The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) is leading a major review of its key regulatory frameworks which evaluate the safety of nuclear facilities – and the whole sector can play its part in this milestone industry change.
The Safety Assessment Principles (SAPs) support inspectors in assessing nuclear safety cases submitted by dutyholders and requesting parties.
From today (Monday, 27 July), ONR is opening a public consultation on the SAPs revision and wants to hear from nuclear operators, industry bodies, the public and all those with an interest in nuclear safety. Your views will help ensure the updated SAPs are as clear and effective as possible.
The consultation will run for eight weeks, closing on 18 September with the final version of the SAPs expected to be published in December 2026.
This update seeks to strengthen the regulatory framework by aligning the SAPs with current legislation, international standards and the latest developments in technology and industry practice. This enables more consistent, timely and proportionate decision making.
By enhancing transparency and reinforcing a flexible, risk-informed approach, the updated SAPs support ONR's strategic aims of being a modern, agile and productive regulator, enabling innovation and growth across a rapidly evolving sector.
This consultation also marks important progress in ONR's response to the Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce, which called for a review of guidance with revised tolerability of risk.
Colin Tait, ONR’s Deputy Director of Capability and Standards, said:
“Our proposed revisions to the Safety Assessment Principles represent one of the most significant updates to ONR’s safety regulatory framework in recent years. The proposed changes are a key part of delivering, our strategy to become a more modern, agile and productive regulator. They will help ensure our regulation supports the UK’s nuclear ambitions while maintaining our unwavering commitment to protect people and society.
“We want to hear from everyone with an interest in nuclear regulation. Whether you are an operator, developer, supply chain organisation, professional body, academic, public interest group or member of the public, your views will help shape a regulatory framework that enables innovation and growth, supports public confidence, and maintains the high standards of safety the UK rightly expects.”
To respond please visit the consultation page where you will be able to view the SAPs document and submit your feedback by completing the online form.