Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
- February 2026
Aim of inspection
The key purpose of the themed inspections is to gain regulatory confidence that Legacy Silos can implement credible plans to deliver timely high hazard risk reduction.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC 10 - Training - Rating: GREEN
- LC 12 - Duly authorised and other suitably qualified and experienced persons - Rating: GREEN
- LC 24 - Operating instructions - Rating: GREEN
- LC 36 - Organisational capability - Rating: GREEN
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
The ‘People and Process’ themed inspection was completed over a 12- month period from April 2025 to March 2026. A series of inspections and observations were undertaken to gain regulatory confidence that Sellafield Ltd’s plans for full, sustained waste retrieval capability in the Magnox Swarf Storage Silos (MSSS) and Pile Fuel Cladding Silos (PFCS) are credible and supported by SQEP people and robust process arrangements.
The inspection was supported by Human Factors and Leadership and Management for Safety specialists, ensuring people, process, workload, and organisational capability were evaluated alongside operational readiness.
ONR recognised that the ongoing merger between PFCS and MSSS into a single operating unit has already created benefits and opportunities to improve the sustained long-term delivery of high hazard risk reduction (HHRR).
MSSS demonstrates a mature and well-evidenced approach to organisational capability, including people planning, training strategy, and procedural control. This provides confidence in its ability to support sustained retrieval operations. The work undertaken by MSSS to underpin its plans is of high quality and provides a sound basis for managing future uncertainties.
All LC’s considered during the inspection are rated GREEN and as such no formal action will be sought.
Conclusion
ONR recognise that the ongoing merger between PFCS and MSSS into a single operating unit has already created benefits and opportunities to improve the sustained long-term delivery of HHRR.
MSSS demonstrates a mature and well-evidenced approach to organisational capability, including people planning, training strategy, and procedural control. This provides confidence in its ability to support sustained retrieval operations. The work undertaken by MSSS to underpin its plans is of high quality and provides a sound basis for managing future uncertainties.
All LC’s considered during the inspection are rated GREEN and as such no formal action will be sought.