Benefits team organised a random draw where all employees were automatically entered and 120 lucky winners were selected to receive a prize from Huggg.
Congratulations to all the winners and our top 3, who each took home a prize worth £125:
Baxter Industrial and Mechanical Administrator
We’ve received some great feedback on the day and from those who received a prize:
“Thanks very much I do appreciate it, I’m glad to be a part of the team!” and “Thank you so much it’s nice to be appreciated didn’t expect it. Thanks again”
Recognising our Ex-Forces Personnel
We were thrilled to see our very own Callum Buchan, Asset Integrity Trainee Technician, shortlisted within the ‘Service Leaver of the Year’ category at the 2025 Scottish Forces in Business Awards. This category recognised ex-forces personnel who left the military less than three years ago and, through an effective transition, are already achieving great things in a second career. Callum’s transition from the Armed Forces to Stork in February last year has been commendable. During his time in the forces, he progressed through the ranks, earning the title of Lance Corporal, showcasing his dedication and support for those around him. The recognition he has received through this shortlisting highlights his successful transition journey and accomplishments to date. Whilst Callum did not take home the overall win on the evening we are exceptionally proud of everything Callum has achieved to date and look forward to watching his career advancement.
Stork’s Armed Forces Employee Network is an active group and always welcomes new members, if you are interested in joining contact DRIVE@stork.com
Douglas
Ibbotson, Compensation &
Chloe
Conor McConville Scaffolder
Stuart Gilfillan Site Manager Conoco Phillips
Left to right: Robert Taylor, Callum Buchan and Barry Cain
Scottish Widows Webinars
Did you know Scottish Widows run a series of webinars throughout the year, covering a wide range of topics to help you make the most of your workplace pension and support your overall financial wellbeing.
Keep an eye on the Retirewell portal for webinars throughout the year and to access recordings of sessions already hosted.
Upcoming sessions
• 16th April - Retirement planning
• 14th May - Be well money
• 11th June - Passing on your pension Looking for more information?
Visit the Scottish Widows Pension portal within the YourBenefits Platform for your one-stop-shop for all pension information, including:
• How to make the most out of our workplace pensions
• Options available to you as you approach retirement
Benefits Spotlight: Your Opinion
Get to Know YourBenefits
Earlier this year we launched our Employee Benefits Booklet. This handy guide provides a clear overview of all the benefits available to you, making it easier than ever to access the support and perks designed to enhance your wellbeing including:
• YourBenefits Platform
• Pension
• Employee Assistance Programme
• And much more
View the booklet on SharePoint or contact your
We are constantly striving to enhance our services on the YourBenefits platform and make sure you can easily access and utilise it. Our benefits team recently carried out a survey to gather your feedback, here are the results:
Do you find the YourBenefits Platform easy to use?
Do you find the YourBenefits Platform easy to access
Do you find the SmartTech scheme easy to apply for?
SmartTech scheme feedback:
“The whole process was easy to navigate and applying the voucher was straightforward. Once I knew what I wanted, I simply added it to the basket and followed the steps seamlessly.”
“The Tech Voucher scheme is brilliant. It allows you to spread the cost over a 12-month period making expensive purchases more manageable. I have used this for the last few years for things like household appliances to newest gaming systems and phones. It is especially handy for the November window that helps with those costly Christmas presents.”
Need support in accessing the platform? The team are here to help!
We are aware the Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) has caused some challenges in accessing the platform. The MFA is in place to protect your personal data and therefore is an important security measure, however we are here to help! If you’re having issues, please request a copy of the ‘how to log in’ guide by contacting the Benefits Team.
Owen Steenken Integrity Services UK Radiography Technical Authority
Scott Allison Integrity Services Branch Supervisor
How to submit a Take the Lead or Safer
Together
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1 2 3 4 Head to the YourBenefits platform and login
Select to nominate a colleague for a Take the Lead or Safer Together Award
Provide information on why you wish to nominate your colleague for an award
After reviewing, click “Next” to confirm all details are correct before submitting your nomination
Take The Lead Awards
DRIVE’s Take the Lead Awards celebrate those who go above and beyond their day to day role and demonstrate our core values: Integrity, Teamwork, Excellence and Client Focus.
Silver Take the Lead Spotlight Award
Wayne Taylor, HSEQ Manager – England nominated Liam Stringfellow, Plant Inspection Engineer on the Essar Contract for a Take the Lead Award.
