Our Team
Donald joined Accord Business Partnerships in September 2015. Donald retains extensive in-depth professional knowledge and experience in financial, commercial and HR management with over 25 years in the maritime sector of the oil and gas industry. Donald has been involved in financial restructuring from both sides of transactions.
Prior to joining Accord Business Partnerships, Donald, was Marine Personnel Manager for the Aberdeen operation of an offshore shipping company and was General Manager for the medical personnel supply division of an occupational health company.
Donald has held senior International HR positions with vessel owners and operators. He travelled extensively in the Caspian Region, West Africa, SE Asia, Middle East and the Americas for business.
Donald uses his HR expertise to support our Client base and is responsible for the financial aspect of the business. Donald holds an MBA, from University of Wales/Manchester Business School and is a qualified Chartered Accountant.
Claire Ballantyne joined Accord Business Partnerships in March 2022, having previously built a strong working relationship with the Accord team during her time at Bibby/Rever Offshore.
Claire is a Fellow CIPD and holds a Masters degree in Human Resource Management and more recently qualified with a Certificate in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors (IoD).
Claire has over 15 years HR experience working in the subsea industry. Claire started her HR career at Subsea7 (formerly Acergy) in 2006 before joining Rever Offshore (formerly Bibby Offshore) as HR Manager in 2011. Claire was later promoted to Head of People & Development in 2019. Prior to joining Accord, Claire held an International HR Director role at Conntrak Catering.
Throughout her career, Claire has worked in fast paced changing environments with a reputation of ‘keeping the wheels on the bus’ in periods of change. Claire has enjoyed partnering with the Senior Management to develop and deliver on their people strategy that aligns with both the business direction and culture. Whilst also maintaining her finger on the pulse to proactively provide solutions on operational day to day issues.
Neil Carrington
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND CHAIRMAN

Neil Carrington is a Non-Executive Director and Chairman of Accord Business Partnerships and is CEO of Voyonic in Guernsey. Neil has worked in the global employment services sector since 2001 when he was appointed Managing Director of an offshore employment company in Guernsey. Neil then joined CESG Limited as Chief Executive in 2008.
Neil began his career in 1974 as a Navigating Cadet with BP Shipping Limited and moved into the energy sector serving on offshore support vessels during which period he obtained a Class 1 (FG) Masters Certificate and attained the rank of Master. In 1992 Neil moved ashore, initially as Marine Operations Manager for OIL Limited and then into Personnel Management in 1994. During this period Neil established the Personnel Management section of the global operators Aberdeen based Common Services Unit. The Company operated 100 plus vessels and employed 2,500 personnel worldwide.
Whilst at OIL Limited, Neil project managed a major change project for the business which involved transferring more responsibility for vessel operations back to the vessel senior management team. This project, called Boat 2000, won the Quality Scotland Award and resulted in improved operating efficiencies within the North Sea fleet and devolved authority back to the vessels.
With effect from 01 January 2013 he was appointed as the Deputy Industrial Disputes Officer by the States of Guernsey.
Ross Haworth BEng, ACA ICAEW
NON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Ross Haworth, is a Non-Executive Director of Accord Business Partnerships, specialising in strategic, organisational and personal development; financial management, reporting and governance. Born in Nairobi and grew up in Kenya until coming to the UK to further his education in 1989. After graduating from Brunel University with a BEng (Hons), Ross trained and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Coopers & Lybrand in London.
Ross then moved to Aberdeen where he took up the position of Corporate Finance Advisor (CFA FSA) within the international oil and gas industry. Ross has worked in the occupational health sector since 2005, becoming financial director, managing director and then subsequently taking the role of general manager, Medical Services for Northern Europe until April 2013.
Kelsey Morrison
Resourcing & Crewing Advisor
kelsey.morrison@accordbps.com
Kelsey joined the team in April 2023. Kelsey has over 10 years experience in the offshore sector and has held roles in operations, crewing and recruitment. Kelsey is used to working in fast paced environments and supporting clients and personnel throughout the employment lifecycle.
Sarah Russell
HR Advisor
sarah.russell@accordbps.com
Sarah joined the team in July 2022 following relocation back to the UK from Australia. Sarah has 10 years experience in HR, recruitment, L&D and relocation/visa support in the energy sector. Sarah's breadth of knowledge and experience allows her to assist our clients with varying requirements.
Sophie Ritchie
HR & Crewing Coordinator
sophie.ritchie@accordbps.com
Sophie joined the company in February 2019. Sophie has over 10 years’ experience in crewing management within the subsea and maritime industry. Her varied experience and industry knowledge allows Sophie to be responsible of crewing operations for assigned vessels and projects.
Rebecca Smith
HR & Crewing Coordinator
rebecca.smith@accordbps.com
Rebecca rejoined the team in March 2023, having previously been employed between 2019 and 2022. Rebecca's is always ready and willing to take on new challenges and a great support to our clients, team and personnel.
Jeanne Ritchie
Accountant
jeanne.ritchie@accordbps.com
Jeanne joined Accord in July 2019 and is responsible for finance support. She has experience with online accounting software Xero and Dext Bank. Her background is working in the finance departments of marine service companies. She is a member of CIMA.