ONR People: Meet Angela Wright, Nuclear Inspector, Emergency Preparedness and Response

Today we learn more about Angela Wright who currently works in the Emergency Preparedness and Response team (EP&R) as a nuclear inspector.

 

Angela recently marked her first year with ONR, and before joining the regulator, she worked for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) for 20 years, mostly in radioactive substances policy, where she was the policy lead for radioactive substances environmental legislation and internal emergency response arrangements.

Angela didn’t initially intend to work in the nuclear industry, but her dreams of becoming a vet had to be reconsidered after fainting on a work experience placement, aged 15.

After leaving school, Angela joined Amersham International as a laboratory technician to work alongside her mum in the radiopharmaceutical industry.

She later decided on a career as a health physicist and after studying Environmental Engineering and Resource Management at the University of Nottingham, she started work in nuclear decommissioning and later worked as a radiation protection adviser at the then National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB).

Angela joined ONR as she was ready for a change and saw an advert in late 2022, for a role which was a great fit for her skills and experience.

She said: “ONR has given me a good variety of work and it’s always interesting; I was ready for a new challenge!”

Angela’s time is currently split between EP&R policy work and Land Use Planning. She is also deputy lead inspector for all local authorities in Scotland regulated under the Radiation Emergency Preparedness and Public Information Regulations (REPPIR).

Throughout her 12 months with ONR, Angela has been working on international protective actions following a nuclear emergency, revising national guidance and reviewing local authority emergency arrangements.

She added: “What I really like about working for ONR is the people. My colleagues have been so supportive and everyone is willing to help you.”

Outside of work, Angela volunteers as a mentor for a high school student. She and her mentee have worked together for two years, in which Angela has helped the teenager achieve a place at college ahead of a potential future career as a pharmacist.

Angela enjoys reading and is part of a book club, though most of their time together is spent eating and chatting with a monthly visit to the local book quiz!

Burlesque chair dancing is one of Angela’s talents, attending regular classes and taking part in shows, with her next coming up in May.

She also likes to keep active through mountain biking and has recently taken up a challenge of ‘Couch to 10k’ with her local running club; on a recent visit to Redgrave Court in Bootle, she ran along the River Mersey in Liverpool for a pleasant change!

Angela, who lives in Scotland with her husband and 16 year old daughter, was diagnosed with breast cancer a couple of days after she joined ONR. After months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Angela has finished her treatment and life is back to normal.

She said: “I’m lucky that my cancer was found through routine screening, so I feel it’s important to share and hopefully encourage others to be checked.”

Later this year, Angela and her family will be celebrating with a trip across Italy, visiting Bari, Vieste, Ancona, then ending in Rome. Unfortunately her Labrador, Sami, will have to stay at home!