Gender Equality at Office for Nuclear Regulation

Building a successful Gender Equality Network at ONR

Alex Pitsillos, a safety inspector at the Office for Nuclear Regulation, ia driving force behind the organisation’s Gender Equality Network, which was lauded in a parliamentary report for the positive difference that it has made in its workplace.

Here, the Prospect rep talks about the circumstances that led to the creation of the network, how it has been embraced within ONR and her advice for others who wish to start their own network.

Alex Pitsillos, ONR

The murder of Sarah Everard by a serving police officer as she was walking home one evening in March 2021 sparked national outrage and, tragically, highlighted the fears and dangers that are faced by far too many women.

It was a case that touched a raw nerve for many but for Alex Pitsillos, a nuclear safety inspector, it was also the catalyst to bring such issues into the workplace spotlight.

“It became obvious that Sarah Everard’s murder had affected people across the Office Nuclear Regulation, and it really affected me. People were angry about it,” Alex says.

“I was chatting with my friend and fellow Prospect rep, Eamonn Guilfoyle, who suggested that we run an event on gender bias and how that affects us as colleagues and to raise awareness of that.”

It was out of this event that the ONR’s Gender Equality Network was established in June 2021, and Alex agreed to be its chair.

They now hold regular committee meetings to discuss how they wish to take things forward and have put on several events that wider ONR colleagues are all invited to attend.

International Women's Day

On International Women’s Day, ONR is highlighting the theme of Breaking The Bias

As the UK's independent nuclear regulator, we strive for equality through many forums like our Gender Equality Network and commitment to have at least 40% of Women in Nuclear by 2030.

Whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead.  Knowing bias exists isn’t enough, action is needed to level the playing field.

ONR aims to increase its average of female nuclear inspectors (19%) closer to the national average of 23%

Jane Bowie, ONR's Director of New Reactors, said:

"We can raise awareness about women's equality and promote greater gender parity - using inclusive language, role modelling inclusive behaviours, being an active ally, and standing up for greater gender equality"

Diversity & inclusion (ED&I) Prospect union seminar in Warrington

Three ONR employees spoke at an equality, diversity & inclusion (ED&I) Prospect union seminar in Warrington, encouraging energy sector organisations to continue on their ED&I journey and show why this commitment is positive for the whole nuclear industry.

Sarah High, ONR's Deputy Chief Executive, Alex Pitsillos, a nuclear safety inspector, Prospect rep and chair and founder of the ONR Gender Equality Network and Cathy Collins, a principal inspector in nuclear safety and branch secretary and ED&I coordinator for Prospect, attended.

The majority of ONR’s resource is our human capital - scientists, engineers, strategists, business skills. So making ONR an attractive, diverse, inclusive and great place to work is absolutely key to our future success.

Congratulations to our  senior policy advisor, Sarah Brown, who’s successfully secured a place on the Royal Academy of Engineering Policy Fellowship Programme. This is a great opportunity for Sarah to strengthen our network with fellow policy professionals.