Liam’s role as a Plant Inspector is the main part of the invaluable contribution he makes to the team. Liam goes above and beyond, taking on additional responsibilities as an Employee Representative, Safety Representative and key administrator, all while ensuring the team has everything that they need to carry out their tasks safely and efficiently. His proactive approach, attention to detail and willingness to step up whenever needed do not go unnoticed. Liam is a true asset to the team, consistently demonstrating leadership, reliability and a strong commitment to excellence. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.
Safer Together Silver Award
We take pride in the achievements of our colleagues and want to recognise and celebrate all their successes. Keep nominating your teammates for their great work and going that extra mile. Let’s shout about success!
Safer Together’s Recognition Awards congratulate excellent performance and outstanding efforts at any time of the year. They are aimed towards improving Stork’s HSEQ culture, behaviours and working practices:
• Bronze - Excellent Safety Behaviour
• Silver - Consistent demonstration of exceptional safety behaviour
• Gold - Outstanding contribution to Stork’s safety culture
Karen Milne, Planner, was honoured with a Silver Safer Together Award for her genuine care and support as a WeCARE Colleague.
Karen had noticed a colleague was not their usual self one morning in the office and took some time out to ask how they were and if everything was OK. On that day, the colleague was in fact struggling and Karen allowed them to share how they were feeling.
Karen demonstrated great intuition, listened very well and gave her colleague the time needed to talk through things. After speaking with Karen her colleague felt much better and realised how important it was that that they had spoken with someone.
Karen has continued to provide support and check in with her colleague, truly showcasing what a caring person she is.
It’s great to have someone like Karen within our workplace and it goes to show the positive impact our WeCARE Colleagues can have.
Credit: Essar image within Energy Voice article
We will always take account of the differences between people and groups and value those differences, providing a sense of belonging and respect.
#AccelerateAction International Woman’s Day
In alignment with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, we hosted a roundtable discussion with key influencers and representatives from across the business to discuss:
• How we can accelerate action for gender equality
• Commitments we can make to increase our inclusive workplace efforts
• The benefits a diverse workforce brings
• Focus areas for 2025 and beyond
Katherine Webster, People & Culture Manager, shared:
“The engagement and energy in the room was truly inspiring. Each team member contributed their viewpoints and actively engaged in evaluating and improving our initiatives emphasising our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment with equal opportunities for all”
#AccelerateAction is a worldwide call to acknowledge strategies, resources and activity that positively impact women’s advancement.
Woman’s Health Employee Network
Our Women’s Health Employee Network Group hosted by Tracy Middleton, Katie Cobban and Rebecca Griffan focuses on identifying, discussing and supporting on experiences and conditions that are most common or specific to women.
It is the largest network group with 59 current members and provides an opportunity for women to come together and share experiences, advice and support.
Katherine Webster, People & Culture Manager
The topics for 2025 are:
• Healthy Lifestyle & Fitness
• Confidence Building
• Personal Experiences
• Reproductive Health
The next Women’s Health session will take place on the 22nd of May and focus on confidence building. There will be two sessions running on this occasion with network members having the choice to attend an online or in-person session as we aim to maximise engagement across the business. If you would like to sign up, please email DRIVE@stork.com detailing which session you wish to attend.
Quiet Rooms
We are delighted to announce the expansion of our Quiet Rooms, which can now be found at Humber Bank, Teesside, and Aberdeen – Base, in addition to our existing Quiet Room at Norfolk House.
Quiet Rooms offer a range of benefits to our colleagues and are available for your use whenever needed. We encourage you to take the time to gather your thoughts, get away from everything and catch your breath. You may wish for time on your own but others may want to invite a WeCARE colleague along for a supportive chat.
Inclusion Resources:
We have various resources available to you in support of our Inclusion pillar
• Inclusion knowledge hub - Visit our dedicated religion resource page to learn more, explore our policies and enhance your knowledge.
• LXP Modules – A diverse range of modules is available to promote awareness, encourage critical thinking, and foster inclusive behaviours.
• Multifaith Rooms - Within our Aberdeen facility, we have a dedicated Multifaith Room available. At our other Stork and client locations we encourage colleagues to discuss individual needs to ensure they can be accommodated.
• Inclusive Workplaces Task Group - We operate a fully inclusive approach for everyone on site and understand people engage differently and have their own workplace requirements. This task group is in place to ensure continuous improvement, therefore why not share your experience or suggestions via our anonymous suggestion box.
