THE SOURCE
The guidebook to our
ways of working
SECTION 1
Introduction
Team PBS,
Welcome to the PBS Consortium Workplace Handbook. Whether you are working onshore or offshore, in an office, on a platform, at site, or in the warehouse, you play an essential part in our organisation’s success. With over 1,100 dedicated professionals, our strength lies in our collective expertise, commitment to safety and shared values that drive operational excellence in the energy services industry.
This ‘workplace handbook’ is designed to provide guidance on our policies, procedures, and expectations, ensuring consistency across all levels of our organisation. More importantly, it serves as a resource to support you in your role and reinforce our unwavering commitment to safety, integrity, and teamwork.
Safety is at the core of everything we do. The challenging environments we operate in demand vigilance, responsibility, and a culture of looking out for one another. Our goal is to ensure that every employee returns home safely, every single day. Compliance with our safety standards, operational procedures, and ethical guidelines is not only a requirement – it is a commitment which we make to ourselves, our colleagues, and our clients. We need to be innovative and solutions-focussed, and we must strive for change, evolving with the needs of the industry all whilst delivering sustainable OPEX costs. BUT we need to do this with zero compromise to safety.
As we continue to grow and develop in the ever-changing ‘landscape’ that is the North Sea, your dedication and professionalism remain the foundation of our success. Thank you for your hard work, your resilience, and your contributions. Together we can make a difference. I encourage you to familiarise yourself with this handbook and reach out to your managers or HR if you have any questions.
Together, we will continue to set industry benchmarks, drive innovation, and uphold the highest standards in oil and gas services.
Adam Mason
Director, PBS Consortium
SECTION 2
Executive Summary
OUR STRATEGY PYRAMID
Through the GMOC (General Maintenance & Operations Contract) we offer a bespoke services to our clients which cover six key integrated services: Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Construction, Fabric Maintenance and Access Solutions.
Our strategy cascades from our Mission statement. It allows us to relate and link all activity in the strategy pyramid so that all personnel at all levels can ensure alignment with ultimate delivery on a day-to-day basis – driven by KPI’s.
“The GMOC is the largest of its kind in the UKCS which means we have a wide scope and therefore an excellent opportunity to deliver integrated services which add value for our clients.
With over 1000 employees we have the capacity and remit to make a difference. We have a high bar when it comes to excellence and I encourage everyone to step up with confidence to differentiate our delivery as best in class.”
Adam Mason, GMOC Director
SECTION 3
Mission, Vision, Values
Our Mission
To provide effective ‘Integrated Services’ that challenge the norm via one specialist tri-party consortium.
Our Vision
To be the number one partner of choice for clients across the energy sector, known for safe, efficient and innovative delivery of Operations Maintenance, Engineering and Construction Solutions.
Our Values
PBS is a consortium organisation which brings together three global companies with strong ethics and core values. PBS takes the best of each of our partner organisations and has a set of five centralised Values which represent the spirit of our group.
These values are:
We have expanded our Core Value content, creating check lists to support you…
Please choose a Core Value below for details.
This checklist is intended to support you in meeting and surpassing PBS’ exacting safety standards. You are our most valuable asset, and our goal is to always keep you safe. But safety doesn’t happen by accident, we must work together to be the best that we can be.
This checklist is intended to support your workplace relationships with colleagues, clients and stakeholders. PBS PEOPLE are in a league of their own, our greatest asset. Supporting one another, and being the best that we can be takes work – every single day.
This checklist highlights the components of PBS excellence which we all aspire to achieve. Excellence is how we grow, excellence is how we compete. Excellence is our benchmark.
This checklist reminds you that we are #TeamPBS – always! Our corporate tagline is ‘Powered by Synergy’, and for good reason! When three global brands converged, the combined affect of Ponticelli, Brand and Semco working together was and is greater than the sum of their individual efforts. The same applies for PBS teamwork – together we are stronger!
This checklist reminds you that PBS strives to be the best professionally, morally, and ethically – even when no one’s watching! Integrity is an all-in pursuit – We must each choose to be trustworthy, reliable and consistent in our actions and decisions in order that PBS can honestly and proudly reflect this in the market.
