Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
April 2026
Aim of inspection
ONR nuclear safeguards inspectors conducted an inspection at URENCO Capenhurst to provide assurance that nuclear material accountancy, control, and safeguards (NMACS) team, in relation to corporate structure, training, and resilience are being adequately captured within the Accountancy and Control Plan (ACP) and implemented.
Subject(s) of inspection
- NSR19 Reg06 - Accountancy and control of qualifying nuclear material - Rating: Green
- NSR19 Reg07 - Accountancy and control plan - Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
In accordance with the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) Safeguards inspection and assessment plan 2026/27 for URENCO Capenhurst, this inspection was conducted to inspect Capenhurst’s compliance with the requirements of the Nuclear Safeguards (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (NSR19).
This inspection sought to collect evidence of arrangements and their implementation to make judgements of compliance against the NSR19 Regulations 6 and 7 and the ONR Nuclear Material Accountancy, Control, and Safeguards Assessment Principles (ONMACS) Fundamental Safeguards Expectations (FSEs) 1.2, 3.1, and 5.3. Specifically, The inspection targeted the operator’s arrangements and their implementation for resourcing, baselining, and competence management. Evidence was also sought that the Accountancy and Control Plan (ACP) contains adequate descriptions of these arrangements and associated procedures.
Based on the evidence sampled and discussions I held with key staff, I judge that Capenhurst is implementing the resourcing, baselining, and competence management arrangements described in NSR19 regulation 6, as described in their ACP, as required by NSR19 Regulation 7. This adequately meet the requirements of NSR19 Regulations 6 and 7 and expectations within the ONR nuclear material accountancy and control expectations (ONMACS) fundamental safeguards expectations (FSEs) 1.2, 3.1, and 5.3.
No shortfalls were identified against the regulations but multiple pieces of regulatory advice were raised in regard to formalising existing processes, review of existing procedures in line with policy, and procedural adherence.
A single observation was raised regarding the knowledge sharing between URENCO sites for accountancy troubleshooting purposes as an example of regulatory good practice.
Upon consideration of the ONR guidance on inspection ratings and application of the enforcement management model (EMM), I judge that a rating of GREEN (no formal action) is appropriate.
Conclusion
Based on the sample inspected, I judge that the Capenhurst’s procedures in relation to baselining of staff, resilience planning, and competence management arrangements are adequate for the qualifying nuclear facility, and that these arrangements are adequately reflected within the ACP. Based on this sample of evidence selected, I judge that Capenhurst have met the requirements of NSR19 Regulations 6 and 7 and the expectations of FSEs 1.2, 3.1, and 5.3.
Regulatory advice provided during this inspection will be followed up as part of routine regulation.
Upon consideration of the ONR guidance on inspection ratings and application of the EMM, I judge that a rating of GREEN (no formal action) is appropriate.