Nuclear regulators led a government workshop about Relevant Good Practice (RGP) - a concept to demonstrate and achieve dutyholder compliance in an efficient way while maintaining high safety standards.
The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), the Environment Agency and the Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator (DNSR) presented their respective positions and experience of RGP to an audience in Manchester which included the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and representatives from the industry.
The event was also attended by a member of the government’s independent Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce to help inform their final report due to be published later this year.
RGP is a concept used by regulators and international bodies to describe methods, standards, or approaches that are widely accepted across the industry as being effective in delivering particular safety, security, or safeguards outcomes.
The workshop aimed to improve stakeholders' understanding of the role and function of RGP in regulatory decision making and allowed participants to critically discuss how it is applied in the nuclear sector.
This focus on RGP was commissioned by DESNZ, having recognised that its concept is sometimes misunderstood and misapplied.
The workshop complements DESNZ's forthcoming publication of guidance and support for the nuclear industry on achieving 'As Low as Is Reasonably Practicable (ALARP)' principles and 'Best Available Techniques (BAT)', core elements of health and safety and environmental legislation.
Cathy Collins, ONR'S Regulatory Policy Lead, said: "We explored RGP, looking at the currently policy, studying common myths and misunderstanding and identifying areas where government, regulators and the regulated can improve understanding and RGP's application, especially to respond to the changing shape of the UK’s nuclear industry."