SECTION 4
Leadership Fundamentals
Strong, consistent leadership capability and behaviours are key to successful contract performance delivery. All leaders are highly visible and will continue to be so in the field throughout the duration of the contract, we are front-facing with our key onshore and offshore customers, our direct reports and the broader PBS workforce.
Our leaders support each other by ensuring a consistency of messaging at all times, helping deliver performance at both functional and operational levels. As leaders we intimately understand the culture, behaviours and operational discipline which is required to deliver sustained safe and reliable operations.
We are inclusive, we encourage diversity of thought and provide equality across the PBS workforce. As part of our commitment to Leadership Development we have initiated a training scheme for our teams which covers both onshore and offshore leaders with ILM Level 3, 5 and 7 programs.
We have expanded our Leadership Fundamentals content, highlighting guidance and tactics to support you…
Click each of the icons below to learn more.
Key Supporting Behaviours
- We work effectively with others to achieve our common goals & targets
- We respect, and take cognizance of, the diversity of thought, opinion and experience of those around us
- We create an environment of trust amongst our direct reports, our colleagues and our customers
- We openly respond to, and accept, changing circumstances – we are positive ‘Change Agents’
- We focus on the things we can control and do these to the best of our abilities
- We are prepared to up-skill/re-tool and try new challenges
- We test/push our own comfort zones
- We will adopt best practices, no matter their origin
- We foster and drive a culture of innovative thinking
- We are willing to take calculated and balanced risk by understanding the trade-offs
- We focus on making things more efficient – we remove ‘churn’ from our work flows
- We create an environment where our people are not afraid to fail, but if for any reason we do, we learn from these failures, we adapt quickly, and take personal ownership and positive action to address
- We seek to understand ‘The Bigger Picture’, how the overall business works, and what’s critical for us to focus on delivering in the short and long term
SECTION 5
The Benefits of the PBS Consortium
PBS is comprised of Ponticelli UK, Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services and Semco Maritime, bringing together the experience, expertise and knowledge of these three globally recognised brands, working as one, to best serve the needs of the UK energy sector. We are Powered By Synergy. PBS is a non-incorporated consortium collaborating toward a shared goal offering the following benefits:
Resource Sharing
Pooling resources (financial, technological, human, etc.) allows members to achieve outcomes that might be challenging for any of our individual entities.
Risk Mitigation
Sharing responsibilities can spread and reduce the risk involved in a venture, as potential losses are distributed among the members.
Knowledge and Expertise Access
Consortium members benefit from the collective knowledge, expertise, and experience of all partners, leading to better-informed decisions.
Market Access
By working together, our consortium members can gain access to new markets, geographies, or customer segments that they might not have been able to tap into independently.
Cost Efficiency
PBS can offer economies of scale, allowing consortium members to benefit from leveraging the combined supply chain resulting in reduced costs.
Shared Infrastructure
PBS have a shared office space in Aberdeen. Consortium members can share infrastructure such as facilities, systems, or platforms, reducing individual capital expenditure.
Collaborative Innovation
Bringing together diverse perspectives and cultures from Ponicelli, Brand and Semco fosters innovative solutions to complex challenges.
Flexibility
Consortium partnerships are more flexible than mergers or acquisitions, allowing members to maintain their independence while collaborating on specific initiatives such as GMOC.
SECTION 6
Our Life Saving Rules
SECTION 7
Stop Work Authority
SECTION 8
Essential Logistics Information
The following items have been confiscated at check-in in recent months.
- Open food products
- Open liquids / mouthwash
- Open medication / vitamins
- Open protein powder
- Lithium batteries /bluetooth earphones
- E-cigarette parts / liquid
- Knives / tools
- Paint marker (Tippex)
Please be reminded that these items contravene security.
Additionally, please be advised that confiscated items will NO LONGER be stored for collection but will instead be disposed of!
Minimum requirements include: Safety helmet with 4-point chin straps fitted and fastened / Ear defenders or ear plugs / Eye protection (prescription spoggles can be requested through your HSE Advisor) / Flame retardant coveralls / Safety boots with steel toe cap / Impact gloves. It is imperative that you comply with these requirements for your own safety – ALWAYS!
You are responsible for the PPE provided to you by PBS – For transporting it to site with you, for making sure it is in good condition, and for never carrying out work without the correct PPE. Your safety is our priority. Please take PPE seriously, to avoid the risk of injury.
