The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) is reviewing its Safety Assessment Principles (SAPs) in consultation with the nuclear industry, marking a pivotal step in modernising the UK’s nuclear safety framework.
Through the review ONR will deliver a streamlined, future-ready set of principles, fit for a modern and effective regulator, that reflect the evolving regulatory landscape and enable technological advancements.
ONR inspectors use the SAPs, together with supporting Technical Assessment Guides (TAGs), to inform their regulatory decision-making when assessing nuclear site licensees’ safety submissions, as well as proposed new nuclear facility designs.
The SAPs review is structured into three key phases: planning and specialism revision, artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced drafting, and stakeholder consultation followed by publication, currently planned for summer 2026.
The review is currently in its first phase, with members of ONR’s specialist teams evaluating SAPs relevant to their areas of expertise.
By evolving outdated content, removing duplication, and applying AI tools with human oversight, ONR aims to produce a concise and clear narrative to ensure rigorous safety outcomes while maintaining agility and adaptability in our regulatory approach.
The review also emphasises transparent regulatory expectations, technology-neutral principles, and collaborative expertise sharing.
The public consultation is scheduled to begin in Spring 2026, when the proposed document will be shared on our consultations webpage and publicised via our social media channels.