Portsmouth International Port has won the International Quality Organisation of the Year award at the prestigious 2019 International Quality Awards, held on Wednesday 27 November at the The Grand Connaught Rooms in London’s Covent Garden.

The awards celebrates excellence in the quality sector, and acknowledges the contribution of the quality profession in enhancing the reputation of organisations around the world. Organised by the Chartered Quality Institute, it is judged by a rigorous evidence-based process.

The port is acknowledged as being a leader in the quality sector, and in 2018 was also one of the first organisations in the world to undertake an audit against the then new international standard for occupational health and safety management ISO 45001, and receive a positive recommendation from the British Standards Institution (BSI). During 2019, successful surveillances were achieved for ISO 45001 (Health and Safety), ISO 14001 (Environment), ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 22301 (Business Continuity Managment) and ISO 27001 (Information Security).

Driving the quality standards at the port is John Feltham, systems standards compliance manager, who was previously recognised in 2017 as Quality Professional of the Year by the Chartered Quality Institute. John said: “Winning this prestigious award truly demonstrates why strong leadership, teamwork and understanding the needs of your interested parties is necessary within a quality organisation.

“Quality goes a lot further than achieving customer satisfaction. In our case, that includes corporate governance and social responsibility, incorporating the environment, sustainability and our aim to become a carbon neutral port. This submission included some of the fine work being undertaken by Steve Watkyns (head of engineering) and Jerry Clarke (pilot and assistant harbour master) on air quality management and energy reduction programmes.”

Mike Sellers, Port director at Portsmouth International Port added: “I’m delighted that the port has been recognised internationally for our work on quality standards. This reflects the culture and hard work of all of our port staff and demonstrates that the port is a front runner on our systems and standards at a global level.”

Portsmouth International Port triumphed in the ‘Quality Organisation of the Year’ category for its management of uncertainties and complexities around Brexit using risk-based assessments, while aggressively building its business.

Vincent Desmond, CEO of the CQI, said: “This year’s awards have highlighted the wealth of talent that exists in the quality management profession. We have celebrated exceptional work and commended key milestones for some of our industry’s brightest and best. It’s especially exciting to see the next generation emerging as we mark the CQI’s centenary. Our finalists and winners are confirmation of the fact that organisations, sectors and nations that truly thrive have a quality culture built into their DNA.”