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Nuclear security briefing brings industry experts together

The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) recently held a three-day security briefing for senior managers from across the UK civil nuclear industry.

The biannual Senior Managers’ Nuclear Security Briefing is run by ONR’s Civil Nuclear Security and Safeguards Division (CNSS) and provides an opportunity to reinforce the importance of maintaining a robust security culture across the UK civil nuclear industry.

Delegates included senior managers, security practitioners and associated specialists. Participants were briefed on all aspects of civil nuclear security, including protective security, cyber security and information assurance, personnel security, nuclear safeguards, and transport security matters.

The three days incorporated a series of lectures from experts from across the industry.

In addition to presentations from ONR staff, other speakers included the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure, the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, National Counter Terrorism Policing and experts in Explosive Ordnance Disposal from the British Army.

Industry members were also invited to contribute to the event, with staff from Dounreay Site Restoration Limited (DSRL) providing a dutyholder’s perspective on delivering assurance against regulatory expectations, while Urenco Ltd delivered an overview of successful partnership working with Category 1 responders.

Paul Fyfe, Director of Regulation for ONR’s CNSS Division, said: “We remain grateful for the continued support we receive for this event from across the civil nuclear industry.

“This is a valuable exchange with those responsible for delivering and maintaining the required security outcomes.

“Security is everyone’s responsibility, and a comprehensive security culture is best maintained through informed leadership at senior and executive levels.”

Through the CNSS Division, ONR regulates the security of:

  • nuclear and other radioactive materials on civil licensed nuclear sites
  • nuclear materials off licensed sites
  • domestic transport of nuclear materials by road, rail and sea; and
  • international transport of nuclear and other radioactive materials by UK flagged vessels
  • sensitive nuclear information wherever it is held

ONR’s safeguards function enables the UK to meet its international safeguards obligations and implements domestic legislation.

The next senior manager’s briefing is already in planning and is scheduled for May 2023.