Office for Nuclear Regulation

RNIP ways of working - a shared vision

The Regulatory Nuclear Interface Protocol and the associated ways of working have been introduced by dutyholders and safety and security regulators in GB, in recognition that in order to achieve our organisations respective, and distinct, missions and objectives, we need to work with key stakeholders as effectively and efficiently as possible. The more strategic approach adopted to our interactions facilitates this.

The roles of regulated and regulators are complementary to achieving nuclear safety and security for the UK, doing things with each other, not for each other. This involves sharing information earlier, so there are "no surprises", and so that where appropriate, plans can be aligned. Sharing expectations to ensure common understanding, is crucial in agreeing clear objectives for each engagement.

RNIP does not give away any of the regulators authority or regulatory responsibilities, rather the reverse, it enhances them. Effective regulation requires a robust relationship between independent regulators and the regulated - there will not always be agreement. However, RNIP provides the basis for this robust relationship, clearly setting out ways of working that everyone has agreed to adopt to deliver RNIPs shared vision statement.

Vision statement and pillars

'To enable the safe, secure, effective use and control of nuclear technology and material for the overall benefit of society.'

At the heart of these arrangements is the Vision Statement and three words in particular are seen as supporting pillars which describe and underpin its achievement:

Effective

This pillar concentrates on the vital importance of an effective relationship between the regulators and the regulated which respects their distinct missions and objectives. Effective ways of working are based on a shared set of values and behaviours under the following 4 areas;

These are drawn from values and behaviours documented by many of the dutyholders and the regulators within their own organisations. What is new is that they are a single set of shared and agreed values and behaviours for all parties. And this provides the opportunity for either party, or indeed for other stakeholders, to challenge anyone who does not appear to be "living the values".

Benefit

This pillar embraces the wide variety of benefits to society as a whole of having effective arrangements in place to allow the safe and secure use and control of nuclear technology and material. It reflects both immediate personal and societal safety and security impacts and longer term socio-economic considerations, such as sustainable energy supplies and the need for industry to contribute to wealth creation for the good of UK plc.

Use and control of nuclear technology and material

This pillar illustrates the types of nuclear material which must be controlled to ensure safety and security, throughout their life cycle - fuel, irradiated material, medical and defence isotopes, through design, manufacture, operations, decommissioning and storage.