The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) yesterday took part in the first meeting of the Nuclear Regulatory Implementation Panel (NRIP) - a significant milestone in the UK's programme to reform and modernise nuclear regulation.
NRIP was established following the government's acceptance of all 47 recommendations made by the independent Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce, led by John Fingleton.
Chaired by Lord Vallance and convened under the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), the panel brings together senior figures from government, regulators, industry, and members of the original Taskforce.
It will meet quarterly, reporting directly to the Prime Minister's office, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Defence Secretary.
Mike Finnerty, ONR's Chief Executive and Chief Nuclear Inspector, attended the inaugural meeting as a core member of the panel, reflecting ONR's central role in the UK's regulatory landscape and its deep engagement with the reform process from the outset.
The government has noted that ONR and the Environment Agency are leading the way with its international harmonisation work, positioning itself at the forefront of shaping global approaches to nuclear regulation.
The panel's purpose is to provide independent, expert oversight and constructive challenge to ensure the government's nuclear reform programme is delivered effectively and at pace.
It will hold government, regulators, and industry to account for delivering agreed changes, advise ministers where additional focus or intervention is needed, and assess the real-world impact of reforms as they take effect.
Mike Finnerty, ONR's Chief Nuclear Inspector and Chief Executive, said:
"We welcome the government's acceptance of all the Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce's recommendations. We have worked closely with the Taskforce throughout the review process to help shape the future of UK nuclear regulation, and we remain committed to supporting the safe and timely delivery of nuclear projects.
"We fully understand the national priorities - economic growth, energy security, achieving net zero, maintaining the nuclear deterrent, and cleaning up legacy facilities - while staying true to our core mission of protecting society by securing safe nuclear operations. To fulfil that mission effectively in this climate, we must think and do things differently."
At Tuesday's NRIP, ONR presented to the group about culture change and its ongoing alignment with its strategic ambition of being a modern, agile and productive regulator.
This included Mike highlighting the encouraging uptake of the Nuclear Industry Safety Culture Inventory (NISCI) - a tool developed by ONR with the University of Manchester to provide a consistent, evidence-based framework for measuring and improving safety culture across the sector,
He also stressed the importance of making culture a Board-level strategic priority for the whole nuclear sector, and not simply a one-off exercise, forming part of a holistic and ongoing programme of assessment and improvement.
Nuclear Minister Lord Vallance said: “We are progressing all of the Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce’s reforms to build nuclear projects cheaper and faster.
“Today marks a first step in bringing together the experts needed to keep delivery on track and herald in a golden age of nuclear power in Britain.”
The panel was also attended by representatives from DESNZ, the Ministry of Defence, the Environment Agency, GBE-N, AWE and the wider supply chain.
ONR’s work to implement the Taskforce's recommendations is ongoing, and it will continue to update on progress as it works closely with government, industry, and fellow regulators to deliver world-class regulation for the next generation of nuclear in the UK.