From 1 July 2025, new standardised rules on the use and transportation of Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs) during offshore helicopter flights will come into effect. These updates are designed to support safe and consistent practices across the energy sector and are designed to enhance safety and reduce the fire risk posed by lithium-ion batteries.
Guidance developed by Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) and Step Change in Safety in cooperation with Offshore Helicopter Safety Leadership Group (OHSLG) has been developed to help you…
What you need to know:
- Limits Apply – A maximum of six (6) PEDs per person will be allowed.
- Condition Matters – Devices must be in good condition and securely packaged.
- Powering Off – All PEDs must be switched off completely before and during flight.
- Some Items Banned – E-cigarettes and power banks will NOT be permitted.
Why is this important?
Helicopters have limited capacity to contain fires in flight. These new measures help protect everyone onboard by reducing the risk of battery-related incidents.
SECTION 9
Key Payroll, HR & Benefits Information
Generic HR and Payroll queries, should be directed as follows:
PONTICELLI
NNS & Onshore
NNS: Alwyn / Gryphon / Dunbar / NNS Onshore. Onshore Support Services:
Finance, Payroll, Logistics, Maintenance, QHSE, Training & Competency,
Communications & Marketing
CNS & Onshore
CNS: Elgin / CNS Onshore.
Business Services: Cost, Supply Chain, IT, SMC
WoS, CNS & Onshore
WoS: Site. WoS Onshore / CNS: Culzean / Ailsa. Onshore Technical Services:
AIR / Engineering / Construction / Project Services & Planning
BRAND
SEMCO
Benefits Information
We understand that offering an excellent benefits package can help us to attract and retain skilled, high-quality employees – YOU! Our goal in compiling these benefits, is to add value to your employment with PBS, to create a happy workforce, and to establish a strong dedicated team, crucial to our business success.
You can manage the Benefits Package offered by your employing company as follows:
SECTION 10
Our Code of Conduct
1.0 PURPOSE
The PBS Consortium is committed to fostering a culture of trust, respect, and accountability. This Code of Conduct provides a clear and comprehensive framework to guide our behavior in alignment with our core values: Safety, Excellence, People, Teamwork, and Integrity. It also outlines our leadership fundamentals, ensuring that our leaders effectively guide teams, promote a positive work environment, and support our strategic goals.
By adhering to this Code, every member of the PBS Consortium contributes to building a workplace where these values are expected, promoted, and celebrated. This Code applies to all employees, contractors, and affiliates of PBS Consortium, regardless of position or role.
This Code of Conduct Policy works in conjunction with the Policy that is in place for your Parent Company.
2.0 SCOPE
This procedure applies to all personnel who are working on behalf of the PBS consortium through one of the Employing Companies in the course of their official duties, update or withdraw information contained within the document at any time.
3.0 CONSORTIUM CORE VALUES
Safety
We are committed to ensuring the safety of all individuals involved in our operations, projects,and activities. We believe that safety is non-negotiable and must be integrated into every aspect of our work.
Expectations
- Workplace Safety – Follow all safety policies, procedures, and regulations at all times
- Proactive Risk Management – Identify potential risks, report hazards, and collaborate to eliminate or mitigate risks.
- Training and Awareness – Participate in all safety training sessions and remain vigilant to identify and address safety concerns in real time.
Excellence
We strive for excellence in everything we do. This encompasses continuous improvement,
personal accountability, and delivering high-quality results.
Expectations
- Continuous Learning – Seek opportunities to improve your skills, knowledge, and capabilities
- Quality Assurance – Uphold high standards of work by focusing on precision, accuracy, and attention to detail
- Innovative Problem-Solving – Approach challenges with creativity and resourcefulness, consistently looking for ways to improve processes and outcomes.
People
Our people are the heart of the PBS Consortium. We treat everyone with respect and foster an inclusive, supportive, and empowering workplace.
Expectations
- Collaboration and Cooperation – Actively contribute to team efforts and remain open to new ideas, feedback, and perspectives
- Communication – Maintain clear, open, and honest communication with colleagues, leadership, and stakeholders
- Shared Accountability – Take collective responsibility for both successes and challenges and work together to resolve issues constructively.
