Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection
- August 2026
Aim of inspection
The aim of this inspection was to gather evidence and develop an informed view of the current performance and improvement trajectory of the station to support ONR's regulatory oversight of Hartlepool's significantly enhanced regulatory attention level.
Subject(s) of inspection
- IRR17 - Rating: Not rated
- LC17 - Management systems - Rating: Not rated
- LC26 - Control and supervision of operations - Rating: Not rated
- LC28 - Examination, inspection, maintenance and testing - Rating: Not rated
- LC36 - Organisational capability - Rating: Not rated
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
The multi-disciplinary inspection focused on the station's Performance Improvement Plan (PIP), including its implementation and effectiveness in driving sustained improvements in behaviours, supervision, standards, ownership and operational discipline from a range of disciplinary perspectives. The inspection included the following disciplines:
- Radiological Protection;
- Control and Instrumentation; and
- Leadership and Management for Safety.
The inspection found good workforce engagement, improved behaviours and credible improvement initiatives, but ONR's central concern remains whether improvements are sufficiently embedded, evidenced and sustainable to justify a move from Significantly Enhanced Regulatory Attention Level. The principal weaknesses identified relate to:
- Governance and ownership of temporary radiological control areas.
- Demonstrating the effectiveness of the PIP through measurable outcomes.
- Housekeeping and equipment condition standards.
- Sustaining capability and improvement momentum over the longer term.
- Management of control room defects, alarms and overdue operating instructions.
- The extent to which PIP improvements are being reflected in the day-to-day experience of personnel.
A number of Level 4 Regulatory Issues have been raised to track the licensee's resolution of the observed shortfalls, including temporary radiological area governance, control room defects and alarms, overdue operating instructions, and housekeeping and equipment condition standards associated with the fuelling machine.
Conclusion
Hartlepool is showing encouraging signs of improvement, with committed staff, positive cultural behaviours, and a credible Performance Improvement Plan. However, the station has not yet demonstrated that these improvements are fully embedded, measurable, and sustainable. Continued management focus is required on governance, accountability, performance measurement, housekeeping standards, and capability development to support a move away from significantly enhanced regulatory attention level.
In line with the ONR's strategy for the Hartlepool significantly enhanced regulatory attention level, this inspection was not rated.