• Inclusive Policies - We have a range of inclusion policies at Stork including Equal Opportunities and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Our Latest Industry Sign Up
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We are fully dedicated to our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) initiatives and excited to unveil our action plan for the upcoming year. Collaborating closely with our new colleagues at Altrad, we are confident about strengthening our efforts and successfully reaching our objectives.
We are proud to share that we are now a member of WISE. WISE is an equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) membership organisation that specifically focuses on gender equity in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths). They offer women-centred support for organisations embarking on their EDI journey, looking at how to improve policies, processes, and culture within the workplace to improve gender equality.
Aberdeen Base quiet room
Championing Change: Winners of the Inclusivity Category!
Stork emerged victorious at the Offshore Achievement Awards. The event, which took place on Thursday 13th of March, recognising exceptional accomplishments within the energy sector, culminating in a prestigious ceremony at P&J Live in Aberdeen.
Why did we take home the win?
The ‘Inclusivity Champion’ award recognised leadership by either a company, team or individual, who has been exceptionally proactive in demonstrating diversity, equity and inclusivity in the offshore energy sector.
The acknowledgment we received at this year’s ceremony is a remarkable achievement that symbolises our unwavering dedication and hard work over the past five years. It serves as a testament to our continuous efforts in creating an inclusive culture where every team member feels valued, respected and empowered. This milestone not only celebrates our progress but also motivates us to strive for even greater heights in promoting diversity, equality and collaboration throughout our organisation.
Hazel Cheung, Human Resources Director said, “ I want to express my gratitude to each and every one of you for your ongoing hard work and dedication in making Stork an exceptional place to work. This award is a testament to the collective efforts of all our people.”
Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Neurodiversity Celebration Week took place from the 17th – 23rd of March and our aim was to transform perceptions and recognise the many skills and talents of neurodivergent individuals whilst ensuring we all create an environment that is inclusive, where differences are understood and celebrated.
Colleagues UK wide participated in drop-in sessions led by our neurodiversity network hosts, Sam Ivers and Polly Burnett. Our hosts shared personal experiences, insights into the Neurodiversity Network and offered support to colleagues facing similar circumstances. In addition, Polly and Sam visited our partnered primary school, Bramble Brae to conduct a session with the nurture group. Head Teacher Sharron MacDonald expressed gratitude for the impactful session: “It was a great session, the children got so much from it and really engaged their time with Sam and Polly, thank you to Stork for your continued support”.
Here’s a reminder of our ongoing Neurodiversity activities:
Neurodiversity Awareness Training:
• More than 150 attendees to date, delivered in Aberdeen and Humber Bank
Neurodiversity Employee Network:
• Over 30 members – sign up at any time
Extend Neurodiversity Awareness Training:
• Roll out to all Stork sites: Launch April 2025
• Level 2 for Senior Management Team: May 2025
Partner Charity:
• Gold sponsors for the 2nd year of A-ND Scotland’s Think Different Dinner
Migraine Awareness: Changing the Perception of an Invisible Condition
Conner Ladley, Multimedia Design Graduate shared his experience:
Migraines are often misunderstood, perceived as nothing more than a “bad headache,” but for millions of people, including myself, migraines are far more than that. I’ve been living with chronic migraines for over a decade, and throughout this time, I’ve encountered many misconceptions about the condition. Migraines are not just a headache – they are a neurological condition that affects every aspect of life. From debilitating head pain to visual disturbances, sensitivity to light, sounds, smells, fatigue, and nausea. For some, they can even lead to temporary blindness, muscle weakness, or disorientation, making everyday tasks impossible to complete.
My Migraine Journey
For me, the journey began in childhood. I would occasionally experience pain on one side of my head and thought it was normal. However, as I entered my teenage years, the intensity of my migraine attacks increased. They became more severe, and I struggled to find relief. It wasn’t until I was 17 and referred to a neurologist that I finally felt my condition was properly understood.
Despite the ongoing challenges, I have developed coping mechanisms for my condition, alongside medication. When a migraine starts, I typically notice yawning, jaw pain and occasionally toothache. If I address the symptoms promptly, I can usually alleviate the pain within an hour. However, delaying treatment can prolong the episode for days. The most severe attacks often occur at night, leaving me disoriented, trembling and struggling with intense pain.
Playing my part:
I have been actively involved in fundraising for The Migraine Trust since 2018, participating in events such as a 10K run in Inverness, the Banchory Beast Race and The Aberdeen Kiltwalk. Through my advocacy and fundraising efforts, I have had the opportunity to share my personal journey with others, shedding light on the true impact of migraines on individuals’ lives.