Teamwork
We brand ourselves as #TeamPBS. We understand that our people are the commodity that we take to the marketplace. We anticipate that we can all work together, demonstrating that we are powered by synergy.
Integrity
We operate with integrity in all our interactions, consistently adhering to ethical standards
and principles. Trust is the foundation of our relationships, and we maintain the highest level of transparency and honesty.
Expectations
- Honesty and Transparency – Provide truthful and accurate information in every situation
- Ethical Decision-Making – Make decisions based on principles of fairness, respect, and responsibility, considering both short-term and long-term impacts
- Accountability – Take ownership of actions, both positive and negative, and work to correct mistakes promptly and transparently.
4.0 LEADERSHIP FUNDAMENTALS
Effective leadership is fundamental to our success. Our leadership fundamentals focus on creating a supportive environment where team members are motivated, engaged, and empowered to perform at their best. These principles guide all leaders within the PBS Consortium.
Clear Expectations
A leader’s role is to clearly communicate expectations for each team member, project, and initiative. Clarity fosters alignment and drives performance.
Key Actions
- Set clear, specific, and achievable goals for individuals and teams
- Communicate how these goals contribute to broader organizational objectives
- Ensure that each team member understands their role and responsibilities.
Observe Performance
Leaders must actively observe and monitor individual and team performance to identify successes, areas for improvement, and development opportunities.
Key Actions
- Regularly assess performance through objective metrics and observation
- Provide real-time feedback to team members to reinforce positive behaviors and address challenges
- Track progress toward goals and adjust strategies to ensure success.
Remove Barriers
Leaders should work proactively to remove obstacles that hinder team members’ ability to perform at their best.
Key Actions:
- Actively listen to concerns and challenges faced by team members
- Provide necessary resources, tools, or training to help overcome barriers
- Advocate for changes in systems, processes, or structures to facilitate smoother workflows and better outcomes.
Feedback and Coaching
Regular, constructive feedback and coaching are essential for individual growth and team success. Leaders should guide team members in developing their skills and achieving their potential.
Key Actions:
- Offer specific, actionable feedback that highlights both strengths and areas for improvement
- Engage in coaching conversations to develop employees’ skills, competencies, and career trajectories
- Foster a growth mindset by encouraging continuous learning and development.
Engage
Leaders must actively engage with their teams, inspiring and motivating them to reach their full potential while fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their work
Key Actions:
- Create an environment where team members feel heard, valued, and involved in
decision-making - Inspire passion and commitment to the organization’s mission and values
- Recognize achievements and celebrate successes, both big and small, to maintain high morale and engagement.
5.0 ETHICAL STANDARDS AND COMPLIANCE
The PBS Consortium expects all employees to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, both in the workplace and in interactions with clients, partners, and external stakeholders.
Compliance with Laws and Regulations
We comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations governing our business practices, including health and safety, environmental sustainability, labour rights, and anti-corruption.
Confidentiality and Data Protection
We respect the privacy and confidentiality of our clients, partners, and employees. All sensitive information must be handled in accordance with data protection laws and organisational policies.
Conflict of Interest
Employees must avoid situations where personal interests conflict with the interests of PBS Consortium. Any potential or actual conflicts of interest must be disclosed to management immediately.
6.0 CONDUCT AT OFFSITE EVENTS
PBS Consortium expects the highest standards of professional conduct at all events, conferences, seminars, and business-related social gatherings, both on and off company premises.
Expectations
Professionalism – Maintain professionalism in all interactions with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders, ensuring that the PBS Consortium’s reputation is upheld at all times
Respectful Behaviour – Treat all attendees with respect and courtesy and avoid
engaging in any inappropriate or unprofessional behaviour
Substance Use – Use alcohol responsibly and avoid excessive consumption that may impair judgment or behaviour. Substance abuse or misconduct of any kind will not be tolerated.
7.0 SOCIAL MEDIA AND ONLINE CONDUCT
The PBS Consortium recognises the role that social media plays in both personal and professional spheres. We expect our employees to use social media responsibly and understand that actions online can reflect on both them and the organisation.
