Four Months In: A Reflection from the ONR Chair

After nearly four months in the role of chair, I wanted to take the opportunity to share my reflections and thank the people who have helped me to learn about ONR and the nuclear sector.

The first few months have been a whirlwind of introductions and site visits. My priority has been to understand the role of ONR in the sector and to introduce myself internally and externally.

I’ve visited Devonport Naval Base, Dounreay, Capenhurst, Sellafield, the CNC training facility at Griffin Park and UKNNL’s Central Laboratory. I’ve seen first-hand the difficult and exciting work that goes on across the country, where innovative thinking is required daily to overcome unique and challenging problems.

I’ve seen how ONR staff operate to support the work and influence decision making at all levels. Inevitably there are differing views  but in general, the partnerships that have developed are impressive and clearly there is mutual respect.

I want to thank the many people who have made these visits possible from support staff to senior leaders. I have learnt so much and this would not have been possible without everyone’s help.

I have met and talked to many people in the sector, licence and dutyholders, government officials as well as colleagues in other regulatory bodies. I’ve heard many different perspectives on the sector including from the Non Governmental Organisation Forum I attended.

It is clear the external environment that we operate within has changed and that the nuclear sector has gained a higher profile than in the past. The work we do is critical to delivery of the government’s ambitions in the energy and defence sectors as well as helping in the aspiration of growth. We will need to adapt to the greater scrutiny this change in profile brings.

I have visited ONR’s three offices in Bootle, London and Cheltenham and enjoyed meeting staff, particularly in “meet the chair” sessions; I’m impressed by our passionate, motivated and intelligent workforce.

Looking forward I have more site visits planned to AWE, BAE Barrow, Sizewell and Hinkley Point. From July I will be working with our new Chief Executive and Chief Nuclear Inspector, Mike Finnerty, as he transitions into his new role. My thanks go to Mark Foy for assisting me over the last few months.

My thanks also go to ONR’s board of directors and to the senior leadership team. We have many challenges and opportunities ahead and I look forward to working with you all and Mike in the future.