These efforts resulted in a parliamentary motion at the Scottish Parliament. In May 2022, I met with MSPs to introduce a toolkit designed to educate parliamentarians about migraines.
In 2023, I revisited parliament to assist in introducing a ‘Migraine in the Workplace’ toolkit and shared my personal experiences regarding managing migraines while working. Additionally, I actively participated in campaigns by The Migraine Trust such as “#MigraineHurts” and “Heading in the Wrong Direction.” These engagements have been fulfilling and enlightening, knowing they contribute positively to individuals living with migraines.
Support Available
The main message I aim to communicate is migraines are more than just headaches. By increasing awareness, promoting better understanding and aiding those impacted, we can alter the perception of migraines. It’s essential for individuals dealing with migraines to know that support is accessible through healthcare professionals and workplaces, as well as friends and family.
Our Occupational Health team, as well as line managers and supervisors, are here to provide support for anyone experiencing difficulties with migraines. Remember, you don’t have to face this alone.
Conner with Jenni Minto, Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health (Scotland)
Voice is having your say, contributing to decisions that affect you and seeing how this feedback is used.
Inspiring Paths: Justine’s Story
Following on from International Women’s Day, we are showcasing remarkable women within our organisation. We interviewed Justine Shand, a Project Engineer, to delve into her career path and how she successfully balances work and personal life, as she continues to progress within Stork.
Could you provide an overview of your career journey?
When I was younger, I wanted to be a hairdresser. At the age of 14, I got a part-time job in a salon and at 16, left school to attend college part-time, al while continuing to work in the hairdressing industry. After gaining my qualifications and expanding my expertise through beauty courses, I became a senior stylist. By 18, I was ready for a new challenge and transitioned into the oil & gas sector.
During my five years in a microbiology lab, I handled various responsibilities including sales, shipping, offshore logistics, laboratory administration and coordinating boat samplers with vessels at Aberdeen and Great Yarmouth ports.
In 2013, I joined Stork as an Operations Support Assistant and quickly progressed to Project Coordinator for Inspection & NDT within three months. After facing redundancy in 2017, I had a short spell in Quality Services before moving onto the BG contract as a Project Coordinator, where I have remained since. I have navigated through transitions involving BG, Shell, Chrysaor, and Harbour takeovers and watched our service provision grow from 3 to 9 assets.
Currently, I hold the position of Lead Coordinator for the contract and oversee my own little team.
What significant achievements or challenges have you encountered?
Throughout my time with Stork, I have achieved numerous milestones, but the most significant one is creating the best working relationships with my current office and offshore teams. They are truly a remarkable bunch of people.
I faced one of my biggest challenges last year and was the only coordinator on the contract running 9 assets, while having a shutdown and a barge campaign all at the same time. We had 397 personnel during that period, and I was dealing with some personal issues at the same time. However, I made sure there was a ‘one team’ mentality and that we were all working to the same goal. The offshore team really did keep my spirits high and the support they gave me was out of this world, especially the team on Judy. Every day they checked in with me and always kept me smiling and laughing.
How do you manage the balance between your professional and personal life?
Balancing work and being a single mum can be challenging, but having the flexibility of hybrid working has been a great help. It allows me to manage nursery drop-offs and childcare. Additionally, having a supportive boss who is always there to assist whenever needed, makes a big difference in managing both responsibilities.
What’s next for you?
Who knows what the future holds, but I hope it’s just as exciting!
Energy Vocations: Celebrating 30 years
Mick Gillespie, Focal Point
The oil and gas sector is often described as having a ‘transient workforce’, but one man, Mick Gillespie, has remained with the same vessel since its sailaway in 1996.
Having worked in the offshore industry for 42 years, his background is in scaffolding and he is part of a small, multi-disciplined services team onboard the Anasuria FPSO.
In collaboration with our client, Anasuria Operating Company Limited, Mick was recently featured in an Energy Voice article recognising his 30 years of service with Stork and on board the Anasuria FPSO, having joined construction as the vessel’s topsides were being installed. He has witnessed the vessel change hands from Shell to its current operator, the Anasuria Operating Company (AOC), as industry and societal perceptions of oil and gas have shifted.
During his career, Mick has received many internal recognitions, however the highlights include in 2021, the firm’s core team receiving acknowledgment at our Annual Safer Together Awards for being finalists in the We Care category.
