Wireline Issue 48 - Summer 2020

atmosphere in the industry at the moment is ‘anxiety’,” says the chaplain. “People are experiencing the unknown: they simply don’t know what is going to happen in the coming months. “Even the ‘luckier’ ones — those who have been continuing to work — still have anxieties over issues such as keeping safe at work and the security of their job in the longer term. So many things are making people anxious and that inevitably raises stress levels.” Gordon suggests there are broad principles that companies and organisations can embrace to help their people deal with the prevailing uncertainty. “Companies can’t give definitive answers to lots of questions at the moment as they themselves don’t know precisely what is going to happen. But if their communications can be as honest and transparent as possible — if they can build up a level of trust through that transparency — then that certainly helps. “If employees feel that their employer is genuinely concerned for them and is being open with them, that goes a long way in supporting people.” Virtual connection The chaplaincy was set up in the late 1980s, with a mission to provide pastoral and spiritual care to those

who work or have worked in the industry, past and present, and their dependants. Funded by the industry through OGUK, it was for many years based in the offices of Total E&P UK in Aberdeen. Following Total’s acquisition of Maersk Oil in 2018, it moved to present- day host operator Shell Exploration and Production. “Total was great to us over a long period of time, and we’re equally grateful to Shell for its support today,” says Gordon. The team, which also comprises assistant chaplain Reverend Dr Ian McLean and administrator Lynne de Boer, has of course had to reshape its working practices during the COVID-19 restriction measures. Lincolnshire-based Gordon has effectively been working from home, but the requisite use of virtual technologies has in some respects had a positive impact. In particular, he says it has potentially heralded new ways the chaplaincy could engage in future. Early during the lockdown, the April 1 anniversary commemoration for the 16 people who died in the 2009 Super Puma crash off Peterhead went ahead with the use of technology. “We held a virtual act of remembrance on YouTube and it was fascinating to see it receive well over 2,000 views from people in the wider industry,” explains Gordon.

Above: The Piper Alpha Memorial statue at Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen.

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