Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection
- July 2026
Aim of inspection
This intervention is part of several interventions that were planned to be undertaken at Hartlepool station over the following several months. This was a multidisciplinary inspection drawing on the views of Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Integrity and LC17 Quality Management Systems specialist inspectors, targeting specific areas that were related to the station's improvement plan. The key aims of this multidisciplinary inspection were to determine whether Hartlepool was taking appropriate and structured action to improve performance, and whether positive behaviours and processes were improving in the areas sampled. Relevant Licence Conditions (LCs) were used during this inspection, but no rating was applied at this stage; findings were reported where applicable.
Structural Integrity
Develop a baseline understanding of Hartlepool's risk profile with respect to Structural Integrity.
Develop an understanding of progress against the Performance Improvement Programme with respect to Structural Integrity.
Build a clear view of current performance and the planned trajectory to inform future inspections as part of the significantly enhanced regulatory attention strategy.
Civil Engineering
Gather evidence and information regarding the progress and effectiveness of the Hartlepool Performance Improvement Programme in supporting enduring safe operations on site with regard to Civil Engineering.
Mechanical Engineering
Gather evidence and information regarding the progress and effectiveness of the Hartlepool Performance Improvement Programme in supporting enduring safe operations on site with regard to Mechanical Engineering.
Quality Management Systems LC17
The purpose of this inspection was to sample evidence of the adequacy of EDF Nuclear Generation Limited's (NGL's) Quality Management arrangements to determine whether Hartlepool met the required standards for safety and, specifically, to gain assurance of the licensee’s compliance with LC17 and associated relevant good practice.
Assess the effectiveness of the arrangements EDF NGL have put in place regarding the progress and effectiveness of the Hartlepool Performance Improvement Programme in supporting enduring safe operations on site.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC6 - Documents, records, authorities and certificates - Rating: Not Rated
- LC10 - Training - Rating: Not Rated
- LC12 - Duly authorised and other suitably qualified and experienced persons - Rating: Not Rated
- LC17 - Management systems - Rating: Not Rated
- LC20 - Modification to design of plant under construction - Rating: Not Rated
- LC26 - Control and supervision of operations - Rating: Not Rated
- LC28 - Examination, inspection, maintenance and testing - Rating: Not Rated
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
Key positive findings included the use of the OneRisk tool to provide a clearer view of individual and cumulative station risks; the strengthening of governance through forums such as the Station Risk Committee and Corrective Action Review Board (CARB); evidence that internal quality assurance activity is being targeted at station risks; and examples of effective challenge, engagement and decision-making within sampled meetings. Field observations also showed positive behaviours, including use of Take 5, setting-to-work briefings, leadership safety tours and contractor engagement. In addition, inspectors noted good examples of plant and work management, including fuel route meetings, superheater inspection planning, completed quality plan records for sampled civil works, and evidence that some improvement initiatives are already being embedded.
Conclusion
This multidisciplinary inspection supports an overall view that Hartlepool is taking appropriate and structured action to improve performance, and that positive behaviours and processes are becoming visible in several sampled areas. The inspection conclusion is therefore cautiously positive, but with important areas for further sampling and follow-up before ONR can confirm that the improvements are fully embedded, consistently applied and delivering the intended safety and quality outcomes.
The overall judgement from the inspection is that the station has made encouraging progress and that several of the arrangements sampled were adequate or positive. However, the inspection did not provide sufficient evidence to conclude that the Performance Improvement Programme is yet fully embedded or consistently effective across all relevant areas. Further evidence is required before a firm judgement can be made on the overall adequacy and sustained effectiveness of the management system arrangements being used to drive station performance improvement.
The rationale for this judgement is that, while the inspectors saw credible evidence of improvement, several common themes still require follow-up. These include the need to demonstrate that risk information is consistently converted into timely, effective action; that quality control and quality assurance tools are being used effectively as part of the defence-in-depth approach; and that corrective actions are completed without undue delay. The inspection also identified areas where communication, organisational interfaces and ownership need further attention, particularly in relation to Structural Integrity/PSSR interfaces, corrosion and leak consequence management, SCAP action progression, contractor QA arrangements, civil engineering acceptance evidence and awareness of the Performance Improvement Programme at all levels.
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