Additionally, he went on to again be shortlisted in 2023 under the We Protect category and ultimately emerged as a winner at our Annual Safer Together Awards. This achievement acknowledged his outstanding safety performance and proactive approach to incident prevention and enhancement.
According to AOC, he is regarded as a leader among peers and has shown a continuous commitment to safety.
Stuart Strachan, Business Unit Manager for Stork, commented: “Mick embodies the behaviours that Stork expects from its leaders. Throughout the years, Mick has been recognised with numerous awards through our recognition initiatives and HSEQ programme, Safer Together. These accolades and acknowledgements underscore his dedication not only to ensuring the safe execution of his own work and the well-being of his team members, but also to safeguarding other work areas and personnel on-board the asset, including those on support vessels.”
Click here to read the full Energy Voice article.
ENGAGEMENT
Meet our New CSR Team Lead
We want you to know and own Stork’s vision, understanding the part you play to get us there, while keeping you informed during every step of our journey.
Jennie Ramsay Communications & Marketing Manager
At the end of 2024, we initiated our search for a new regional CSR Team Lead and in January, Emma Stewart, Communications & Marketing Executive took over the position.
Emma has been an active member of the Community Involvement Group (CIG) since 2022, enhancing our collaborations with charities throughout the UK. Her excellent rapport with colleagues across all our locations, proactive community engagement and desire to assist others positions her as a fitting choice for this leadership role within the CSR team.
Emma commented, “I’ve always been passionate about helping others and this position gives me the chance to extend my support to both our local communities and my teammates. I’m eager to see how our CSR initiatives evolve as we enhance our understanding of Altrad’s CSR process”.
Altrad Highlight: Developing the Young Workforce
As part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week, we were delighted to welcome James and Ethan, from Gryffe High School to our Altrad facility in Renfrew through the Pathway to Apprenticeship programme. This initiative gives students firsthand experience, helping them understand the role of an apprentice before they take the next step in their careers.
During their time with us, James and Ethan shadowed our current apprentices, Josh and Angus form our Asset Management business, gaining insight into Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), specialist welding techniques, and a tour of real-world workplace environments. They experienced firsthand what it’s like to work in the industry for a day, learning how safety, precision, and teamwork play a crucial role in everything we do.
Both students left with a better understanding of their potential career options and the skills required to succeed in the industry. Their enthusiasm and willingness to learn were fantastic to see, and we hope to welcome them back in the future as apprentices.
Emma Choose photo?
Siobhan Ley, Emma Stewart and Amy Castanie
Charity Dance for BloodRun EVS
Michael Hodgson, Senior Inspection Engineer, demonstrated his dedication to CSR by organising and hosting a charity dance to support the BloodRun EVS, ConocoPhillips’ chosen charity. The event successfully raised £140, equivalent to saving 28 lives as every £5 of fuel contributes to saving a life. Congratulations to Michael and the team for their outstanding efforts in making a positive impact through this initiative.
Burns Night – The joy of music
Ian Kerr, HSEQ Advisor decided to celebrate Burns Night in a unique way this year by visiting the local Aberdeen care home, Fergus House. Aware of the residents’ appreciation for traditional Scottish music and conversation from past interactions, he brought his guitar and entertained them with a sing-along session. The evening became even more special when one resident and his wife expressed their gratitude to Ian for evoking memories of their hometown, Stewarton, through a song.
Lace-up for a cause!
On Friday, 21st March members from our Aberdeen base facility and office took part in the Business Fives. The event saw 23 companies take part but more importantly the teams combined raised over £1,300 for various local charities.
There was a lot at stake for the companies involved with everyone vying to secure one of the five qualifying spots available for the National Final. Team Stork put forth their best effort in the competition but fell short of advancing to the next round. Despite this outcome, the team demonstrated great camaraderie and enjoyed the game while also managing to raise over £200 for Clan Cancer Support.
Wetland Improvement Day
In February, members of our HSEQ, Base Facility and Industrial Services teams volunteered at the Wetlands Project with Buglife. The project’s goal is to convert 20 hectares of city grassland into nature-rich, pollinatorfriendly wildflower habitats. At Seaton Park in Aberdeen, the team dedicated time to cutting back and removing reeds and thistles.
Time to Talk Day
On February 6th, Time to Talk Day took place with the objective of helping individuals open up about by offering a platform for communication. Breakout sessions were conducted at various locations, which featured interactive activities to encourage meaningful conversations. Additionally, two online ‘Mindful Moment’ sessions were held to allow us to take a step back from our busy schedules and switch off with some mindfulness & meditation.
