Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
October 2025
Aim of inspection
The purpose of this vendor inspection is to gain confidence in Framatome Ltd arrangements for supply chain management (SCM) and procurement activities for nuclear safety related items or services.
Subject(s) of inspection
Health & Safety at Work Act, Section 6 (General duties of manufacturers) - Rating: GREEN
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
Purpose of the Intervention
The purpose of this vendor inspection was to sample Framatome Ltd arrangements for supply chain management (SCM) and procurement activities for nuclear safety related items or services. The inspection considered evidence of the adequate implementation of the arrangements to inform a regulatory judgement regarding the vendors compliance with relevant good practice (RGP).
The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) is the enforcing authority for Section 6 (General Duties of Manufacturers) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, under certain circumstances, for products and services supplied to GB nuclear facilities. ONR has developed a proportionate vendor inspection approach as part of its supply chain regulatory activities, targeting suppliers whose products or services carry the highest nuclear safety consequences and those who supply multiple licensees. In line with this strategy a vendor inspection of Framatome Ltd was planned as part of the 2025 vendor inspection programme.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
ONR carried out a planned vendor inspection at Framatome Ltd facilities in Avonmouth, near Bristol on 15 to 16 October 2025, utilising specialists from the Supply Chain and Quality Specialism.
The inspection focused on both the adequacy of Framatome Ltd documented supply chain management arrangements and the implementation of those arrangements in relation to sample projects, which fell under Framatome Ltd Operating Unit with EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Limited (NGL), and Rolls-Royce SMR as the licensee customers.
The inspection comprised of discussions with Framatome Ltd staff, a factory walkdown, a review of records and the sampling of information contained within electronic databases and other documentation.
Conclusion
On the basis of the evidence sampled, I judge that the Framatome Ltd arrangements for SCM and procurement activities for nuclear safety related items or services, and their implementation are adequate for this maturing stage of development to ensure Framatome Ltd meet relevant good practice. Minor shortfalls have been captured and will be addressed by Framatome Ltd internal corrective action programme. Noting the ONR guidance on inspection ratings, it is my opinion that an inspection rating of GREEN is merited.