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Openness and transparency policy consultation

This consultation closed on 16 December 2022

We are now digesting the inputs we have had and expect to publish in the spring, including our consultation response.

The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has launched a consultation on its new policy for openness and transparency with interested stakeholders and the public. The consultation is open to all.

ONR has sought to be open and transparent in the development of this policy through engagement with its stakeholders, and with its staff and board to ensure it has been informed by their views.

The independent nuclear regulator has also engaged with other domestic and international regulators, campaign groups and NGOs, other public bodies, and considered insight from its annual stakeholder surveys.

Feedback showed ONR needs to provide more clarity on its work, engage with and learn from a more diverse range of stakeholders with a broader range of perspectives, and better anticipate those people who may want to talk to the regulator in the future.

Katie Day, ONR’s Director of Policy and Communications, said: “Our vision is to be a ‘modern, transparent regulator delivering trusted outcomes and value’ and this policy sets out how we intend to achieve that as we strive to further inspire public confidence through greater proactive publication of information and strengthened two-way engagement.”

The policy sets out the guiding principles ONR will apply in its disclosure of information, and in its communications and engagement with interested stakeholders and the public.

It also sets out the standards ONR will apply and the actions it takes now, and its intentions for future excellence, in line with relevant legislation and guidance.

Katie added: “Once this policy has been agreed we’re committed to measuring our performance against it to demonstrate our accountability and offer assurance as a public body.

“We want our stakeholders and the public to share their views and suggestions, through our consultation, to help us refine the policy, ahead of final publication in early 2023.

“It is only by working more openly, transparently, and communicating in accessible ways about our role, work and regulation that we’ll continue to inspire public confidence, which is essential to being an effective and trusted regulator.”

For more information on how to comment and to have your say, please go to the draft ONR openness and transparency policy consultation webpage.

Responses must be received by 16 December 2022.