Jebsens Project of Change

The Jebsens 'Project of Change' was a collaborative enterprise undertaken by the Tavistock Institute of Human Relations, Jebsens management, the National Union of Seamen, and the Merchant Navy and Airline Officers Association. The project also gained some later funding from the General Council of British Shipping through the Sealife programme.

The project was initiated by problems facing Jebsens and the shipping industry in general with regards to manpower and the recruitment and retention of ratings and officers. In 1975, a pilot study with the companty was initiated and the broader Proejct of Change grew out of the conclusions of this. The project had a range of objectives, with particular focus on improving the working and social life of those at sea, as well as improving and establishing connections between seafarers and on shore workers. The primary concerns of the project were community building on board vessels, and self-management by the shipboard community. The project was undertaken through a variety of experiments, action research and evaluation, including research on board vessels. Throughout the project, a series of seminars and conferences were also conducted to promote the project and encourage recognition of the work within the wider environment of the shipping industry.

1973-1981

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For further papers on shipping, the shipboard community, and the Jebsen's Project of Change, see SA/TIH/B/2/84/1/1, Patrick Quinn's papers on shipping.