Left to Right: Ryan Mackenzie, Samesa Igirigi, Helena Cameron, Greig Taylor and Alan Laing
Members of the Cop Team
Back Row: Joseph Guiballeri, Garry Wood, Keiran Hyndman, Gavin Scott, Steven Mckinlay Front Row: Paulina Przybysz, Jamie Shingler, Katie Cobban
Ian entertaining the residents of Fergus House
Michael Hodgson (centre) with charity dancers
Upcycling for Charity
Our scaffolding team is dedicated to maximising the utilisation of scaffolding boards even after they are no longer needed. This project initially focused on recycling but has transitioned into an upcycling campaign led by our scaffolding manager, Joe McGunnigle.
Working with Glasgow Wood, a charity who provide training and volunteer opportunities for those in the community, the scaffolding boards have been repurposed into outdoor benches. These have since been delivered to our Aberdeen chosen charity, Clan Cancer Support.
A further 3 benches will be delivered to local care homes over the next month.
Unlocking the Magic of Reading
Chapter One, our Sellafield contract’s chosen charity, is dedicated to ensuring that all children possess the essential literacy skills required for success. This commitment is demonstrated through personalised one-on-one reading sessions. In August 2024, a team of 20 employees from our various UK sites demonstrated their commitment by enrolling as volunteers to conduct reading sessions with students in schools located in Cumbria.
Our employees engage in weekly 30-minute online reading sessions with their assigned students throughout the academic year to enhance their reading skills and to date have collectively accumulated over 120 volunteering hours.
Hear from our volunteers:
David Cook, Business Development Manager: “My pupil is rapidly becoming a star. He’s shown a remarkable improvement and it gives me a great sense of achievement.”
Amie Wilson,HR Co-ordinator: “I really look forward to my sessions, it's been lovely watching his little personality and confidence develop as he becomes more comfortable with me. He's also started to say 'thank you so much and have a nice day' at the end of the calls rather than 'bye'.”
If you would like to sign up to become a volunteer, please email the CSR Group.
Blood Donations
To be ready to help patients in all hospitals, whenever they need it, the NHS aims to always stock six days’ worth of each blood type. Blood has a very short shelf life and can’t be stockpiled, so every day we depend on donors to help maintain blood stocks.
On Thursday, 13th March, we welcomed members of the NHS to our Aberdeen facility to host a blood donation drive. With 45 colleagues taking part, we donated appoximatley 35 pints of blood.
There are numerous donation centres available throughout Scotland and England where you can donate.
UK Wide Charities
Our chosen charities are now in their second year of partnerships and each site has a designated CSR representative who can provide details on upcoming events and ways to participate.
Don’t forget to check the Community Involvement SharePoint page for updates on charity initiatives.
Jack Bruce and Joe McGunnigle
Amy Castanie donating blood
HSEQ Corner
Prevention of Major Accidents
For our Q1 campaign, we aligned with that of Step Change in Safety and focused on the Prevention of Major Accidents. The topics covered aimed at educating both new and experienced colleagues in our industries and focused on the importance of identifying and managing Major Accident Hazards to maintain safe operations, prevent incidents and protect lives.
We will continue to engage with our operational teams, to see how these materials have been received by our colleagues on the frontline. Thank you for your support and assistance in getting these key messages out.
E-Obs - Online Observation Cards
We recently launched E-Obs, a new online observation card system developed by Step Change in Safety. E-Obs is an electronic platform tailored for the workforce to log safety issues and showcase instances of exemplary safety measures. This system is crafted to boost productivity and communication, simplifying the process of sharing and dealing with HSEQ observations promptly and efficiently.
To learn more about E-Obs and its benefits, take a look at this short video
Outstanding Improvement in Safety
The Stork Easington Team has reached a notable milestone by boosting the number of observations submitted in 2024 by almost 110% compared to the previous year. This achievement highlights the team’s strong dedication to safety and ongoing enhancement efforts.
The success in promoting our observation system, encouraging submissions, and effectively communicating its purpose have all played key roles in this accomplishment. The active participation of each team member has been crucial to this success.
It is crucial to emphasise the significant enhancement in audit contributions this year. The completed self-verifications have notably risen from 12 in 2023 to 54 in 2024, showcasing a remarkable 350% increase. This outstanding accomplishment deserves acknowledgment.
We want to showcase the outstanding work of the Easington Team to inspire everyone to continue and improve their contributions in the coming year.