Expectations
Representation of PBS Consortium – Employees should be mindful that their online behaviour can influence the perception of PBS Consortium. Refrain from posting content that could damage the organization’s reputation
Respectful Dialogue – Engage in respectful, constructive online interactions. Avoid personal attacks, harassment, or spreading misinformation
Confidentiality – Do not share confidential information about PBS Consortium, its clients, or stakeholders on any social media platform without proper authorisation.
8.0 HARRASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION
The PBS Consortium is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment, discrimination, or bullying of any kind. We will not tolerate behaviour that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.
Expectations
Respectful Interaction – Treat all colleagues with dignity and respect. Any form of harassment or discriminatory behaviour whether based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic is strictly prohibited
Zero Tolerance for Bullying – We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, verbal abuse, or other inappropriate behaviours
Reporting Harassment – If you experience or witness any form of harassment, it should be reported immediately using our designated reporting channels. We take all complaints seriously and will investigate them thoroughly.
9. WHISTLEBLOWING AND REPORTING VIOLATIONS
The PBS Consortium encourages employees to report any concerns related to unethical behaviour, safety violations or breaches of this Code of Conduct. We are committed to ensuring that all reports are handled confidentially a nd that individuals are protected from retaliation.
Reporting Channels
Direct Supervisor – Report concerns to your immediate supervisor
Human Resources (HR) – If the issue cannot be resolved through direct supervision,
escalate to Human Resources
Anonymous Reporting – Employees can use our anonymous whistleblower hotline or email system to report concerns without fear of retaliation.
The PBS Consortium ensures that all whistleblowing reports are taken seriously and will investigate every concern promptly and thoroughly. Retaliation against whistleblowers is strictly prohibited.
10. CONCLUSION
The PBS Consortium Code of Conduct is a living document that reflects our commitment to safety, excellence, people, teamwork, integrity, and effective leadership. By adhering to these principles and behaviours, we create a positive, productive, and ethical environment for all our employees, partners, and stakeholders.
Together, we can achieve the highest standards of performance and create a lasting impact in our industry and community.
SECTION 11
Training & Competence
You can book a training course or request a hotel for a training course only by contacting one of our PBS Training Coordinator Focal Points:
Kyrstie Massie or Annette Thomson via email: trainingandcompetence@pbs-offshore.com
Our Competence Assessors are:
Alan Robertson via email: alan.robertson@pbs-offshore.com – NNS/SGP
Mark Johnson via email: mark.johnson@pbs-offshore.com – CNS
Course joining instructions are issued directly to the employee once course has been booked and confirmed.
CONNECTED COMPETENCE
Connected Competence commands a base level of technical competence assurance for workers across the engineering and construction industry, which employers recognise and support in demonstrating the current competence of its workforce…
All Connected Competence employers, which both Ponticelli UK and Semco Maritime are – independently, and as part of the PBS consortium – require their workers to verify their competence through Connected Competence technical tests.
Connected Competence:
- Reduces duplication of assessments
- Helps you be at the forefront for future job opportunities
- Provides a safer competence assured environment
- Ensures a seamless transition across to new energy projects
- Allows you to validate your experience, keep updated in an ever-changing landscape and gain recognised, industry transferable digital badges
Through industry-recognised, standardised testing, Connected Competence allows the workforce’s ongoing base level of technical competence to be verified across the engineering construction industry to create a safer and transferable workforce across sectors.
Connected Competence is industry-led, enabled by the ECITB, and supported by Operators, Employers, HSE, OEUK, NSTA, Step Change in Safety, Scottish Government, RMT, GMT and Unite the Union.
SECTION 12
Employee Recognition
As part of our employee recognition scheme, we encourage everyone to get involved by nominating individuals they feel deserve to be recognised for their efforts – over & above – in line with our Core Values.
Learn more about our Merit Programme, where you can play your part by getting involved with CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT, CORE VALUE RECOGNITION and VENDOR FEEDBACK.
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT submissions are featured in SECTION 13 below.
CORE VALUE RECOGNITION is a key measure of our internal successes. Each Approved Nomination receives an award, and every month one employee or team will appear in our Recognition Spotlight. You can see our spot-lit winners HERE.
VENDOR FEEDBACK helps us assess vendor performance, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement – your opinion counts!
SECTION 13
Think Outside the Box… Think Like There is no Box
